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sierra.nickel
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2016
Posts: 2
Location: British Columbia
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 Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 11:09 am Post subject: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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Hello!
I own a 1980 Westfalia Vanagon L. Since it's Canadian, it's got a long bulky extension cord for shore power built in. We are in the process of installing new hookup boxes (from gowesty) and I am curious if anyone has ever converted this built in extension cord type to the "typical" hookup type (that requires an external cord). I haven't seen many posts relating to this but I assume it's pretty straight-forward electrical work.
Is there a reason Canadian Westys are like this? Does it have to do with getting it inspected or some other requirement? Any info on this topic would be great!
Peace! |
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RCB
Samba Member
Joined: September 05, 2005
Posts: 4143
Location: San Francisco-Bay Area
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| Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 11:18 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| sierra.nickel wrote: |
Hello!
I own a 1980 Westfalia Vanagon L. Since it's Canadian, it's got a long bulky extension cord for shore power built in. We are in the process of installing new hookup boxes (from gowesty) and I am curious if anyone has ever converted this built in extension cord type to the "typical" hookup type (that requires an external cord). I haven't seen many posts relating to this but I assume it's pretty straight-forward electrical work.
Is there a reason Canadian Westys are like this? Does it have to do with getting it inspected or some other requirement? Any info on this topic would be great!
Peace! |
Greetings sierra nickel, glad you made it over to Samba. That other site has gone so downhill there is no recovery for them. Now....all the Canadian versions were manufactured like this and I think its most likely due to the codes.
I cant answer your question but there are many members who have most likely done this conversion. Hang in there for an answer OR give Go Westy a call. They are very user friendly and are happy to answer over the phone questions.
Welcome aboard the Samba. |
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CdnVWJunkie 
Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2004
Posts: 1110
Location: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| sierra.nickel wrote: |
Hello!
I own a 1980 Westfalia Vanagon L. Since it's Canadian, it's got a long bulky extension cord for shore power built in. We are in the process of installing new hookup boxes (from gowesty) and I am curious if anyone has ever converted this built in extension cord type to the "typical" hookup type (that requires an external cord). I haven't seen many posts relating to this but I assume it's pretty straight-forward electrical work.
Is there a reason Canadian Westys are like this? Does it have to do with getting it inspected or some other requirement? Any info on this topic would be great!
Peace! |
Convert the wiring over. It's likely best to fully inspect the wiring anyhow given the age of the Camper. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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gbrandt
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2006
Posts: 578
Location: Calgary
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| Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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I've done it. Freed up lots of space in the lower cabinet and works no problem.
_________________
'Lucky' our 1987 Red Westy, ASV 1.9 TDI ~130HP, Peloquin differential (had a GW 2.3 that we loved, but it died, we drove it hard!)
We've driven in 49 countries and 5 continents to date
Canada to Argentina and back, 2015 to 2017.
Canada to Europe and back (including Turkey, Morocco and Iceland), 2017 to 2019
Mexico 2022-2023
https://www.instagram.com/live.travel.play/
http://livetravelplay.ca |
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UngaWunga
Samba Member
Joined: May 18, 2016
Posts: 172
Location: NH
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| Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| gbrandt wrote: |
| I've done it. Freed up lots of space in the lower cabinet and works no problem. |
Same here. Easy to do. |
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sierra.nickel
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2016
Posts: 2
Location: British Columbia
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| Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| Thanks so much everyone! Looking forward to getting that nasty wire out of my cupboard. |
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Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10379
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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| Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2016 10:42 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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on my Canadian 81 westy I just replaced the plug with a Home Depot sourced outdoor use type plug. I had to file a small amount off the shoulders of plug to allow it to fit back into the stock hole. It works fine, I've used it a lot. In hindsight, I should've cut the OEM wire shorter. As it stands I always use an extension cord anyway.
Neil
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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coqcitywesty
Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2018
Posts: 401
Location: Coquitlam, BC
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| To revive this thread - I have a 1991 Vanagon Westy and have also recently purchased the replacement GW hookup boxes and have the same bulky cord coiled up in my lower shelf, sooooo....my question is - should I simply cut this cord and hardwire it to the new GW male plug//hook up box OR should I use new/standard residential copper (ala Home Depot) and run this from the new hookup box to the breaker box?? Thoughts/comments are welcomed, noting that I also appreciate the simpler US option of plugging in an extension cord of my choice when needed. Thx. |
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spitsnrovers
Samba Member
Joined: December 17, 2005
Posts: 925
Location: Calgary, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 6:48 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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Another answer from Canada.
I just cut the heavy built in cord off leaving about 1 foot sticking out the hookup flap. Reconnected the inner end inside as original.
Now use an extension cord with a built in neon power indicator to show that there is indeed shore power getting to the van.
AND, I have driven away with the extension cord still attached. It simply disconnected safely and waited for me to stop. ( Only had to move the van 20 feet.)
Big improvement over the original Canadian version!
_________________
'88 VW Westfalia
'75 Triumph Spitfire 1500 |
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dschaftlein
Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2016
Posts: 105
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 11:17 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| How are people making the connection between the trimmed Canadian wire and the new go westy box? |
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CanStan
Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2005
Posts: 1039
Location: Calgary, AB
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:06 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| spitsnrovers wrote: |
I just cut the heavy built in cord off leaving about 1 foot sticking out the hookup flap. Reconnected the inner end inside as original. |
Same.
