portable surge protector theft

[tinlizzie23]

There are a lot of threads and posts out there concerning how to protect your plug-in portable surge protector from theft. Locks, wrapping with bicycle cable, locking cover boxes, etc. And even recommendations to go with hard wired units to eliminate the problem.

But I'm curious. Has anyone out there actually experienced theft of their unit ? And was it secured in some way, or not ? Personally, I have never encountered anyone who has had the problem. Campers are pretty much honest, and look out for each other, in my experience.

So, in order to get a perspective on how much of a problem this really is, I would like to hear from anyone who has had their unit stolen.

[s1njin]

Good question I'd like to hear what folks have to say. I don't want a hard wired unit if only b/c if something is wrong w/ it while I'm out and about I could be in trouble. If something goes wrong w/ a post mount unit, I just unplug it and deal with it later.

FWIW, I wouldn't worry too much about surge protection. I'd be much more worried about voltage drop if I were you. There are devices to help w/ this as well as surge.

[lx22f/c]

I don't think it is the other campers you have to worry about. Its the low life thugs that cruise though and scope things out. I have never had anything stolen but have heard of all kinds of things taken. Last summer at one of the parks there was a bunch of yeti coolers stolen right out peoples campsites in broad daylight. You never know so take precautions to protect your property. At my seasonal site i lock my batteries and my surge protector. I know it wont stop a professional but they may just move on to something else that is easy.

[RedHorse1]

lx22 makes good points. I had a post mount surge suppressor for a couple of years and never locked it and it never went for a "walk-about". Yeti's I can understand, those are crazy expensive (and I hear pretty good). I expect most thefts are like lx22 opines, low life's looking for something they use or sell easily like coolers, batteries, bikes, LP tanks and the like. I'd think a post mount surge suppressor would be less attractive. But given the right (wrong) person, anything can go missing.
I suspect I've just been lucky.

[slabat]

I have not locked mine, but have only had it for two years. I agree most of the time it is low lifes looking for things to take. We are always in a large group and someone is usually at the campsite so the opportunist thieves don't bother our group.

[ChuckD37]

I have one of the post kind. I also have a cable type bike lock rapped around it in a way that it is not likely to "take a walk". I just do it to keep honest people honest. If some one wanted to steal or "borrow It" they probably could, but it would take a little while and for a thief they want to steal quick, and go.

[norty1]

When mine is plugged in, I close the breaker panel and put a padlock on it if possible.

[namusmc65]

We used one for over 2 years without any problems. Never worried about it. Have just bought a new 50 amp 5th wheeler and don't have surge protection yet. But, after we get off this trip, it is in to the dealer for the 50 amp hard wired version with monitor. Maybe the theft line is to get us to spend more money. Worked on me. lol

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by namusmc65

Maybe the theft line is to get us to spend more money. Worked on me. lol

Yeah, I'd rather spend my money on honest people than dishonest.

[Grumpy]

In the 42 years we've been RV'ing the only thing that "walked" was some soft-drinks from a cooler we left outside.

[Parcany]

For me we have 30 amp power. I bought that plastic lock that goes around the connection from the trailer wire and the surge wire. Was thinking about changing the way the trailer wire comes out from the trailer to the connections that like the 50 amp 5th wheels have.But if they steal the surge protector then they can walk away with not only the surge protector but also the main trailer wire. I have been in parks where people have had them stolen cause of the copper wire in them.

[fayliaa]

I've had one for 8 years now and padlock the electrical box cover. Never a problem!