Thoughts on the 'need' factor of a main line surge protector

IMHO it is stupid to not have one.
bumpy

bpounds wrote:
Folks who have them, have already convinced themselves that you must get one.

Meanwhile, by my estimate the other 90% if us are getting along just fine without one.

Put me in that category.

This isn't something I've ever considered in nearly 30 years of RVing.

bpounds wrote:
Folks who have them, have already convinced themselves that you must get one.

Meanwhile, by my estimate the other 90% if us are getting along just fine without one.

90% of you are high risk gamblers Las Vegas loves gamblers like you:), because you trust that all RV parks owners/companies keep their parks 100% maintained all times i.e. electrical connections. If you believe that, I've got some property on this beautiful island, real cheap:). You have every thing to gain and nothing to loose buying a surge protector.

Folks who have them, have already convinced themselves that you must get one.

Meanwhile, by my estimate the other 90% if us are getting along just fine without one.

Take the thing they sold you back and get a Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Portable RV Surge Protector - 50 amp or 30 amp EMS. You don't have to get the hard wired unit if you don't want to - this one is portable.

Clicky

Half dozen years ago my buddy, Wayne, questioned the need when I bought a surge protector.
About 3 weeks later in an electrical storm, my buddy's camper got a over load when lightening struck something in the state park.
The camper didn't burn, but every circuit and appliance was fried.

Wayne bought another camper, and a quality surge protector.
A quality surge protector is a cheap investment in protection.

Just for clarity...If you do decide to purchase one, for better protection, you DON'T want a "Surge Protector"...You DO want an "EMS".

Or you can just buy insurance on your rig; which you should have anyway.

My opinion ... If you full time or go out for months at a time, it's a good idea to have one. If you camp several weekends a year for fun, read your insurance policy or call your agent and ask what is covered in the event of a surge or low voltage situation. If it is covered in those situations and missing a few camping trips won't severely disrupt your life, compare the cost of the protector to the cost of your deductible. Then decide what you want to do. Keep in mind you may have to pay the deductible more than once if you are unlucky enough to have problems multiple times.

One time in my RV park there was an underground fault between two pedestals causing very high voltage on 1 line which resulted in considerable damage to a persons RV. I bought the best that PI
Had. I can’t imagine how much it would cost if that happens to my motorhome. It would be one heck of a lot more then the $400 I paid for mine 15 years ago. I have the PT-50c from Progressive Industries.

You may call me if you wish. I am a retired Electrical Engineer.