NOCO AC Port Plug Install

We installed a NOCO GPC1 AC Port Plug Power Inlet for the 125V Shore Power to 12v Converter Charger System in our van. The NOCO GCP1 is a simple-to-install 15 Amp plug-in port to run AC power for charging and heat.

Running a cable entry into the van by slamming in the door is one option, but a better way to get the AC power into your van is with an AC Port Plug Power Inlet. This gives you a male socket to plug in a common 15amp electrical cord. An AC port plug is by far the best way to get AC power into your van.

Installing A NOCO GPC1 AC Port Plug Power Inlet In Our Ram ProMaster Van

See this project completed in 30 seconds. Shorts Reel Video. Scroll Down 👇

Possible Uses And Benefits For An AC Port Plug Power Inlet

There are many reasons why you should use an AC Port Plug Power Inlet to run shore power into your camper van or RV. Let’s take a look at our reasons.

No more running a cord through a door.
Properly maintain van auxiliary batteries via a 12 Volt Converter Charger.
Feed power for 125v Electric Heater.

Choosing The Right AC Power Inlet For Use In A Van Conversion Or RV

Some options we considered.

WELLUCK AC Port Power Inlet.

Welluck has this 15-amp flanged inlet to supply power to boats and RVs. It is available as a bare port plug or with integrated single or dual extension cords.

Minn Kota AC Power Port.

Another option we considered is this AC Port Plug from Minn Kota. This one is designed as an inlet to charge batteries for trolling motors but will also work in RV and van installations.

The Best 125v AC Port Plug For Camper Van Conversion And RV Use

Our Choice – The NOCO GPC1 AC Port Plug Power Inlet

As you can see above, there are a few different options on Amazon, but the most common and well-reviewed AC Port Plug Power inlet is the NOCO Genius AC Port Plug. Featuring an easy plug-and-play install there is no hardwiring required. It has a low-profile design for clean aesthetics and a waterproof cap to keep water out when not in use. The NOCO Genius AC Port Plug is our choice of Power Inlet for this project.

NOCO GPC1 AC Port Plug On Amazon

Design Thinking

Some ideas we thought about before, during, and after installing our NOCO GPC1 AC Port Plug Power Inlet

Location

The Ram ProMaster Van has the perfect spot to install a NOCO AC Port Plug on the rear bumper side end cap. A factory-punched hole with a pre-installed Rubber Hole Plug/ Flush Mount Grommet is conveniently located directly behind both side bumper end caps. No need to drill through the metal side panel.

Mounting Hardware

I am dubious that the small number 4 screws will hold in the plastic bumper long-term. If there is a problem I will replace the screws with small stainless bolts(machine screws). Time will tell if the regular pullout of the plug will cause the screws to loosen.

Cord Length

The NOCO GCP1 comes in a few different cord-length configurations. 16 inches, 6 feet, and 12 feet cords. We opted for the 16” cord length of the GCP1 16”.

Cautions – Electrical Shorts and Ground Faults

Being outside and in the elements means there is more possibility for electrical shorts and ground faults. To prevent possible electrocution, we always feed power into our AC Port Plug via a GFCI breaker or GFCI outlet.

Now For The Fun Part – Installing the NOCO GPC1 AC Port Plug Power inlet In Our Ram ProMaster Van

NOCO AC Port Plug Install – Video

Installing A NOCO AC Port Plug

The Tools

The Parts

The How: Step-1 Drill Mounting Hole

The first step is to drill a two-inch hole in our ProMaster’s rear bumper side end cap. A quick look behind to ensure no hidden components and the plastic panel was drilled with ease.

Step-2 Cover Cord With Split Wire Loom

To prevent possible damage from rubbing and vibration we have covered the leader cord as well as the extension with ⅜ Split Wire Loom. Omitting this step is a sure way to set up for failure in the future.

Step-3 Screw Port Plug In Place

The extension is plugged into the leader and wrapped with vinyl electrical tape. Then we feed the cord into the hole and screw the port plug into place.

Step-4 Fish Cord Into Van

To fish the cord into the van, we dropped a weight tied to some electrical wire down into the pillar cavity from inside the van, then out through the factory-punched hole behind the bumper end cap. We tied the wire to the extension and pulled it back through the cavity and into the interior space for termination.

Plugs In 🔌 ✅

Installing an AC Port Plug to bring AC power into your van is a no-brainer, a must-have if you visit powered RV sites. Now we can keep your batteries fully charged, use high-powered devices, more power, less-problems.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you installed or are you planning to install a NOCO AC Port Plug Power Inlet in your van? Have some knowledge to share? Drop a comment in the box 👇👇

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Installing A NOCO GPC1 AC Port Plug Power Inlet In Our Ram ProMaster Van

See this project completed in 30 seconds. Shorts Reel Video. Scroll Down 👇

Possible Uses And Benefits For An AC Port Plug Power Inlet