surge protectors

Glider11
Glider11 Member Posts: 73
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
I didn't see this topic listed.  I've heard online that a surge protector when plugging to a shore is essential.  Which do you use, and why?  I'd like to have one that would operate on both 30A and 50A. Do they get stolen? 

Comments

  • grubbster
    grubbster Member Posts: 115
    I use Progressive Industries.  They have portable and hard wired options.  I use a portable unit and use a bike lock to secure it to the post.
    https://www.progressiveindustries.net/
    2023 F-150 Powerboost hybrid
    2019 T@B 400 Boondock
  • N7SHG_Ham
    N7SHG_Ham Member Posts: 1,261
    I have the hardwired Progressive Industries 30a one. If I had to do it over I would consider a surge guard, ONLY because it protects from both incoming power issues as well as issues within the RV wiring. https://rvpower.southwire.com/products/surge-protection/
    2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,693
    @Glider11, I'm not sure I would say a surge protector is essential, as I (and others) have plugged up to shore power many times without one and lived to tell about it.
    However, if you don't like living dangerously they do provide a measure of insurance against damage from notoriously unreliable campground power supplies.
    I suppose they are as subject to being stolen as any other campsite goodies you leave lying around. I've never considered theft of my gear a real big concern, but YMMV.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • JohnDanielsCPA
    JohnDanielsCPA Member Posts: 238
    I have a Progressive Industries portable and, though, I wouldn’t consider it essential (you can obviously plug in without one), I do consider it cheap insurance.  The risk of electrical malfunction in an RV park or camp ground is not as low as you might think, especially if you consider all of the different people plugging in with varying “attachment” habits, which puts unusual strain on the outlets.  The cost of one serious malfunction pays for one of these several times over. 
    2022 T@B 400 BD
    2019 Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost with Long Bed
  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,168
    We have the portable Progressive. They come highly recommended. We keep ours in a black opaque Home Depot utility bucket (with snap on cover), which keeps the lights from showing at night. Makes for a less obvious 'valuable item'.

    Chan - near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!

    ll9normvqdmg.jpeg


    A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya

  • jgram2
    jgram2 Member Posts: 1,522
    If you search in the upper right “search” field, using ‘surge protector’, you’ll find ~ 13 pages of threads, providing an exhaustive study of these devises.
    John, Judi, Guinness & OD in PDX
    T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner 


  • lkc001
    lkc001 Member Posts: 881
    @ChanW so do you use an extension cord to the surge protector which you put in a tub then to the trailer power cord ?  Then you put the tub under your trailer or something?
    2018 Tab 400
    2016 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 Crew Cab
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,034
    I think I have seen some folks who have covered a pedestal with a bucket.  Not a bad idea.  Also keeps it dry.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,168
    @lkc001, yes, we use an extension cord to the bucket and then our main 30A cord to the Tab. (Two holes at the top edge of the bucket for the cords to go - bucket goes upside down)

    If the bucket ends up near the Tab, it goes underneath. Otherwise we'll try to make it inconspicuous where we put it.

    Chan - near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!

    ll9normvqdmg.jpeg


    A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya

  • Cbusguy
    Cbusguy Member Posts: 771
    I bought this progressive industry surge suppressor/ protector.   It is more expensive up front but one or two thefts or breakage from abuse will more than pay for it.   
    2009 GMC Canyon,   3.7 liter 
    2020 320s Boondock lite, With Lots of mods
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420

    Just installed the Progressive Industries EMS-LCHW30 30 amp hard-wired unit.  Excellent instructions, came with all miscellaneous parts and took under an hour to install.  Fits nicely near the Alde in the 320.

    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • abenteurer
    abenteurer Member Posts: 72
    Installed the Progressive Ind. hardwired EMS and have been very happy.  At a Gettysburg, PA campground there was bad 'Neutral' connection down line which caused the voltage to drop a lot when the AC was turned on.  The EMS shut off power to the T@B.  Had to prove to the campground techs what was happening via the little EMS monitor.  By the way, I mounted the EMS monitor on the back of the TV.  Handy and works great!

    2016 T@B M@x S | 2015 Grand Cherokee 5.7L HEMI (awesome) with factory tow pkg | 2017 Wrangler Sahara (awesome) 4-dr with factory max tow pkg
  • Glider11
    Glider11 Member Posts: 73
    Yes I decided to have installed the Progressive interior hard wired protector with extra EMS. More expensive, but peace of mind. 

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