How To Install A Camper Van Power Plug -SmartPlug

[@damnrightimporter1060]

40yr electrician here. Couple tips that might help. Before stripping the outer sheath of cord slide all parts of cord cap on cord (I find it easier) , and remember length of cord also along with size of conductor can cause heating of cord (voltage drop, longer the cord voltage drops which increases amperage which in turn causes heating). And you are correct , rubber cord with 3 conductors is 10/3 not 10/2 w/ground as earlier commenter had said. Building wiring such as Romex or mc cable it is referee to as conductor size/number of conductors w/ground. Great videos Sir. Really enjoy them. Very helpful I find in doing some of my projects.

[@damnrightimporter1060]

Good point. Yes so cord would be better than a typical cheaper extension cord. Without knowing what type cord he had its hard to say if it would been better than his. You got me there LoL

[@mattokonis2234]

You're not going to talk about the cringeworthy stripping technique. If my grandfather saw me doing that I'd get the belt 😂

[@rdd594]

Have the same plug on my boat. Quick tip if you push the cover down while the plug is in it really locks it down.

[@UpintheAir.stream]

You put it in the perfect spot, the crossmember now supports the receptacle. And stabilizes it. Great video.

[@hardushelm6268]

This is so satisfying to watch, things that gets done properly gives me the fizz!

[@captainquint]

I've got a three 100ft cords are they are indeed awkward. I keep them on a cord/hose reel. When I need to string one out I put it on the back of the atv and it spools out nicely. Rolling that thing back up is a chore though. It's inevitably muddy or wet or found nice fresh mound animal manure to slide through. Cleaning manure off umpteen feet of electrical cord just makes your day.

[@scotty2307]

The Smart Plug was designed to address all the dock fires caused by corroded Marinco shore power cords. To be fare though, Marinco has answered with their new "Eel cord" which is a drastic improvement. I really do like the Smart Plug myself. With the lid lock engaged over the tab in the plug body, there is absolutely no movement between the socket, and the plug. The internal contacts also have more surface area in contact with each other than traditional shore power plugs.

[@newmexhombre7601]

Transfer punch set, Cody. Punch sets come in indexes & are sized like drill bits and at the end of the punch is a centered tip that you use to transfer the hole. For your plug install here you would position the plug & if the mounting holes in the plug were 1/4”, you insert the 1/4” punch & TAP the punch to place a small dimple & then use a regular punch to make a deep dimple.

[@halethewhale]

Another great vid quick tip from a bodywork guy. When you drill in a panel like that put some masking tape down makes the cut a lot cleaner

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Now that's what I'm talking about, Frenching in the plug, well done, that set up will never let you down!

[@Racatacataca]

I wanted to learn how to place a shore power inlet on my van, but why did I blush through most of this video? Thank you for the tutorial!

[@devoncoolman88]

Nice. Spending lots of money on an item is hard. But when it all comes together and works super well it makes you feel good.

[@michaelsbehnke98]

Hello Cody! I just wanted to tell you I just ordered my first benchmade knife today! And of course, it was the 940 in green with the satin blade. I can’t wait until it gets here! After watching so many of the videos of you using it and talking about it, I decided to get it! So thank you!

[@catfish24]

Just done this to my van. I used the NOCO 15 Amp and I put it in the same place you did. I used stainless steel screws with lock washers and nylon locking nuts to fasten it down instead of the sheet metal screws that came with it.

[@scottybobatv]

We men are such simple creatures its amazing how much happiness a good hefty "clunk" noise can bring us 😄

[@dannyakatrikerred7381]

Cody, just a suggestion from my experience. When using a hole saw, pre-drill the 1/4" hole without the hole saw. I have seen so many times that the drill bit on the hole saw will bite and pull the saw into the work and snap the bit and the saw goes wild and scars the work. Believe me, its worth the extra minute to do this. I worked in the Industrial maintenance trade for 20 years and the Dairy service trade for 15 years. Don't take the chance because eventually it will happen. I cringed when you did the hole in your van. I'd hate to see a grown man cry ☹️. 🇺🇸😎

[@neilhuband995]

Probably a better idea to drill it from the back side. If he'd done that, he probably wouldn't have nearly f'd it up. I dunno how he managed to nearly f it up anyway when he'd dot punched where he wanted to drill. Probably had a heavy night the night before

[@dannyakatrikerred7381]

knuckles zedawg None of are perfect and we all goof up now and then. We learn from experience and listening to advice from others. I "almost" always listen to others advice. I may not take that advice but I will take it into consideration. Ya never know, you might learn something new 🤔. 🇺🇸😎

[@neilhuband995]

Couldn't agree more, I always like to watch a tradesman work, pick up some tricks of a trade other than my own, which always serves you well when you're doing a bit of joinery or plumbing in the house etc. I'm a mechanical maintenance engineer to trade, but then about ten years ago I wanted to learn CNC machines. Now I do programming of 5 axis lathes, making parts for the aerospace and oil industries from very fancy very expensive superalloys. The reason Im saying that is because I wasn't a formally trained CNC guy. I literally learned a whole trade by being around others who did it. That and a whole load of self teaching (reading).

