This might be a stupid question - but I'm currently working on a stealth conversion of a truck, and I'm about to install my 50amp power inlet. My question is, since I'm trying to keep my RV stealth and I'd rather not drill a hole into the side of the metal frame where most RV's house their inlet, do you see any problem with installing the inlet on the underside of the RV? The floor is pretty thick wood, so I'd just drill the proper sized hole right beneath the panel and feed the wires up. The receptacle I'm looking at does have a locking cover so it should be protected while on the road. It locks in as well, however, I'm not sure if the strain on the cord would be heightened if it were under the truck. My other option would be to install it into the back, or the side of the metal lockbox that sits under the truck. I don't really want to do this though, because that box houses my batteries. I have a relatively large battery bank, and from what I understand it is better to keep your electrical equipment separate from your bank in the event of possible explosion or whatever else. I also want to keep the risk of the two systems interacting very low. Thanks in advance for your input!

I would get a door assembly like for your gas fill and put it on the opposite side.bumpy

I've thought about this very thing and if I could make the hole on the outside of my TT disappear, I would do exactly as you describe.Not only would it be stealth but the cord would be better off just hanging straight down rather than having to make a hard turn downward.

Are you talking about a pull out cord or one that connects to a RECEPTACLE behind a locked door...Most 50AMP SHore Power cable use this method where the cable disconnects from the trailer end...Alot of 30AMP Shore Power Cables use this method that get pushed back into the trailer end but can also be like the above photo and be disconnected. My 30AMP trailer uses the push-in-the-hole methodYou may have to install a square hatch door like this to push your large 50AMP shore power cable connector through the door if you have the 50AMP pull-out cable.We have been to several camp sites that only have the 30AMP Pedestal Service available. Only a few where we always go seem to have both 30A and 50A Service on the pedestals.May we ask why you are so concerned doing the "stealth mode" whatever that means.Roy Ken

I would put the connection inside an a bay and use a hatch through the floor. My own coach uses that setup for the sewer and it works quite well. The plug would remain clean and completely out of sight.4" Deck plate

Wish I would of taken pic. Saw a pretty stealthy looking van couple months ago at local bog box store. Got talking with the guy who was really into that type of thing. Anyways his license plate folded down with some type of hinge, behind the lic plate was elec hook up connection. Don't know if that makes sense to you so included link to what I think I saw. Many car in the 60's had fold down lic plates with gas cap behind them. His lic plate had elec hook up behind his which looked really good. http://www.truckspring.com/towing/trailer-hitch-accessories/fold-down-license-plate-holder--49802.aspx http://dodgeram.info/tech/mods/bumper_step/http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Hidden-Hitch/8802.html

RV Power Inlet | Good Sam Community

4x4van
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2014
That is correct, the SAG decision deals only with on-street parking, and basically says that RVs must be treated as any other vehicle on any and all public streets in the state. All bets are off when it comes to private streets, off-street parking... and as for "residing"...I'm not even gonna touch that one! :)

Hmmmm...stealth mode so that the owner can park it in his driveway where an HOA prohibits RVs...interesting. I hadn't even thought of that, but it does make sense!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 15, 2014
4x4van wrote:
woodgeezer wrote:
Good luck getting that thing "legally" registered in California. No sense talking here, when no one is listening that should. Help can only be offered, not forced upon someone.

??? Why would registration be an issue in CA or in any other state, for that matter? There is nothing illegal with what he is doing, simply wants the truck's sides to be clean, without the typical doors, access panels, vents, etc. that a typical RV would have.

BTW, in CA at least, it is illegal for any city to restrict on-street RV parking, unless they also restrict all other vehicles in the same way. California State Attorney's Opinion 89-602

didn't read all of that decision but I think it applied to parking only, not residing in one/ sleeping/cooking/etc.
I think the main reason to avoid the appearance of a RV would be in areas where Home Owner's associations forbid them.

bumpy
4x4van
Explorer III
Feb 15, 2014
woodgeezer wrote:
Good luck getting that thing "legally" registered in California. No sense talking here, when no one is listening that should. Help can only be offered, not forced upon someone.

??? Why would registration be an issue in CA or in any other state, for that matter? There is nothing illegal with what he is doing, simply wants the truck's sides to be clean, without the typical doors, access panels, vents, etc. that a typical RV would have.

BTW, in CA at least, it is illegal for any city to restrict on-street RV parking, unless they also restrict all other vehicles in the same way. California State Attorney's Opinion 89-602
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
Bucky Badger wrote:
Dannyabear1 wrote:
How many 50 amp pedistals have you seen on public streets?

LOL I guessed you missed the part of the post where he wants to be STEALTH? He NEVER said he was plugging in on the streets

Id like to see the pic of the truck that needs 50 amp service

need it or not, that is what the OP said he wanted.
bumpy
Bucky_Badger
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
Dannyabear1 wrote:
How many 50 amp pedistals have you seen on public streets?

LOL I guessed you missed the part of the post where he wants to be STEALTH? He NEVER said he was plugging in on the streets

Id like to see the pic of the truck that needs 50 amp service
woodgeezer
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
Good luck getting that thing "legally" registered in California. No sense talking here, when no one is listening that should. Help can only be offered, not forced upon someone.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
Dannyabear1 wrote:

AGAIN, how many streets have 50 amp pedistals??????????

Probably no streets have 50a pedestals. What does that have to do with anything? Most RVs can function for a day or several without power and then an electrical hookup or generator is needed to recharge batteries.
Dannyabear1
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
beemerphile1 wrote:
I would put a generic door on the side with the cord behind the door. For the casual observer that door will not make them think "RV". Many commercial vehicles have access doors and toolboxes on the side.

woodgeezer wrote:
...if you are going to use it to break the law, how will you feel if it is impounded....

Why do you infer or presume that stealth means anything illegal is intended?

Stealth simply means inconspicuous as in not wanting to attract attention. It is perfectly legal to overnight on any street in America that is not regulated otherwise. Some cities regulate overnight parking, most don't.

Once you get out of incorporated areas it is extremely unlikely there are any regulations against overnight parking. Just because it is legal doesn't mean one wants to attract attention. Why would anyone want to be a target?

AGAIN, how many streets have 50 amp pedistals??????????
beemerphile1
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
I would put a generic door on the side with the cord behind the door. For the casual observer that door will not make them think "RV". Many commercial vehicles have access doors and toolboxes on the side.

woodgeezer wrote:
...if you are going to use it to break the law, how will you feel if it is impounded....

Why do you infer or presume that stealth means anything illegal is intended?

Stealth simply means inconspicuous as in not wanting to attract attention. It is perfectly legal to overnight on any street in America that is not regulated otherwise. Some cities regulate overnight parking, most don't.

Once you get out of incorporated areas it is extremely unlikely there are any regulations against overnight parking. Just because it is legal doesn't mean one wants to attract attention. Why would anyone want to be a target?
LarryJM
Explorer II
Feb 12, 2014
Bill.Satellite wrote:
LarryJM wrote:

Don't understand you desire to keep the cord entry stealth since it's going to be hard to hide that 2x4 black cord that will go to your power source.

Larry

I believe the idea is to be in stealth mode (not look like an RV) when not at a location where hookups would be available. Say you wanted to park on a city street overnight where parking an RV would not be allowed but in that mode you should sleep there without any problems.

Well I sure would like to see a RV that doesn't look like an RV and needs 50A service. As I said I just don't understand the stealth part. With metal panels and battery boxes I don't think we are talking about a normal pickup looking vehicle to begin with.

Larry

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