JamesTXSD":3gwyif97 said:
We have a 50 amp power cord on our 5th wheel that detaches. Our previous motorhomes had the type that was permanently attached. I greatly prefer the kind that stays attached: pull out what you need (last coach had a roller to hold the cord); you don't have to carry the heavy cord. I don't see any advantage to the detached cord.
I see what you are saying. And glad for your input because, you know how it is, I think it sounds like a good idea but who knows what I haven't thought of yet! I suppose part of it depends on how the "permanent" cord goes into the rig. In my case it goes in through a plastic door (pre-made common RV part), and ends up in a section of cabinetry under the kitchen sink that is delineated by plywood walls, but not "sealed off" from the cabinets.
1) My main reason: Where the permanently attached cord goes into the rig through the pre-made door, there is a "mouse hole cover" that slides to the side where the wire passes through. But critters can still come up the cord and get in because the "mouse hole" is not sealed. So in order to keep critters out, I carry a piece of copper mesh and wrap that around the cord where it passes through the "mouse hole." That keeps most critters out (maybe not ants?), but puts some strain on the little door, and maybe looks a little bit "rough." The copper can start to turn green after a while (I could use bronze wool too).
With the detachable cord, the receptacle would be firmly attached to the rig, there would be no "hole through," and so no path in for critters, whether plugged in or unplugged.
2) Normally I clean the cord as I stow it (with a damp rag, etc.), but if I'm in a rush that dirty/wet cord goes into the area under the cabinets. With a detachable, I would likely store it in an "exterior" compartment, so there would be less grub factor if I did put it away dirty.
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I suppose some (larger) rigs might have a second "sealed" compartment where the permanent cord is attached? So then maybe no problems with "mouse hole" or dirt/wet. But I just have a wee rig and it is not that fancy
The minus (and why I have not done it yet) is that then I'd have the cord taking up "more prime" exterior storage (whereas now it goes into a sort of unused corner area that is not very accessible any other way because it is the rear corner of a kitchen cabinet ell).
Since I rarely plug in, I've just been putting off doing anything one way or the other :wink: Plus, hey, it's "only" the RV - the boat takes priority
BTW, anyone putting Smart Plug or Marinco Plug in the search box, should see this as one of the threads that pop up, so it's not a complete loss to those looking for info on this particular subject... :?
