Wire sizing - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Wire sizing

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

It would seem to me that all you need is an extension for your existing shore power cord that you then plug into the generator when you wanted to use it. No other modifications would be necessary.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

As Bill A said, I would carry a RV extension cable, a 30 foot 50 amp. (Actually I do.) That way you could use it for the generator extension but also to the 50 or 30amp shore power connector when your regular cable doesn’t reach. It won’t many times. Then just use an adapter into the gen set’s outlet. The 50 amp cable will have the least voltage drop and give you double duty. (They make these in 15 foot lengths as well.)

Unless you just want it the change over switch isn't really necessary IMO, just something else to cause a potential voltage drop or failure. Simple is sometimes better.

My 2 cents

Bill

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

You know, with the number of copper stealers out there, the idea of a system deleting an outside extension cord has a lot of merit. Seems like that is what Jim is doing. I do believe I would use stranded cable so it would be more flexible when making turns and such. I assume (there's that word) the gen will be secured to the truck.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

This application is for going down the road. I have no easy way to secure a 30 or 50 amp cord to the outside or underside as the bottom is fully enclosed and insulated. I plan on running this through the basement areas, following other wiring to the front. This will be an enclosed route.
I have a mount for the genny in the truck bed so it can't grow legs.
A 30amp 25' cord usually has #10 wire in it.
A 50amp 25' cord either has #10 or #8 wire depending on the manufacture.
All shore power cords are stranded to make them more flexible.
But all houses use solid core wire. The standard 3 wires made up in the sheath.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sorry, Jim. Missed the part about this being mobile, actually an “in- motion” mobile application. LOL.

#10 wire will be fine for a 30 amp service and actually #6 is nominal for 50 amps in RV extension cable. But I doubt you will be pulling 50amps in the mobile configuration. I recall you were talking about a single Honda in another thread. Nonetheless the max generator amps should determine the wire size naturally.

I personally would hate to try and route solid copper around and would consider using stranded cable. Additionally, I don’t like larger diameter solid copper in a mobile application. I had trouble with that when someone used solid in a mobile TV unit. Not a good idea IMO.

Bill

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just out of curiosity, why would you need to run the generator to your 5th wheel while driving?

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

So we can run the AC. Traveling with 2 cats that ride in the bedroom, it gets hot in there in July and August. Also for a short run to the beach, the inside would be cool by the time we got there.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jim,

While I am not an electrician, I use to manage a major retail electronics store and knew several folks who were into electronics. So, this answer is one of value.

With regards to electrical wire, electrical current only travels on the surface of a wire, thus a stranded wire actually provides more surface area than solid wire of the same gauge.

Since it was mentioned that the stranded would be easier to route through and around things in the belly, here is another thought. At a Suites rally in October, one of the Mobile Suites owners showed us an electrical cord that is supposed to be of the same current carrying capacity as the normal 50 amp wire but is a lot more flexible. If I remember right, he said it was a wire cable used by MacDonalds for their deep fat fryers for making french fries.

As of yet, I haven't found that wire, but it might be something to consider for your job.

Terry

mrschwarz · RV-Dreams Community Member

There are different types of stranded wire. Some have more wires of a smaller gauge than others. When the smaller wire is used, the overall cable is more flexible (assuming the same insulation is used).