Do I need an external surge protector? Other essentials?

You've already read that some RVers do without some or all of these for their entire RV lives but that can be said for just about anything in any activity. I'm on the opposite side and have almost every gadget that can possibly make our camping experience more enjoyable.
If you have time you could search this Forum for each of the items in question for more information.

No use getting a surge protector if you get a cheap one - Amazon had the Progressive 50 amp one on sale this week for $340 - The Progressive one has a life time warranty -

Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X 50A Digital Surge Protector with Weather Shield

One essential for me is a Water softener - they use actual table salt to regenerate and for the 2 of us it lasts about 2 weeks. Not only does it make the water taste better It makes for easier cleaning of the sinks,showers and exterior of the motor home

http://flowpur.com/html/rv-pro10000.html

Manufacture direct $173 no tax no freight

We have been camping/living in a mh sense 1988. Of the 3 things you ask about we only use an inexpensive pressure regulator. I find that it reduces the amount of water used, which is important if you have to hold your gray water.

Dusty

lfrese wrote:
Just purchased a 2008 motorhome. Ive heard conflicting things on things that I might need.

1) Surge protector that goes between plug ins and the MH when im at a campground - The MH has a circuit breaker though. Do I need this surge protector for something else?

2) Water pressure regulator - When im on "city" water Im using their water pressure - is it possible for their water pressure to get so high it can damage my things?

3) filter between the hose and the RV when putting water in - I saw a screen over the inlet to the RV, do I need an additional filter to prevent particles from getting in and damaging my things (water pump?)



Any other advice on essentials?

You don't "need" any of those... but they are good to have!

I don't have surge protector / EMS, but we have had brown outs and popped breakers at campgrounds. But, with our simple trailer, compared to a motor home, I am not terribly worried about blowing a breaker, as my way home (our truck) is not plugged in.

We have a simple inline water pressure reducer from Walmart - I think it was $9?. I think I water pressure regulator is much better, and if I ever remember I will pick one up. When you look at how lightweight the plastic plumbing is in a camper, you will want some sort of water pressure control.

YES to a water filter! Many times, after unhooking from a weekend camping trip, I've seen the simple hose washer screens covered in sand / mud / debris from the "potable" water faucet at the campground. The basic camper water filter available at most Walmarts (just connects to the water hose) will work fine - but a fancier setup is really nice to have. If nothing else, DEFINITELY have the simple hose washers with the screens in your hoses.

This is your first time with an RV? Definitely plan a trip to "Camp Driveway" - just camp in your driveway! Cook dinner and breakfast in the camper while you are 20 feet from your house. You will learn quickly what you need.

Second trip, if possible, would be at a nearby campground - under 30 minutes away from home, and preferably near a Walmart / shopping center. Bring a second vehicle with you, so you can run out and pick up things.

After a few trips, you will quickly fill your camper to overflowing with stuff. Then you will spend the next 10 years pulling it all out. You'll see, lol!

See you on the road!

Surge protector is OK. But you really could use, IMO is a EMS (Electrical Management System)...mine is from Progressive Industries. I camped for over 20 years without one...then one day a nearby lightening strike hit and fried my fridge ($1300 to replace) and damaged my INverter (fixed)....the $300 or so for a EMS is alot cheaper than $1300,plus $180 for an on-site tech to get the INverter straightened out. That's when I bought the EMS system.

Water pressure regulator....my experience has been that the campground itself will tell you water pressure is unusually high so they reccommend one. Buy it there. Couple bucks...then you have it forever.

Water filter. Never had one. traveled from NJ to California and back four times....sometimes water tastes different, but never got sick or had any problems. That doesn't mean i never carry my own water (couple gallons in milk containers) just 'cause y'never know.

g'luck in your travels!

As has been noted, surge protection is just the beginning. Other protection is more important. I think that low voltage protection is high on the list, especially if you sometimes plug into a household 15 amp plug either at home or in a friend or family member's driveway. The other protections (open ground etc) folks mentioned will also become more important to you if you look closely at how some campground plug ins are constructed.

I only have a water pressure regulator but I've only been RVing for several decades thus far.

Doubt you need a surge protector the first trip out. Actually "surge" is the least of your worries. More likely low voltage, high voltage, bad ground and rarely reverse polarity. You need more than a $99 surge protector to get all this covered. Initially a simple volt meter and a three light outlet tester is fine.

Water pressure should be regulated to about 50 psi but a simple regulator is low cost an easy. Still may want to turn the water off if you will be away from the RV for an extended period. Water systems are built as flimsy as everything else.

Filter is mostly for taste. Potable water is safe to drink direct and a basic filter will not render non-potable water to be safe.

I have the first two but never a filter. OK to just get out once and get a feel for it.

lfrese wrote:
Just purchased a 2008 motorhome. Ive heard conflicting things on things that I might need.

1) Surge protector that goes between plug ins and the MH when im at a campground - The MH has a circuit breaker though. Do I need this surge protector for something else?
A top line surge protector does more then protect from surges....tests for proper voltages, open neutral, open ground, trips on HI/LO Voltage etc.
Good insurance to protect damage to motors, electronics etc.
Progressive Industries....TOPS in quality and Lifetime Warranty. Other ...not so much

2) Water pressure regulator - When im on "city" water Im using their water pressure - is it possible for their water pressure to get so high it can damage my things?
An Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator is great tool.
CGs water pressures can vary....even during one day. Have seen some as high as 120 psi.
Better yet..just fill fresh water tank and don't use city water hookup

3) filter between the hose and the RV when putting water in - I saw a screen over the inlet to the RV, do I need an additional filter to prevent particles from getting in and damaging my things (water pump?)

An in-line charcoal filter is good idea.
Screen just stops debris.

Again use in-line filter to fill fresh water tank and use on-board pump.
Constant pressure.....easy to turn OFF when leaving RV to go outside, out visiting, out adventuring during day/night, while sleeping etc. Just flip the switch.
No SURPRISE of flooded RV from leak while on city water



Any other advice on essentials?

LESS is MORE..don;t over pack. If not used/not needed.
Weigh your setup. Know actual weights then you can have better understanding of ratings

Measure ACTUAL Height of RV and make note of it.

Pay attention..........but most importantly

Go Camping and Enjoy. (don't complicate it) :B

lfrese wrote:
Just purchased a 2008 motorhome. Ive heard conflicting things on things that I might need.

1) Surge protector that goes between plug ins and the MH when im at a campground - The MH has a circuit breaker though. Do I need this surge protector for something else?

2) Water pressure regulator - When im on "city" water Im using their water pressure - is it possible for their water pressure to get so high it can damage my things?

3) filter between the hose and the RV when putting water in - I saw a screen over the inlet to the RV, do I need an additional filter to prevent particles from getting in and damaging my things (water pump?)



Any other advice on essentials?

1. Surge protector: Yes. You have them in your home, right? A breaker isn't a Surge protector. You've got a lot of expensive electrical and electronics inside your RV. They're worth a lot more than $138. Get one:

Surge Protector

2. Water pressure regulator: Yes. Why risk blowing your plumbing - inside your RV - for a $7.item:

Water Pressure Regulator

3. Water filter/purifier: Yes. Why drink crappy tasting water?

Water Filter