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On the recent thread about KOA's, I noticed MelissaD included surge protectors as one of the topics that can be discussed around the campfire. I know several of you are already using surge protectors and hope you will share your knowledge. We haven't purchased one yet, but did have a problem with electricity at one state park site a year ago. We have a 30 amp TT, but plan on purchasing a larger rig in the future. However, we can't decide if that will be another TT, Class C or Class A. Leaning towards the Class A at this point. Do any of the surge protectors work on 30 amp and 50 amp, or do we just need to bite the bullet and buy something for the TT now and purchase what is needed for the future rig when we get it? What is the least we can expect to pay and get good protection? Thanks for your input.

I would purchase what you need now.

I highly recommend Progressive Industries

http://www.progressiveindustries.net/

If you were sure you were getting a rig with 50amp within the next 6 months, I would say get the 50amp because you can use it for 30amp in the meantime. Been there, done that. I can't say for sure, but I am fairly certain you can't use a 30amp for 50amp rig.

Check out this site for prices http://tweetys.com/

I would not be without one.

When workamping we had a big thunder and lightening storm. Two big class A's; one with and one without surge protectors. Had lightening hit a transformer and the rig WITH the surge protector had their's blown. The rig without the protector lost all his inside electrical; TV, inverters, microwave, etc. Cheaper to buy surge protector than replace all that stuff.

I always use a TRC Surge Guard surge protector - it was about 325.00, which I thought was expensive but that's better than having expensive repairs to your rig.

Ditto on the Progressive Industries. I had the internal one installed. Did not like the idea of someone being able to steal it off the post. Some like the ones you plug into the post because they can take it and walk around testing power posts.

I went with the Progressive Industries because it has a lifetime warranty and they are said to have great customer service. They are also modular design so if hit takes a it and fries, you can replace the card and not the whole device.

The 50 amp will work on 50 and 30 amp if I use my "dog bone" adapter from 50 amp to 30 amp but you are correct it does not work the other way around.

A rule of thumb is if there is 1 A/C unit, 30 amp will work. If you have 2 or more A/C units you need 50 amp service.

30 amp service is 1 line at 30 amps. Think heavy duty extension cord.
50 amp service is actually 2 lines at 50 amps each. Think 2 super heavy duty extension cords twisted together in into one fat cable.

http://www.womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11244&p=148104&hilit=surge+protectors#p148104 This might also be helpful.

[color=#0000BF]Linda - check out this recent discussion with other links also

http://www.womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11244[

Oops, think Melissa already posted same link/color]

..
Linda, I read your post as asking if you should bite the bullet on buying a 30A version now, and then if you upgrade your rig, re-purchase a 50A if necessary. I thought your post indicated that you definitely wanted one.

So, if that's the case, I say buy what you need now and move to the 50A if/when that's necessary.
You can always sell it.
Cheap insurance and peace of mind.

..

I held my breath each time I went camping with out one
I got my 30 amp just a couple weeks ago ...bought it used
from Nan..when she got her new rig..she posted her 30 amp
stuff here...now I feel much better with it...there is a lock
that you can get for the pole ones...I was told that any way..
so I plan on getting one of those...
get it now!
donna

Thank you everyone for responding. I will read your comments and the links again carefully.