3 Best Choices for a 50 Amp RV Extension Cord Options in 2024
LOOKING FOR A 50 AMP EXTENSTION CORD?
You have come to the right place!! We have traveled throughout the United States in our RV since 2010 to bring you great products and must visit destinations. We have done the research and testing to bring you the best 50 amp extension cords, and they all have excellent reviews.
RV extension cords are an important solution when your RV can’t reach the available power pedestal. A great 50 amp extension cord can be hard to find. While length is crucial, there’re other important elements such as gauge, construction, current & voltage rating, etc.
Join us as we delve deeper into the world of RV extension cords and feature the three best 50-amp RV cords you will find.
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30-Day Free Trial🏆 Best 50-Amp Extension Cord
Our top pick and product recommendation goes to the Camco Power Grip extension cord. It’s the ultimate 50-amp extension cord and perfect for RVers looking for a performance-oriented extension cord. Camco also makes great 30 amp extension options.
The Camco Cord, with a 30-foot length, is long enough to access the hard-to-reach power pedestal locations. It also has a nice gauge rating, so you don’t have to worry about voltage drops or overheating. I’ve no fuss with Camco’s built quality, while the ease is next level.
▶ SHOP Camco Power Grip Extension Cord
50-Amp Extension Cords
1. Camco Power Grip Heavy-duty Extension Cord
Camco Power Grip Heavy Duty Extension Cord dominates our number one position for the best RV extension cord. It’s the perfect buy, especially if you want to expand your RV charging possibilities. The 50-amp power cord has a 30 feet length, so you can use it to extend your power cable.
And the best part is that it allows you to extend your reach without significant energy loss. The easy power grip handles also make plugging into and unplugging from the power source.
I love that Camco Extension Cable gives the same gauge rating as those in a typical house wiring for a NEMA plug 14-50 outlet. The three wires are 6 GA, and one ground wire is 8 GA, which is plenty to accommodate your travel trailer’s electrical needs.
Regarding performance, the Camco 50-amp extension cord works like a charm and doesn’t get hot. There’s no detectable increase in temperature on either the cords themselves or on the plug ends.
I’m also impressed with Camco’s superior build quality. The extension cord is extremely thick and heavy-duty, yet it remains flexible. It resembles a large garden hose or heated RV hose than an electrical cable, so it can withstand abuse while being relatively easy to use.
Handling the Camco 50-amp extension cord is also a breeze. It comes with a carry handle for stowing, and the carrying strap seems adequate to move it around for light use.
The biggest negative with the Camco Extension cord is that the cord is thick. I know it’s beneficial for durability and efficiency, but the thickness seems overkill compared to other options.
Pros
✔ Reliable performance
✔ Durable
✔ Easy to handle
Cons
❌ Heavy
▶ SHOP Camco Power Grip Extension Cord
2. Heavy-Duty 50-Amp Cord
Thick, heavy-duty, and performance-oriented are the words that summarize our second choice. The Heavy-Duty RV Electrical Cord is identical in size to what comes on most campers and motorhomes. The 90-degree heads and easy power grip plug make it easy to connect to the power source.
It’s a 30 feet option that is handy when your motorhome power cord is short. It takes the worry about not being able to reach a power pedestal. It also comes in handy when boondocking, and you need to position your generator farther away from your rig.
It’s a good-quality camper power cord with an adequate gauge to avoid overheating or voltage drops. The durable construction is made for outdoor use, so it can withstand the outdoor elements. It’s all one-piece, molded end, and pretty bulky, but that is expected from a high-quality and durable 50-amp extension cord for an RV.
Handling this camper power cord also feels like a dream. First, it has “hook and loop” carrying straps with a built-in handle for easy storage and carrying. And when not in use, the Velcro cord helps with easier wrapping to keep the 50-amp extension cord out of the way.
Pros
✔ Durable
✔ Long
✔ No voltage drops
Cons
❌ Heavy
3. RVGUARD RV/EV Extension Cord
I like the RVGUARD standard 50-amp male RV cord more for two main reasons. The first one is that it’s the longest on our list and therefore provides enough stretch on obscure campsites without ideally located power boxes.
The second draw of this RV power cord is that it has a wide application. Beyond RV use, the RVGUARD 50 Amp 50 Foot extension cords are not only great for rv electric power, but they also suit Electrical Vehicles such as a Tesla model. Talk of versatility!
