Smart Plug Conversion?

[Gliddenwoods]

I had the opportunity to review my neighbors new Airstream recently. Of interest is the Smart Plug connection and cord. It appears the Smart Plug provides a improved secure connection. I found that conversion kits exist for purchase.

Has anyone completed the conversion to a Smart Plug? Advice? Post conversion regret?

[ScubaRx]

I assume you are speaking of this one...

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Plug-B30ASSYPB-Non-Metallic-Connector/dp/B0194H9T92/ref=sr_1_3?hvadid=305027195902&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1020828&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=935590151030099993&hvtargid=kwd-384981510441&hydadcr=10101_10948922&keywords=rv+smart+plug&qid=1690758187&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0

Amazon's Description:

• Eliminates Overheating - Increased pin and clip surface area greatly improves electrical conductivity during high amperage demand
• Weather Resistant Seals - Multi-fin silicone gaskets installed in the inlet cover and the plug body eliminates moisture penetration
• Quick and Easy Installation - Inlet mounting flange holes match twist-type holes for an installation that is typically finished in 30 minutes
• The SmartPlug Combo Kit includes both a 30 Amp 125 Volt inlet connector and a retro-fit connector. The retro-fit connector is designed to be used with your existing cord. This package offers superior performance and ease of use. The inlets are available in stainless steel and three non-metallic colors, (White, Gray or Black), of high performance/flame resistant material. Increased pin and clip surface area greatly improves electrical conductivity during high amperage demand. No twist required, the unique plug body shape and push-in design mean it only goes in the right way every time - even in the dark! Side clips and inlet cover lock the plug body securely into the inlet which eliminates any stress on the electrical components by the movement of the power cord. Multi-fin silicone gaskets installed in the inlet cover and the plug body eliminates moisture penetration. Inlet mounting flange holes match twist-type holes for an installation that is typically finished in 30 minutes.

There may well be some advantages with the Smart Plug, but I'm not too sure that I can see $150 worth of difference in this and what comes installed on the Oliver.

[Eric.]

Hi 

 

if we buy an Oliver, the smart plug will be one of the first mods I do to the trailer. I have used the twist style plastic connection on previous trailers and the smart plug is superior. 
 

I have also asked our salesman Josh to have it installed from the factory and they would not entertain the idea. So far Oliver does not seem very responsive for a $100k trailer 

 

Eric 

[ScubaRx]

6 hours ago, Eric. said:

Hi

if we buy an Oliver, the smart plug will be one of the first mods I do to the trailer. I have used the twist style plastic connection on previous trailers and the smart plug is superior.

I have also asked our salesman Josh to have it installed from the factory and they would not entertain the idea. So far Oliver does not seem very responsive for a $100k trailer

Eric 

Oliver will not make any substitutions or modifications during the construction phase. They probably would be willing to make the swap in service before delivery. If you have the ability to do it yourself, you should.

[Steph and Dud B]

Wondering how this is better than the standard twist-lock. Reviewers talk about standard cords with melted connectors or arc damage on standard cords. Melted connectors are usually caused by operating large draws like the A/C with low campground voltage (a problem addressed by the Progressive EMS), or by loose connections. The standard twist-lock should provide ample connection surfaces if it is used correctly (twisted to the locked position). As far as arc damage, that will happen to any connector that is disconnected under load. The pedestal breaker should be opened before disconnecting the cord. The same would be true with the Smart Plug.

With a special plug like this, you'd have trouble sourcing a quick replacement if something happened to it, while standard cords are available at every RV shop and replacement plugs/receptacles at any Home Depot. And what is "The retro-fit connector...designed to be used with your existing cord"? If it's an adapter that goes on the end of your regular cord, you still have a twist-lock in the system.

I'd need a lot more convincing before purchasing.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

13 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

I assume you are speaking of this one...

<snip>

There may well be some advantages with the Smart Plug, but I'm not too sure that I can see $150 worth of difference in this and what comes installed on the Oliver.

I have never had an issue with the twist lock style plugs.   For me, it’s a solution in search of a problem.

[Gliddenwoods]

Continuing with my product research; meanwhile thanks all for the thoughts and input. I do believe the product is superior to the twist lock type however Steph's comment on "quick replacement" is worth pondering.

A $150 investment on a high value trailer is not a concern if the product provides more protection for  the high value trailer.

Again, thanks all.

