Community Forums

Almosrv · 01-05-2016, 10:54 PM

Hi - a week or so ago we were running the heat pump and I smelled something burning - so I turned it off and used the furnace instead. Today we saw that our inverter indicated that the batteries were low - about 11%. Called service and the mechanic said our surge protector is completely fried. Surge Guard 30 amp TRC. Has anyone experienced this? Mechanic is coming tomorrow to do a diagnostic. No power tonight. I think this is gonna be expensive. Our RV was preowned, so we don't know if it was factory installed or not (2010 Newmar Baystar). We have a great extended warranty but don't think this will be included. Thoughts?

RV Wizard · 01-06-2016, 03:07 AM

Loose connections usually cause burning of insulation on the conductors. It may very well be a Surge Guard that was installed by Newmar and the problem may not be as bad as you may fear. I would bet that once the Surge Guard is replaced, everything else will operate properly. Have the technician diagnose the problem(s) and contact Newmar for possible partial of full warranty coverage if he determines loose wiring connections are the culprit.
Replace the Surge Guard and any other repairs that will be needed. Good luck and keep us posted.
In the future check and retighten main service conductor connections annually.

pcurt23 · 01-06-2016, 07:18 AM

Yes, my surge guard went bad after a few years. Make sure you replace it with Progressive Industries EMSPT50C Surge Protector. Lifetime guarantee.

Robot Check

Old Scout · 01-06-2016, 07:27 AM

YUP--stuff happens, especially at old campgrounds. Definitely check out PI--lifetime warranty and great service. Most other brands--one year....So you do the math.

wa8yxm · 01-06-2016, 11:13 AM

I have a TRC 50 amp I got for basically free.. The outlet was fried.. I put a new outlet on it and it's working well.

I plan on some future mods but the old Round Tuit is missing still. Once I get A Round Tuit.. I'm going to modify it to "installed" status, which is where I want it.

Almosrv · 01-06-2016, 11:34 PM

Thanks all. Unfortunately the unit was installed after market. And yes, the technician hard wired and everything is working fine. He has to come back and install the new surge protector. I think he ordered the same brand ( I wish I knew) - the whole thing is costing us about $1200 (service call, diagnostic, part and installation - 3 visits.

lynnmor · 01-07-2016, 03:08 PM

I think that you are paying almost $1000 to connect 3 wires in and 3 wires out.

TQ60 · 01-08-2016, 07:58 AM

Call them and challenge the cost as that is gold pricing.

It is just a box with some wires that a teenager can do.

Confirm what was ordered and maybe cancel the order and buy yourself direct to save huge on parts.

Any licensed electrician can legally install it as well as you if you have basic tools and can read the instructions.

The quote is way out of line unless the part is 900 bucks.

Check with the others here reporting different brand with lifetime warranty but first call and STOP the current process so your bill stops growing.

Almosrv · 01-08-2016, 11:33 PM

The part is $300 - not out of line. It's the labour - $120 per hour mobile service to the park. We are into it $800 because the guy came at night in the rain, no power. But yes we will stop the rest. (We are not handy at all by the way - everything is easy when you know what you are doing and have the tools to do it). Thanks.