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Topic: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage] (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Yahoo Message Number: 19493
I don't recall reading a post to the most irritiating (IMO) part of making/breaking camp- the extension and stowage of the 30A power cord.  We have a 2001 MB with the cord "fixed" inside the aft driver side compartment.

Rather than coiling the cord and banding it, I find that I usually just stuff it through the "slot" and hopes it fits/pulls out at the next stop.  This seems space inefficient.  I also store my heavy duty extension cord in this compartment.  I'd like to store more down there but I fear opening the door to retrieve anything as the "coiled monster" I stuffed in just springs out and requires repacking the entire compartment.

Has anybody done anything that forces the 30A cord into a container or section but still allows relatively easy extension/retraction through the "cord door"?

Thanks

Larry
Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19501
Hey Larry, We extended the electrical cord completly and cut it short just outside the coach and put matching twist lock connectors on both cut ends. We can roll the cord up and store it where ever it fits the best. The cabinit that did catch the cord now has kitchen stuff in it.
Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19502
Quote
Has anybody done anything that forces the 30A cord into a container or section but still allows relatively easy extension/retraction through the "cord door"?
I just keep ours tied in a coil so only a few inches can be pulled out. I then connect a 25' RV extension cord to the end for shorepower. It stows easily in an outside compartment.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19509
Quote
I don't recall reading a post to the most irritiating (IMO) part of making/breaking camp- the extension and stowage of the 30A power cord.  We have a 2001 MB with the cord "fixed" inside the aft driver side compartment.

Rather than coiling the cord and banding it, I find that I usually just stuff it through the "slot" and hopes it fits/pulls out at the next stop.  This seems space inefficient.  I also store my heavy duty extension cord in this compartment.  I'd like to store more down there but I fear opening the door to retrieve anything as
the "coiled
 
Quote
monster" I stuffed in just springs out and requires repacking the entire compartment.

Has anybody done anything that forces the 30A cord into a container or section but still allows relatively easy extension/retraction through the "cord door"?

Thanks

Larry
Larry, The new LD models have a socket on the outside of the motorhome with a detachable cord. A kit like this is available at Camping World for about $75.00. I installed this system on my 2001 RB and it works just fine. You can paint this socket before installation by getting a spray can from LD with the mathing color depending on where you would install the socket.
John
Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19561
Larry,

Let me file a miniority report, lest all of the 'wantabes' and 'soontobes' think that the pull out cord is universaly disliked.

Since for most camping situations the plug
Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19563
It seems that every LD has a different place or way of storing the power cord. Our '83 FL's cord went through its hole into the exterior storage area on the driver's side. It had a box that contained the cord and was never a problem. I do miss it.
The new LD's cord needs to be detached, coiled and stored, taking a lot longer to deal with.
Newer is not always better.
You would think that Steve's '83 FL would be the same but it isn't.
Go figure.

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: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19569
Quote
Since for most camping situations the plug in is only a few feet from the cord door of the LD, I appreciate the convenience of being able to only pull out a few feet of the cord without messing with the whole 25'.
I've been thinking about this too, since we've got a 2003 on order, with the new external connections.  Most of the campgrounds I've seen locally seem to have the electrical connection within just a few feet or so of the parking pad like you mentioned.  I didn't really like the idea of coiling up the remaining 15 - 20 feet and just laying it on the ground, in the mud, etc.  I've been thinking about buying about a 10 foot, 30 amp cord and putting the correct plug on it so it will fit the receptacle on the LD.  Then I can use the short cord or the LD supplied cord, as needed.  Anyway, that's on my list of possible projects once we get the LD home.  Of course it may have to wait until next winter since I hope we're too busy camping to have much time for projects.

Charles.
Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19505
We extended the electrical cord completely and cut it short just outside the coach and put matching twist lock connectors on both cut ends.
We can roll the cord up and store it where ever it fits the best...

Sounds neat.
 Are these twist lock connectors available through any home improvement place?  Is the inside connector hanging from a couple inches of cord or is it attached to the compartment wall?

Larry
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19506
Quote
I just keep ours tied in a coil so only a few inches can be pulled out. I then connect a 25' RV extension cord to the end for shorepower. It stows easily in an outside compartment.
Steve,
 I have an extension cord too, but use it only when I have to hook to a 15-20A outlet (garage, etc).  Is this the cord you use with a 30A to 15A adapter?  Or do you carry a second 30A?

