Smart Plug/Dumb Plug?

[casarodante]

I upgraded our 50amp to a SmartPlug over 3 years ago. Obviously, the SmartPlug 30amp vs 50amp receptacle has a different amount of pins (3 vs 4). I wanted to be able to use a 30amp cable when that was only available to me, instead of lugging out the 50amp anaconda when it wasn't needed. I decided to make a 30amp cable that has the 50amp SmartPlug receptacle on the end. This way I could use either cable and not worry about a dogbone adapter at the electrical box. Here is how I did it: https://www.casarodante.org/2018/02/...tplug-upgrade/

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by DaveG

Is it possible to cause a high load on one leg of the two?

Yes you can, if the water heater, microwave and A/C that's on, are on the same leg that could be over 37 amps, then add a hair drier on that leg and you're pushing 50 amps. Just depends what is on each leg, more likely on older 50 amp trailers, it's my understanding that when AS first started putting in 50 amp service the only thing on the one leg was the second A/C, now they put multiple circuits on each leg.

Fortunately the breaker will trip even if only 1 of the legs draws too much.

[Colorado Fun]

Our 2022 27FB Globetrotter came with the Smart Plug, we love with one exception, it does stick out about 11" from the side of the body. I called the Smart plug people to see if they can make a 90 degree adapter or a cable with a 90 degree plug. They said they are considering the concept.

[Roadhoop]

Originally Posted by casarodante

I upgraded our 50amp to a SmartPlug over 3 years ago. Obviously, the SmartPlug 30amp vs 50amp receptacle has a different amount of pins (3 vs 4). I wanted to be able to use a 30amp cable when that was only available to me, instead of lugging out the 50amp anaconda when it wasn't needed. I decided to make a 30amp cable that has the 50amp SmartPlug receptacle on the end. This way I could use either cable and not worry about a dogbone adapter at the electrical box. Here is how I did it: https://www.casarodante.org/2018/02/...tplug-upgrade/

Thanks, I'm looking to do the same thing for the same reasons on my Classic to be delivered in June. Any more info about the strain relief connection add on that you did end up getting?

[Life is a Highway]

Outstanding design and carries current safely. Cord material is more flexible although the 30 cord is way more flexible than the 50 amp.

I’m anxiously waiting for the Smart Plug UL release so I can buy their 50 SmartPlug trailer to 15 amp cord adapter for those occasions

[jondrew55]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

Outstanding design and carries current safely. Cord material is more flexible although the 30 cord is way more flexible than the 50 amp.

I’m anxiously waiting for the Smart Plug UL release so I can buy their 50 SmartPlug trailer to 15 amp cord adapter for those occasions

I just another smart plug connector and attached it to a 50’ 10/3 extension cord for plugging in at home and in storage.

[casarodante]

Originally Posted by Roadhoop

Thanks, I'm looking to do the same thing for the same reasons on my Classic to be delivered in June. Any more info about the strain relief connection add on that you did end up getting?

I did get it from SmartPlug directly. I would think they could sell you one or perhaps you can find some solution with off the shelf items?

[Rickeyt]

My 2022 Globetrotter came with 50amp service. The 50amp cord when plugged into the trailer seems to put excessive stress/weight on the side of the trailer. I contacted the SmartPlug help desk and was told they do not have a 90 degree connector. Great connection but seems like very poor design placing that much stress/weight on the side of the trailer and no way to resolve the issue. I have a 30amp to 50amp cord that I use when only 30 amp sites are available. Lighter and a lot less stress on the side of the trailer.

[civeng99]

Originally Posted by Rickeyt

My 2022 Globetrotter came with 50amp service. The 50amp cord when plugged into the trailer seems to put excessive stress/weight on the side of the trailer. I contacted the SmartPlug help desk and was told they do not have a 90 degree connector. Great connection but seems like very poor design placing that much stress/weight on the side of the trailer and no way to resolve the issue. I have a 30amp to 50amp cord that I use when only 30 amp sites are available. Lighter and a lot less stress on the side of the trailer.

lol. They’re not that delicate.

[ejs5405]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Ditto. Also added a front generator port and transfer switch while I was at it.

Transfer switch and monitor.

Attachment 414299

Generator port.

