SmartPlug Upgrade December 09, 2022, 12:14:06 pm Have any of our LDOG Members converted to the Smart Plug setup from the Marinco twist type shore power connection recently? See photo of one type of Smart Plug on Amazon.Should there be sufficient wire inside the coach wall to rewire the new Smart Plug without having to go inside the coach behind the wall/toilet? I know LD was not usually generous in any extra wiring. We have a 2010 RB.Is one model of Smart Plug receptacle better than another? There are several types. Stainless/Plastic?I did read what Companion articles on the subject I could find but am still uncertain if this is a straightforward install for a non-electrical person. If I can pry the old Marinco cover off (with minimum damage) and connect the wiring on the Smart Plug receptacle I may give it a go. I would like to wait for your suggestions before ordering/starting the project. They are pricey!Cheers!Tony R. (aka codefour) 1 Likes
Re: SmartPlug Upgrade Reply #1 – December 09, 2022, 01:04:30 pm Why are you replacing the Marinco plug, has it failed?The Marinco connector has worked for most LDs as long as the contacts remain clean and not burned.While a Smart Plug is well designed, it will provide no noticeable benefit if the Marinco plug is still in good condition.Andy Baird installed a Smart Plug in his old LD, he might be able to provide more information.Larry
Re: SmartPlug Upgrade Reply #3 – December 09, 2022, 04:05:55 pm Tony, I wish I could remember the details of my SmartPlug installation on my 2003 midbath, but it was eight years ago, and I wasn't taking as good notes back then as I do now. I remember reaching behind the toilet in the process, but I don't remember why.I can tell you that more recently, I upgraded to a SmartPlug on both my first Airstream and on my current one, and it was straightforward: pull out the Marinco inlet (only a few inches of slack needed), disconnect its wires, then connect them to the SmartPlug inlet and attach it to the outside wall. "If I can pry the old Marinco cover off (with minimum damage) and connect the wiring on the Smart Plug receptacle I may give it a go."I'd suggest running a razor blade or X-Acto knife lightly around the Marinco inlet before removing it, in order to prevent it from lifting paint unnecessarily. Then apply painter's tape (masking tape) all around it to protect the painted wall, before removing its screws and beginning to pry the inlet with a thin, flexible putty knife. As is typical of Lazy Daze, it's liberally sealed, so prying it off will take considerable patience. Work your way around the outlet multiple times, slipping the putty knife in a little further each time around. Don't force it, and it will eventually come loose.Because the SmartPlug inlet is a bit smaller than the Marinco inlet, once the latter is removed there will be an unpainted area that isn't covered by the SmartPlug inlet. (Lazy Daze painted these rigs after all the external hardware was installed.) I filled in that area with touch-up paint from the factory. In the photo below you can see a faint circular outline where the original Marinco inlet was.While the Marinco hardware still worked in all three rigs mentioned (LD and two Airstreams), the SmartPlug hardware is so much better engineered that I didn't wait for the Marinco setup to fail before replacing it. The SmartPlug latches securely (I'd had the flimsy Marinco locking rings fail), the lid never flaps when driving down the road (a problem I had with the original Marinco inlet on my LD), there's no fiddling to get the plug lined up... it's just better all around.In all cases I used SmartPlug's BM30NT (stainless steel cover) inlet and 25' 30 A cordset.
Re: SmartPlug Upgrade Reply #4 – December 09, 2022, 04:07:54 pm Note to admins: could you change the name of this thread from "SafePlug upgrade" to "SmartPlug upgrade", so that a search will find it?
Re: SmartPlug Upgrade Reply #5 – December 09, 2022, 04:33:56 pm Never had a problem with the Marinco hardware loosening or otherwise failing to seal tightly ....except when being ripped up while driving away hooked up. Right, idiotic move - but it happened twice. The saving grace was the plastic hardware broke without damaging the rig otherwise. How would it have fared with the sturdier SmartPlug hardware?Steve
Re: SmartPlug Upgrade Reply #6 – December 09, 2022, 04:40:36 pm Quote from: codefour - December 09, 2022, 12:14:06 pmIs one model of Smart Plug receptacle better than another? There are several types. Stainless/Plastic?Tony R. (aka codefour)Tony, the ones that the mothership installed on the newer rigs is the one you have pictured. Stainless flap and trim. 2 Likes
Re: SmartPlug Upgrade Reply #7 – December 11, 2022, 11:39:46 am Thank you for all of your positive replies.I hopefully will be able to post the results and photos after the holidays.Cheers! - and safe travels.Tony R. (aka codefour)
Topic: SmartPlug Upgrade (Read 226 times)
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Topic: SmartPlug Upgrade (Read 226 times)
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