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09-16-2015, 09:29 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Arlington
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 9
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Voltmeter and Polarity Tester
At RV campsites, how necessary is it to have, and make it a practice to use, a Voltmeter to check the exact AC voltage at the electrical pedestal? What about a Polarity Tester to plug in at the power flow at a campsite to check potentially faulty wiring at a 120 Volt AC receptacle?
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09-16-2015, 09:43 PM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member 
2019 23' International
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 425
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A polarity tester will tell you if it's safe and connected correctly. It won't tell you if the voltage is too high or too low. Two bad things can be 1. You have 220 not 110 and fry your converter and other systems. 2. Voltage is too low and you fry your ac.
I don't have enough experience with trailer parks to give you the odds.
__________________
2019 International Signature 23FB "Cecil"
2005 Yukon XL
Former coach: 2015 Bambi 16 "Beanie"
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09-16-2015, 11:35 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,428
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__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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09-17-2015, 06:05 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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I use a surge guard at the post and this inside the trailer to keep an eye on the voltage,
Amazon.com: Prime Products 12-4058 AC Power Line Monitor: Automotive
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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09-17-2015, 06:25 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master 
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,943
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With the proper 30amp to 15 amp adapter, the 3 light testers (for $3) check for missing grounds and switched polarity. A non- contact voltage detector ($20) is better and checks for hot skins. Multimeter checks voltage, but not polarity.
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09-17-2015, 03:57 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member 
2004 28' Classic
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 18
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Voltmeter and Polarity Tester
I've used the device recommended by lewster for 2+ years. You plug it in first and it runs tests for 2 minutes and gives you a green light if the power is ok. Then plug your power cord into the device. It also works as a surge protector. I bought it after reading posts on the Air Forums of AS owners who fried their electrical systems and spent $9,000 on repairs because of poor power at an RV park.
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09-17-2015, 04:07 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Cary
, North Carolina
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 824
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomterrific
I've used the device recommended by lewster
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What is it called?
__________________
2006 Safari SE FB
2000 F150 4.2L
2011 F250 6.2L
Broadway, NC
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09-17-2015, 04:12 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member 
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Overland Park
, Kansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 340
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I thought that the Progressive Industries brand, rather than the Surge Guard brand might be a better choice. I have read here on the forums that they have a better warranty (lifetime compared to 1 year) and the customer service was rated much better. Seems like Tweety's has the best price for the 50amp portable. I have the hard wired Surge Guard on my current Airstream, but I've decided to go with the portable for my new trailer now on order. Wondering which brand others are using and/or recommending.
thanks, Sandy
Progressive Industries Portable 50 AMP Electrical Management System
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09-17-2015, 05:59 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master 
2015 25' Flying Cloud
2016 30' Flying Cloud
Blenheim Ontario
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,263
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I have a surge guard, and it fried out one time during an electrical storm. Cost me $155 to replace it; a hell of a lot less than a 'fried' RV electrical system.
Suggest you follow RV Travel.com. for many tips about avoiding headaches in RV World.
Before plugging in to the tower, I check with that little polarity tester, two yellows? fine. NEXT I check line voltage with a little A.C. meter [or a multi-meter] that you plug into the wall receptacle in the 'house'. 120;V.A.C. +/- a couple? Fine! NEXT, I have a 0-150 VAC meter that is wired to a standard plug, wired to ground and neutral. Voltage there? Oh. Oh. go elsewhere. NEXT, I plug in the surge guard and push the test buttons. OK? Fine. Now I plug it in, BUT before I touch the RV, I use a pencil type circuit tester close to any metal part of the trailer. If it lights up and çhirps', unplug the RV and go elsewhere. DO NOT TOUCH THE RV., especially on wet ground. If you do, you will complete a circuit, and get zapped.
If you have an especially sensitive circuit tester like a "BG", it may light up and chirp at anything. Using a 'Multi-meter, set dial at 0-10 volts, and touch one lead to the RV, and the other into the ground. 0-2or 3 volts is ok, higher is risking getting zapped.
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09-17-2015, 06:15 PM
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#10
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Site Team

2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,924
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BTW, we try to check all these electricity factors before investing our time and energy backing into a site.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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09-17-2015, 06:42 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master 
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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These devices are pretty inexpensive and I think a worthwhile addition.
I keep one of the three light polarity gadgets plugged in to an outlet in the galley and use it to confirm power is on and is safe whenever we set up. (I suppose I would really be better to plug it in at the post before attempting to connect the trailer.)
I have an RV 110v meter in the outlet near the trailer door as well as an audible alarm to warn of low voltage.
