Glendinning supposedly fixed their slip ring connection problems around 2018-2019 by adding dielectric grease to the slip ring and bushings. I'm looking at their newer post-2020 units but still concerned about long-term reliability issues that plagued earlier models.
Should I trust the updated slip ring design or go with their Cable Master bucket system instead? The Cable Master uses a bucket to house the wound-up power cord, which eliminates the slip ring issue, but the bay with the Transfer Switch might be too small for my specific setup.
Need to know if the 2020+ models actually solved the connection problems or if I should stick with the more reliable bucket design despite the potential space constraints.
Glendinning's post-2020 power cord reels show improved reliability with dielectric grease on slip rings, but the Cable Master bucket design remains more reliable long-term. Most owners report fewer connection issues with newer units.
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Based on feedback from RV technicians and owners, Glendinning's post-2020 power cord reels with the improved dielectric grease treatment have shown significantly better reliability than earlier models. The slip ring connection issues that plagued pre-2018 units appear to be largely resolved. While the Cable Master system you're considering does eliminate the slip ring entirely, the newer traditional reels with proper grease treatment are performing well in the field. Your concern about bay space for the Cable Master bucket design is valid - measure carefully as these units need more vertical clearance than traditional reels.
Common causes of the original slip ring connection problems include moisture infiltration and oxidation at the electrical contact points where the rotating drum connects to the stationary electrical supply. Over thousands of reeling cycles, these contacts would develop resistance, leading to voltage drops, heating, and eventual failure. The marine environment that many RVs experience accelerated this corrosion process.
Glendinning's engineering team identified that the standard electrical grease used in earlier models wasn't providing adequate long-term protection. The dielectric grease improvements implemented in recent years create a more effective moisture barrier and maintains better electrical conductivity under the constant rotation and environmental exposure these units face. This wasn't just a Glendinning issue - as they mentioned, it was industry-wide because all manufacturers were using similar slip ring designs with inadequate protection.
The Cable Master design eliminates this entirely by using a different winding mechanism that doesn't require rotating electrical connections. However, this comes with the trade-off of requiring more installation space and a different mounting configuration that may not fit all RV electrical bay layouts.
WARNING: Always disconnect power at the main electrical panel before working on any RV electrical components. Failure to do so can result in electric shock or death.
Before making your final decision between the traditional reel and Cable Master, carefully measure your transfer switch bay dimensions. The Cable Master generally requires more vertical clearance for the bucket housing than traditional reels - see manufacturer specifications for your specific model requirements. Also measure the horizontal space available, as the bucket extends further from the mounting point than a traditional drum.
Contact Glendinning directly with your specific RV model and transfer switch bay photos - their technical support can often suggest installation solutions or confirm compatibility. They may also be able to provide you with the exact manufacturing date range when the dielectric grease improvement was implemented, as there can be overlap periods during manufacturing transitions.
Consider your usage patterns as well. If you're a frequent mover who uses the reel multiple times per week, the slip ring issue becomes more critical than if you're a seasonal camper who might only cycle the reel monthly. The improved grease treatment is designed for heavy-use scenarios, but the Cable Master's mechanical simplicity still offers theoretical advantages for high-cycle users.
WARNING: All electrical connections must be made with power disconnected. Have all wiring verified by a qualified electrician before energizing the system.
If you decide on a 2020 or newer Glendinning traditional reel, the installation process involves mounting the drum assembly to your RV's electrical bay, connecting the hardwired electrical supply to the slip ring assembly, and routing the cord through your RV's cord access point. The key improvement you'll see in newer units is the enhanced sealing around the slip ring housing and the visible application of dielectric grease on the contact surfaces.
During installation, pay special attention to the slip ring housing orientation - it should be positioned to minimize water intrusion. Many installation problems occur when the housing isn't properly sealed or is oriented incorrectly. The newer units include improved gaskets and sealing, but proper installation technique is still critical.
For ongoing maintenance, Annual inspection of the slip ring assembly is recommended, with dielectric grease reapplication intervals varying by usage - consult manufacturer specifications for specific cycle intervals based on your RV's service patterns. This maintenance schedule has proven effective in field testing and addresses the long-term reliability concerns you've researched. When performing maintenance, always disconnect electrical power and allow the unit to cool completely. Clean all electrical contacts with appropriate electrical contact cleaner before applying fresh dielectric grease. Check all mounting hardware and retorque to manufacturer specifications. Inspect the power cord for any signs of wear, cracking, or damage, paying particular attention to areas where the cord enters and exits the reel housing.
If you opt for the Cable Master despite space constraints, the installation requires different mounting points and may need modification of your electrical bay. Some RV owners have successfully installed these by relocating other components or even extending the bay slightly, but this requires careful planning and potentially professional modification.
While these are generally DIY-friendly installations for mechanically inclined RV owners, the electrical connections should be verified by a qualified RV technician, especially the hardwired connections to your RV's electrical system. Improper connections can create fire hazards or damage your RV's electrical system.
If you're considering bay modifications to accommodate a Cable Master system, consult with an RV service center that has experience with structural modifications. They can assess whether your RV's construction can safely accommodate the changes and ensure proper weatherproofing of any modifications.
For warranty considerations, have the installation documented by a qualified technician. Both traditional reels and Cable Master systems have comprehensive warranties, but these often require professional installation verification. Given your research into the reliability improvements, protecting that warranty coverage is particularly important for your peace of mind.
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