[ScubaRx]

The worst problems I’ve seen while assisting other owners with electrical problems has always been loose connections. The fact that this setup requires you to cut the molded female plug off your existing power cable and replace it with the smart plug indicates to me there will be some screws involved in the attachment of the new connector. To me, herein lies the potential for future issues. Every melted wire I’ve ever seen has been due to a loose or frayed screw connection. If the system included molded plugs on a 40 foot cord, I’d like it a lot better. Of course, then it would cost $300. 

[Geronimo John]

Disadvantage are that it becomes a unique connection on my extension cord.  Or finding a replacement while on the road would be more difficult as well compared to our OEM.  So long as our OEM is working, I'll pocket the $140. 

GJ

 

[Jason Foster]

On 12/28/2023 at 12:51 PM, Geronimo John said:

Disadvantage are that it becomes a unique connection on my extension cord.  Or finding a replacement while on the road would be more difficult as well compared to our OEM.  So long as our OEM is working, I'll pocket the $140. 

GJ

 

Same.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  All the twist locks I've used over the years work fine with the exception of that ridiculously flimsy, woefully and ineffectively threaded, plastic locking ring.

[ScubaRx]

I took the time and read up on the 'Smart' Plug. I didn't find any evidence that the Smart Plug is a better product than the power receptacle that was supplied when the Oliver was delivered. But, wanting to give it the benefit of the doubt and in the interest of sharing accurate and reliable product information, I offer the following information:

From their website, under the heading About Smart Plug:

Our vision...

Smart Plug Systems is a privately held manufacturing firm specializing in power delivery systems. It was founded in 2007 and is located in Seattle, WA. Its flagship product, the SmartPlug, is a patented device positioned to replace the current power delivery system for RV’s, Boats, and a variety of specialty vehicles and miscellaneous industrial applications.

Every corporation has to have a Vision Statement, Right?

Designed to be versatile

Developing and providing innovative world-class solutions that make power delivery safer, more secure, and easier to use. Continuing our aggressive growth strategy and expanding far beyond the domestic recreational power delivery market to industries and geographic locations that can leverage our technology.

We’re just getting started

Establishing strategic partnerships and building long-term relationships with our suppliers, customers and the consumer. Sustaining a preferred work environment that will create positive share-holder value while maintaining a high level of innovation, quality, and customer service.

This nothing but corporate techno-babble and tells us nothing about the Smart Plug. Here is additional BS from their website...

Contrary to popular belief, the #1 cause of shore power failure and fires is not electrical shorting, but rather overheating caused by poor electrical conductivity.

This is very true...but, on our Oliver’s, not for the reasons stated below

How does this happen? The problems with many plug designs are that the shape of electrical pins allow for very little contact area, and the pins themselves are also largely responsible for bearing any physical stress placed on the cord (from constant movement of the boat, someone tripping on the cord, etc…)

This is partly correct. There is plenty of surface contact area on the standard Oliver supplied power cord. Last I checked these are NOT boats moving around while attached to shore power.

This results in the pins working loose, further lessening the precious little contact area they had to begin with. Furthermore, such loose connections allow for moisture intrusion and ultimately corrosion of the pins.

This does Not apply in our situations.

Arcing occurs and the connection heats up, scorches, and in some cases, catches fire. Because the current draw is unchanged, all of this happens long before a breaker or a GFCI can cut the power. Additionally, the old design can be very difficult to use in low light or hard-to-reach scenarios since the “L” shaped pin must first be located and then oriented before connection.

The actual #1 cause of shore power failure and fires is not electrical shorting, but rather overheating caused by poor electrical conductivity, not from the pins in the connectors but from the screw connections between the pins and the supply wires not being tight. This has been the source of the problem in every overheating situation I’ve seen or heard about concerning Our Oliver's.

Then I decided to go right to one of the vendor’s that supply this product for their say in the matter. In about an hour long chat session, this was revealed...

Ashley: Hi! Can we answer a question for you? If not, feel free to close out this box.

Steve: I am curious about your Smart Plug product. I am familiar with the plethora of other "smart" products like smart phones, thermostats that can be adjusted via an app on my phone, Alexa etc. What is it about this product that makes it Smart?

'SMART' OBJECTS

Ashley: Hi Steve!
Let me get you some information for you

Ashley: There really is no "Smart" Feature as you are thinking about, but here is the description: SmartPlug is the highest quality electrical plug in the RV industry. This is the ultimate solution to replacing your standard twist plug, and it completely eliminates typical heat issues due to poor electrical contact. The standard twist plug that comes on many RVs has problems with electrical transfer because of minimal contact from the plug to the inlet. The SmartPlug has 27 times more contact and this makes for efficient electrical transfer and drastically reduces the heat on the plug. If you have a standard twist plug on your RV then you need to get that changed to the Smart Plug today!

