I moved my coach without unplugging it this morning (NOT wise!) and damaged the male plug as well as the socket. Here are pictures showing the damage. What can I do to fix these problems?
Here's the cord end...
I'd replace both.
Right, but is this something someone with little electrical knowledge -- and very few tools -- can do his or herself?
May sound trite, but only you know if this is within YOUR skill set. Not complex, but doing it wrong can have big/loud results!
Slim,
The short answer is Yes. You should need both new ends, some have converted to the new style like Barry of Barry & Cindy and some have just went with the same type. Your style does need to be updated as the new ones have better contact areas. Here is a link to the Smart Plug SmartPlug makes 50-amp RVs safer | RV Daily Report (http://rvdailyreport.com/products/smartplug-makes-50-amp-rvs-safer/) give it a look over.
Now really all you will need is a flat & Philips screwdrivers, side cutter, knife and instruction from the new plug.
When you find the new plug several of us here can walk you through the changeout if you get stumped. The thing is only you will know if you are confident with your skill set to get the job done even with long distance help.
Mike
Thank you Brett and Mike. I will do this myself and you have given me the info I need to proceed.
Slim,
If you decide the Smart Plug is for you I think Barry did a how to post on this. I will try to find it and post a link.
Mike
Don't feel too bad, DS. Foretravel did the same thing to my last coach. More damage though.
jor
Slim,
Here is the thread New style Smartplug shore cable plug (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=21830.0)
Even if you don't use this companies product the info for you, as to how to do it, will apply.
Mike
Thank you Mike and Barry and jor. My excuse is I am very rarely plugged in and I had a "helper" guiding me out of his driveway this morning.
We are very familiar with Smart Plug and are happy to help you.
For sharing with Forum send Forum message, but our direct email could work better with attachments. First names likely work better among friends, why not add yours to your signature.
I drove out our driveway, looked out the driver's side mirror and couldn't figure out what that black thing bouncing along behind us was. This was about six blocks late. Replaced both male & female parts. Better safe than sorry.
Smart plug . We love ours.
Just disconnect one wire at a time so you don't get lost. Take a picture before you start so you can refer to it. Here is a wiring diagram that might help.
Keith
Here is what the back side of the coach plug looks like, well sort of. there should be a flange with 4 screws holding it to the wall, I will remove them next weekend ::)
New rule for me, if I am going to release the park brake get up and go do a walk around. This little ah shucks moment cost me over $300 last Friday
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Foretravel/Forums-post-1/i-88QmfdQ/0/5f4672bd/L/20180925_160353-L.jpg)
It's an EPIDEMIC!
As long as people are confessing, I did the deed and caused a good deal of damage to the power cord reel several years ago. After making repairs, I made up a little reminder thing that I put on my steering wheel whenever I am plugged in.
I used the cord from some old appliance that no longer worked. I snipped the wire in such a way that the conductors retracted slightly into the insulation so that if some idiot actually plugged it no one will be harmed. I zip tied the short cord in a loop and just cinch it onto the wheel.
So far it has kept me out of trouble.
Some have made a simple alarm to let the driver know the shore power cord is still plugged in
:
120-volt relay that closes when shore power cable is energized and a
12-volt sounding alarm that is energized when ignition is on AND 120-volt relay is closed.
A manual defeat switch will be useful when temporarily turning on ignition to check something while still plugged in.
Confessions are good for the soul. I have done it twice. Both times were at FOT. The water hook up was a little bit more dramatic. Now when we hook up I have a little red clip that I bought at Harbor freight on the steering wheel. So far I have not forgotten what the red clip is for and so I have not pulled it for the third time.
After thoroughly investigating this problem and exploring my options, I went with replacing what was broken. (the $34.99 Amazon solution)
50 AMP RV Trailer Marine Power Cord Power Inlet - Female Twist locking... (https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Marine-Power-Cord-Inlet/dp/B077YVWCRB/ref=asc_df_B077YVWCRB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242041198988&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2098441602112543529&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030355&hvtargid=pla-426269118884&psc=1)