Mousehole to Twist and Lock Conversion (30A)

Weldon · 06-29-2021, 08:04 AM

Since the male end of my shore power cord is fried and has to be replaced, I would like to get rid of the mouse hole and convert to a twist and lock setup. From looking online, it seems like I only need to purchase one of these (see link below). Since my EMS decided to absorb a cup or so of water, Progressive is sending me a new EMS and 30A shore power cord with a female twist/lock end. Therefore I don't need to buy a new cord.

It seems straight forward. Disconnect battery. Remove Mouse Hole. Cut cord. Install twist and lock receptacle. Put clear silicone around the edges.

Am i missing anything? I'm guessing I could utilize some of my old power cord to create a new extension cord by removing any burned wire and replacing both ends.

https://www.amazon.com/X-Haibei-Fema...omotive&sr=1-6

**chuckster57** · 06-29-2021, 08:09 AM

That’s pretty much it. Since the conversion only involves the AC voltage side you don’t really have to disconnect the battery.

Weldon · 06-29-2021, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

That’s pretty much it. Since the conversion only involves the AC voltage side you don’t really have to disconnect the battery.

Good point. Appreciate the feedback.

Being allergic to yellow jackets (which sucks when you're in the south, love everything to do with outdoors and building/fixing stuff), I'd like to give them one less place to build a nest. The mousehole is more likely to be a wasp habitat, but red wasps hurt almost as much as yellow jackets. I found out the hard way last year that yellow jackets do not appreciate it when you accidentally stick your backpack leaf blower nozzle into the monkey grass where the entrance hole is concealed, and blow with a full blast. They tend to get annoyed. I have the hospital bill to prove it.

Weldon · 07-01-2021, 05:57 PM

The old hole is larger than the new one needs to be. How do I make it watertight? The instructions in the new one say to use a 2 7/8" hole saw, but the old is approx 3 5/8". I saw one person fabricated a piece of metal to cover the old opening, but that's my last resort, since it's out of my personal ability. I could buy sheet metal and cut a plug but hoping to hear other ideas. Help please.

**JRTJH** · 07-01-2021, 06:10 PM

Find yourself a good sheet metal shop, have them cut you a 5" aluminum disc with a 2" hole in the center from 1/8" aluminum sheet stock. You can then mount that plate to the trailer skin (use the underlying structure to anchor the disc) and then mount the shore power kit to that disc. Be sure to use butyl putty tape under the disc to prevent any/all possibility for leaks.

NH_Bulldog · 07-02-2021, 03:38 PM

I did the switch not long after I bought the camper. I purchased the Furrion brand and it came with a round adapter plate which made it look like a factory install. I used butyl putty tape between the plate and the side of the camper, screwed it together tight, cut off the excess butyl and then sealed with Geocel Proflex RV sealant.

**chuckster57** · 07-02-2021, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

I did the switch not long after I bought the camper. I purchased the Furrion brand and it came with a round adapter plate which made it look like a factory install. I used butyl putty tape between the plate and the side of the camper, screwed it together tight, cut off the excess butyl and then sealed with Geocel Proflex RV sealant.

Got a link? That sounds like the way to go!!

NH_Bulldog · 07-02-2021, 05:12 PM

It is a Furrion FCKIT30-PS conversion kit. Only the conversion kit comes with the circular backing plate.

https://furrion.com/products/30a-rv-conversion-kit

**chuckster57** · 07-02-2021, 05:14 PM

Nice! Thank you.

roadglide · 07-02-2021, 06:37 PM

I would get a Small piece of Teflon from hardware store cut the center then use Metal blade on the jigsaw for the OD and clean it up on bench grinder. I like the aluminum idea better may be difficult to find some one that works with it . I have worked with aluminum. I would still use teflon piece.

Weldon · 07-03-2021, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

It is a Furrion FCKIT30-PS conversion kit. Only the conversion kit comes with the circular backing plate.

https://furrion.com/products/30a-rv-conversion-kit

Thanks. I watched an older you tube video, went to Amazon and a few other sites, but the conversion kit was nowhere to be found. That's why I bought the kit without the plate. I looked everywhere for just the plate but couldn't find it. I've called several machine shops around here and all are busy for a few weeks. I need someone with a 3d printer to start making and selling the backing plates. I've cut aluminum before but not a big fan. Will check out teflon.

Northofu1 · 07-03-2021, 04:46 AM

Return the kit you have now to Amazon, "wrong size" and get the furrion kit.
I shy away from unknown brands.
Live with the mouse hole until the kit is available.

NH_Bulldog · 07-03-2021, 04:53 AM

If the Furrion conversion kit isn’t available, try Marinco. Almost identical and is a reputable brand. Both the Furrion and Marinco brands are designed for boat/marine use. Cost is similar, both $85-$95 range but well worth it.

https://www.campingworld.com/30-amp-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

**flybouy** · 07-03-2021, 05:51 AM

A $30 "knock off" kit to provede 50 amps? $30 wouldn't pay for one side of that kit in a quality brand. Do yourself a favor and send that junk back. There are plenty of appropriate, safe ways to save a buck, the main electrical feed for your camper isn't one of them. You could be playing with fire - literally.

NH_Bulldog · 07-03-2021, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

A $30 "knock off" kit to provede 50 amps? $30 wouldn't pay for one side of that kit in a quality brand. Do yourself a favor and send that junk back. There are plenty of appropriate, safe ways to save a buck, the main electrical feed for your camper isn't one of them. You could be playing with fire - literally.

No one is talking about a 50a kit, OP is doing a 30a twist-lock. But I agree with you that $30 is too cheap and not worth the risk.

**JRTJH** · 07-03-2021, 08:47 AM

Your local Home Depot has a 5" hole saw that works with any 1/2" drill and your local Ace Hardware has a 6"x12" sheet of 1/8" aluminum for $15. That will give you everything you need to build two 5" adapter plates (in case you mess up the first one)...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DIABLO-5...5000/313627544 $30

https://www.acehardware.com/departme...-metal/5267323 $15

Weldon · 07-03-2021, 11:15 AM

Thanks guys. Ordered the Marinco conversion kit for $98. Will return this one. I would spend $30 on my current kit, $30 for a 5" hole saw, another $25 on a 2 7/8 hole saw, $15 on aluminium. No problem if I would reuse the hole saws. I haven't needed them in 43 years, so chances are I won't anytime soon. I still appreciate the suggestions.
The kit arrives wed.

CaptainDave · 07-08-2021, 07:22 AM

I would recommend looking at the Smart plug. Look at Technorv.com

Weldon · 07-08-2021, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainDave

I would recommend looking at the Smart plug. Look at Technorv.com

Thanks. I like the EMS I have from Progressive. Mine somehow gathered water and quit on our last trip thanks to the tropical storm. So I contacted Progressive and they are sending me a replacement, and a new shore power cord (30'). For the heck of it, I opened up the water logged EMS, found nothing wrong internally, dried it out, and put it back together, adding silicone where it was missing at the top. Took it to storage and it worked with no errors. So I now have a backup.

My Marineco conversion kit came in. So glad I returned the original I bought. This one is made much better and contains the gaskets to cover the mousehole opening. Planning to install saturday.

Weldon · 07-12-2021, 02:19 AM

Finally had time Saturday to install. Silicone is still wet in pic. No problem with the swap. Kit contained everything needed except tools and butyl tape

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