Surge Proector on Holiday Rambler

[Traveler2019]

We just traded a Class C motorhome for Class A Holiday Rambler Vacationer. With the Class C we always used a Surge Protector when hooking up in campgrounds. The sales person told us we did not need a surge protector with the Holiday Rambler as it is built in, but we would feel better if someone could confirm that. We have much to learn about the Class A. We are considering buying a surge protector just to be safe. THANKS for any help.

[CA_Traveler]

downtheroad,

I'd guess that you've had low voltage and didn't know it like most RVers. Unless of course one is staring at a voltmeter when it happens. :S

I know when low voltage has occurred by the HW50C prior error display. When I return to the MH that display alerts me to be more vigilant. If I'm in the rig and the power drops I check the remote display to see what has occurred.

[CA_Traveler]

downtheroad wrote:
5 trailers and 35 years of RVing (2 coast to coast 4 month loops) and such and have never had a surge protector. 90%+ of our camping are in electrical sites.
The only thing I have ever done is check the pedestal for reverse polarity and have yet to even encounter this.
Now, let the surge protector debate begin again.

OK I'll bite. :R

And you might have another 35 years w/o any issues. 🙂 In my 35 years I've had 2 reverse polarity issues (30A sites of course) and numerous low voltage cases. Low voltage is extremely common especially in the summer with the AC's going. I've encountered several 50A sites with low voltage and numerous 30A sites with low voltage.

In 2004 with a new HR and lots of expensive electronics I knew the risk of inadequate protection and installed a HW50C and never looked back. Then in 2005 a site coughed up 160V and I was protected. :B

The same HW50C is in the present MH so 14 years of faithful service. :B

My experience, your mileage varies.

[CA_Traveler]

Surge protection (high short voltage transients) vs power protection (low voltage, reverse polarity, surge, etc) are quite different.

Low voltage is the most common CG problem. The HW50C is the best available and recommended. Open neutral protection is VERY important for 50A rigs.

There are thousands of posts on this board on the above. Start searching and learn. Also post your MH year and model. Plus find out what equipment you have and post that information.

I'm very doubtful that your HR has adequate "surge protection" if any. The typical salesman tells you what you want to hear, in this case you don't need to spend any money on that.

[downtheroad]

Welcome to the Forum....your first post.

I one of those who are waiting for a catastrophic surge to fry my components....and when it happens I guess I'll have to eat a plate full of crow.

5 trailers and 35 years of RVing (2 coast to coast 4 month loops) and such and have never had a surge protector. 90%+ of our camping are in electrical sites.
The only thing I have ever done is check the pedestal for reverse polarity and have yet to even encounter this.
Now, let the surge protector debate begin again.

(My fork is ready for that plate of crow)

[Lwiddis]

“The sales person told us...” Which he/she will deny if you have a claim. What does Holiday say in writing or on their website? Have you looked? If you find it on the website, print it.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Ask what make and model of surge protection is in the unit. Ask to be shown exactly how to use it.

[westom]

Traveler2019 wrote:
We are considering buying a surge protector just to be safe.

Which surge is a concern. Long before any problem is solved, first the problem must be defined. Reverse polarity, high voltage, bad power factor, floating neutral, sag, longitudinal mode transient, blackout, harmonics, and open earth ground are all called surges. No protector protects from all. Which one concerns you?

What protects from this surge protector? https://imgur.com/hwCWHMW

[wa8yxm]

There are surge protetors and there are surge protectors.
First see if you have the manual for one in your manuals packet.
But
The GOOD surge protectors like the Progressive Industries HW-50C
when you first plug in there is a DELAY before power is sent on to the RV depending on the protector it can be 15 seconds (HW default) or just shy of 3 minutes (PT or HW modified) if power is sent through INSTANTLY You have a spike spressor NOT a surge guard (by my definition. I'm a bit more particular) I'd go ahead and use the unit you had. (or add an HW-30/50C)

Note 2 no problem with both a built in and a portable. Just a bit longer delay.