We have a 28' enclosed trailer with a 100 amp electrical package from the factory. We keep a refrigerator inside the trailer and during the week, we leave the trailer parked but would like an easier way to keep the fridge plugged in than running a cord through the door. Can we 'back feed' the power through the externally located outlet back into the trailer and plug the refrigerator into one of the interior outlets? Are we idiots? ;)

Are you wanting to use a suicide cord?

NO!And I hope not :BFirst off you would have to have/use a double male extension cord.....one male end plugged into a power source and then the other end of cord plugged into the trailer external outlet. These double male cords are NOT available.....you would have to make one yourself. They are called 'window makers' , 'deadman cords' etc. cause as soon as you plug in one end the exposed lugs on other end are energized/hot----source of electrocution !!!!Would it work........sure. Electricity will flow thru the external outlet then thru the circuit breaker and energize the bus bar and feed all closed circuit breakers energizing all circuits feed by them.And the circuit breaker on the power source would trip if it's amp rating was exceeded feeding the trailer.And any of the trailers circuit breakers would also trip if load on them exceeded their amp rating.Circuit breakers aren't directional.........except for GFCIs.Electricity will flow either direction.Issue isn't backfeeding trailer...........The issue is HOW you backfeed it.Double male cord.............................NO NO NOHow do you energize your 100A power panel....via an external receptacle?If so just use an adapter so you can plug your power cord into the 20A outlet

You mention that there's a 100 amp service and a refrigerator but not how it's powered when it isn't parked at your home. Regardless, probably the safest way to do it would be to wire in a shore-power port such as is used on a boat. Basically, it's an inside-out receptacle, it has male pins instead of a socket. Just be sure to protect it with a transfer switch, lock out switch or place it up high if there's a second way (like onboard generator) to power the system.

Not a safe thing to do. It would work but very dangerous. I would install a Power input connector which is a weather proof male connector and the cord would have a matching female connector. You can get a 15 or 20 or 30 amp connector if you wish, heck even a 50 amp connector. :)

Why can't you just plug in the trailer's normal power cord?If that is not feasible, install one of these power inlets and get the matching power cord. The only safe way to do it.

Enclosed Trailer - External outlet | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Feb 09, 2016
A good alternate is to install a wall plug near the refer and run the wire into a locker with a male plug. Then use an extension cord when you need to run the refer and the extension cord should be fine with the storage door seal.

I have this "second circuit" and use it for extra power when on a 30A pedestal and a second pedestal plug is available. We use it for ceramic heaters when it's cold. And I can plug it into a unused storage locker plug when we have 50A.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
carolinatrailer wrote:
Thanks to all, I think we're all done here.

It is sort of customary for the OP to reply with what solution they have decided on rather than saying "we're done here". People took the time to offer suggestions and alternatives to what was a very bad idea.

I really hope you were convinced to not put yourself, your family, and your neighbors at risk.
westend
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
carolinatrailer wrote:
Thanks to all, I think we're all done here.
Well it would be nice to know what you have so that future readers of this thread can reference for their own issues.
carolinatrailer
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
Thanks to all, I think we're all done here.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Feb 09, 2016
You've got your answer.

Curious - just what is this? All RVs are 20A, 30A or 50A (120/240V) for the AC power.

"We have a 28' enclosed trailer with a 100 amp electrical package from the factory."
RJsfishin
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
Quote:
Are we idiots?
--------------------------------------------
If we have to answer that from your question, YES
westend
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
How do you usually power the trailer? Is there a power inlet for a larger cord? If so, that should be used with the appropriate adapters to source power to your fridge.

Back feeding through an exterior outlet is a recipe for trouble. Accidental disconnection at the outlet opens the possibility of electrocution.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
Bobbo wrote:
Why can't you just plug in the trailer's normal power cord....

My thoughts exactly. I'm also wondering about the statement that it is wired for 100 amps. Up until very recently most homes were only wired for 100 amps service

Where would you even plug in a trailer that is wired for 100 amps service? :h
Bobbo
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2016
Why can't you just plug in the trailer's normal power cord?

If that is not feasible, install one of these power inlets and get the matching power cord. The only safe way to do it.
tvman44
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
Not a safe thing to do. It would work but very dangerous. I would install a Power input connector which is a weather proof male connector and the cord would have a matching female connector. You can get a 15 or 20 or 30 amp connector if you wish, heck even a 50 amp connector. :)