[@TheRockwell25]

Awesome video :) I don't understand how anyone could give this a thumbs down. Those people should go play in the highway and complain about the traffic.

[@SouthBrooklynRR]

Even though that is not my Van and plug assembly, I feel as though I helped and felt the way you did, Satisfy !!

[@BayernLean]

Looks great! Consider a backing to the screws. Would be worried about screws stripping out of the sheet metal if the cord was yanked too hard. Cheers!

[@paulmurgatroyd6372]

I love it when people ask you silly questions like 'why do you carry a knife'. It's easy to spot people who have never had a hands on kind of job. I have worked night shifts most of my life and someone once asked me why I always carry a torch. It's hard to know what to say.

[@KoalityofLife]

Nice install. Looks a lot cleaner and its up and away from road debris. :)

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Cody. It works. That’s enough. You are having too much fizz. Thanks for posting. I always enjoy Cody being Cody.

[@seabiscuit426292000]

you make it look so easy cody

[@Gomepez]

Thanks didn't think I'd enjoy learning about camper plugs so much

[@lachiehughes9566]

Hey Cody . Use a little cutting compound when drilling sheet metal with a holesaw . Also as others have mentioned pre drill a pilot hole to take the pressure off the pilot bit. Good vids keep it up

[@jordandevey7761]

I would seal off your screw heads so that come winter/rainy season water doesn't follow the screw into your nice adventure van = ).

[@nathanvess4035]

I have no use for the plug in my life but for some reason...that plug gives me the fizz too. Quality 👍🏻!

[@snomobila]

that thing gives me the fizz glad you made a video on it

[@artfisher1615]

The 25 ft built-in power cord for my travel trailer is plenty almost all of the time. Have a 25 ft, 30 amp extension for the few times I need longer.

[@aaronstone5899]

Cody I have gone through the same issues with power on my work trailer im on the second rendition and it isn't working all that great. Thanks for sharing this im going to have to pucker up and spend the money on the smartplug looks like a great solution

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Cody, That socket is really solid and should last forever. The cable is good as well, I would have liked to see how you got that big cable into a normal "house" socket for if you are staying at a friend's house, That plug must have been at its size limit to fit into the plug.

[@bat116]

Oh wow. the new toupee looks great!

[@wheeler7973]

Your van is turning out great!

[@Glassjaw003]

Love the new knife! I have the para 2 which I recommend if you want a larger knife over the para 3. Although it doesn't get much use anymore with my Chris Reeves. You really need to get a Sebenza!!!

[@tobinlakeguideservices]

Really like Spyderco knives. That looks like a cool van you set up there.

[@robertkywildcats9266]

Cut long ways down the wire (the last step you did when stripping the outer wire sheath) Then take your linesmen pliers and pull that sheathing back past your cut. Sometimes that inner sheathing is strong enough to pull on (to get you started).

[@ryanmatty5739]

I can see why this gave you the fizz, really looks like a nice unit!

[@57moto59]

Exactly. It never feels right to cut up a nice new vehicle even if it's for an improvement.

[@alanj7306]

I would definitely cringe cutting a hole in a panel on my vehicle.

[@ParthPatel-ku4jr]

I don’t know if this will be a problem for you but are you going to install an engine heater that runs off that plug for the winter time.

[@TomosAvis]

Now that's a proper job 👍

[@ruthardt4adventure995]

Great video! Makes me miss my van. It’s waiting for us back in Oklahoma while we thru hike the Appalachian Trail. We are 700 miles from Baxter State Park in Maine ✌🏻

[@texasproud3332]

Good video WS I like the way you went step by step explaining wire sizes and amp draw and I especially like the the way they have you using an Allen wrench to tightened the connection from an electricians point of view that was very cool

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!!

[@arlendavis]

Great Video and info. I will be changing out my RV power inlet with that.

[@tomwold5366]

Nice install..!! Love it when it looks like it was a factory install🙂

[@andybobandy641]

Cody, make sure you put a little paint or something on that raw metal you exposed with the hole saw! ...

