5 Best 30 Amp Extension Cords for RVs in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST 30 AMP EXTENSION CORD FOR YOUR RV?
You are in the right place because the 5 best choices for 30 amp RV extension cords are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled and lived in our RV since 2010 and have tested and researched the best RV extension cords for your travels.
30 AMP extension cords for RVs are a must in case your power cord isn’t long enough to reach the power pedestal. But there’s more than picking the longest extension cord for your RV electricity needs.
In the section below, we’ll share the top-rated 30-amp extension cords for your RVs to help you get started. Our options are rated for safety and optimal for your recreational vehicle use.
30 Amp Extension Cords for RVs
1. Camco PowerGrip RV Extension Cord
I run the Camco PowerGrip RV Extension Cord in our camper. It has a decent length of 25 feet, and you’ll be glad when you need to venture out to more states and different parks. Some plugs are not close to your unit, and this cord is perfect for outlets out of reach.
This 30 amp RV power cord doesn’t get warm or hot like smaller extension cords do. It’s the correct rating for a 30-amp electrical system on your travel trailer, so it’ll power the RV battery and allow you to use the trailer’s A/C, lights, fridge, and microwave.
It has incredible performance and has no trouble handling different applications. The quality 10 gauge wire is copper and doesn’t create a voltage drop. From experience, the cord is perfect to make things work seamlessly, even when using the AC.
The extension cord is heavy-duty and it’ll do a good job for a long time. It’ll withstand exposure to UV rays and in storms, but ensure the connection is elevated and not sitting in or on water.
Camco Cord receptacles are fantastic. Unlike others with a habit of being difficult to disconnect, the Camco cord has power grip handles, which eliminates the handling frustration. It makes it safe and easy to plug/unplugging and without worrying about damaging the cord.
Overall, the Camco RV power cords are an awesome, all-around addition to your RV. It works; it’s safe and reasonably priced. They hold up well in the outdoor elements and work with our RV’s electrical systems like a factory cord or better. They are best coupled with great adapters since if you need an extension there is a chance you need an adapter also.
Pros
✔ Safe
✔ Great performance
✔ Easy handling
Cons
❌ The handle is a bit bulky for users with small hands
▶ SHOP Camco Powergrip RV Extension Cord
2. Heavy-Duty RV Electrical Cord with Handle
Our second option on the list of the best power cords for campers works like a charm. It’s a good investment and a dependable, heavy-duty 30-amp RV cord. Of course, you may not need it every time you go camping, but it’s worth the money when you do.
It has a decent 25-foot length, so you can use it when you can’t get your camper close enough to the power source. The 25 feet RV extension cord is ideal when hooking up to electricity in campgrounds or harder-to-reach spots.
I’m also pleased the cord features a one-piece, weatherproof housing that holds extremely well in inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, the copper wire is flexible to roll back without maintaining memory or damaging the plastics and connectors.
I would also recommend this camping power cord to anyone who needs peace of mind and reliable power delivery. It has better performance than most cords; it’s rated for 30 amps of power and is perfect for your fifth wheels RV power needs.
This 30-amp RV extension cord can be used for other power-hungry applications when not plugged into the RV plug.
Furthermore, it’s heavy-duty and doesn’t contribute to voltage drop like the lighter cords. And so, it’ll keep your RV appliances and air conditioner and doesn’t pose a safety fire threat.
Using this power cord for camping also feels like a dream. The handles are generously-size and ergonomic, which is great when unplugging the cord from the power supply. You can quickly grab the handles without hurting your hands or damaging the plug connections. Furthermore, it has a three-prong universal design, which works with all the top brands.
Overall, this 30-amp power cord for an RV is a nice addition to your RV. It works as it’s supposed to, and it’s safe.
Pros
✔ Well-made
✔ Easier to handle
✔ Flexible
Cons
❌ Receptacle not closed
▶ SHOP Heavy-Duty RV Extension Cord
3. 30’ 30 Amp Detachable Extension Cord with Handle & Indicator Light
The 30’ 30 Amp Detachable Camping Power Cord looks and feels like quality. Everything also works, and it is rated for outdoor use. The heavy-duty and high-quality construction is good, and I would compare it to the cords you buy at the local hardware stores.
It’s also genuinely UL-listed and, therefore, safe. The thickness is fine and has a considerable weight, meaning the wires are, in fact, the right gauge. It doesn’t get warm or hot when used and doesn’t pose any fire threat.
I’m also pleased by the generous 30 feet length. The length is accurate, which is great when connecting an inlet and power source to your RV.
The extra wide handles are also a nice perk. They have a strong clamping force, and when plugged into themselves, it retains the plugs nicely with just the right amount of tension. Meanwhile, the handles on the male end allow for easy connection and removal from the power pedestal.
The presence of a power indicator light is also welcome. The small green light indicates the presence of power. Finally, the molded ends and locking ring provide a water-tight seal between the adapter and the inlet.
