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rvtobefree's avatar
rvtobefree
Explorer
Feb 11, 2014

RV Power Inlet

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 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
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    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 method


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

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