Newbie question about surge protection

[RandB]

I haven't gotten to the user manual yet for our new 2017 FC - we take ownership in a month. She runs 50 amps. We know we have to buy the 50/30 pig tails... but we want to buy a surge protector but don't know if we have to consider the amperage? Probably a stupid question.... can anyone educate me..

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by RandB

I haven't gotten to the user manual yet for our new 2017 FC - we take ownership in a month. She runs 50 amps. We know we have to buy the 50/30 pig tails... but we want to buy a surge protector but don't know if we have to consider the amperage? Probably a stupid question.... can anyone educate me..

These are the standard most people will agree. And made in the US. Great product that tests the power and wiring at the post before turning on the power to your coach. Yes, you need a 50 amp model.

http://a.co/6kOjMAp

[Mollysdad]

If you buy the 50 amp surge protector and a 50F-30M dog bone, you'll be able to use the surge protector on both 50 or 30 amp park pedestals.

I'd only consider the 30 amp surge protector if I had 30 amp wiring (1 air conditioner)

[kds]

My trailer is 30 amp and would not plug into any pole without it. It has saved my trailer from damage many many times. I bought mine at Camping world and it's done a great job. You are so smart to purchase one!

[GinaNBob]

The 50/30 adapter was included in our 2016 Pendleton. You may want wait until you see if it included with hours. We use the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C for out trailer. I think you will find it to be popular safeguard on this forum as well as some of the other RV forums.

[RxGuy]

For your trailer buy a 50 amp Progressive Industries, I have the 30 amp version. Like PCSkier said, made in USA and a great product. If you get the external model, make sure you get some sort of locking cable to secure it to the power post.

[streamingairheads]

Hi here, My husband just wrote a review on the Progressive Industries' products for our blog. You may find it helpful. http://www.streamingairheads.com/surge-protector/

[PKI]

Most dealers provide a startup package that includes the power cable, sewer connections and a few other odds and ends. It's possible your dealer does not provide a startup kit, but I'd ask before I purchased all these ancillary items. However, I would expect to purchase a surge protector. Your electrical tech will thank you and your pocket book is less likely to kick you over a voltage spike issue.

Hope to meet you on the road someday. Pat

[68 Overlander]

We had a customer call with 7K in damages before she finally bought one. Pretty cheap insurance. Progressive Industries is the only brand with lifetime warranty that I'm aware of. EMS systems have the best protection but if budget dictates, a portable surge only is better than running nekkid

[Rich Jenkins]

Originally Posted by pcskier

These are the standard most people will agree. And made in the US. Great product that tests the power and wiring at the post before turning on the power to your coach. Yes, you need a 50 amp model.

http://a.co/6kOjMAp

I have a 30' FC. That Progressive Industries Model is the one I bought Nov '15.

Plugged in once and got 168V line to neutral on leg 1. Surge Protector said, "Not today".

Love that thing.

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by Llando88

I have a 30' FC. That Progressive Industries Model is the one I bought Nov '15.

Plugged in once and got 168V line to neutral on leg 1. Surge Protector said, "Not today".

Love that thing.

Hear this every day from both sides. Your side is the happy people calls that had one

[WestieHouse]

Though I installed a TRC 30A Permanent Hardwired RV Surge Guard protector when I purchased our 23FC, I also always test both the water pressure and the electrical service at the pedestal. I believe there is a pressure reducer in the newer Airstreams, but I recently encountered water over 100 psi.

I have encountered problems with the electrical pedestal on 4 or 5 occasions. Camp ground managers have replaced the box or given me another site at my request. They almost always appreciate learning of the problem, as it is a risk for the uninformed camper and liability for the camp.

True, this is a belt and suspender approach. But I hate getting caught with my pants down. .

The advantage of the hardwired protector is you don't have to worry about theft. (I do lock my umbilical cord to my trailer by using a padlock after wrapping the cord around my tires.)

The first link is to the hard wired protector and the second link provides a terrific description of electrical safety and how to conduct a simple test of the electrical connection. Mis-wired pedestals are infrequent but do exist.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...63213345199626

http://noshockzone.org/

Fun times begin with safe times!

[Gleverett]

Originally Posted by kds

My trailer is 30 amp and would not plug into any pole without it. It has saved my trailer from damage many many times. I bought mine at Camping world and it's done a great job. You are so smart to purchase one!

Agree with the above. Bought a 30amp surge protector at camping world and the second time I used it the polarity at the camp ground plug was reversed. The protector notified me of this and would not let power go to the AS.

Guy

[MelGoddard]

I had a 'Surge Guard', and one evening in Erieau, we had a thunder storm of good proportions.
The Surge guard died, protecting my Hi-Lo, and it cost me $160 C. to buy another.
Cheeep insurance.

[Mollysdad]

I bought one of these at an RV show years ago. Now I check the post before plugging the RV in. (Not to replace the surge protector)
It talks to you.
https://50amppowerpal.com

[wave man]

Good sale now at Camping World website on Progressive Industries Surge Protectors, 50 Amp is what I noticed because it's what I need, Hardwired version 23% off = $279 (regularly $366)

[SilverHouseDreams]

Another vote to just buy one, I had actually talked myself out of it but decided to last minute install one before our maiden voyage. The very first pedestal I plugged into had reverse polarity, which is nothing to kid about. There is a massive difference in risk between a single outlet being wired backward in a house and having your entire electrical system wired backward, which is what happens when the single receptacle you plug into is reverse polarity. You have a massive investment in your trailer, let alone your own life and those you love...just spend the 0.2% of the cost of your trailer for one the best insurance policies you can own.

As others suggest, I would buy the one that matches your trailer...as it wouldn't make any sense to cheap out and save $75 and give up protecting your second A/C. I would also vote for a hardwired version as they offer more protection, theft proof, your can't forget it at the pedestal and you can't forget to bring it with you...and you won't decide to skip it that one night you are setting camp in the dark and blowing rain.

[wave man]

An ounce of prevention... ayup

[WhereStream]

OK, you guys have worn me down ... I'm going to get a surge protector.

Progressive I (and I assume Surge Guard) has two types ... one that checks polarity and such, plus surge; the other does something regarding low voltage and perhaps other checks as well.

"The other" costs about double the first.

What does the more high-powered version do, and which do the wise folk of Airforums use?

[sandollars]

The progressive industries SSP works great. Checks for misfiring and protects your 50 amp service. Good price too. It also comes with a steel collar so you can lock it to the pole and not "lose" it. Keeps honest people honest...