Aftermarket 50A electric cord reel

[BandMedic]

Has anyone added an aftermarket 50A cord reel to their 5er? My dealer said they could add one from Shoreline Reels for around $1,100. It would be hard wired to the camper and have electric cord retrieval. I would only have to unreel the amount I would need when I hook everything up.

They also said they could install a reel that had a detachable cord for about $600. but I would have to unreel the entire cord whenever I wanted to use it. Again, it would have electrical cord retrieval.

My electrical connection is at the back of the camper and the hookup panels are generally midship. I have enough cord to run between the two and seldom have more than 2 or 3 feet left over, but the thing is just so unwieldy to coil up and have look nice for when I put it back in the basement. (Yes, my OCD is probably an issue here, but it's easier to live with OCD than fight it!)

Does anybody have any experience with anything like this? Any suggestions for the cord reel?

[wingnut60]

There are some 50A cords available that have a better covering--it is easier to coil up when cold, I understand. I could put up with a lot of hassle with the coiling for $1100.
Joe

[Motor31]

I have a thirty foot 50 amp extension cord I carry as the one provided by the RV manufacturer was too short to reach the power box on about half of the parks we stay at. I use an old milk crate to carry the cord. I coil it inside the crate so it is a nice compact package in the basement. The best part was that the milk crate was free. Can't beat the price.

[RickandJanice]

There are some 50A cords available that have a better covering--it is easier to coil up when cold, I understand. I could put up with a lot of hassle with the coiling for $1100.
Joe

Joe, the cord you are referring to has to be made up. The cable is type SO or SOO depending on the manufacturer and some stores call it Service Only or Generator Cable. The 50 Amp rated wire is 6 gage. When buying this type cable, you need to purchase the 4 conductor cable also referred to as SO 6/4. This will have the exact same color code as the power cord that come with RV's. SO type cable will stay completely flexible to -10 degrees and is also lighter weight. Runs about 4.25 -4.50 per foot, ends will run about 6.00 - 10.00 each depending on choice. I agree that a longer, lighter and more flexible power cable is allot less than a cable reel, and you can make any length you want. I converted the old cord into an extension cord in case we ever need it, but with the new cord as long as the rig, this will hopefully be very little.

[wingnut60]

Rick,
Thanks for the added info--think I'm going to check this type cable out when back from AK
Joe