Pros
✔ Reliable performance
✔ Safe
✔ Easy to use
Cons
❌ Greenlight is pretty dim and challenging to assess in bright daylight
▶ SHOP Detachable Extension Cord
4. RVGUARD 30 Amp 50 Foot RV Extension Cord
Use the RVGUARD 30-amp RV extension cord – 50 feet to extend your cord connection. It works great as an extension to the existing 30-amp cord for your RV.
It’s also quality-made; the fit & finish look great, and there are no shoddy connections or components. The heavy-duty 30-amp extension cord has a durable casing, heavy-duty connectors, and a plastic strap for carrying. In short, it’ll hardly disappoint you.
The 50-foot extension cord is heavy-duty and works great for the little added length you need for your travel trailer. Having long cords is handy and a huge help when needed.
A 30-amp electrical rating means the extension cord hardly gets hot, even under load from electric heaters or AC. The wires are thick enough to take on any project. Yet, the cord is reasonably flexible for easier handling.
Plugging and unplugging this 30-amp cord is seamless. The pull handle seems like a great idea, while the locking ring secures it to the power port.
Handling this RV 30-amp extension cord also can’t get much easier, thanks to handy accessories such as a carrying strap and a bag. A power indicator light also makes it clear to establish whether there’s a connection.
Pros
✔ Reliable
✔ Easy to use
✔ Generous length
Cons
❌ The green color is a little hard to see under bright light
▶ SHOP RV Guard RV Extension Cord
5. GearIT 30-Amp Extension Cord for RV
Our final extension cord, the GearIT 30-Amp Extension Cord for RV, is explicitly designed for RVs, motorhomes, and outdoor extension cord use. I like that it’s available in a high-visible color scheme, which is great for always knowing where the cord is.
The 30-amp RV extension cord – 100 feet is also lengthy. While it sounds long, having extra length lets you access the hard-to-reach spots and place the 30-amp power cord for an RV where you’re less likely to trip over it.
It’s a 10-gauge cord with decent heft and nice factory ends for easier hookup and handling. The RV 30-amp extension cord also shows more stable voltage in your coach, allowing you to use your equipment with the largest safety margin.
Plus, the 30-amp RV cord stays flexible even in extreme conditions. The copper wires are easy to coil and recoil and won’t fight you with coil memory. It’s also portable, light, and convenient to use.
The performance is also amazing. It’s rated 30-amp, so, ideal for most RV and household uses. Finally, I love that it provides waterproof properties and it’s long-lasting.
Pros
✔ 100 feet
✔ Easy to handle
✔ Durable
Cons
❌ Tad expensive
RV Power Cords vs. RV Electrical Extension Cords
A striking difference between an RV’s power cord and an RV extension cord is their intended use. An RV power cord is made to hold to power consumption of an RV, while an electrical extension cord is made for much less amperage.
While an extension cord will fit your RV plugs, with the right adapter, it’s not rated high enough to cater to you RV electric needs. Household or typical construction electrical extension cords will cause issues with heavy power consumption. These cords are made to power one appliance not an entire RV.
We do use these cords on occasion to give us a little power for lights or to power our converter so our batteries stay charged.
RV power cords tend to be heavier duty than household extension cords and often have better weatherproofing. Plus, the power cables have locking mechanisms that make them sturdier to connect to your RV and power pedestal.
Things to Look For in 30-amp extension cords for RVs
Here’re some of the important criteria for selecting the right 30-amp cord for your RV needs.
Wattage Rating
Not all cords are designed to carry the same load or amount of electricity safely. Therefore, you must always consider the wattage rating of an extension cord. You must never use an extension cord with a lower rating; otherwise, it may result in overheating and, consequently, start of a fire.
Instead, choose an extension cord rated to handle the wattage of the appliance they’ll be using.
Testing
You must also ensure that your RV extension cord bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Choose an RV extension cord approved by Underwriter’s Laboratories.
Consider the Length
A longer length for your 30-amp power cord for an RV may seem convenient, but it’s not necessarily so. Ideally, you need a short cord because it can handle more current than the larger ones of a similar gauge. Remember, power generally declines during the length of the cord.
Furthermore, the longer extension cables are hefty, bulky, and unsightly.
Also, it’s a safety risk to plug different cords together. It can result in equipment failure.
Only Use 3-Prong Extension Cables
The two common types of prongs for extension cables are 2-prong and 3-prong cables. The three-prong cables are increasingly becoming standard for most RVs, so I suggest picking them over the 2-prong cables.
3-prong extension cables are also safer because of proper grounding.
Consider the RV Extension Cord Designations
You must also consider an RV extension use that is appropriate for the intended use. For example, most 30-amp extension cords for RV are usually used outdoors, so they need to have insulation against inclement weather and abrasion.
Here’re some common extension cord designations to help you select the right cord for your needs:
· S: General use
· W: Rated for outdoor use
· O: Oil resistance
Safety Tips for Using an RV Extension Cord (Do’s and Don’ts)
Here’re some dos and don’ts safety tips to consider when using an RV extension cord:
✔ Unwind your RV extension cord while in use. A coiled wire acts as an inductance and may overheat, melt the insulation and start a fire.
