ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 26, 2016 17:26:03 GMT -8
Hi I am wondering how many of you upgraded your shore power plug to a modern one during your Reno? Is it hard to do? I am asking because it wasn't on the top of my list but it now appears my husband may have thrown out my cord for my small trailer that I am selling. I'm willing to give the one from my Golden Falcon but only if it's either replaceable or upgradable. Or if someone on here has an old one they are willing to sell at a reasonable price, or trade for something trailer related let me know.
ny help appreciated from your experiences
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Mar 26, 2016 19:25:47 GMT -8
What type of power cord are you referring to, LadyW? Is it the type that runs directly to the breaker box, or the type which plugs into a socket in the side of the wall? I changed out the 15-amp cord on my SC for a 30-amp cord. It is one that wired directly into the box in the closet. The cord shoves in to a space near the wheel well under the closet, through a hatch door in the wall, and just pulls out to plug in.
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 26, 2016 19:31:16 GMT -8
Its the weird old kind on the side of the trailer, that has three weird slots. I am actually super confused by electrical. My tiny Glendale has 15 amp service- with the weird connector that you plug into on the side of the trailer. My new (old) Golden Falcon has 20 amp service - with the weird connector that you plug into on the side of the trailer. Can I take the 20 amp plug and use it on the 15 amp trailer? Or will it fry something? How hard is it to upgrade the connector on an old trailer? I have seen 30 amp systems for sale, but can they work on my 20 amp trailer. You didn't by any chance keep the old cord did you? I'm feeling a bit desperate only because I want to get the little trailer out of our dealership by selling it and I can't do that until I get the power working.
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Mar 26, 2016 19:46:47 GMT -8
I don't believe it will hurt anything at all to run a 20-amp cord into the side to power the 15-amp service. The plugs which connect to shore power should be the same, just the wire itself should be heavier. The incoming cord will not change the fact that the service will still only handle what the box is rated for. A 15-amp breaker will allow for 15-amps total running inside, no matter the gauge of the cord.
I do still have the 15-amp cord from the original, it is put away in the spare parts now, I'll try digging it out and get a photo for you tomorrow.
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 26, 2016 20:10:45 GMT -8
Thanks Ten, That explanation makes sense. If you find the cord and you are willing to sell it, message me on how much you want for it. I will take a photo of the outlet to be sure of what I am dealing with.
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Post by vikx on Mar 26, 2016 20:36:35 GMT -8
Lady W, if it's the inlet I think it is, they are best replaced, as parts are no longer available. Does the inlet say "35 amps" with angled blades? Aladdins came with this type of inlet and the other half is usually worn out. If the little trailer needs the attachment, it would be OK to let the 2nd one go.
I would use a new 30 amp inlet (Furrion or Marinco) rather than try to mess with the old style inlet. They are way cool, but the plug is usually not very sound.
Can you post a photo?
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 26, 2016 21:17:41 GMT -8
I will post a photo tommorow for sure. Thanks I did see the futon outlet. It's really nice. Do you basically just fit it into the old hole?
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Post by vikx on Mar 27, 2016 20:51:05 GMT -8
Might fit; should know more after seeing the inlet. Also, you can loosen and measure what's there. I believe the new inlets take a 1 7/8" hole, but can't remember for sure. I know I had to buy a new hole saw...
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Mar 28, 2016 6:44:38 GMT -8
LadyW, I want to suggest that you have someone knowledgeable inspect your electrical. I would upgrade to a modern plug, but it's just MPO. Something else to consider is that while most campgrounds have multiple outlets on their poles, not all do. I have stayed at campgrounds which only offered 30 and 50 amp connections. At first I thought that was odd, but some campgrounds don't want people plugging regular outdoor extension cords in to power lights or refrigerators or sound systems, basically things that are not self contained in a camper.
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 28, 2016 7:32:12 GMT -8
LadyW, I want to suggest that you have someone knowledgeable inspect your electrical. I would upgrade to a modern plug, but it's just MPO. Something else to consider is that while most campgrounds have multiple outlets on their poles, not all do. I have stayed at campgrounds which only offered 30 and 50 amp connections. At first I thought that was odd, but some campgrounds don't want people plugging regular outdoor extension cords in to power lights or refrigerators or sound systems, basically things that are not self contained in a camper. Thanks... I have a guy here that does our electrical at church. I will ask him to come and look at my system on the new trailer. On my old trailer which I am selling, I will be selling it not only with full disclosure of work still needed, but with the understanding that electrical, and all systems must be tested. The only thing we tested on that little camper was to plug in the shore power and the fridge made ice overnight, so we know the compressor works, but we did not bother connecting propane etc. So I want to make it clear to the new owners, that its important.
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mel
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Post by mel on Mar 28, 2016 10:15:33 GMT -8
What type of power cord are you referring to, LadyW? Is it the type that runs directly to the breaker box, or the type which plugs into a socket in the side of the wall? I changed out the 15-amp cord on my SC for a 30-amp cord. It is one that wired directly into the box in the closet. The cord shoves in to a space near the wheel well under the closet, through a hatch door in the wall, and just pulls out to plug in. Is there any benefit to having one pull out like yours vs. having it plug into the trailer?
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Mar 28, 2016 13:37:48 GMT -8
mel , The only real advantage I can tell is that it was set up this way to start with. Replacing the cord was a matter of opening everything up, however it all went back together and all worked the same with the heavier cord. Even though in some cases you would not have to carry a separate cord around like with the plug-in type hookups (Furrion, etc.), I still do carry an extension as well as a dogbone adapter. This is the original cord that I removed. It is rated for 15-amp service, AWG 14 ga wiring.
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gary350
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Post by gary350 on Mar 28, 2016 16:32:40 GMT -8
What is shore power?
Is that the camp site electric box?
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Mar 28, 2016 17:31:22 GMT -8
What is shore power? Is that the camp site electric box? That's what I was referring to. I may be using that term incorrectly. It's actually a marine term.
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ladywendolyn
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 28, 2016 20:45:45 GMT -8
My understanding is shore power is the electrical connection between your trailer and the campground outlet. So yes as Suzie said its a marine term but campers use it too..
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