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scbwr · 08-07-2018, 07:18 AM

I have a PI 50 amp portable EMS unit. Is there any problem with making this modification so the unit can remain in the power cord storage bay? I would like to cut the main power cable and install a 50 amp Camco female receptacle on the end of it so that I can plug in the EMS unit in the storage bay. Then, I would install a 50 amp male plug on the cut end of the longer power cord which will be plugged into the EMS unit. Does this create any problem when having to use an extension cord (50 amp) with the main power cord as long as all items are in good shape (no corroded parts, clean contacts, etc.)? Are there any reasons not to do this? Has anyone already done this and able to provide advice or feedback.

Second question: When mounting items in a storage bay, what are some good ways to do it? Any specific suggestions applicable to a Newmar Bay Star storage compartment?

And, thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

Poppy01 · 08-07-2018, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbwr

I have a PI 50 amp portable EMS unit. Is there any problem with making this modification so the unit can remain in the power cord storage bay? I would like to cut the main power cable and install a 50 amp Camco female receptacle on the end of it so that I can plug in the EMS unit in the storage bay. Then, I would install a 50 amp male plug on the cut end of the longer power cord which will be plugged into the EMS unit. Does this create any problem when having to use an extension cord (50 amp) with the main power cord as long as all items are in good shape (no corroded parts, clean contacts, etc.)? Are there any reasons not to do this? Has anyone already done this and able to provide advice or feedback.

Second question: When mounting items in a storage bay, what are some good ways to do it? Any specific suggestions applicable to a Newmar Bay Star storage compartment?

And, thanks in advance to anyone that can help![emoji144]

If you have a 30 amp cord now, you can't just put a 50 amp RV plug on the end. 50 amp service is 220v and 30 amp is 110v.

scbwr · 08-07-2018, 07:30 AM

My rig has 50 amp service, and modification will use all 50 amp rated parts. I guess I should have clarified that in my post.
Thanks for the reply!

Poppy01 · 08-07-2018, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbwr

My rig has 50 amp service, and modification will use all 50 amp rated parts. I guess I should have clarified that in my post.
Thanks for the reply!

I would rig up a dog bone to make the transition to the genny rather than change the cord end.

falconman · 08-07-2018, 08:06 AM

I had a bad experience using Camco plugs doing exactly what you describe. Found the plugs partially melted.
If it’s visible and you can check on regularly it might not be an issue, just not impressed with the quality of connection you get in those type of connectors. Changed mine out so they are wired into a junction box.

FatChance · 08-07-2018, 08:23 AM

What advantage would you have doing it that way instead of just using the hardwired unit? Sounds like only negatives (more work and expense, potentially troublesome connections, takes up more physical space, etc) with no obvious positives.

scbwr · 08-07-2018, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconman

I had a bad experience using Camco plugs doing exactly what you describe. Found the plugs partially melted.
If it’s visible and you can check on regularly it might not be an issue, just not impressed with the quality of connection you get in those type of connectors. Changed mine out so they are wired into a junction box.

Thanks for the information. Any chance you can give me more details on the junction box you used and how it's wired?

scbwr · 08-07-2018, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

What advantage would you have doing it that way instead of just using the hardwired unit? Sounds like only negatives (more work and expense, potentially troublesome connections, takes up more physical space, etc) with no obvious positives.

I already have the portable unit and want to use it. By having it in the storage bay, it will be out of site from anyone looking to get one free. Not a space issue, especially if I hang the unit on the side wall of the compartment as the power cord for our Bay Star is located in a rather large compartment with plenty of space for the power cord and other related items. I'm not overly concerned with theft as I've used a 30 amp unit for years and never had a problem although I did use a cable and lock to provide some level of inconvenience for someone looking to take it.

nothermark · 08-07-2018, 12:36 PM

Off hand adding a plug and/or socket should not be an issue electrically. Mechanically I have no idea how well you can mount it. Hope that helps.

Quincy · 08-07-2018, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbwr

I have a PI 50 amp portable EMS unit. Is there any problem with making this modification so the unit can remain in the power cord storage bay? I would like to cut the main power cable and install a 50 amp Camco female receptacle on the end of it so that I can plug in the EMS unit in the storage bay. Then, I would install a 50 amp male plug on the cut end of the longer power cord which will be plugged into the EMS unit. Does this create any problem when having to use an extension cord (50 amp) with the main power cord as long as all items are in good shape (no corroded parts, clean contacts, etc.)? Are there any reasons not to do this? Has anyone already done this and able to provide advice or feedback.

Second question: When mounting items in a storage bay, what are some good ways to do it? Any specific suggestions applicable to a Newmar Bay Star storage compartment?

And, thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

Sounds like you don't want to worry about the Surge protector running away from home. Sounds reasonable to me. You can cut a small section of main power cord and install a female connector to it and hard wire the other end to the transfer switch before the generator if you want to protect power from Gen and Pedestal.

Then the remaining long length of power cord gets a mail connector that will plug into your SP and the SP plugs into the female receptacle you just installed.

Hope this helps,

redcolorado · 08-07-2018, 03:18 PM

I installed my progressive EMS like that. I did not have room to install the hard wired version. I cut the original power cord and installed the EMS in series. It makes bypassing the EMS very easy, just unplug the EMS and plug the cords together. I had one occasion at home where I thought the EMS had gone bad, said I had a open neutral. Turned out it was a loose connection in my power station, the EMS was right.

xrated · 08-07-2018, 03:49 PM

Word of advice from a guy that's been a Journeyman Electrician since 1980.....Buy the highest quality NEMA 14-50P and 14-50R devices that you can......Leviton comes to mind. They're not cheap, but then again when you are dealing with electrical devices, you don't want them to be.

vsheetz · 08-07-2018, 04:25 PM

Many people have done such a modification - to create a hybrid portable/hardwired installation. I think its a good idea. I did similar in a previous coach. As you already have the portable unit - go for it.

As for securing it, I think a couple few cable clamps would keep all in place and still be easy to remove and plug around the portable unit if ever needed.

10 fan · 08-07-2018, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xrated

Word of advice from a guy that's been a Journeyman Electrician since 1980.....Buy the highest quality NEMA 14-50P and 14-50R devices that you can......Leviton comes to mind. They're not cheap, but then again when you are dealing with electrical devices, you don't want them to be.

+1 on the parts.
I did the same thing with the Hughes Autoformer. You can order better quality parts from H.D. than they carry in the store.