shore power extension cord?

laurh

I am totally new to all of this. I purchased a 2021, slightly used tab400 Boondock in April of this year. I have had it outside and covered this summer as I prepare to take it to some warmer areas this winter. In its current location I cannot reach an Elec outlet with the included cord. Can I use an extension cord, the 30amp adapter and the supplied cord to connect to shore power? Is there a specific extension cord that works? I sure don't want to do anything to wreck the system! 
Thank you in advance for any info/advice

Grumpy_G

Basically yes. Use a heavy gauge extension cord (10 AWG) rated for outdoor use. Obviously you're still limited to 16 amps from a typical household outlet so you can't use all electric appliances at the same time. 

AnOldUR

Sure, you can use an extension cord between the adapter and a 120V outlet. Preferably it will be a 20 amp outlet and your cord will be 12 gauge. Just be sure to not overload the cord or breaker rating by using too many high draw devices at the same time.

laurh

Thanks for the help! 

I don’t even want to use the appliances now, I need the elec tongue jack to be functional in the short term. Don’t know if the solar is still charged since the trailer has been covered since late May. I’ll be taking it to a local RV dealer next week to get a different hitch set up. 

The electrical is always a mystery for me. 

marleecamps

This is the extension cord I purchased for my 2021 T@b 400.  I use it primarily in my driveway to power up the frig the day before departure.

Road Power 95707508 10/3 30' STW 30-Amp RV Extension Cord, Heavy Duty, Waterproof Cord, Suitable for Mobile Homes and Recreational Areas, UL & cUL Listed, TT-30 plug, Built to Last , Black https://a.co/d/huKny5C

I do use my EMS just as a precaution and a heavy duty ext cord to connect my EMS with adapter to my external garage outlet.

laurh

Thank you. 
I do have the 30amp cord that came with the tab & adapter for home use. It just doesn't reach the outlet. Hoping to have this solved in the future but for now I need a quick fix. 

Grumpy_G

You can *temporarily* use any random extension cord you may have laying around. Just understand that it might not be designed for outdoors use so don't leave it out in the rain. It will do for charging the battery and using the lights just don't run the AC etc. because the cord might get hot from higher loads. Heck my vacuum power cord gets warm after a while ...

techietab

laurh said:

I don’t even want to use the appliances now, I need the elec tongue jack to be functional in the short term. 

If your electric tongue jack is tied into the battery or tapped into 12v that's sitting behind the WFCO power management panel, you don't necessarily need to use the included 30 amp cord to operate most of its electronics. You can use any conventional 110v/20 amp extension cord (the sort you would use on something like christmas lights or yard equipment) plus a 'dogbone' type adapter like this one. With this set up you can run everything inside the camper EXCEPT the higher amperage items like the air conditioner and the microwave (if installed), and the battery will charge while the shore power is connected. Do NOT turn on the AC or microwave when plugged in using this method, or you'll have at best some fuses to replace.

If you use this method, don't use some rinky-dink extension cable you'd use for a lamp or something indoors. Use a hefty 12 or 10 gauge extension cord intended for heavy lawn / construction equipment. Most hardware stores will have them, and they're easy enough to find on Amazon.

laurh

Thank you. 

I have many heavy duty outdoor cords so this helps a great deal! Not needing to use any appliances right now. 

Appreciate the advice! 

fstop32

The shorter the extension cord the better.

pthomas745

The easiest way to handle this is with an RV power cable extension cord.  If this gives you the length you need, of course.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BUU5YU/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Denny16

That was my solution, the Camco 30-amp ext cord.  This works,great, no worries about overheating the est. cord or creating a low voltage situation.  Some campsites have a long run to the power pedestal, and this cord solves that issue also.
 Cheers 

AnOldUR

But the 30 amp extension is pointless if you’re plugging into a 20 (or 15) amp outlet. Still a good thing to have with you if there’s a 30 amp that’s out of reach.

Mickerly

The Alde web site says not to run the heat on the 2KW setting when on 15 amp circuit.

AnOldUR

As does simple math.
2000W / 120V = 16.7 amps
  

Denny16

AnOldUR said:

But the 30 amp extension is pointless if you’re plugging into a 20 (or 15) amp outlet. Still a good thing to have with you if there’s a 30 amp that’s out of reach.

No, you just use your 30-amp to 15/20-amp adapter on the house end to plug it in to a regular house hold outlet.  As mentioned, you are limited in what appliances you can use on a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit, like the Alde in 2KW mode.
 Cheers 

AnOldUR

Denny16 said: No, you just use your 30-amp to 15/20-amp adapter on the house end to plug it in to a regular house hold outlet. 

My post wasn’t clear. What I meant was that since he already has a cord for 15/20 amp that will meet his current need, buying a 30 amp is pointless. The 15/20 amp breaker he will be connecting to will trip before overloading the cord. I agree, having a 30 amp extension would be a wise choice for the future. 

Denny16

OK, got it, thanks.
 Cheers 

GigHarborTom

I sometimes use a longer 12GA cord with adapter on the trailer end, and then plug into post 20amp, discovered a few times. If not the 15A. Just careful what load you fire up. I found at one golf course in CleElum WA we needed a 30 to 50A adapter at the post. My electricians frequintly said " Ya gota manage your circuits."

Deb55

We have a regular household current outlet on the outside of our garage to plug in our 2018 T@B 400. I have a 30amp cord, plus a 30amp extension cord if I need it. I plug the surge protector into my outlet, an adapter, then the 30amp cord into that. If I needed a longer run, I'd use the 30 amp extension cord, not a regular extension cord that you'd use to power yard tools at home. We've never had trouble with this. 

Sharon_is_SAM

@Deb55 - just to avoid confusion of any new owners, the adapter plugs into the wall outlet, then the surge protector, then the cord.

Babs

ConTech manufactures some of the 30A cords previously used with T@Bs; and, they do have a website replete with adapters and extension cords.  Prompt, complete manufacturer-to-customer service and shipping.  

Deb55

@Sharon_is_SAM of course you're right--my (backwards) bad!