Hoping to get some advice:1. Which of these is better to have, or does it matter? This one Or This one ??2. Dh found the green one linked above that comes with a lock attached for about $30 more. Does anyone know if the lock actually works well? Is getting a lock on a surge protector a good idea? I've read a few threads where people say theft is not a big issue when camping but I'm not sure I'm 100% comfortable leaving a $300 piece of equipmet sitting out. I'd like to protect my purchases but not be overly paranoid either. 3. We don't currently have a surge protector and now I'm a bit concerned heading out camping without one. We need to pick one and have it shipped from US so that may take a couple weekends of good camping time. Should we put off our first trip to a full hookup site until we have the S.p. in our possession?

While I believe in using one I went 10 years without one before I ever had an issue. I would certainly still go on my trip. Like you, even though theft of anything is low I lock my sp up also. I use a pad lock on the power pedestal cover. Enjoy your trip

Being prepared is what makes a camping trip enjoyable.....having the lock kit for the SP is being prepared, as is having the SP in the first place.I'd lock up anything that I would worry about losing. As Hodavalk said, thefts are somewhat rare, but these are trying times, and I'd imagine that they are up from what they were a few years back. Not sure which is better either....though perhaps others will chime in, with personal experience. I would imagine that either will be fine. The lock box is "Universal" So may work with either one? The advantage of the green one, is that it's got the pigtail, so it may hide up inside the shore box better than the other one?Being worried about thefts shouldn't stop you from going and having a great time...Just take whatever precautions you can.Have a great trip:)

the standard "lock" that locks the SP together to the cord is a JOKE, IMHO.all it will do is assure that either both cord and SP will get stolen or that a wire will get cut. I used epoxy and fastened a padlock hasp to the side of mine. they can take a cold chisel and break everything to smithereens or just go and steal the one next door.get a multi-function one that in addition to a surge guard, has over/under protection, miswiring protection, timed delay for restart to protect AC compressor etc. check out another thread. I always say not to get the $99 special and spend $250 or so, but there was a link to one at CW that was normally $250 and now $99 and it had over/under protection, etc.as far as the two you linked, I would "guess" that the expensive one would be better but I didn't check out the specs. if money is an issue, by all means at least get the cheaper one.bumpy

I picked up the one from Progressive Industries this year for a piece of mind and i like it so far, a friend of mine has the Surgeguard product, mine is a bit smaller and not as bulky and it has the stainless piece with the wire through it to attach the lock to. In the end if they want it bad enough they will get it but if they want to cut the wires and destroy it that is what will happen. I have a length of chain that I wrap around the pedestal or the conduit depending on the setup. I even have run the chain through the bracket and locked it to the box anything to make them move on and look elsewhere.

Well, the second one holds a narrower band, kicks out at 104 rather than 102, which by itself is not much of a difference, The other specs for the first one are not listed, so its hard to compare them there. Also the second one is listed as Made in USA. For the cost differnece (Regular price, not sale price), I'd go with the one that lists its specfications, and keeps jobs here too. Its rare on electronics you get to make that choice.

A few questions about surge protectors | Good Sam Community

Hondavalk
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2013
While I believe in using one I went 10 years without one before I ever had an issue. I would certainly still go on my trip. Like you, even though theft of anything is low I lock my sp up also. I use a pad lock on the power pedestal cover. Enjoy your trip
PapPappy
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
Being prepared is what makes a camping trip enjoyable.....having the lock kit for the SP is being prepared, as is having the SP in the first place.
I'd lock up anything that I would worry about losing. As Hodavalk said, thefts are somewhat rare, but these are trying times, and I'd imagine that they are up from what they were a few years back. Not sure which is better either....though perhaps others will chime in, with personal experience. I would imagine that either will be fine. The lock box is "Universal" So may work with either one? The advantage of the green one, is that it's got the pigtail, so it may hide up inside the shore box better than the other one?
Being worried about thefts shouldn't stop you from going and having a great time...
Just take whatever precautions you can.

Have a great trip:)
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
the standard "lock" that locks the SP together to the cord is a JOKE, IMHO.
all it will do is assure that either both cord and SP will get stolen or that a wire will get cut. I used epoxy and fastened a padlock hasp to the side of mine. they can take a cold chisel and break everything to smithereens or just go and steal the one next door.
get a multi-function one that in addition to a surge guard, has over/under protection, miswiring protection, timed delay for restart to protect AC compressor etc.
check out another thread. I always say not to get the $99 special and spend $250 or so, but there was a link to one at CW that was normally $250 and now $99 and it had over/under protection, etc.
as far as the two you linked, I would "guess" that the expensive one would be better but I didn't check out the specs. if money is an issue, by all means at least get the cheaper one.
bumpy
fil564
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
I picked up the one from Progressive Industries this year for a piece of mind and i like it so far, a friend of mine has the Surgeguard product, mine is a bit smaller and not as bulky and it has the stainless piece with the wire through it to attach the lock to. In the end if they want it bad enough they will get it but if they want to cut the wires and destroy it that is what will happen. I have a length of chain that I wrap around the pedestal or the conduit depending on the setup. I even have run the chain through the bracket and locked it to the box anything to make them move on and look elsewhere.
harmanrk
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
Well, the second one holds a narrower band, kicks out at 104 rather than 102, which by itself is not much of a difference, The other specs for the first one are not listed, so its hard to compare them there. Also the second one is listed as Made in USA. For the cost differnece (Regular price, not sale price), I'd go with the one that lists its specfications, and keeps jobs here too. Its rare on electronics you get to make that choice.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
harmanrk wrote:
Well, the second one holds a narrower band, kicks out at 104 rather than 102, which by itself is not much of a difference, The other specs for the first one are not listed, so its hard to compare them there. Also the second one is listed as Made in USA. For the cost differnece (Regular price, not sale price), I'd go with the one that lists its specfications, and keeps jobs here too. Its rare on electronics you get to make that choice.

well he is buying at the sale price. and surely the complete specs. are available someplace. to save $150 it can be built in a non-union slave shop AFAIAC/
bumpy
sljkansas
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
The Portable Surge Guard has a 1 year warranty, the Progressive unit had a life time warranty, and very good Customer service, which I can't compare to SG, because I have never talked to them.

My PI got wet somehow and PI had me send it in and repaired it under warranty. with shipping time both ways I was down for about 1 week.
Lantley
Nomad
Jun 25, 2013
Get a hardwired unit and eliminate the security issue. I suggest a surge guard but I would not let not having one keep me from taking a trip.
ZeeLet50
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
^^^^^ I concur the hard wired is the best way to go. No security issues, no getting wet issues and you can have a real time monitor that you can glance at to see what is wrong. Very easy to hook up. They cost a few $ more but worth it. I went with Progressive EMSHW30C for $239.
thomasmnile
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013
ZeeLet50 wrote:
^^^^^ I concur the hard wired is the best way to go. No security issues, no getting wet issues and you can have a real time monitor that you can glance at to see what is wrong. Very easy to hook up. They cost a few $ more but worth it. I went with Progressive EMSHW30C for $239.

Absolutely and the Progressive Industries unit is an electrical management system that protects the trailer against multiple electrical faults that could wreak havoc with appliances and electronics, not just power surges. I would suggest the hardwired unit with the remote display pendant. Great product and company and so easy to install........I was able to do it! :B