Rigs
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 23 
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Post by Rigs on Jul 26, 2016 9:32:07 GMT -5
Hello - Looking for some recommendations. The coiled power cord that engages the slideout motors on my TT is dangling from the slideout and rubs on the tire when the slideout is retracted in. I don't know if kind of bracket/hangers has broken off or if the coiled power cord has lost it's ability to fully recoil back into itself. (FYI - the cord works). We bought the trailer used, so it came this way to us. The power cord is coiled like a pig's tail. I have repaired the wear marks on the cord with liquid electrical tape. What I am struggling with is what would be the best solution to secure the cord when it travels? Based on the way the slideout is designed, I believe I'd need some kind of a solution that attaches to the TT's frame or very edge of the slideout's underbelly as nearly all of the slideout goes through grooved portions of the frame with the slideout brackets. (Sorry, but hard to verbally describe). I'd welcome all recommendations and/or pictures showing how others have their slideout's power cord managed or secured.
Thanks in advance!
-Rigs
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Post by larryg on Jul 26, 2016 10:01:59 GMT -5
try a spring that will pull it away from the tires but still allow it to extend. If you look at the back of a highway tractor you will see what I am talking about, most of them have a spring to help control the hoses and wire to connect the trailer
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Post by lynnmor on Jul 26, 2016 16:17:52 GMT -5
Google: LCI Flex Guard
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Rigs
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 23
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Post by Rigs on Jul 27, 2016 11:24:00 GMT -5
Thank you both. The spring idea may work. Off hand, any idea where I could get a spring like that, just a bit smaller? Any idea how the spring is attached to frame of the camper and the other end to the power cord? (I've never looked closely at the spring setup on an 18 wheeler before...)
I appreciate the Flex Guard idea, however I don't think it would work with a coiled power cord. I would think the coils would get caught on the plastic hangers and could rip out of the connector. If it was a straight wire, it may be more applicable.
If there are other ideas out there, please share!
Thank you!
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Post by larryg on Jul 27, 2016 13:49:06 GMT -5
hardware stores should have a variety of springs, I would think you want one relatively long (1'+) and not very heavy to provide the movement and retention needed.
to attache to the cable be sure it doesn't crimp the cable too tight, just need to look around the hardware to see what works, possibly a hose clamp with an S hook under it, tell them what you are doing and they may have a better idea.
connect the spring to the cable then see where and how tight you need it for control and movement
Edit- i just looked at the flex guard, it should work with a coiled cord, you would install it with the slide and cord extended and need to disconnect the cable to run it through the guides. the cable would no longer me using the coils to retract and would always be at the longer length needed
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Rigs
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 23
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Post by Rigs on Jul 28, 2016 10:14:06 GMT -5
Larryg - Thank you for the response and direction. Great points on a hardware store probably having something. I never considered that as my mind was envisioning some kind of tractor trailer supply house or something... I wasn't thinking broadly enough. Again, your point on the Flex Guard setup is right on. I didn't realized that the cord would already be extended as part of the install.
I've got a few options here. I'll swing by my local hardware store and see what they have. If no luck, I'll look at the flex guard approach.
Again - Thank you!
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Post by netjam on Jul 28, 2016 19:20:15 GMT -5
Had the lippert Flex Gard on my previous 5er. In my case the constant bending of the plastic cased it to break. Worked Ok (sort of) but it didn't take long to break. Have seen quite a few on other trailers just hanging by the cables as the flex gard had broke.
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Rigs
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 23
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Post by Rigs on Aug 1, 2016 15:55:15 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing Netjam. I may switch my approach and purchase an eye bolt, drill a hole underneath somewhere and add a carabiner to hold the cord away from the tires. Yes, I'll have to hook/unhook the electric cord each time, but it's a simple install and no plastic to crack/break. Sometimes simple is the way to go...
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Post by netjam on Aug 1, 2016 16:55:05 GMT -5
I usually endorse the KISS (Keep It Simple) way to go. It seems to work more often than not.
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