surge protector suggestions?

[RVmom jaycox213]

we are looking to get a surge protector as our new trailer has a tv. any recommendations on a specific brand or where to buy online. We live in Canada and our Trailer stores are very expensive here.

[David472]

When ordering items from USA, there are 2 cost items beyond the shipping fees to be aware of before hand. They are; brokerage fees and GST-PST. If the item is shipped via a courier, expect a brokerage fee of around $50 or $60. If the item is shipped via the post office, the brokerage fee is $5. An obvious shipping method choice there if the supplier will use the post office. Expect the GST-PST to be collected also.

[drfife]

I will install a Progressive Industries surge protector in my next trailer. Lifetime warranty. Quality construction.

I have a 30 amp hardwired Surge Guard in my current trailer. I have not had any problems with it.

If I had known about Progressive Industries, I would have installed it instead.

[David472]

I think perhaps you mean Progressive Industries, in particular, their EMS product line
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/

[drfife]

Originally Posted by David472

I think perhaps you mean Progressive Industries, in particular, their EMS product line
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/

You are correct. My bad. I will correct my previous post.

Sorry.....

[RVmom jaycox213]

Thank you for the info, are the portable ones just as good protection wise as the hardwired ones?

[drfife]

Originally Posted by RVmom jaycox213

Thank you for the info, are the portable ones just as good protection wise as the hardwired ones?

I'd recommend hard wired.

You can't get lazy and skip using it.

Plus, it's highly unlikely to get stolen.

[Bozemanite]

I have a SurgeGuard 50 amp and have no problems with it. I use a cable to secure it to the utility post to keep it from walking off. It is simple to use and is cheap insurance for you onboard electronics.

[bertscampers]

I went one season without a surge protector and I feel that I really need to get one. I believe they are really important even though the guy at the local RV place said to get the cheap one for $100 from surgeguard. I think that it was explained before why they are not good.

I thought about hard wiring it in but someone said I may affect the warranty and should wait until the two years is up or buy the one that plugs into the post. Any thought.

Thanks for the help.

[David472]

Originally Posted by bertscampers

I went one season without a surge protector and I feel that I really need to get one. I believe they are really important even though the guy at the local RV place said to get the cheap one for $100 from surgeguard. I think that it was explained before why they are not good.

I thought about hard wiring it in but someone said I may affect the warranty and should wait until the two years is up or buy the one that plugs into the post. Any thought.

Thanks for the help.

From the stand point of electrical safety during a surge event, the best location is a portable one at the pedistal.
From the standpoint of low voltage protection, the best location is hardwired inside the camper.
Of course there are the security and forgetfulness issues.
You see, there is no clear right or wrong answer.

The $100 unit you refer to would protect against a surge event only.
The more pricey Surge Guard unit adds protection against a mis-wired pedistal and any low voltage condition.
The Progressive Industries EMS units have the same as the Surge Guard (above) and also protection against deviation from the 60 cycle normal AC supply. This would only likely be needed if you're using a generator, but in a very rare event may be encountered from the local utility. The Progressive Industries is also more repairable if a damaging event were to occur.
In the end, it's a personal choice among the options above.

As for a source on the internet, Tweetys and Camping World carry them.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by drfife

I'd recommend hard wired.



Plus, it's highly unlikely to get stolen.

I prefer the portable, have you seen the damage they can do inside the trailer/coach if they take a lightning strike or major high voltage spike?

A small piece of chain and padlock will solve the second issue.

[norty1]

I have a 50A portable and I simply close the breaker box and install a padlock in the hasp on the pedestal.

I have only found one place that I was not able to lock it and all the people looked honest, so we stayed anyway. LOL