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Old 05-13-2013, 03:05 AM   #1
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I've decided to get a surge protector. The decision now is whether to get a portable one or a hard-wired one. Performance-wise, the difference is zero. But, of course, the portable protector is out there with your power cord and is susceptible to theft.

Question is: How many of these portable protectors actually get ripped off? I would get a box that locks the protector and my power cord together. Of course, someone could just unplug the power cord and walk away with the whole works. But the truth is, they could walk away with the power cord (worth about $300) anytime anyway. Have any of you actually had an external, portable surge protector stolen? And have those of you with portable units found that the lock-box for the protector helps deter theft?
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Old 05-13-2013, 03:12 AM   #2
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I opted for the hard wired one. For a couple reasons. 1. It eliminates having to worry or wonder if somebody is going to walk off with it. 2. It's inside out of the weather, therefore the sun and rain aren't beating away at it. I have seen some of them that look pretty tough after being outside for a few years.
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Old 05-13-2013, 04:11 AM   #3
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I saw a neat setup on a fellow campers RV. He took the portable surge protector and mounted it inside his basement bay. He attached a plug and socket on the internal wire and can unplug the surge protector if it goes bad and replace it with ease. He cut a small window in the panel of the bay to view the lights on the surge protector. I'm not sure but if your protector takes a hit you have to replace it. This makes it a lot easier.
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Old 05-13-2013, 04:16 AM   #4
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I camp at state parks in Ohio and Indiana and their power post all seem to have a lid with a clasp that I just throw a padlock on. That said I've never known anyone that had onestolen.
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Old 05-13-2013, 05:19 AM   #5
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We decided on a hard-wired surge protector as we were concerned about the possibility of the portable one getting stolen, didn't want to worry about that. I do have to mention however, this past weekend we left out Little Giant ladder sitting out while camping at a state campground and it was still sitting there in the morning.... seems like people leave other's things alone in the campgrounds we go to... still like having the hard-wired surge protector.
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Old 05-14-2013, 01:05 AM   #6
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Went with the hard wired - remote indicator, out of the weather and "will prevent loss at the post".
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Old 05-14-2013, 01:25 AM   #7
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I'm getting the idea from the posts here that the portable surge protectors aren't high-theft items, though there seems to be an impression that they are. Am I wrong?

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Old 05-14-2013, 08:21 AM   #8
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We have the progressive 50 amp protector.I just wrap a chain around the cord and padlock tightly.It would be hard to steal without ruining it unless people are carrying bolt cutters.I like the portable because if I trade trailers it goes with me.We usually leave bbq lawn chairs out at campgrounds and have never had any problems so far.
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Old 05-14-2013, 09:28 AM   #9
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I do not think they get taken much as I hope other campers watch out for each other. I did put power master / autoformer unit in the basement with a kit that allows you to disconnect if you needed. I have seen many chained to the post and would think that is more a peace of mind. I thought about changing the locks on the basement doors but have had no problems in the six years in our trailer.

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Old 05-14-2013, 02:19 PM   #10
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Without sounding elitist I think there is a different class of people who RV. The something for nothing crowd doesn't have an RV to use and usually can't be found at a campground. I've never lost anything while camping and also see a lot of stuff left out that could be taken.

Anyone ever had anything stolen??? Personal knowledge, not rumor...
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Old 05-14-2013, 10:08 PM   #11
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Old 05-15-2013, 03:37 AM   #12
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I had a hotdog stolen from outside my trailer. The mustard on my black lab was a give away though.
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Old 05-15-2013, 05:03 AM   #13
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We were concerned with the same thing when considering buying one. We did purchase the portable one with a lockbox and we did buy anadditionallock and put it on the cover of the power pole. We also considered that if it did get stolen the cost of replacing surge guard could be still cheaper than the potential damage of not having it.
We had to replace ourinverterlast fall on our other coach which ended up costing us 2K due do it catching on fire, which we think had to do with campground power.

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Old 05-15-2013, 11:46 AM   #14
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We have been camping for about 10 yrs now and have often left things out, lawn chairs, bikes, grill, etc. and have never had anything stolen. Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan. Maybe just luck but agree with the thought about RV'ers being a different class of folks. JMO

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Old 05-15-2013, 01:26 PM   #15
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In the years I've been camping I've only had one thing stolen and that was just two weeks ago. Somebody stole the seat off my son's bike! Not the bike, just the seat and post. Bold sucker had to walk up tomy camper as the bike was standing under the pin box. Go figure.



Ihave the hard wired version mainly for the convenience. Same price and was a fairly straight forward install. Now that I witnessed howirritatedIbecameover a dumb bike seat, I imagine it would really ruin my weekendif my Surge Guard walked off.
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Old 05-15-2013, 10:44 PM   #16
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Bob, in our society as it is today I don't think there is much of anything people won't steal. Not long ago we had someone steal the solar walkway lights in front of our house. I can't stand a thief....
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Old 05-18-2013, 09:57 AM   #17
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We've been RVing for 30 plus years and the only thing stolen was a cooler full of ice beer in Arizona. By the way, we've never had a surge protector and never had a problem.
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Old 05-18-2013, 02:27 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hondavalk
I camp at state parks in Ohio and Indiana and their power post all seem to have a lid with a clasp that I just throw a padlock on.
I use the padlock also. Takes the temptation away.
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Old 05-19-2013, 07:25 AM   #19
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Well, the responses have pretty much persuaded me to buy the portable surge protector and to get a lockbox for it. Thank you all for your responses.

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