ladywendolyn
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1964 Golden Falcon
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 4, 2018 7:21:42 GMT -8
I am starting to move forward in my thinking past just removing rot and into future systems. I am replacing all electrical and upgrading to a 30 amp system. I have looked online for a new system with a chrome cover and they are about $200 with the cord. I don't personally see that as a good investment at this point, although I could see upgrading in the future once all the bills are paid on this little money pit. Here is my question: In the photo below of my trailer, you can see that it has an external aluminum flip down cover over the electrical inlet. Is it possible for me to either buy a cheap aluminum flip cover like that, or reuse the old one by placing a 30 amp inlet behind it? I have included a photo of the basic inlet, but I don't even know if that can be used for a trailer. I do not want a plastic outlet on the side of my vintage trailer, so the main goal is really to find an aluminum cover that does not break the bank, or re-use the existing cover with no guts. I would love to hear your ideas and solutions. Thanks.  |
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shastatom
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I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
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Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
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Post by shastatom on Mar 4, 2018 7:34:57 GMT -8
I put on a screw type cord plastic shore power outlet. It was white and I ended up painting it gray to match the aluminum.
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Jolene
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1964 Aristocrat Li'l Loafer
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Post by Jolene on Mar 4, 2018 7:59:27 GMT -8
1. I think it's a weird placement for the outlet in the first place - maybe someone can shed light on why it is where it is. I'd wonder if I could just move the whole thing (yes, another hole, but if I were doing a full work up like you I'd at least wonder if I could change it or what the benefits would be etc...I'd ask the question).
2. Depending on size, why wouldn't you be able to use what you have? I'd hate to have to replace the cover with plastic if I didn't have to. That said, I *would* if I needed to and didn't want to deal with something expensive over just a cover. I like shastatom's paint it idea.
*PS I know nothing about rewiring or moving from 15to30 - besides the plug looks different*
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Post by vikx on Mar 4, 2018 21:40:37 GMT -8
Do you have a close up of the inlet? Does the existing cord have a normal electrical end? It looks bigger in the photo.
To answer your question, no, you can not put new guts in an old inlet. You can turn it into an outlet, tho. Remove everything and wire an outlet in the box, then use an exterior weatherproof cover. Your choice as to where the new inlet will go.
You can purchase a Furrion 30 amp inlet for 20 dollars and up. It will be paintable, but is not chrome.
Another option is to use a 30 amp cord wired to the breaker box. (configuration matters) Turn the old inlet into an outlet and run the cord down thru the floor or a cargo door. You will need an electrical hatch in that case.
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ladywendolyn
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1964 Golden Falcon
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Post by ladywendolyn on Mar 4, 2018 22:19:35 GMT -8
I emailed you photos. I am going with all new electrical and cords. Just want to use the old silver cover instead of a plastic one.
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Post by vikx on Mar 4, 2018 23:30:03 GMT -8
Hmmm. The inlets like this I have are bakelite (early plastic) on the plate and steel for the cover.
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chriss
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Post by chriss on Mar 10, 2018 8:54:53 GMT -8
Is that the original Bargman inlet? I can't tell from that photo, but they had a 35 amp with a proprietary prong arrangement, and I think a 15 amp version that took a standard plug end.
If you decide to upgrade this, don't throw it out, especially the 35 amp female end. There are purists who would want these.
I don't know why the inlet is up high like that. Mine is the same. I was told that it was common to have an aerial drop vs. a pedestal like you see today, but can't verify that. My breaker panel is directly behind it, so maybe they were just being cheap and saving wire.
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Post by vikx on Mar 10, 2018 21:15:52 GMT -8
Thanks Chriss, LadyW and I have been discussing the rarity of the female end that is no longer available. Mine is cracked and hers is scorched, so I've been pushing for a whole new 30 amp set up.
These old 35 amp inlets are priceless but it's the female plug that is so hard to find. They are usually pretty compromised from age and misuse.
Believe me, we won't be throwing them away.
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