We're about to pull the trigger on a new Georgetown 351DS MH. The shore power cord on it is connected directly to the auto transfer box in the back, inside the rear storage.
There is no power inlet to attach the cord to on the outside, like I'm used to having on our present unit. You just have to run the cord out the storage bin door, and plug it up to shore power. I really, really do NOT like this, as it means you have to leave storage door open all the time when connected to shore power (which would be 90% of the time for us).
Is this common on Class A units? Seems like a really, really dumb way to do it, because I wouldn't think anybody would want to have to leave a storage bin door open and run a shore power line out through it. Seems thats just asking to let rain water as well as who knows what else into your storage bin.
I'm guessing the only good way to solve this is to install a (50 amp) power inlet, wire it to the transfer switch, then attach the appropriate connector onto the end of the shore power line? I'm thinking this is something I'm going to try and convince the RV dealer to do as part of the deal, as it seems it really should have been that way from the factory (right?)
I've seen a 50 amp power inlet that Marinco makes, but the ones I've seen are all white. That'd look awful tacky on a MH with full body paint, so I'm hoping a power inlet can be found thats black, or we can convince RV dealer to paint the outside of the inlet so it won't stick out so bad.
Has anyone solved this problem another way? Like maybe, punching a hole in bottom of storage bin, and drop the power line down through that when hooked up? You'd then have to have some way of closing up that hole, though, obviously, when on the road...
Anyway, any/all suggestions, experience, etc. on this subject would be welcome and appreciated.
Will & Angela
2 children that love camping, Stephen & Allison
2012 FR Georgetown 351DS on F53 (V10) Chassis See it here
My power cord is hooked up this same way but I have a small cover(like the sewer cut out with a screw on cover) in the bottom of the compartment that can be removed to run the cord out the bottom. This allows me to lock the storage door. Have you looked to see if there is some other way to route the cord?
I have a little "trap door" that opens up on the bottom of the utility bay. Electric cord and Water line run through that door. Close the door when not in use. But it is not a Georgetown!
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”
While having the power cord attached is pretty common, not having an outlet hole may not be. Any chance there is room for a power retractor???
Persoanlly, I think I would make it an issue with the dealer to provide an access port at least. At best make them wire in a plug/recepticle plus an access port.
Sometimes there is a cut-out on the bottom frame of the bin. You put the power cord in there and close the door. I had a friend who put one in himself. Not difficult.
We had a 2008 Georgetown for 2 years, and I know I didn't have this problem. Can't recall the exact setup, but I believe there was either a screw-in port in the floor of the bay where the cord was, or a notch in the door frame as someone else suggested. Look carefully, and/or call your dealer or Forest River for more info.
FWIW, the Georgetown gave us great service. We only traded it in to take a great deal on a DP.
Good luck!
Mike and Trish
2014 Thor Tuscany 40RX
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Blue Ox Aventa LX
Yorkiepoos - Janis and Jimi
Very good point several made, about an access hole at the bottom of storage bin that power cord would go through. I honestly don't remember seeing one, but it is quite possible I overlooked it. I'll have to look a lot closer at the storage bin next time we're at the dealer.
..Anyone that owns a Georgetown model with the large, rear storage area, that might know for certain if there is an access hole or not?
If there is an access hole, that'd work, although I think I'd prefer the power inlet approach. Seems like for folks like us where unit would stay hooked up to shore power almost year round (we plan to keep it hooked up to shore power even when at home and its not in use), the access hole would be prone to leave too large a 'gap' around the cord, where creatures and other stuff could get into your storage.
If there is an access hole, that'd work, although I think I'd prefer the power inlet approach. Seems like for folks like us where unit would stay hooked up to shore power almost year round (we plan to keep it hooked up to shore power even when at home and its not in use), the access hole would be prone to leave too large a 'gap' around the cord, where creatures and other stuff could get into your storage.
Will
Surely you could devise something to fill the space around the power cord once you've fed it through the hole in the floor.
Some advantages of this arrangement is that you only have to feed out as much cord as you need. The entire cord may not be needed, but will lay on the ground if attached outside.
A detachable cord can easily get stolen.
These 50amp cords are very heavy also. Why have a setup that requires the cord to be lifted out/in each time it's needed?
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