Do you guys experience bad fluctuation caused by demand in hot weather or faulty wiring when you hook up at campgrounds? I have a 19' travel trailer and don't want anything to get fried. Does this happen often enough to warrant purchasing a volt meter or surge protector?
Power surges can, and have damaged appliances in my home. The appliances in your RV are much more expensive than home appliances. It's a gamble no matter what you do. If you buy a surge guard and never need it, your out about $150. If you don't buy one and have a spike it could cost you as much as $2500. Or worse yet, could cause a fire and if you're lucky you loose your RV and no one is hurt. It's just my opinion, but I'm much more inclined to gamble with $150 than with the safety of my family. good luck whatever you decide.
I agree with GreatEagle. Better to be protected then the possibility of loosing a whole lot more. I've heard some horror stories about some older parks with the hook ups - from arcing and sparking to having varied current being available. I would (and have) invested in a nice surge protector.
ive been hearing stories about such damage for several decades. But have been camping since 1945, first with a tent and plugging in electrics. Then in a VAN, and now a 1984 - 23 ft class A for 14 years. The former owner told me he never used an autoformer, and Ive never used one. No electric appliance, 2 computers, et al, have ever been damaged. Yet, IVE known many who used them, who had problems with them, in the same campgrounds where I had none.. Had to send them in for repairs, damaged for various reasons, and bought new ones.
They may be cheap insurance, but if you have to keep replacing them because they do not operate properly, to me it is expensive. It makes me wonder if the only people who really need them, are those selling them, to make a profit.
I belong to a campground that during peak weekends (holidays, early August) that has power problems. I`ve never had any problems other than outages. we`ve been camping since 1987. Most trailers come with breakers that should protect most of these things.
As a campground host each year I can tell you that I have seen several power surges/malfunctions in the state parks. I have seen motorhomes,as well as travel trailers have their appilances get fried. from microwaves to 32 inch plasma tv's
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