5 Best RV Power Cords: 30 & 50 Amp Cords Included

Best Power Cords For Your RV

Power cords seem like a simple purchase, but with the complexities of your RV’s energy system, you want to play it safe with RV-appropriate extension cables.

That, and you want as much length as you can get without paying too much for it.

We found some excellently priced deals that offer everything you’ve been looking for, so let’s start with the top pick and pedal back from there.

If You Want The Best Power Cord, Look No Further Than This One

Conntek 14345

Why is it better?

  • Fully UL and C-UL approved
  • Works for both 125/250 volt systems
  • 25 feet long


Check Latest Price

Conntek 14345

5 Best RV Power Cords For 2021

With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.

TOP PICK
Conntek 14345 30A NEMA TT30P to Removed Outer Jacket, 25 Foot , Black
Rating
-
More Information
NU-CORD 94552E 25-Feet 50-Amp Rv Extension Cord
Rating
-
More Information
Mophorn 25Ft 50 Amp RV Extension Cord Durable Premium Power Cord RV 26.5mm Wire Diameter Extension Cord Copper Wire RV Cord Power Supply Cable for Trailer Motorhome Camper with Handles
Rating
-
More Information
Camco Power Grip 25-Ft 30 Amp RV Extension Cord - Rated for 125V / 3,750W - Features Heavy Duty 10-Gauge Copper Wire for Superior Conductivity & Coated w/Heat-Resilient PVC (55191)
Rating
-
More Information
Happybuy RV Power Cord 36FT 30 AMP Weatherproof Heavy Duty 10/3 STW Twist Lock Cord 30 Amp RV Replacement Cord UL and CSA Approved with Molded Connector and Patented Handle
Rating
-
More Information

Let’s dive into the specifics and review each power cord individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.

    1. Conntek 14345
    2. NU-CORD 94552E
    3. Mophorn Extension Cord
    4. Camco Extension Cord
    5. Happybuy Extension Cord

Best Overall: Conntek 14345

Between cost and durability, Conntek took the cake on this one.

If you’ve never installed a new power cord on your RV before, the main problem we all run into is snipping the casing to expose enough wiring from within.

Conntek took care of that inconvenience that used to technically shorten your overall power cord.

Conntek 14345

Check Latest Price

You get a 6” ROJ extension to have some freedom with moving your wiring around, while still keeping the full twenty-five foot length. This cord runs 30 amps, and the durability of the plastic and rubber casing is poised to last for ages.

The only difficulty with this cord is that the casing is so thick that maneuverability can take longer than expected.

However, we’d take that over a short lifespan any day.

PROS

  • You are getting 6 inch ROJ extension
  • Sturdy build that will last for years.

CONS

  • A bit thick casing

EXTRA FEATURES

  • Fully UL and C-UL approved
  • Works for 125/250 volt systems
  • 10AWG gauge setting

PRODUCT INFORMATION

  • Cord Length: 25 feet long
  • Material: Plastic casing
  • Plug Adapters: Male end, 6” ROJ
  • Warranty: One-year warranty

NU-CORD 94552E

The runner-up comes with a bit more power behind it. NJ-CORD provides a one-year warranty on their twenty-five foot extension cord (see guide below for distinction between extension cords versus cords).

Apart from the agreeable price point, NJ-CORD offers a rigid plastic casing that retains shape even under extreme stress.

NU-CORD 94552E

Check Latest Price

You can transfer 50 amps of power when attached to your installed RV cord, providing power for your 125/250V system. NJ-CORD caught our eye for its versatility: users are adapting this to their Tesla cars, and the 1” diameter makes it extremely simple to store.

Quite simply, this will last far beyond the warranty, extending your reach from your RV.

