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Old 08-09-2015, 08:57 AM   #21
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After dealing with a few tangles with the power cord in my 19, and the royal pain it is to get at it to untangle, along with the fact that a couple of the "fingers" on the access hole bent, with on breaking off in cold weather, I got a kit from Tammy and changed it to a removable cord.

I had thought to build a compartment around it with thin plywood, which would lessen the chances of a tangle with other items, I worried that if it did tangle by itself, it would really be a hassle to get at to fix.

I now find it much easier to quickly coil the cord and stow it in my bin with other trailer setup items, than to "stuff" it into the original hole.

In the end, I am very glad I made the change, and for myself, would do it on another trailer if I got one.
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Old 08-09-2015, 01:31 PM   #22
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Hi,
We are working on a build sheet for a 19' trailer... This will be our first experience using a trailer. I'm confused by this conversation... Am I correct that a removable power cord would connect into the same space as a permanent cord but just have the ability to be stored in a different location when not in use? (Hopefully not in the campsite just vacated...? ��)
Thanks!
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Old 08-09-2015, 01:52 PM   #23
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In a word, yes.


Longer: the cord is actually 100% external to the trailer (the jack is built into the shell).
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Old 08-09-2015, 02:08 PM   #24
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... Am I correct that a removable power cord would connect into the same space as a permanent cord but just have the ability to be stored in a different location when not in use?
The permanent cord is stuffed into a compartment under a seat or cabinet in the trailer (depending model), and the end pokes out through a little door in the trailer wall.

Yes, the removable cord plugs into a receptacle in the same place on the exterior of the trailer where the permanent cord would come out. You can store it where you want... even in the same place where the permanent cord would go, if you can get to that space easily enough from the inside. I think most people would rather store the removable cord where they don't have to carry it through the interior of the trailer, such as in the (optional) front storage box, or one of the compartments with an outside hatch.

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Hopefully not in the campsite just vacated...?
That is a risk with the removable cord!
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Old 08-09-2015, 02:30 PM   #25
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That's what a checklist is for:
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Old 08-09-2015, 02:35 PM   #26
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Ron my cord was tangled too so when I got home added a1/4 piece of plywood to the frame underneath , few screws into frame . I left the front where the pump is open . Never had a problem since . Also just wipe the cord as I put it back . There is a little rubber plug goes around the cord to close up opening so I don't get uninvited friends in . Pat
pics of plywood confinement of cord .I also closed off outside box . Pat
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Old 08-09-2015, 02:43 PM   #27
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Is the removable power cord a twist lock connection at the trailer?
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Old 08-09-2015, 02:45 PM   #28
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Yes, it's a twist-lock connection.
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Old 08-09-2015, 02:49 PM   #29
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Yes, it's a twist-lock connection.
Thank you.
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Old 08-09-2015, 03:17 PM   #30
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Is the removable power cord a twist lock connection at the trailer?
It is the very common twist-lock 30-amp 125V three-wire (hot, neutral, and ground) connector used outside of the RV world as well, but with a weather-resistant hood added for RV use. The standard is NEMA L5-30.
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Old 08-09-2015, 04:29 PM   #31
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The removable cord keeps little furry 4 legged creatures from walking the cord and entering the camper. Ask me how I know.

I converted our Casita over to a twist lock removable cord after getting visitors entering through the standard cord down in Florida. Plus as mentioned the cord was always getting tangled up.

I would not be without the removable cord and just store the cord in the front box so there is no chance of forgetting it. I also carry a twist lock to standard 115 volt adaptor so I can use a regular extension cord if we are stopping somewhere quick and not needing to run the A/C or anything that draws a lot of amps.

Also don't leave you doors open when you done unloading when camping on the beach in Florida. Those little furry creatures will get in your car. Then they ride back home with you and after being parked for about a week without using using the van it was a shock when I opened the door. Luckily I just had to remove the radio to find it. Talk about a gross nasty job. Cheryl would not help with that one.

Awh the memories we make camping!!
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Old 08-09-2015, 04:55 PM   #32
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Here is the Marinco kit

Amazon.com: Marinco (30ARVKIT) 30 Amp Detachable Power Conversion Kit: Automotive
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Old 08-09-2015, 06:39 PM   #33
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I agonized over the option to get the removable cord -- most people advised to do it -- a few thought it was totally not necessary. But then I got to visit the factory, took one look at the standard cord and immediately decided that we'd get the detachable. So far it has not been forgotten. However, I still think that as far as keeping it clean is concerned, it would probably be easier with the one that retracts since I would guess that you only retract as much as you need without having to lay it on the ground. Am I correct?
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Old 08-09-2015, 06:57 PM   #34
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However, I still think that as far as keeping it clean is concerned, it would probably be easier with the one that retracts since I would guess that you only retract as much as you need without having to lay it on the ground. Am I correct?
Don't know Ruthe. All I can say, is I only pull out what I need, no muddy cord for me! And nothing to forget when I de-camp. I've seen folks with the detachable cords where it's laying in inches of water and mud. A paper towel whipping down the cord while I'm feeding the cord back into it's hatch has worked for me. I think it's all good, just options and expectations.
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Old 08-09-2015, 07:36 PM   #35
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And, you only need two hands. One holds the paper towel and one feeds it into the hole.
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Old 08-09-2015, 07:58 PM   #36
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Thank you all for your responses.... I understand it all much better now!
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Old 08-09-2015, 08:23 PM   #37
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Back to the original post #1: I assume the last picture is the bottom of the hold-down brackets for the solar panel, i.e., the inside ceiling of the trailer? Is that how ETI finishes off the bolts inside? If so, I may pass on that fix. And what are all those wires? What am I missing here?
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Old 08-09-2015, 09:01 PM   #38
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Back to the original post #1: I assume the last picture is the bottom of the hold-down brackets for the solar panel, i.e., the inside ceiling of the trailer?
...
And what are all those wires? What am I missing here?
That's inside a cabinet... so the wires are not normally seen, and are unrelated to the solar panel mounting.
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Old 08-09-2015, 09:12 PM   #39
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So the picture is turned sideways and the bolt coming through is on the ceiling inside the cabinets...at least on the 17B?
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Old 08-09-2015, 09:22 PM   #40
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So the picture is turned sideways and the bolt coming through is on the ceiling inside the cabinets...at least on the 17B?
Yes, the photo is rotated and the bolt is in the ceiling.
The locations of the bolts depends on the model, and which size and placement of panel is involved. In some cases it is out in the visible ceiling, but I believe they use a cover over the bolts in that case. Sorry, I don't have the details of which is which.
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