Question on AC outlets

[Robbie]

I have my DC system all figured out and am now working out my AC system. What I am planning for AC power is a Marineco 15A inlet wired to the end of a 4 outlet surge protector strip in the tongue box. I want to have a Battery Tender Plus also in the tongue box that I can plug into the surge strip to charge my battery when I have the generator or shore power. Now my big concern comes with the interior. I want to have 1 duplex box in the rear of the trailer. It will be wired in the storage area but the outlets will be interior for our cell phone chargers, dvd player, etc. I was thinking of getting a plastic single gang duplex box with an outlet in it and wire that to the end of an extension cord and then run the extension cord underneath the trailer and into the tongue box mounted surge strip. Would this simple setup work? All of the lights will be on 12V power only so the AC will only be for the battery tender unit and that one outlet inside.

*I can't upload pics here at work but I added a drawing of my proposed AC layout in my album.

Thanks for any insight, tips, etc.

Robbie

[Wolfscout]

I'd not run an extension cord exposed under the trailer. Perhaps put it in some PVC or conduit pipe to protect it from cuts from flying objects and more. Other than that I don't really see a problem except....
There's always an except....
if you ever decide to put in more than what you listed as upgrades you're going to need more than what you have stated. Things such as an Electric 2 burner or microwave or coffeepot.

[Robbie]

Thanks Wolfscout! I am planning on drilling holes through each of my floor framing supports as close to the bottom of the floor as I can so the wire will be tucked up in there 3-4". I am also adding some blue polystyrene foam board underneath to insulate the floor which will be covering the wire.

As far as upgrades, I've tried to think of everything I would ever need for this teardrop and it is very minimal. If I ever needed a microwave or electric burner then I would probably just build a whole new trailer as mine has no galley for such cooking instruments.

[aggie79]

Robbie,

I did as Wolfscout said. I used conduit and sealtight to run power from front of the teardrop to the back.





It is probably overkill, but my teardrop sits low - there's about 10" from the ground to the bottom of the conduit at the low point. I am also carrying several circuits in the two runs -DC in one and AC in the other.

I think you would be okay with using an extension cord (3-wire) but I would probably sleeve it in that lightweight flexible blue conduit as a precaution.

Take care,
Tom

[aggie79]

Robbie,

You and I must have been posting at the same time. If you're wiring is going to be tucked up and covered as you said, that should be more than adequate for protection.

Take care,
Tom

[Moho]

My suggestion would be romex over the stranded extension cord wire since it is a permanent installation. It should be ran in conduit as Tom showed above. As always with electrical make sure the romex is rated for the max load.

[Forrest747]

What I did was take an extra piece of 2x2 tubing and welded from the front cross member to about where the wires would go up and into the loft support. i put the red line next to it. I plan on a tounge box that will hold the power cord and then go into the tubing for safety.

[Robbie]

I think what I'm gonna end up doing is drilling through the floor framing from the front to underneath the storage area and run a piece of pvc or similar tubing through the holes that the cord will then slide through. This way I can still get the insulation in soon and run the cord through the tube later when I get to my electronics.