PROS

  • Very affordable when compared to competition
  • Compatible with electric cars
  • Quality build

CONS

  • Some reviewers found that the casing is not top notch quality wise

EXTRA FEATURES

  • STW cord type
  • Works for 125/250 volt systems
  • Three-ring handle over both ends

PRODUCT INFORMATION

  • Cord Length: 25 feet long
  • Material: Plastic casing
  • Plug Adapters: Male and female
  • Warranty: One-year warranty

Mophorn Extension Cord

Your RV trip could take you anywhere, and that means through winter conditions.

Mophorn gives you flexibility and fast access in less than ideal conditions, working at lower temperatures without going too rigid or stiff.

Keep in mind this is an extension cable designed to work with your installed system. You get fifty feet of length, 50 amps of power, though these are slightly less durable than other cords we’ve reviewed.

Mophorn Extension Cord

Check Latest Price

The casing remains thinner to accommodate to harsher climates, which is why we recommend using this with extreme care.

Mophorn also includes a one-year warranty, though numerous users report still having their Mophorn cable for five or more years. Pricing veers on the higher end, and if the average lifespan was any lower, it wouldn’t have made this list.

PROS

  • Great quality made for winter months 
  • Flexible power cord with a plastic casing

CONS

  • Durability could be an issue because the low temperatures leaves toll on the material

EXTRA FEATURES

  • Works for 125/250 volt systems
  • 50 amps of power
  • Designed to work well in low temperatures and retain flexibility

PRODUCT INFORMATION

  • Cord Length: 50 feet long
  • Material: Plastic and rubber casing
  • Plug Adapters: Male and female
  • Warranty: One-year warranty

Camco Extension Cord

Camco is a brand that needs no introduction, and they were still able to blow us away with this low-cost extension cable.

This cord either comes in a 30 or 50 design, numerous sizes, and gives you the option to include locks on the end caps or not.

We’ve selected the twenty-five foot 30 model for its price, because after that, your wallet will start hurting a bit.

Camco Extension Cord

Check Latest Price

Still, Camco’s dedication to quality can’t be ignored.

This cable includes 100% copper wiring, unlike competitor brands which use a blend of different conductive materials.

The plastic end caps have a feature we wish more brands would adapt, being the easy grip handle for a straight connection, and a simpler time when charging is over and it’s time to recoil the cable. This unit doesn’t support 2350 volt units.

PROS

  • Comes with both male and female adapter
  • This cable includes 100% copper wiring, unlike competitor brands which use a blend of different conductive materials.

CONS

  • This unit doesn’t support 2350 volt units.

EXTRA FEATURES

  • Works with 3750W/125V systems
  • Camco makes this in numerous sizes, lengths and outlet styles for versatility
  • 100% pure copper wiring for extended lifespan 

PRODUCT INFORMATION

  • Cord Length: 25 feet long
  • Material: PVC cable, plastic caps
  • Plug Adapters: Male and female
  • Warranty: One-year warranty

Happybuy Extension Cord

Last on our list, Happybuy sits in the middle of price and durability.

You get a thick rubber casing containing 100% copper wiring.

When you don’t add in filler conductivity elements, your cable lasts for far longer than the standard model they try to sell you at the RV outlet store.

Happybuy Extension Cord

Check Latest Price

With a thick casing, this retains shape and stays rigid, but it is admittedly more difficult to use in colder environments. If you’re packing this with you for a winter trip, it’s doable, just a bit dodgy.

50 amps of power, sturdy end caps on the cord, and a generous thirty-six feet of cable to work with. Happybuy offers budget-conscious RVers an alternative solution that still comes with good length and a quality build.

The only complaint we have about them relates to customer service: they’ll fulfill the warranty, but it is difficult to get ahold of them.

PROS

  • Thick and durable casing
  • Great price

CONS

  • Customer service could be better

EXTRA FEATURES

  • 50 amps of power
  • Sturdy cord grip handles for a stronger connection
  • 100% copper wiring

PRODUCT INFORMATION

  • Cord Length: 36 feet long
  • Material: Plastic and rubber casing
  • Plug Adapters: Male and female
  • Warranty: One-year warranty

Table of Contents

Introduction To RV Power Systems

Man Holding Electrical System For RV

It starts with the right cord, and ends with a list of do’s and don’ts that will keep you and your family safe, and utilizing your electricity at a far more efficient rate.

