120V wiring question

[AldeanFan]

Hopefully this is a simple question.

I had the 120V Breaker box removed while doing some repairs.
There is a heavy gauge bare copper wire from the ground bus in the breaker box which passes through the floor and was connected to the frame with a connector I've never seen before.

The part connecting the wire to the frame was destroyed during repairs.

1) am I correct in assuming this wire is to connect the frame of the trailer to the shore power ground - its hard to tell what exactly the connection to the frame accomplished

2) can I connect this wire to the frame with a bolt and solder or crimp on an eyelet?

Thanks!

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by AldeanFan

Hopefully this is a simple question.

I had the 120V Breaker box removed while doing some repairs.
There is a heavy gauge bare copper wire from the ground bus in the breaker box which passes through the floor and was connected to the frame with a connector I've never seen before.

The part connecting the wire to the frame was destroyed during repairs.

1) am I correct in assuming this wire is to connect the frame of the trailer to the shore power ground

Yes

2) can I connect this wire to the frame with a bolt and solder or crimp on an eyelet?

Thanks!

Yes. Either should work. I would suggest using an internal tooth lockwasher between the eyelet and the frame to provide better contact. Corrosion is a problem since the metals are dissimilar, so try to choose a dry location, and use a tinned eyelet.

[DaveFL]

IMHO not an electrician or experts opinion, I would not solder, but would make sure the area is free of rust connect the bolt then coat with dielectric grease to protect it and the crimp on fitting.

[AtomicNo13]

Personally, I always ground the shell as well as the chassis. Due to the galvanic reactions you want to make certain everything is really grounded. AS Makes the ground outside on the frame where it can get wet, salty etc.... Bad idea... Try to locate a less hostile environment for the ground points. Anywhere you won't get road splash is a better local.
Additionally a little grease on your connection will go a long way in discouraging corrosion from forming.🔌

[RM66caravel]

If you can and have the opertunity always solder avoid crimping when possible. Crimps are subject to internal corrosion and carbon buildup solder helps to slow this process and you finish a seal the connector you will be golden for some time!
Cliff

[AtomicNo13]

X2 on soldering, but no flux or cored solders!
Remember if a joint looks good, it is good!

[TG Twinkie]

I would just form a ring in the end of the #6 solid copper wire. Then bolt it to the frame.The fewer the connection devices, the better the odds are of a good connection. Crimp connections do not work well on solid wire.
I would also connect the shore power cable ground wire to the ground bar in the panel.

[AldeanFan]

Thanks for all the quick responses, the forum saves me again.

I still wonder why Airstream would use such as strange connector in such a bad location, the wire passed through the floor then through a slot cut in the banana wrap to attach to the frame where it is exposed to the weather, it would have been easier to attach the wire to the frame where it passes through the floor, then it would be protected by the banana wrap.