5th wheel where the 50-amp electrical cable plugs in, the black screw “ring”

[TenOC]

On my 5th wheel where the 50-amp electrical cable plugs in, the black screw “ring” connector that holds the cable in place has broken off. Is it possible to replace the ring only and not have to replace the whole connection? I am thinking about just ignoring the problem because it appears that the only function of the ring is to make sure that the cable is not disconnected. Your thoughts on the issue?

[DadsHemi]

Not sure, but the black ring makes sure you have a good connection of all the lugs as well has making sure it does not work loose.

[Carl n Susan]

Yea, I understand the purpose of the black ring and I am sure it is valuable in a marine environment where there is a fair amount of movement of the cable and the attached vehicle. However IMO the twist lock function has always securely connected the plug. I have used the locking ring a couple of times but for the last 10 years I haven't bothered.

[DQDick]

We have one rig we use it on and the other that it broke and has not been replaced.

[DutchmenSport]

That outer locking ring on mine broke, or stripped out the first time I plugged in power when I brought it home form the dealership. It has never tightened since. I don't even bother with it.

My plug attaches at the rear of the camper. I take the electric cable and drape it over my hitch on the rear of the trailer (I keep a hitch in the receiver all the time). This does two things. It relives some of the weight off the actual plug, and it keeps the wire from moving around at the connection point. I've been doing it this way for 4 years now. Never had a problem with the plug wearing or a bad connection doing it this way.

[BB_TX]

In 14 yrs I never once used that black ring.

[RMcNeal]

I never use the black plastic ring either, however I did buy a 90 degree dog bone so that the plug into the rig turns 90 degrees down immediately. My plug end does not have a 90 degree connector and the weight of that straight connector and cable always pulling downward will eventually wear on the plastic parts of the rig's female plug. I got something like this...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[MandK]

Our ring is just a pita. The treads are thin and extremely hard to get started. Our camper came with a 90 degree plug so we plug in, twist lock, and spend about 5 seconds trying to start the threads. If they catch, fine. If not, it’s on to the level-up.