If you’ve ever wondered what the main differences between different cord types are, we’re about to break it all down. We’ve covered the top RV power cords to make your next trip a bit easier.

Are you still using the cord that came with your RV?

Is it weathered, or are you just looking to lessen your time between recharge stops?

Either way, you’ll be able to benefit from getting a new RV power cord.

What we’re going to do here is differentiate between cords and extension cables, discuss amperage, and everything else that relates to your RV cord.

It’s no simple task to just grab any cord and pray that it works; you need information to back it up.

Your RV power cord often goes unnoticed.

As time marches on, you need to replace and upgrade the system.

We will go through every aspect of your RV power cable together, discuss what you need to know, and help you to be a better RV owner than you were yesterday.

What Are RV Power Cords?

Your internal RV system (12V batteries) needs to charge like a phone battery.

Well, we wish it were as simple as a USB cable.

Your RV power cord runs through the exterior cap and connects in your electrical panel via three internal cords.

This is where the difference between a power cord and an extension cord come into play, which we will get into a bit later.

Let’s talk about what’s actually inside.

With either plastic, PVC or rubber casing, electrical conductivity cables run throughout your cord and transfer electricity. The reason they’re encased in these materials is to stop the flow of electricity.

One of the most common misconceptions that newer RV owners have is that there’s a higher quality option out there. There isn’t: these are the exterior materials that work, and keep you safe.

However, the wiring is a different story. The best wiring you can possible get is 100% copper.

Not only does it promote a faster flow of electricity (quicker charging times), but it’s safer when it comes to electrical surges.

surge might destroy your power cable, but copper is more equipped to handle out-of-boundary voltage and still work after the fact. Copper is also correlated to longer-lasting lifespans on RV power cords as well.

RV Power Cords Vs. Standard Utility Power Cords

RV Power Cord

Despite them seeming very similar, there’s a substantial difference between a cord you get at Home Depot, and an RV power cord.

For one, a standard utility power cord isn’t going to work.

When we say utility, we mean 120V cords for dryers and electric stoves.

You’ll notice a common theme with many of the cords we’ve chosen: they handle 125V to 250V systems, which a standard cord cannot do.

On top of that, the bare ends of these cables can’t properly fit into your RV. Even if you were to adapt them, it would be dangerous and likely to malfunction (not to mention that utility power cords are rarely available in sizes longer than ten feet).

RV cords are designed to carry 30 or 50 amps of power at a time.

While the male ends of the cords might look similar to what’s in your washroom right now, the internal wiring is designed differently as well.

A standard utility cord can’t carry the same charge that an RV cable can, which means longer charging times.

Again, you can’t hook these up to your RV in the first place. The goal of differentiating the two is so you can be more informed for future purchases.

RV Power Cords Vs. RV Extension Cords

This is a simple mix-up that happens often.

These simply extend from your installed power cord to give you further reach to outlets. You’ll be able to tell by the male and female ends.

If it doesn’t have an area that directly connects into the power course on your RV, it’s an extension cord.

In come cases, one end may look like it’s simply flat with no wires.

That’s because it ships with the casing flush against the wiring, and you are expected to cut the casing to fit your needs.

The only problem with this is that it technically reduces your cord’s length by the amount of casing you cut away. That’s why we made one of our choices, because of the 6” extension of additional cable.

Guide To RV Power Cord Types

There are four main types of RV plugs that you’re going to see.

You’ll need to consult your owner’s manual before deciding on which adapter and amperage is right for you.

30 AMP PLUG

30 amp plugs come with a triangular three-prong male end.

These work specifically with 30 amp systems, and will not work with a 50 amp system.

