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Old 07-31-2018, 02:10 PM   #1
Bierp
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Adding an electric shorepower cord reel

I have a 2018 3950BR. I purchased it near the end of the model year to get better pricing (or at least that was the idea). Unfortunately there were no Legacy models to be had...anywhere. (And, thanks to the power of the internet, I literally did check everywhere.)

I'm mostly okay with that, but one feature I wanted but didn't get was the power reel for the 50 amp shore power cord. I'd really like that. I'm not a huge fan of dragging it out and even less so of trying to roll it up, clean the yuk off it and putting it back in my basement.

I'm wondering if it's possible to retro-fit the power reel system into my unit and what that might take?

I don't have the technical savvy to pull that off myself, but I'm not above paying for a pro to do it...if it's possible.

Has anyone done a conversion like this? Forum searches show folks using manual reels for storage, but not a full power add on. I'm a 3 AC kinda guy and always use 50 amp service.


Thoughts?
 
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Old 07-31-2018, 05:21 PM   #2
CarWin
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My thoughts are....The power reel is a waste of money.

I DO have the manual Morryde Cord reel,installs with 4 screws. It also holds my stock 50amp cord, with a little room to spare ,but not enough for an extension cord too. While hand reeling it in,I hold the cord in a shop rag to wipe it off as being stowed, and also allows me to feel for any breaks in the insulation of the cord.

Wouldn't give it up , I really like that add-on !!!
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Old 07-31-2018, 07:14 PM   #3
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Found this one long ago. Mounted it with wing nuts in the basement. Makes it easier for an old guy with a bad back. eTrailer and another site beat Amazon..
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Old 07-31-2018, 08:10 PM   #4
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I have the same one CaptnJohn has and much easier then rolling it up and lighter also.
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Old 07-31-2018, 09:30 PM   #5
GAinaMontana
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As CarWin, I use the Morryde manual reel which is easy to use while wiping the line with a rag. If Keystone engineers actually had to use the Montana they would have long ago quit putting the shore line receptacle on the backend years ago. It would be less expensive ( less wire ) and would save us from having to handle long shore lines and sometimes extensions.
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Old 08-01-2018, 12:08 AM   #6
Texan
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I have the Mor-Ryde manual reel also and it works good. Had the dealer install it before i left the lot. This reels in the cord no matter how cold and stiff the cord is. No need for the reel to be electric on account the manual is super easy and can be done in about 10 secs. Agree the receptacle should be close to the convenience center. Would not need extension cord if located closer to the front or center. This is a issue the RV industry needs to correct.
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Old 08-01-2018, 06:42 AM   #7
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Has anyone mounted these reels suspended from the basement ceiling to save floor space? Or is it too heavy?
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Old 08-01-2018, 07:19 AM   #8
GAinaMontana
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The manual reels are not heavy but the basement door would make it awkward. I built a full basement slide out and mounted the reel to it facing the rear of the rv. I pull the slide out to the driver side and everything I need is right there. I mounted another reel facing out on the slide for the water hose.
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Old 08-01-2018, 08:05 AM   #9
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I have fitted the same cord reel as Montana uses on my 2017 3720. I removed the fender(very easy ) and mounted the unit on the frame just like the factory does. I disconnected the 50 amp. line and reconnected the line to the electric block. This was tricky only because the wire is so stiff. Whole was cut in the fender while off the rig, for the switch , which comes with hook up instructions. The power for the rail required a wire from breaker box to the reel. Works great and looks like it was factory installed.
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Old 08-01-2018, 08:34 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GAinaMontana View Post
The manual reels are not heavy but the basement door would make it awkward. I built a full basement slide out and mounted the reel to it facing the rear of the rv. I pull the slide out to the driver side and everything I need is right there. I mounted another reel facing out on the slide for the water hose.
I looked at the weight of just the reel, but by the time you add the 50A cord, it will have some weight to it. I assume you are talking about the basement door only opening so far due to the gas door shocks?
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Old 08-01-2018, 09:01 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by artfuldodger View Post
I have fitted the same cord reel as Montana uses on my 2017 3720. I removed the fender(very easy ) and mounted the unit on the frame just like the factory does. I disconnected the 50 amp. line and reconnected the line to the electric block. This was tricky only because the wire is so stiff. Whole was cut in the fender while off the rig, for the switch , which comes with hook up instructions. The power for the rail required a wire from breaker box to the reel. Works great and looks like it was factory installed.
Nice! Do you have any pics? I haven't looked it up yet, do you happen to have a link to the factory reel?

I may very well settle for the manual cord in the basement, but I'm still pondering doing what artfuldodger did.
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Old 08-01-2018, 10:39 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by artfuldodger View Post
I have fitted the same cord reel as Montana uses on my 2017 3720. I removed the fender(very easy ) and mounted the unit on the frame just like the factory does. I disconnected the 50 amp. line and reconnected the line to the electric block. This was tricky only because the wire is so stiff. Whole was cut in the fender while off the rig, for the switch , which comes with hook up instructions. The power for the rail required a wire from breaker box to the reel. Works great and looks like it was factory installed.
X2 on the pix please and part numbers if you have them
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Old 08-01-2018, 12:07 PM   #13
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I haven't any pics during installation and the outside finished look is identical to every monty with this reel. The brand name is " Shoreline Reels" and l believe the part #is CS12D-SR and is manufactured in Clearwater Fla. The switch is MH2021, but I haven't got the part # for the cord access door. Check it out online under Shoreline Reels for prices, shipping,etc. I think Amazon sells them.
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Old 08-01-2018, 02:49 PM   #14
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A picture of your FINISHED mod would be great! It will make it easier for me to decide if I want to change the setup I have now.
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Old 08-02-2018, 05:53 PM   #15
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Okay, I have a few photos of my finished installation and I would gladly post them but I have no clue how to do that.
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Old 08-02-2018, 06:05 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CarWin View Post
My thoughts are....The power reel is a waste of money.

I DO have the manual Morryde Cord reel,installs with 4 screws. It also holds my stock 50amp cord, with a little room to spare ,but not enough for an extension cord too. While hand reeling it in,I hold the cord in a shop rag to wipe it off as being stowed, and also allows me to feel for any breaks in the insulation of the cord.

Wouldn't give it up , I really like that add-on !!!
Same here had it on both our Montana's great add on
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Old 08-03-2018, 11:12 AM   #17
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https://photos.app.goo.gl/U9du9J1W5tcmK4sr6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/c1JcuLLptPuaSXDf6

I found a way to get the photos on by getting my dw ratherbee to do it.
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Old 08-03-2018, 11:54 AM   #18
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Okay, I have a few photos of my finished installation and I would gladly post them but I have no clue how to do that.
For future reference, if you want to attach a picture, look below the reply box and click on Go Advanced. Then scroll down to Attach Files and click on Manage Attachments.
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Old 08-03-2018, 09:32 PM   #19
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Thanks BBTX! I think I've learned how to post pics. I couldn't figure out how to move a picture from my photos or my gallery to the reply box or new thread box. I can repair or maintain almost anything, but I find tech skills really hard to acquire.
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Old 08-03-2018, 09:50 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by artfuldodger View Post
Thanks BBTX! I think I've learned how to post pics. I couldn't figure out how to move a picture from my photos or my gallery to the reply box or new thread box. I can repair or maintain almost anything, but I find tech skills really hard to acquire.
Yeah, well, I find the tech stuff easy but every time I need to fix something on my rig it's a steady diet of forum diving, YouTube and a fair bit of dumb luck. I'm not as hopeless as I once was, but it's pretty ugly at times.

Not sure which of us has it worse.
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