Community Forums

jeff.herren · 03-25-2022, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joedoggs

Thank to all who responded….I was hoping there was some kind of shrink wrap or some solution that would make it watertight and integrated…..I have already purchased a good quality replacement plug that should clamp down tight…and will proceed with using that…..is thee any reason why any gap between the plug and cord can’t be filled?? Black silicone or something along those lines??? Thanks again joe b 2019 king aire

They do have water resistant shrink tape that has an inner glue that you can slide over the cord then replace the plug end and slide the wrap up and shrink it with a heat gun.

https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Sh...07VLYMXDM?th=1

MrMark52 · 03-25-2022, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

PLUG

Most people replace with this style and have no issues.

Ken

X2 - better because of the handle pull!

But to the OP - even these higher than average quality male plugs are not listed as “watertight”.

MarvinG · 03-25-2022, 09:00 AM

I’ve started using dielectric “grease” on my 30 amp cord prongs (and I do use extensions). Not to keep the water out but it has helped reduce the overheating due probably to oxidation (probably due to cheap/loose female plugs). I’ve not had to replace male and/or female plugs since I’ve started using it.

Joedoggs · 03-25-2022, 09:07 AM

Excellent info,thanks to all…I have already bought a quality 14-50p that should secure to the cord very snug….about 99% of the time,the connection is also shielded by my surge protector which has coverage over the plug…and the one place I camp which requires an extension,I always wrap that connection with plastic to keep it dry…….thanks for all of the excellent advice!!!!!we will swap it out next time the coach is out….best wishes joe b 2019 king aire

Bigd9 · 03-25-2022, 09:26 AM

When the cord/plug started to come apart (see Pic) on my coach, I went with a total replacement power cord. We do some cold weather camping, and the original cord was soooooooooo stiff at below freezing temperatures. This new cord is flexible even down to 15 F degrees. Installing the new cord was easy.

Then I took the old cord and put two new ends on it to use as an extension cord. Putting those ends on was NOT easy!

Kid Gloves · 03-25-2022, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joedoggs

Excellent info,thanks to all…I have already bought a quality 14-50p that should secure to the cord very snug….about 99% of the time,the connection is also shielded by my surge protector which has coverage over the plug…and the one place I camp which requires an extension,I always wrap that connection with plastic to keep it dry…….thanks for all of the excellent advice!!!!!we will swap it out next time the coach is out….best wishes joe b 2019 king aire

Alternatively, you could attach a piece of rubber mat to a block of wood (2x6) so that it opens like a book. The wood elevates the connection, the mat protects it from moisture. Quick, easy and no more wrestling with tape and a garbage bag.

Denie · 03-25-2022, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joedoggs

Thank to all who responded….I was hoping there was some kind of shrink wrap or some solution that would make it watertight and integrated…..I have already purchased a good quality replacement plug that should clamp down tight…and will proceed with using that…..is thee any reason why any gap between the plug and cord can’t be filled?? Black silicone or something along those lines??? Thanks again joe b 2019 king aire

If you're worried about moisture getting inside the replacement plug, use silicone gel...NOT silicone sealer on the inside when you assemble.

Gary.Jones · 03-25-2022, 11:14 AM

But virtually all of them are designed to shed water, or not let water into sections of the power box or whatever we are talking about that is "hot" or where water intrusion is likely to accumulate and create a short.

The power lines above are set on the pole so as to have many feet of air insulation. Air is an excellent insulator if you have enough of it. .... no need to try to have those wires insulated!

Now, a plug on the end of an electrical cord is a horse of a completely different color. Most plugs are designed to shed water or have a tight enough seal that the plug does not accumulate water or moisture.

Gary.Jones · 03-25-2022, 11:21 AM

And on that picture above, that is not a great example of what the OP should do.

There are several things wrong about that pictur5e. Most people would not be comfortable with that wiring job.... I certainly would not. The worst part of it is that the three wires inside the cable are exposed to the elements and worse than that water can, and definitely will, intrude inside the four wire cable and can penetrate into where there is usually paper or fiber padding to make the four individual wires into a fairly round cable. The four individual wires should be shortened so that the outer insulation sheath is inside the male plug. That doesnt make a water tight connection, but it will shed water when exposed to rain naturally in the position shown. I would suggest shortening each individual wore by enough length to get the shield of the whole cable up into the plastic connector. That is not a good connection IMO !

Gary

Rev. Roy · 03-25-2022, 11:23 AM

Maybe I am paranoid but, if my plug got hot enough to melt and part of the rubber wire was dried out/brittle, I would have serious concerns about the cord itself. Personally, I would jist replace cord and all. I was taught if the wire was burnt, you didn't cut it back and splice in, you replace it all, but that was rewiring houses. Dad was an electrician who rewired homes.

Kid Gloves · 03-25-2022, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

And on that picture above, that is not a great example of what the OP should do.

There are several things wrong about that pictur5e. Most people would not be comfortable with that wiring job.... I certainly would not. The worst part of it is that the three wires inside the cable are exposed to the elements and worse than that water can, and definitely will, intrude inside the four wire cable and can penetrate into where there is usually paper or fiber padding to make the four individual wires into a fairly round cable. The four individual wires should be shortened so that the outer insulation sheath is inside the male plug. That doesnt make a water tight connection, but it will shed water when exposed to rain naturally in the position shown. I would suggest shortening each individual wore by enough length to get the shield of the whole cable up into the plastic connector. That is not a good connection IMO !

Gary

The photo was an example of a problem the was fixed. It was not a proposed solution.

Gary.Jones · 03-25-2022, 12:10 PM

Well, then that should be made clear in the comments about that picture.

I would never consider that repair job to be adequate and if I showed that, I would ensure that people did not consider that as an adequate model.

Gary

Bigd9 · 03-25-2022, 12:34 PM

I'm very sorry Gary. I guess when I type this ...

Quote:

When the cord/plug started to come apart (see Pic) on my coach, I went with a total replacement power cord.

...in my mine it was clear. My apologies if it was so poorly worded you interpret that wording and picture incorrectly.

If you look closely, you can see where the original outer covering has actually shrunk away about 2 inches exposing the inner wires.

I'll bet if my 2006 RV had that problem, other RV's have the same problem.

Kid Gloves · 03-25-2022, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary.Jones

Well, then that should be made clear in the comments about that picture.

I would never consider that repair job to be adequate and if I showed that, I would ensure that people did not consider that as an adequate model.

Gary

It seemed clearly worded to me. I’ve been known to misread or misinterpret words before, so it is understandable. Now that you’ve had another look, does it still seem to be unclear?