Surge Protection

sabel

Can anyone out there give me advice on what surge protector to get for a new T@B? The prices range from $100 to $600. I was considering a Surge Guard 30 amp #34730 but its very bulky and $332.00.  Next one is a #44260 for a third the price.

Need help.

Sgtjohn

Check out Camping World, they are much more reasonable for a 30 Amp surge protector than the prices you indicate.  I bought one off of EBay like new for around $80.00.

leenscottfl

I too need a surge protector. Went with Sgtjohn's suggestion and visited CW site. Now my question is why do I want to spend $300 vs $99?

Verna

I got the $99 one on sale at Camping World for under $80 and it has been serving me well for two months on my snowbirding trip here in the West. I don't have any room to spare to mount a fancy one. The one at the power pedestal shows me everything that I need to know. 3 green lights mean I'm good to go!

Deltaboy59

There is another thread concerning this subject.
After learning about and experiencing Low Voltage in RV parks and how bad they are for everything electrical in your t@b ie AC... Norcold.. Power Center etc... I went with a protector that protects high AND low voltage. 
Expensive yes but not in relation to my t@b investment. This is made in USA. Lifetime warranty... Realtime readout... So you know what you are plugging into Before you experience a problem.

ChanW

I'll second that, re the Progressive Industries device. They get very high marks in the reviews, and their customer service is tops.

radren

I had the progessive hard wired in so I never have to worry. Even plugged into your house things can happen.

leenscottfl

There are a couple of youtube videos that convinced me to go with EMS Progressive. They point out that you have to protect against low power as well as high. I can see where that could be an issue in a busy park. And from what they say that is at least as destructive as high.

Lisa33

The issue of low voltage damage is a real one.  This is somewhat of an aside, but remember that you expose your trailer to low voltage when you let your battery drain, too.  I lost a TV/DVD player that way due to a bad battery.  In addition to surge protection for shore power, at least get a voltage meter to monitor your battery's charge level.  

mawebb

The difference between $100 and $300 is the more expensive unit protects from low and high voltage as well as a surge condition such as lightning, but the $100 unit is surge only. Given that RV parks have power challenges at the best of times, I think the protection from under / over voltage is worth the extra. I know the Surge Guard has a delay feature to protect your A/C unit from being damaged from a very short outage (several seconds) as the compressor needs to be off for a minute or so before restarting. 

Deltaboy59

And since it cost more I bring it in closer to RV by using a pigtail and an old kayak dry bag that I cut a slit in for plug to pass... Can still get to fulltime readout when needed but protects from elements and keeps it out of sight...when I leave campsite I store in bag also.

jkjenn

I definitely recommend the Progressive Industries protector. I had the permanent one installed the day I bought my T@b. I had an error from reversed polarity at a campsite last fall. It was worth the investment and 1less thing to worry about during set up and tear down. They get phenomenal reviews from the RV community.

gg144

You guys who have the hard wired ones, where is it mounted?

cam42

gg144 check this video out. http://youtu.be/O5eP2pCf4zM

gg144

Cam42 - awesome! That was exactly what I was wanting to know. Thanks!

mawebb

I purchased the hardware version of the Surge Guard 30 and plan to install it on the vertical separator that is between where the Alde is located and where the power converter is on the S model. The installation instructions indicate not to install it on the floor facing upwards. I will mount it in the compartment where the converter is so I can easily see the lights on the face of the unit. I will post photos once I get it installed. Of note, is the hardwire version of the Surge Guard is approved for use in Canada whereas the plug in verion is not. I don't know why the plug in version is not approved, but guess it has to do with being exposed to weather. 

Sgtjohn

The hardwired surge guard give one an added security measure-the ones that plug into the RV park's electrical box are sometimes stolen when you're on a day trip.

radren

Mine is mounted in the bench storage. The peace of mind was worth the price, I had my dealer put it in before I picked it up.

cam42

gg144-Your welcome, the credit goes to Richard Lewis. Go to his YouTube channel he has additional video of that compartment that are interesting.

leenscottfl

Had a Progressive EMS with remote readout installed today. Expensive but now I just don't have to worry about it. And they are now warranted for life!

Deltaboy59

The plugin model is weatherproof and rated for outside use, in addition to being warrantied for life. This is something that I'm sure the manufacturer could offer as an option that most t@b owners would consider.i found out about low voltage in RV parks on my first outing. No damage luckily, but I sure hate to learn lessons the hard way...lol.

SweetlyHome

I like the idea of a permanently installed unit inside for convenience and security reasons.  Do they make any noise when operating?

leenscottfl

No. But if you get the remote readout put if where the flashing display isn't a distraction.

jkjenn

SweetlyHome said:

I like the idea of a permanently installed unit inside for convenience and security reasons.  Do they make any noise when operating?

Mine hums. When I called Progressive they told me it is normal.

leenscottfl

I guess there are benefits to going a bit deaf after all. 

ChanW

One person suggested that it might be better to have the external unit, in case of a lightning strike damaging it. 

He was concerned that the surge suppressor unit might burn or somehow be violently damaged if lightning were to strike, and in that case it would be better if it were outside the trailer.

I don't know how justified his concerns were, but it convinced me to get the external unit. 

kybob

The dealer I intend to order my T@B from insist that I don't need a surge protector. He said he would install it, but has never had one of his customers lose any equipment for lack of one.

jkjenn

kybob said:

The dealer I intend to order my T@B from insist that I don't need a surge protector. He said he would install it, but has never had one of his customers lose any equipment for lack of one.

Will he put his money where his mouth is?

leenscottfl

I know nothing about RV'S and have yet to spend a night in my T@B. But from what I have read/seen damage from shore power is a real threat. But one could be lucky and never need a suppressor. I'm not willing to roll the dice.

Deltaboy59

Another reason to buy the plug in unit...if you ever decide to trade up to a new RV, you can take your EMS with you...also I personally don't like to mod my t@b in ways that can't be reversed... Just my personal taste.

leenscottfl

I don't know that the unit can't be removed. But since my T@B is brand new I doubt that I will trade any time soon. But if we all liked the same things there would be no choices. What is that saying? Oh.. to each his own.