Steve: What is the amount of surface area that is contained in the Smart Plug in square inches? I'm confused about how their contacts are 27x larger than normal.

Ashley: Let me see if I can find you a video
I am going to post a link below to one of our Installation videos. Let me know if it helps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTkd_nMW-sw

Steve : Let me take a quick look at the video. I have other questions.

Ashley: Ok, sure

Steve: This appears to be nothing more than an installation video. Can you tell me more about the claim that this product has 27x the surface contact area of other plugs. How was that determined. For instance, if a standard RV plug has say 2 square inches of surface area spread between the contact legs then your claim would be that your plug has 54 square inches. How is this possible?

Ashley: I am not exactly sure why the manufacture claims that. I am trying to find some more information on it.

Steve: OK, Thanks...

Ashley: "27x more electrical contact than the old twist type connector" This is all I can find; I am unable to get an exact explanation.

Steve: Thank you for all your help Ashley. But can we agree that this plug is really no better or worse than a standard plug and there is no way to cram in 54 square inches of contact surface area? Yes, No?

Ashley: Apparently, they are claiming that is 27x more that the "Old Twist Plug" According to your logic, no it does not make sense. However, I couldn't find enough of an explanation to really say one way or the other what exactly they are comparing it to.

Steve: Ashley, I want to apologize to you for putting you on the spot like this. I realize that you could not possibly know all the technical details of the products your company sells. I just could not find this information published anywhere, and I wanted to see if there was information I was missing. I'm sorry. You're a good sport.

Ashley: Absolutely! No need to apologize, I couldn't find it either and you brought up a very good point. It is extremely vague about what they are comparing it to. I would like to think I know enough about what we sell but sometimes, unfortunately, I met my match. Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Steve: No, we’re good.

Ashley: Ok! Have a good day!

I didn't find any evidence that this is a better product than the power receptacle that was supplied when the Oliver was delivered. If any of you want to change your plugs out, go ahead. Or, you could just make sure the screws are tight instead.

[SeaDawg]

Smart plug has been around a good while, but it's earliest iteration probably gave it the "smart" label. First gen had a bimetal thermostat that cut power at 200 degrees farenheight, but resumed sending power at 120. This is no longer part of the smart plug, as a) users got frustrated with random power outages, and bad mouthed the product, not understanding why they lost power (didn't read the manual)  b) (most importantly) ABYC (yacht equipment  rating/approval  system, like rvia, for rvs) didn't like the concept. Imagine if you will, ac goes out in the middle of the hot night, and owner digs in, removes covers, digs around,  gets a heck of a shock when cord resumes sending power, because the thermostat on the smart plug cooled to below 120. Lights, etc., on boat  are still working, because they're 12v , so they didn't check 120 input.   C) thermostat didn't always work as designed, and they still had some meltdowns. The integrated thermostat has been discontinued, years ago. 

I do like the no-fail, odd shaped connection design, and the latching mechanism of the Smart Plug, but not enough to consider changing the connections on our boat for the many $$$$$. I, too, can't figure out the 27x greater contact. I'd like to see an engineering report in that.

Most meltdowns are caused by overloading,  or corrosion,  or crappy connections, or all of the above. 

BTW, Marinco has a new EEL cord (easy engagement something)  connector with spring wings, a slight twist, positive locking mechanism, probably designed to combat Smart Plug, that works with the standard twist lock input. It's a whole bunch less than smart plug cords, and undoubtedly tested to Marinco safety standards. It even has a little led light in the plug, so you can (sort of) see what you're doing, if you're setting up in the dark without a headlanp.  I haven't seen an EEL yet, in person, but likely will at the winter boat shows. I like the videos, though.

Many boats use a strap for stress relief at connection point. Those 10/3 cords are really heavy . Another consideration. On the few occasions that we plug in, we at least drape the cord over the tire, to alleviate some stress (ollie), and use straps at dock and boat. 

Edit to add: EEL Marinco short video

 

[ScubaRx]

While it would work right out of the box with virtually any RV, the EEL (Easily Engaged Lock) is marketed toward the marine industry. In looking at the stats, it doesn’t seem to offer any earth shattering benefits over the twist lock cord that came with our Oliver’s. You still have to line up the terminals, twist it into place and release the locking ‘wings’. 

[Geronimo John]

Wow Steve that's some great investigative work. 

