SmartPlug

[GMFL]

Just posted a new blog post about my SmartPlug install.
Everybody needs one. Great product.

30 amp plug here: https://www.technorv.com/smartplug-3...t/?Click=11781

50 amp plug here: https://www.technorv.com/smart-plug-...t/?Click=11781

Blog post here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-install-3080/

[pcskier]

Well someone needs to chime in here...nice job Ronnie!

[FloydCoVa]

Yes indeed nice job! Add this to my short list, that really isn’t that short...

[blacklab]

Yeah, my list is growing and we've not even purchased our AS yet!

Thanks, (ugh), Ronnie for continuing to contribute to that ever-growing list!

Cheers,

Bryan

[waninae39]

i installed it last year
it works very well

i just wish the they made a chord that had a 90 degree option pointing down vs out.
that way there would be less strain on the connector set

[Tincampers]

We installed one on our Interstate. Love it, no more busted knuckles or cross threaded connectors.

[sheriff1]

Best prices I’ve found are on amazon.

[VaTravelers]

I installed a 50amp Smart Plug last year on our 2017 28 International. It was a walk in the park and has worked very well. The reason I went to the Smart Plug was because I was having problems with the OEM plug. I am fully satisfied.

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by waninae39

i installed it last year
it works very well

i just wish the they made a chord that had a 90 degree option pointing down vs out.
that way there would be less strain on the connector set

It would be nice and a bit neater, but the connector locks in place so well I suspect it’s not an issue...on a boat the cable is usually draped over a rail or deck edge so it’s not an issue.

[RFP]

Yep, great product... Installed it in our 23D a couple of years ago, will not have to worry about loosening, poor connection prone twist lock connector.

[lsbrodsky]

Time for me to differ. I had the same standard twist lock on my boat that bounced around in its slip, connected to shorepower, most of the year for over 16 years and never had any connection problems. You would think a stationary trailer for many fewer days each year should not present a problem if the plug is inserted properly each time and I have not had a problem.
So I read the hype on these when they came out. Then, because my trailer has two connections, I looked at having to do two of these because it made no sense to carry around two different cords. But the kicker for me was the fact that you can get a standard shorepower cord at RV places, like Walmart, anywhere in the country..not so if something happens to your Smartplug cord. Probably a low frequency event, but I don't need to fix a problem that I don't have. Plenty of other Airstream projects to pursue.
Larry

[RFP]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Time for me to differ. I had the same standard twist lock on my boat that bounced around in its slip, connected to shorepower, most of the year for over 16 years and never had any connection problems. < snip >

I was not so fortunate. Our Airstream is. 2014, and the OEM twist lock plug/receptacle was already so loose it was a serious concern. I don't know about "hype," but the Smart Plug is clearly a superior design.

[lsbrodsky]

I agree, it is a superior design and I have replaced a number of things with something with a superior design. But since I have been using the standard 30 amp shorepower connectors for over 40 years without any problems, replacing those on my trailer is not on my project list. Instead, this month, I will work on replacing my seat cushion foam.

Larry

[GMFL]

I did a very extensive review on the SmartPlug system for DIYRV
http://www.doityourselfrv.com/30-amp-smartplug/

Also posted here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-install-3080/

While doing my research SmartPlug agreed to send me a set of contact tabs from their system along with a set of contacts from a traditional plug. (Night and Day difference).
Here are a few photos of what the contacts look like inside each plug.
Thought this might add a different view point.

[Explorer7]

Are there any corrosion issues with the stainless steel Smart Plug and the Airstream aluminum? I checked the Smart Plug website and I see they have a grey plastic, but Techno RV does not see to carry the grey, only white plastic, black plastic, and stainless steel.

[primepower]

I have had mine for about 6 years now in stainless was absolutely no corrosion issues. Great investment.

[GCinSC2]

Nope, haven't read all of the previous posts just happened to see the last pics of the "terminal" details.

Looks like this might improve the shore cord to trailer connection but doesn't change anything about the long standing 30A RV male plug to female receptacle in the pedestal. That connection still has a chance to burn up.

[rmkrum]

Personally I’d rather have the overheating at the pedestal end than at the side of my Airstream. The male plug is easy to replace on the road, and I carry a spare.

[GCinSC2]

I carry a spare cord, male plug and last year I picked up a new trailer end too. 13 yr old trailer end shows no sign of distress.

Early on first season I lost a male end due to a high volume camp with a bad receptacle and this feb I noticed a bad receptacle at a state park, used 50A dogbone and advised camp staff. They replaced it.

It's good thing to be aware of the pedestal

[kittmaster]

Looks like a great upgrade, I just don't have the stone/heart to start enlarging skin holes to install it.

Good info, thx.