It also seems like a decent value for money, especially with the rugged, heavy-duty construction and certification. It can stand up to repeated use without wasting away.
Ease of use is also another major highlight of this extension cord. It has a clip that ties the entire RV power cord together and a storage bag for neat stowing.
The green ends are nice for added visibility when setting camping in the evening/night, while the LED indicator on the female end will confirm you’re getting power through the 50-amp extension cord.
Pros
✔ Wide applicability
✔ Easy to use
✔ Reliable performance
Cons
❌ Expensive
▶ SHOP RVGuard RV/EV Extension Cord
RV Surge Protector
When adding extension cords and other electrical connections, it is important to couple these connections with an RV surge protector. High-quality surge protectors make sure your electrical system is functioning properly, and the surge protector will automatically disconnect the power if it senses an issue.
If you are using high-power appliances like your air conditioner or an electric heater, a surge protector is very valuable. We do our best to have these safety features to keep our family safe.
Buying Guide for the Best 50-Amp RV Extension Cord
As I mentioned in the introduction, there’s more to consider when selecting a 50 amp RV 4-prong extension cord other than the length. You must always consider other essential features to pick the right camper extension cord.
These features are:
Extended Length
The primary role of RV extension cords is to connect your RV to out-of-reach pedestal power. And therefore, your ideal RV power cord should be long enough for this use.
From experience, any camper extension cord above 25 feet is the minimum you want for your fifth wheels, but the longer, the better. The 25-foot length is enough to connect your RV to the power pedestal in most campsites.
Current
Next, from the length, you need a 50-amp cable that can handle high power loads. An RV extension isn’t handy if it can’t accommodate the high-power current.
Fortunately, this shouldn’t be a big issue with our selected options because every item is rated 50 amps of power, which is a decent current rating for most large RV uses.
50 AMP VS 30-AMP RV Extension Cord
The 30 and 50-amp RV extension cords are the most popular 50-amp extension cord for an RV configuration. I prefer the 50-amp configuration because it can accommodate a bigger load, and thus, easy to use the cord with more appliances.
Unfortunately, their heavy-duty nature makes the 50-amp extension cords bulkier and more expensive than the 30-amp configurations.
The 50-amp RV extension cords are also more challenging to find than the 30-amp RV extension cords. Therefore, you must weigh your options when deciding what configuration to pick,
But generally, I’m a big fan of the 50-amp RV power cord because it’s a fantastic way to enhance the flexibility of your RV power supply.
FAQ: 50 Amp RV Extension Cord
What Size Extension Cord Do I Need for 50 Amps?
The appropriate size for a 50-amp RV extension cord is 6 AWG, which is true for any voltage. The 8 AWG wire with a 50-amp capacity is too small and can’t handle the electrical needs of a standard RV.
How Long Can You Run a 50 Amp Extension Cord?
Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s capacity, and for an RV with a 50-amp service, the cord can run up to a maximum length of 100 feet.
Every extra food of the cord used increases the electrical resistance, which decreases the power the RV cord delivers to the connected devices. Therefore, while the 100 feet length remains the maximum length, I’d suggest a much shorter extension cord for the best results.
A longer 100-foot 50-amp extension cord can’t deliver as much power as a 10-foot 50-amp extension cord. Plus, longer cords are more susceptible to damage.
Can I switch a 30-amp extension cable for a 50-amp extension cord?
A 30-amp male plug has three receptacles, while a 50-amp cord has four receptacles. So, it’s impossible to use a 30-amp extension cord for a 50-amp due to compatibility issues.
However, you could modify the plugs. Many adapters can convert a 50-amp cord to a 30-amp cord and vice versa. These adapters are also known as dogbone adapters.
But remember, dogbone adapters aren’t an all-in-one solution for your conversion needs. You can’t simply plug them in, and you need to understand there’re risks associated with these adapters.
The biggest safety issue is these adapters don’t protect your RV, and there’s a possibility of overloading and overheating to your motorhome’s cable. This is why a surge protector is so important.
Conclusion: 50 Amp Extension Cord
RV extension cords are one of the RV accessories you must consider before purchasing. However, it’s also one of the accessories you’ll be glad to have when hooking the campsite pedestal power that is out of reach, and you can’t move your trailer any closer.
Investing in an RV 50-amp extension cord will justify your purchase price in spades!
