RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock Review

Let’s Dive into RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock

The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock is designed to offer a robust and reliable connection point for your trailer’s electrical system. RV Designer, a trusted name in RV accessories, aims to provide a corrosion-resistant and secure socket with this model, addressing a common pain point for RV owners. The twist-lock feature and durable nylon construction are immediately appealing, promising a long-lasting and worry-free electrical connection.

My initial interest in the RV Designer P916 stemmed from a persistent problem with corroded and unreliable trailer wiring. I was tired of dealing with flickering lights and intermittent brake function, especially on long trips. I needed a socket that could withstand the elements and provide a consistently strong connection.

Upon unboxing, the socket felt substantial and well-made. The high-impact nylon housing felt robust, and the stainless steel spring on the lid gave a sense of quality. The twist-lock mechanism felt solid and secure, definitely inspiring confidence in the connection.

I considered a standard 7-way socket from a local auto parts store, as well as a similar model from another online retailer. Ultimately, the advertised corrosion resistance, twist-lock feature, and the RV Designer brand reputation convinced me that this was the better choice. The integrated wiring diagram on the lid also seemed like a thoughtful addition.

My first impression was definitely positive. The socket seemed like a significant upgrade from my old, corroded one, and I was eager to install it and see how it performed on the road. The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock looked and felt like a solution to my trailer wiring woes.


Real-World Testing: Putting RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock on my travel trailer before a week-long camping trip to the Oregon coast. The coastal environment is notoriously harsh, with constant exposure to salt air and moisture. I was keen to see if the socket lived up to its corrosion-resistant claims in these conditions.

The socket performed admirably during the trip, with no signs of corrosion or connectivity issues. We encountered heavy rain and strong winds, but the RV Designer P916 maintained a solid connection throughout. The trailer lights and brakes functioned perfectly, giving me peace of mind on the road.

Installation was relatively straightforward, although the twist-lock mechanism took a bit of getting used to. Once I understood the proper alignment, it was easy to secure the connection. The wiring diagram on the lid proved helpful, ensuring I connected the wires correctly.

The only surprise was how snugly the connector fit into the socket. While this ensured a secure connection, it required a bit more force to insert and remove the connector than I was used to. It wasn’t a major issue, but it’s something to be aware of.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of corrosion or wear and tear, even after multiple trips in various weather conditions. The nylon housing and stainless steel components have held up remarkably well.

The socket requires minimal maintenance. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove any dirt or debris. The silicone sealant at the back of the terminals appears to be doing its job, preventing moisture from entering the connections.

Compared to my previous experience with standard, non-sealed sockets, the RV Designer P916 is a significant improvement. It offers superior corrosion resistance, a more secure connection, and greater overall reliability. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock

Specifications

  • 12 Volt, 30 Amp Rating: This specification indicates that the socket can handle the standard voltage and amperage requirements of most RV trailer electrical systems. This is important for safely powering lights, brakes, and other electrical components.
  • 7-Way RV Style Socket: This is the standard configuration for connecting trailer electrical systems in North America, providing connections for running lights, brake lights, turn signals, electric brakes, and auxiliary power. Ensuring compatibility with a wide range of trailers.
  • New GM Twist Lock 7-Way RV Socket: The twist-lock design provides a secure and reliable connection, preventing accidental disconnection and minimizing corrosion. This feature ensures consistent electrical contact, reducing the risk of malfunctioning lights or brakes.
  • Manufactured from High-Impact Nylon: The nylon construction provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion, impacts, and extreme temperatures. This ensures a long lifespan and reliable performance in harsh outdoor environments.
  • Terminal Pins Constructed with Tin Plated Copper Alloy: The tin-plated copper alloy ensures high conductivity and low resistance, minimizing voltage drop and maximizing the efficiency of the electrical system. This also protects against corrosion for reliable electrical flow.
  • Terminal Pins Sealed at the Back of Socket with Silicone Sealant: The silicone sealant prevents moisture from entering the terminals, further enhancing corrosion resistance and ensuring a reliable electrical connection. This helps prevent short circuits and electrical failures.
  • Fits Ford style and new universal Pollak 12-711U mounting bracket for other OEM applications: This provides installation flexibility, allowing the socket to be easily mounted on a variety of vehicles and trailers. Makes the RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock a seamless upgrade for many pre-existing setups.
  • Includes Mounting Hardware: The included mounting hardware simplifies the installation process, providing all the necessary components for a secure and hassle-free setup. This eliminates the need to purchase additional parts separately.

