New Isata 3, Surge protection

[GaryH58]

We just received our new Isata 3 last weekend. Unfortunately it is too cold here right now and we decided to store it for a couple of months until it warms up some. I , in the meantime, am trying to get together some of the things we will be needing to get on the road rather quickly. I am a fan of surge protection for our houses and plan to get surge protection for the Isata too. My question is, should I do the portable or permanent hook up in the Isata and, iff doing a permanent set up, is the electrical service wiring easy to get to in the Isata?

[milkman55]

I went for the simplest application and got the portable unit. Since this is a 30 amp service with not a lot of electronics, so I didn’t see the need for the hardwire or more extensive surge protection. Surge protection is one of those topics with a lot of opinions.

This is what I bought - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015G...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[GaryH58]

Looks like a nice solution. Do you worry about it getting stolen?

[milkman55]

No, I try and stay at nice places and if someone wants to steal an $80 item, they needed it worse than me.

[chroniekon]

I put in a hard wired EMS from Progressive Industries which gives more protection than a surge protector, they come in portable or hard wired. The hard wired one comes with a remote readout monitor that I located on the switch panel near the entry steps. The easiest place to locate and wire in was behind the electrical distribution panel under the stove top (remove the drawer).

https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-I...ries+ems-hw30c

[chroniekon]

I should mention that this location puts the protection downstream of the transfer switch. That is my preference because it gives protection in the unlikely event something were to go wrong with the onboard generator, as well as from shore power. Others will argue that it needs to be installed upstream of the transfer switch.

[gbatt]

I purchased the hard wired before I received my coach. After looking at the installation choices I sent it back and gotp portable one. Portable one does ok but not a perfect fit in some electric posts. I lock it on when I can.

[GaryH58]

Originally Posted by gbatt

I purchased the hard wired before I received my coach. After looking at the installation choices I sent it back and gotp portable one. Portable one does ok but not a perfect fit in some electric posts. I lock it on when I can.

What was it that put you off on the hard wire model?

[gbatt]

Originally Posted by GaryH58

What was it that put you off on the hard wire model?

I liked the way the Dynamax came wired and didn't feel splicing into it was necessary when the portable was a simple solution. This is the unit I purchased.

30 AMP SURGE PROTECTOR POR https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0W4CZ8?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

[Greg-Gabe]

We use a Technology Research - Surge Guard 34830 Portable Model that I chain and lock to the power pedestal. Brought it over with us from the previous motorhome and so far it hasn’t walked away... knock on wood! It saved our bacon at least twice with faulty pedestal wiring...

[bclemens]

I am a fan of portable over hard wired.

We have a hard wired system in the big rigs and guess what. If it takes a surge...poof. It is not user replaceable (for most people). So you need to take it to a dealer.

I like the idea of portable because if it takes a surge, it is user replaceable. I think the hard wired ones are probably more robust....but who knows if these things really do what they're supposed to do anyway.

[GaryH58]

I ordered a portable one for that very reason. Thanks!

[caseymyers]

I've had 40 and 44' DP's and several other gas coaches and I've always gone portable for the reasons Brian mentioned. Easily replaced and inexpensive. I know some fear theft, but I have never had one stolen. I have a portable 30 and a 50 and plan to use the 50 my for Isata 5.

[Sandiegodoug]

This is what I used in my solera for 5 years
Bought another for isata 3

[Sandiegodoug]

I thought I could mount here against wall.
The yellow romax is on the other side of the wood wall,which I could drill a couple of small holes to wire unit between motor home and plug.

[sseaner]

Another advantage of the portable unit is that you can do a quick voltage check prior to leveling and setting up your rig. Can be a time saver if you have to change sites.

[Sandiegodoug]

In addition to the theft issue here in California I read that a good rain can ruin the devices.

[bclemens]

That's why you should splurge on a little camouflage umbrella. two birds, one stone.

[caseymyers]

Nice photo work

[sseaner]

The progressive model is sold as weather resistant and covered by a lifetime warranty