Best RV Power Cords: Reliably Access Power

For the RV enthusiast, having reliable and safe access to power can mean the difference between your best camping trip ever or your worst. You already prefer certain luxuries over the more minimalistic tent camping crew and those amenities center around having electricity. Patio lights, TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners, and all that fun stuff require it. So, when it comes to choosing the right RV power cord, you don’t want to get something that isn’t durable, reliable, or safe. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite RV power cords and backed it up with a handy buying guide. We’ll have you powered up and enjoying all the luxuries your RV has to offer in no time.

Best RV Power Cords Reviews & Recommendations

1. Houseables 50 Amp RV Extension Cord

The Houseables 50 Amp RV Extension Cord is a great combination of durability, safety, functionality, and price. It’s ideal for most RV campground power pedestals, as well as many larger generators as it features a 14-50P male plug with an SS2-50R female receptacle with a 125-250 voltage rating. This particular cord is rated to be able to function reliably in temperatures ranging from negative 10 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius, making it an excellent choice for all your warmest and coldest RV trips.

The female end of this cord is equipped with a built-in grip handle for added comfort and easy plugging or unplugging and internally, the cord is constructed using 100 percent copper wiring. But the wire is 6AWG/3C+8AWG/1, so while it should be compatible with most RV power pedestals, there may be a few that it doesn’t work with. Like many other cords, this one is also covered in heat-resistant and flame-retardant PVC for added safety. At 30 feet long, it may be a little too short for your particular needs, depending on how far away you have to park from your power source.

PROS

• Weatherproof and does not corrode or rust easily
• Long-lasting
• Maintains flexibility in extreme temperature fluctuations

CONS

• Shorter cord length
• Replacement parts may be out of stock
• May not be compatible with all RV power pedestals

2. Camco 55191 PowerGrip RV Extension Power Cord

Camco is one of the most trusted names in the RV and camping business and the brand’s 55191 PowerGrip RV Extension Power Cord is a perfect example of why. This 30-amp extension cord is constructed with 100 percent 10-gauge copper wires for improved conductivity over some lesser-made models. It’s coated in a heat-resistant PVC sheath that provides heavy-duty flame protection to help protect it from fire, harsh weather, and everyday wear and tear.

This power cord features a patented hassle-free PowerGrip plug that makes plugging and unplugging the cord easy and safe. This cord measures 25 feet, which should be long enough to reach most power pedestals easily, but you may need one slightly longer, depending on how far you park your rig from the power source. Be sure to double-check your amperage requirements prior to purchasing this cord though, as some of your RV needs may be too high for this cord to handle.

PROS

• 100 percent pure copper wiring that will last longer
• Made with 10 gauge wires
• Features a hassle-free safety grip plug for easy use

CONS

• May not be powerful enough for certain applications
• May not be long enough
• Not compatible with all RVs

3. Mophorn RV Extension Cord

If you need a ruggedly made, heavy-duty RV extension cord, the Mophorn RV Extension Cord is one of the best cords available. This generously long 50-foot cable will allow you to easily reach power pedestals, no matter where you’re parked on your site. It provides 40 amps of power, so it will be suitable for a wide variety of power requirements.

The Mophorn is constructed with four AWG8-gauge, 100 percent copper wires that are each individually insulated and color-coded for added safety. As with most other top-quality RV power cords, this one features a durable heat-resistant and flame-retardant PVC sheath. Each end of the cord has a 90-degree head to help reduce stress and eliminate pressure on the cord and its connections. We also like that this extension cord comes backed by a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.

PROS

• Lock connectors for easy handling
• Non-slip handle for ease of use
• Longer power cord

CONS

• Heavy
• Expensive
• Can’t support 50-amp requirements

4. Conntek 15306 RV Extension Cord

The Conntek 15306 RV Extension Cord delivers power for larger RVs with 50-amp requirements. It’s rated for 125/250 volts and provides up to 12,500 watts of power, which is enough to run two AC units on larger rigs. It carries a UL safety rating and can function reliably in severe temperatures and harsh weather environments. We like that each end of the cord offers heavy-duty molded plugs with ergonomic grips for ease of use and added safety. And this particular model also features clever LED power indicators to let you easily see if the cord is plugged in and functioning correctly or not.

It comes backed by a one-year limited warranty to protect you from any unforeseen manufacturer’s defects. A couple of things to note, though. This cord is only 30 feet long, so it may be too short for some needs it’s also one of the priciest cords on our list, so that may be an issue if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly. At 23 pounds, it’s also one of the heaviest power cords we featured.

