7 RV Power Cord Storage Solutions That Maximize Every Inch
Reclaim your RV’s storage! This guide details 7 power cord solutions, from compact reels to clever DIY options, for a tidy, tangle-free setup.
There’s a moment every RVer knows well: standing in the rain, wrestling a cold, muddy 50-amp power cord that has all the flexibility of a frozen snake. That heavy, unwieldy cord is your lifeline to comfort, but managing it can be one of the most frustrating parts of setting up or breaking down camp. Finding the right storage solution isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about saving your back, protecting your expensive equipment, and reclaiming precious space in an already tight environment.
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Taming the "Power Snake": Cord Storage Basics
That thick black cord is more than just a wire; it’s a critical, and expensive, piece of your RV’s electrical system. Leaving it tangled on the floor of a storage bay invites damage. The plugs can get crushed, the sheathing can get nicked, and moisture can lead to corrosion. Proper storage is preventative maintenance.
The first step is understanding what you’re working with. A 50-amp cord is significantly heavier and stiffer than a 30-amp cord, which directly impacts how you’ll want to handle it. A solution that works beautifully for a lightweight 30-amp cord might be completely impractical for a 35-foot, 50-amp beast, especially in cold weather when the casing becomes rigid.
Before you buy anything, ask yourself three questions. First, what’s your budget? Solutions range from a few dollars to several hundred. Second, where will it live? Do you have a dedicated, empty spot in a pass-through bay, or are you trying to squeeze it into an already-packed compartment? Finally, how much physical effort are you willing to exert every time you connect or disconnect? Answering these honestly will point you toward the right tool for the job.
MORryde Cord Reel: The Ultimate Automated Solution
Effortlessly store your 30 or 50 Amp power cord with the MORryde Easy Reel. Its compact design maximizes storage space while the smooth reel operation prevents strain. Installation is simple with just four screws.
If you value convenience above all else, the motorized cord reel is the undisputed king. The MORryde Cord Reel is a popular, robust option that takes all the physical labor out of the equation. It’s typically mounted inside a large storage bay and wired directly to your RV’s 12-volt system.
With the push of a button, the reel smoothly winds up your heavy power cord, layering it perfectly every time. No coiling, no twisting, no fighting a dirty cord. This is a game-changer for full-time RVers who move frequently or for anyone with mobility issues that make wrestling a 40-pound cord difficult. It transforms a dreaded chore into a simple, one-handed task.
The convenience, however, comes with significant tradeoffs. This is the most expensive option on the list, often running several hundred dollars plus installation costs if you’re not comfortable wiring it yourself. It also requires permanent, dedicated space. You’re sacrificing a chunk of a storage bay to a single-purpose appliance, a decision that can be tough to make in a smaller rig.
Southwire Shoreline Reel for Manual Winding Power
Easily store and access your drinking water hose with the Southwire Shoreline Reel. This reel keeps your hose organized and protected from damage.
For those who want the organization of a reel without the cost and complexity of a motorized system, a manual reel is the perfect middle ground. The Southwire Shoreline Reel offers a simple, effective way to manage your cord. It’s essentially a large spool with a hand crank, allowing you to neatly wind your cord with a fraction of the effort of coiling it by hand.
The mechanical advantage of the crank makes a huge difference. It gives you the leverage needed to control a stiff cord, guiding it onto the reel without creating kinks or tangles. Because it requires no electrical connection, installation is much simpler. You can bolt it to the floor of a storage bay or even leave it as a portable unit that you take out when needed.
This solution provides a massive upgrade in organization and ease-of-use over a loose cord for a much lower investment than a motorized reel. The primary tradeoff is the physical effort. You still have to turn the crank, but it’s far less strenuous than manhandling the entire length of the cord. It strikes a fantastic balance between price, convenience, and functionality.
Camco PowerGrip Cord Bag: Simple and Protective
Extend your RV or EV power with this durable 50-foot, 30-amp extension cord. Featuring 10-gauge copper wiring, heat-resilient PVC coating, and secure grip handles, it ensures reliable and safe connections.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. The Camco PowerGrip Cord Bag is exactly what it sounds like: a durable, purpose-built bag designed to hold and protect your shore power cord. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss approach that gets the job done without any installation or modification to your RV.
The bag’s main job is containment and protection. It keeps your coiled cord from unspooling all over the storage bay and shields it from UV rays, dirt, and moisture. A padded handle makes carrying the heavy cord easier, and the cylindrical shape is relatively space-efficient. You simply coil your cord, drop it in, and zip it up.
