Surge Protection

[Rocinante]

We have both the Progressive surge protector and voltage regulator. So, here's how we set it up: our AS 30 amp cord goes into the voltage regulator. The voltage regular connects to the surge protector. The surge protector connects to a 30 amp extension cord. The 30 amp extension cord goes into the pillar. We put the surge protector and the voltage regulator under the trailer, out of any possible weather, and generally out of casual sight, on a few Lynx blocks to keep them off the ground in case of puddles. Seems to work just great. We didn't really feel like paying to have all that stuff hard-wired into the trailer, though I suppose we could have done so in our hall closet between the fridge & the shower.

[time2play]

Originally Posted by Silvery Moon

We have both the Progressive surge protector and voltage regulator........

Silvery Moon, I was looking at this Progressive model, and when I look at the description I was under the impression this model is both a voltage and surge protector (regulator?).
EMS-LCHW50C

Am I mistaken? Or do you have a different model?

[Rocinante]

Ah, hang on, I don't have the Progressive, my bad. I have the 30 Amp versions of these, from Technology Research:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OUVL6G
Amazon.com: Technology Research 10176 30 Amp Voltage Regulator: Automotive

Maybe the Progressive product is better!

[time2play]

Silvery Moon, thanks for the clarification!

[switz]

I thought about putting a hardwired surge protector in our 25FB which would have required removal of the queen bed and the plywood sheet under it to place the unit as close as possible to the service entrance.

A surge protector is like the sacrificial anode on a boat in that it goes or dies rather than the electronics or motor. I elected to go with both the 30 amp (for the generator or older trailer parks as I had it for the 25FB with 30 amp service) and 50 amp portable units so if they do their job, I do not have to tear the trailer apart to replace them.

The links below are just information links for these two models which are available at Camping World and other RV equipment stores.

Portable 30 Amp RV Surge Guard by TRC - 34730

50 Amp Portable RV Surge Guard - 34750

If one wants voltage regulation as well, then there is a transformer and capacitors inside a heavy box to regulate the voltage within certain parameters. Too low voltage can burn up compressor motors on air conditioning units. Here are information links for voltage regulators and I have seen them at Camping World:

Surge Guard 30 Amp Voltage Regulator

Surge Guard 50 Amp Voltage Regulator

The common thread is that the 50 amp rated equipment is priced much higher than the higher capacity parts actually cost for more profit.

[Rocinante]

Thanks, Switz. Something went wonky with my amazon link for the Surge Guard. You got them all correct on yours. trying again for a link to the 30 amp TRC surge guard on AMZN:

Surge Guard 30amp Portable Unit with LCD Display
by Surge Guard RV Power Protection
Link: http://amzn.com/B008EUEOY6