Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Power from Inside

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Power from Inside

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16459
Printed Date: 05 Aug 2026 at 8:58pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Power from Inside

Posted By: StaggerLee123
Subject: Power from Inside
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2026 at 1:27pm

Apologies if this is not the correct forum.

I have an RPod-182. I also have a Jackery portable power supply. Typically I connect the external power connection to the Jackery and everything is great.

My question is, would it be possible/doable/safe to connect the Jackery from inside?

Would the ol' double-ended extension cord trick work? Would it damage the internal circuitry?

How much work would it be for someone qualified to add an internal connection receptacle?

Thanks for reading!

Replies:

Posted By: Rpod-Couple
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2026 at 1:22am

Double ended male-male cords are considered “unsafe” because you can get a shock from the exposed end. If you are willing to accept that risk, then yes - you can plug it into any outlet on your Rpod. (I plug my Rpod into a 15 amp outlet in my garage via this arrangement, and I accept this risk.) The 15 or 20 amp breaker connected to the outlet will protect the rest of the Rpod’s circuits from overload. It cannot protect the Jackery from applying too much current, but the Jackery should have its own over current protection.

Do NOT plug the Rpod into AC power while the Jackery is connected and providing AC power.

Use as short cord a cord as you can that is at least 14 gauge (15 amp) and preferably 12 gauge (20 amp).

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Steve & Elaine
2021 R-pod
2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2026 at 8:09am

Personally, I would avoid the double ended for the reason stated above, it is not safe. There are a couple folks on the fiberglass forum that have Scamps and small Casitas that have had internal wiring done to plug in a portable power station like a Jackery. Here are a couple of things to consider. First is space. You already have a small camper, now you have a good sized box taking up valuable room. Second, to do it right, You will need to wire in a male plug from a transfer switch so you bypass the converter and simply provide power to your outlets. The converter will rob you of power by trying to charge the battery.

My guess is this is a 2-3 hour job, probably $300.00 work by an electrician who knows RVs.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500