Hi. First time post. Please keep in mind that we have only owned campers for the last couple of years and just bought the class A last summer. So I am trying to learn all about things like surge protectors and inverters and things like that. I don't want to buy things that I will never use or need but if I do need it or if it is helpful I would like to learn about it so that I can plan on adding those things.My question is... I have a 2000 Damon Intruder 50 amp, how do I know if it has a built in Surge Protector?Next question... If it does or doesn't what is the best way to go about adding one or upgrading the existing one? I want one that protects from as much as possible and that will reset itself.Also, I was told if I stay at a campground with only 30 amp, that you have to turn off your hardwired surge protector or not plug in your portable one. Is that true?Thanks for the help!

In the year 2000 surge protectors were not at all common. Unless some one has added one you do not have one.If I were to buy a unit, it would be the top of the line Progressive Industries portable unit because of the lifetime warranty. I use more expensive technology that gives me much better protection while fixing the main issue which is low voltage at campgrounds.A 50 amp surge device can be used on a 30 amp service.

pianotuna wrote:In the year 2000 surge protectors were not at all common. Unless some one has added one you do not have one.If I were to buy a unit, it would be the top of the line Progressive Industries portable unit because of the lifetime warranty. I use more expensive technology that gives me much better protection while fixing the main issue which is low voltage at campgrounds.A 50 amp surge device can be used on a 30 amp service.X2

just be sure you spend $250 and up, not the $90 special.bumpy

X3 on Progressive Industries surge protector. They're getting the best review for customer service / lifetime warranty. I hard-wired mine before the power gets into the transfer switch. I went with the 50amp hard-wire unit but they also one that will plug into the power pole then you plug the coach into that (the long way of saying portable unit).for downgrading to the camp amperage you just use a dog-bone at the pole (for whatever service you need) to your 50amp power cord. The surge protector still does it's job downstream.

Thanks for the quick replies. And that was a camper place that told me that I couldn't use either style of protectors from reducing from 50 amp to 30. I was thinking how crazy. That means you couldn't be protected at all in that situation.Again thanks for the help.

Surge Protector | Good Sam Community

58 Replies

jplante4
Explorer II
May 12, 2018
My built in 50 amp Progressive came with a remote display that shows the status of the power coming in. Line 1 voltage and amp, line 2 voltage and amps, frequency and error codes.

The built in is a big (10X12X6 inch) black box that should be in the electrical bay.
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 12, 2018
Hi,

Because of the lifetime warranty I would encourage you to get the portable version. I believe the model number is MS-PT50X.

Another route would be to get a Sola Basic autoformer and a hybrid inverter/charger--but that is quite a bit more expense.

There is also the Hughes Autoformer which can correct low voltage, instead of just "cutting the power".
ckmoore05
Explorer
May 11, 2018
I searched Progressives site and this seems to be the choice for hardwired 50 amp. Is this the one to get or is there a better choice? Thanks

Progressive Industries EMSLCHW50 50A 120/240V Hardwired RV Surge & Electrical Protector with Integrated Display
ckmoore05
Explorer
May 11, 2018
Thanks for the quick replies.
And that was a camper place that told me that I couldn't use either style of protectors from reducing from 50 amp to 30. I was thinking how crazy. That means you couldn't be protected at all in that situation.
Again thanks for the help.
ThomBoles
Explorer
May 11, 2018
X3 on Progressive Industries surge protector. They're getting the best review for customer service / lifetime warranty. I hard-wired mine before the power gets into the transfer switch. I went with the 50amp hard-wire unit but they also one that will plug into the power pole then you plug the coach into that (the long way of saying portable unit).

for downgrading to the camp amperage you just use a dog-bone at the pole (for whatever service you need) to your 50amp power cord. The surge protector still does it's job downstream.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 11, 2018
just be sure you spend $250 and up, not the $90 special.
bumpy
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
May 11, 2018
pianotuna wrote:
In the year 2000 surge protectors were not at all common. Unless some one has added one you do not have one.

If I were to buy a unit, it would be the top of the line Progressive Industries portable unit because of the lifetime warranty. I use more expensive technology that gives me much better protection while fixing the main issue which is low voltage at campgrounds.

A 50 amp surge device can be used on a 30 amp service.

X2
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 11, 2018
In the year 2000 surge protectors were not at all common. Unless some one has added one you do not have one.

If I were to buy a unit, it would be the top of the line Progressive Industries portable unit because of the lifetime warranty. I use more expensive technology that gives me much better protection while fixing the main issue which is low voltage at campgrounds.

A 50 amp surge device can be used on a 30 amp service.

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Surge Protector

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