Shore power is one of those van systems you might not think much about, until you need it.
Being able to plug your van into external power at a campground, RV park, or even in your driveway makes it easier to recharge your batteries and run your electrical system without relying entirely on solar or your battery bank. But not all shore power connections are designed the same.
At Moxie Van Co., we’ve been installing SmartPlug shore power systems in our builds, and there are a few reasons we prefer them over traditional twist-style connections.
SmartPlug is designed with a larger electrical contact area than traditional twist-style shore power connections. More contact area means less resistance and less potential for heat buildup at the connection.
Traditional twist-style plugs rely on relatively small contact points. As connections wear, loosen, or become less secure over time, resistance can increase.
One of the things we like most about SmartPlug is the push-in design.
Instead of twisting the plug to lock it into place, the SmartPlug connection secures directly into the inlet. This helps keep mechanical strain off the electrical pins and contacts while creating a solid connection.
With traditional twist-style plugs, pulling or moving the cord can put strain on the connection itself. Over time, that movement can contribute to a loose connection or cause the plug to partially disconnect.
For a system that you’ll be plugging in and unplugging regularly, a secure connection matters.
Van shore power connections spend their lives outside. They see rain, road spray, dirt, temperature changes, and everything else that comes with traveling.
SmartPlug uses multiple weatherproof seals along with marine-grade, corrosion-resistant components to help protect the connection from the elements.
That makes it a particularly good fit for van life, where electrical components don't always get the luxury of staying clean and dry.
Of course, the inlet itself is only part of the installation.
We pair a SmartPlug Systems inlet with a Tectonic Overland purpose-built shore power mount. The mounts give us a clean, secure way to install the inlet while keeping everything properly positioned on the van.
Instead of cutting a hole into the side of your van to install your shore power inlet, Tectonic Overland’s mounts give you a purpose-built alternative. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mount uses the existing trailer hitch mounting points, while the Ford Transit mount attaches directly to the chassis. It’s a clean installation that keeps the inlet securely mounted without modifying the van’s exterior body.
For us, it’s a combination that makes sense: SmartPlug for the connection, Tectonic Overland for the mount, and a clean installation from Moxie Van Co.
A Better Shore Power Setup
Shore power might be a small part of a van build, but it’s something you’ll use again and again. We prefer components that are secure, weather-resistant, and designed for the realities of life on the road.
That’s why SmartPlug has become our go-to shore power system and why we pair it with Tectonic Overland mounts in our builds.
Contact us for a shore power installation or shop the products on our store!
