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Old 02-06-2019, 11:47 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
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50 amp cord and cable hatch issue

Hey everyone. I’m in the process of getting my bus hooked up for electrical (finally) but hit a snag. Bought the cord and hatch on Amazon, separately, and ran into an issue. Hatch said it is rated for a 50 amp cord but the handle is far too big for the hatch. Anyone know where I can get a larger hatch or a cord with a smaller handle?Click image for larger version

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Old 02-06-2019, 11:49 AM   #2
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Your picture is confusing me.....

The end of the power cord that goes into the bus end should be female. Picture appears to be male....
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Old 02-06-2019, 11:52 AM   #3
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Pic of the port might help? Should be obvious it's a male port. Unless you have things wired backwards.
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Old 02-06-2019, 11:58 AM   #4
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With 50 amp service, you have two typical options. One is a marine type "plug" (like this), the other is with the cord hardwired to the bus/rv. Obviously, you can make anything you can imagine but those are the common approaches.

My first RV had the plug and cord, second RV and Missy (link in my signature) have the hardwired cord and a reel for storage. IMO, the reel type approach is the way to go. A 50 amp cord is a bit of a monster when warm and worse when it is cold (stiffer). It rolls nicely onto a reel and makes for tidy storage.
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Old 02-06-2019, 12:22 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Sorry for the confusing pic. Yes I realize that is the male end of the cord. I always thought you pulled the cord out from the hatch. My pic was try to demonstrate that there is no way that end of the cord could come out from that hatch. I’d like to hardwire it but again, the male end would just be dangling out of the bus if I used a hatch like this. Am I missing something? Thank you all for your replies so far.
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Old 02-06-2019, 01:34 PM   #6
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Your hatch as you call it is the wrong fixture.


You want a 50amp male receptacle there, not a port with a hole in it. Then your cord plugs into that.


When done needing power you pull the cord out and store it, no need to be hanging out as you picture things.


John
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Old 02-06-2019, 01:36 PM   #7
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I think he is trying to make his hard wired cord retractible into the hatch.
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Old 02-06-2019, 01:41 PM   #8
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If that is the case then he needs a bigger access door only and wire directly into the main switch inside. Preferably a door with a lock to prevent any vandalism.



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Old 02-06-2019, 01:57 PM   #9
Mini-Skoolie
 
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o1marc that’s it exactly. Not great with my words all of the time.

BlackJohn are there any that you would recommend? I can only seem to find these small circular ones. The lock is a great idea, also concerned about an entry for water and bugs.
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Old 02-06-2019, 02:10 PM   #10
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https://www.amazon.com/Camper-Traile...29425264&psc=1
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Old 02-06-2019, 02:26 PM   #11
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Access doors are found in many of the hardware and building supply stores.

Look in the plumbing, electrical and drywalling departments, or just ask sales for help.
They could be more than a door, some are larger boxes of metal, which would likely be better. And try and get a gasketed one or make your own gasket.


To do all of this you need a sizeable space to store all that large cable in. That's why a detachable arrangement would be better for you in my mind.


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Old 02-06-2019, 02:47 PM   #12
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Are you going to have the cord on a retractible reel? If not I would stow the cord when not in use and have a lock lid like shown with a proper receptacle in the side of the bus.
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Old 02-06-2019, 03:33 PM   #13
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I'm with Marc.

I have done both hard wired and detachable.

If you have a reel then hardwired is a good option. Lacking a built in cord reel I prefer a detachable cord.
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