Surge Protectors and RV Covers: Essential?

[lacy weige]

What is the general consensus on TT surge protectors and their locks? We just purchased a 2013 V-Cross classic and the dealer strongly suggested that we should purchase a surge protector and a lock for that protector because apparently people steal them. The surge protector is $500 and the lock is another $100 so it is really annoying to think we have to have this for the brand new TT that just cost us over 20K. Is this a scam, or are these things necessary? Obviously, the surge protector is more or less an insurance policy, but what is the potential downside of not having one? And, if anyone thinks they are necessary, what brand do you recommend?

Similarly, we do not have covered storage for our TT. Should we get a cloth cover? We live in Austin so we don't get much snow, or rain for that matter, but the Texas heat can be brutal. We plan to use our RV all the time and it seems like a cover might be so cumbersome that putting it on in between trips may never actually happen. If a cover is essential in your mind, do they make one that fits the V-Cross Classics? I've looked online but can't find one. Thanks in advance for your help.

[fonzie]

A surge protector/power management system is a must as far as I'm concerned. The most recommended is the progressive industries, just match what you have, either a 30 or 50 amp supply. See this thread you will know why. As far a covers, I have not used one for last three years and trailer is OK. By the way $600.00 is too much money.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ood-55568.html

http://www.campingworld.com/search/i...y&Nty=1&Ntpc=1

[whj77372]

A top of the line power management/surge protector for 50 AMP is about $330 at Camping World. If you can use a 30 AMP it will be about $240. It is a must have. The cheap plastic lock can also be bought at Camping World for less then $25. I doesn't offer much protection because one hit with any hammer will easly break it. Good Luck

[Cajun Po-Boy]

If you don't think a surge protector is a great investment...check out the recent posting from a member who has over $2K in damages due to plugging into a faulty campground pedestal...That $300-400 sounds like a bargain now!!!

Definetly get you a quality SP

[ChooChooMan74]

Surge protection is like insurance. Maybe nothing will happen. But one bad neutral, miswired circuit, or nearby lightning strike could cause a big mess to your electric section.

Sent from my Samsung Note 8 Tablet using the FRF Android App!

[lacy weige]

Thanks All. It seems like the SP is worth the $. It also seems like I need to look at Camping World and not buy it from the dealer....They have it for half the cost.

[Cover Dog]

Best price for surge protectors I have found...

RV Parts | RV Accessories | Motorhome Parts | RV Supplies | MakariosRV

[Mtelkman]

Nobody else seems to have mentioned it, but you don't need to buy a surge protector that plugs into the pedestal and is subject to theft. Just buy one that wires directly into the trailer. If you are relatively handy it is a DIY job. You don't have to lock it up!

[HONDAMAN174]

Originally Posted by Mtelkman

Nobody else seems to have mentioned it, but you don't need to buy a surge protector that plugs into the pedestal and is subject to theft. Just buy one that wires directly into the trailer. If you are relatively handy it is a DIY job. You don't have to lock it up!

X2!! It's a pretty easy project and yet another reason to drink beer doing it. You are in the trailer after all!

[SYE]

Surge protectors, yes , Covers optional!!

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by lacy weige

What is the general consensus on TT surge protectors and their locks? We just purchased a 2013 V-Cross classic and the dealer strongly suggested that we should purchase a surge protector and a lock for that protector because apparently people steal them. The surge protector is $500 and the lock is another $100 so it is really annoying to think we have to have this for the brand new TT that just cost us over 20K. Is this a scam, or are these things necessary? Obviously, the surge protector is more or less an insurance policy, but what is the potential downside of not having one? And, if anyone thinks they are necessary, what brand do you recommend?

Similarly, we do not have covered storage for our TT. Should we get a cloth cover? We live in Austin so we don't get much snow, or rain for that matter, but the Texas heat can be brutal. We plan to use our RV all the time and it seems like a cover might be so cumbersome that putting it on in between trips may never actually happen. If a cover is essential in your mind, do they make one that fits the V-Cross Classics? I've looked online but can't find one. Thanks in advance for your help.

You should at least get a surge protector. CW also carries one made by TRC, it is warranty for 2 years. I Carrie 2 with me both made by TRC. You can get a protector only for about 85.00 bucks, but it will not have a time delay built in. Then they have one that will do the same thing as an EMS which will tell you what the power is and amps you are drawing. I have really not heard of anyone's being stolen off the pole. I just wrap a plastic coated 1/4" cable around the unit and pole. That one has a built in time delay so if you lose power or if the power drops down pass 10% or over 10% it will shut down automatically and when the power comes back on to the correct voltage it will go through a 128 sec. delay to protect the compressor from short cycling.The cheaper one will still protect your unit but will not delay the power. I do recommend that you at least get the cheap one, it's better then nothing. I have used that one for over 5 years, but when I had some extra cash I bought the TRC EMS one. Granted I did not get the Progressive with a life time warranty but they work the same with the read outs. For the cost difference I could just buy another one if it ever fails. It will also check for grounds and neutrals. So what I'm saying you should get something. CG power is lets say not the best most use aluminum wire to the pedestals. which is bad enough. Let alone the abuse that some campers do to them......

[Blubear]

"I have really not heard of anyone's being stolen off the pole. I just wrap a plastic coated 1/4" cable around the unit and pole."

thanks for this information...need to "protect" the protector (or at least deter any thievery)

[lacy weige]

I really can't believe the difference in prices that are charged for the same model SP by different places. I also can't believe how many options there are. We ordered a TRC Permanent SP that you hard wire in so we don't have to worry about it being stolen. We got it online from the place Cover Dog suggested. In the end, this little insurance policy was 1/3 of the cost the dealer initially pitched. When it comes in, I may be back with questions on the install.

[PhoneDude 8289]

X2 on Cover Dog, that's where I ordered my HW50A, easy install, took me about 1 1/2 hr I am not an electrician.