PROS

• LED power indicators for easy reading
• Ergonomic grip handles
• Backed by a one-year limited warranty

CONS

• May not be long enough for all needs
• Heavy
• Pricey

5. GoWise RVC3002 Power RV Extension Cord

We like the GoWise RVC3002 Power RV Extension Cord because it’s a very lightweight option that’s made even easier to carry thanks to the addition of a smartly designed carrying handle and 50-foot length. At just over 14 pounds, this is an excellent choice for anyone who isn’t physically able to lug a long, heavy, or cumbersome power cord very far. Add to that its affordable price point, and you have a solid win.

Like several other power cords on the market, this one features a long-lasting, durable PVC housing that’s heat-resistant and weatherproof. The molded plugs are brightly colored and easy to see in low-lighting conditions. The drawback? This is a 30-amp power cord, so it may not be enough if you have a rig that runs a lot of powered appliances and, oddly, the cord itself is not flame-retardant. The pull handle on the connector plug is also not as large or easy to grip as with some other models.

PROS

• Super lightweight
• Comes with a cord organizer
• Twisting lock included

CONS

• May not be long enough for all needs
• 30-amp rating may not provide enough power for everyone
• The pull handle on the plug itself is smaller than some other options

How We Selected The Products

With dozens of different RV power cords to choose from, selecting only the best requires a lot of research. In order to provide you with the most durable and dependable options, we wanted to focus on offering a diverse array of power cords to suit different power needs, since we realize that it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all scenario. We also wanted to select power cords that have more of a universal fit and can be used over multiple makes and models of RVs, versus ones that were made or model-specific. Next, we had to include only those that are manufactured by well-known and trusted industry leaders who have a solid track record of producing safe and rugged products.

Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.

When buying a quality RV power cord, there are several factors to consider. You want a power cord that is easy to use but will function safely and reliably and provide protection for your precious electronics and appliance needs.  In this section, we highlight some of the basic tips that you should practice when buying a quality power cord.

What to Consider When Buying RV Power Cords

Specification

As you’ve probably noticed, not all RV power cords have the same specifications. Decide if you need a 30-amp or 50-amp cord, first and foremost. Getting the wrong one will mean you can’t use the cord at all. Also double-check to ensure that your power cord is UL-certified to meet or exceed rigorous third-party safety standards. A good quality RV power cord will also come backed by some type of warranty to guard against unforeseen defects.

Frequency of Use

If you’re an occasional RVer who uses your RV power cord sparingly, you may be able to get away with something a little less heavy-duty and a little less pricey than someone who leaves their power cords plugged in all season long in some harsh temperatures and weather environments.

Distance to Power Source

If you’re relatively close to the power pedestal on your campsite, you may be able to get by with a shorter 25-30-foot power cord, which is easier to store and transport than the larger and pricier 50-foot cords. Be sure to measure the distance from your rig to its power source prior to purchase. It’s very frustrating to buy a 25-foot power cord only to find out that you need 35 feet or more.

Top Brands

Camco

Launched in 1966, the North Carolina-based company boasts over 5,600 products and 10 separate manufacturing facilities. The company prides itself on superior service, competitive pricing, and customer satisfaction.

GoWise

GoWise is headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., and is part of the Ming’s Mark Brand family. The company offers ETL-certified and FDA-approved products designed to make your life easier and healthier.

Houseables

Houseables is a California-based company that got its start less than a decade ago. The company’s top priority is to help you love where you live by offering a widely varied and diverse number of household products.

Tips for Buying and Using RV Power Cords

• RV power cords come in 15-, 30-, and 50-amp versions. Know what you need before you buy.
• Only buy power cords that are UL-certified for safety.
• Disconnect and store your RV power cord when you’re not using your RV in order to promote a longer lifespan.
• Regularly check connections and the cord itself to assess for wear and tear or damage that would make using your power cord unsafe.
• Make sure that your power cord runs from your RV to the power pedestal without any kinks to ensure proper function and flow of power.
• Try not to combine too many extension cords together, as this will diminish the overall power capacity that the cords can push to your rig.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a special extension cord for an RV?

Yes. RV power cords have specially designed plugs and power needs that aren’t compatible with regular outdoor extension cords. You’ll need to get one that’s specifically meant for RV use.

Q. How much should I spend on a quality RV power cord?

The amount you spend when buying a quality RV power cord will depend on the brand and model. Some brands are very expensive, while others are relatively cheaper.

Q: What’s the difference between a 30-amp and a 50-amp RV hookup?

A 30-amp RV power cord has three prongs and is suitable for lower power requirements. A 50-amp RV power cord has four prongs that are capable of supplying two separate 50-amp feeds to meet higher power needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a great combination of durability, functionality, and price, the Houseables 50 Amp RV Extension Cord won’t disappoint.