Electric: Shore Cord

You probably don’t give much thought to your RV shore cord, and you may take for granted what a vital anchor it is for camping with hookups. While it doesn’t require much maintenance, you should have more than a passing familiarity with the proper operating procedure. If an RV user does not take a few steps to care for and clean their shore cord, they might find themselves replacing a non-functioning cord or even doing irreparable harm to expensive electronic components.

What It Is
Construction of the RV shore cord is fairly simplistic – a heavy cable designed to protect the series of wires necessary for transferring electrical power from an outside connection to the electrical systems within the RV. One end of this cable is wired directly into the RV. The other end, sporting a four-prong plug, is used to connect to a power source from outside the RV. The four prongs, three of them flat and one round moor the cord to the appropriate electrical shore connection, opening a path for electrical power to the RV. Once shore power is generated, the RV operator will then have more freedom to use electrical components without relying on the battery system.

Technology has not overlooked RV shore cords. In addition to the manual cables stored within the cargo bay, a growing number of coach owners are now utilizing power cord reels that automatically extend and retract, reducing the burdensome task of handling heavy and awkward cables. All types of shore cords, manual and electronic, require some attention to detail.

Adaptors And Such
Many campgrounds offer a proper electrical connection compatible with the RV shore power cord, however, when you stay at a more remote campground or visit friends and relatives, plugging in might involve a two-pronged power outlet that looks more suitable for a hairdryer. If this is so, it will be necessary to attach an adapter to the end of the shore cord in order to convert the connection into a compatible equation of prongs.

Use the appropriate adapter rated for your RV amperage needs and never attempt to connect the RV to a 220-volt source, a three-pronged outlet commonly used to operate household appliances. Exposing 120-volt components within the RV to a higher voltage of 220 will create a hazardous electrical situation. Shore cord adapters can be found at most RV supply stores. If you have any questions or concerns about the appropriate electrical adapter for your needs, call your service technician, or a factory representative for information.

Available amperage is reduced when using the adapter to modify the shore power connection. Utilizing an extension cord will further reduce the shore power supply. Even a campground offering 50-amp service is likely to fall short of your expected amperage needs, particularly during the busy travel season when the campground is running at full capacity. To protect RV components, and modify appliance usage accordingly, always test the source using a voltmeter before plugging the shore cord into the receptacle.

Where It’s At
Manual shore power cords are generally positioned on the side of the RV or routed from the bottom of the service center where you can access the cord by removing it from the storage bay and running the cable to the necessary post. Make sure the cable is free of kinks. Power cord reels are located in a roadside bay, or at the roadside rear of the vehicle, positioned at eye level. Units with the latter location often include a locking mechanism to secure the power cord reel compartment. Access to this compartment requires a specific key. Avoid departing on a lengthy journey and leaving this key behind by storing the power cord compartment key on the same ring as the RV ignition keys. Store a spare key someplace within the RV for added insurance.

After you have connected all necessary adapters or extension cords and tested the ground post for available amperage, turn off all lights and appliances inside the RV and plug in the power cord. Position the prongs directly into the receptacle, never at an angle. Plug accordingly so all prongs contact the outlet simultaneously. Allow the system a few moments to run before engaging various electrical loads

A good connection is the rule of thumb with shore power cords. Always check to see that the prongs are fully plugged into the socket. Discoloration of the prongs, or burning on the end of the cord, is a result of loose connections. Clear away discolor on the prongs using a brass bristle brush. Avoid over-sanding, which may reduce the size of the contact and promote inferior connections. Once clean, thoroughly wipe away residue from the prongs using a soft cloth. Shore cords that reveal burns or fraying should be immediately discarded and replaced.

Keep It Clean
Prior to putting the cord back into the RV storage compartment, wipe away grime. Carefully inspect the cord for any signs of visual damage, and if detected, have the cord serviced before your next camping stop. Try to store manual cords neatly to avoid bending and kinking, which can weaken interior wiring. Power cords are designed with stop collars to police appropriate extension and retraction. Some model power cord units will disengage the power cord motor once the cable is fully retracted. Other unit types rely on the operator to release the retraction button when the motor sound changes. All type of shore cords should be fully extended on occasion for a thorough inspection.

Hours are wasted in researching electrical problems that may be the result of a faulty shore power cord. If you suspect damage, have the cord thoroughly inspected by a qualified electrician. Many power cord reels are energized via a 20-amp fuse in the rear run plate. This fuse relies on the chassis battery. Failure of the power cord reel motor to operate may be due to problems with the chassis battery, or a direct short in the wiring. Manually retract power cords by locating the access panel and pulling the release lever to push the cord back into position.

If you have ever driven away from the campsite with the shore power cord still plugged in, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Create a visual or audible reminder to unplug the shore cord by placing a note on the steering wheel. Driving off with the shore cord plugged in will likely cause stretched wiring and bent prongs, but harm to the damaged cord is not always visible from the outside of the cable. To protect sensitive electrical components within the RV from even minimal shore cord damage, have the shore cord carefully inspected by a qualified electrician before again putting the cord into use.

For those of us who have the round twist lock on the motorhome end of their shore cable. This plug is also called a Hubbell plug. Those with shore cable reels can stop reading right now!!

Wire terminal screws come loose over time and should be checked annually or so. Loose connections can cause electric arcing and could destroy the expensive plug, etc.

Remove power from the male plug end.

Remove twist lock female end of shore power cable from the motorhome. Remove two screws on end of plastic twist lock plug to allow yellow rubber cover to be slid back over cable, exposing four-wire terminal screws. Tighten each wire screw. They need to be very tight. Line up yellow rubber cover screw holes with end screws and lightly tighten.

This is a simple but very important preventative action that anyone can do for themselves.

The shore power cord plays an important role in supplying amperage to the RV in safe amounts. Treat the cord appropriately and stay on top of any potential problems so you can take full advantage of shore power that won’t harm the electrical systems within your RV