Added new Reelcraft reels

February 13, 2017, 03:48:06 pm

Finished the addition of new Reelcraft power and water reels this weekend. Seeing the pictures and details of similar installations from other members helped in planning ours, so here's more for the next guy.

The power connection between the coach and the reel is a Russellstoll 50 amp waterproof connector. These heavy duty connectors are readily available on Ebay, used, for less than it would have cost for a junction box and terminations. It also maintains the ability to easily disconnect if the reel ever needs to be removed. I would have used the existing Hubbell connector but the twist-lock ring was broken. The new plug ensures the connection will not come loose behind the bay wall. For anyone that has connected #6 wire inside the slip ring cover on a power reel, you know there's not much room in there, the wires are stiff and the wire nuts are very large. The infrared picture, taken under load of both AC's and the water heater, was to make sure all of the connections were good before bolting everything in place. The Russellstoll connector also passed an infrared inspection.

50 amp cable is a 35' pigtail version with integrated handle from Ebay. It's STW insulated, not SOW or SOOW, so I'm hoping it remains flexible. Quality seems fine but not as good as the 25' Marinco that we've always used. That one will be converted into an extension cord.

Also added a Bulkhead Blind Tank Fitting from USI-RV.com for direct fill of the water tank, bypassing the coach piping for quicker fill-ups. Filled 100 gallons in <15 minutes where it used to take easily over an hour. We typically only use water from the tank but the original water connection is still there if needed for running the coach on campground water.

We lost a shelf & a drawer in the trade. That storage space will be partially regained with a small bin in front of the water reel for regularly used fittings & parts. Everything else gets stored in the adjacent Joey Bed.

As usual, the project took a little longer than anticipated but I think it will be a very worthwhile improvement. After fighting power cords and water hoses for the past 11 years, this upgrade ranks 2nd only to our recent residential fridge conversion. Or maybe 3rd, behind the new Magnum inverter with battery monitor & auto gen start. Or 3rd dump valve, VMSPC, upgraded tow bar, LED Lights, aluminum entry step, dedicated charger for engine batteries....... I don't know where it ranks, but it's going to be nice.

Re: Added new Reelcraft reels

Reply #1 – February 13, 2017, 03:57:57 pm

Nice job and a very good write-up.

John

Re: Added new Reelcraft reels

Reply #2 – February 13, 2017, 04:20:53 pm

Excellent install with those backing plates (picture #3). Unlike many installations, they will keep the bottom of the coach (and bulkhead) watertight.

Washers, even fender washers are not adequate-- have seen too many with cracked fiberglass around them which allows water in.

Re: Added new Reelcraft reels

Reply #3 – February 13, 2017, 05:12:30 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 13, 2017, 04:20:53 pm

Washers, even fender washers are not adequate-- have seen too many with cracked fiberglass around them which allows water in.

To that point, the original drawer installed by FT used fender washers on the bolts at the back of its mounting bracket. They were well caulked but after removal it was obvious that the fender washers had created significant indentions and the bolts (non-stainless) were rusted. No other rust, bulkhead or other damage is evident. I'm thinking the caulk must have been added by the PO, who probably stopped what could have easily become a big problem. They have now been repaired with new SS bolts to plug the holes & a marine sealant. Both bolts are visible in the same photo that you mentioned, behind the new backing plates.

Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 12, 2025 ...