I've ordered a portable surge protector from Camping World and expect to have it by next Thurs. Amazingly, I've managed to be OK without using one during my entire full time RVing career. I now feel that for the cost of one of these units (about $100+) the peace of mind is worth it. If you're using one let us know if it has ever "saved your bacon" on occasion.

I use one but only because someone gave it to me. It has never been tripped. I did have an encounter with lightning several years ago that no surge protector would have mattered

I use whole house wired one.A while ago I plugged into the 30 amp outlet and the surge protector(Electrical Management System) told me the circuit was not grounded. I informed the campground host and showed him the indicator on the equipment. He said people had been using that spot for weeks and that means there is nothing wrong with the outlet. I said, no it doesn't. It simply means the users were lucky and no one was electrocuted. I moved to a different spot then quietly posted a note on the other box alerting the next user to be sure to test the ground before hooking up.On several occasions it's alerted me to a low voltage condition that can be harmful to electric motors like the A/C.For me, it's money well spent.ed

Always use one.....it seems like a less expensive alternative to all the damage that might occur without one.

Saved us three times, that we know of in 8 years. I glad it did. When you consider all the expensive things electrical that could have been damaged inside.

I have been using a Progressive 'surge' surpresser for a number of years now. It has the ability to monitor the power coming into my coach. It has, on several occasions, alerted me to the fact that the power coming in to my coach was low voltage-as low as 103 volts- which as ed6713 indicated, could be harmful to A/C's and other electric motors. This problem is not limited to certain, off brand campgrounds. I found this problem in very large, prominent campgrounds like Disney's Fort Wilderness, Hershey High Meadow, and most recently, Sugarloaf Key KOA in Key West. It got to the point where the surge protector would shut down the power to my coach and reset a short time later. I feel that with all the electronics in today's coaches, it is well worth the investment of a few hundred dollars to protect the coach.JMHO.

Surge Protectors. Do You Use One? | Good Sam Community

Dustytuu
Explorer
May 14, 2014
Always use one. Ours is wired into the 5th wheel. It has alerted us to different electrical problems with hook ups. Low voltage etc.
John_S_
Explorer II
May 14, 2014
Have used one since the beginning. Hard wired in so easy. Saved me one time while the guy next to me on both sides was fried. It was a loose neutral I was told and ihad to replace mine but he had to replace his charger inverter ac and fridge. All newer FT come with surge protection and now seem to have the progressive system.
khahuna
Explorer
May 14, 2014
Saved our "bacon" 2 weeks ago in Georgia. Stopped for the evening in Valdosta and hooked up. Started the A/C. Everything working great. Went to supper about an hour later. We were gone for about 90 minutes and upon returning noticed A/C not working. Checked circuit breakers in coach and then pedestal breaker which was tripped. Reset and then noticed the large black burn stripe on surge protector ... toast! Stopped in Byron, GA and purchased another protector next day and had it installed in Chattanooga, TN the following morning. I would never be without one after this episode.
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
May 12, 2014
Pulled into Merry Meadows, a nice, large family style RV park on the MD/PA border and found an open ground. Moved to another site and the power is fine. This is the second time in 12 days/2800+ miles that my Surge Guard EMS has found a problem. Yes the SG is worth every penny!
:C
mr__ed
Explorer
May 12, 2014
Well, I picked up my Surge Guard at Camping World today. Got the model with the bells & whistles. They were real nice in honoring the sale price, which ended yesterday. The cost was $222 (I believe the regular price was around $356). So, I'm a happy camper. I managed to dodge the bullet all these years without a surge protector, but no more dodging for me. :)

Surge Guard model 34730
rvten
Explorer
May 12, 2014
Purchased my new Progressive EMS today.
So back in a protected zone again.
Saved a few $$ rally price.
homefor2
Explorer
May 12, 2014
A friend has had to replace 2 refrigerator circuit boards due to dirty power. Very expensive lessons. I have a Progressive Industries EMS and feel its well worth it.

There are 2 kinds of buyers for these types of protection, A buyers and B buyers. A buyers are the ones that buy AFTER the incident, B buyers are those that buy BEFORE and incident can happen. It's a lot like home security systems. Ever notice how people instantly buy a security system right AFTER their home is broken into ?
nomad297
Explorer
May 12, 2014
nelson wrote:
I have one, Used it for a short while, Not using it anymore.

That's smart. :h
nelson
Explorer
May 11, 2014
I have one, Used it for a short while, Not using it anymore.
mr__ed
Explorer
May 11, 2014
Well, I'm giving careful consideration to your comments here and will check out the higher rated units at Camping World. They have an Internet sale on Surge Guards that expires today. I'm going to try to get them to honor the sale tomorrow. The savings are quite generous on the higher rated units. :)

I have to go to Camping World anyway to return something and would rather pick up the Surge Guard in person than have it shipped.