Expensive Surge Protector Theft

[dprophitjr]

These surge protectors costs a lot of money. Is it common for people to steal these in the middle of the night?

 

[B and C]

I haven't heard of any being stolen. If you are worried about theft, get an extension cord to plug it into and keep it inside. They make 30 and 50 amp extension cords for RV's up to 50 feet long (longest I've seen). If it is 120VAC service, any 12 GA (10 GA would be better) extension cord should work.

 

[Weight]

Like any other expensive device, lock it away when you are away from your vehicle.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

 . . . If it is 120VAC service, any 12 GA (10 GA would be better) extension cord should work.

A 12 GA extension cord will work for 20 amps up to 50 feet.  Any more amps and you need a bigger (thicker conductors) extension cord.  Too small a cord can get hot and start a fire.

Extension cords are rated by amps they can carry for a given length.  30A and 50A outlets have different connectors than 15 & 20 amp (common household) plug-ins.

 

[highdesertranger]

if you are worried about stuff getting stolen it might be better to find a better place to park. highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

Here's a link to a Pinterest page showing some locked up surge protectors (among other things). Why aren't surge protectors built into RVs in the first place?

 

[highdesertranger]

they make built in versions. I think the manufacturers leave them off to save money. highdesertranger

 

[BeachRVer]

Been full time RVing for over a year and have been in campgrounds all around the country. 

I haven't ever heard of anyone having there surge protector stolen. I think this would only be a problem if you stay at a campground long term and are gone for days at a time.

But there are a lot of cheap and easy ways to secure your surge protector that it makes sense to just secure it so you can sleep easy at night.

 

[Gypsyjoe#1]

I don't know about other MH but I have a 1994 Damon Challenger and my surge protector is built in. I don't know if it came from the factory that way or not as I bought it used, but if it was put in aftermarket that means there is a surge protector out there that can be put in place built in. Mine is just before the breaker panel.

 

[maki2]

build you van's electrical system with the surge protector on the inside of the van and a thru the wall plug port for the cord you use to hook up to the exterior power post.

 

[tx2sturgis]

.....I have a 1994 Damon Challenger and my surge protector is built in. I don't know if it came from the factory that way or not as I bought it used...

I'm guessing that over the intervening years it has tripped, arced, clamped, or fired several times and no longer protects anything. They don't withstand surges over and over again and remain able to provide surge protection for decades. The MOVs are probably fried.

Surge protectors (or their sacrificial components) should be replaced every 5 years or so....and more often if you presume they have actually 'protected' your RV in a severe storm or other severe electrical event.