✔ Don’t cover your extension cord under any covering. The same deal-the cord needs air circulation to cool.
✔ Don’t use a bigger load than a cord is rated for.
✔ Don’t run your RV extension cord across a roadway. Being driven across wears the insulation, exposes the conductors, and may create a shock hazard.
✔ Never use an extension cord for tasks other than those specified.
✔ Don’t make a habit of leaving our extension cord exposed to inclement weather.
✔ Don’t connect multiple extension cords. You must ensure your cords are long enough.
✔ Always inspect your extension cord before use. Damage cords pose a safety risk.
Why Can’t I Use an Extension Cord Permanently?
It’s physically possible to permanently use an RV extension cord, but they’re not designed for that purpose. Remember the consumer guidelines are applicable, and it’s important that you follow the electrical and mechanical safety.
Some of the factors of using an extension cord permanently include:
❌ More connections increase resistance and may contribute to heating and fire threat. More connections are also subject to more mechanical stresses.
❌ Mismatched amperage ratings and requirements
Can I Plug an RV Extension Cord into Another Extension Cord?
Daisy chaining RV extension cords is common with most RVers, but it’s not recommendable. And it’s simply not whether the cords will handle the load, but also because of voltage drops.
Remember, every electrical connection is a point of potential failure, and with every extension cord you add, the less secure point of contact. An extra extension cord creates a slightly higher resistance to the electrical flow, and electricity pushing through resistance creates heat.
Therefore, the longer the wiring runs, the more resistance. Depending on how much your RV pulls, you might get into dangerous situations where the wire overheats and starts a fire.
So, instead of adding more extension cords, I suggest you get longer, higher-rated, heavy-duty RV extension cords.
Extension Cord Accessories
Camco Power Grip Electrical Accessory Bag
The Camco Power Grip bag works perfectly for all my electrical cords, adapters, extension, and surge protectors in one bag. It’s padded and, therefore, will protect your items, and I like how it keeps all my items organized.
It also seems well-made and will hold up for a long time. Overall, you’ll be glad you got it.
▶ SHOP Electrical Accessory Bags
FAQ: 30-amp extension cords for RVs
What are the best ways to roll up an extension cord without damaging it?
The best way depends on the extension cord’s wire size and length. If you have a short, lightweight cord, loop them into a coil. Hold the cord in one hand to create a coil and use the other to create a loop. Simple.
Use the same strategy as above for longer and heavier cords, but with one main difference, every loop is reversed.
It’s easier to perform than describe. Start by creating the first loop, similar to how cowboys create lasso ropes. But for the second loop, coil it in the opposite direction. Rinse and repeat.
What Are the best 30-amp extension cords for RVs?
The best extension cord for your RV should meet your RV needs and be appropriate for RV use. First, it should be rated appropriately for your RV load.
It should also be of decent length, and more importantly, it must be approved by an independent testing laboratory.
How do I Know if my extension cord is overloaded?
You know if your cord is overloaded if the plug is warm or even hot to the touch. A warm RV extension cord means greater resistance and drawing too much current, thus the heating factor.
The other way to determine whether you have an overload is by adding up the wattages of the devices connected to the extension cord and comparing that to the rated maximum wards for the cord. Even without an extension cord your RV power cord can get overloaded.
When using lots of power consistently you should check on your power cord or extension cable. A loose connection at the power outlet or extension cord can cause issues. We have seen loose connections melt recreational vehicle power cords.
Do you need a special extension cord for an RV?
You need a special extension cord for your RV and cannot use your regular household extension cord. Remember, extension cords for RV are rated for outdoor use and have a higher wattage requirement.
What kind of extension cord is for a 30-amp RV?
To understand the kind of 30-amp extension cord you need for your RV, it’s important to know that extension cords in the US use the American Wire Gauge (AWG). The typical sizes run from 18 ga. To 8 ga.
The higher the AWG number, the lighter the cord. For example, 18 is perfect for cell chargers and small lamps.
Now, for your 30-amp RV, you’ll need an extension cord with a low AWG number, probably the least metric, 8 or 10 ga. From experience, most RVers use a 75ft, with a 10 AWG rating. It’s powerful enough to handle up to 1,600 watts of power.
How long can a 30-amp RV cord be?
You should get the shortest 30-amp power cords that meet your needs. Remember that the longer the cord, the more resistance and the greater the loss of power. Ideally, 20-30 feet is usually okay for most RVers in campgrounds.
Conclusion: 30-amp extension cords for RVs
That’s a wrap and everything you need to know about the best 30-amp extension cords for RVs. The right one will make hooking your RV much easier, even when your power cord is short from the power pedestal.
The key thing to remember is to choose an extension 30-amp power cord rated for your needs. It should also be UL-listed for safety purposes. Being prepared with the right extension cord will make the setup for your next camping trip a breeze.
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