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Running extension cord into LD
Next week, I'm going to Northern AZ for a week.  I will have full hook ups.   High/Low temperatures will be about 40/20 F.  I want to use a small heater, which uses 1500 Watts.  To avoid tripping the circuit breaker, I want to run a dedicated extension cord into the RV for the small heater.  What is the best way to run it into the LZ to minimize heat escaping? I have a 2007 26MB.  Thank you very much.

Eric

Re: Running extension cord into LZ
Reply #1 –
I'd run the extension through one of the cab doors with a towel wedged between the top of the glass and the window/door frame (in the closed position).  Then I'd run the extension cord under the blanket or quilt that should be draped from the cabover behind the front seats to the floor.  You would have hardly any noticeable heat escaping IMO.  Hope this helps.
Re: Running extension cord into LZ
Reply #2 –
Probably through a cab window, closed to the cord and a strip of foam, then tape over any gap

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Running extension cord into LZ
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 
Next week, I'm going to Northern AZ for a week.  I will have full hook ups.   High/Low temperatures will be about 40/20 F.  I want to use a small heater, which uses 1500 Watts.  To avoid tripping the circuit breaker, I want to run a dedicated extension cord into the RV for the small heater.  What is the best way to run it into the LZ to minimize heat escaping? I have a 2007 26MB.  Thank you very much.

Eric



We've been doing this for years and are doing it now. I would like a more permanent set up and Ted of Wxtoad did set up a permanent connection.

Anyway, I have a flat 14 gauge 25' cord and simply shut it in the cab door. It has caused no damage to the cord and no visible sign of damage to the rubber gasket of the door or frame. We have run it on high more than once and the cord and plugs don't feel warm.

I bought it from this guy on Ebay but don't see it in 14 gauge at his store now only 12.

25' Black 12 Gauge Flat Extension Cord with Lighted End | eBay

Jim
Re: Running extension cord into LZ
Reply #4 –
When poking around my 2000 FL, I seem to recall there's a daylight path from 30A cord storage to inside cabinet area.  So you could just come in alongside the 30A cord, out thru a cabinet door, and on to your heater.

If I recalled correctly. And if your LD is constructed similar to mine.  Obviously not a 'sure thing'. I can give a look tomorrow.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Running extension cord into LZ
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
When poking around my 2000 FL, I seem to recall there's a daylight path from 30A cord storage to inside cabinet area.  So you could just come in alongside the 30A cord, out thru a cabinet door, and on to your heater.

LD switched to an external extension cord in the early 2000s, the cord is no longer hard wired and stored in its own container.
The pathway you see in your 2000 FL isn't available in the later models . Our 2003 FL has no such pathway.
MARINCO EEL ShorePower™ 30 Amp Cordset | West Marine

In our LD, we can run a 1500-watt heater, along with an 1100-watt heater,  without tripping the 30-amp circuit breaker.
To make it possible, the converter's circuit breaker is switched off and the refrigerator run on propane.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #6 –
Our 98~MB has the shore power wire storage area above the water tank.  Simple access to the water tank can be achieved from under the kitchen sink.  So you could run the extension cord through the shore power door and out of the door under the kitchen sink.  If you have the shore power cord hooked up, there is still room for an additional extension cord through that cord hole in that exterior shore power door.
We usually just plug an extension cord into our shore power cord and run a 120v - 1500W ceramic heater.  This has been enough heat when we have gone skiing in temperatures to 15 degrees with closing off the front cab with a sleeping bag, but you do have to run it all of the time.

        Karen~Liam
          26 ~ MB
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #7 –
We did it for different reasons but we mounted an outdoor (capped) power in (male) receptacle underneath. It required a 3/8" hole in the floor. Inside the three wires go to a regular 110 receptacle.mounted on the dinette seat rear facing panel. On an RB there is a perfect place to do it next to the battery box. Total wiring length probably 12".
Harry 2006RB
 
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
LD switched to an external extension cord in the early 2000s, the cord is no longer hard wired and stored in its own container.
The pathway you see in your 2000 FL isn't available in the later models . Our 2003 FL has no such pathway.
MARINCO EEL ShorePower™ 30 Amp Cordset | West Marine

In our LD, we can run a 1500-watt heater, along with an 1100-watt heater,  without tripping the 30-amp circuit breaker.
To make it possible, the converter's circuit breaker is switched off and the refrigerator run on propane.

Larry

Didn't know that the converter has its own circuit breaker that I can shut off.  Great tip!!! I wonder how many Watts it used... I'm guessing over 1000W.
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
I'd run the extension through one of the cab doors with a towel wedged between the top of the glass and the window/door frame (in the closed position).  Then I'd run the extension cord under the blanket or quilt that should be draped from the cabover behind the front seats to the floor.  You'd have hardly and noticeable heat escaping IMO.  Hope this helps.
I like it!
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 
We've been doing this for years and are doing it now. I would like a more permanent set up and Ted of Wxtoad did set up a permanent connection.

Anyway, I have a flat 14 gauge 25' cord and simply shut it in the cab door. It has caused no damage to the cord and no visible sign of damage to the rubber gasket of the door or frame. We have run it on high more than once and the cord and plugs don't feel warm.

I bought it from this guy on Ebay but don't see it in 14 gauge at his store now only 12.

25' Black 12 Gauge Flat Extension Cord with Lighted End | eBay

Jim

Thanks Jim... Appreciate the idea and the link!
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #11 –
I've used 2 small electric heaters on low which is 750watts each plugged into either the bedroom or bathroom, and the kitchen.  Worked great to keep the coach warm in 20-30 degree weather.  But that is the max the system will handle.  Tried 1 on low and 1 on high 1500 watts and it tripped the breaker!
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #12 –
Quote from: hbn7hj  - 
We did it for different reasons but we mounted an outdoor (capped) power in (male) receptacle underneath. It required a 3/8" hole in the floor. Inside the three wires go to a regular 110 receptacle. On an RB there is a perfect place to do it next to the battery box.


Harry, this is what I would like to do but not something I would try myself.

I found the link to Ted's solution.

Independent Heater Circuit

Jim
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #13 –
My low-tech, 'cordless' solution to avoid a possible breaker trip when running a 1500W electric space heater is to turn the thing off temporarily if/when the microwave or other power sucker appliance is running.

As ever, YMMV.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 
Didn't know that the converter has its own circuit breaker that I can shut off.  Great tip!!! I wonder how many Watts it used... I'm guessing over 1000W.

a 55A converter would use less than 700W IF running at full output. Typically, probably half that or less. Note that with the converter off, all 12V appliances will run from the batteries, and they won't recharge unless you have solar...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Running extension cord into LD
Reply #15 –
Independent Heater Circuit

This is exactly the hardware we used. The floor mounted inlet is indeed inconvenient but we use it to power a Xantrex 40 amp battery charger that is on the generator side of the transfer switch. We use it to plug in a Honda EU1000i as a backup for the Onan. Works for us.

The propane compartment certainly is a more accessible plug in. I never considered putting the inlet there because it is so far away. There is no convenient place to put the interior outlet on a twin couch RB near that compartment. Perhaps a conduit could be run from my entry point to the propane compartment if I get tired of getting on my back to plug in. Thanks for the idea.

Is there an electrical standards problem with putting potential sparks next to the propane tank? The propane regulator is a potential leak source that should be replaced every 10 years for that reason. The rubber diaphragm dries out and cracks over time.
Harry 2006RB