Community Forums

chuck49 · 05-12-2012, 11:30 AM

Our 05' Safari Gazelle (Safari was owned by Monaco at that time and has many of the same systems) owner's manual shows a factory installed surge protector wired to the transfer switch (ES50M-65N) in the wiring diagram and describes its' function to "protect against sudden power surges such as a lightning strike". I've always felt that this was adequate protection but I've been reading here about what a good idea an in-line surge protector is. Any opinions as to whether the factory unit is adequate or does anyone have experience with one of these not doing the job? I know the in-line unit would offer additional protection but is it worth the expense? Thoughts?

rocknrun · 05-12-2012, 12:00 PM

If all it is doing is protecting against surges, I would consider investing in another unit. Here's what I use: EMS-PT50C

troyrice76 · 05-12-2012, 12:21 PM

Power can be a fickle thing. We added one to ours and for the cost it was money well spent.

Elf · 05-12-2012, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocknrun

If all it is doing is protecting against surges, I would consider investing in another unit. Here's what I use: EMS-PT50C

+1

I have the same portable unit and it provides a lot of peace of mind. I do use a lock and I never set it down except plugging it in or putting it away. Don't want to drive away with it sitting on the ground next to the storage bay.

Melmoses · 05-12-2012, 12:33 PM

You definitely need more protection than you have. Progressive Industries (the best in my book and what I have) and Surge Guard are two you can look at. Just read what all they do in addition to what yours does.

HoboPals · 05-12-2012, 01:41 PM

There are some for sale on eBay. I'm not sure that they are any cheaper, but if someone is interested, it's worth a look.

cutrell01 · 05-12-2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck49

Our 05' Safari Gazelle (Safari was owned by Monaco at that time and has many of the same systems) owner's manual shows a factory installed surge protector wired to the transfer switch (ES50M-65N) in the wiring diagram and describes its' function to "protect against sudden power surges such as a lightning strike". I've always felt that this was adequate protection but I've been reading here about what a good idea an in-line surge protector is. Any opinions as to whether the factory unit is adequate or does anyone have experience with one of these not doing the job? I know the in-line unit would offer additional protection but is it worth the expense? Thoughts?

Just ordered a Progressive Industries 50 amp(3850Joules) portable protector from Camping World (on-line sale for $307--MSRP of $450). Good bargain! Adding it to the one hardwired in my RV because it is only 1850Joules. For the added protection of an expensive motorhome, I think it is worth the money.

WeatherTodd · 05-12-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoboPals

There are some for sale on eBay. I'm not sure that they are any cheaper, but if someone is interested, it's worth a look.

word of caution when purchasing "branded" items on ebay. Many of them are "knock offs".
A surge protector can be bought from a trusted retailer like tweetys or similar for about the same cost. And youre not second guessing the "cheaper" cost because its genuine. Progressive is really good about warranty service. $10 saved on some "independent" seller off ebay isnt worth the headache.

Sky_Boss · 05-12-2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutrell01

Just ordered a Progressive Industries 50 amp(3850Joules) portable protector from Camping World (on-line sale for $307--MSRP of $450). Good bargain! Adding it to the one hardwired in my RV because it is only 1850Joules. For the added protection of an expensive motorhome, I think it is worth the money.

You may want to get a second opinion on running 2 surge protectors on your unit. There are some concerns on how surge protectors in series can behave. I know that as of a couple years ago APC (major industrial surge protector manufacturer) generally warned against such a practice. There have been some issues when surge protectors have different methods of protection. The biggest concern is overloading a power outlet.

In most cases it should be "ok", especially if you match similar protectors, but I would be cautious.

doc · 05-12-2012, 04:10 PM

What to you thinks the odds are for a lightning strike vs low voltage in a CG?
Get the Progressive and it will protect your A/Cs and other electrical units from low voltage as well as surges and other electical anomolies.

jrd48 · 05-12-2012, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc

What to you thinks the odds are for a lightning strike vs low voltage in a CG?
Get the Progressive and it will protect your A/Cs and other electrical units from low voltage as well as surges and other electical anomolies.

The Progressive unit also protects from high voltages. I found that out this morning when mine cut out reporting high voltage on line 2 (135v).

danf7 · 05-12-2012, 05:15 PM

Low voltage from a brown out is more likely and can do damage. I lost my ac on my 2 year old TT due to a brown out in a campgroiund I was seasonal at. When i bought my motor home that was one of the first add ons. ( TPMS was the other )
Dan

chuck49 · 05-12-2012, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. Looks like I need to check out any issues with running two in-line. If that's a problem I'll remove the existing one and be adding one. Thanks again.