Extension cord question

[TNReb]

I need a new extension cord to use for charging when traveling.

I was going to buy a 100ft 10 gauge. The majority of the time, 50ft will probably be enough. Is there any disadvantage (less power) of plugging two 50ft 10g cables together when needed instead of having one 100ft long cable?

I'm just going with 10g because that's what MinnKota recommendeds for 100ft.

Also - anyone got a good reel to recommend to keep things organized? Hard to tell what is junk and what will work well by just looking online.

Edit: bonus points for anyone who can point me towards a cord that's made in the USA.

[Transom]

Practically probably not. Technically yes the extra connection will cause a voltage drop.

[Woody b]

Regarding a made in the USA cord. Look carefully at the packaging. I've seen stuff that has big "USA" markings that wasn't made in the USA. It would say something like "Company based in the USA.

There's no disadvantage to using two 50 foot cords. 10 gauge is overkill, but I suppose that's OK. 12 gauge will handle anything you can plug into a normal household outlet for 100 feet.

[tdt91]

cord reels suck. learn to loop the cord and put a keeper around it. 12 gauge is plenty.

[DewRonInc]

10 ga can handle up to 30 amps, no voltage drop to charger, I use 10 or 12 either

[Mcjenson]

12 gauge would be plenty, they don’t have high draw for long.

[GEL]

cord reels suck. learn to loop the cord and put a keeper around it. 12 gauge is plenty.

I have used these for years and love them. I rig it so the male end comes off first. In the morning, just reel and walk to the plugin and done! About $10.00 at Home Depot.

Screenshot 2022-01-16 221124.jpg

[1ranger487vs]

Used one like that and didn’t need an the cord started to melt the reel heating it up like a transformer. Never again. Glad I caught it

[randy_almeida]

I keep 3 extension cords in my truck:
100’ x 10 gauge
50’ x 12
25’ x 12
It seems like every time I need to use the 100’ cord there is always someone that wants to plug into it.

[TampaJim]

I'll expect my deposit promptly.

https://www.amazon.com/AgriPro-South.../dp/B07Q68Y8S9

[Redngoo]

Make your own.

[chatabass]

Go buy 100' ROMEX 12 ga, cut it to the length you need, wire plugs to both end, done.

[friogatto]

I have a bunch of these reels and they do OK. Will hold 100ft 12ga. Appears Lowes switched from the yellow ones to the red ones. not sure what the difference is.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bayco-100-f...anizer/1214695

Southwire is still made in USA
12ga 100ft
https://www.amazon.com/Southwire-254...%2C222&sr=8-11

[TroyBoy30]

I'll expect my deposit promptly.

https://www.amazon.com/AgriPro-South.../dp/B07Q68Y8S9

i just got a 10/3 100 foot rated for 20 amps from lowes for cheaper

[jeffreydavisjr]

I use a 100 foot cheap cable from Walmart... It's 16 gauge. Been using it with my Minn Kota Precision Charger for 2 years and I haven't never had a bit of trouble.

[spinningchicken]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwir...-205544538-_-N

[mean_dean]

I have used these for years and love them. I rig it so the male end comes off first. In the morning, just reel and walk to the plugin and done! About $10.00 at Home Depot.

Screenshot 2022-01-16 221124.jpg

I use one of these to keep my anchor/boat rope organized in my boat.

[Thamelau]

Go buy 100' ROMEX 12 ga, cut it to the length you need, wire plugs to both end, done.

That seems like it would be pain to wind up/unwind. I also don't mean to be a "strictly by the book" guy, but that stuff isn't meant for continuous bending/unbending or any movement/abrasion really. Seems like this is would be a pain to deal with in the short term and then not very reliable in the long term with a higher potential for danger.

[krindgen]

Go buy 100' ROMEX 12 ga, cut it to the length you need, wire plugs to both end, done.

ROMEX is solid copper. You'd need copper stranded wire to make an extension cord. 100ft of anything isn't great for charging. I'd go with two 50 footers. I have one that is almost 30yrs old that I bought from an electrician. Insulated cable, and it's still in great shape. He made them on the side. Only thing I've had to do is put one new connector on it in all that time.

[Mcjenson]

That seems like it would be pain to wind up/unwind. I also don't mean to be a "strictly by the book" guy, but that stuff isn't meant for continuous bending/unbending or any movement/abrasion really. Seems like this is would be a pain to deal with in the short term and then not very reliable in the long term with a higher potential for danger.

100%. SO cord is the only acceptable wire for making your own extension cords, but after buying SO cord and plug ends, the pre built are often cheaper.