How to Prevent theft - 50AMP EMS/Surge Protector

[mrlarson59]

Just bought a new Progressive Portable EMS/Surge Protector 50AMP.
As everyone knows, these are not cheap! $330
How are you all securing these units to prevent theft? I've read other posts in which some people mention the cable/master lock is often used, but I'm concerned anyone with bolt cutters will be able to handle stealing with no problems.

What are some other options or ideas are some of you using? If you have pics that would be great!
THANKS!

[Mopar_Earl]

If they have bolt cutters and/or other tools, you won't be able to stop them. Make sure your insurance covers your accessories. Lock it and don't worry. I lock the power post lid to slow down someone from taking my 50A cord. I have the onboard surge/voltage protector.


Earl

[Magnolia Tom]

You’re only keeping it secure from honest people. Criminals will take it if they want it. I don’t know many campers that carry along a pair of bolt cutters [emoji1787]

[jbrnigan]

Y'know, in over 40 year of camping, I have NEVER had ANYTHING stolen from a campground. Yeah, it happens and one should be cautious about what they leave laying around their campsites, but, if someone wants your "stuff", they're likely gonna get it. I don't lock up my surge protector.

[madmaxmutt]

There isn't a lock on the planet that is safe, since the advent of these:

It will quietly cut through just about anything.

The best bet is to get a built-in hardwired protection device.

[Bookemdanno]

I've been using my portable EMS for 5 years now without locking it up. It hasn't grown legs....yet! Honestly the only thing I've had stolen was one wheel chock out of the bed of my truck in a "shady" overnight stop in LA. And actually, I guess I can't really say that it was stolen...It might have blown out for all I know.

[mrlarson59]

Thanks for reply. You're so right. Locks basically keep honest people honest!
Just curious, what type of air bags do you have on your truck?
We have a 2016 F250 with 6ft bed. Looking at getting airbags.

Thanks

[jimp]

I use a Masterlock cable lock for peace of mind, keep kids from borrowing it, etc., If someone really wants one, they will find one that is not secured in some form or fashion.

[Griswald One]

What sort of power connection do you have at the unit?

For me my power cable is permanently connected inside a storage locker. For a couple of reasons I plan to cut the cable. One of them is because I can then connect the surge protector inside the cabinet (Short Cable --> Surge Protector --> Full Cable --> Power Source). I figure out of site, out of mind. No "Criminal" will even know that I have an expensive surge protector in the locker. I also get the added benefit that the surge protector is not exposed to the elements. The only down side is that the line between the outlet and the protector is then not protected from surges, a lighting strike or similar level surge (Which I have experienced) could fry the line.

[Hog3loves]

Out of sight, out of mind...Occasionally at some less than desirable campgrounds, I'll use a hefty bag over the entire pedestal to prevent prying eyeballs from scoping out my surge protector. Keeps rain showers off, too.

[Kahoneys]

Originally Posted by Hog3loves

Out of sight, out of mind...Occasionally at some less than desirable campgrounds, I'll use a hefty bag over the entire pedestal to prevent prying eyeballs from scoping out my surge protector. Keeps rain showers off, too.

I would not do this for fear of the heat buildup. Especially on those sunny days when the heat beats on that black bag baking everything inside and then you add the heat of the plug itself.

[Swampy]

Originally Posted by mrlarson59

Just bought a new Progressive Portable EMS/Surge Protector 50AMP.
As everyone knows, these are not cheap! $330
How are you all securing these units to prevent theft? I've read other posts in which some people mention the cable/master lock is often used, but I'm concerned anyone with bolt cutters will be able to handle stealing with no problems.

What are some other options or ideas are some of you using? If you have pics that would be great!
THANKS!

mrlarson59,
I use the most secure cable (bicycle) lock that I could find at Walmart with a 6 foot high strength cable. The pin end barely fit through the hole in the metal security plate that came on the PI EMS between the plug and Control box. I wind the cable around the pedestal and can usually incorporate my water pressure regulator before snapping it latched. Sometimes I have enough cable length to seal the CG lid closed as well. I tried instaqlling the EMS on the TT end at the inlet, but there wasn't anything to secure it to other than the sewer valve assembly, so I use it on the pedestal end only. BTW, I normally cover the pedestal with a garbage bag and that keeps the electrical connections dry ... even in a monsoon! That also keeps the EMS & regulator out of sight and out of mind. Good Camping .... Swampy

[Brownie]

Most campgrounds I've been to have a locking tab on the pedestal that fits through a slot in the pedestal door.. I use a padlock through the hole in that tab. I bought a 3-pack of padlocks, so I can use the same key for the lock on the pedestal, hitch, and bike/cargo rack cable. Keeps the lump in my pocket to a minimum.

[norty1]

I use the same lock that I use to lock my hitch release on the truck. They are never needed at the same time. Only one lock and one key to keep up with.

[pawpaw]

Mount it permanently inside one of your storage areas, reroute some wiring and problem solved.

[gvanderbles]

Originally Posted by madmaxmutt

There isn't a lock on the planet that is safe, since the advent of these:
Attachment 46553
It will quietly cut through just about anything.

The best bet is to get a built-in hardwired protection device.

How good is it cutting fire wood?

[Bama Fan]

Originally Posted by mrlarson59

Just bought a new Progressive Portable EMS/Surge Protector 50AMP.
As everyone knows, these are not cheap! $330
How are you all securing these units to prevent theft? I've read other posts in which some people mention the cable/master lock is often used, but I'm concerned anyone with bolt cutters will be able to handle stealing with no problems.

What are some other options or ideas are some of you using? If you have pics that would be great!
THANKS!

I, personally, prefer the onboard 50 amp surge suppressor by Progressive Industry. It has a lifetime guarantee and allows you to monitor the volts and amps. It also gives you a fault code, should a failure occur, and has a bypass switch in case of failure. I found the cost to be consistent with the portable style while additionally being safely locked away (or hidden) on the RV.

[Route 66 Traveler]

Originally Posted by mrlarson59

Just bought a new Progressive Portable EMS/Surge Protector 50AMP.
As everyone knows, these are not cheap! $330

I have had the same unit now for over two years. I secure it with the cable lock that's shown on the Progressive web site. I also run the cable through the handle of my 50amp power cord. Just remember not to forget anything when breaking camp!

A year ago we were at an RV park in Quartzsite for few days. From there we went straight home. Three days later I discovered to my horror that I had left my EMS behind. I hurriedly made a frantic phone call, gave them my space number and when they went to check they found it still plugged into the pedestal. I had taken off the cable lock to put away my power cord, but left the EMS plugged in. The next day we drove the 140 miles back to Q town to retrieve my prized possession. Needless to say it is now the first thing to go back in the storage compartment. It was my lucky day.

[Picinisco]

I agree with the maxim about keeping honest people honest, however most thefts are thefts of opportunity and if you use a cable lock or a light chain and padlock the opportunity is considerably reduced.

[rcflyertim]

We only camp at KOA and never lock our truck or camper. We have never had one single incident