Performance & Functionality

The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock performs its job exceptionally well. Its primary function is to provide a reliable and secure electrical connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer, and it excels in this area. The twist-lock mechanism ensures a tight and stable connection, while the corrosion-resistant materials ensure consistent performance over time.

The socket’s strength lies in its robust construction and secure connection. However, the tight fit of the connector can require a bit more force than some users may be accustomed to. This is a minor inconvenience, but worth noting.

Overall, the RV Designer P916 meets and exceeds expectations for a 7-way RV socket. It provides a reliable, secure, and long-lasting electrical connection, giving RV owners peace of mind on the road.

Design & Ergonomics

The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock is designed with functionality and durability in mind. The high-impact nylon housing feels solid and well-built, and the stainless steel spring on the lid adds a touch of quality. The overall design is simple and straightforward, with a focus on ease of use and reliability.

The socket is relatively lightweight, considering its robust construction. The integrated wiring diagram on the lid is a thoughtful touch, making installation easier and more intuitive. There’s a slight learning curve with the twist-lock, but the design makes it easy to secure the connection.

Durability & Maintenance

The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock is built to last. The high-impact nylon housing and stainless steel components are resistant to corrosion, impacts, and extreme temperatures. With proper care, this socket should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The silicone sealant at the back of the terminals should prevent moisture from entering the connections, further extending the socket’s lifespan. The durable materials ensure the RV Designer P916 can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock comes with the necessary mounting hardware for installation. There are no specific customization options for this product.

The RV Designer P916 is designed to be compatible with standard 7-way RV connectors from various brands. I have found no compatibility issues with any of the connectors I have used.

Pros and Cons of RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock

Pros

  • Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: The nylon housing, tin-plated copper alloy terminals, and silicone sealant provide superior protection against corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan and reliable performance.
  • Secure Twist-Lock Connection: The twist-lock mechanism prevents accidental disconnection and minimizes corrosion by creating a tight and stable electrical connection.
  • Durable Construction: The high-impact nylon housing and stainless steel components are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and provide years of reliable service.
  • Easy Installation: The included mounting hardware and integrated wiring diagram simplify the installation process, even for those with limited electrical experience.
  • Universal Compatibility: The RV Designer P916 is compatible with standard 7-way RV connectors from various brands, ensuring seamless integration with existing trailer wiring systems.

Cons

  • Tight Connector Fit: The snug fit of the connector can require a bit more force to insert and remove than some users may be accustomed to.
  • Lack of Customization Options: There are no specific customization options available for this product.


Who Should Buy RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock?

The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock is perfect for RV owners who want a reliable and corrosion-resistant electrical connection for their trailer. It is especially well-suited for those who frequently travel in harsh environments, such as coastal areas or regions with heavy rainfall. This is also great for owners with older trailers needing electrical component updates.

Individuals who are comfortable with basic electrical wiring and are looking for a straightforward DIY upgrade will find this socket easy to install. Anyone experiencing frequent electrical issues due to corroded or unreliable trailer wiring will greatly benefit from the RV Designer P916.

If you only use your trailer occasionally and are not concerned about corrosion, a less expensive standard socket may suffice. If you are not comfortable with electrical wiring, you may want to have a professional install this socket.

A must-have accessory for the RV Designer P916 is a high-quality 7-way RV connector.

Conclusion on RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock

The RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock is a well-designed and durable product that provides a reliable and corrosion-resistant electrical connection for RV trailers. Its twist-lock mechanism, high-quality materials, and ease of installation make it a worthwhile upgrade for any RV owner.

At $39.99, the price is justified by the product’s superior performance and long-lasting durability. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your trailer’s electrical system is securely connected is worth the investment.

I would highly recommend the RV Designer P916 7 Way RV Style Socket Gm Twist Lock to any RV owner looking for a reliable and corrosion-resistant electrical connection. Upgrade your RV’s electrical system today with the RV Designer P916 for a safer and more enjoyable travel experience.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top