Of course, the bag doesn’t solve the core problem of coiling the cord in the first place. You still have to do that manually. But for weekend campers or those on a tight budget, it’s an incredibly effective, low-cost solution. It provides excellent protection for your cord and keeps your storage bay tidy for less than the cost of a dinner out.
Cordpro CP-100: A Tangle-Free Cord Organizer
The Cordpro is a clever piece of gear that tackles the "tangle" problem head-on. It’s a donut-shaped organizer that allows you to wind your cord into an internal channel. The magic is how it dispenses the cord: you can pull either end out from the center of the reel, and the rest of the cord stays neatly spooled inside. No more bird’s nests.
This design is brilliant for situations where you don’t need the full length of your cord. You can pull out just the 10 feet you need to reach the pedestal, leaving the rest securely contained. It completely eliminates the frustrating task of untangling a messy pile of wire before you can even get started.
The main consideration is capacity. While it works wonders for 30-amp cords and standard extension cords, a large and bulky 50-amp RV cord can be a very tight fit, making it difficult to wind. For owners of smaller rigs or those looking to organize their extra extension cords, the Cordpro is an elegant and highly functional solution to a common annoyance.
Lippert Under-Chassis Tray for Permanent Storage
Maximize RV storage with this durable under-chassis bin. It holds up to 100 lbs and features a spring-loaded latch for easy access.
Storage space is the ultimate currency in an RV, and every square inch counts. The Lippert Under-Chassis Tray is a unique solution designed to create storage out of thin air by utilizing the dead space on your RV’s frame. This metal tray mounts directly to the I-beams under your rig, providing a dedicated, slide-out home for your power cord.
The primary benefit is huge: you reclaim an entire section of your primary storage bay. By moving the power cord outside the main compartment, you free up that valuable real estate for camp chairs, grills, or other bulky gear. The cord is kept out of sight and out of the way until you need it.
This solution isn’t for everyone. It requires a permanent installation that involves drilling into your RV’s frame, a task that can be intimidating for the average DIYer. The cord is also more exposed to the elements and road grime, though the tray itself offers decent protection. For those comfortable with the installation and desperate for more bay storage, it’s a brilliant, space-maximizing modification.
VELCRO Brand Straps: A Versatile, Low-Cost Fix
Never underestimate the power of a good strap. While not a complete storage system on its own, a set of heavy-duty VELCRO Brand straps is one of the most useful, versatile, and inexpensive tools in any RVer’s arsenal. For just a few dollars, you can solve the most immediate cord problem: keeping it from unspooling.
After coiling your power cord, simply wrap one or two of these wide, sturdy straps around it and cinch it tight. This transforms a loose, unruly pile into a tight, manageable bundle. The bundle can then be placed in a storage bay, a bin, or a bag without fear of it springing open and creating a tangled mess.
Think of these straps as the foundational layer of cord management. They work perfectly in conjunction with other solutions. Use a strap before putting the cord in a Camco bag for an even tidier package. Use one to secure a hose. Use another to bundle your leveling blocks. Their value-to-cost ratio is off the charts, making them a must-have item for every RVer, regardless of their primary storage method.
The 5-Gallon Bucket: A Classic DIY Storage Hack
You can’t talk about practical RV solutions without mentioning the humble 5-gallon bucket. This is the ultimate DIY, budget-friendly storage hack that has been used by campers for decades. The method is as simple as it gets: coil your cord and drop it into the bucket. Done.
For a slight upgrade, some RVers drill a 2-inch hole in the side of the bucket near the bottom. You can then feed the female end of the cord out through the hole, leaving the rest of the cord coiled inside. When you get to a campsite, you can plug that end into your RV and pull just enough of the male end out of the top to reach the power pedestal, leaving the bucket as a tidy dispenser.
This method is undeniably effective and costs next to nothing. The bucket is waterproof, durable, and can be used for countless other tasks. The downside is its inefficiency with space. A round bucket leaves a lot of dead air around it in a square storage bay. It’s pure, unadulterated function over form, but you can’t argue with its price or simplicity.
Ultimately, the best power cord solution is the one that fits your RV, your budget, and your tolerance for hassle. Whether you invest in a high-tech motorized reel or simply tame the snake with a bucket and a strap, taking control of your cord management will make every arrival and departure just a little bit smoother. Choose the system that gets you back to what you’re really there for: enjoying the journey.
