90 Degree 50A Adapter - Solution in search of a problem?

[howson]

With the exception of when being towed, my 315RLTS always has it's power cord connected since it is parked in my backyard. I've noticed over time the power cord connector starting to sag. I haven't had a problem, but in a quest to find a solution to a problem that doesn't exist (yet) I am trying a 90 degree adapter.

An extra adapter just doesn't seem like the best of solutions, but (for now) I'll give it a try and see what happens. (For those that don't know my setup, I have a hard-wired Progressive EMS in the trailer so if something goes sideways with this adapter configuration I am counting on the EMS warning me.) I'd prefer to create a cable with a hard-wired 90 degree connector. That's a project for the future...

https://www.amazon.com/Marinco-ParkP.../dp/B002XLHNAY




How it looked before the adapter was installed. Note the sag in the cord connector.



Over time the cords should straighten out. After the next rain I'm going to pull apart the connections and look for water intrusion.



I'll update this thread if/when there is information to add.

[Country Campers]

Howard

In regards to the "sag" I have thought about a telescopic prop for underneath the factory cord to reduce the "sag" and stress on the connection. I do not use the 50 amp cord at home, I use an adapter to just use an extension cord. I have no need to use the full 50 amps at home. A telescopic support would be useable at a campground as well. The only thing I do not like about adaptors is each adaptor creates another connection. Each connection thus creates a place for another heat affected area to at some point may cause a failure. I am not sure in my observation but I am sure all of the electric gurus will help me with this.

Brian

[howson]

Howard

The only thing I do not like about adaptors is each adaptor creates another connection. Each connection thus creates a place for another heat affected area to at some point may cause a failure.

Exactly! I'll give this a try for awhile and see what happens. I'd prefer a cable with a 90 degree end instead of the straight-in connector so no adapter is required.

[colan]

Saw this o a Momentum in August, problem solved. Even by my standard this is over built.

[howson]

Wow! Now that's a different take on taking out the slack on the power cord.

[gbkims]

Telescopic pole was my thought to take some of the cord's weight. Ty rap or rip tie velcro to hold it on the pole when in use.
I've got a work light with the pole that separates from the light. It's about the right height.
Lowes All-Pro LED Work Stand Light

I did see a post where water got into the extra connection and caused some trouble.
I do have a 90° adapter, but I'm not using it.

[Second Chance]

Personally, I think it's stupid that 50 amp cords are made with with straight-on connectors, anyway. We've used a 90-degree adapter on our rig since day 1 and it has prevented the pulling out of the receptacle from the side of the trailer as I've seen in a number of threads on different web sites. Most full-timers we know also use the adapters.

Rob

[fraserfamily]

Took me 10 seconds thinking about it from a physics standpoint that a 90 degree connector was an easy decision. With the weight of the cable and the moment arm generated because of distance away from the outlet the cable was, there's a lot of torque force on that connector. That can't be a good thing in the long run.With the 90 degree connector, the moment arm is much closer to the connector meaning a much lower torque force. Hope that sounded right. It's been a long since college physics.

[Cate&Rob]

The problem with the 90 degree adapter is that it provides a lever arm to unlock the slight twist that fully engages the electrical connection. This can certainly happen with the straight-in connector, but is less likely. BTW . . . the outer collar is there to make the connection water tight, not to hold the cord in place. The electrical connection twist lock is supposed to hold the electrical connections in place. Depending on the build tolerance of your adapter and the wall connection, if the adapter hangs a little to the left of straight down, the weight of the cord will always be trying to unlock the connection at the trailer wall. To prevent the cord and adapter from trying to unlock the wall connection, you could install a clip on the wall below the electrical connection to hold the cord exactly where you want it. One owner used a broom handle holder to do this.

Rob

[Guest]

Is the connection waterproof where the original cord connects to the adaptor? Rain running down the cord to an unsealed connection could pose a problem.

Jim

[howson]

Exactly what I'm going to look for, Jim, next time it rains.

[Canyonlight]

The problem with the 90 degree adapter is that it provides a lever arm to unlock the slight twist that fully engages the electrical connection. This can certainly happen with the straight-in connector, but is less likely. BTW . . . the outer collar is there to make the connection water tight, not to hold the cord in place. The electrical connection twist lock is supposed to hold the electrical connections in place. Depending on the build tolerance of your adapter and the wall connection, if the adapter hangs a little to the left of straight down, the weight of the cord will always be trying to unlock the connection at the trailer wall. To prevent the cord and adapter from trying to unlock the wall connection, you could install a clip on the wall below the electrical connection to hold the cord exactly where you want it. One owner used a broom handle holder to do this.

Rob

I also recall posts years back for early GDRV models with bumpers and the rear wall connection, that the 90 degree adapter would not work due to the rotational positioning of the outlet on the rear wall resulting in the adapter position to have to hang down. There was not enough clearance between the top of the bumper and the rear wall connection for the adapter to work. Possibly on later builds GDRV rotated the rear wall connection to work with the 90 degree adapters and/or raised the rear connection but I do not recall this. The change to build with the street side sidewall connection for power eliminated the issue allowing the use of the 90 degree adapters to eliminate cord bend stress.

Dan

[OffToHavasu]

The problem with the 90 degree adapter is that it provides a lever arm to unlock the slight twist that fully engages the electrical connection. This can certainly happen with the straight-in connector, but is less likely. BTW . . . the outer collar is there to make the connection water tight, not to hold the cord in place. The electrical connection twist lock is supposed to hold the electrical connections in place. Depending on the build tolerance of your adapter and the wall connection, if the adapter hangs a little to the left of straight down, the weight of the cord will always be trying to unlock the connection at the trailer wall. To prevent the cord and adapter from trying to unlock the wall connection, you could install a clip on the wall below the electrical connection to hold the cord exactly where you want it. One owner used a broom handle holder to do this.

Rob

Don't forget get Paul's issue as well.

[TucsonJim]

If someone doesn't want to use an adapter, another option would be to change out the power cord socket for an angled replacement. Here's one for example:

https://smile.amazon.com/Conntek-SS2...278592&sr=8-14

[howson]

That's what I have in mind for a permanent "fix".

[Second Chance]

Is the connection waterproof where the original cord connects to the adaptor? Rain running down the cord to an unsealed connection could pose a problem.

Jim

I've never had a problem with water incursion into the connection over 4+ years - and we've been in some frog-stranglers with high winds.

Rob

[Second Chance]

If someone doesn't want to use an adapter, another option would be to change out the power cord socket for an angled replacement. Here's one for example:

https://smile.amazon.com/Conntek-SS2...278592&sr=8-14

That one is only 45 degrees - would put more stress on things than the 90 degree adapter.

Rob

[JeffC]

Assuming good electrical connections, there are only two downsides to the 90* adapters. (1) They add expense and (2) they add complexity.

We bought our 310 slightly used. One of the few squawks I noted at that time was a little bit of deformation at the outlet due to either weight and stress or poor installation. Since adding my 90* adapter I don't think about that any more. I did have some concerns about water incursion but Second Chance has given me some stress relief (see what I did there?) over that. I do leave the excess cable on the ground slightly to the left of the connection and keep enough pull on it to keep it in place.