New 50 AMP plug install-tin leads?

[sasha_j]

My rig has a hardwired 50 amp cord that is way too long. So I am shortening it by cutting it and adding a new CAMCO plug like this:

This one

The instructions say not to solder the ends but it seems tough to keep the 6AWG stranded copper wire neat inside the plug without resorting to tinning the ends or some kind of ferrule crimp (don't have a crimper)

I have it working but I don't like how the copper strands are messy inside the plug. I would like to redo with tinned ends. Any reason I should NOT do this?

[pianotuna]

Camco female outlets seem to be rather poor. I've had 4 fail.

[Cummins12V98]

I have made several cords with this exact plug. I cut the coating off per length required and twist clockwise the stranded wires that have been just exposed.

Not rocket science and there is NOTHING else a person can or should do other than be sure each screw is nice and TIGHT.

[D_E_Bishop]

Something that I am seeing more and more is, tinning just maybe 1/16 of an inch of the tip of the wire strands. Tinning just the tip allows you to thread the wire under the clamp and then tighten it firmly and not create any whiskers.

The other thing you should do is strip the wires just enough to allow the 1/16 inch that is tinned to stick out past the clamp with the insulation up against the clamp on the other side.

[SoundGuy]

Chris Bryant wrote:
I don't like tinning in this case- if the connection heats at all, the solder can soften, making the connection worse.

The OP isn't talking about tinning all the exposed copper, just the ends, which is what I've always done to prevent individual strands from separating from the bunch.

[Chris_Bryant]

I don't like tinning in this case- if the connection heats at all, the solder can soften, making the connection worse. If you need it, get a ferrel.
Better yet, use a better connector, one that traps the cord, like Proggressive Industries.

[sasha_j]

And in my case, its not best to have too much....my rig has a poor design where the all the non-detachable cable has to be plugged in (to get power from the genny when off grid). Coiling up all that cable is a hassle especially when cold. Poor bend radius as you can imagine.

[sasha_j]

Cord is already cut! I used the cut section and made an extension with a female connector at the cut end.

[jerseyjim]

I would NOT cut the cord. Y'never know when you might need the length for a hookup. Always best to have too much than not enough...and have you found the price(s) of a 50 AMP extenion cord ?

Keep whatcha' got.