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Old 05-29-2015, 03:27 AM   #1
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A-Frames need protection too

Just a photo to share with fellow A-Framers to show the damage done to my microwave when the campground had a power spike. I was on a solo trip with my women's camp group at a popular campground. I was in and out of the A-Frame thru the day and did not discover this until that evening when I went to use the microwave to warm my coffee. I had no idea this occurred.

My small 19" dvd combo tv also suffered damage.

I do have a surge protector and had not plugged it in. Spouse reminds me if I have the Surge Protector, I must always use it and not get complacent. You better believe I will use it from now on.

If you ever told yourself you don't need one because surges rarely happen or you think there's not much damage that a surge could do, guess again. I am glad it was only the microwave and televison - the fridge and AC is ok, and I am really super glad my trailer didn't catch fire while I was away....
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Old 05-29-2015, 06:56 AM   #2
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yikes . ... thanks for this ....guess what im going out to purchase ..

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Old 05-29-2015, 08:12 AM   #3
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Wow. That's pretty terrifying!

Is there space to hard-wire in a surge protector? That way you don't have to plug it in and secure it every time.
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Old 05-29-2015, 08:50 AM   #4
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I'm not the expert, but many claim that the inverter cannot handle such occurrences and will likely go soon. If the inverter goes, it will ruin a camping trip. If you camp solo some and don't want a trip ruined, you might consider replacing it.
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Old 05-29-2015, 09:02 AM   #5
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Wow. That's pretty terrifying!

Is there space to hard-wire in a surge protector? That way you don't have to plug it in and secure it every time.
Yes, but I went with a "plug in" after reading about the humming noise the hard wired units make. If you are going to hard wire one I'd look in the front storage area next to the converter for a place to put it. That were I was going to install one. But I caught a sale at Camping World on the plug in version so I went cheap and lazy. Good thing I was lazy, now I already have a surge suppressor for our new camper!
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Old 05-29-2015, 01:02 PM   #6
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If we didn't already have one, after seeing your pics I'd be getting us one. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 05-29-2015, 01:07 PM   #7
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Saved that picture for future
"I've camped 30 years without one so I don't need one"
"don't have one in my house"
"It's to expensive " type of people.

Sorry this happened to you and the sad part is you had one!
Live and learn I guess.



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Old 05-29-2015, 05:51 PM   #8
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I had an A Frame for 3 years, just traded. Loved it but luckily never had any issues....Guess it was plain dumb luck because I never thought about a surge protector.
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Old 05-30-2015, 05:02 PM   #9
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TechnoRV.com on line has a great selection and FREE shipping and NO TAX. They are in Beaverton, Oregon BUT ship from NJ.

Had my unit in 3 days!! It is plugged in right now at our site location in N GA mountains. Plenty of surge opportunities in them thar hills.

We had a surge in Ft McDowell, AZ 3 years ago!! You NEVER FORGET!!
Micro, inverter and hot water elec!
Ohhh, what fun !! New Silverback is protected!! Camp resort paid for micro. Inverter died 30 days later. I did not notice H/W heater as we were using gas, as needed!

They were at FR Rally last year. Both vendor and seminars. I would say they will be in Goshen this year!
New owners.

Be sure to buy the adjustable position locking cable! FITS EXCELLENT AROUND ALL PEDESTALS!!
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Old 06-12-2015, 05:07 PM   #10
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New microwave - good to go....will use the Surge protector anytime I plug in from now on....yee haw.
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Old 06-13-2015, 04:28 PM   #11
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Sorry that happened, Handbuilder. I did a permanent surge protector installation to avoid the hook-up hassle and circumvent the possibility of theft. The only buzzing I hear comes from the power converter that came with the camper, and that is so low not even DW can hear it sitting at the table above.
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Old 08-10-2015, 01:11 AM   #12
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Surge protector experience

This is my first post. This spring we bought an A frame 192hw. I searched the forum for info on surge protectors and went with the hard wired progressive industries unit. Our first long trip was from Illinois to Mt. Rushmore. On our way back we stopped at a very clean and modern campground. I would never have thought the power would be questionable there. The surge protector indicated a problem with the supply and wouldn't pass power to the trailer. Turned out it saved us from an open neutral. Money well spent!! I was very concerned with hum as some people mentioned. No noticeable hum from the surge protector. I would highly recommend adding to every trailer.
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Old 08-10-2015, 05:59 AM   #13
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Nice review, mine doesn't hum either.

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Old 08-10-2015, 06:41 AM   #14
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Wow. I am glad nobody got hurt. Thanks for the words of warning on this.

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Old 08-10-2015, 07:14 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by dustman_stx View Post
I'm not the expert, but many claim that the inverter cannot handle such occurrences and will likely go soon. If the inverter goes, it will ruin a camping trip. If you camp solo some and don't want a trip ruined, you might consider replacing it.
I think you mean "converter" (110AC to 12VDC), not "inverter" (12VDC to 110AC).
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Old 08-10-2015, 08:51 AM   #16
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I installed an Progressive Industries 30A EMS power manager in the floor space between the water heater and converter. Plenty of space, the shore power cable is right there with some slack so install was very easy. I do not notice any significant hum coming from the EMS.
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Old 08-10-2015, 06:44 PM   #17
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After reading about your experience ( thank you), I have ordered the
Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System

I had an episode last Fall when all my power went out, tripped my circuit breaker and I asked the CG serviceman to help me sort it out. He pulled the cover on the 30 amp supply post and could see that it was partially burned out.It had worked fine for 24 hours. He said someone had apparently tried to use it for 50 amp service. He had to wire all new service to the post, then I was fine. I would rather know I am protected from idiots than pay for all new appliances, or have a fire when I have two dogs to worry about as well.
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Old 08-19-2015, 06:50 PM   #18
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Even with repeated visits to the same sites, the first thing I do is break out my multimeter and test the pedestal. Test the hot for 120 volts, test the neutral for 0 volts and then the ground. I turn the breaker in the pedestal off then I hook up the surge protector by itself and flip the breaker back on. If all is well and I get good indications on the surge protector I then plug the aframe into the surge protector. Pay close attention to the service panel, breaker and outlets. Any sign of damage or charring, tell the campground personnel.
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Old 08-20-2015, 11:07 PM   #19
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What size EMS?

Any suggestions for size EMS for a A122S Rockwood Aframe? Will probably order portable model.
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Old 08-21-2015, 02:39 PM   #20
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Any suggestions for size EMS for a A122S Rockwood Aframe? Will probably order portable model.
Seems like from the other posts above, as well as mine, you would need the 30 amp, either portable or hardwire if you have the electrical skills.
Did you get your camper yet??
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