30 amp exterior receptacle loose

luv2travel

Hello- Last spring, I accidentally pulled away from my campsite without unplugging 🤦🏻‍♀️.  I had already unscrewed/almost unscrewed the ring, and must have gotten distracted.  I noticed my mistake soon- the cord came unplugged immediately, but first gently pulled out the receptacle a bit.  No damage to the T@B was done, and I was able to re-screw the three screws into the camper.  I just returned from a two week trip and the screw holes are now too loose to stay in place anymore.  I do see that the T@B shell wall is very thin with just styrofoam as the core near the inlet.  Any ideas on how to re-secure?  The thin foam backing that touches the T@B wall is getting pretty sad, too, but not critical. Thanks! - Sharon 

Horigan

The best method would be to use machine screws and washers and nuts on the back (inside).  Do you have access to the backside of the T@b wall?

You should also seal around the receptacle when you re-attach it.

Slackers

And washers too

Michigan_Mike

Post up a few photos when you get a chance.  I haven’t looked at my 30 A electrical port on the side of my trailer lately but and am wondering if you couldn’t just install larger screws the next size up?   I’m also not sure if you can access the port easily from inside your trailer, so a few photos may help your cause.  

luv2travel

Great ideas, folks- thanks!  I will look later inside and see if I can access the inside wall.  If your ideas work, do you have a favorite seal?  

Tundra57

@luv2travel What year is your Tab? Mine is a 2019 with the fridge on that side. If you remove(unscrew) the bottom panel (maybe the same if there is a wardrobe) you can access the rear of that connector (have to lie on the floor). Then drill through from the front, get longer machine screws (get stainless steel) and use big washers on the inside, as big as can clear the inside of the connector) Get locking nuts as you cant overtighten. Stop tightening before the sidewall starts to crush. If you feel carpentery, you could remove the connector and make a ring of the correct thickness out of plywood, cut it in half and fit into the hole. This will prevent the sidewall crushing when you tighten. Would have to cut out a little of the polystyrene for the ring to fit. Dont forget to paint or varnish the plywood before fitting it. Before  refitting the connector, use a little marine sealant around the hole and on the flange of the connector to keep the water out. The sealant can be used to glue the ring into place. Make the ring big enough so the securing screws for the connector go through it.

luv2travel

Thanks!  Mine is a 2012, the L model with no bath but tons of storage.  I can access the inside of the plug quite easily- just remove the driver’s side rear bench top.  I will work on project in near future- raining today🙃.  I appreciate all the advice I get here! 

bergger

I remember getting distracted and pulling away from a gas pump years ago without taking the hose out of the car!  Thank god it was one of the magnetic hoses so it came apart without causing an issue.  Check for connections before pulling away is very important!