These cords output 3,600 watts of power, and usually work with smaller RVs (usually 21’ to 26’ models). They tend to be cheaper than 50 amp units partially due to mixed conductivity materials.

50 AMP PLUG

50 Amp Plug

50 amp plugs come with a quadruple prong system.

These work with your 50 amp RVs, usually on models that are 31’ or larger, and more commonly with newer RVs that have greater power consumption due to the growing number of embedded technological devices.

You can run up to 12,000 watts, more than three times that of a 30 amp system. 50 amp cables are more expensive, and as a result, usually built with thicker casings and 100% copper wiring.

DOG BONE ADAPTER

Earlier we mentioned that 30 amp plugs can only be used with a 30 amp power unit, and the same rule applies to 50 amp units.

That’s true, for bare cables and male ends, but you can get a dog bone adapter to make life a little easier.

These 1’ to 6’ cables (average length of Camco models) operate on the simple fact that not every campground you go to is going to be accommodating to your RV type.

Depending on what adapter you require, you can charge a 50 amp unit at a 30 amp station, and vice versa. This comes in handy during extended trips with intermittent stops.

Dog bone adapters do come with an increased risk of surge and electrical shock due to the internal bypass system. This is not a product to cheap out on. Thankfully, they usually only run you between $10 and $20 for a quality one.

HOCKEY PUCK ADAPTER

Hockey puck adapters are simple, like dog bone adapters.

While dog bones tend to have a 1’ to 6’ cord, hockey puck adapters are simple pieces with no cables whatsoever.

You plug your cable into it, and you’ve got a few inches of plastic extending from the cord with a new male end.

These are relatively inexpensive, but like dog bone adapters, make sure you opt for a decent brand and model.

UL And C-UL Approval Ratings Explained

First of all, we’d like to state that these are not the same.

A UL mark is not the light version of a C-UL mark. They are different, and have different purposes, which we’ll go over now.

WHAT IS A UL APPROVAL RATING?

UL Approval Rating

These are approved by the Underwriters Laboratories for being safe for all outlets in the United States.

A UL rating follows the electrical code known as ANSI/UL 484, which is an industry standard that is mostly used in air conditioner engineering.

If your RV power cord has a UL stamp of approval, iit boasts the same reliability as a wall AC united cord.

WHAT IS A C-UL APPROVAL RATING?

A C-UL mark, also known as a cUL mark, is specified for Canadian markets.

Though similar in title, these are issued by a non-American agency, the Canadian Standards Association, in compliance with the Canadian electrical code.

This is a very important feature that can’t be overlooked: UL and C-UL are not the same.

How Long Of An RV Power Cord Do You Really Need?

Back in the 80s, many full-time RVers needed 75’ to 100’ of cord length.

This was because you had clustered charging stations in campgrounds, which were wildly inaccessible unless you happened to park extremely close to the edge.

Nowadays, we have charging stations with a much more simplistic setup where RV drivers are able to get very close to charging stations.

You might run into the occasional issue with older campgrounds, which is why we recommend getting a 25’ base cord and at least 5’ of extension.

It takes up very little space, and doesn’t leave you without power if conditions aren’t ideal.

How To Replace Your RV Power Cord

Holding RV Electric Cord

There are a lot of guides on YouTube that tell you the exterior cap has to be replaced if you’re installing a new power cable.

This is false.

To install a new power cord in your RV, you need to turn off the power, and safely disconnect it from your RV’s electrical box.

If your unit is older and you’re not quite certain where it is, consult your manual. If you still aren’t certain, have a second set of hands to tug on the cord from outside, and note any tightening in the electrical box.

Simply unlock the three cables from their place, remove them from the slot, and have your second pair of hands pull the cord out. This might take some force depending on how tight the previous installation was.

If it’s easier for you, you can always remove the cap and apply new adhesive to it after installing the new cable, but this is not always necessary.

