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01-28-2021, 04:44 PM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Rossford
Posts: 68
M.O.C. #23846
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Molded power plug loosening
My 50 amp male plug, side that goes into the post, has loosened. Meaning, the molded rubber part has a gap between the rubber of the wires and the plug. Still works, but should I replace it? 20 months of full time use traveling.
Advice? My inline surge protector does not see any issues yet.
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Ken & Margaret
2019 372RD
2019 F450
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01-28-2021, 05:05 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,470
M.O.C. #23668
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I had that happen on a previous 5er. It doesn't mean that you have a problem or that you ever will. But, in my mind, it does raise the bar of potential problems. When it happened to me I bought a replacement plug, cut off the old one, and wired in the new one.
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Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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01-28-2021, 05:07 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Lamesa
Posts: 621
M.O.C. #26010
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Others will have their opinions but I would replace it. I've had the same situation a couple of time. First time tried various ways of "fixing"/"repairing" it but I didn't like the results. Bought a new plug and was just going to put a new end on it - upon thinking about it I liked the molded end far better for protection so that plug still sits on a shelf in the barn. When your wrestling with that plug to push it in/pull it out standing in the rain in a puddle you WILL be the shortest route to grd. for the power when the insulation fails.
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Danny and Susan wife of 55 years
2019 Ram Laramie 3500 6.4 4x4 CC 4.10 SRW
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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01-28-2021, 05:35 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,170
M.O.C. #6433
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If you are talking about the outer insulation of the cord pulling out of the molded plug, you can actually work it back in. You need warm weather and sunshine. Let the sun shine on the cord and thoroughly warm it. Then clamp the cord 10’-15’ from the plug to something rigid. Then starting near the clamp, squeeze the cord with your hands and slide your hands toward the plug. Go back to the clamp and do it again. The cord outer insulation will stretch a little each time toward the plug until it starts to press against it. Add some adhesive and work the end back into into the hole in the plug. Go back and squeeze and push a few more time to get the insulation in as far as possible. Might save you a bundle of cash.
You might could do it using a heat gun or hair dryer but the cord needs to stay warm during the process. You can do the same with smaller extension cords.
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Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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01-28-2021, 08:19 PM
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#5
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 85
M.O.C. #25489
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There is a youtube video from Love your RV that has a fix for this. Might give it a try. hope it helps. Joe " "
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Joe & Rita, Boise ID
2014 3402RL, Morryde pin box, dual AC
2020 RAM 3500 Mega, Dually, 4:10, HO CTD, Aisin.
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01-28-2021, 09:13 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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Shrink wrap tape :
Kable Kontrol Heat Shrink Wrap Tape/Adhesive - 1" Inch Wide - 16.5 Ft Rolls - Black
this is a specific brand but goes on like black tape and then apply heat and it shrinks/seals.
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RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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01-29-2021, 03:30 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,702
M.O.C. #12947
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We never had the insulation separate from the plug, but several years ago, plugged into a pedestal in an RV park, and the EMS would not power up the rig. It said the ground was missing. The park manager sent over their electrician and he tore apart the pedestal and everything was intact. Before he got there, I even tried connecting the 50 amp cable to the pedestal with my 50 to 30 amp dogbone, and still no change. After the electrician put the pedestal back together, I pulled the 50 amp plug out of the dogbone adapter, and found the ground prong was stuck in the dogbone adapter and had broken inside the molded plug. A new plug fixed the problem. Those molded plugs are not the highest quality, so this might be a perfect opportunity to solve a problem before it occurs.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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01-29-2021, 04:55 PM
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#8
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Rossford
Posts: 68
M.O.C. #23846
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Thanks all for the advice. Stopped at a Rv store today but didn't like the selection (or price). I think I'll check the big box stores and get a replacement and maybe try to repair/tape the original until I swap it out.
