I have used a Surge Protector since we started RVing. Just one time you have a power surge and it burns out the Tv's, Micro Wave and Fridge, the Surge Protector is cheap protection. Some will say they have traveled all over and never had a issue but it takes only one time and the cost could be in the thousands.... I have the portable type (50 amp) and its been used on 4 different 5th wheels. I prefer the portable type instead of the hard wired type, but as I said I have used my Surge Protector on 4 different 5th wheels and that would have been more issues involving the hard wire type.... Happy Trails...

Have a portable and always use it. Do not get a hard wired one.....had on in one 5er and when it goes you are left without power. Didn't feel confortable rewiring the trailer around the defective surge protector so had to motel it for a few nights. Get a portable one.

Jack Mayer wrote:

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I disagree on the advice to not get a hardwired unit. I prefer a hardwired unit with a remote display - something like this one. The remote display will teach you about the electrical use in your RV if you watch it. And you will not forget to hook it up for "just an overnight" stay. If it fails it can be bypassed with a push of a button in all but extreme circumstances, and you will not have to worry about theft, locking it, keeping it out of the water at a pedestal, and it hanging from the pedestal and damaging cords.

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I strongly agree with Jack.  While a pole mounted protector is much better than nothing, the unit Jack suggests can be bypassed by one switch inside the rig and it become totally passive.  This unit he suggests is superior in several respects and I base that on my experience as an engineer.

 

We’ve had a lot of threads on this subject in the past.  At the RV-Dreams Rallies which I have attended people who have read those threads, and heeded the warnings, have thank me for the advice to get a good protector and to have it installed by a professional if you are uncomfortable doing the work yourself. (It isn't that hard.) The thanks came from the protector keeping them from having serious damage to their rig in more than one instance.

 

It is very unusual for me to travel over a 10 day period and not have this protector “protect” my 5er more than once.  And, as Jack says, the remote read out helps significantly with power management in the rig when we don’t have 50 or even 30 amps.  When power is limited I can see just how much I am using and keep from tripping the pole breaker while at the same time “getting” all the power that is available.

 

This is one of the few things that I believe is just a necessity; but, “to each their own.”  These things are like insurance:  You may only need them once, but if you do, you really will need them – and a good one.

 

Safe travels

 

Bill

 

 

 

 

NorCal Dan wrote:

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The main thing is that everyone should protect their rig. I think I mentioned this in the other thread, but there are very similar devices that run about $150...but if you read the fine print they only protect against surges. The more expensive devices that we are recommending in this thread run in the $300-$400 range and provide surge protection, over/under voltage protection, and incorrectly wired pedestal protection.

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Very true and that's the point.  "Surges" are really uncommon in compairision to high / low voltage and incorrectly wired pedistals in a campground. That's why the better units cost more and are, IMO, so necessary necessary to protect the rig.  Many high voltage conditions that damage things are called "surges," but in reality are just voltages that go above 132 or so volts and stay there for sometime. Those can fry stuff as quick as a lightening strike.  I've seen 140 that stayed there all night.  That was scary.

Bill

We also have a power management system installed in our Mobile Suites. Its a choice of hardwired or the hanging pedestal type Surge Protectors... We do no boondocking and try to use upscale RV parks, so I haven't had issues with 140 volts? My little 50amp surge protector cost $350.00 at Camping World I'm sure it cost more now, have had it for several years.... Good Luck with your choice.. Happy Trails...