[@MastahDriver]

I enjoy watching cody work. Wish I was there to help.

[@naui2]

Looks like a quality part 👍

[@ColonelK0rn1]

"This gives me the fizz." I love that phrase. Wranglerstar approved.

[@MrPremium08]

It needs to be on a t shirt!

[@TheFaithfulComposer]

Soapy Wadda? ChrisFix would be proud. Lol

[@alec4672]

Wow I was just looking at these spendy but super nice, dawn dish soap is the key to putting on tight rubber strain reliefs straight out of the bottle

[@schmojo33]

Is there a significant voltage/power drop between connecting two 50ft lengths of 10/3 together to span 100ft versus using a 100ft 10/3 cord or is it negligible? I was always told to never connect an extension cord to another extension cord. I've done it before when I had to but try to avoid it and I want to know if it isn't actually acceptable when running a power tool with 15 amps. Tool manuals will say not to run 100ft for 15 amp devices. I would think that 100ft of 10/3 might be fine for most duty cycles but I'm far from an expert. Ideally, I'd like an electrician's advice.

[@dwight.bennett]

Voltage drop is calculated with a formula, and is principally related to resistance of the wire (factors include type of conductor, size, distance, temperature, etc). So if the cord ends are making a GOOD firm connection, 2x50 vs 1x100 is negligible. As a rough rule-of-thumb, wire sizes have to increased for every 75' increment to account for voltage drop.

[@schmojo33]

@@dwight.bennett Thanks for taking the time for an answer. What is your take on power tool manuals not recommending a 100 ft cord for a 15 amp power tool?

[@JAMMAN1701]

Hey Cody and friends. I am wondering if you could give recommendations for a good quality but small and reliable compressor to bring camping?

[@googooforyou]

That's a neat clean install looks awesome 👍👍

[@jepcozenith40]

Nice. I'd like to see a video on the transition from the Benchmade to the Spyderco.

[@neeko7878]

Not sure if it’s possible but if you can put a tinnerman clip on the inside of each of the 4 sheet metal screws, it will add a ton of stability over the many times that you open and close that lid. 😊👍. It’s shocking how loose the screws will get just over the seasons. My family owned a custom van conversion shop for years and they always used them if it was possible to gain access. Never had a return or warranty issue. Also... you were stressing over a small hole being cut on the side... Try getting a brand new van and cutting the entire roof off of it to add a penthouse top!! 😂. THAT will take time off your life expectancy. 😏. Good video!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very nice wire in the yellow exstention cord

[@shopnwoods9901]

That is a really nice plug set up

[@64MAGA24]

I love the way the SP looks but it has a very poor rating on Amazon and very few buyers. I do look at that but it’s not my deciding factor. Often times there’s great products, they just don’t have as big a marketing spread as other more well known brands. That being said, I am concerned about 1 1/4 hundred $ price tag. So I’m curious, how do u like it after having installed it? For the record I bought the Furrion but I love the SmartPlug and how it looks. I caution on looks alone, however, and the furrion is a well known workhorse. Any feedback would b greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@wranglerstar]

Use it everyday and love it, the price was rough but worth it,

[@traveller9625]

I will you what you would never get that quality on a camper, nice job brother

[@maehay4065]

I love that stainless steel cover. It will last forever 👍

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Power plug is very nice

[@Night_Monkey]

Any issues with rust starting around the metal you exposed by drilling out the hole?

[@g33k8ty]

There... now you're one step closer to owning an electric powered van! 😁👍🇨🇦

[@wdbrnr63]

Is the other end of the cord a 30A RV plug, or is it a standard 15A plug?

[@benzmansl65amg]

Awesome stuff. Tesla van!

[@Stihlheadd]

Not that any water should get behind that plug but...... moisture and condensation can cause where you cut to rust. Sorry I dont mean to only point out what you did wrong.

[@rickb.6068]

I was thinking the same thing. Probably should have painted the cut out.

[@nathanvess4035]

Good point.

[@rickmaudlin2160]

It's an aluminum body

[@Stihlheadd]

Transit has not made an aluminum body.

[@rickmaudlin2160]

@@Stihlheadd , Thanks, I stand corrected.

[@TSGEnt]

1:58 ! oh my! 1:59 !OH MY! 2:11 !!OH MYYYYY!! Yelp, you're committed!

[@mikewilson4141]

Cody could you share with us a name, part number or vender for where you found the shore power plug ? Thank You Mike

[@JankyShack]

According to the NEC code book, depending on the heat rating of the insulation 10 gauge wire is rated from 30 to 40 amps. 14 gauge is only 20-25 amps depending on insulation.

