HelloI'm just getting back into rving so have a bit of a fog brain, I used to have a class c, sold it and now I have a 24 foot travel trailer. It seems to me I used to use a 10 gauge 30 amp rated extension cord, plug that into the rv park power stand and plug in the surge protector between the extension cord that I've plugged into the park stand and the rig's own power cord so that I could "hide" the surge protector in the outside storage bay. Is that ok, or should I just plug the surge protector directly into the park's power stand and hope everyone plays nice and doesn't take the surge protector?

I've now done it both ways. I use to plug in at the power source and then plug in the trailer cord. However, the cord was 35 feet long, so in a way, I had no choice. Then I decided I wanted to hide the surge protector, so I plugged a 25 foot extension cord into the power source, then the surge protector (which I could hide under the camper then), then the 35 foot cord to the trailer.The first surge protector died. The second surge protector came up missing (no clue?.... really). So the third one was put inside the camper. I cut the 35 foot cord (inside the camper) and attached a plug. Then plugged in the surge protector, and shoved the other plug end from the protector outside the camper electric cord hole. I also attached another cord on the 35 foot cord and now have another extension cord.The the cord from the power source to the camper varies. I have a total of 135 feet of cord and I use various lengths, depending upon the current location of the power source. It plugs into the protector, that is now actually inside the camper.Like I said, I've done it both ways, and both ways work. Do what is most convenient for you. But I am now a firm believer in putting the inside the camper where it will never get lost (or stolen).

I too installed my portable TRC Surge Guard inside the camper by cutting the main service cable just after it enters the coach and adding a set of 30 amp connectors to the ends. The SG sits under the sofa. out of sight, out of mind, but obviously protected from theft yet can be removed entirely in seconds should it ever fail.That said, I just ordered a Progressive hard wire EMS to which I'll add 30 amp male & female connectors so I can plug it in just as I've been plugging in the TRC. As an aside, the reason I'm making the change to the Progressive hard wire version is that the circuit board inside is field replaceable, meaning should it ever fail I can fix it myself. With any of the portable units, be it Progressive or TRC, the entire unit has to be returned to the manufacturer for repair.

For 7 yrs. my 50A Progressive hung at the power pedestal in 1000s of CG across the US.Now it hangs from my power pedestal at the house.Would have done a hardwired one but have dual hookups.

I just plug the surge guard into the pedestal. I've never had any thing stolen from a campsite. (Knocking on the table)

Thank you all so much for your replies, and taking the time to send pictures !! :C

Surge Protector and Extension Cord | Good Sam Community

SoundGuy
Explorer
Sep 27, 2015
I too installed my portable TRC Surge Guard inside the camper by cutting the main service cable just after it enters the coach and adding a set of 30 amp connectors to the ends. The SG sits under the sofa. out of sight, out of mind, but obviously protected from theft yet can be removed entirely in seconds should it ever fail.

That said, I just ordered a Progressive hard wire EMS to which I'll add 30 amp male & female connectors so I can plug it in just as I've been plugging in the TRC. As an aside, the reason I'm making the change to the Progressive hard wire version is that the circuit board inside is field replaceable, meaning should it ever fail I can fix it myself. With any of the portable units, be it Progressive or TRC, the entire unit has to be returned to the manufacturer for repair.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Sep 27, 2015
I've now done it both ways. I use to plug in at the power source and then plug in the trailer cord. However, the cord was 35 feet long, so in a way, I had no choice. Then I decided I wanted to hide the surge protector, so I plugged a 25 foot extension cord into the power source, then the surge protector (which I could hide under the camper then), then the 35 foot cord to the trailer.

The first surge protector died. The second surge protector came up missing (no clue?.... really). So the third one was put inside the camper. I cut the 35 foot cord (inside the camper) and attached a plug. Then plugged in the surge protector, and shoved the other plug end from the protector outside the camper electric cord hole. I also attached another cord on the 35 foot cord and now have another extension cord.

The the cord from the power source to the camper varies. I have a total of 135 feet of cord and I use various lengths, depending upon the current location of the power source. It plugs into the protector, that is now actually inside the camper.

Like I said, I've done it both ways, and both ways work. Do what is most convenient for you. But I am now a firm believer in putting the inside the camper where it will never get lost (or stolen).

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