What's the difference between a 30 amp and 50 amp RV power cord?

A 30 amp RV cord uses a TT-30 plug with three prongs and delivers 120 volts on a single hot leg, totaling about 3,600 watts. A 50 amp RV cord uses a NEMA 14-50 plug with four prongs and carries two 120-volt hot legs for roughly 12,000 watts total. Match the cord to your RV's onboard service rating, not the pedestal at the campground. If your rig and the pedestal don't match, see our RV plug adapters to bridge the gap safely.

What length RV extension cord do I need?

Most campground pedestals sit within 25 feet of the rig, so a 25 ft cord covers standard sites. For pull-throughs, back-in sites with awkward pedestal placement, or home storage hookups, a 30 ft or 50 ft extension is the safer choice. Going longer than necessary increases voltage drop, especially on 30 amp service, so size to the actual distance rather than buying the longest cord available.

Can I use a regular household extension cord for my RV?

No. Standard 16 or 14 gauge household cords are not rated for the sustained amp draw of an RV's air conditioner, converter, and appliances running together. A 30 amp RV cord uses 10 gauge wire, and a 50 amp cord uses 6 gauge, both with weather-sealed connectors and locking plugs built for outdoor service. Using an undersized cord causes voltage drop, overheating, and can damage sensitive electronics. Pair the right cord with a surge protector from our RV electronics collection to protect your converter and inverter.

Do RV power cords work with my dogbone adapter?

Yes. The cords in this collection use standard NEMA TT-30 (30 amp) and 14-50 (50 amp) ends, so they connect directly to any matching dogbone adapter. If you're stepping a 50 amp rig down to a 30 amp pedestal, or a 30 amp rig down to a 15 amp household outlet, choose the correct adapter from our RV plug adapters page. Confirm the amp rating on both ends before plugging in.

How do I store an RV extension cord to extend its life?

Coil the cord in loose 12 to 18 inch loops rather than tight wraps, which stresses the internal conductors over time. Keep it dry, off the ground, and out of direct sun when not in use. Inspect the prongs and connector body each trip for burn marks, corrosion, or loose pins, which signal a bad pedestal connection or an overloaded circuit. A cord stored properly will outlast the rig in most cases.