[@JankyShack]

@@ElectricityTaster I like metric too, but 99% of wire in USA is not metric. Everything in stores and in building codes is in AWG (American Wire Gauge) At least most bolts seem to be metric now. The only things I've seen that are still Imperial are construction equipment and chain saws.

[@dougmc666]

I'm curious what plug is on the end of the cord, aTT-30 or a L5-30R, or something else, maybe a 15 amp?

[@danrulz98]

It looks proprietary

[@joeschmoe4030]

I bet the manufacturer will appreciate you plugging their plug

[@scarrypolpetta9006]

That is a nice quality product, something you can't buy from china I love it when i find such high quality plugs, you would think that a plug is just a plug but when you see the amount of attention to detail that goerz into something like this you can understand why american or european products arte really on another level if compared to import devices built to a price without any thoughts given

[@robertharcourt7650]

Are you cooling the lithium battery while your are charging it? I have heard that over heating lithium batteries drastically reduces their lifespan.

[@gregory2622]

I Got the Fizz watching the vid! .😎👍👍

[@damnoldguy]

I think using marine grade stuff on an adventure van makes perfect sense, especially in the northwest.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Cool video wranglerstar

[@Bierkameel]

After drilling holes in a panel always put some anti rust paint around the edges. The gasket is nice for the outside but humidity will make that hole rust after some time.

[@mitchdenner9743]

Nothing sexier than polished 316 stainless

[@moobcars6490]

Gotta Love that marine grade stuff!

[@JimVincitore]

Great video! Very cool! Thank you! What's a good wire brush?

[@samahdicox3120]

Just a thought , heavy duty extension cord 30 amp which is good but the wires that went from plug inside the van look thin as , will they not heat up as they are too thin?

[@moisesdelapuente2911]

Hello from Torrance California love your videos

[@RippingJack76]

You should have cut 25 off of the either end. That way you'd have two 25 foot cords. With regular plug-in outlet fittings. And your 50-footer between them that you could attach your trailer fittings on. Just my take. I'm sure it'll work out for you.

[@sb123864]

That is a really nice plug, good job!

[@jasonj9111]

Nice install. Would be really cool if the extension cord plug lit up to show it has power supplied.

[@nerdskiii]

What rust prevention did you you use/recommend for those fresh cuts?

[@toddjohnson9546]

thoughts and prayers

[@timreid9556]

I was hoping for a video on this . Thanks *****when are you pouring a concrete work apron

[@TheUserid82]

To late for it now but you can install things into the back door of the van like power so if you want to change it later it is just replacing a door rather then needing to seal a hole in the wall. On a box truck or RV I would even say have an access door to lock the plug away along with having plugs and other needed things like speaker ports or audio in/out so you can access them from the outside with a key without needing to access the inside. An access door with a combo lock or simple key to put on a wrist strap also gives you a spot to lock the van keys when you are out doing things without the risk of loosing the expensive vehicle key if something happens.

[@wranglerstar]

A door is 2k plus glass

[@ParthPatel-ku4jr]

You should buy an EV port and use their chargers and watch all the other drivers while you’re their.

[@Slyder2828]

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend Cody et. al.🌴😎👍

[@drucifer61]

I might use this for my block heater in the diesel.

[@JBardi83]

Was that Loctite that you used to secure that outlet?

[@dpetrie75]

What kind of spyderco knife are you using in this video.

[@RippingJack76]

My Dad never had a issue with making holes in any vehicle. If Bondo didn't fix it, he had friends who knew how to weld. Later, would actually do some engine swaps that were definitely not Factory approved.

[@alshoemaker9385]

looks like a factory install, nice.

[@neilhuband995]

always deburr the hole before putting your nice new gasket on it!!! I know I know, it's an easy thing to forget after a few whiskies so I'll let it slide ;-)

[@skyraider2021]

2 Small Tip's …… A Big Sheet of Cardboard Makes Working On Stone Much Nicer & Catches Dropped Screws. (Thanks Dad) My Dad Taught Me That One When I Was A Teen. I Always Coat All Connections With Dielectric Grease.

[@dontask8979]

THANK YOU! That plug underneath was a terrible idea. Just being honest. Nothing beats quality. I was looking for a 10/3 cord years ago, and just because it's a fat cord means nothing. Every cord they had was a 14/3. Smoke and mirrors.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

You got a link to the plugs I could use a couple

[@tcr03]

Which spyderco is that. I cant tell if its the para 2 or 3