30 amp Surge protector?

[Jayco2015JayFLIGHT]

Originally Posted by NGaCamperz

I have the Bluetooth app. I notice the app disconnects often even moving about the trailer but it is cool to monitor the power usage with it. Theoretically it should be a lifetime. I’m on 30 amp power.

Excellent. Thanks for sharing I'm going to order one!

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Jayco2015JayFLIGHT

How do you know if your battery of fully charged? Do I have to go out there with an amp meter?

Originally Posted by NGaCamperz

There’s a battery level light in the trailer but I carry a volt meter in my tool bag for an accurate reading.

The on board unit is really bad.

Best method, is a digital voltmeter. Best to measure a couple hours after the battery has been disconnected from the charging source.

12.7 volts is considered fully charged. 12.0 V is considered discharged.

[Jayco2015JayFLIGHT]

Weird. I just tested with meter that I have. Said -12.7 but I put red cable to positive terminal and black cable to negative terminal. 🤔 Its a brand new battery but I left light on the other night not plugged in. So plugged it up today to house to make sure its fully charged. Tested a hour or so later after unplugging..

Also is this the on board reader? It isn't lit up or anything..(pic attatched)

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Jayco2015JayFLIGHT

Weird. I just tested with meter that I have. Said -12.7 but I put red cable to positive terminal and black cable to negative terminal. 🤔 Its a brand new battery but I left light on the other night not plugged in. So plugged it up today to house to make sure its fully charged. Tested a hour or so later after unplugging..

Also is this the on board reader? It isn't lit up or anything..(pic attatched)

Not sure why your volt meter shows -12.7 when hooked up properly but 12.7 is fully charged. Yes that is the on board reader. You have to press the button [the oval] to activate it just as you would to get tank readings.

[norty1]

The onboard indicator is only going to display a % of charge when you push it's button.

Pretty much useless if you want a voltage reading.

[Jay2504]

Buy a cheap plug into a power port volt meter. I got a nice one that reads temperature also for like $13 on Amazon. You still need a multi meter for repairs, but at least you won’t have to drag it out every time you want to check the battery voltage. Jay

[Johnynorthland]

I have 2 30amp surge protectors after my first one burnt up! I have a Hughes watchdog, (highly recommend), and a much less expensive one as a back up. So to answer your question if I haven’t already always use a surge protector.

[Jayco2015JayFLIGHT]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

Buy a cheap plug into a power port volt meter. I got a nice one that reads temperature also for like $13 on Amazon. You still need a multi meter for repairs, but at least you won’t have to drag it out every time you want to check the battery voltage. Jay

What do you mean by power port volt meter? Like it will plug into wall socket like a tv or anything else would and will show me voltage?

[Jayco2015JayFLIGHT]

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

I have 2 30amp surge protectors after my first one burnt up! I have a Hughes watchdog, (highly recommend), and a much less expensive one as a back up. So to answer your question if I haven’t already always use a surge protector.

Thanks I still need to place that order for my watchdog! I have only plugged up one time to 15 amp. Havent been using any electric yet. Just been trying to learn how everything operates and resealing everything. Lots of reading and youtube videos! I can still use watchdog through 15amp adapter?

[Joshuaz]

Originally Posted by Jayco2015JayFLIGHT

Hey guy thanks for the advice so far. I have another question. If I'm just using 15 amp service to charge the battery, do I still need a surge protector if the AC and everything is turned off? I left orange outside light on for day without realizing it. Dont want to ruin my new battery.

Also I noticed the radio is always on standby. It's always lit up. Is that going to drain the battery if it's not hooked up for weeks or months?

If your camper doesn't have one, install a simple battery disconnect, so that you can kill all "parasitic" drain on your batteries. I've also bought an inexpensive solar power battery tender (thanks harbor freight) if you are storing away from the house (my situation). I had to install one on my old travel trailer, my newer 5th wheel came with one. They are cheap to install, and nothing is more frustrating that going to use your jack or a slide and nothing happens!!!!!

As everyone has said - some sort of surge suppressor or voltage regulator is a good think to keep between your camper & power sources - better to fry the $100-300 item than your very expensive camper electronics/control systems.

[sasiki]

As others have said, get an EMS, not simply a surge protector. A lightning strike near my house damaged the transformer at the pole and my house was getting 150v! I noticed the lights being really bright after the strike and I rushed to kill power throughout the house.

A surge protector wouldn't have done anything in this instance but the EMS prevented $$$ in damages.

[gypsmjim]

What if you boondock 100% and your only power source is a Honda genny to charge up the battery a few hours a day. Still need a surge protector?

[Randel J]

I agree with all the other responses that you should always use a good EMS no matter where you plug in at. It may cost you a few big bucks but in the long run, it is "cheap insurance" for all the reasons previously listed!

And YES the power drain of the radio AND the CO2 alarm can quickly drain your battery when parked and not driving. We discovered this problem at a most inconvenient time while camping on our first TT trip. Although you can manually disconnect the battery to prevent a power drain, we elected to have a master cutoff switch installed in the forward storage bay of our trailer. Now we simply switch on or off.

[Jayco2015JayFLIGHT]

Ok thanks guys. I will look into a battery disconnect.

[GipsieJohn]

Originally Posted by Jayco2015JayFLIGHT

Hello all! In south Florida new to travel trailer life. Quick question.. Im planning to have a 30 amp outlet installed by electrician next to trailer do i need a surge protector? Or can i just plug in directly. Ive read without it you can mess up your appliances or electrical system. The power does go out here almost every day for like a second and comes back on i dont know if that means anything. Thanks for any advice in advance!

Last winter I made the mistake of plugging into an unreliable outlet. About the fifth time it went off and back on my furnace quit. It was -15 and was not a good thing. My Buddy heater was all that saved me. Your call now.

[Bugman]

Originally Posted by gypsmjim

What if you boondock 100% and your only power source is a Honda genny to charge up the battery a few hours a day. Still need a surge protector?

The Honda's are inverter generators and give clean, constant power. So you really don't need a surge protector or EMS device...BUT, if you do use one with the generator, you'll need a bonding plug for the generator so the surge protector/EMS will allow the power to the RV and not show an open ground. You could make a bonding plug for $5 or buy one for about $19. I use my Southwire EMS every time I plug the RV in to any source, even my Honda 2200.

[Jay2504]

Yes, I am talking about a digital readout volt meter that just plugs into a Round 12volt power outlet in the camper. On our 24RBS there is a power center on the wall next to the curbside of the bed. There is another one that is part of the tv antenna booster. No wiring, just plug it in. We leave ours plugged in all the time. Jay

[Cavie]

https://rvmentor.com/2019/11/24/ems-...o0_1M3_i4tQ-P0

https://thecampingnerd.com/rv-surge-...30-amp-50-amp/

https://www.technorv.com/articles/do...rge-protector/

[MattS]

Agree with previous posts, I use EMS no matter where we are plugged in. I also use a padlock no matter where we are booked up, these have been known to be an easy target for theft.

[micahruns]

I just bought the 30A EMS from Progressive Industries (EMS-PT30X) after much research. It's expensive but worth it. I also realized in research that the cheap surge protectors only tell you the wiring is bad but doesn't actually protect your RV if there was a wiring or surge of electricity. I'll be plugging this in everywhere and locking it up with the metal plate it comes with for locking it. It's not worth the risk of the potential damage to my RV without one. Hope that helps.