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Has anyone upgraded their power inlet to a Smart Plug?

J

jagibson58

Active member
There is a great fairly new technology for RV’s. The power inlet port can be upgraded to a safer and better connecting device called Smart Plug. There have been noted cases with fires and very close calls with RV’s that use a screw type wall plug. Smart plug is available for both 30 and 50 amp electric service. Info brochure attached. The basic version is a combo kit with the plug upgrade and the wall plug in. About $135.00. If you want to spend the money, you can purchase a corded cable with a right angled plug and the wall plug in upgrade. Probably cost well over $800.
 

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  • SmartPlug-2025-RV-Catalog-NEW-2-2.pdf
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L

Lantley

Prominent Member
I like the idea of the smart plug. I do believe its a better connection But at this point I refuse to give up on all the cords and adapters I have for the twist lok connection.
 
R

RockDr896

Well-known member
I converted my old twistlock to a smart plug configuration and leave it in my storage unit. I then bought a smart plug cable for travel. I like how they use a gasket instead of relying on silicone, to seal at the RV Wall. The smart plug cable is a bit more flexible, than the older cable.

I did have one trip, where I had a bad connection to the trailer. Meaning I either did not get it tight enough, or perhaps somebody tripped on the cable and it pulled free. It caused some intermittent power losses, until I figured it out. I don't see that happening with the smart plug. It is an expensive replacement and it took me 3 years to make the decision to change over. Thankfully, my stolen credit card business is booming..LOL!!
 
L

Lantley

Prominent Member
RockDr896 said:
I converted my old twistlock to a smart plug configuration and leave it in my storage unit. I then bought a smart plug cable for travel. I like how they use a gasket instead of relying on silicone, to seal at the RV Wall. The smart plug cable is a bit more flexible, than the older cable.

I did have one trip, where I had a bad connection to the trailer. Meaning I either did not get it tight enough, or perhaps somebody tripped on the cable and it pulled free. It caused some intermittent power losses, until I figured it out. I don't see that happening with the smart plug. It is an expensive replacement and it took me 3 years to make the decision to change over. Thankfully, my stolen credit card business is booming..LOL!!
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I have come to realize the importance of getting the twist lok connection tight. The Smart Plug is certainly more foolproof. Getting the twist lok tight can be a challenge at times, but it is critical to take the time and effort to get the twist lok plug tight.
 
George

George

Well-known member
I sent this message to a friend of mine recently after we talked about it some...

This is the new SmartPlug power cord design.

Why SmartPlug – SmartPlug

smartplug.com smartplug.com

But I wouldn’t get the ~$340 kit with male and female ends that’s straight into the camper.

For $630 you can get a 30’ angled cord.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Power-Cord/SmartPlug/SM54SB.html

RV inlet:
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Power-Inlets/SmartPlug/SM79FR.html ~$203

>$830!!! for me to change over. It’s said to be more flexible than OEM cords. 🤷🏼‍♂️
As nice as it is I’ll have to stay with the 100 year old twist lock design.
 
Oregon_Camper

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
George said:
This is the new SmartPlug power cord design.

It’s said to be more flexible than OEM cords. 🤷🏼‍♂️
Click to expand...
I like the idea of the new plug, but after having mine installed for 2 years, I see no issue with the straight plug...basically looks brand new

The flexibily of the 50 amp cord is indeed noticable. I roll it up into the Morryde reel with ease.
 
L

Long Islander

Active member
I can see that the Smartplug is an easier connection and probably more secure than the standard twist lock plug, but I just can't justify the expense. A standard twist lock plug and outlet set cost about $35 - $40. The smartplug plug and outlet cost around $260, that's over 7 times more expensive! Not to mention I'd need to another $140 for the 240 to 120 adapter so I can plug the trailer into the outside outlet on the house using a standard extension cord. That's grand total of $400 and I've still to wire the new Smartplug outlet into my trailer and put the plug onto my old cable. In my humble opinion the smartplug is a nice improvement, but not worth the money. I've been using twist lock connections my whole life and never had an issue with using them.
 
