As an RV technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of tangled, dirty, and damaged power cords. It’s a common problem for RVers, but it’s one that can be easily solved with the right equipment. A quality power cord reel can make setting up and breaking down camp a breeze, and it can also protect your expensive power cord from damage. I remember a customer, a full-time RVer named Bob, who was constantly struggling with his 50-amp power cord. It was heavy, bulky, and always seemed to get tangled. We installed a motorized power cord reel in his motorhome, and it was a game-changer. He could deploy and retract his power cord with the push of a button, and it was always neatly stored and protected. After countless installations and side-by-side comparisons, I’ve learned what separates a durable, high-performance power cord reel from one that will leave you with a tangled mess. This guide is the culmination of that experience, designed to help you choose the best power cord reels and cable management systems for your specific needs.
For those in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of my top recommendations. Each of these has been selected for its reliability, durability, and overall value.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed reviews of each product. I’ve installed and tested all of these, and they each bring something unique to the table.
Best for: A powerful and reliable motorized power cord reel for your 50-amp power cord.
When it comes to motorized power cord reels, Shoreline Reels is a name that is synonymous with quality and reliability. This 50-amp power cord reel is a top-of-the-line product that is designed for years of trouble-free service.
A customer who was a disabled veteran came to me for help making his RV more accessible. He had trouble with his balance and was worried about tripping over his power cord. We installed this Shoreline Reels power cord reel in his motorhome, and it made a world of difference. He was able to deploy and retract his power cord with the push of a button, and he no longer had to worry about tripping over a tangled mess of cords.
It’s made from heavy-duty steel and is powder-coated for corrosion resistance. The powerful 12V motor can deploy and retract your power cord with the push of a button, and the included remote control makes it easy to operate from a distance.
The reel also features a manual override in case of a power failure, so you’ll never be stranded with your power cord stuck in the reel. The motor is also surprisingly quiet, so you won’t disturb your neighbors when you are setting up or breaking down camp.
Buy Shoreline Reels Motorized 50 Amp Power Cord Reel
Best for: A premium, feature-rich motorized power cord reel for your 50-amp power cord.
The Glendinning Cablemaster is the Cadillac of power cord reels. This top-of-the-line reel is packed with features that make it the most convenient and easy-to-use power cord reel on the market.
The powerful 12V motor can deploy and retract your power cord with the push of a button, and the included remote control makes it easy to operate from a distance. The Cablemaster also features a unique “PowerSafe” design that automatically disconnects the power to the cord when it is fully retracted, which is a great safety feature. The reel also features a built-in guide that ensures your power cord is always neatly and evenly wound on the reel.
A customer who was a luxury coach owner wanted the best of the best for his new motorhome. He was a tech enthusiast and loved all the latest gadgets. We installed this Glendinning Cablemaster in his motorhome, and he was blown away by all of the features. He loved the remote control, the PowerSafe design, and the built-in guide.
The reel is also very well-built, with a rugged aluminum housing that is designed to withstand the rigors of the road. The remote control is also very well-designed, with a large, easy-to-read screen that shows the status of the reel.
Buy Glendinning CRRA50-12-36-PS Cablemaster Motorized 50A PowerSafe Cord Reel
Best for: A simple and affordable manual power cord reel for your 30 or 50-amp power cord.
Not everyone needs a motorized power cord reel. For those who are on a budget or who don’t mind a little bit of manual labor, the MORryde Easy Reel Spooler is a great option.
This simple and effective reel is designed to make it easy to wind up your power cord. You simply place the reel on the ground, insert the end of your power cord, and turn the handle.
The reel will neatly and evenly wind up your power cord, and the included carrying strap makes it easy to transport.
For those on a tight budget, this is a simple and affordable way to manage your power cord. It is much easier than trying to coil a power cord by hand, and it is so lightweight and easy to store.
It’s a great value for the price, and it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants a simple and effective way to manage their power cord. The reel is also very durable, and it will last for years with proper care.
Buy MORryde Easy Reel Spooler 30/50 Amp 30 ft Power Cord Storage
Best for: A versatile and affordable caddy for your fresh water hose and power cord.
The Stromberg Carlson Fresh Water Hose and Power Cord Caddy is a great way to keep your fresh water hose and power cord organized and easy to transport. This caddy can hold up to 75 feet of fresh water hose or 50 feet of 30-amp power cord. The caddy is made from a durable, UV-stabilized polymer, and the built-in handle makes it easy to carry. The caddy also features a convenient spout that makes it easy to drain your fresh water hose before storing it.
A family with three young children was always struggling to keep their campsite organized. Their fresh water hose and power cord were always in a tangled mess, and it was a constant source of frustration. We set them up with this Stromberg Carlson caddy, and they were very happy with the results. They said it was much easier to keep their hoses and cords organized, and they loved the fact that it was so lightweight and easy to store.
It’s a great value for the price, and it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants a simple and effective way to manage their hoses and cords. The caddy is also very easy to clean, and it won’t crack or fade over time.
Buy Stromberg Carlson Fresh Water Hose and Power Cord Caddy
The MORryde Easy Reel Spooler offers a straightforward, practical solution for winding power cords without hassle. To use it, you place the unit on the ground, feed in the end of the cord and rotate the handle. The cord wraps smoothly and evenly around the reel, and the attached carry strap makes it convenient to move and store.
One solo traveller, a retired woman, was searching for an economical and uncomplicated way to handle her power cable. She wanted to avoid wrestling with a long, heavy cord and found this reel far easier than coiling it manually. She particularly appreciated how light the spooler was and how little space it took up when not in use.
Overall, it offers excellent value for money and is well suited to anyone looking for a no-frills, reliable cord-management option. Assembly is quick and simple thanks to clear instructions, and the handle is designed for comfort, providing a secure grip during use.
Buy MORryde Easy Reel Spooler
Your RV’s power cord is a critical component of your RV’s electrical system. It’s important to protect your power cord from damage, and a quality power cord reel is a great way to do that.
There are a variety of different types of power cord reels on the market, including motorized reels, manual reels, and caddies. It’s important to choose the right type of reel for your specific needs.
A motorized reel is a great choice for those who want the ultimate in convenience, while a manual reel is a great choice for those who are on a budget. A caddy is a great choice for those who want a simple and effective way to manage their hoses and cords.
The type of reel you need will also depend on the length and gauge of your power cord. A 50-amp power cord is much heavier and bulkier than a 30-amp power cord, so you will need a reel that is designed to handle the extra weight.
Installing a new power cord reel can be a challenging task. If you’re not comfortable with this type of work, I strongly recommend hiring a qualified RV technician.
When installing a new reel, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. It’s also a good idea to inspect your power cord reel regularly for any signs of damage or wear.
I recommend inspecting your power cord reel before every trip, and I also recommend having it professionally inspected at least once a year. It’s also a good idea to clean your power cord regularly to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the reel.
Choosing the right power cord reel and cable management system is a critical decision for any RVer. It’s about more than just convenience; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring a safe and reliable electrical system.
Whether you need the power and convenience of the Shoreline Reels motorized reel, the premium features of the Glendinning Cablemaster, the simplicity of the MORryde Easy Reel Spooler, or the versatility of the Stromberg Carlson caddy, there’s a perfect solution for every RVer.
Investing in a quality power cord reel is one of the most important upgrades you can make, and I’m confident that any of the products in this guide will provide you with years of safe and reliable service.
Don’t let a tangled, dirty, and damaged power cord ruin your next RV trip. Do your research, choose the right equipment for your needs, and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that a quality power cord reel can provide.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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