AC Outlets

[R Reese]

I was looking at my AC outlets that we plug our space heater into. I decided to upgrade it to a 15 amp house style outlet. I had read where the outlets in the RV's were sub standard. I was shocked when I took the outlet out. There was no box. It was a self contained system with the wire pushed into wire holders. It was the cheapest outlet I've ever seen. 30 years in the electrical field. Knowing what I do about current flow and how a bad connection can heat. Know wonder RV's catch fire from high current draw items.

I just finished replacing all my outlets with regular boxes and house style outlets with the appropriate AMP ratings. Each outlet cost me $5.59 to replace. Thats box, outlet and cover plat. A RV replacement outlet on Amazon Prime cost $10.49. I'm sure they cut that cost over 1/2 by buying in bulk so they aren't saving anything by going with these cheap outlets.


So the big question is why? Why go with cheap.

[Scubanut]

I think part of the reason is the depth of the outlet location. Unless there is a hollow space behind box location a standard house box won't fit. But likely the main reason is "cheap" and fast to install.




2012 F150 FX4 Crew 5.0 3.73 gears
2O12 Coachman Freedom Express 292BHDS (outdoor Kitchen)

[gectisme]

Yes, I have one that the cover broke where the screw/capture hardware is located. Can't believe how cheap these are also. I was going to replace it under Warranty but FR said it looks like it was not a manufacturing defect. I tried to explain that all that was done was unplug a cord and it broke but they didn't believe me. I think the manufacturing person who installed it over tightened the screw. I think in the end they did me a favor, I too am going to go to a hardware store and just buy a standard house outlet and install it in a box. How did you mount the box? I know usually it will be nailed into a stud but on our TT there is no stud where the outlet is. I am thinking of adding a little fir'ing strip but curious how you did it.
Thanks!

[Happy Camper 2715]

If you purchase outlet boxes for existing construction the boxes have little tabs that extend behind the wall when installed.

[MOD Guy]

Many Reasons,
Lighter weight, smaller over all size, not framing/stud/blocking required to mount, "quick connect" for installation.

I've seen the same type used for years in manufactured homes. I was going to change a switch to a dimmer for my in-laws. once I saw the type of switch they had in the wall, I said no way am I touching that thing.

[fella10]

Originally Posted by Happy Camper 2715

If you purchase outlet boxes for existing construction the boxes have little tabs that extend behind the wall when installed.

those are called "old work" boxes and work well in the trailer, ... I'ver used several in our trailer,... very easy to install .....

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchT...ectrical+boxes

[R Reese]

Originally Posted by gectisme

Yes, I have one that the cover broke where the screw/capture hardware is located. Can't believe how cheap these are also. I was going to replace it under Warranty but FR said it looks like it was not a manufacturing defect. I tried to explain that all that was done was unplug a cord and it broke but they didn't believe me. I think the manufacturing person who installed it over tightened the screw. I think in the end they did me a favor, I too am going to go to a hardware store and just buy a standard house outlet and install it in a box. How did you mount the box? I know usually it will be nailed into a stud but on our TT there is no stud where the outlet is. I am thinking of adding a little fir'ing strip but curious how you did it.
Thanks!

In places where there was room I used these boxes.

1-Gang 14 cu. in. Old Work Box-B114RB - The Home Depot

In tight spots I used these boxes with strips behind them. I removed the middle screw once the four box screws were installed. All screw holes were predrilled to keep the strips from splitting.

[debit]

I recently installed a 110 electrical box in my new 251RKS.
I used the "half sized" electrical box, with tabs to mount it in the wall.
I use it for a 600 watt oil filled winter heater.

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Ram 2500 diesel 4x4, FR 251RKS TT

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by R Reese

~snip~

So the big question is why? Why go with cheap.

Right there is your answer. If they can save $10 on 15,000 units they just made a quick $150,000. If they can cut $100 per unit it is $1.5 million. Also the plug assemblies they use are quicker to install. Additional savings in labor right there.

I had a house custom built quite a few years back. The builder could not believe I wanted to pay extra to have all my circuits wired with 20 amp breakers and plugs. Why it added $2,000 in costs to a $200,000 house. I decided to not use the 24 karat gold bathroom fixtures to save money.

There have been RV builders that built top notch quality units, but they were expensive and most of the general public shops price first...So the RV industry is more than willing to oblige.

Aaron

[wicked1]

Not surprised, I have owned two FR trailers and I am amazed how they make it out of the Factory. My first trailer, the black tank flush line was bent in half so it was no surprised when the hose blew the outside seal to the black tank hookup and never cleaned my black tank. Once I corrected that and all the wire shorts or loose ends the trailer served us well.

I had the cheap ones that come from the factory but I too replaced them with boxes from Lowes thanks to OC

No more issues now.

[gectisme]

Originally Posted by R Reese

In places where there was room I used these boxes.

1-Gang 14 cu. in. Old Work Box-B114RB - The Home Depot

In tight spots I used these boxes with strips behind them. I removed the middle screw once the four box screws were installed. All screw holes were predrilled to keep the strips from splitting.

Thanks! Pics are always appreciated.

[mikkeeh]

I added another outlet near the bed. Rv outlets are cheap to say the least. Looks like they cut the hole in the paneling with a hammer!

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by mikkeeh

I added another outlet near the bed. Rv outlets are cheap to say the least. Looks like they cut the hole in the paneling with a hammer!

SHHHH! Don't give away industry trade secrets!

Actually they usually use a hole saw, which size depends on which one is closest to hand.

Some manufacturers actually have plans they work from and do the cutouts ahead of time with a laser table or router table. But those appear to be the exception.

Aaron

[debit]

I found the outside 110 electrical plug for the TV (see back side of plug) behind the pantry drawers. I then added an RV 110 in plug (see pic) next to it so that I can connect to my garage shore power. As I wrote earlier, I use it for an electric heater in the winter.


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Ram 2500 diesel 6 speed
Surveyor251RKS