hook up cable struggles

I would suggest silicon spray. I use silicon grease on the water connection to make that easier to disconnect

Yes spray it - but I use both hands - one to lift the flap and the other to pull?  Having said that I do remember a few years ago I had so much trouble I grabbed a passing man (he was a worker on estate where the CL was) and he needed a screwdriver to finally prize it off - so lubricant was called for.  I admit that I only had WD40 handy at the time but it should have been silicon.  I suspect the fitting had been in the sun too long - and swelled.  This has reminded me to get the silcon spray out - mine needs it again. 

I have experienced stiff connection, particular when adding a short lead with a two pin plug for using abroad. I suspect it happens because different makes of sockets are used on the various connections which whilst meant to be exactly the same are not quite. When charging at home why not have a separate lead with the 13 amp plug top lead permanently connected as it might save a lot of frustration and grazed hands!!!

David

In the shed we keep a dedicated hook up lead for home and always carry a can of silicone spray in the van its very useful even I get a spray if I squeak  

I have found that it is not always the plastic of the plugs and sockets that cause the problem but the electrical pins and tubes. Whilst it is difficult to do much about the pins I have found that  using a drill bit inserted in the tubes and gently turned with the fingers takes off any slight burring on the end of the tubes. For the positive and negative tubes it is 5mm and 6.5mm for the earth tube. Doing this made my cable easier to connect without making the contacts too slack and risking any arcing in the plug. A bit of silicone on the plastic then made it easier still.

The cover is also the locking catch to keep the plug engaged in the socket. Removing it would allow a loose connection, arcing, heat and then fire.  The insurance company would be unlikely to pay out if tampering with the connector was the cause.

Sprays may be a help, but make sure thay are suitable for use on electrical installations. Another likely cause for a stiff connection is damage to or misalignment of the pins, or debris in the socket holes.

I would suggest you try using a known working well lead, perhaps borrowed from another caravaner, to find out if it works on your installation as a way to identifying the cause of the problem.

I have this problem when using the lead I bought to connect the van to the mains when at home. The one I use on sites is different and works a treat. My 'home lead' has always felt made from cheaper plastic which has not be as finely moulded.

I'd try another lead from someone as Navigateur suggest.

Why not use the 'site' one with a suitable adapter on the house supply end?

We do that, and have always with the MH over many years.

I'm  not  over  keen  on  the  use  of  "Sprays"  as  such.  I  much  prefer  to  use  some  Petroleum  Jelly ( A K A Vaseline  or  similar) after  I  have  done  some  serious  cleaning  of  the  various  surfaces  [ with  the  cables  unplugged  at  BOTH ENDS  ! ]  This  film  will  hold  any  grit,  dirt  etc  and  allow  its  easy  removal  as  well  as  making  the  item  waterproof  and  easy  to  use.

One thing to perhaps think about is that the male end of the connector is often dragged across the ground and on hardstandings could get burrs that could make it difficult to joint the two connectors a small file or nail sanding board would get rid of the burrs?

David