My solution for Jayco’s extension cord

[ihunt]

After much thought I finally fixed that PITA shore power cable! I got tired of pulling the shore power cable through the hole in the bottom of the compartment than trying to roll it up and shove it in the cubby hole of a compartment.

I cut and installed a RV Smart Plug it fits perfectly in the compartment, it’s hidden, out of sight and weather proof.

Before installation with plate removed

[ihunt]

After sorry forgot to take pics during installation

[ihunt]

Don’t know why pic keeps changing to sideways


Attachment 88299

[Route 66 Traveler]

SMART choice! I installed a Smart Plug in my trailer over a year ago. So much better than the old style and completely waterproof. It's well worth the money!

[Hilltopper9]

What is the purpose of pulling the cable down through the hole? I've never used it, just pulled the cable through the door and left the door ajar. Am I missing something?

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Hilltopper9

What is the purpose of pulling the cable down through the hole? I've never used it, just pulled the cable through the door and left the door ajar. Am I missing something?

Critter access.....

[JimD]

Originally Posted by Hilltopper9

What is the purpose of pulling the cable down through the hole? I've never used it, just pulled the cable through the door and left the door ajar. Am I missing something?

Banging in the wind.

[ihunt]

Yep critters, banging and water getting in also way much easier storing the cable.

[jasonthegreyhawk]

This is on my year 2 list. This is a great approach as it vastly improves the experience yet no drilling into the side of the camper.

Can’t justify it as a priority given the many other immediate upgrades but it’s a solid approach.

[ihunt]

Originally Posted by jasonthegreyhawk

This is on my year 2 list. This is a great approach as it vastly improves the experience yet no drilling into the side of the camper.

There is only a cut out to do which is the plate. What I’ve done was using the rubber gasket outlined the hole and cut it about a 1/8” larger so the receiver can fit into it. Also, the electrical housing add a couple of bolts and large washers to reinforce to the back wall. Not hard to do just a 20 mins extra to do the this task.

[hoppers4]

Originally Posted by Hilltopper9

I've never used it, just pulled the cable through the door and left the door ajar.

X2

[jyh818]

Nice job.

Since I always bring a 30A extension cord with me, I put the female end of the extension through the bottom opening of that compartment and plug it into the RV 30A plug. The extension cord is then plugged into the post at the RV site.

This way, I won't have to pull the RV cable through that bottom opening to set up camp and having to try rolling it back up when packing up to leave. All I need to do is unroll and roll up a separate extension cord.

[ihunt]

Originally Posted by jyh818

Nice job.

Since I always bring a 30A extension cord with me, I put the female end of the extension through the bottom opening of that compartment and plug it into the RV 30A plug. The extension cord is then plugged into the post at the RV site.

This way, I won't have to pull the RV cable through that bottom opening to set up camp and having to try rolling it back up when packing up to leave. All I need to do is unroll and roll up a separate extension cord.

Thanks

Another great idea!

[Route 66 Traveler]

Originally Posted by jyh818

Since I always bring a 30A extension cord with me, I put the female end of the extension through the bottom opening of that compartment and plug it into the RV 30A plug. The extension cord is then plugged into the post at the RV site.

That's not a problem provided you are using the proper gauge size of wire that can handle the load. The longer the cord the more voltage drop that can occur, as well as a higher resistance to current flow, which generates heat and reduces the power to whatever you are operating at the time. Don't go cheap when buying extensions..

[dc_mystic]

Alternative to OP project:

I also decided to change the PITA hardwired connection the first time I retrieved the shore cable back through the access hole and then cram it in the available space. My before picture shows part of the reason, all the debris and mud that gets picked up by the cable and ends up in the storage compartment. Instead of removing the cable entirely, I cut it at a convenient length so that I could still make the connection without the need to get on my hands and knees to reach into the back of the compartment. Mating NEMA L5-30 twist-lock connectors were installed on the cable ends (these are the same connectors used in the marine environment for many years, and will mate with a variety of accessories).

Key got'chas are:

• Make sure to install the male end (L5-30P) on the cable that remains connected to the RV, and the female end (L5-30R) on the end of your modified extension cable. You DON'T want a cable with male connectors at both ends as this is a safety hazard.
• Don't remove too much of the outer jacket - you will want the end of the jacket to end up within the closed part of the connector for correct strain relief.
• This is a DYI project without factory overmolded connectors, so they are not waterproof; that shouldn't be a problem as long as the connection is always kept within the compartment and you don't drag the modified extension cable through the water and mud.

Hope this helps someone...

[ihunt]

Originally Posted by dc_mystic

Alternative to OP project:

I also decided to change the PITA hardwired connection the first time I retrieved the shore cable back through the access hole and then cram it in the available space. My before picture shows part of the reason, all the debris and mud that gets picked up by the cable …..
Hope this helps someone...

Another good option!