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Topic: Power cord reel (Read 1335 times) previous topic - next topic

Power cord reel

What would the manufacturer of the power cord reel in 2000 GV2000?  It is red, I am unsure if it is electric or run by a spring.

Lynn

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #1 –
Howdy Lynn, 
  In my '00 U320 the Red Power Cord reel was : TDI Shoreline Reel Model #RV5036
TDI company is no longer in business and was bought by TDC :  Shoreline Reels® | Technology Research, LLC
Here's a cut/paste from an email from TDC:
"Hello,
Thank you for contacting TRC.
TDI was the original manufacture of this reel and TRC had purchased the SHORLINE name.  Unfortunately there is no schematic for the older model reel at TRC.
The rivets may be removed to further trouble shoot. The only part available for this unit is the replacement motor"

After repairing the power reel a couple of times, I finally removed and just manually coil the power cord in/out.  I actually like this better, as this method frees up some space in the utility bay.
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #2 –
Dave,
Was it a big deal to get the reel out, and reconnect to power?  It appears to be held in by 4 accessible bolts, I am unsure about disconnecting power and reconnecting. 

Thanks,
Lynn

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Lynnsopwith –
Dave,
Was it a big deal to get the reel out, and reconnect to power?  It appears to be held in by 4 accessible bolts, I am unsure about disconnecting power and reconnecting. 
Thanks,
Lynn
Howdy Lynn, 
    The short answer is: Not a big deal to physically remove the power reel, but very important to insure it's wired correctly.  The long answer:  It is extremely important that the power cord be wired correctly.  There are serious safety issues from a mis-wired power cord!!!  You indicated you're unsure about the wiring, if you decide to remove the power reel,  I would strongly suggest you have a qualified RV electrician make the wiring connections.  It cannot be over-stated the dangers from a mis-wired power cord.
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #4 –
If you plan to remove the reel, and make other arrangements for connecting to shore power (hard-wired power cord, or "loose" extension-type cord with plugs on both ends), this would be a good time to invest in a "hard-wired" power protection device.  You will be doing some rewiring anyway, so might as well get it all done (by a qualified electrician) at the same time!  Search this Forum for many discussions on these products.  Here is one well-respected manufacturer:

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #5 –
Chuck

Thank you.

Lynn

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #6 –
If one wants to remove their electric reel, the power cord end needs a plug and the motorhome needs an inlet.  In my strong opinion the only plug/inlet to use is SmartPlug.  We have it on our motorhome and is MUCH safer than the round Hubble-type connector it replaced.

SmartPlug has larger electrical contacts and is locked in place with 4 latches.  It will never loosen like our round plug did.  It even has safety cover for the plug to keep debris out and protect a live cord.

Here is our installation write-up:
SmartPlug 50 Amp Shore Power Cable Installation

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #7 –
Looks like a neat setup, but just had a thought.

Wonder how much destruction would occur if someone (like me) would "accidently" drive off without unplugging? It seems like a much more secure connection but would same amount of destruction happen with either connector?

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #8 –
Quote
Wonder how much destruction would occur if someone (like me) would "accidently" drive off without unplugging?
Not sure about the SmartPlug but that happened to me with a regular (non-reel) plug. Foretravel, while working on something else, backed the coach out and ripped that sucker right out. They replaced the plug and all was well. Two days later I discovered a crack in my black tank which is a whole other story. Was the crack related to the cord incident? Who knows? During the same visit, Foretravel installed a power reel for me, however, I had not requested a reel. In that it was already installed, they gave me a big discount on the reel (about what you would pay for one online). Unfortunately, after a close look at the work I had to redo the installation when I got the rig home. Anyhow, after all is said and done, I love that darn electric reel!
jor

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #9 –
Thank you for your email.  Unfortunately we do not have parts available for the RV5036 as it has been obsolete for many years and was obsolete prior to us acquiring the product line from the previous company, TDI.  I also know that they no longer have parts for it either.  If you would like to replace your reel with one that we currently manufacture then the direct replacement would be CC50D01R-SR.  You may contact one of our distributors, JS Marketing, at 866-204-7049 for pricing.  This reel is also available as a special order through Camping World

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #11 –
Question is, if installing for the first time (no previous reel) is there a junction box on the other side of the wall within 4 feet (since they provide a 4 foot pigtail)?

Or should one just reuse the Marinco connection? My 95 was not optioned with reels.

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #12 –
Quote
is there a junction box on the other side of the wall within 4 feet
There wasn't on my 95, Dave. I installed one on the wall inside the wet bay and passed the cord from the reel through the vent into the box. There I connected the factory cord. There was just enough factory wire to get it there. I intend to modify this one of these days by passing the pigtail directly through the compartment wall and adding to the factory wire so I can route it more cleanly on both sides. You will really enjoy your new reel.

One disadvantage of our setup is that the power cord just hangs out the side so the compartment door is always ajar when plugged in. No way I can figure to route it to avoid this short of some heavy duty mods.
jor
 

Re: Power cord reel

Reply #13 –
Thanks! Exactly what I was looking for!