Pros & Cons of Removeable Power Cord?

[Zardoz-ESC]

One of the options for the 19' Escape is a removable power cord. Since it comes standard with a 25' on-board power cord already, I'm having a hard time understanding what the benefit of having a removable power cord is? So much to learn ...

 

[vermilye]

Advantages of removable:
1. One less access point for bugs & rodents.
2. It won't ever get stuck wrapped around something in the storage area.
3. Additional space available in the storage area - I added an inverter, a surge protector, and a water filter in the space.

Advantage of fixed:
1. You only need to pull out as much as you need.
2. You probably won't forget & leave it behind.
3. Slightly less chance of it being stolen.

 

[float5]

Glad you made that point about the cord getting stuck around items in the storage area. We will have to pay attention to that.

I seal the space at the cord from bugs using a pliable rope caulk that can be reused a couple of times.

 

[gbaglo]

Tammy advised me not to use the compartment that houses the electrics, water heater and the power cord for storage. That is to prevent damage to those components.
I've never had the need to use it, so it hasn't been an issue.
I'm perfectly happy with the attached power cord.

 

[float5]

Tammy advised me not to use the compartment that houses the electrics, water heater and the power cord for storage. That is to prevent damage to those components.
I've never had the need to use it, so it hasn't been an issue.
I'm perfectly happy with the attached power cord.

The 19' electric is under the driver's bench.

At first, we wanted a removable cord but I like having the attached one.

 

[Zardoz-ESC]

Thanks everyone; certainly something that can be easily upgraded later. I'm trying my best not to get EVERY option offered; this will help.

 

[float5]

Thanks everyone; certainly something that can be easily upgraded later. I'm trying my best not to get EVERY option offered; this will help.

Good luck on that!.

 

[barry-ESC]

I've had both and prefer the removable cord.

I made up a 10 ft cord out of 14/3 CAB wire for the times I don't need the long 30 amp cord (99% of the time) which makes hooking up quick and easy. I also use this cord when I have the trailer plugged in at home so the 30 amp cord doesn't "walk" when I'm not around.

I found that with the attached cord it would always get tangled up inside the cabinet and I was always going inside and untangling it.

Barry

 

[float5]

Do you mean it would get tangled up on itself in the 5.0, or another trailer? What space does it go into in the 5.0? We have never had that happen so now I wonder if it will next time out and maybe we have been lucky.

 

[barry-ESC]

Do you mean it would get tangled up on itself in the 5.0, or another trailer? What space does it go into in the 5.0? We have never had that happen so now I wonder if it will next time out and maybe we have been lucky.

The trailer was a 2005 Escape 17B. The new 17B's might be different, I don't know but I went with the removable cord on the 5.0 and prefer it.

Barry

 

[float5]

Well, anyway, your photography is FANTASTIC.

 

[ChuckS-ESC]

I liked the detachable power cord in an Escape I once owned. As soon as I bought my used Bigfoot it got one. The power cord wrapped around the water heater pipes and valves, and I knew someday their would be trouble when water hit the power center.
Chuck

 

[escape artist]

Hi: Zardoz... We have the attached umbilical cord. While away down east it got tangled up on the battery cut off switch and guess what!!! NO POWER to the trailer and the landing gear. Took a lot of hand cranking and wondering on my part to figure out why the battery died. HUMMMM. We now have a protective cover over the switch and Reace has relocated them on the new 5.0's.
While at home the earwigs made a nice ramp out of the cord and infiltrated the opening in search of a nice shady spot to set up camp!!!
I'd prefer to have a detachable power cord with a sealed plug on the trailer.
That's my nickles worth. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

 

[gbaglo]

I've got the 17B and haven't had a tangle that was an issue. I'd just push it back in and then give it another yank.
But, don't ask about the time I slammed the rear hatch on the Subaru three times and then discovered it was a fly reel that was preventing it from closing. Hey, it was dark.

 

[barry-ESC]

I've got the 17B and haven't had a tangle that was an issue. I'd just push it back in and then give it another yank.
But, don't ask about the time I slammed the rear hatch on the Subaru three times and then discovered it was a fly reel that was preventing it from closing. Hey, it was dark.

The tangle was never one that couldn't be solved but was irritating.

Barry

 

[Donna D.]

I had been waffling back and forth about this issue for my Scamp. In the end, I like the original. Here in the Pacific NorthWET, I only pull out what I need to hookup. The cord doesn't lay in the dirt or wet and mud, ever. Because it doesn't need to. KISS works for me.

 

[dave macrae]

I have had both styles and prefer the removable one, I use the cable clamps from lee valley to keep the cord coiled up nicely and just hang the loop of extra cable from the rear bumper, I find it keeps the grime out of the inside of the trailer.I have found on other trailers that the permanent cords seem to get tangled when they are pushed back inside.

 

[Jim Bennett]

Advantages of removable:
1. One less access point for bugs & rodents.
2. It won't ever get stuck wrapped around something in the storage area.
3. Additional space available in the storage area - I added an inverter, a surge protector, and a water filter in the space.

Advantage of fixed:
1. You only need to pull out as much as you need.
2. You probably won't forget & leave it behind.
3. Slightly less chance of it being stolen.

I agree with Jon on all points, but will add another disadvantage I found with a fixed cord is that when used in very cold weather, the plastic spring tabs that hold against the cord don't flex very well, and will break off.

I bought a retrofit kit from Tammy, and just did not have time to do the mod before storing this winter, but will be first thing once we bring our 19 home for the summer.

I am really not too worried about leaving it behind, no more then all the hoses and other camping gear. I also do not worry about theft too much, it would be not much use to anyone else, unless theirs was missing too.

If you were to use the fixed system, I would recommend building a bit of a wall to keep it separated from the storage contents. We often had to dig in under the bed to untangle things.