30A power inlet replacement?

[chriscowles]

All, I really dislike the power inlet on our new 2020 Mini-Lite. The threads on the lock ring are very fine, and the plastic is really soft. The result is that it takes me 10 minutes to get it threaded right and it frequently cross-threads in the process.

I want a different kind of locking ring. I'd like to replace the power inlet and connector without replacing the entire cord. I do like the fact that the connector is basically a 30A female RV outlet because I could string two together if that ever became necessary. (I don't own the second one so that's a moot point at this time.)

In browsing for replacement connectors and inlets, they're all the traditional twist lock (not entirely a bad idea) and the connectors are all straight. Does anyone know of a source for a 90 degree connector, ideally configured as a 30A RV outlet? The configuration of the inlet would have to match the connector with respect to the position of the pins for the 90 degree angle to work, of course.

Suggestions?

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

All, I really dislike the power inlet on our new 2020 Mini-Lite. The threads on the lock ring are very fine, and the plastic is really soft. The result is that it takes me 10 minutes to get it threaded right and it frequently cross-threads in the process.

I want a different kind of locking ring. I'd like to replace the power inlet and connector without replacing the entire cord. I do like the fact that the connector is basically a 30A female RV outlet because I could string two together if that ever became necessary. (I don't own the second one so that's a moot point at this time.)

In browsing for replacement connectors and inlets, they're all the traditional twist lock (not entirely a bad idea) and the connectors are all straight. Does anyone know of a source for a 90 degree connector, ideally configured as a 30A RV outlet? The configuration of the inlet would have to match the connector with respect to the position of the pins for the 90 degree angle to work, of course.

Suggestions?

This may fit your needs:



https://smile.amazon.com/Camco-55532...356746&sr=8-26

I have one and it works great. Yes, the threads can irritating at times but I've found that applying a little silicone electrical grease makes them work better.

Having the 90 degree connector at the power inlet makes it easier to move around in tight quarters without the cord sticking straight out.

[babock]

Half the time, I don't even bother threading the connector. I just push it in. Of course, that is usually at home since we hardly ever camp where there is power available.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by babock

Half the time, I don't even bother threading the connector. I just push it in. Of course, that is usually at home since we hardly ever camp where there is power available.

I screw mine down at home. We get more rain here than you do. As much as 2" per day in the last couple weeks. [emoji51][emoji51]

[hobienick]

Check out 30A shore power sockets on boating sites if you are not happy with what you are finding. Defender.com is a good place to start. Boats use the same type of connectors that RV's do.

You probably already know this, but it doesn't hurt mentioning. Turn the threaded ring backwards until you feel a click, then turn it the correct direction. That will help with the cross threading.

[babock]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

I screw mine down at home. We get more rain here than you do. As much as 2" per day in the last couple weeks. [emoji51][emoji51]

Agreed. The only time mine is plugged in at home is the day before we leave to prechill the fridge.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by babock

Half the time, I don't even bother threading the connector. I just push it in. Of course, that is usually at home since we hardly ever camp where there is power available.

And if you do that you create stress and loose connections and you will be here crying about the cheap plugs. ALWAYS tighten the locking ring. It is there for a reason. And there is the possibility for a fire but who cares it's insured right?

[cavie]

google "smart plug" if you must.

[babock]

Originally Posted by cavie

And if you do that you create stress and loose connections and you will be here crying about the cheap plugs. ALWAYS tighten the locking ring. It is there for a reason. And there is the possibility for a fire but who cares it's insured right?

I won't cry! Is as firm as the plug that goes into my power panel and that end doesn't have a way to screw on! If that's the worst thing I have to worry about, I will be happy. It's plugged in at home to run the 300W fridge element!

LOL...fire if I don't tighten the locking ring at home...hilarious!!

[hobienick]

Don't laugh about the fire. I've seen it happen before. The plug moving in the socket causes small arches which over time raise the resistance in the connection. This in turn heats up the connection. This can get hot enough to ignite some materials. In addition the arching can also ignite some materials.

