Our 2018 Lexor has been a pain to plug in since day one. The threads on the locking ring are difficult to engage when attaching the cord to the van. There is a simple and inexpensive fix.
Notice this L shaped slot in the threads on the van side of the power connection?
There is a locking ring with a tab made to fit into that slot. Replace the existing screw ring and securing the cord connection becomes much easier.
The new ring is a Marinco Easy Lock Ring, model 100EL.
Pop off the old ring, push on the new one, and the project is done. It took us, really Beth, less than a minute.
We didn’t need to, but some folks have recommended using dish soap to ease the rings on and off.
At $10.75, this was one of the least expensive upgrades we’ve done to the van.
Here is the caution tag warning to only use this if you have the corresponding plug. We do, so all is good!
Note: Our 2014 Plateau came with this type of locking ring and a yellow cord, so no upgrade was needed.
The newer Lexors come with this screw type locking ring, angled yellow plug, and a black cord. It is that black ring we exchanged for an Easy-Lock version.
If you want an even easier method of attaching power, consider the SmartPlug. Not inexpensive ($119 and up), it uses a new receptacle and self locking plug, much like an electric car charger. A good overview of the SmartPlug system can be found on the FitRV website: Testing the SmartPlug. One of these may be in our future.
4 responses to “Power Cord Pain Solved”
Mark and Beth, you guys always have the best ideas. I am ordering this right away for our 2018 Lexor. We also installed our Lagun table according to your most excellent instructions. On my wish list for more is your instructions for installing a Victron Battery Monitor and heat wrapping the water lines. 🙂 My husband says if Mark suggests (shows)it, he will do it. Many thanks for sharing your wanderings and your upgrades. Gina and Walt, San Clemente, CA
Gina and Walt:
Thanks for the kind words. No heat wrap or battery monitor yet. We did install a shunt based monitor like the Victron on our sailboat, 14 years ago, and it worked well. We really haven't had an issue with our batteries between driving fairly often and the three solar panels when we are parked.
BobK,
I'm not aware of any changes to the power cord set in the 2020 models, though Pleasure-Way wouldn't have any reason to tell me 😉 Just take a look at the ring and power outlet when you get your rig. Amazon had the new ring to us in under 24 hours. Congratulations on your future van!
BobK,
There are pluses and minuses to the unpainted moldings. Painted moldings are easier to keep clean, but the paint makes any imperfections in the underlying plastic readily apparent. Unpainted moldings are more forgiving when you bump something or something bumps you. The unpainted plastic can flex and there is no paint to peel or scuff. Unpainted moldings are a pain when waxing the painted surfaces of the van as any white wax residue that gets on the moldings is difficult to remove. I'd still make the same choice, especially for the difference in price, but much of the decision comes down to aesthetics. Go with whatever makes you like the van more.