Surge protector
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5010
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 9:23pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Surge protector
Posted By: David and Danette
Subject: Surge protector
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 7:53pm
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Would the Surge Guard 44260 be a wise choice for a small camper? I am trying to decide if I need it. Thank you ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 9:13pm
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The 44260 is just a polarity tester with a minimal surge protector. The polarity checker function can be had with the small plugin three light checkers for less money. The surge protection function is minimal. The real problem with CG power is under or over voltage that can damage appliances like the AC. A better unit is the SurgeGuard 32730. It includes the polarity checker but adds over/under voltage protection, a time delay to protect the AC, and convenient metering to see what's going on. More expensive???? Yes. Better????Definitely.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: grandma20
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 9:50am
i cannot find that number. what would be a good one to get. ------------- Judy |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 10:00am
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My mistake. It should be #34730. Available from Amazon, CW, etc. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/portable-surge-guards-with-lcd-display-30-amp/58464 - http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/portable-surge-guards-with-lcd-display-30-amp/58464 ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 1:58pm
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The only question I would have... Would you leave a $200+ plug outside unattended when you go down to the beach or trail? ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 2:22pm
Your point is valid, but the alternative is leaving your much more expensive Pod subject to the CG power system. A lot more at risk. However, I carry a padlock to lock the CG power box cover. It adds some security, but if someone wants the SurgeGuard they will get it. Knock on wood, I've ever lost anything to thieves at a CG. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 2:27pm
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My progressive surge protector is hard wired in my Rpod.
------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 2:36pm
That works too.  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 3:06pm
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Charlie the first Surge Guard model number you gave 32730 is hardwired. I thought about that one but I read in a review it has a humming sound. And I am still trying to decide if the expense of it is worth it and the likely hood of something going wrong without no protection. Thank you for your help in me trying to make up my mind, still giving it some thought. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 3:47pm
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D&D, I can't find a 32730. I think I just mistyped the correct number, 34730. The hardwired 30A version is 34520. I also remember the hum issue, but can't confirm since mine sits outside on the power box. However, it's not at all unreasonable since it contains a relay. In case you missed it I'll repeat a prior post: ""From a new post by Obewan on RV.Net. : "Was gone from the camper for a couple days and missed all the excitement! Neighbors tell me the campground experienced a large electrical surge. They lost tvs, small appliances, AC units, etc.. I lost NOTHING! Surge protector apparently worked as designed and I'm very glad I spent that money! Already recouped the cost in not having to replace anything! Smiling in an AC camper while I watch tv!!!" I've heard and read so many similar posts that it seems like a total no-brainer to me, even if I lose an SG sometime. CG electrical distribution systems are susceptible to so many failure modes, not only at installation, but during normal maintenance and use, that it just makes sense. Too much at risk. When I had the Pod I also left the fridge on LP when away. One day I came back to the CG and the power had been down for hours. Fortunately the ice cream stayed frozen.  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 3:58pm
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I need to get a surge protector- although I don't camp often where there is commercial power. We were at Port Canaveral years ago to watch a shuttle launch. Big bang with a nearby lightning hit in the campground. Then we heard sirens! A nearby tent trailer was in flames! Fortunately it got put out quick but was heavily damaged. A surge protector might have helped if it came in on the AC. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |