New 5th wheel owner with electric cord question.

sfreie · 09-06-2011, 09:12 PM

I have just purchased a 1996 Terry 5th wheel. The plug-in looked a little rusty when I got it. After spending the weekend at the lake I unplugged the camper and the plug sparked and now looks burnt and fried. Can I replace the plug or will I have to take it in to have a whole new cord?

450Donn · 09-06-2011, 09:17 PM

Buy a new plug and cut the wires and re-wire it. A relatively simple job.

RoyM · 09-06-2011, 09:23 PM

The plug should come apart by removing some small screws in the housing. The unit is15 years old, corrosion is likely a factor in the wiring. Might be a good idea to have someone familiar with electrical systems go through it to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises

sfreie · 09-06-2011, 09:28 PM

Thank you so much for your help.

Ed ke6bnl · 09-06-2011, 10:08 PM

just put a new plug on my boys trailer a family trailer 1972 was corroded. some are molded plugs and it will need to be cut off and new one put on we went with the plastic one we had around.

mhs4771 · 09-07-2011, 07:11 PM

A word of advice: Turn the breaker off before plugging in or removing the plug. Will stop that arcing.

jawildman · 09-08-2011, 07:13 AM

Also good to power down the AC etc in the trailer before disconnecting.

kb0zke · 09-17-2011, 05:43 PM

My personal policy is to make sure that everything is turned off, then plug in whatever needs to be plugged in with the connection to the pedestal as the last connection made. Then things can be turned on. When I'm leaving, I turn everything off, then disconnect from the pedestal, then other connections as needed. That method will generally reduce the possibility of lighting up one's eyeballs.

tvman44 · 09-17-2011, 06:59 PM

If everyone turned off the breakers before plugging in or unplugging the receptacles would last a little longer and so would the plugs.

mikell · 09-19-2011, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvman44

If everyone turned off the breakers before plugging in or unplugging the receptacles would last a little longer and so would the plugs.

Thats a fact I have 100 sites and have replaced 6-10 outlets on an average year. The worst part is nobody ever mentions they are bad so I have to inspect all every spring. Nothing like haveing a 50 amp outlet melted into a glob and people still using it and then telling their friends how bad we maintain our campground. GRRRR!!!