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Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Nov 27, 2014

Mice ate the power cord...#@%#!!!

I went to take an inventory of stuff in the 5er for our winter getaway next month; and as I pulled out that big power cord at the back (30 amp system) - it was bare! It seems mice think the outer rubber (?) casing is tasty? They chewed into the white and green wires in one place - just a half-inch or so. Must not be as tasty as the black cover.

Poking around with a flashlight shows no signs of mice entering the interior; but they've been in the front compartments. I didn't see anything chewed. But I have to assume they've followed wiring runs from the front to the back; and I'm wondering what else they've chewed?? Ugh.

It was parked behind our business all summer - there's a hayfield next door. I guess this is hardly a surprise :-( We found a nest in one of the white vinyl wheel covers - I was praying that's all the farther they had gone.

So I guess my question is: do I buy a new cord and have my mechanic install it (he's fairly RV-literate); plug in and pray for the best? Or do I take it to an RV dealer and hope they actually trace the voltage along the lines to see if there are any shorts?

In the meantime, I'm armed with gobs of mousetraps and peanut butter in case they're still hanging around....
Seeking Advice

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  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2014
    brirene wrote:


    That's what I would do. If you've got enough that's good to get to the connection opening you can cut it off, apply the new connector (which also closes the opening for mice to get in), and buy a new, detachable cord. Matter of fact I've got the kit in the basement to do this, but haven't gotten to it yet.


    To Jack L: The little monsters chewed through the individual wire insulation in enough places that the cord is toast. It's never good when you can see copper :-(

    To brirene: I'll have to take off some paneling on the inside of the 5er to access that compartment - but assuming the base of the cord is not full of holes, that's what I'll do. I always wanted to insulate in there anyway - I'm sure it's nothing more than a box made of paneling. Maybe now that it doesn't have to store cord, I can make it into a bookcase or something.

    You'll notice I'm now saying *I*. Ed and I talked, and decided to try this ourselves. The first time the 5er gets plugged in, it will be OUTDOORS (just in case)... if I find it gets complicated (or breakers trip; or things don't work) - I'll call in the mechanic. I'm PRAYING that there was just something yummy about that cord.... and that the rest of the wiring was left alone?
  • brirene's avatar
    brirene
    Explorer
    Nov 27, 2014
    Deb and Ed M wrote:
    Since we'll be replacing the power cord, I think I want to switch over to a marine-type connector; and not have to fight that blasted cord, stuffing it back into its little hole (which I ironically referred to as a "mouse hole"). We're in Michigan - that cord turns into "steel cable" when it's cold.


    That's what I would do. If you've got enough that's good to get to the connection opening you can cut it off, apply the new connector (which also closes the opening for mice to get in), and buy a new, detachable cord. Matter of fact I've got the kit in the basement to do this, but haven't gotten to it yet.
  • NanciL's avatar
    NanciL
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2014
    If it was me, and they just chewed through the outer black insulation.
    I would just use a good grade electrical tape and tape the heck out of it. If they chewed into the inner conductors, I would replace the whole cord.
    It is a simple job once you find the lugs the conductors are terminated at.

    Jack L
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2014
    BTPO1 wrote:
    If they did not chew too far into the cord you might be able to make it a shorter cord. If you want to replace it is not that difficult as there are only three wires. JMO


    I *might* have 8' left unchewed?? They've been busy.....
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2014
    Since we'll be replacing the power cord, I think I want to switch over to a marine-type connector; and not have to fight that blasted cord, stuffing it back into its little hole (which I ironically referred to as a "mouse hole"). We're in Michigan - that cord turns into "steel cable" when it's cold.
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2014
    doxiemom11 wrote:


    Personally, I'd like to have it checked before I ever slept a night with it plugged in. The fire danger would scare me if there were other bare wires.


    Yeah - I'll be sleeping with one eye open and my nose "on guard" the first few nights. Will update the smoke detector (which probably should be done anyway since the old one is over 10 yrs old)
  • BTPO1's avatar
    BTPO1
    Explorer
    Nov 27, 2014
    If they did not chew too far into the cord you might be able to make it a shorter cord. If you want to replace it is not that difficult as there are only three wires. JMO
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2014
    Your insurance may cover any damage done by the mice. Contact your insurance agent to find out, especially if you find other wiring damage throughout.

    Personally, I'd like to have it checked before I ever slept a night with it plugged in. The fire danger would scare me if there were other bare wires.

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