R

RockDr896

Well-known member
I think everyone agrees with the cost to switch it over. Everyone, pick your poison!! That's why I mentioned my stolen credit card business!! I may need to quit joking like that.......I will file that for campfire talk. Maybe someday I will make an Alliance rally. I tried for the Hatteras one, but missed the mark and on a standby list. I really want to see the modifications made, by those who don't get on these forums and quietly do some brilliant stuff!!
 
Oregon_Camper

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
Long Islander said:
I can see that the Smartplug is an easier connection and probably more secure than the standard twist lock plug, but I just can't justify the expense. A standard twist lock plug and outlet set cost about $35 - $40. The smartplug plug and outlet cost around $260, that's over 7 times more expensive! Not to mention I'd need to another $140 for the 240 to 120 adapter so I can plug the trailer into the outside outlet on the house using a standard extension cord. That's grand total of $400 and I've still to wire the new Smartplug outlet into my trailer and put the plug onto my old cable. In my humble opinion the smartplug is a nice improvement, but not worth the money. I've been using twist lock connections my whole life and never had an issue with using them.
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You can do the entire thing for $251 by reusing your factory cord and buying this combo kit from Amazon

1776811850024.png
 
L

Long Islander

Active member
Oregon_Camper said:
You can do the entire thing for $251 by reusing your factory cord and buying this combo kit from Amazon
Click to expand...

Okay you saved $9 by going with the grey one and if I want to plug my trailer into the 120V outlet in my yard I need to spend another $140 on their adapter cable or I have to use my 50 amp cord with a different adapter on the other end. I'm sorry but I just don't find the standard twist lock connection enough of a problem to spend that that kind of money on it. Now if the company priced their smartplug more reasonably I'd certainly consider it.



61918z6GlAL._AC_SX679_.jpg


Amazon.com: SmartPlug BF50 Female Connector Assembly - 50 Amp : Automotive

Buy SmartPlug BF50 Female Connector Assembly - 50 Amp: Plugs, Inlets & Receptacles - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
 
Oregon_Camper

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
Long Islander said:
Okay you saved $9 by going with the grey one and if I want to plug my trailer into the 120V outlet in my yard I need to spend another $140 on their adapter cable or I have to use my 50 amp cord with a different adapter on the other end. I'm sorry but I just don't find the standard twist lock connection enough of a problem to spend that that kind of money on it. Now if the company priced their smartplug more reasonably I'd certainly consider it.

61918z6GlAL._AC_SX679_.jpg
Click to expand...

FYI...When I need to jump down to 15 amp, I use this $18 adapater that connects to my existing 50 amp cord. I wouldn't buy their $140 plug.

1776872819820.png
 
L

Lantley

Prominent Member
Long Islander said:
Okay you saved $9 by going with the grey one and if I want to plug my trailer into the 120V outlet in my yard I need to spend another $140 on their adapter cable or I have to use my 50 amp cord with a different adapter on the other end. I'm sorry but I just don't find the standard twist lock connection enough of a problem to spend that that kind of money on it. Now if the company priced their smartplug more reasonably I'd certainly consider it.



61918z6GlAL._AC_SX679_.jpg


Amazon.com: SmartPlug BF50 Female Connector Assembly - 50 Amp : Automotive

Buy SmartPlug BF50 Female Connector Assembly - 50 Amp: Plugs, Inlets & Receptacles - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...
Exactly my thoughts. Am I supposed to just get rid of all the adapters I have accumulated and by new ones?
 
L

Long Islander

Active member
Oregon_Camper said:
FYI...When I need to jump down to 15 amp, I use this $18 adapater that connects to my existing 50 amp cord. I wouldn't buy their $140 plug.

View attachment 5018
Click to expand...
Oregon, I already have one of those adapters and you are right it could be used, so I could save the $140. Having said that, I would have to use my 50ft 50-amp power cord as well and I'm not sure that I'd want that sitting outside 365 days a year. Right now I use a fairly cheap 20 amp extension cord that's plugged into a 15 amp GFI outlet. It works just fine, since I only use it to keep the batteries charged. I totally agree that the Smartplug looks to be better design, but I just can't get get past the fact it is grossly overpriced and it fixes a problem that I don't have. I personally have never had an issue with the twist lock connection. Maybe if I did I'd feel differently.
 
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