TechnoRV Learning Series: How to Install the SmartPlug RV Power Inlet and Connector

[@richsinger7382]

Hi Eric, Thanks for the great install video of the Smart Plug. I was a little worried about purchasing it because of how difficult it might be to install. You have put my worries to rest. It looks very easy to do.

[@brandonlee979]

Well done! I am excited to make this mod.

[@Technorv]

Oh you won't regret it!

[@andrewk1916]

Eric- great video on how to install this plug and head! I’ve been looking at this and thinking about making the switch and your video is giving me the needed insight to tackle the job. I’ve seen a lot of channels talk about the overheating of the common plug due to poor connections - esp. out West in the Summers. I know my spouse and I have occasionally been lazy and not screwed down the common plug - not realizing the issues that not doing so can cause. This would definitely mitigate problems caused by not doing so or just poor connections. Thanks! Got my sub!

[@Technorv]

Thanks Andrew! I am glad it helped you make an informed decision. You will be very pleased with the SmartPlug. Along with being easier, it creates a much better (and safer) connection.

[@rogerz8051]

Excellent video Eric. Just got mine and am planning to install it in the next few days. Thanks!

[@Technorv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dontroxell8596]

Make sure you get the screws right. I didn’t notice there were 3 long one and 2 short one and I got them mixed up and had to take it apart and switch them.

[@Technorv]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@butcherknife59knife46]

Clean copper wire not brass Black to brass colored screw white to chrome screw and ground to g or green screw tighten it and back it off and retighten it . You will be golden

[@johnwhitney1892]

If you remember, I discussed the exposed contact screws. This video shows that the RV manufacturer in dealing with rival certification believes that a cover is necessary to meet code. If it wasn’t required, you and I both know the RV manufacturer would save the few pennies. Comment?

[@Technorv]

Hey John, I am not following you completely here but am happy to put you in touch with my Smart Plug rep if you want to shoot me an email. I do agree that manufacturers will try to save every penny on the builds, but I am not sure which part you are referring too here.

[@mat72-k1q]

If you have to take your RV to a service center and they need to plug it in for some reason then what? I assume they have to have that particular type of plug in order to plug power in?

[@Technorv]

Hi Matt! The great thing about the Smart Plug is that it doesn't affect the side of the plug where you connect to shore power, so it would not be a problem for your service center to use while you are getting work done. They would simply connect your your power cable to the RV using the SmartPlug head and then the other side would be a traditional 30A or 50A male side designee to fit into a 30A or 50A power supply. Hope this helps. Safe travels!

[@97fdexp]

This is a nice video by techno rv, but if I can make a suggestion- those wire stripper crimpers are junk. You'll be money ahead to buy a quality pair of Klein (or similar) strippers and crimper- you will use them.

[@Technorv]

Hey Karl, I agree with you there. I was thinking that as I was using them. When I cut from that shot I was for sure telling Tami I needed a better pair of those. Maybe she will get me some for Christmas. Eric

[@BigBadDodge4x4]

Please take no office to my comment, I just started looking for better power inlet options when I stumbled on this. :) So from what I can tell, this product is non-standerad. If you lose the cable, you will not be able to borrow or grab a replacement at a local shop, right? Basically, this greatly limits any " solutions " you may need in a pinch. It actually seems like you just went full "APPLE" . (( Apple releases proprietary connections to make their products " Unique". For example, pick an Apple product, find a random guy and ask if they have a charger cable that will fit your Apple. Odds will be high, they won't have that unique charging cable.)) So why would someone want to install a power inlet that is hard to find parts for? Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@Technorv]

Hey Dodge! The SmartPlug is definitely non-standard and you would have to use the plug head that is designed to connect to the inlet in order for it to work. Together, they reduce the strain on your power cable connection and decrease heat. The SmartPlug connects to the pedestal like any other cable and you wouldn't have any problems there. You do have to replace the plug head on your current RV power cord though in order for it to work, and if you lose your cable, you would have to replace it with another SmartPlug head in order for it to work. The main reason someone replaces their inlet with SmartPlug is because it is not only much easier to connect when compared to the twist-lock style plugs, but they also reduce heat and give a better connection to power due to their straight pin design. If you compared a standard plug and inlet to the SmartPlug, you would immediately notice the superior build and quality of the SmartPlug. It's designed for the marine industry and is pretty stout. We were surprised when we opened on for ourselves!

[@UsetoCud]

Price is ridiculous for a plug!

[@Technorv]

Hi Darrell, Until you hold this unit and realize the build quality, then I could see you saying that. On the other hand, it is a great price to improve the electrical transfer into your RV, as many will tell you that is priceless. The twist lock plugs are a horrible design and can create excess heat on the plug due to minimal surface contact. Thanks for the comment. Eric

[@davidgreene630]

I thought so too. Until our camping neighbor left their site, ac on locked up, headed out to dinner. Their plug on the camper was not fully “seated”. It overheated, melted the entire assembly and the plug and supply cable. The camp host shut off the electrical. They were fortunately able to get parts and fix it. I put a smartPlug on my list. Ended up getting a stainless one, with a plug cover on eBay. So, so much easier to snap in and much better electrical contact. Is that worth $150? I say yep 👍

[@georgefenrich4119]

LOL, what makes this a SMART Plug... it took 30 mins to install...

[@Technorv]

Hi George, It does sort of have a strange name, but it is a great, high quality product. It will certainly be a better electrical transfer. Hope this helps, and see you down the road. Eric

[@kevinsterner8526]

There's nothing smart about it. Easy yes, smart no.

[@Technorv]

Hi Kevin, Interesting how names come about. I think most people think of "Smart" devices like smart phones. In this case, it is a superior product to the twist style plugs so it is a "Smart" idea to get one. Thanks for the comment. Safe Travels.. Eric

[@mattg8787]

and the price isn't ether its much easier and almost free to wire it directly to the rv and just wind up the cord and it wont cost 300$