22 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

I didn't find any evidence that this is a better product than the power receptacle that was supplied when the Oliver was delivered. If any of you want to change your plugs out, go ahead. Or, you could just make sure the screws are tight instead.

So much that as the Chairman of the Oliver Rabbit Hole Society, I hereby bequeath upon you a lifetime membership at the Professional Level.  At this level you have the rights to the title of "Chief Rabbit Hole Excavator". 

Congratulation!

  

[SeaDawg]

I totally agree on the cost vs benefit ratio, for an rv, on the smart plug. The cords are ridiculously expensive, imo. In a marina, where many boats don't move for months, may be worth it, especially in areas with big tide changes, or busy spots where the boats get moved by wakes often. And, salt air/saltwater, especially. 

I haven't seen the EEL in person, so I'll reserve judgment on that one until I do. It, too, is geared to the marine market, imo. But, at least it's only a $40 increase in investment, on a 25' cord, and uses the common  connection. What I don't see is much extra benefit in water intrusion...

Of course, unplugging on a regular basis, and examining for loose connections and corrosion,  is free, but for a few minutes' time. Priceless, actually.

[jd1923]

The Smart Plug looks to be perhaps a quicker connection? Water tight? What is the criteria? Is the OEM outlet/plug inferior? I like the screw ring on the OEM plug, it's in there, a SOLID connection. I'm with some others here, not my time and money. Sheesh, I've made a dozen upgrades in just 6 months, didn't think of this one. With solar we rarely connect, and the cord mostly sits in the Oliver trunk!

[SeaDawg]

15 hours ago, jd1923 said:

With solar we rarely connect, and the cord mostly sits in the Oliver trunk

That's true for many. Others plug in all the time. I'm not even considering this for the boat, as we haven't had to "plug in" the last six years, since we added solar.

Everyone's camping style is different.  But, I'm glad Oliver continues with a relatively affordable industry standard connection. The price of smart plug cords, for a rv,  is ridiculous,  imo. But, each to his own style. If someone else balances cost vs convenience, and convenience  wins, I'm no one to judge.

[ScubaRx]

15 hours ago, jd1923 said:

The Smart Plug looks to be perhaps a quicker connection?

Maybe by a few seconds.

Water tight?

Yes, as is the OEM.

What is the criteria? Is the OEM outlet/plug inferior?

The Smartplug is NOT Superior.

I like the screw ring on the OEM plug, it's in there, a SOLID connection.

Yep.

I'm with some others here, not my time and money. Sheesh, I've made a dozen upgrades in just 6 months, didn't think of this one. With solar we rarely connect, and the cord mostly sits in the Oliver trunk!

Same here. Our trailer has a 45' Cord attached to an electric reel mounted under the front dinette seat, so it's mostly stored away also. The only exceptions are when we are at home and at the annual Rally.

 

[Jason Foster]

On 1/1/2024 at 1:11 PM, Geronimo John said:

Wow Steve that's some great investigative work. 

So much that as the Chairman of the Oliver Rabbit Hole Society, I hereby bequeath upon you a lifetime membership at the Professional Level.  At this level you have the rights to the title of "Chief Rabbit Hole Excavator". 

Congratulation!

  

Wait, how do I achieve this level of Rabbit Holiness?  This is literally my life dream.

[topgun2]

7 hours ago, Jason Foster said:

Wait, how do I achieve this level of Rabbit Holiness? 

If you have to ask then this exalted position is well above your station in this life - sorry.

[Geronimo John]

2 hours ago, topgun2 said:

10 hours ago, Jason Foster said:

Wait, how do I achieve this level of Rabbit Holiness? 

If you have to ask then this exalted position is well above your station in this life - sorry.

Well said.  However through exhaustive study and practice, I have learned that some are engineers who definitely were born with a warped sense of humor.  

[ScubaRx]

10 hours ago, Jason Foster said:

Wait, how do I achieve this level of Rabbit Holiness?  This is literally my life dream.

Patience, young grasshopper, all will revealed to you when the time is right.

C.R.H.E.

[topgun2]

2 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

I have learned that some are engineers who definitely were born with a warped sense of humor. 

"some"  ??????????????????😁

[Jason Foster]

14 hours ago, topgun2 said:

If you have to ask then this exalted position is well above your station in this life - sorry.

Sadly, though I indeed have the capacity to dive deep into the proverbial rabbit hole, I am entirely too lazy to dig to the depth of self harm.  😞

[Patriot]

I will keep continue to use the OEM plug and cord. So far it’s worked great. 👍🏻