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Old 07-17-2012, 11:19 PM   #1
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I am finding ants are accessing my camper by climbing up the 30 amp cord. Yesterday I had a mouse climb up and bite his way out by almost chewing through the cord. Anyone convert to the detachable cord set up? If so, how did you modify the access door?

Edited by: Principal
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Old 07-17-2012, 11:30 PM   #2
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I have a post on the forum someplace where I did this mod.
Here's a couple pics.
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Old 07-18-2012, 09:45 AM   #3
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I saw the thread after I posted. Nice idea! I will be using your model.
Thanks.
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Old 07-18-2012, 12:28 PM   #4
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Mr. Farmer,

What is that white material with the hole you used to mount the socket? Looks like some type of plastic. I used a piece of 1 X 12 cut to size and silicone to waterproof the seams. So far so good.




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Old 07-19-2012, 12:01 AM   #5
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That is a piece of 3/8 plywood with white paint that is shinny. Glued and screwed it on from the inside to cover the hole.



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Old 07-19-2012, 05:46 AM   #6
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I bought a small plastic, whitecutting board, 1/4" thick from mallmart. Drilled the center hole with a hole saw. Cut to shape with bandsaw, installed with stainless screws and caulk. Screws went into the original holes and the door was removed, the rest of the original plastic was left in place and the part I made replaced the door,I used Marinco 30 amp connectors. Same thing only different.



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Old 07-19-2012, 09:00 AM   #7
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I did the same thing on my 07 cruiser as nrausa(Stan) did. Worked well.
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Old 07-20-2012, 01:01 PM   #8
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I'm going to do the same thing.

In the meantime, slather some Vasoline on the cord. The ants won't cross it. Not sure about the mice.

A little messy when it comes time to store the cord, but...

I've used this on several trailers over the years.

And to get rid of the ants, get some Terro ant killer. Put a drop on a piece of cardboard or two and place them around the trailer. Just make sure kids and pets can't get to it. It is poison, afterall.Edited by: rv-rick
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Old 07-20-2012, 02:12 PM   #9
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I have also completed this mod. Bought the marinco kit from camping world, but you could probably buy the necessary items cheaper by themselves today. I cut down a 1/2" piece of plywood, used some 2x4 blocking and recessed the connection point so that you can close the access door while plugged in. Spray painted it black and caulked all around to make it weather/insect proof. One less thing to worry about....



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Old 07-26-2012, 01:20 PM   #10
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Hey NRAUSA how bout some pics of your mod. Been thinking about doin it myself.
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Old 07-30-2012, 04:41 AM   #11
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I have the 50 Amp detachable now, back on my old trailer I kept some "OFF" wipe on bug repellent in the outside storage compartment, I would just take one and wrap it around the cord just as it went into the the trailer--no more ants, and never had a problem with mice coming in--Don't know if they didn't try or if the bug rag kept them out. When I got ready to leave I used the bug wipe to clean the cord before it went back into storage.

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Old 08-23-2012, 06:05 AM   #12
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sleepyT, Sorry I missed your post. I'll give you more details, 'cause I didn't take any photos. I took the access door off and used it for a pattern to cut out the plastic cutting board. The cutting board was translucent so when you hold it where the door was, you can mark the screw holes. I removed the stock screws and replaced with longerstainless flatheads. While you have the cutting board door off you can drill the screw holes and drill or holesaw for the electrical parts. Put the parts on the drilled door and then screw the assembly to the trailer. For caulk, I used the flat tape type between the door and the access hole. That's the mechanical for the electrical I brought the cable out of the trailer about 15in and made the cut. Wire in your body part on the madeup door, add the new end to the, now, outside cable. I like this setup because the smaller door is flush with the trailer wall and makes it easier to hook up the cable. I got the electrial parts from Wholesale Marine. See, a picture is worth 200 words.

Any questions, let me know.



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Old 01-23-2014, 12:40 PM   #13
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Just completed this mod on our Cruiser.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 30 amp update 5.jpg (152.9 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg 30 amp update 4.jpg (153.6 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg 30 amp update 9.jpg (81.5 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg 30 amp update 8.jpg (98.0 KB, 15 views)
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Old 01-23-2014, 12:52 PM   #14
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You are really going to like that mod more every time you use it.
What gauge wire did you use from the junction box to the back of the plug?
I did that mod some years back, and it really is nice not have to fight the cord, plus it closes up a hole for potential pests.

Now you can mount a surge guard in that area, cover it with plexiglass so you can see it and it to will be out of the way.

Good job! Looks great!
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Old 01-24-2014, 02:58 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lloyd View Post
You are really going to like that mod more every time you use it.
What gauge wire did you use from the junction box to the back of the plug?
I did that mod some years back, and it really is nice not have to fight the cord, plus it closes up a hole for potential pests.

Now you can mount a surge guard in that area, cover it with plexiglass so you can see it and it to will be out of the way.

Good job! Looks great!
Thank you!

The instructions for the male connector on the Cruiser stated to use 10g wire or overheating could occur. Had a few feet left over from a previous project. Makes sense as the shore cable and the wire from junction box to converter are both 10g.

It will be nice having options on power cords to use too. Using a 30a to 15a adapter and using a 10' 12g extension cord for our generator when boondocking or hooked to shore power at home to keep batteries charged. Easier to manage that cable as we rarely use the A/C.
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Old 01-25-2014, 09:55 AM   #16
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That was one thing I like about our old Aero-Lite was the shore power cord stored in a box under the trailer with JUST the cord interning the trailer, IE no draft no bugs. Seems the "standard" way is always a pain.
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