Surge protector?

[plasticmaster]

I've been camping in a 30amp TT for 8 years and never heard of a surge protector for my camper. I'm getting ready to get a new TT that's 50 amps and dealer advised me to get a surge protector. What's he talking about and is it really necessary? I mainly camp at state parks that only have 30 amp available except for a couple of trips each year where 50 amp is available.

[93Cobra2771]

You have a dealer looking out for you, and I highly recommend a surge protector. In the last four years, I've had 8-10 brownouts (low voltage), one over voltage, and a miswired pedestal.

Just a matter of luck whether it will happen to you or not. Oh, and half of these were on a campground we regularly visit, other half were just campgrounds that we've been to once.

Go to Progressive Industries website and get an internal 50a with the LED display. You will be so glad you did. You'll be surprised how much one leg varies from another, where voltage goes during peak demand, etc.

[scbwr]

With the amount of electronic gear in today's travel trailers, it only take one incident and you could pay far more than the cost of a little prevention. I had never used one until we bought the Minnie, but since then, I've encountered a couple of occasions where there was a problem with the power source and the PI unit prevented any damage to my trailer.

Either a portable or hard wired unit from Progressive Industries are highly recommended on the forums:

Progressive Industries 50 amp Portable

[DutchmenSport]

Surge protectors are like automobile insurance. Unless you have an incident, you'll never need to make a claim on your insurance. It is possible to go an entire lifetime and never have a single claim. Does that mean the insurance was not necessary? (except the law says we have to have it).

Same is true for a surge protector. You many never need it. BUT, that one time there is a power spike or surge and it blows the electronics in your camper, you'll sure wish you would have had it.

And it's possible, the protector may take "hits" and you'll never know it either. Protectors also protect against low voltage as well as surges and spikes. Low voltage can cause damage to air conditioners and other electronics.

Here again, you do not "NEED" a surge protector, any more than you need flood insurance for your home in the middle of the desert. But, let that one time in a thousand years flash flood come, and you'll be glad you had the insurance.

[Bumpyroad]

if you get one, and I think you should, be sure it is a multi function one, not the cheap $90 special. get one that will protect against many/most problems.
bumpy

[gmw_photos]

Lots of threads on them you might find fun to read.

Think of it as "insurance". Might never need it. On the other hand, one day it might save you more dollars than it costs to buy.