[VAC] Re: Updating to External Utility Connections

[Kevin D Allen <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Huff!

The new power cord that was installed as part of the updates on my coach
is approximately 15 feet in length.  The through-the-wall port has a
basket that the plug is supposed to store in allowing the exterior door
and flap to close - - it is a battle nearly every time the cord is
stored to get the plug in its basket at the proper angle to close the
door.  The installation is now about seven years old, and I am becoming
concerned that the plastic used in constructing the port is becoming
brittle and will either break at the hinge or simply disintegrate.

I am finally getting something of a handle on the tangling problem as
the old power converter was abandoned this summer in favor of a new
inverter that is installed under the roadside bed which reduced the
potential entanglements by one serious obstacle.  There are still
several water supply lines that periodically argue with the electrical
cord.

The "tandem" electrical system that you suggest may be workable, but the
sockets that you would need could become rather expensive - - at least
based on some of the prices that I was quoted when I was looking for
something that would approximate the style of electrical connection used
on early 1960s Airstreams - - the socket to mount in the body of the
trailer was quoted at $80.00 (part only) and the appropriate 30 AMP 20
foot cord was quoted at $120.00.  Those prices convinced me to go with a
new circuit breaker box and is how I ended up with the modified entrance
as I had assumed that the original style service cord would still be
used in speaking with the RV Electrician did the work - - unfortunately
this was before I discovered a Vintage Friendly Airstream dealer and the
work was performed by a dealership with almost no knowledge of
Airstreams.  My one concern would be whether the setup would be such
that connecting both power supplies at one time could be prevented - -
without complete separation, I would suspect that their might be
problems with the electrical code.

Good luck with your dilemma.

Kevin

Kevin D. Allen
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet
1975 Cadillac Convertible (towcar in-training)
WBCCI/VAC #6359