Confused on if I REALLY need a surge protector for my 2016 T@B Max S???

HappyCamper

My new tab will be here any day and I am so excited!  Love all of the great info in the forum!  
My key issue - All of the Information I keep reading is very mixed about whether or not to get a Surge Protector.  Factory and dealer say "no -do not need" due to converter/fuses/breakers....but there is so much discussion about using them.  Appreciate any experience, detailed info and guidance!  

Nomad

Know what you mean - I do mainly boondocking so have never gotten one but while researching, I came across a simple little test device you'd plug in to the pedestal first, it'd let you know if the electric was ok - wired/grounded correctly. Wouldn't protect you from surges or low/high voltage though.

Nomad

Sandra - Which model do you have? - "cheap insurance", especially with the little tester plug, may be the keywords. Replacing you converter isn't real cheap and a pain.

Nomad

Here's the circuit analyzer...
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-55310-Defender-Circuit-Analyzer/dp/B00JGJH8QU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1443545875&sr=8-3&keywords=RV+surge+protector

vito

Mine was from General RV and was $50. Good for peace of mind. 

JiroTX

I have the circuit analyzer PXLated posted. It also has surge protection. It's been working pretty well so far (I have not seen any errors yet, so I guess I don't know if it's actually working or not...).

John_and_Kris

It's cheap insurance. We have always had one on all our RV units( A's B's TT's  as we worked our way down to the T@B)
John & Kris Aiken SC

vito

To John&Kris: I'd love to hear how and why you "worked our way down to the T@b" from having A's, B's, and TT's. I hear more about people starting small and moving to larger RV's but not often moving in the opposite direction. 

Verna

I bought a 30 amp surge protector from Camping World (like the one Sandra bought) for my 3 month snow birding trip to the Southwest last winter. With a lot of older campgrounds around, I figured I would save my converter by using it.

It works, and after buying it on sale for $70, it sure has made me feel better. As soon as I get my permanent surge protector installed, I'll pass my other one on to my sister for her Class B (unless she has one already permanently installed).  

Cheap insurance because sometimes the campsite pedestal does have problems. I was able to prove to the owner of a private RV park that he had a polarity problem--he fixed it and I slept well knowing I was protected. 

jkjenn

I had a Progressive protector installed and I am glad I did. It spared me from the woes of a pedestal with reversed polarity. I like that it has error codes that tell me what is wrong, too. I opted for permanent installation because it is one less thing to think about and set up.

Nomad

I bought the little tester I mentioned above as I don't do hookups very often even if the campground has them. But I must say, I sure don't see many hanging off pedestals. It's almost a rarity. Of course I wouldn't see them if they're built in. That said, I'd at least do the tester if I was going for hookups. If you blow out your converter you'd have that expense plus the hassle.

mawebb

Why the need for a surge protector? While the risk of lightning causing a surge is real, it's a rare ocurrance. What's of more concern is low voltage or too high voltage. Both these conditions can damage modern electronics very easily. Older RV's did not have the sophisticated electronics like newer ones do. Inagine having to replace the Alde control system, or your TV and entertainment system. Many campsites have electrical distribution that can fluctuate drastically based on how many units are connected and how much each is drawing. Reverse hot and neutral reversals can create a risk of shock within the trailer. Lack of ground can also increase the risk of shock or fire. So having a surge protector that protects against under / over voltage, hot / neutral reversal and missing grounds, along with surge (lightning) protection can not only protect your investment, but protect the occupants. 

Do do you need one? No. Should you use one? Yes. 

HappyCamper

Thanks to all!  I am going to buy one... Cheap insurance is the word!  I love our forum!

Ratkity

jkjenn said:

I had a Progressive protector installed and I am glad I did. It spared me from the woes of a pedestal with reversed polarity. I like that it has error codes that tell me what is wrong, too. I opted for permanent installation because it is one less thing to think about and set up.

Ditto!

mickietucs

I got the portable one and while bulky, think it will provide peace of mind when I am at a park with hook-ups.

Verna

I'm still using my portable one, but hopefully I can get the Progressive one installed soon. 

Deltaboy59

I have personally experienced low voltage in an RV park and was lucky... Bought he 300 buck progressive dongle...continuous readout... Made in USA...lifetime warranty...exterior rated...Low voltage can do more damage than I was aware of. Now I am worry free.

mash2

Portable works fine for the times when I hook up.

Nomad

mash2 - Me too. In fact just a little tester works. What you need (as usual) depends on how you camp.

RollingLagrima

Portable one here too.

mash2

watch camping world for portable ones.  I got a great one at a huge discount when they changed models (70% off as I recall).  It was a surge guard and was under $80.