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Camco Cooler plug-in woes...

ragtag2ragtag2 Member Posts: 58
in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Our 2024 T@G 5-wide Boondock came with a nifty Camco cooler sitting on a pullout drawer slide (with a very inefficient/convoluted strap system to hold things closed while motoring.)  I noticed that after about 7,500 miles of the cooler banging around (the plug projects beyond the side of the cooler and hits against the side of the trailer,) the power plug was very loose in the socket. Closer inspection revealed that the metal connectors in the plug had been bent into a more open position and electrical contact was becoming intermittent. 

Here's my ugly solution for the moment: fabricate and install a padded (to aid in suppressing compressor noise/vibrations) block which acts like a guard rail for the cooler to hold it (and the plug) away from the side of the trailer.


Meanwhile, I used an ice pick to squish/bend the wire connectors in the plug a little (to help them make better contact with prongs on the cooler) and ordered a lower profile replacement plug from Amazon, with heavier guage wire... (stock was something like 18 or 16 ga. replacement is 14).

Photo above also (partially) shows barrel bolt solution to keeping the cooler drawer from opening during transit. 

Will update pix with the more complete install of the new plug/wiring.
2024 Boondock 5 wide -"Squirrel"
TV: Volvo XC-60 T8 R
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Comments

  • b407driverb407driver Member Posts: 5
    I also got the Iceco low-profile DC cord, much better, as the standard cigarette-lighter style plug was getting hit by the cooler when closed. I just installed a small L-shaped bracket on the bottom right against the cooler's foot, which keeps it from sliding against the wall. Has worked great so far, hasn't moved.
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  • ragtag2ragtag2 Member Posts: 58
    @b407driver do you notice much compressor noise/vibration in the cabin? I was concerned about isolating the vibrations and avoided a rigid bracket. 

    Here's the packaging/label from the Amazon provided upgrade connector (definitely 14 ga replacing the original 16 ga.)  Bonus: this has an in-line 15A fuse and came with replacements.

    The install looks clean with more space between plug and wall (there is space, the photo just does not show it really well.)


    Last pic is a better one of the cooler tray lock I installed... say good bye to the ridiculous strap system it came with.

    2024 Boondock 5 wide -"Squirrel"
    TV: Volvo XC-60 T8 R
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
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