Larry

.com
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19510
Quote
I have an extension cord too, but use it only when I have to hook
to a
 
Quote
15-20A outlet (garage, etc).  Is this the cord you use with a 30A
to 15A

Quote
adapter?  Or do you carry a second 30A?
Larry, it is a 30A RV extension, so it has the same connectors. It can be used in a cg. Camping World periodically has them on sale for less than $25. This way I didn't have to permanently modify anything.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19511
Quote
Larry, it is a 30A RV extension, so it has the same connectors. It can be used in a cg. Camping World periodically has them on sale for less than $25. This way I didn't have to permanently modify anything.
Thanks.  I have an extra 30A wasting space somewhere and may try your solution.

Larry
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19516
Quote
The new LD models have a socket on the outside of the motorhome with a detachable cord. A kit like this is available at Camping World for about $75.00. I installed this system on my 2001 RB and it works just fine. You can paint this socket before installation by getting a spray can from LD with the matching color depending on where you would install the socket.
John
John,
 Did you or do you know if it's possible to retrofit this device into the existing cord "plastic door" opening? After looking at the CW pictures and dimensions it would appear they're fairly compatible other than the weather proof cover extruding from the side a little further?

Larry
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19522
Quote
> The new LD models have a socket on the outside of the motorhome with a detachable cord. A kit like this is available at Camping World for about $75.00. I installed this system on my 2001 RB and it works just fine. You can paint this socket before installation by getting a spray can from LD with the matching color depending on where you would install the socket.
John

John,

Did you or do you know if it's possible to retrofit this device
into the
 
Quote
existing cord "plastic door" opening? After looking at the CW
pictures and
 
Quote
dimensions it would appear they're fairly compatible other than
the weather

Quote
proof cover extruding from the side a little further?

Larry
Larry, The socket cover is approximately 4" in diameter. It would seem like it would fit in the cover. You would have to glue the movable cord flap to the door since you would be cutting away its anchor. You would have to use about a 2" hole saw to mount the socket. It would be a little more flimsy than mounting it to the body.
John
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19524
Quote from: Lawrence D.[/quote
Rollinger"
Quote
]

The new LD models have a socket on the outside of the motorhome with a detachable cord. A kit like this is available at Camping World for about $75.00. I installed this system on my 2001 RB and it works just fine. You can paint this socket before installation by getting a spray can from LD with the matching color depending on where you would install the socket.
John

John,

Did you or do you know if it's possible to retrofit this device into the existing cord "plastic door" opening? After looking at the CW pictures and dimensions it would appear they're fairly compatible other than the weather proof cover extruding from the side a little further?

Larry Larry, The socket cover is approximately 4" in diameter. It would seem like it would fit in the cover. You would have to glue the movable cord flap to the door since you would be cutting away its anchor. You would have to use about a 2" hole saw to mount the socket. It would be a little more flimsy than mounting it to the body.
John
Larry I placed a picture of where I mounted the power socket in the photo section of the "LD_Enhancements" site under "Johnvan's 26RB" photos.
John
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19547
(snip)..."Are these twist lock connectors available through any home improvement place?  Is the inside connector hanging from a couple inches of cord or is it attached to the compartment wall?"

We got a replacement kit (Camping World) that performs very much like the ones LD now puts on the newer (2001/2/3?) rigs. It consists of a female connector permanently affixed flush to the outside of the rig (nothing hanging off) with a male twist lock connector to attach to your now cut off cord. All you have to do when hooking up is attach the two and you have ALL THAT SPACE UNDER THE SINK FOR STORAGE (yeahhhh!) and can roll up your now amputated cord and put it anyplace it fits. We love it.
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19562
Quote
(snip)  Since for most camping situations the plug in is only a few feet
from  the cord door of the LD, I appreciate the convenience of being able to only pull out a few feet of the cord without messing with the  whole 25'.
Similarly for stowing the cord used, it is fast and  simple to just 'stuff' the short amount into the hole.

 Thanks Barry.  I didn't intend to condemn the system, in fact I've been doing it the way you describe for the past year.  In pouring rain it probably makes disconnect the fastest.
 I just kept looking at the jumbled cord in that compartment and wondered how I might save some of the space.  Now I'm thinking that if I wedge a vertical "wall" (plywood?)  to divide the space, it'll contain the cord in the left 1/3 and give me total space to the right.
 I still don't think I have the nerve to cut holes in the side to solve the problem as some have proposed.

Larry
 
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Neat Tricks?[Elect Cord Stowage]
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19564
I think the "containment box" you describe is similar to what I had in mind.
Thanks.  Lazy Daze musta had it right back then?
 I did have a thin round plastic planter stolen from my wife.  It was 12" or so in diameter at the top and the height was ideal.  I'd coil the cord inside it hoping that as I pushed and pulled it with each use (as described by Barry), it'd wind its way out of and into the tub.   This worked reasonably well until the thin side wall broke down.

Thanks for the info from LD's "archives".

Larry

Our '83 FL's cord went through its hole into the exterior