[stevigee]

Has anyone installed their 30 amp shore power plug to their rear bumper? I was thinking about looking into installing my 30 amp shore power to the back of my bumper next to my hitch 7 way plug. Im thinking it may be a good way to stay stealth and keep from installing shore power inlet to body side. One thing that concerns me is being able to make it water tight. Pros and cons are welcome. Thanks

 

[jethaden]

I saw that on Sprinter forum and eventually may do that. Bolt a box to next to trailer plug mount and run wire through the vent holes in the bottom of the van corners. Instead I currently added a plate bolted to cover the passenger side 2x4 inch (or so) hole and added a 30A marine locking plug facing downwards. It is impossible to see but also a bit hard to get a plug in there blind (sometimes have to get way down and look up at plug).

See this picture, which I can not seem to link as a picture, and do not care enough to fight it on this forum:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jethaden/19002729435/in/album-72157652012364792/

 

[stevigee]

I thought about installing under also but not sure I want to get on my knees to find plug... but I might. Seems like it would be easy to make a metal bracket with a hole big enough to allow the inlet plug to mount and bend it to mount to bumper or frame. Like the 7 way plugs for trailer.https://www.amazon.com/12-711U-Moun...F8&qid=1475625491&sr=1-18&keywords=7+way+plug

 

[orton]

Do you really need 30 amps in a small conversion?

I do not so just have a simple male end of an extension cord that drops down under the driver doors. Wanted it there so I do not drive off with it connected. Since I know where it is located I do not have to get down on my knees to unhook it.

http://www.ortontransit.info/otherpage3.php

 

[stevigee]

Im still working on my van plans and still thinking a rooftop ac could be in my future. We will be towing our jeep sometimes so our van will be sitting during the day. We will frequently be staying in rv parks for the security. Our typical trips include staying out all day in the jeep.

 

[driley]

I installed a 15amp through the rear bumper.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=YnBQU3pVdVlqem1tbXJWTnN1cF81clMzVnlSLVV3

 

[Sprinter54]

30amp

 

[maricard]

I installed a 30amp under the rear bumper.

 

[kenjent]

- Pick up metal angle at Home Depot for under $1.
- Drill hole for Marinco plug on angle.
https://www.amazon.com/Marinco-150B...e=UTF8&qid=1475728294&sr=8-2&keywords=marinco
- Drill two holes for 10-32 fasteners into Factory Ford hitch bracket next to trailer plug.
- Paint angle black.
- Install angle to hitch and install Marico plug to angle.

 

[bshred]

15 amp marineco to back bumper

How did you make sure the back of the unit is water proof? the black sleeve isn't water tight. Silicon added? thanks

I installed a 15amp through the rear bumper.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=YnBQU3pVdVlqem1tbXJWTnN1cF81clMzVnlSLVV3

 

[Hein]

One consideration is if water can run down and collect at or in the connection point/socket. It is possible that someone makes the connection with a live cord which could be a shocking hazard.

We have our shore power connection under the van along the side with the plug socket angled downward so moisture can run out if it gets in near the terminals. I do have to get on my knees but can make the connection pretty easily now that I've done it a lot.

I like Dave's simple solution if you don't need 30A. And his custom cord hanger is a neat feature.

 

[orton]

The short cord hanging down allows the connection to be hung back up under the van out of the weather. Wish I could say I had thought of that before I installed the cord. Discovered after it was installed.

 

[EddieZ]

I installed a 15amp through the rear bumper.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=YnBQU3pVdVlqem1tbXJWTnN1cF81clMzVnlSLVV3

Very sanitary!

 

[driley]

How did you make sure the back of the unit is water proof? the black sleeve isn't water tight. Silicon added? thanks

There is a rubber boot on the back of the inlet. I have smooth round extension cord type cable running into the inlet through the boot. The fit is very snug. I believe it is going to be fine. Time will tell. I did not put any sealant on it.

Also, I drove around for a couple of months after installing the inlet in the bumper, but before getting it wired. The boot was on during this time but there was no wire installed through it. So it was open. When I went to install the wire, I expected to find it full of road debris or see that it was corroded. It looked fine.

 

[rondo]

I did the same exact thing as driley a while back. No issues with water or dirt intrusion.

 

[bicyclist]

So what do all you characters wire to inside? Duplex sockets? Breaker panels?

 

[Michael Ophus]

How did you make sure the back of the unit is water proof? the black sleeve isn't water tight. Silicon added? thanks

they make waterproof boots that fit the receptacles and plugs, search this section of the catalog for the ones that fit yours http://www.westmarine.com/adapters-plugs-outlets

 

[Bill_in_Tulsa]

I installed a 15amp through the rear bumper.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=YnBQU3pVdVlqem1tbXJWTnN1cF81clMzVnlSLVV3

Very nice install....... I really like this idea.....
Where did you make entry into the inside of van with wiring?
Thanks,

 

[jonsobi]

I fed a 12/3 outdoor extension up through the driver C pillar, next to my vent. The vent is now covered with a screen and slotted grill.

On the inside, I use a multi outlet power bar. I just remove the power bar from the incoming cord to the inverter when using the inverter.

As it turns out, I rarely plug in to shore power, but its such a simple setup, might as well have it.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using Tapatalk

 

[Bill_in_Tulsa]

I fed a 12/3 outdoor extension up through the driver C pillar, next to my vent. The vent is now covered with a screen and slotted grill.

On the inside, I use a multi outlet power bar. I just remove the power bar from the incoming cord to the inverter when using the inverter.

As it turns out, I rarely plug in to shore power, but its such a simple setup, might as well have it.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using Tapatalk

Thank you..