Shore Power inlet issue that led to small fire.

[Hoosier]

While camping in SW Florida right before Helene arrived my wife smelled a faint burning smell and 30 seconds later the carbon monoxide alarm started to alarm and we looked and looked but could not source the smoke. The alarm went off with furious fanning and opening all the windows in 92* weather. Just in case we moved the sentimental items out of the Oliver and after 90 minutes sitting in our idling TV we went back in. Nothing seemed wrong and wife was pointing at me because I recently swapped the Demonic for a Houghton. 

Anyways 3 days go by, nothing happens, then AC power is fluctuating then goes completely out. Smoke smell is really evident now and when I went to remove the power from the trailer I almost burned my hand it was so hot.  Turns out the white cable was loose and creating a short that eventually melted the whole assembly. The shore power cord was equally compromised. 

I was able to find a replacement inlet at West Marine for about $125 and a new shore cord from Campers World 60 miles down the road (it was Sunday). 

So I will be adding opening and inspecting for proper torque on the wires leading to the cabin on our annual inspection list. 

Thanks 

Shane

Edited November 12 by Hoosier

[DavePhelps]

A quick internet search revealed that 14-16 inch pounds is the correct terminal screw torque spec. But to be sure, I'd contact Furrion or whoever made your new plug to verify.

I'll be checking mine now! Glad you didn't sustain too much damage.

Dave

[ADKCamper]

Yikes! Glad you were able to track this down before it got too far out of control.

I've seen evidence of overheated receptacles in campground pedestals fairly often. I *assume* most of that is from loose/worn blade contacts, but it could also be a loose terminal screw connection. Either way, loose = higher resistance = heat. I'll be watching the camper-side connection more carefully now as well...

[SeaDawg]

@Hoosier, even though yoir camper is likely out of warranty, I'd open a ticket on this. It's always best for Oliver service to know "what happened ", and perceived cause.

[Cameron]

Wow. Thank goodness you caught this before anything more serious. Whenever I'm on shore power, I have a habit of periodically putting my hand on different parts of the cable to feel for heat. I try to do it whenever I leave or return to the trailer after having been out.

[Mike and Carol]

I had the same thing happen a few years ago and posted about it then.  One wire on the trailer side of the connection was loose.  Melted both sides of the connection.  Replaced both the outlet and the power cord.  You can access the outlet from under the dinette.  Not something I ever thought to check.