| Author | Message | ||
| Bob Wies (Ncbob)
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My MC5A came equipped with the veerry heavy 4 conductor 250V shore cord which was hard wired into the bus. I'm trying to figure out a way for it to exit the bus so I can close the bay door (to keep the rodents out) and not use a Hubbell (or similar connector in the side) for reason of strain & weight. Cutting a hole in the bay bottom makes sense but will create an opening for rodent access. Has anyone found a practical solution for this? NCbob | ||
| David (Davidinwilmnc)
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Bob, I used a Hubbell connector to make that massive cable a little easier to manage. I put a standard round RV power cord hatch in the floor of the bay. It has a little notch in it so the cover can close with the cord going through it. The notch has a cover that can swing closed if the cord isn't being used. | ||
| Cliff (Floridacracker)
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Bob, I used a plastic marine deck hatch. Its is round and twists in with a seal. I put it through the bay floor. If you get a chance and have one around, lots of neat stuff at a marine salvage store for Bus conversions. FWIW Cliff | ||
| Donald Lee Schwanke (Dontx)
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I cut a hole in the floor and glued a short piece of 4 in PVC pipe in the floor sticking up a couple of inches into the bay. I then bought two PVC caps, drilled a hole in one the size of the cord, and strung it on the cord. The cap without the hole covers up things tightly when not using the cord. When using the cord, run the cord down thru the pvc pipe and cap the hole with the cap on the wire. Not even an ant can get thru it, low cost, easy to use, foolproof. | ||
| Bob Wies (Ncbob)
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Wow! What quick responses. I believe I'll go with Don's idea. Like the thought of no ants too! Thanks guys. What a treasure trove of info on this board! NCbob | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Bob - This URL will describe the basic concept of what it sounds like you;re trying to do (and most all of the new high-end RVs are using these devices): ParkPower™Conversion Kit  Although the article describes the 30 amp device, the 50 amp versions are readily available. ( see: www.campingworld.com/browse/products/index.cfm?deptID=3&subOf=185,55&prodID=2843 ) (you'll have to cut & paste that one!) With a little imagination, a suitable spot waist high, or higher, on the side (or rear) of the bus should be easy to find.... There's no reason you can't go up from the bay (inside the bus), and out through the side... Have fun! | ||
| Arnold J Molloy (Ayjay)
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Hi: Similar to above ... I use a 4" PVC clean-out connector w/screw in cap epoxied to the floor AyJay (Message edited by ayjay on May 08, 2006) | ||
| Cliff (Floridacracker)
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Don, Great idea. Looks like I may have a second access hole!!! Cliff | ||
| David Dulmage (Daved)
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I used a regular circular style cord access plate. It has flexible tabs that press back against the cord and a sliding cover that that be closed and pushed back against the cord when it is being used as well. I installed this in the bottom of the bay. I have a 30A cord and plug assembly. I'm not sure if a 50A plug would fit through the same opening, but you should be able to check this out at an RV parts store. I haven't had any rodent problems, so far. FWIW Dave Dulmage (MC-8) | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
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I used a deck plate from West Marine. It allows all the input/output 'circuits' to go thru one hole. I think it was 8".    It does not, however, have the ant protection when open that Don's does. I stuff a rag in it when open. When closed though, ain't nuthin' gonna get thru. | ||
| Donald Lee Schwanke (Dontx)
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The photo by John MC9 in 50amp is what I have on my high end motorhome, and I very much dislike it. With my bus system I could hook up quickly, with that clunky plug stuff like in the photo, you got to get out the ENTIRE cord (Heavy 50 amp type) and wrestle it around to hook up 3 feet away, instead of only uncoiling 3 feet.. I am considering changing it to the PVC pipe type I had on the bus. | ||
| John MC Rating: N/A |
Sheeesh, Don... Gotta' take out all that garden hose for the water, and all that sewer hose for the waste.... even if -those- connections are 1/2 foot away.... I would think the benefit of having the connection totally sealed from the environment would be worth more than the petty handling of a coiled, clean 50a shoreline... I just bought a 17' class B to eventually tow behind the behemoth... and to use for evacuations... and I'll be using that type assembly and getting rid of the 30' of coiled cord that's presently taking up precious room under the couch. You can store some things in better places... like with the garden hose... in an outside compartment. Just -my- way... | ||
| John Jewett (Jayjay)
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Unfortunatley you aree stuck with the device John MC9 shows if you have a late model S&S or factory Bus Conversion, since it's an NEC requirement. ...JJ | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
Easiest is to use the 30A cord , as 240V 50a is still (here on the RIGHT coast ) not that common. If you are purchasing cable ends the Hubbel is FAR superior to Charles or Marinco which are junk. The boat folks have winding gear (Glendinning?SP?) that power retrives the power hose. Push a button and it winds in effortlessly , for about a Grand for goodies , plus installation. FAST FRED | ||
| Jim-Bob Rating: N/A |
Well IF as JayJay says, you HAVE to have a Hubbel type power receptacle instead of the traditional hard wired power cord, I'm putting the receptacle in the bay. JohnMC9, I concede that those shiny receptacles look cool. But I have to agree with Don Schwanke. Many of the campgrounds have sand/dirt sites. I unroll only the amount of cord needed to reach the power post & leave the rest clean & neatly coiled in the bay (hangs on one of those plastic hose hangers). It then goes out through a notch in the bay door & seal. It always seems like you are breaking camp in or after a rain & the stuff lying on the bare ground is filthy. (On the next coach I will steal Don's PVC & dual cap idea.) | ||
| mel 4104
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once again FAST FRED is right on, when you look at a map he lives on the RIGHT coast, however those of us that live on the other side call ours the BEST coast and it is that way on the maps too. |