50 Amp Cord/Hose Gone BAD

[Lenmar]

2011 Newmar MA4344. Power cord seems to have gone bad. A Mobile Tech guy says this is not unusual. Anyone else had this happen? Anyway we have power after configuring it just so...so that we are able to get power. Sounds confusing but sounds like there is either a kink or crimp in the wires inside the black hose. Has anyone replaced their hose? And did you replace hose & reel? Newmar sells them that way. Why not just sell the hose? Any links to purchase the proper hose? What should I be looking for in a new hose other than 50AMP?

[Skip426]

I believe there have been other posts about brass contacts in the power cord reel being the issue , not the flexible power cord it's self .

I'll see if I can track one down.

EDIT: Here's one and if you search you'll find more.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/powe...ms-303892.html

[Dutch Star Don]

You're a little confusing on your statement. You say power cord and hose reel. Those are two different things. Your power cord has a black protective cover to contain the wiring, but is not referred to as a hose. A hose would be for your water.

With that said, it sounds like your power cord reel is having issues. Since your power cord spins, there can be no hard connection or the wires would just break. Instead, they use contacts that rub against each other to transmit the power from the cord to the cord reel housing. Over time, these will wear out and get burned spots causing a bad connection. If the cord is not working on a trip, you can sometimes roll the reel an inch and get a better contact until it can be repaired.

Here is a big NO NO with power cord reels....NEVER operate the cord reel while the cord is plugged into power, even just a little like pulling out a little extra slack.

[bharrisv65]

Originally Posted by Lenmar

2011 Newmar MA4344. Power cord seems to have gone bad. A Mobile Tech guy says this is not unusual. Anyone else had this happen? Anyway we have power after configuring it just so...so that we are able to get power. Sounds confusing but sounds like there is either a kink or crimp in the wires inside the black hose. Has anyone replaced their hose? And did you replace hose & reel? Newmar sells them that way. Why not just sell the hose? Any links to purchase the proper hose? What should I be looking for in a new hose other than 50AMP?

It's really confusing for you to call it a "hose" and mention it might be bad due to a kink or crimp in the wires?? ASSUMING you're speaking of your POWER CORD and/or reel, it's likely the lugs connecting the wires inside the reel may be loose, corroded or such. Electricity is not affected by a "kink" or "crimp" unless there's a short in the wires or a cut not allowing ample current flow. You can buy a replacement CORD on Amazon or even make your own with wires and connectors from a hardware store (although I'd suggest buying one already made up). They're around $125-$195 or more depending on the length, etc. Just be sure when replacing it, it is a 50A rated cord with at least 6 gauge wire. Some may chime in and say 8 gauge is sufficient but I'd feel better with the lower gauge, larger wire. Good luck!

[Solo_RV_Guy]

Originally Posted by Lenmar

2011 Newmar MA4344. Power cord seems to have gone bad. A Mobile Tech guy says this is not unusual. Anyone else had this happen? Anyway we have power after configuring it just so...so that we are able to get power. Sounds confusing but sounds like there is either a kink or crimp in the wires inside the black hose. Has anyone replaced their hose? And did you replace hose & reel? Newmar sells them that way. Why not just sell the hose? Any links to purchase the proper hose? What should I be looking for in a new hose other than 50AMP?

The big electron hose is unlikely to be the problem unless you can see or feel damage like flat spots (run over, pinched in a door, etc) or lumps under the outer jacket because the conductors got untwisted due to improper handling. The most likely places of failure are your 50 amp plug, the pedestal receptacle, or however your cord reel transfers the rotary to the stationary - brushes, commutator rings, etc, or the connections thereto.

[153stars]

The actual cord and wires in should last a very long time. There are other contacts that may wear out .

[Gary RVRoamer]

And yes, the cord on the reel can be replaced by itself if needed. I think Newmar uses a Glendinning RV Cablemaster, so parts are available direct from Glendinning.


https://www.glendinningprods.com/sto...aster-c3154060


Or you can buy a standard 50A flex power cable and wire it to the reel with suitable wire ends.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

You're a little confusing on your statement. You say power cord and hose reel. Those are two different things. Your power cord has a black protective cover to contain the wiring, but is not referred to as a hose. A hose would be for your water.

With that said, it sounds like your power cord reel is having issues. Since your power cord spins, there can be no hard connection or the wires would just break. Instead, they use contacts that rub against each other to transmit the power from the cord to the cord reel housing. Over time, these will wear out and get burned spots causing a bad connection. If the cord is not working on a trip, you can sometimes roll the reel an inch and get a better contact until it can be repaired.

Here is a big NO NO with power cord reels....NEVER operate the cord reel while the cord is plugged into power, even just a little like pulling out a little extra slack.

There is a man on escapees.com who had this problem about 2 months ago. He followed some of the advice given and disassembled the reel electrical contacts, replaced or repaired as necessary. His coach would lose power when the contacts got hot.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by Lenmar

2011 Newmar MA4344. Power cord seems to have gone bad. A Mobile Tech guy says this is not unusual. Anyone else had this happen? Anyway we have power after configuring it just so...so that we are able to get power. Sounds confusing but sounds like there is either a kink or crimp in the wires inside the black hose. Has anyone replaced their hose? And did you replace hose & reel? Newmar sells them that way. Why not just sell the hose? Any links to purchase the proper hose? What should I be looking for in a new hose other than 50AMP?

1ST lets get on the same language page. It is not a hose with wires in it. What you have is a 50 amp #6 copper wire cable. 4 wires with a rubber covering called insulation. It is called a cable. You need an electrician. There is two places for a problem. Burned and melted blades on the plug end and bad connections on the cord reel. That is where I would look first. They are moving slip rings. The cable it'self rarely goes bad. The slip connections do. 50 amp cord is what you must have. You need 240 volts across the red and black wires. 120 red to green/white and 120 black to green/white. RV tech should know this.

[shootist]

If it's a cablemaster that sends the cord into a bucket there are no contacts to wear out. It's just connected at the ends like any other box. I do realize he is calling it a reel. So if it is there are brushes I would think.

[Dav L]

A good DIY repair. No electrician required. Just some DIY experience. The cord can be replaced if needed, very likely not needed. HomeDepot stocks the right rubber heavy amp cord. Would also need a replacement end.
Highly likely the brush / contacts are burned like others have said. I am sure parts are available to replace. You might order and replace them no matter what condition they are in once you have things opened up.

[Lenmar]

The power CORD reel was the culprit. Had it removed and now all is well. Debating whether or not it is worth fixing/ replacing. Spoke with the company and may consider their options. I don’t think it is a DIY project; however if it is, all ideas are most welcome.
Thanks to all who came with their ideas, suggestions and constructive criticisms.