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Topic: Towed's electric cord (Read 574 times) previous topic - next topic

Towed's electric cord

We have a Blue Ox towing setup. The electrical cord between the Foretravel and the towed doesn't seem to last as long as I think it should. The first Blue Ox cord lasted about two years before I noticed that the outer sheath was disintegrating. At about the same time the adapter for the towed's lights also failed, so both were replaced. I elected to have a powered adapter put it, and it seems to be working fine, but the Blue Ox cable has failed again. This time it was corrosion. Again, about two years in.

A new cable is on order and will be here this week. This time I went with a different brand that has a molded connector on each end AND has a built-in 7-to-6 adapter. We'll see how long this one lasts. I think I'm going to start putting the cable inside when not in use, but I'm not sure that that was the cause of the failures. I think the design may have more to do with it, as the ends of the Blue Ox cables come off by simply removing one small screw and loosening a larger one.

How long do your cables last?

Re: Towed's electric cord

Reply #1 –
I have one that lasted 10 years and another that is on year 7.
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Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
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Re: Towed's electric cord

Reply #2 –
I use two ball bungees. One toward each end of our Blue Ox Cable. I try to leave the slack on the ends by supporting the cable by wrapping the bungee cords around the cable AND my Blue Ox Tow Bar.
Seems to work as I now have about 7 years use on the cable.
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Re: Towed's electric cord

Reply #3 –
I don't recall what year we moved from Roadmaster Sterling to Blue Ox Aventa LX, but it was at least 8 years ago and we have never had a cable connector issue.  We don't leave the cable attached to the coach unless we are towing within the next day or so.  It usually spends its off-time in a bag in the toad.

We did have a connector problem with our Sterling's cable connector losing a screw on the strain relief, but that was easily remedied.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Towed's electric cord

Reply #4 –
We don't care for coiled electric cables. We made our own straight cable by running a bunch of wires long enough with some slack along with an air hose, all covered with split loom. Ours has been holding up for 20 years.  Not necessary to buy a pre-made cable.

Re: Towed's electric cord

Reply #5 –

Just ordered this tonight as a backup, never have been happy with the original Roadmaster car mounted 6 connector receptacle.  Too hard to insert, never felt secure, I will update after changing over to this Hopkins.

I too prefer the straight plug, this may be easier to store as a backup.

Hopkins 47054 Endurance Flex-Coil Adapter Kit

Amazon.com: Hopkins 47054 Endurance Flex-Coil Adapter Kit: Automotive


Enduranceâ„¢ Flex-Coilâ„¢ Nite-Glowâ„¢ 7 Blade to 6 Round

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
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Re: Towed's electric cord

Reply #6 –
Jack, that's the cord I ordered. I didn't get the kit, just the cord.
 

Re: Towed's electric cord

Reply #7 –
The cord was due to arrive tomorrow, but it showed up today. I was able to get the car close enough to the rear of the coach to try it. Works great! Thanks to the design of the ends, it will be very easy to remove the cord from both car and Foretravel, and the cord will stay inside when not in use.

Oh yes, this one also has a little light that comes on with the lights to tell you that it is properly connected - just in case you can't see the lights on the towed.