Surge protector

Kaboingy · 03-15-2016, 11:57 AM

I was unaware of the need for a surge protector until today. We are brand new to owning a trailer and we are going camping tomorrow for three days. I can't get a surge protector today and need to order online. Would you risk it and still go camping and just hope everything is OK or would you cancel your long awaited camping trip with the kids? Any temporary ways to fix this til we get our surge protector?

HONDAMAN174 · 03-15-2016, 12:59 PM

Do you need a 30 amp or a 50?

I have a 50 for sale in classifieds and will fed ex to you.

2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

Kaboingy · 03-15-2016, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

Do you need a 30 amp or a 50?

I have a 50 for sale in classifieds and will fed ex to you.

2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

30 amp. Thanks though!

fonzie · 03-15-2016, 01:52 PM

There might be a retailer on your way to the campground....

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

http://rvparts.trailsiderv.net/mfg/P...e%20Industries

Dinostop · 03-15-2016, 03:28 PM

I have been camping for the past 20 years never with a surge protector. I have one for my new unit, but only 1 time had a reversed polarity in a 15 amp outlet. Having said that it only takes 1 time.

Eastlake, Ohio
2013 F-350 Turbo Diesel
2016 Heritage Glen 368rlbh

MrNiceGuy · 03-15-2016, 07:42 PM

IMHO there are a couple tools I would add to my toolbox if I were you. The first is a multi-meter which would allow you to check the voltage at the campground pedestal. The second is a polarity tester which will tell you if there is reversed polarity at the pedestal. On a 30 amp outlet you would need an adapter to plug into the outlet but all of these items are inexpensive and can save you a lot of headaches again the future. As far as purchasing a "surge protector" I would buy an EMS(electrical management system) from Progressive Industries. A lot of people like the hardwired version but I find the portable very convenient. Using the multi-meter and polarity tester you should be OK short term but the Progressive EMS is something I will not be without.

Jim

conceptumator · 03-15-2016, 07:57 PM

While I certainly wouldn't cancel my trip, I would make an effort to get one ASAP. You can likely find one in the small RV section adjacent to Automotive in most Walmart stores. You should also be able to find them in a lot if sporting goods stores (Academy, Dick's, Gander Mountain, Cabela's, BassPro, etc). The Progressive Industries is the unit you really want, the EMS, not just the surge protector. If you get thunderstorms in the area, just unplug till it blows over.

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums
2015 Legacy SR340 360RB with 2014 Wrangler Unlimited Toad
Gigi, Poppy and Sadie the Jack Russell (all 14 lbs of her)

Jc furnace man · 03-15-2016, 08:06 PM

Would not cancel your trip over this we don't have one and have never had a problem. Most homes don't have a surge protector and are fine especially if the campground is not full don't worry about it.

**ependydad** · 03-15-2016, 08:58 PM

I wouldn't cancel a trip. I would get one as soon as your budget allows.

Kaboingy · 03-15-2016, 09:09 PM

Thank you everyone for your ideas and thoughts and help. I really appreciate it. We are going to go on our trip and do some of the things you all talked about. You are all great.

Dijoeboss · 03-18-2016, 06:42 PM

I was hesitant to spend the money on a surge protector etc, hooked up my brand new Rv to the 50amp outlet and smoked the transfer switch, 3 tv's, the electrical portion of the fridge, and a brand new never used convection oven microwave!! The park power pole had an open neutral, I will never again hook up without a protector in place. Just my little story- experience.

2013 Georgetown XL 350
Bunkhouse
2002 F250 4X4 CC
2012 Jeep Liberty

BDavis · 03-18-2016, 06:56 PM

Hard to believe there is not a Camping World somewhere along your journeys!

Davidg · 03-19-2016, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinostop

I have been camping for the past 20 years never with a surge protector. I have one for my new unit, but only 1 time had a reversed polarity in a 15 amp outlet. Having said that it only takes 1 time.

Exactly right. I've been thinking about buying an EMS system for some time. I tell myself that I've been camping for 40 years and never needed one, but there's this little voice that says (pretty loudly) that "you've also never had a 6 point levelup system and electric over hydraulic slides either", and just one blown flat screen tv would cost what the EMS system costs, SO.... ordered the HW-50C this morning. Should be in next week sometime.

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