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sac89's avatar
sac89
Explorer
Oct 13, 2017

30 Amp Plug

So my TT is going on 3 years old now, used several times a year, nothing crazy, and I am about to install my third 30 plug head. As I hold the plug in my hand, prongs facing me, the one on the left side has twice scorched. This last time, it was also loose.

I don't know if it is the quality of the replacement head the service center installed, or if I have an issue with the cord or wiring in the TT itself. The factory installed plug lasted 2 seasons, and this second one lasted a few outings. I am about to replace it with my third.

I plug it into 30 amp sockets at campgrounds, I plug it into the 30 amp slot on my generator when needed (did not use the generator this year), and I do occasionally put on the 110 adaptor to plug it in at the house.

Any thoughts as to what could be the cause of this issue?

30 Replies

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  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2017
    Interesting...I've got an old 2003 rv rental, and 2013 Arctic Fox, both 30 amp.

    2003 X-rental still has original elec cord and plug. Who knows how many times the rental has been used and abused. The 2013 Arctic Fox I've replaced plug twice now. Cord and plug on the rental looks like couple mils thicker and bigger wire size. Last time I replaced plug on trailer I looked at the rental cord and can't find name, only a stamping in rubber of a corp seal.

    RV OEM's found a way for their product to last through their warranty period at a cheaper price I guess.
  • stickdog's avatar
    stickdog
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2017
    We find the 30amp recepticals in most parks are in very poor condition and though we are 50amp we will take a 30 amp to save $$ for an overnight. We only have one AC so 30 will work unless DW wants to do wash which is not normal while traveling. There is a 30amp female to 50amp male that is available from marinco a 3050ARV adaptor. That will help if 50amp is available not much if you only visit 30amp parks.
  • sac89's avatar
    sac89
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2017
    Here is a pic of the second plug...The first was the same peg, just not loose

  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2017
    I make sure I turn the breaker off before I plug in or unplug my shore cord,. Large arc when you don't. Yours sounds like a high draw of power with a loose receptacle or wires.
  • jimlj's avatar
    jimlj
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2017
    A loose connection will cause the problem you have. All of the replacement 30 amp plugs I have seen are fair at best as to quality, and are hard to get a good tight connection on the wire. You may try to tighten the connection and then solder it.

    Another spot is the receptical it is plugged into. If the wires are loose there it can transfer the heat to the plug.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 13, 2017
    Moulded plugs tend to have poor crimps on the wire. Receptacles tend to be worn and corroded making a poor connection. Poor connection makes heat.

    Also 30 amp RVs easily max out or can overload the 30 amp connection running the fridge, A/C, W/H and microwave even if not all together.

    For a replacement plug I recommend the Progressive Industries TT-30.
    http://www.progressiveindustries.net/tt-30p

    You can reduce your load by using propane for the fridge and water.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 13, 2017
    CG's should really replace boththe 30A and 20A receptacles at least every couple of years. They just don't hold up to all the plugging and unplugging.
  • sac89's avatar
    sac89
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2017
    I do not turn on the AC when plugged into 110 at the house. I only run the slide in and out and lift the power jacks at the front and stabilizer jacks. I'll run the radio every so often in the yard, but that's it at the house
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Oct 13, 2017
    2 things: a poor connection and drawing too much power. 30a cg sockets are often old and corroded. Try the 50a. At the house is also suspect if you're running air.

    Next time try feeling the plug after a few minutes of running air. See if it's getting warm.. then hot.

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