Hi there,We are picking up our new 2021 c class motorhome in a few days. I heard I should get a 30 amp surge protector and a water filter. Well, I just went on amazon and the price difference between the surge protectors are pretty big. Anyone have a brand they like. I rather not spend a ton if I don't have to but if it will keep me from needing to buy a new one after a few uses then willing to spend the money on more expensive one if needed. For the water filters, do we just need one that removes sediment? We have only done tent camping in the past and just carried in our water so not too sure about the water at the RV parks - never been to one. Do I need to filter sediment and then get a charcoal filter or brita filter for the sink too?thanks!

For the water filter, the basic blue Camco that Helmart sells is all we carry, but we do use a filter pitcher in the fridge for drinking water. For the power, the Progressive Dynamics seem to be the standard most folks go by, myself I bought a Hughesbecause we travel with a dog, and my hope was that because the unit would "reset" itself if voltage returned to normal levels, it would be safer for our Aussum Shepherd.

GusCalifornia,Welcome to the forums.Many rv'ers use bottled water for potable purposes.Any old water filter will work--but most RV'ers don't use one.As to surge, if the RV has a 50 amp service they are important. They are less critical for a 30 amp service--but you MUST check voltage under load before plugging in. If you are NOT prepared to do so, then get protection.However, most electric damage is caused by low voltage and not surges. So, an autoformer, with surge built in may be a better choice. (And yes, they do cost more). Look under voltage boosters.https://hughesautoformers.com/If you don't want to get the autoformer then look at Progressive Industries and buy the top of the line or the top of the line Southwire Surge Guard unit.Do NOT buy just a surge device. They do not offer any protection from low voltage--and that is the elephant in the room, in my opinion. The low cost units offer all the protection of something from a dollar store.

don't cheap out on a surge protector. make it a "multifunction" surge protector, $250 not $90bumpy

Replacing a surge protector, or buying a good one, is inexpensive compared repairing a damaged RV electrical system.

wanderingaimlessly wrote:my hope was that because the unit would "reset" itself if voltage returned to normal levels, it would be safer for our Aussum Shepherd.The Progressive Industires and the Southwire/TRC both do that. if power returns to the specified range countdown later they restore power.One thing I've notices several times is the power blink, where the lights go out for like one second than back on park wide. This is .. HARD. on Air Conditioner compressors. The restore delay 2.5 to 3 minutes depending on teh make) really makes them last longer.. and that's just one feature of the device.Filters... Take about a 2 or I used 3 but that's too big, inch PVC about oh 12-18 inches long One end gets glued reducers down to garden hose (your choice but i put hte male end there) the other end a screw on fitting and reducers to the female garden hose. NOTE before you fit the biggest reducer put in a stainless steel drain cover cut to fit inside.now fill with filter floss (Fish isle at pet store) then about a pint of Activated charcoal, the basic stuff from teh same isle Top with a bit more floss (just a bit) and another drain cover and screw the top on tight. Decent particle and taste filter Not EPA quality.I also had a Britta or PUR filter (Originally Britta but after it bounced one too many times I got a PUR at a discount place (thrift). Drinking water went through that filter as well.

surge protector and water filters | Good Sam Community

Bobbo
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2021
philh wrote:
pianotuna wrote:

As to surge, if the RV has a 50 amp service they are important. They are less critical for a 30 amp service--but you MUST check voltage under load before plugging in. If you are NOT prepared to do so, then get protection.

why would electronics be safer on 30a than 50a

If a 30 amp circuit loses the NEUTRAL wire between your pedestal and the main breaker box, you have no power. If a 50 amp circuit loses the NEUTRAL wire between your pedestal and the main breaker box, you have 240v flowing through every circuit on your RV. Theoretically possible.

Note that this is not of concern to me, but it is the answer to your question.
philh
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2021
pianotuna wrote:
philh wrote:
Blue water filters are as useless as a colander.

I went with a clear household 5u filter and only run off internal tank, even with full hookup. I'm amazed at how much junk the filter traps.

Do you put it before the pump or on the output side?

water is filtered as it goes into the holding tank
philh
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2021
pianotuna wrote:

As to surge, if the RV has a 50 amp service they are important. They are less critical for a 30 amp service--but you MUST check voltage under load before plugging in. If you are NOT prepared to do so, then get protection.

why would electronics be safer on 30a than 50a
4x4van
Explorer III
Mar 09, 2021
I've been RVing for 30+ years; 1/2 boondocking and 1/2 in FHU campgrounds. Never use a water filter, but I normally fill from home from a good known municipal source. Occasionally, I will use campground water if I run out, but not often. And yes, we use our onboard tank for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

As for surge protection; I have the Progressive EMS unit bookmarked on Amazon, but again, I've never had/used one. I check voltage before plugging in, and I have a digital monitor inside that I can keep an eye on as well. Yes, I know that one "problem" and the Progressive unit would pay for itself, but I have yet to have any issues; knock on wood;)
philh
Explorer II
Feb 24, 2021
pianotuna wrote:

Do you put it before the pump or on the output side?

it filters the water before going into the onboard tank.
afidel
Explorer II
Feb 22, 2021
The Camco water filters have worked great for us across parks in 43 states so far. Very occasionally there will be a sulferous taste that survives the filtration so we break out the Britta pitcher which has worked 100%. Total investment across 5 years and hundreds of nights, $75 or so.
campigloo
Explorer
Feb 21, 2021
I had what was supposed to be the top of the line Progressive ems. It shut down several times when it detected low voltage, like it was supposed to do. On the one power surge that I’m aware of, I didn’t know there was a problem until I smelled melting wire insulation. My next one will be a Hughes.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 21, 2021
philh wrote:
Blue water filters are as useless as a colander.

I went with a clear household 5u filter and only run off internal tank, even with full hookup. I'm amazed at how much junk the filter traps.

Do you put it before the pump or on the output side?
philh
Explorer II
Feb 21, 2021
Blue water filters are as useless as a colander.

I went with a clear household 5u filter and only run off internal tank, even with full hookup. I'm amazed at how much junk the filter traps.
CampingCompanio
Explorer
Feb 17, 2021
We have a 30 Amp surge protector by Progressive Industries. It was a pricier model because it was recommended to us by our dealer. WE figure with the amount of money we spent on the camper, we may as well protect our investment with a better quality surge protector. Hughes Watchdog seems to be a very popular choice as well. Good luck.

As for the water filter, we get the Camco TastePure water filter with flexible hose on Amazon. Last time I bought them, I got a 2 pack for $25.00.