Removable vs fixed power cord.

[cpaharley2008]

For those contemplating the decision of fixed versus removable, here is another aspect to consider. I leave my unit plugged in at home and use a 15 amp extension with an adapter. After 5 years of outside use it is starting to show wear and tear from the elements. Your permanent cord will also do the same if used 24/7/365. It is a lot cheaper to replace a 15 amp cord than the heavier 30 amp cord set. I leave my 30 amp inside the front box and throw the extension inside the trailer. Some over night stays I use the smaller cord if a/c is not contemplated. Easier to use and stow and replace. Just my .02$ worth.

[dfandrews]

Another possibility, and the path that we're taking:
Have a 25 ft. 30 amp extension cord, that's used in most cases. Amazon price is less than $50. That's much, much cheaper than the "removable" option.

Just plug into the hard-wired cord cap from the trailer. When you need the extra length, pull out as much of the hard-wired cord as necessary.

[gbaglo]

Too clever.

[float5]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Another possibility, and the path that we're taking:
Have a 25 ft. 30 amp extension cord, that's used in most cases. Amazon price is less than $50. That's much, much cheaper than the "removable" option.

Just plug into the hard-wired cord cap from the trailer. When you need the extra length, pull out as much of the hard-wired cord as necessary.

Do you mean plugging into the non-removable cord and keeping the non-removable one in the trailer most of the time? We have a 30-amp extension cord but we only use it when our cord is not long enough.

[Jim Bennett]

I have a short 30A extension cord in my trailer I carry for setup in sites where needed. Handy when travelling with friends, and wanting to orient the RVs to face each other. It rarely gets used, as other than the Escape Rally, my trailer is only plugged in while at home. I still haven't done it yet, but I do plan to buy the adapter to be able to use a regular 15A cable with at home. Heck, seeing I don't have A/C, it would probably be better as an extension cord than the spare 30A I carry.

After going with the onboard "Stuff it in, pull it out" cord for 4 years, then converting to the removable cord, of these two options, I would never do anything but the removable, as for me the pros far outweigh the cons. My only regret, is that I never converted it earlier.

[padlin]

Why is it one can buy a 16/3, 14/3, or 12/3, 15 amp 50' extension cord? Is the 16/3 dangerous or the 12/3 a waste of money?

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by padlin

Why is it one can buy a 16/3, 14/3, or 12/3, 15 amp 50' extension cord? Is the 16/3 dangerous or the 12/3 a waste of money?

The 16g is fine if the loads are light, and the 12g is better for near full 15A loads at a long distance as the line lose is less.

[cpaharley2008]

I think I'm using a 15' of 16/3 cord that can handle maybe 10 amps. It handles my small heater in the winter as well as the trailer residuals without any issues.

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

The 16g is fine if the loads are light, and the 12g is better for near full 15A loads at a long distance as the line lose is less.

Thanks, JimB

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

Do you mean plugging into the non-removable cord and keeping the non-removable one in the trailer most of the time? ........

Yup, that's it exactly.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Another possibility, and the path that we're taking:
Have a 25 ft. 30 amp extension cord, that's used in most cases. Amazon price is less than $50. That's much, much cheaper than the "removable" option.

Just plug into the hard-wired cord cap from the trailer. When you need the extra length, pull out as much of the hard-wired cord as necessary.

Sounds reasonable to me . Great idea and money saver . Pat

[yardsale]

We elected to go with the removable cord as I assumed it would give us extra storage space inside. We store the cord in the front bin. (an option we are very pleased with despite its' high cost)

[Donna D.]

There seems to be close to 50/50 on removable vs non-removable power cord. Most seem happy with their choice. I am. It's one of those items, when I was working on my build sheet, I decided I could do later if needed/wanted. I preferred to put my option money to something I didn't want to do later (due to my lacking skills), like the propane quick connect.

As Kathie says, it's all good.

[Vermilye]

I made an adapter that goes from a standard 15 amp pug to a Marino twist lock & use it when I only have a 15/20 amp receptacle available, or with a #12 extension cord when I need a longer cord (I have always carried 2 -25' #12 cords in the RAV4). It also gives me a spare Marino connector, which might be difficult to find on the road...

[OneOleMan]

Reading this thread is making me have one of my, “wish I'd done it” moments. When time permits I'll make the change and do something similar what Jon did.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by padlin

Why is it one can buy a 16/3, 14/3, or 12/3, 15 amp 50' extension cord? Is the 16/3 dangerous or the 12/3 a waste of money?

I don't think you can. You can certainly buy a 16/3 50' cord, and it has the same plug as a 14/3 or 12/3 cord, but is it suitable for 15 amps? I think Jim and Jim are right - this is about a 10-amp cord, and for many uses that's all that's needed.

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I don't think you can. You can certainly buy a 16/3 50' cord, and it has the same plug as a 14/3 or 12/3 cord, but is it suitable for 15 amps? I think Jim and Jim are right - this is about a 10-amp cord, and for many uses that's all that's needed.

Right you are, small print shows 13 amps.

Yellow polar/solar jacket maintains total flexibility to -67 degrees f
3-conductor, 16-gauge wire, 13-amp rating
Medium duty, small drill, jig saw, sump pump
Power indicator light lets you know where the power is
Ul listed and meets osha specifications

[DeadEyeDan]

Our Casita's cord was non-removable, our Escape (bought used) came with a removable power cord. Now that I've had both, I prefer the removable one, as it is one less path into the trailer for unwanted guests.