Best Value for Surge Protection

OhioMark · 09-11-2015, 11:15 AM

After our AC blew out on Saturday because of a short in the thermostat connection (see other thread), it did start a conversation with my better half regarding the lack of surge protection on our unit.

I've already ordered a plug in 50 amp surge protector..got it for $110, but since I can easily return it I wanted to touch base with the crew here on the good and bad in using the cheaper plug in types versus inline. The difference in brands..etc. Anyone had their's stolen? not work?

I like the displays on the more expensive plug in models, but heck, the only time ill be outside the trailer looking at the post is when i connect and a disconnect. I already have a plug voltage monitor and polarity check in the trailer.

I bought this.

Technology Research 44270 Surge Guard 50 Amp Surge Protector

Amazon.com: Technology Research 44270 Surge Guard 50 Amp Surge Protector: Automotive

lmpres · 09-11-2015, 11:40 AM

Hi Mark, I bought the same one earlier this year with our new 5th Wheel. A buddy of mine who is an electrician looked at it and said it is pretty good for what I want it for. The next level up had more bells and whistles, but for an amateur like me this was fine. I have ready that some have had theirs stolen. Mine came with a free lock box, but to be honest it's still in the box.....It's there because when you look at if you put it on what would be protected? With a 5th wheel, nothing. You can just pull the whole power cord off the unit by the power port...

OhioMark · 09-11-2015, 11:44 AM

Thanks,

So not sure if it is a factor of the type of campgrounds people stay where somebody would actually come onto your campsite and unplug a trailer to steal ..a surge protector...?

I can grasp the concept of swiping a $1,000 generator ,but an RV plug? Wow..

My opinion on that is they need the $ way more than i do....is there an underground stolen RV accessories store I don't know of?

**mark5w** · 09-11-2015, 01:36 PM

Although I have not bought one yet, I like the Progressive Industries one.
SSP-50X Smart Surge Protector around $120.00
Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

I plan to open the chain link and insert the power cable into it and re close it. Then wrap the chain around the power pole and lock it. I know the chance of someone stealing one is low, but I prefer that it is secure.

johnwill · 09-11-2015, 06:12 PM

I bought one last year but 30 amp. Worked nice. This is part of my first trip last year in the camper. I did get the lock box and had it on. The neighbor beside us did try to take it. Iwas working on a water leak issue and Julie told me the air and stuff just went out. All I could think "NOW WHAT the HELL" I went out and found it on the ground and his camper running off. Some guy from NY so it was. I was upset and then laughed but the lock box will be on mine.

Tim D · 09-11-2015, 07:15 PM

Get a real lock box. The one that CW has is nothing more than plastic and a piece of junk.

johnwill · 09-11-2015, 07:22 PM

Yes it is plastic. Where is there a better one?

**Lloyd** · 09-11-2015, 07:46 PM

I'm not sure I would want one on there other then plastic.

Tim D · 09-11-2015, 07:48 PM

Electrical supply or welding supply houses. I saw one at Lowes or Home Depot once but not when I needed one. lol. Knock on wood, nobody has bothered mine.

johnwill · 09-11-2015, 08:01 PM

Found this one looks like it is metal. Surge Guard Lock Hasp - Universal Surge Guard Lock Hasp - Mfg No. 34590-001 - Explosive Powersports

sleepyT · 09-11-2015, 08:08 PM

O Mark
First off let me say that most of the electrical pedestals at the campgrounds I have stayed at have a hole in the lid of the electric pedestal that corresponds to a hole in the main part of the pedestal...That is so you can lock the lid to the main part of the pedestal there for locking you surge protector to the pedestal...

I have a "SURGE GUARD" , surge protector and have gotten many red lights at more than several campgrounds...Mostly indicating low voltage...Would not plug in without it...Also if I were in the market to buy now I would buy the EMS-PT50C from Progressive Industries...Mainly because of the level of protection and most of all the LIFETIME WARRANTY...

PS...Surge Guard made in China....Progressive Industries products made in the U.S.A.

OhioMark · 09-12-2015, 05:41 AM

Thanks everyone!

**Lloyd** · 09-12-2015, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepyT

O Mark
First off let me say that most of the electrical pedestals at the campgrounds I have stayed at have a hole in the lid of the electric pedestal that corresponds to a hole in the main part of the pedestal...That is so you can lock the lid to the main part of the pedestal there for locking you surge protector to the pedestal...

Tommy makes a pretty good point there.

sleepyT · 09-12-2015, 10:21 AM

Thanks Lloyd
I forgot to mention that I bought 4 master locks all keyed the same...3 of them are on my Pull-rite slider for a little more security the forth lock I use to lock my surge protector to the campground electric pedestal...

Randy68 · 09-12-2015, 11:07 AM

If you guys have a place to put a hard wire progressive or surge guard in the rv then no worrys about getting it stolen. They are very easy self expanitory to wire you just need a place to put it.

OhioMark · 09-12-2015, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy68

If you guys have a place yo put a hard wire progressive or surge guard in the rv then no worrys about it getting stolen. They are very easy self expanitory to wire you just need a place for it..

Your read my mind! It's just they're double the price of the plug in model. hard to justifyto the pocket book

4kids2dogs&RV · 09-12-2015, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioMark

Your read my mind! It's just they're double the price of the plug in model. hard to justifyto the pocket book

Only takes 1 stolen one and you'll have paid double after replacing it anyway...enough justification?

sleepyT · 09-12-2015, 01:02 PM

Never heard of one being stolen...

**Lloyd** · 09-12-2015, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhioMark

Your read my mind! It's just they're double the price of the plug in model. hard to justifyto the pocket book

Mark look and see if you have an empty area where the electric cord comes into your trailer.
I have this area here where I mounted mine, and then replaced the paneling with a piece of plexi glass so I could see it.

**mark5w** · 09-12-2015, 02:36 PM

Put the portable one inside the rv. When you cut the power line replace ends with plug and receptacle for the portable surge protector. Then mount similar to Lloyd's. I've seen a few who did it that way.

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