Before having these devices I did in one instance have our AC quit working - Im pretty sure based on what fellow campers told me that it was due to low voltage.
I thought I had ruined the AC, but after a period of time found that it was fine again - presume it incorporates a self-resetting breaker for such eventualities.
Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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09-17-2015, 06:51 PM
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#12
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,473
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Voltage is important but making sure there isn't a reverse polarity situation is a matter of life and death !
If the shell is hot and you stand in wet ground with damp shoes or bare feet..... Pow in one 60th of a second you're electrocuted and therefore dead!
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09-22-2015, 01:16 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master 
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,761
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Very good info guys thx. Have them at home and will put a set of testers in trailer.
__________________
Hittenstiehl
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09-22-2015, 01:26 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master 
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,593
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF
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Does it just plug in or is it hard wired?
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
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09-28-2015, 06:07 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master 
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,943
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There is a You tube video that shows that the three light testers are not infallible for detecting hot skins. You need to use one of the Non-contact pencil type voltage detectors as well. Klien, Milwaukee, and Eline makes good ones for less than $20. I own 2 Milwaukee's. One for me and one for the club. The prime products tester (above) is simply a 3 light tester mounted in the trailer. You need to park and plug in before you know the site is unsuitable. I keep my testers in the side pocket of my truck to test before I back in. It eliminates the need to reback in the trailer and truck.
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09-28-2015, 06:46 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master 
2005 31' Classic
Garner,
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 924
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good suggestion.. plug before play..
Quote:
Originally Posted by dwightdi
There is a You tube video that shows that the three light testers are not infallible for detecting hot skins. You need to use one of the Non-contact pencil type voltage detectors as well. Klien, Milwaukee, and Eline makes good ones for less than $20. I own 2 Milwaukee's. One for me and one for the club. The prime products tester (above) is simply a 3 light tester mounted in the trailer. You need to park and plug in before you know the site is unsuitable. I keep my testers in the side pocket of my truck to test before I back in. It eliminates the need to reback in the trailer and truck.
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__________________
Carl, Raleigh NC
2-24-16 got a 2005 Classic 31D
TUG2.net check it out for good rental deals
2003 F-250 SD, CC, 7.3L PowerStroke
WBCCI#1691, Piedmont Airstream Club, Unit #161, Region #3
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09-28-2015, 07:43 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master 
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,680
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I've equipped both of my trailers with a Progressive Industries set up that will NOT connect my trailer to ANY pedestal if there's any kind of problem with the incoming current. If there is a problem, it gives me a code and tells me what's wrong....reversed polarity, ground, neutral issue, etc. It also gives me the voltage that's coming into my trailer. Since I have a 50amp service it gives me the voltage on EACH of the two legs. You would (maybe) be surprised how many campgrounds are feeding an underplot (like 108V) to your trailer. This can be an issue with the A/C. The PI devices also have a surge protector as part of their set up. They cost a bit of $, but well worth it for the peace of mind, IMHO.
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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09-30-2015, 12:45 PM
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#18
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,473
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dwightdi
There is a You tube video that shows that the three light testers are not infallible for detecting hot skins. You need to use one of the Non-contact pencil type voltage detectors as well. Klien, Milwaukee, and Eline makes good ones for less than $20. I own 2 Milwaukee's. One for me and one for the club. The prime products tester (above) is simply a 3 light tester mounted in the trailer. You need to park and plug in before you know the site is unsuitable. I keep my testers in the side pocket of my truck to test before I back in. It eliminates the need to reback in the trailer and truck.
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X2^ check the pedestal prior to plugging the coach in! It's better to detect the problem without touching a tingly shell!
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10-05-2015, 02:47 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master 
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,943
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I use the three light tester with a 30 amp adapter before I back in. The non-contact tester assures me that the trailer skin is properly grounded. The problem can be in the trailer or appliances as well as the pedestal. It is important to keep one metal stabilizer (or jack stand) in contact with the ground, just to be safe. The fancy surge protectors are nice but $.
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10-05-2015, 06:50 AM
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#20
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Slide Out Society #001

2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,435
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This is the video to watch.
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I also have a surge protector and I chose to hard wire it in the trailer. Also have the non contact tester, monitor AC and DC inside the AS and carry a multi meter.
Another issue I'll put out is check the post receptacle when you plug in, does the plug have some bite or flop around? If it flops, suspicious that the receptacle is cooked and has lost tension on your plug blades to make a good connection and might cause low voltage and heat at plug damaging plug. I carry a spare plug.
__________________
S/OS #001
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook.
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