Smart Plug, is it worth it?

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

"

Back to the original question, when did Airstream start using the Smart Plug? Did the 2017 Classic have it? (That's the top of our list right now.)

Haven't read all of the posts in this thread. The SmartPlug first appeared on the AI-19 with the mid year 2021 models.

I think the plug came on the market late 2014. Not sure about that date. It was an excellent upgrade for marine use.

Unnecessary note: Reading some of the ideas in these threads stirs thoughts. In a Costco not long ago were some outdoor radiant heaters. Pretty high wattage. The display was in with camping gear and other outdoor recreational stuff. Abusing RV electrical pedestals will inevitably lead to problems, strict rules, and likely further cost increases. "Go electric" in todays world looks almost like a frenzy. Old saying with electricians, "Electricity can be a good servant but a deadly master".

[Tabelmann]

I store my AS in a location with a 20 amp circuit available for local use such as trickle charging. My AS has 30 amp service. If I were to take your suggestion of marrying a 30 amp Smart Plug to a regular extension cord purely to get enough power “inside” to run a dehumidifier (well under 20 amps) am I opening myself up to any other problems? Seems like I’d be OK as long as I don’t put any other 110 volt loads on inside the AS.

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Just to clarify a bit:

If you go with the Smart Plug to 15A 120V adapter that's about a foot long, it's not cheap. It also tends to be out of stock a lot of the time. Just what's going on there is very much unclear. Their other prebuilt adapters are also a bit expensive.

Grabbing a random extension cord, chopping. it up and wiring it to An "empty" Smart Plug that cost a bit over $100 is typically cheaper than their part. The same "just wire it up yourself" thing can be done for 50A or 30A to Smart Plug adapters.

Sounds great .... but .....

The typical "stock" 30A or 50A shore power cable that came with your AS *may* be a bit to big to fit in the back side of a Smart Plug. That's a maybe rather than a "for sure".

Bob

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by mike28

I am having a second a/c installed this fall with a separate 30 amp circuit, which will add a second power cord. Thinking about converting all connections to the Smart Plug which includes two inlets on trailer, a new power cord and one new plug for existing cord. $500+ to do this!

Is the Smart Plug much better? Is it worth it?

Mike,

I saw that SmartPlug will have a booth at the International Rally in Sedalia. If you are attending that would be good time to check out the SmartPlug and ask any questions you may have.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Tabelmann

I store my AS in a location with a 20 amp circuit available for local use such as trickle charging. My AS has 30 amp service. If I were to take your suggestion of marrying a 30 amp Smart Plug to a regular extension cord purely to get enough power “inside” to run a dehumidifier (well under 20 amps) am I opening myself up to any other problems? Seems like I’d be OK as long as I don’t put any other 110 volt loads on inside the AS.

Hi

Nope, just don't turn on the A/C .

We use a cord to do the same thing, plugged into a 15A outlet. If somebody walks off with it, the credit card is a lot happier.

Bob

[Zoom23]

I installed the Smart plug upgrade a few years ago, I do like it better. It seemed to give me a volt or two less voltage drop. Note: Just an observation, I only noticed that my EMS read a bit higher. Also the original connector seemed loose as one wire to the socket came off when I was removing it from the trailer.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Zoom23

I installed the Smart plug upgrade a few years ago, I do like it better. It seemed to give me a volt or two less voltage drop. Note: Just an observation, I only noticed that my EMS read a bit higher. Also the original connector seemed loose as one wire to the socket came off when I was removing it from the trailer.

Hi

If "one wire comes off as you remove ..." that's not a good thing. It suggests some sort of damage over the years. I'd bet that if you fixed the loose wire, the voltage drop would have been fixed.

Bob

[rodsterinfl]

My opinion is, "not really." Just like many have stated, the twist lock type of 30amp has been around for decades. The smart plug makes perfect sense in the marine world where there is often movement from wave action, water, etc. I understand the benefits, locked connection, greater contact, less connection error. One thing I would point out is that the old twisty is rated for the amperage regardless of connection contact being more on the smart plug. People have to make sure they connect it correctly.

[G8trwood]

When buying just the end plug, the plug doesn’t have the LED, if that matters to you. It does feel like it makes a better connection.