Surge Protectors

[Aussiecat]

I'm seeing RV surge protectors ranging from under $100 to over $300?, what do we need to provide protection without breaking the bank?

[Narboza]

Surge protection alone is easy and cheap. Voltage protection (high and low, not only spikes), frequency protection (high and low, but less of an issue) and mis-wired power poles (likely the most damaging) are what you are looking for. Moving an RV around and plugging it into strangers' electrical system can be risky to your electronics. Search here for what people had to do when they accidentally plugged into 220 volts and that $300 unit has more than paid for itself. The $100 unit likely got fried with the rest of your RV.

[Aussiecat]

This is what I was considering, are you saying this would be a waste? http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...protection.htm

[davel1971]

that only protect from surges, not from the dozen of other things that could destroy everything electrical in your RV

[Aussiecat]

I guess we have been very fortunate, in all the years we've camped without one.

[davel1971]

its like insurance, you may never need it, but not having it could be a disaster

[jimh]

it doesn't look like that one makes the checks then turns the power on if all is well. that is probably more valuable than the actual surge suppression.
I camped without one from 1992 until abt 2 years ago. what made me get one was that check and delay before turning the power on to the trailer. I have 50 amp service and if the neutral is missing or poorly connected, I could be putting 220 to the trailer. I feared that more than the surge, spike, or someone going out there in the middle of the night and rewiring the pedestal wrong.

[Hutch333id]

Today I installed the hardwired 50amp variant of the Progressive Industries Electrical Management System. Now, I am not renowned for my DIY skills but even I could install this (thanks to the advice given on this site). Took me about 45 minutes. The hardest part is manipulating the #6 wire/cable. Taking the front of the electrical panel was more of a surprise than I was expecting. It's a real rats nest of wires behind there.







This unit might be a few more $ than those made overseas but it does so much more and is guaranteed for life. It is also made in the US. The cheapest place I found to buy it was through MakariosRV.com

[Terier]

Originally Posted by davel1971

its like insurance, you may never need it, but not having it could be a disaster

Well said.

I made the hard choice to invest in one of the higher price devices. So far it has come into play at least twice now, the first time at a new campground that I didn't expect electrical problems at.

Visit Camping World online to view a short video at Camping World and see how some of the different devices work. Search under surge protectors.

[TURBS]

Progressive industries all the way!
Made in the usa and guaranteed for life.
Dont leave home without it.

TURBS

Sabre owners united!

[BigJohnD]

X2 what Turbs said. Love them, especially with the remote display.

[wickedrevs56]

Been installing Progressive Dynamics gear for over ten years. Only one failure. Immediate replacement by factory. Totally endorse their products.

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[Aussiecat]

I bought the one recommended while it was on sale at camping world, because of their price matching policy they gave me the Internet price. It came with the locking hasp, although I think it would only work on opportunist thieves.

[Ford Idaho]

Bought this one the day we picked up the lite.

[wickedrevs56]

buy the highest joules rating you can find anything in line is better than nothing......I have done 100's of dollars of damage repairs where one is not used......fries lots of electronics, converters, micros, stereos, TV sat recievers etc..

I recommend another "strip protector" for audio/video gear and computers/routers as well cheap insurance

[whj77372]

IMHO you need the electrict management system (EMS) and not just the surge protector. The EMS will provide surge protection, high and low volt protection and open netural and more. For a fifty AMP outside unit it will cost about $330+ at Camping World. I wouldn't hookup with out one! Good Luck

[Kickingupmudd]

I bought the progressive hard wired and installed next to gen transfer switch. The day I installed was a sat and when plugged to my garage outlet I good a code for rev polarity. Called progressive and got anwsering machine. Left message but thought o great that worked. But to my surprise got a phone call within 20 min and was told my garage plug was wired backwards and to swap those wires and it would fix problem. It did and I'm happy with it. With crustomer service. And with my lifetime warranty. It worked 1 st time I used it. It would not turn power on until problem fixed. Now 1 st thing I do when I pull up is hook power cord and check readings before even turning truck off. It will tell u voltage readings on both lines and if all is OK. 325.00 u can't beat it.

[wickedrevs56]

They make great hear and back it with impeccable service, I exclusively use their 9200 series converters, replace dozens of Chinese made dead ones each year.

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