Smartplug Promotion

[68 Overlander]

We have noticed many forum members have already (or are contemplating) upgrading their AC inlet and power cord to the new Smartplug system.

We feel this is one of the best products to hit the market in many years. 20X more metal surface contact than the factory plugs = less heat and risk of plug melting or fire.

Bestconverter will run a limited 30 day promotion specifically for Air Forum members.

The promotion will begin Saturday Nov 10th and run until midnight December 9th. Forum members will receive and additional 10% discount and a free weatherproof cover.

Coupon code for the discount is airforums2018

If you are not familiar with the Smartplug or want to learn more, you can visit the manufactures website at smartplug.com

[overlander63]

I've installed several of these, and they are easy (not simple) to install. Unscrew the connector from your Airstream, remove the wiring leading into the trailer, and put the new Smartplug on the existing wires. The Smartplug is color-coded to match the wiring, so you can attach the white wire to the white-ringed connection, etc.

Installing the cord end is a little more involved, but not much, and everything is still color coded.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I cord would be good for us oldfarts...😂

Bob
🇺🇸

[pmclemore]

I like my Smartplug but my only issue is that the little blue light that indicates power is connected has gone out. Any easy fixes?

Pat

[montanablue]

I installed a Smartplug and really like it so far. No issues.

[jlandreth]

Originally Posted by overlander63

I've installed several of these, and they are easy (not simple) to install. Unscrew the connector from your Airstream, remove the wiring leading into the trailer, and put the new Smartplug on the existing wires. The Smartplug is color-coded to match the wiring, so you can attach the white wire to the white-ringed connection, etc.

Installing the cord end is a little more involved, but not much, and everything is still color coded.

Being color blind it is probably not a good idea for me to try this install. I have a fiend who is an electrician so I suppose he could do it for me.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by jlandreth

Being color blind it is probably not a good idea for me to try this install. I have a fiend who is an electrician so I suppose he could do it for me.

For 30 amp, connect the black wire to the terminal with the black ring around it. Connect the white wire to the terminal with the white ring around it. Connect the bare wire to the terminal with the grey ring around it.

[eagletoo]

Does anyone know if the 30 amp Smartplug receptacle is the same depth as the AS stock 30a?
Thanks.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by eagletoo

Does anyone know if the 30 amp Smartplug receptacle is the same depth as the AS stock 30a?
Thanks.

Bruce,
It’s not. Going to have to trim a little

[Wayne&Sam]

Randy- the link in your signature doesn't work.

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by eagletoo

Does anyone know if the 30 amp Smartplug receptacle is the same depth as the AS stock 30a?
Thanks.

It’s very close. I installed one on my rig. The back of the plug shield is against the outside of my shower stall. The original connector also was quite tight.

The smartplug just barely screws down against the outside aluminum shell. A slightly thicker gasket would be nice. Hardest part of my install was removing a half-pound factory-applied blob of sealant off the backside of the hole around the original connector.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

Randy- the link in your signature doesn't work.

Same here. My antivirus prevents me & says "Connection not Secure".

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

Same here. My antivirus prevents me & says "Connection not Secure".

Don't know. Has been fine for 15 years. Will have an answer usually withing 24 hours from the host. Orders came in all day so it's something here. Try typing direct www.bestconverter.com

[68 Overlander]

I just did it and the text link works fine but the one is signature profile does not. Don't have answer yet.
They are working on it.
Bottom line if you want a smart plug you will get one. They are flying out from the end of the rpod promotion and rolling into the Aiirstream promotion. These are the only two we were allowed to promote this year.

[waninae39]

we have a smartplug and like it a lot

i just wish i could get a chord set that is parallel to the body and not sticking out

just like some of the low profile 110 extension chords

just have the chord go down, and not out

[Adventure.AS]

Interesting marketing claim: "20x more electrical contact than the old twist type connector". The connector on the pedestal end is the same as on the L5-30, so having more contact area at the trailer end will make no difference. Properly maintained, the L5-30 in use since 1938 should not be a problem.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by 68 Overlander

Don't know. Has been fine for 15 years. Will have an answer usually withing 24 hours from the host. Orders came in all day so it's something here. Try typing direct www.bestconverter.com

Weird. The link in your signature still does not work for me.

But the (same?) link in your recent reply does. Thanks.
.

[Kyacker]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Interesting marketing claim: "20x more electrical contact than the old twist type connector". The connector on the pedestal end is the same as on the L5-30, so having more contact area at the trailer end will make no difference. Properly maintained, the L5-30 in use since 1938 should not be a problem.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong but I think their claim is that a fire at the post from overheating isn't as dire as one at the RV. So, having that low impedance connection at the RV makes it fundamentally more safe.

It stands to reason that since the RV moves more than the post, it's likely to to have more dirt, debris, and corrosion. Their claims are that the SmartPlug system helps with that as well.

As for conduction, I agree, if it's poor at the post, you're not going to see any benefit there.

I can tell you, I've been communicating with their people quite a bit the last week or so and they're excellent to work with!

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by Kyacker

I'm not saying it's right or wrong but I think their claim is that a fire at the post from overheating isn't as dire as one at the RV. So, having that low impedance connection at the RV makes it fundamentally more safe.

It stands to reason that since the RV moves more than the post, it's likely to to have more dirt, debris, and corrosion. Their claims are that the SmartPlug system helps with that as well.

As for conduction, I agree, if it's poor at the post, you're not going to see any benefit there.

I can tell you, I've been communicating with their people quite a bit the last week or so and they're excellent to work with!

You are exactly right. 9 months ago we had not heard of smartplug but after sniffing around for what causes fires in RV and larger boats, the connector to the vehicle is responsible for many of them.
The problem isn't so much the L5-30 design from 1938 which was not for RVs of course, but rather the weight of the cordset on the prongs reducing the connectivity and surface area creating the heat build up. If you look closely at the L5-30 plug you can see a small dimple in the metal for the main connection point.
The 20X more contact area IS a claim and after receiving the metal prong samples for both 30 and 50 amp service, a reality. Since it locks in place, the weight of the cord has no effect on the surface area contact.
The Pedestal side has been addressed as well and we will see them in RV parks and marinas soon.
This is the result.

[bweybright]

Overlander can you please expand upon your statement "The Pedestal side has been addressed as well and we will see them in RV parks and marinas soon."

Or, are you offering immediate warranty and guarantee against damages if buying this system from you for electrical issues related to a power cord?