Run your cable through the conduit, ensure you’ve plugged them into the proper spots, lock the wires into place, and you’re good to go.

Give the new cable a tug to ensure it’s not going to pull and damage your electrical box.

Key Features To Look For In RV Power Cords

There are a few aspects to keep a lookout for above all else.

Minor gripes aside, the main features of your RV power cord or extension cable need to be on-point.

You’re looking to run your RV as efficiently as possible, and minimize charge times.

This is what you need to know.

POWER CONSUMPTION OF YOUR RV

This is where you have to look at your power bank, amperage on items (like an RV TV, roof vents, etc.), and determine how much power you’re running through.

The more passengers, the faster you’re going to burn through that energy reserve. If you need to recharge from basically zero percent of your battery left, you’ll want a copper wire cord for faster charging.

EXISTING POWER CORD SPECS

Is your system a 50 amp or a 30 amp?

Are you using the full length of the cord, or do you find that there’s too much?

This is the time to upgrade your base cord length and forego the expense of an extension cable.

You’ll also want to look at the wiring. If you’re using a 100% copper wire, you’ll receive faster charge times. If you downgrade to a wiring system with less resilient conductive systems, then you’ll get a slower charge time, and inadvertently make your job a lot harder.

HOW OFTEN YOU CONNECT TO A POWER GRID

Holding Plug

Are you a full-timer?

Do you need to connect multiple times in a week?

If you have a bit more time to plan and can visit charging stations that you can either view online, or you’ve been to before, then you can plan your route accordingly.

If you need to connect to a power grid often, you want a copper wire RV power cable, and preferably a 50 amp system for faster charging.

While the latter is out of your control until you buy a new RV or upgrade your system, getting a high-quality cable can be a major time-saver.

WHEN YOU PLAN ON CAMPING

If you’re more of a driver-all-night kind of RVer and like to enjoy the scenery in the morning, you won’t have to worry about mass power consumption on the road.

You can effectively travel, even with passengers, during the night to mitigate electrical use.

If you’re travelling with the family, you’re going to run into more energy use.

It’s also a good idea to note that if you’re camping during “tourist trap” season, you might have a longer wait to use a power charging station.

Either that, or others might be parked in such a way that you need a longer cable.

If you can only camp during busy times, consider having a total of 75’ to 125’ between your power cord and extension cable.

Are You Ready To Get Moving?

We know that nobody is excited about long electrical charging wait times.

Get more hours in on the road, make your RV versatile for every time of charging station, and get back to doing what you wanted in the first place: driving and camping in your RV like there’s no tomorrow.

If you liked the article, please share:

3 thoughts on “5 Best RV Power Cords: 30 & 50 Amp Cords Included”

  1. Conntek was a great purchase. We dry camp and take a generator with us. That 50’ is great at being able to have the generator further away. Great construction and design. Using the proper extension cord is important. Regular cords get hot and are unsafe.

  2. Camco PowerGrip is also a good quality cord. Someone had cut off and stole the power cord from the side compartment on my RV. I repaired it by attaching a 12″ pigtail with male end onto the remaining cord inside of the compartment. That was just the right length to plug into the generator. I then purchased several of these power cords. I plug one into the short cord inside the compartment and hookup to the power post at the campground. When RV is parked at home I use another to extend reach to the house. Makes a good heavy-duty extension cord. I then add Camco 55223 adapter to plug into the wall outlet. When RV is not in use I can remove cords and store inside. A short cord inside the compartment allows the use of a generator. I also added a lock to the compartment to remove temptation. I also changed all outside compartments to tubular locks to make access harder for thieves.

  3. I bought Camco 30 amp extension cord because of a suggestion of a friend. This helps reach it perfectly. Will come in handy when we go to a campground that our standard cord won’t reach. Each end has a built-in handle making it tremendously easy to insert and remove the plugs. Despite being so heavy-duty, the cord is flexible enough that it can be coiled and stored with relative ease.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *