Surge Protector question - need advise - long - sorry!
When we purchased our new Outback (last week), we also purchased surge protector. It's a TRC Surge Guard Model 34730. Here's a link to their web site: TRC web site. Click here.
One thing that people at the RV dealership convinced us with, was to purchase the protector, but also warned that these surge protectors are subject to theft also. And after paying the "price" I sure do understand why!
Well, at our first campout this week-end, I used the surge protector. I ran a 30 amp extension cord from the pedestal to under the camper, plugged in the protector, then plugged in the camper to the protector. The actual device was under the camper, between the wheels on the passenger (right) side of the trailer. I did this thinking, "theft, theft, theft" all week-end.
Well, considering this was our maiden voyage, of course I was all over the camper this week-end. And to my absolute surprise, I found the panel that covers the electric (umbilical) cord to the camper, removed it and found out the umbilical cord is attached to a simple household junction box, and then (looks like) normal household wiring going from the (end) of the camper to the main power supply (converter) in the middle of the camper ... so this got me to thinking!
Rather than plugging the surge protector outside the camper (subject to theft), would it work if it was plugged "inside" the camper, inside this compartment where the cord feed into, and if the umbilical cord had a plug and the wire in the junction box had a plug, why not plug the surge protector in right there! It would be inside the coach, and in the event it ever failed, could easily unplug it and plug the original umbilical cord into the plug that would be attached to the coach wiring.
I could even build a new panel with a window so I could actually see the read-out on the surge protector and simply close the cabinet door when done.
So, here's the questions? Has anyone done anything like this before? TRC make in-line models. The only difference would be this has plugs instead of being "hard wired"?
If you have either the "in-line" model if you've found a way to "plug it in" inside your coach, how did it work out? Are you happy with it.
The down-side (only because I am very impatient) is, it has a 128 second delay, from the time the power is plugged in, until the protector let's the power on through.
Wiring it is no problem for me, but I will need to purchase a male and female 30 amp plug so splice into both lines.
What's your thoughts? Need advise from others who have used these surge protectors? Pros-Cons please before I go any further? Like I said, this is in the "thought" process. I've not done it yet.
One thing that people at the RV dealership convinced us with, was to purchase the protector, but also warned that these surge protectors are subject to theft also. And after paying the "price" I sure do understand why!
Well, at our first campout this week-end, I used the surge protector. I ran a 30 amp extension cord from the pedestal to under the camper, plugged in the protector, then plugged in the camper to the protector. The actual device was under the camper, between the wheels on the passenger (right) side of the trailer. I did this thinking, "theft, theft, theft" all week-end.
Well, considering this was our maiden voyage, of course I was all over the camper this week-end. And to my absolute surprise, I found the panel that covers the electric (umbilical) cord to the camper, removed it and found out the umbilical cord is attached to a simple household junction box, and then (looks like) normal household wiring going from the (end) of the camper to the main power supply (converter) in the middle of the camper ... so this got me to thinking!
Rather than plugging the surge protector outside the camper (subject to theft), would it work if it was plugged "inside" the camper, inside this compartment where the cord feed into, and if the umbilical cord had a plug and the wire in the junction box had a plug, why not plug the surge protector in right there! It would be inside the coach, and in the event it ever failed, could easily unplug it and plug the original umbilical cord into the plug that would be attached to the coach wiring.
I could even build a new panel with a window so I could actually see the read-out on the surge protector and simply close the cabinet door when done.
So, here's the questions? Has anyone done anything like this before? TRC make in-line models. The only difference would be this has plugs instead of being "hard wired"?
If you have either the "in-line" model if you've found a way to "plug it in" inside your coach, how did it work out? Are you happy with it.
The down-side (only because I am very impatient) is, it has a 128 second delay, from the time the power is plugged in, until the protector let's the power on through.
Wiring it is no problem for me, but I will need to purchase a male and female 30 amp plug so splice into both lines.
What's your thoughts? Need advise from others who have used these surge protectors? Pros-Cons please before I go any further? Like I said, this is in the "thought" process. I've not done it yet.
