6 Best RV Power Cord Reels For Easy Deployment That Declutter Your Life
Effortlessly manage your heavy RV power cord. We review the 6 best reels for quick deployment and tidy storage, simplifying your campsite setup.
Wrestling a stiff, cold 50-amp power cord back into a cramped storage bay is a frustrating ritual for too many RVers. It’s dirty, awkward, and the last thing you want to deal with when breaking down camp on a rainy morning. This single, repetitive task can sour an otherwise perfect trip, turning a moment of departure into a chore.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why a Cord Reel is a Non-Negotiable RV Upgrade
Let’s be honest: your shore power cord is one of the most essential, and most annoying, pieces of gear you own. A quality cord reel transforms this liability into a seamless part of your setup process. It’s not just about being tidy; it’s about reclaiming time and eliminating a major point of friction in your RV life.
The benefits go beyond simple organization. A reel keeps your expensive power cord protected from kinks, abrasions, and being stepped on, significantly extending its lifespan. It also keeps you and your storage bays clean by containing the dirt, mud, and road grime that inevitably coat the cord. For me, this isn’t a luxury item—it’s a fundamental upgrade that pays you back every single time you connect or disconnect from shore power.
MORryde Easy-Reel: The All-Around Favorite Pick
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.
The MORryde Easy-Reel hits the sweet spot for the vast majority of RVers. It’s a simple, robust, manual reel that just plain works. The design is a large, open spool with a straightforward hand crank, making it incredibly easy to wind up even a heavy 50-amp cord without a fight.
What makes the MORryde a standout is its versatility and build quality. It can be mounted on the floor of a storage bay, on a slide-out tray, or even hung from the "ceiling" of the compartment, adapting to almost any rig’s layout. Constructed from solid steel, it feels substantial and is clearly built to last. This isn’t a flimsy plastic gadget; it’s a permanent solution that balances cost, durability, and ease of use perfectly.
Glendinning Cablemaster: Premium Motorized Choice
This 75' white marine shore power cable provides 125/250V, 50A service for Glendinning CableMaster systems. It features a durable STOW #6/4 wire and a Hubbell SS2-50 male end for reliable connections.
For those who want the ultimate in convenience, the Glendinning Cablemaster is the gold standard. This is a fully motorized reel that extends and retracts your heavy shore power cord with the simple push of a button. It completely eliminates the physical effort of managing the cord, which can be a game-changer for full-timers or those with mobility concerns.
The Cablemaster is a premium product, and its price and installation complexity reflect that. This isn’t a simple bolt-in accessory; it requires dedicated 12V wiring and is often installed by professionals or experienced DIYers. But the payoff is an effortless, almost magical experience. If your goal is to remove every possible hassle from the setup and teardown process, the Glendinning is an investment in pure, unadulterated convenience.
Shoreline Reels: A Durable, Mountable Solution
Easily store and access your drinking water hose with the Southwire Shoreline Reel. This reel keeps your hose organized and protected from damage.
Shoreline Reels are the workhorses of the cord reel world. They are known for their incredibly durable, no-frills construction, often featuring heavy-gauge steel and a focus on long-term reliability. Think of this as an industrial-grade solution designed to be permanently mounted and then forgotten about because it’s just that dependable.
While similar in concept to other manual reels, Shoreline often feels a bit more rugged and utilitarian. They offer various models, including both hand-crank and motorized versions, but their reputation is built on the strength of their manual units. For the RVer who prioritizes bombproof construction over sleek aesthetics and wants a "buy it for life" component, a Shoreline reel is an excellent choice. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the simplest and strongest design is the best.
Southwire Elite: Top Portable Cord Reel Option
Not everyone wants to permanently mount a reel in their storage bay. The Southwire Elite Portable Cord Reel is the answer for those who value flexibility. This unit is a self-contained, free-standing reel that you can simply place in your bay, pull out at the campsite, and use to neatly manage your cord.
Easily store and organize extension cords up to 125 feet with this heavy-duty cord reel. Its lightweight design and easy-grip wheel ensure fast, tangle-free winding for your workshop, garage, or garden.
The biggest advantage here is the lack of installation. You buy it, you put your cord on it, and you’re done. This also means you can easily use it for other long cords around your home or property, not just your RV shore power line. The tradeoff, of course, is that it isn’t secured. It can slide around in your bay and still needs to be lifted in and out, but for a simple, effective, and non-permanent solution, it’s tough to beat.
Spoolin’ Smart: Simple, Effective Manual Winding
Sometimes the most elegant solution is the simplest. The Spoolin’ Smart isn’t a reel with a crank and a mounting bracket; it’s a cleverly designed plastic spool that makes winding your cord by hand a thousand times easier. You simply place the cord in the center grip and use the large, ergonomic handle to quickly wrap the cord into a perfect, tangle-free loop.
This is the perfect option for the budget-conscious RVer or someone with limited space. It solves the core problem—messy, tangled cords—for a fraction of the price of a mechanical reel. It’s lightweight, durable, and takes up minimal space. While it doesn’t offer the mechanical advantage of a crank, it provides structure and control, turning a frustrating task into a quick, two-minute job. It’s a massive upgrade from coiling by hand.
Reelcraft 30000 Series: Heavy-Duty Reliability
When you need something that can withstand the rigors of full-time use or even commercial applications, you look to Reelcraft. The 30000 series is an industrial-grade power cord reel designed for constant, demanding deployment and retraction. Made from heavy-duty steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coat finish, this thing is built to outlast your RV.
This level of durability comes at a cost in both price and weight, making it overkill for the casual weekend camper. But for a full-timer who is plugging and unplugging hundreds of times a year, or for use in a mobile workshop or commercial vehicle, the investment in Reelcraft’s reliability is well worth it. It’s a professional-grade tool for those who demand the absolute most from their equipment.
Key Factors for Choosing Your Perfect Cord Reel
Choosing the right reel comes down to your specific rig, budget, and how you travel. There is no single "best" option, only the best option for you. Before you buy, think through these key factors to ensure you get a solution that truly makes your life easier.
Consider these trade-offs carefully:
- Manual vs. Motorized: This is the biggest decision. Manual reels are reliable, affordable, and easy to install. Motorized reels offer supreme convenience but come with a high price tag and require electrical installation.
- Mounted vs. Portable: Do you want a reel permanently fixed in a storage bay for grab-and-go ease? Or do you prefer a portable unit that offers flexibility but must be moved around? Your storage bay layout will heavily influence this choice.
- Cord Compatibility (30A vs. 50A): This is crucial. A 50-amp cord is significantly thicker, heavier, and less flexible than a 30-amp cord. Ensure the reel you choose is explicitly rated to handle the size and length of your specific cord.
- Build Materials: Reels are generally made of plastic or steel. Plastic is lighter and cheaper but less durable. Steel is heavier and more expensive but offers lifetime durability, making it a better choice for permanently mounted solutions.
Ultimately, a power cord reel is an investment in a smoother, more enjoyable RV experience. By removing one of the most common setup and teardown frustrations, you free up mental energy and physical effort to focus on what matters: the adventure itself. Choose the one that fits your style, and you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.
