Second Shore Power Port?

[datx]

An admittedly weird question (and not something I plan on doing myself - if possible, I'd hire someone).

I've got a '17 29.5 BHDS and love it. Like most RVs, the shore power port is on the driver's side towards the back. I keep a Honda generator in my truck for the just-incase-moments (its come in handy when the truck broke down). To use it, I have to unload the 50ft 50amp beast and wrestle it around to get the generator plugged into the trailer.. Sometimes I win.. sometimes I get wrapped up and begin to softly weep as my wife unravels me..

I'd like to have a second power port added to the front of the trailer.. Then I can build a much smaller 50amp cord (10-12 feet) and plug into the generator. It'd be alot easier to manage, and I'd probably get more use out of the generator when we stop for lunch and what not. Primary purpose is to use the A/C in the Texas heat.

That possible? Anyone every heard/done anything like it? I thought about adding a rack to the bumper and storing the generator back there, but I like the idea of keeping everything "streamlined" in the front.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[dalebra]

Electrically it is possible with an RV Automatic transfer switch.

[BuddyRay]

I think what Dalebra is trying to point out is that if you wire the two connectors in parallel you run the risk of hooking up the generator at the same time you still have shore power attached to the back plug. That can be dangerous for a number of reasons. No responsible electrician would wire things this way. The solution is an automatic transfer switch, that type of relay a will only allow one or the other plug to be connected.


Buddy Ray - Atlanta
---------------
Jayco Eagle HT 26.5RLS
Ford F150 Lariat, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost
Max Tow Pkg, 36gal tank
Reese Sidewinder and Reese Titan 16k hitch

[Isaacs]

Also, if wired in parallel the prongs of the unused power inlet will be live creating an unsafe condition. Transfer switch is a must!

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by BuddyRay

...... The solution is an automatic transfer switch, that type of relay a will only allow one or the other plug to be connected.

2x
Don

One last question.... do you use an inverter that is wired into your existing 110VAC circuits?

[datx]

My knowledge of electricity starts and stops with "it hurts".

So as for an inverter, unless the factory puts them in I don't have it.

Any know what a job like this is going to cost me? Roughly?

[BuddyRay]

My dealer charges $100 per man hour. I'd guess 1 to 2 hours for a good tech plus the plug and wires. My guess would be $150 to $250.

I don't know your RV so my guess assumes they can easily fish the wire where it needs to go without having to disassemble and reassemble much.

Buddy Ray - Atlanta
---------------
Jayco Eagle HT 26.5RLS
Ford F150 Lariat, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost
Max Tow Pkg, 36gal tank
Reese Sidewinder and Reese Titan 16k hitch

[datx]

Thanks for your input!

[norty1]

Older motor homes had a manual transfer switch. Just a outlet and you plugged in the generator or the shore power to feed power to the rv.

If I were doing it, that would be the way to go. Simple and less expensive.

[Mustang65]

I am finally going to give in and convert to the auto-transfer switch this year.... been putting it off for a couple years now. Currently, I installed two outlets one for shore power and one for the inverter.. I switch between the outlets depending on which 110VAC source I want to supply the TT with. This setup has worked for the last 4 years. You can not get any more "MANUAL" than this setup.

Don

[shadester]

Originally Posted by norty1

Older motor homes had a manual transfer switch. Just a outlet and you plugged in the generator or the shore power to feed power to the rv.

If I were doing it, that would be the way to go. Simple and less expensive.

That type never fails either.

[Camper_bob]

I use a 50' 30A cord with built-in adapter for mine. It's like a 50' 50A twistlock to 30A "dogbone" adapter. The cord was not terribly expensive, and it's much easier to manage than the 50A "beast" with 30A standard dogbone (which I also carry). To hook up the generator in the back of the truck to the shore power on the rear of the trailer isn't much harder than running a standard extension cord.

While it would be SUPER convenient to have a shore power outlet up front, it's just not in the cards when the 30A cord is so easy to manage. Of course, one of the downsides would be only being able to run 1 AC unit, but it's good enough for a short stop on the side of the road or an overnight if needed.

[Isaacs]

I like the way Mustang did it; sort of a homemade transfer switch. In your case, each outlet would be connected to one of your power inlets. You would use a short cord going to your tt converter with a plug on the end. Simply plug it into whichever power source you want to use. Inexpensive and safe!

[mike837go]

As someone who uses shore power or genset as needed....


Your modification, in my opinion, falls under the category of 'not worth it'.


For safety's sake it will require a transfer switch. The added complexity and weight are much more of a bother than carrying an extra extension cord.

[Mustang65]

The SAFEST and easiest way to do it is by installing the Automatic Transfer Switch as close to your Shore Power connection as possible. An electrician could easily do this for you. I would stay away from having an RV dealership do the wiring.

To save some $$$$, You could run a 3/4" PVC gray electrical pipe from under the location where the Automatic Transfer Switch would be installed, connected to the frame to where you want the front outlet to be mounted. Purchase some 12/3 Romex cable and pull it in, leave enough at each end for the electrician to run it to the box in front and the switch in the rear. Then all you need to pay for is the electrician to hook up the switch and the front electrical box/outlet, should be about an hour for that

Don