We are looking to get a surge protector for our Fifth Wheel. Do any of you have the SurgeGuard model 34560?
What do we need to consider when buying one?
Thanks for you help.
Howard said
06:47 PM May 27, 2008
The SurgeGuard 34560 is the model we have and we love it. You really can't go wrong with either SurgeGuard or Progressive Industries models.
I'm partial to the hard-wired models. Just make sure you have an installer that knows what he/she is doing.
But lots of folks are quite happy with the ones that plug in at the pedestal. The only problem I've heard with those is that sometimes the campground electrical pedestal is not high enough off the ground to give you room to plug in the surge/voltage protector. They are pretty long.
We highly recommend these devices and we wouldn't be without one.
RVDude said
08:25 PM May 27, 2008
First order of business is to just get one. Just do it. Either brand is fine, though I prefer Progressive for slightly tighter capabilities. www.rvupgrades.com is the place I buy from.
You can wire *either* a portable or hardwired unit like this photo and it can be the best of both worlds, both hardwired or portable if you want it...
-- Edited by RVDude at 21:44, 2008-05-27
Roz said
06:11 AM May 28, 2008
In only two replies, you have received the best of advice! These two comments may well provide information, not advice.
1- As RVDude said, pick one brand or the other, one type or the other and "Just Do It".
The potential for expensive repairs is greater than one would believe.
We bought a SurgeGard portable. Installation was a simple "plug and play", as would be a replacement if ever necessary. Yes, we were concerned about theft.
2- SurgeGuard offers a very inexpensive security device. We use it now.
Sure, someone could unplug it, cut our power cord or just use a bolt cutter. We have not had a problem for six years, five before we installed the security collar.
Like RVDude said, be like Nike and "Just Do It"! You will be so glad.
Charles
-- Edited by Roz at 07:14, 2008-05-28
RVDude said
07:57 AM May 28, 2008
For a perfect lock check out a ski lock. The small retractable models like this. Ideal. Amazon, REI, just about anywhere sporting goods are sold. Less than $10.
Darrell and Judy said
08:44 AM May 28, 2008
Just to amplify all of the above. We have the same surge protector that Howard has and wouldn't travel without it. I, also, prefer to having one that is hardwired into the coach rather than having to deal with it at the pedestal.
phyllen said
12:49 PM May 28, 2008
Well, guess we buy one TODAY. Thanks to all of you (again). WHAT A GROUP!!!
Judy said
09:08 PM May 28, 2008
We have the same one here....all should have one! southwestjudy
pierreandcolleen said
01:53 AM May 29, 2008
I don't know what I would do with out this forum. A surge protector for the RV never crossed my mind. I will talk with my hubby about ordering one before we leave.
-C
Jim01 said
06:09 AM May 29, 2008
I have seen what a large surge can do to an RV. In the modern RV there are circuit boards everywhere, and a surge can destroy all of them is a second. It cost the owner of this RV a lot of money to get them all replaced, plus the RV was unusable until the repairs were made.
When I saw the damage, I couldn't get a surge protector fast enough. I bought the Progressive Ind. unit because I like the digital read-out, but like others have said, either one is fine.
Oh, and guess what caused the surge? A bad outlet in a campground, and no, the CG wouldn't pay for the damage.
Jim
phyllen said
12:31 PM May 29, 2008
We ordered the surge protector. Expect delivery sometime early next week. We are camping Monday to Friday. PULEEZZEEE - no surges while at the campground and the protector sitting on our back porch until we get home to install it.
Luvglass said
03:14 PM May 29, 2008
phyllen wrote:
We ordered the surge protector. Expect delivery sometime early next week. We are camping Monday to Friday. PULEEZZEEE - no surges while at the campground and the protector sitting on our back porch until we get home to install it.
I think you can relax, the odds are in your favor. We don't use a surge protector and haven't had a problem in over 2 years and 148 campgrounds in both the US and Mexico.
I bought a small one for Mexico, used it once and haven't taken it out since.
Fred
ahoweth said
06:16 AM May 30, 2008
While the surge protector is a great device that every one should use, we camped in various types of RV's for many years without one and never had a problem. I am not saying that one should be without a surge protector, they are well worth the money and provide wonderful peace of mind, but please don't stop going until you get one. While surges do occur they are relatively rare things. That said, don't procrastinate getting one. You are tempting fate without it!!!
Ken & Sarah said
09:18 AM May 30, 2008
You all convinced me I ordered one yesterday. Even though our 5ver is old I don't want the expense of replacing anything in it. As others have said this is a great forum. Hope to me a lot of you folks at the rally.
Judy said
10:26 AM May 30, 2008
As we travel I hear that the surge protector is a "Good Thing" as Martha would say!! If you are fulltiming and get into some older campgrounds or even newer ones you should have one. Many a host has told us of rv'ers being fried not having the protection. Of course a direct lightening hit will not help and we have been in an pk where such a thing has happened to one couple. I think if you have invested money in your one and only home it needs to be considered. JMO southwestjudy
What do we need to consider when buying one?
Thanks for you help.
I'm partial to the hard-wired models. Just make sure you have an installer that knows what he/she is doing.
But lots of folks are quite happy with the ones that plug in at the pedestal. The only problem I've heard with those is that sometimes the campground electrical pedestal is not high enough off the ground to give you room to plug in the surge/voltage protector. They are pretty long.
We highly recommend these devices and we wouldn't be without one.
You can wire *either* a portable or hardwired unit like this photo and it can be the best of both worlds, both hardwired or portable if you want it...
-- Edited by RVDude at 21:44, 2008-05-27
In only two replies, you have received the best of advice! These two comments may well provide information, not advice.
1- As RVDude said, pick one brand or the other, one type or the other and "Just Do It".
The potential for expensive repairs is greater than one would believe.
We bought a SurgeGard portable. Installation was a simple "plug and play", as would be a replacement if ever necessary. Yes, we were concerned about theft.
2- SurgeGuard offers a very inexpensive security device. We use it now.
Sure, someone could unplug it, cut our power cord or just use a bolt cutter. We have not had a problem for six years, five before we installed the security collar.
Like RVDude said, be like Nike and "Just Do It"! You will be so glad.
Charles
-- Edited by Roz at 07:14, 2008-05-28
Amazon, REI, just about anywhere sporting goods are sold. Less than $10.
southwestjudy
-C
When I saw the damage, I couldn't get a surge protector fast enough. I bought the Progressive Ind. unit because I like the digital read-out, but like others have said, either one is fine.
Oh, and guess what caused the surge? A bad outlet in a campground, and no, the CG wouldn't pay for the damage.
Jim
I bought a small one for Mexico, used it once and haven't taken it out since.
Fred
As we travel I hear that the surge protector is a "Good Thing" as Martha would say!! If you are fulltiming and get into some older campgrounds or even newer ones you should have one. Many a host has told us of rv'ers being fried not having the protection. Of course a direct lightening hit will not help and we have been in an pk where such a thing has happened to one couple. I think if you have invested money in your one and only home it needs to be considered. JMO
southwestjudy