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Ken & Margaret
2019 372RD
2019 F450
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01-29-2021, 06:19 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,702
M.O.C. #12947
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This is the brand I used, although this is a newer design on the handle. Worked well and very sturdy. https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-MARIN...1969464&sr=8-6
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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01-29-2021, 07:12 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,953
M.O.C. #5651
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I have replaced my plug twice. In both cases, the wiring in the cable and the path thru the plug do NOT lend to a smooth process. I had to cross one wire over the other they way they are arranged in the cable. However, the plug didn't have room to maneuver the wiring to make a good connection without a lot of manipulation. And I don't trust the wiring. The 2nd one had the same issue and apparently the bracket that held the cable to the plug wasn't tight enough and the wires pulled loose and melted the cable/plug a little.
The bracket has an adapter to make it tighter, however, even with that there was a little looseness. This time I added something (piece of rubber - I can't remember) so I could screw it down tighter.
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Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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01-30-2021, 06:54 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,596
M.O.C. #22835
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My cord did the same thing and as a result I ended up purchasing a second entire cord (although shorter) and an extension in the event the original one had total failure. I then used black electric tape and just taped up the gap in the original one real good and when connecting to shore power, I do all I can to take the weight off the plug by lifting the wire or wrapping the wire so it's own weight is not pulling downward as much. I've not had the tape come off and no exposed wires again for over a year now, plugged in 24x7x365 at home and camping.
My biggest concern doing this, was thinking there was stress being pulled on the actual wires (not the sheathing around them). But after watching the video above, it's obvious there's nothing wrong with the wires themselves. There's no extra stress on them, or any damage of them pulling out, breaking, or wearing. It's quite obvious the only problem is the rubber sheath around the wires has shrunk, causing it to pull away from the plug end. This is greatly encouraging for me, that there is really nothing functional wrong with the plug or wires at all. It' just the rubber sheath that's shrunk and pulled away. So, my black electrical tape will probably serve well for a long time. And I did wrap it pretty thick and and down the rubber sheath about 6 inches and over the top of the plug and all around. I think I used almost an entire roll of tape on it.
This is good to know. I've not had to use my "back-up" cord yet. I don't feel bad spending over $200 for the second cord, and another $200 for the extension. I've used the extension with the original a few times and I was glad I had it every time. When you go to Indiana State Parks, you just never know where the shore power post lo is going to be located.
Thank-you for the video.
I think the photo below was taken before I wrapped up the wire, and before I purchased the new one too. Looping the wire over the top helps reduce the weight pulling on the plug. I don't know if it helps anything or not, but it certainly does not hurt.
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Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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02-03-2021, 03:06 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Montgomery
Posts: 502
M.O.C. #7196
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Suggest you leave it alone, maybe cover with liquid Electrical 'tape' or Flexseal...
I had the same problem and decided to fix it. Mistake. I wanted to salvage all the wire i could to maintain the length and discovered the factory connections were solid/great.
Replacement heads are not the easiest to install and I'm on my second one as the screw tight connections can get loose. Then the heat will come and start to melt the plastic head.
I would just feel the plug from time to time to see if it gets hot and or if it ever melts the "rubber" plug.
That's the easiest approach upon reflection...
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02-03-2021, 03:18 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #26399
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohioken7
My 50 amp male plug, side that goes into the post, has loosened. Meaning, the molded rubber part has a gap between the rubber of the wires and the plug. Still works, but should I replace it? 20 months of full time use traveling.
Advice? My inline surge protector does not see any issues yet.
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Just use electricians tape and cross wrap it. The really pro fix is to disconnect the other end, slide a big heat shrink up to the plug and heat shrink it on. I would use at least 8" or even more.
__________________
2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 1,080 watts solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
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02-03-2021, 05:39 PM
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#14
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Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Hurricane
Posts: 21
M.O.C. #27141
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We had the same thing happen 6 months in and not full time. There was about 2” gap. What I did was cut a piece Of scrape hose the split it, put it around the wire put some electrical tape on it then used some of that super duper Flex tape wrapped about 3 times,
So far so good.
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02-05-2021, 07:07 PM
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#15
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Rossford
Posts: 68
M.O.C. #23846
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Thanks all. I ended up just pushing the rubber back into the end and using superglue to lock it in, with electric tape as an extra protection (it was pretty easy). While I was at it, I did the same to the other end as a preventive measure.
__________________
Ken & Margaret
2019 372RD
2019 F450
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