Protective plug cover while charging in winter weather

[xycarp]

I charge outside, and most times it’s fine. Yesterday was very cold, windy and snowy. When I unplugged in the morning there was a good amount of snow and ice built up around the truck side of the charger. I had to take 5 min to chip out built-up ice so the charger door would close and latch.

Any ideas on some sort of hood or skirt that would cover the entire truck side of the charger?

I found this on Amazon, but it uses magnets to attach (aluminum truck). Otherwise it would be about right.
https://www.amazon.com/LZSTEC-Rainp...cphy=9016829&hvtargid=pla-1524447591243&psc=1

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[Yellow Buddy]

If you trust the suction cups…free returns so worth a try.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/818ErG6-X4L.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B5...d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

 

[xycarp]

If you trust the suction cups…free returns so worth a try.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/818ErG6-X4L.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B5...d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

Nice approach with suction cups. It would be perfect if it was smaller and attached to the cable like the magnet version above.

 

[jefrank]

I charge outside, and most times it’s fine. Yesterday was very cold, windy and snowy. When I unplugged in the morning there was a good amount of snow and ice built up around the truck side of the charger. I had to take 5 min to chip out built-up ice so the charger door would close and latch.

Found myself in the same position this morning. Snow packed into the hinge space that was very hard to remove in order to close the door. Not loving the available options on Amazon, either. For now, I backed the truck in so the charge door isn't facing west, but not sure how much difference that is really going to make if we see freezing rain again versus blowing snow.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Pot of warm/hot water to melt the frozen area, then spray with compressed air hose or keyboard cleaner spray to get the remnants of water out of the port holes and hinge of the door.

 

[xycarp]

Found myself in the same position this morning. Snow packed into the hinge space that was very hard to remove in order to close the door. Not loving the available options on Amazon, either. For now, I backed the truck in so the charge door isn't facing west, but not sure how much difference that is really going to make if we see freezing rain again versus blowing snow.

I was going to try the same thing. It’s gotta help a bit.

 

[Firestop]

If you trust the suction cups…free returns so worth a try.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/818ErG6-X4L.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B5...d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

Here is another using the same design….definitely not an elegantly designed solution……..

 

[ddbrooke]

I Macgyver’d this weather cover for my charge port door with a $10 flex gooseneck from Amazon and a piece of plexiglass. I’m going to add a piece weather strip too.

 

[SmoothJ]

I Macgyver’d this weather cover for my charge port door with a $10 flex gooseneck from Amazon and a piece of plexiglass. I’m going to add a piece weather strip too.

I like the idea, however I would be concerned with the downward force on the flap especially if there is snow/ice etc.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I like the idea, however I would be concerned with the downward force on the flap especially if there is snow/ice etc.

I was thinking the same thing, the edge of the plastic shield rubbing on the hood, or being caught like a sail in hurricane force wind might put excess force on the door hinge via the snake/clamp.

 

[Maquis]

Makes me happy that I have a garage!

 

[ddbrooke]

I was thinking the same thing, the edge of the plastic shield rubbing on the hood, or being caught like a sail in hurricane force wind might put excess force on the door hinge via the snake/clamp.

The PET sheet is only .8mm thick and I've put a piece of weather striping where it touches my truck. I've already used it in the rain and it works well. My primary reason for building it is on those really cold nights that I'm plugged in for battery conditioning and cabin heating, I'll keep snow or rain changing to freezing rain from covering the charge handle.

 

[MRButtler]

Pot of warm/hot water to melt the frozen area, then spray with compressed air hose or keyboard cleaner spray to get the remnants of water out of the port holes and hinge of the door.

A hair dryer plugged into your electric car, and paper towels.

A garbage bag and rubber bands. Worked OK on our -35F 50mph wind day.

 

[Captain337]

https://accessories.ford.com/produc...-lightning-only?nosto=productcategory-nosto-2

 

[2sleep]

I was tinkering with the idea of a piece of rain tarp tucked under the frunk and side of the door. I would fix a piece of velcro so I could put it around the charging cable low down so the wind wouldn't whip it around. Make it big enough to cover the charging door and hinge area.

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