It's been a long while since I did it, but I recall there were just screw terminals on the back of the new box. I think I just stripped the ends of the original shortened cord and connected them to the box. I'm about the worst electrician I know, and it was straight forward for me to figure out, so there's hope for anyone to do this successfully. |
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SyncroButter
Samba Member
Joined: February 02, 2016
Posts: 383
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:25 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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Huh, looks like I am learning something new today... my rig is a 1986 Canadian Westy so I guess I have the Canadian shore power setup. Mine has a heavy cable that is stored inside the van, you go outside and attach it at the outside (female end of cable) and plug it in to the shore power source with a male end. I never knew this was not how all Westy Vanagons operated. How does the US version work, and why is it better?
_________________
Grant
In the stable: 1986 Syncro Westfalia/Bostig, 1989 Doka Tristar, 1974 Vespa Rally 200, 1973 Vespa Primavera 125, 1963 Solex 2200, 1938 Buick Special
Gone but not forgotten: 1989 Porsche 944, 1973 Standard Beetle |
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CanStan
Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2005
Posts: 1039
Location: Calgary, AB
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:39 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| SyncroButter wrote: |
| Huh, looks like I am learning something new today... my rig is a 1986 Canadian Westy so I guess I have the Canadian shore power setup. Mine has a heavy cable that is stored inside the van, you go outside and attach it at the outside (female end of cable) and plug it in to the shore power source with a male end. I never knew this was not how all Westy Vanagons operated. How does the US version work, and why is it better? |
The US version just has male plug ends under the flap of the hook-up box. You use an extension cord to go from the power source to the outside of the van. Really no vast difference, other than it opens up a bit of space in that cabinet where you store your built in cord. But then you still need to store the new separate cord somewhere too, so there's no net storage gain I guess. The only reason I (and I'd assume most others) changed out the stock cord is because the only new replacement boxes you can buy are the US version. |
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SyncroButter
Samba Member
Joined: February 02, 2016
Posts: 383
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:52 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| CanStan wrote: |
| SyncroButter wrote: |
| Huh, looks like I am learning something new today... my rig is a 1986 Canadian Westy so I guess I have the Canadian shore power setup. Mine has a heavy cable that is stored inside the van, you go outside and attach it at the outside (female end of cable) and plug it in to the shore power source with a male end. I never knew this was not how all Westy Vanagons operated. How does the US version work, and why is it better? |
The US version just has male plug ends under the flap of the hook-up box. You use an extension cord to go from the power source to the outside of the van. Really no vast difference, other than it opens up a bit of space in that cabinet where you store your built in cord. But then you still need to store the new separate cord somewhere too, so there's no net storage gain I guess. The only reason I (and I'd assume most others) changed out the stock cord is because the only new replacement boxes you can buy are the US version. |
Ah, perhaps the PO already made this upgrade then... under my flap is a male plug, and I have a seperate heavy-duty cord that I store under the bench seat. Thanks for the info!
_________________
Grant
In the stable: 1986 Syncro Westfalia/Bostig, 1989 Doka Tristar, 1974 Vespa Rally 200, 1973 Vespa Primavera 125, 1963 Solex 2200, 1938 Buick Special
Gone but not forgotten: 1989 Porsche 944, 1973 Standard Beetle |
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Alaskaberrys
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1001
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:55 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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Getting ready to change out our Canadian set up after this last trip. Such a PIA to pull/coil the extension cord from the inside.
I see GoWesty has their hook-up boxes on sale right now, great reason to upgrade to a removable cord (and lighted end idea is great spitsnrovers)
| coqwesty wrote: |
| To revive this thread - I have a 1991 Vanagon Westy and have also recently purchased the replacement GW hookup boxes and have the same bulky cord coiled up in my lower shelf, sooooo....my question is - should I simply cut this cord and hardwire it to the new GW male plug//hook up box OR should I use new/standard residential copper (ala Home Depot) and run this from the new hookup box to the breaker box?? Thoughts/comments are welcomed, noting that I also appreciate the simpler US option of plugging in an extension cord of my choice when needed. Thx. |
I’d stick with stranded wire for ANY wiring inside the vehicle and avoid the “house” solid copper wiring. No cone nuts either, crimp or solder w/heat shrink for your connections. A tad more time but a much better and safer connection for a moving/vibrating vehicle.
_________________
'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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dschaftlein
Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2016
Posts: 105
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 11:24 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| CanStan wrote: |
| spitsnrovers wrote: |
I just cut the heavy built in cord off leaving about 1 foot sticking out the hookup flap. Reconnected the inner end inside as original. |
Same.
It's been a long while since I did it, but I recall there were just screw terminals on the back of the new box. I think I just stripped the ends of the original shortened cord and connected them to the box. I'm about the worst electrician I know, and it was straight forward for me to figure out, so there's hope for anyone to do this successfully. |
i don't recall either, but I remember the connections on the hook up box were a bit awkward and I couldn't get a reliable connection with just a stripped wire.
I ended up using a modified crimp on ring terminal, as suggested by someone at the auto parts store. |
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 17155
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 11:32 am Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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You need to be sure that your 110 ground lead is also attached to the chassis as well as the ground terminals of both interior outlets.
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coqcitywesty
Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2018
Posts: 401
Location: Coquitlam, BC
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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| Thx for the insights - I also sent a query to GW and they have echoed the forum consensus which appears to be to simply cut the existing cord and attach this to the plug end terminals on the new GW box....and buy a cool lit extension cord - really liking the Flexilla Pro. I will update when I complete the task and advise if any connection/electrical issues. |
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Dogberry
Samba Member
Joined: January 03, 2008
Posts: 210
Location: Northern Thailand and Central Oregon
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 6:23 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Shore Power Cord - 1980 Westfalia |
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Do just like you'd do for your house. From the GW elec box I used ROMEX 10/2 but 12/2 would be fine. Get a newfangled * 20amp * GFCI and another outlet if ya want it. . All outlets must be downstream of the GFCI of course. Ground it good.
Get a power cord.
_________________
91 Westy |
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