bing tracking image
Q & A Icon

Is There a New Version of the SmartPlug Connector for RV Power Cords 30 Amp  

Updated 10/21/2026 | Published 10/20/2026

Question:

I am looking at this adapter, but this power cord adapter is different than the one I saw in another package, and different from what I have seen on YouTube. This apparently has a nut type locking collar. Is this new or old? Does it secure the cord and protect from water getting into the connection? SM47FR Thank you!

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Katie, the SmartPlug Connector #SM47FR is actually the newer-style SmartPlug design, which eliminates the traditional threaded locking collar found on conventional RV shore power connections.

Rather than using a nut-style collar, this connector pushes straight into a compatible SmartPlug inlet and locks securely using stainless steel side clips. The inlet's protective cover also helps hold the connection in place.

It does provide weather protection. The connector has integrated seals around the plug face and power cord that help prevent water and moisture from entering the connection. The locking clips also prevent the cord from accidentally pulling loose. What RV were you going to install this on?

expert reply by:
0
Jameson C
Katie F. profile picture

Katie F.

10/20/2026

I understand how the plug goes into the socket with locking clips. I get all that, but in the earlier videos I have seen, there is a rubberized sleeve that the power cord is slipped through with an introducer. This part has what looks like a locking assembly to tighten down the cord in the back of the adapter that plugs into the socket. Is this new? Does it work as well? I do not like buying stuff that looks different from what I have seen before.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

10/20/2026

@KatieF the new style does work just as well as the older one. Smartplug is not one to create a new design that would be worse than what came before.
James M. profile picture

James M.

10/21/2026

Katie Looks like an update. Mine had a grommet set up that was hard to secure the wire. Other than that it works great. If you make the change you’ll like the outcome
Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

10/21/2026

@JamesM thanks for the feedback!
Mark profile picture

Mark

10/21/2026

This must be a new version compared to mine only that they have a nut on the cord where mine has a rubber grommet, mine clamps on the inside but they are basically the same where the wires are connected to the plug and then screwed into the housing…I’m guessing they changed because of how difficult it is to slide the cable through the grommet to get the housing on…it’s a great plug and the screw clamps the cord on the outside instead of inside Hopefully I didn’t confuse you

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

10/21/2026

@Mark great feedback thanks!
Roger K. profile picture

Roger K.

10/21/2026

This new style should be regarded as an improvement. Dealing with a threaded nut has got to be so much easier than dealing with the previous style rubber sleeve and strain relief. That strain relief was a real chore to slip on even with the recommended method in the instructions. Plus, I never liked the idea of using soap anyhow since it can corrode certain metals. I recommend buying the plastic protection cap for the connector end.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

10/21/2026

@RogerK thanks for the feedback!
Katie profile picture

Katie

10/21/2026

The new design is easy to use for the most part. I had some difficulty getting the wires in the sockets, but finally got them secured. The locking nut mechanism has an internal grommet system to seal the cable. All powered up now. Now if I can find a decent 12-volt air conditioner, I can boondock in luxury!@JamesonC
Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

10/21/2026

@Katie thanks for the feedback and for tagging me!

Product Page this Question was Asked From


Q & A Icon

Continue Researching

See More Q&A Expert Answers >>