Surge protector

dogshowrv · 02-01-2018, 06:01 PM

I’m a new class C Outlaw owner as of July’17. I have two questions: first, if I’m plugged in to a 15 amp outlet in my garage with a 15 to 30 amp converter plug and an extension cord - where should my surge protector be connected? Do I need a surge protector when I’m plugged into the outlet in my garage? Second question: on my very first solo trip on I-95 in the right lane I was going 60mph. Is this too slow? There was an 18 wheeler on my tail flashing me with his headlights. I’ve traveled all my life. I’ve towed a trailer. I just didn’t know what to do. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Bob Denman · 02-01-2018, 06:07 PM

I'd plug it in at the outlet (Or at least at the 15 to 30 adapter), and then plug the motorhome into it...

axis earl · 02-01-2018, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogshowrv

I’m a new class C Outlaw owner as of July’17. I have two questions: first, if I’m plugged in to a 15 amp outlet in my garage with a 15 to 30 amp converter plug and an extension cord - where should my surge protector be connected? Do I need a surge protector when I’m plugged into the outlet in my garage? Second question: on my very first solo trip on I-95 in the right lane I was going 60mph. Is this too slow? There was an 18 wheeler on my tail flashing me with his headlights. I’ve traveled all my life. I’ve towed a trailer. I just didn’t know what to do. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Slow lane travel at 60? I would say you are doing fine and should never drive above your personal safety level or that of conditions on the road. I was in the slow land on the I Ten near Palm Springs doing 40 because of high winds. None of the trip matters if you don't make it there safely.

brucev · 02-01-2018, 06:46 PM

You were doing the right thing by not driving faster than comfortable. Many truck drivers these days do not have the courtesy they did years ago and unfairly make all drivers look bad. Don't let it bother you and congrats on joining the RV life. when plugged into my house AC, I never use the surge protector, but we rarely have lightning storms here in SoCal.

Bob Denman · 02-01-2018, 06:54 PM

I agree: drive your own rig, and let others drive theirs.

sky_blue · 02-01-2018, 06:57 PM

I set my cruise control at 58 MPH. It gives me over 10 MPG. That’s where it is comfortable to me. Ignore the jerk truck driver that was flashing his lights.

Bob Denman · 02-01-2018, 07:31 PM

We run about the same...

JamieGeek · 02-01-2018, 07:38 PM

Isn't I-95's speed limit something like 110mph?? Seems that way every time I've been on it in FL.

My comfortable speed is 1-2 mph less than traffic speed, right lane, cruise on...

jpmihalk · 02-01-2018, 07:45 PM

If you are in the right lane on I-95 and doing 60, the truck just needs to pass you (unless he is trying to signal you about something he sees...)

Bob Denman · 02-01-2018, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Isn't I-95's speed limit something like 110mph?? Seems that way every time I've been on it in FL.

My comfortable speed is 1-2 mph less than traffic speed, right lane, cruise on...

The danger in that: letting traffic set YOUR pace above your own comfort level.

Hooligan2 · 02-03-2018, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I agree: drive your own rig, and let others drive theirs.

Absolutely. Best advise on driving...

If you have a portable surge protector, it should be between the adapter and the RV power cord to protect the RV from surge, low voltage etc.

2BlindMice · 02-05-2018, 05:32 AM

On eBay, I see 2 very different prices for surge protectors; $75 - $350. Why the difference and which did you choose? We need to get one.

2BlindMice

m1noel · 02-05-2018, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2BlindMice

On eBay, I see 2 very different prices for surge protectors; $75 - $350. Why the difference and which did you choose? We need to get one.

2BlindMice

I chose the Progressive Dynamics hard wired unit. Progressive Dynamics because of their lifetime warranty and hard wired because of less chance of theft, and once it's installed, there is nothing to do but plug your coach into power. I found that Progressive Dynamics also has excellent customer service also.
Mike

Miramar Owner · 02-05-2018, 03:03 PM

The lower price ones only respond to surge. Low voltage can cause significant damage as well. I also like the Progressive Dynamics but I prefer the portable one. I can check the pedestal for irregularities before backing into the site. I've found this useful in smaller county campgrounds. I also prefer to have it outside the coach in the unlikely event of a lightening strike.

jpmihalk · 02-05-2018, 03:12 PM

We also have the Progressive Industries external/portable unit. We found them much easier to replace when they sacrifice themselves during an event than the hard wired units. And yes, we did have one give up the ghost during a storm... glad it was there to do so and glad it was outside the RV.

Oneilkeys · 02-05-2018, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miramar Owner

The lower price ones only respond to surge. Low voltage can cause significant damage as well. I also like the Progressive Dynamics but I prefer the portable one. I can check the pedestal for irregularities before backing into the site. I've found this useful in smaller county campgrounds. I also prefer to have it outside the coach in the unlikely event of a lightening strike.

Dido. Don’t buy the cheap one. It probably won’t tell you if something is wrong with the pedestal and will not protect you against low voltage and power fluctuations. I fried an A/C in Canada because of low voltage, power fluctuations that were not high enough to set off my cheap surge protector. Expensive lesson.

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