Attachment 414300

Hi, would like to add the front generator plug in on my 2018 Classic 33. Can you go into more detail on the wiring run and transfer switch? Thanks…

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by ejs5405

Hi, would like to add the front generator plug in on my 2018 Classic 33. Can you go into more detail on the wiring run and transfer switch? Thanks…

Basically found a route from the front under the bed, to the wall behind the kitchen. Pulled the new wire inside blue corrugated flex conduit (Smurf tube). Then cut and pulled the existing input wire back to the transfer switch location.

Mounted a 30-amp manual transfer switch from BlueSea Systems in the wall, and connected the hot and neutral wires according to the diagram that came with the switch. Bare ground (safety earth) wires clamped together with a split bolt clamp.

Biggest issue is finding a location where OEM wiring can be accessed and re-routed plus access for the new wire and transfer switch. I’m not at all familiar with the layout of other Airstream models, so I can’t speak to that.

Installing the SmartPlug requires the use of an appropriate size hole saw and careful inspection of what is behind the area you want to put it. I drilled from outside, enlarged the interior hole with aviation tin snips to get clearance for wiring it in.

It’s not a difficult install if you know how to do electrical wiring, sheet metal work, and have a large vocabulary, because routing the wires will exercise it. If you have the necessary skills and experience, it’s easy. If not, hire someone that does.

I’m unable to totally describe the design and install process because it used 40-plus years of personal experience to do this…would need a ‘Vulcan mind meld’ to pass on full details (grin)! I’m a fairly skilled engineer, electrician, carpenter, plumber, mechanic, and tin knocker that also does a lot of things around the house.

Your 33 footer probably has 50-amp service. Mine is a 22-footer 2007 International CCD with 30 amp service. Your airstream is a whole different ballgame and probably would need a very different design using an automatic transfer switch, for one.

[Jwf]

I paid my Airstream tech to do the conversion on my 33 Classic. It was not cheap but well worth it since the old 50 amp cable was a monster.

However, I had no idea that SmartPlug was synonymous with highway robbery. I looked for a 50 to 15 amp dogbone and it was $300 for what used to be a $20 item with the old plug. Even if I was to make my own it is still $130 or more just for the plug!!!

Just a warning to others. SmartPlug obviously has a lock on this tech and they plan to milk it for all it's worth.

I am sorry but the markup is just ridiculous. Buyers be ware.

[Jwf]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

Outstanding design and carries current safely. Cord material is more flexible although the 30 cord is way more flexible than the 50 amp.

I’m anxiously waiting for the Smart Plug UL release so I can buy their 50 SmartPlug trailer to 15 amp cord adapter for those occasions

Hope you don't mind emptying your wallet.

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by Jwf

I paid my Airstream tech to do the conversion on my 33 Classic. It was not cheap but well worth it since the old 50 amp cable was a monster.

However, I had no idea that SmartPlug was synonymous with highway robbery. I looked for a 50 to 15 amp dogbone and it was $300 for what used to be a $20 item with the old plug. Even if I was to make my own it is still $130 or more just for the plug!!!

Just a warning to others. SmartPlug obviously has a lock on this tech and they plan to milk it for all it's worth.

I am sorry but the markup is just ridiculous. Buyers be ware.

I'm slightly confused, as usual.

If the prong end of the cord plugs into a regular 50-amp post, why won't a regular 15-amp to 50-amp dogbone at the 15-amp outlet work? That's what I do with my 20-amp outlet to 30-amp SmartPlug setup.

20-amp outlet -> dogbone -> EMS -> 30-amp (or 50-amp) cable -> SmartPlug.

[rmkrum]

Personally feel the reliability and ease of use for the SmartPlug is well worth the cost. I added a second one to the front of my trailer for a generator inlet. It’s built for marine use, and makes a much better connection than the twist-lock mess.
I like the fact that hooking up is just shove it in and wiggle left-right to latch it. Much quicker in the rain and bugs at some campgrounds!



Manual transfer switch and monitor panel:



Hard-wired EMS/surge protector. Black box on left with orange wires.

[waninae39]

as moved to the smart plug as it a better connector.
much wide and width. it holds much more that the old NEMA twist plug