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Old 10-15-2016, 05:20 PM   #1
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Prairie Schooner modifications

Started some major changes this week, installation of an electric heater as well as a pedestal electrical outlet. The stock outlet installed are unknown to me as well as they do not appear to have the capability for another feed to be added. So I removed it and installed a conventional outlet upon which I can feed a switched line to the new heater. Cut out the heater and new outlet box.
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Old 10-15-2016, 05:22 PM   #2
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Some more pictures. one of the benefits of Amazon Prime are the boxes, which the cats enjoy as a cat condo.....
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Old 10-15-2016, 05:34 PM   #3
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Started some major changes this week, installation of an electric heater as well as a pedestal electrical outlet. The stock outlet installed are unknown to me as well as they do not appear to have the capability for another feed to be added. So I removed it and installed a conventional outlet upon which I can feed a switched line to the new heater. Cut out the heater and new outlet box.
so those two pictures of the outlets are what ETI is installing in new 2017 Escapes?
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Old 10-15-2016, 05:47 PM   #4
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Yes #3,4,5 are the 120v outlets installed stock, the faceplate just snaps on/off. The wires are pinched in place as seen in #3.
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Old 10-15-2016, 07:41 PM   #5
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May not be the exact same outlet but appears to be similar.

Directions: http://mobilehomepartsstore.com/Merc...structions.pdf
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Old 10-15-2016, 10:35 PM   #6
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Yes #3,4,5 are the 120v outlets installed stock, the faceplate just snaps on/off. The wires are pinched in place as seen in #3.
thanks for the pics..those outlets obviously work but IMHO junk as there are better outlets ...disappointed in ETI choice of insulation displacement connection to save a few cents in labor and parts cost compared to a very good AC outlet for less than $1 each on a 30k trailer ...... similar to GM trying to save a few pennies on the ignition switch on a 30K+ vehicle..

....given a choice would not plug a portable heater or a toaster oven into those outlets and just another thing to add to the list of things to fix on a new Escape trailer...
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Old 10-15-2016, 10:54 PM   #7
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Another thing to add to the list of things to fix on a new Escape trailer...
I presume you will have that list laminated.
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Old 10-16-2016, 03:08 AM   #8
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The Self Contained Devices are presumably used for the same reason that similar devices are used in other RVs - they install in a cabinet panel without using a separate box. A regular outlet is cheap, but add the box, suitable brackets, and installation effort, and they get a lot more expensive. I do agree that insulation-displacing connections are not what I would want in receptacle connection, but I suspect that's what's in my motorhome (and now I have to check ). I don't think these devices existed when my current trailer was built.
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Old 10-16-2016, 06:59 AM   #9
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Yes, that is the type of outlet and you will need that special tool. I tried installing the second line but did not feel too comfortable about using a flat screw driver as my installation tool. So I replaced it with the typical outlet and box.
I see nothing wrong with these outlets and they are sort of nifty, not cheap as Freespirit states. They are UL approved and I can see using them once you learn and gather the proper tools. If you do not plan on adding or replacing a 120V outlet there should be no concern.
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Old 10-16-2016, 08:04 AM   #10
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OMG! The installation tool is $321.28!
Professional's Self-Contained Switch/Receptacle Installation Tool
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Old 10-16-2016, 08:11 AM   #11
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According to literature, these new devices are used where vibration or movement is prevalent and prevents electrical issues in that type of environment, so that are a safety improvement over the standard residential style outlets.
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Old 10-16-2016, 08:15 AM   #12
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According to literature, these new devices are used where vibration or movement is prevalent and prevents electrical issues in that type of environment, so that are a safety improvement over the standard residential style outlets.
Might be true, although when it comes to vibration, I don't see much difference between a wire screwed down to a terminal post vs one which is wedged between two terminals. My thing would be, it's harder to modify the wiring later if you need to do so. Give me the regular outlets.

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Old 10-16-2016, 08:20 AM   #13
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Actually found the tool for less than $40= see here SCDT Tool
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Old 10-16-2016, 08:30 AM   #14
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Might be true, although when it comes to vibration, I don't see much difference between a wire screwed down to a terminal post vs one which is wedged between two terminals. My thing would be, it's harder to modify the wiring later if you need to do so. Give me the regular outlets.

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True, but there are always those screw on wire connectors that come loose due to vibration that you will have when using the screw type terminals, I have to use one now when wiring the inline pilot light indicator for the heater install. I always tape my screw type connections in addition to the connector
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Old 10-16-2016, 08:35 AM   #15
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Hi: Zardoz... Maybe it's a tool to keep us out of there!!! Alf
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Old 10-16-2016, 08:43 AM   #16
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Hi: Zardoz... Maybe it's a tool to keep us out of there!!! Alf
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Well, it works. I wouldn't buy one.
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Old 10-16-2016, 08:46 AM   #17
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Actually found the tool for less than $40= see here SCDT Tool
Not familiar enough with this system, but hard to imagine a $38 tool that's comparable to a $300+ tool. Oh well, can't fight progress I suppose.
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Old 10-16-2016, 09:05 AM   #18
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It's the PEX of the electrical world.
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Old 10-16-2016, 10:27 AM   #19
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It's the PEX of the electrical world.
Yea, but my crimping tool was only about $50. This is nuts. Seems like solving a problem that didn't exist.
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Old 10-16-2016, 10:40 AM   #20
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We don't necessarily have all the data that there was no problem with screw on electrical connections in RV's. While it could indeed be a method of saving labor/money for large scale production places like Winnebago with hundreds of RVs rolling off the lines each month, knowing Reace I doubt that he would make this switch solely to save a few pennies. He may have received data that shows that this fastening method is superior in our "moving earthquakes" (thanks yet again Donna).

If Reace is comfortable with this connection method, I am not going to rush to ripping them out and replacing them when we pick up our 21 in May.
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