I guess I'm lucky?.... My power cord is pulled out about half to 3/4 of the way and plugged in 24/7 all year. I get lots of freezing/snowy weather in winter. When I've unplugged to move the truck or for whatever reason I've not had a problem putting the cord back in the compartment. Yes, it's stiffer, but it has never been frozen to where I can't coil it up in the compartment. It is a small compartment that is all metal inside. I thought it was just a regular power cord like all of yours, but maybe since I have a winter package they also used something different back in 1996? I doubt it, but anyway, that's my story. :)
Dak