This happens more on boats since they are not stationary when connected to shore power.

As hilarious as it seems the strain relief is there for a reason and should be used.

I'm done being a nanny now

[babock]

Originally Posted by hobienick

Don't laugh about the fire. I've seen it happen before. The plug moving in the socket causes small arches which over time raise the resistance in the connection. This in turn heats up the connection. This can get hot enough to ignite some materials. In addition the arching can also ignite some materials.

This happens more on boats since they are not stationary when connected to shore power.

As hilarious as it seems the strain relief is there for a reason and should be used.

I'm done being a nanny now

It's a 300W load while parked in my my driveway. I will survive!

[chriscowles]

I did, not recognizing the reference to smart home systems. I'm not clear how that relates to a 30A RV connection?

Originally Posted by cavie

google "smart plug" if you must.

[chriscowles]

I've got some silicone grease used in chemistry labs. I'll try that.

The 90 degree connector you suggested looks nice. I'll adopt that if I have to use a standard twist-lock connection. The one installed by Rockwood is not a twist lock.

Originally Posted by TitanMike

This may fit your needs:



https://smile.amazon.com/Camco-55532...356746&sr=8-26

I have one and it works great. Yes, the threads can irritating at times but I've found that applying a little silicone electrical grease makes them work better.

Having the 90 degree connector at the power inlet makes it easier to move around in tight quarters without the cord sticking straight out.

[Dobbs]

It's on the pricey side but I've considered this:
SmartPlug B30ASSYNT Combo Kit with Female Connector and Stainless Steel Inlet - 30 Amp, Gray

[RMWSierra]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

All, I really dislike the power inlet on our new 2020 Mini-Lite. The threads on the lock ring are very fine, and the plastic is really soft. The result is that it takes me 10 minutes to get it threaded right and it frequently cross-threads in the process.

I want a different kind of locking ring. I'd like to replace the power inlet and connector without replacing the entire cord. I do like the fact that the connector is basically a 30A female RV outlet because I could string two together if that ever became necessary. (I don't own the second one so that's a moot point at this time.)

In browsing for replacement connectors and inlets, they're all the traditional twist lock (not entirely a bad idea) and the connectors are all straight. Does anyone know of a source for a 90 degree connector, ideally configured as a 30A RV outlet? The configuration of the inlet would have to match the connector with respect to the position of the pins for the 90 degree angle to work, of course.

Suggestions?

Check out smart plug at TechnoRV.com. Comes in 30 or 50 amp options.

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by hobienick

Don't laugh about the fire. I've seen it happen before. The plug moving in the socket causes small arches which over time raise the resistance in the connection. This in turn heats up the connection. This can get hot enough to ignite some materials. In addition the arching can also ignite some materials.

This happens more on boats since they are not stationary when connected to shore power.

As hilarious as it seems the strain relief is there for a reason and should be used.

X3. They put that locking ring on for a reason.



I'm considering replacing my connection. If I do, it WILL be a smart plug.

[bob213]

Originally Posted by rmwmiata

Check out smart plug at TechnoRV.com. Comes in 30 or 50 amp options.

Here...it's really not that hard to create a link....
https://www.technorv.com/smartplug-30-amp-kit/

[cavie]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

I did, not recognizing the reference to smart home systems. I'm not clear how that relates to a 30A RV connection?

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/smart...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Oafdawg]

Originally Posted by babock

I won't cry! Is as firm as the plug that goes into my power panel and that end doesn't have a way to screw on! If that's the worst thing I have to worry about, I will be happy. It's plugged in at home to run the 300W fridge element!

LOL...fire if I don't tighten the locking ring at home...hilarious!!

"There are none so blind as those who will not see."

[DouglasReid]

It sounds to me like this is what you are looking for.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SmartPlug-3...8AAOSwAMVeQezI