Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-07-2007, 03:18 PM   #1
Winnebago Master
 
AFChap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ...hopefully on the road!
Posts: 1,653
After sitting through a tornado warning and lots of rain this evening, it was quietly raining with about 10 mph wind when just after dark out of nowhere came a tremendous explosion. Really scared our 8 yr old grandson, and didn't do much for the old folks and animals either! Wife was napping and said the whole bed jumped ...but knowing her nerves, that could just have been her. I was sitting on the couch looking out the passenger side which was downwind. As I came up off the couch to run for the hills, I heard the power center beep as it does when power is coming on, and saw 3-4 small fire balls drifting downward over the coach next to us.

Our power was off. When I went outside (probably not smart, but I wasn't the only one), I found the 50a breaker tripped on the power pole. I turned it on, but still no power ...checked the pole and it was dead. Back inside, I started the generator. We had one dead outlet circuit. I found the breaker for that circuit tripped inside, but turning it on did not restore power. The bedroom radio looks like it is on ...everything is lit up, but there
is no display, and you cannot turn it off. On the power center, everything appears normal except there are no lights in the charger indicator area that tells us the charger is in full charge, float, etc. Based on the house & chassis power displays, it was charging when I had the generator on. So far we have found nothing else that is affected. Hopefully we will be able to get shore power when the power to the pole is restored.

We have a SurgeGuard hardwired in the power compartment. If it is blown, will it still pass power when the power is restored to the pole, or will we be dead as far as shore power is concerned?

Looking around outside, I could see nothing close to us that looked like it had been hit. The only things taller than the motorhomes is a small tree about 30 yards to the left rear, and a light pole about 40 yards to the front. The tree looked normal, and the light was still lit on the pole. If it dries out tomorrow, guess I will go up on the roof and see if anything up there appears to have been the target...
__________________
Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
'03 Winnebago UA 40e TRADED OFF JUL 2023 / '17 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
AFChap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 03:18 PM   #2
Winnebago Master
 
AFChap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ...hopefully on the road!
Posts: 1,653
After sitting through a tornado warning and lots of rain this evening, it was quietly raining with about 10 mph wind when just after dark out of nowhere came a tremendous explosion. Really scared our 8 yr old grandson, and didn't do much for the old folks and animals either! Wife was napping and said the whole bed jumped ...but knowing her nerves, that could just have been her. I was sitting on the couch looking out the passenger side which was downwind. As I came up off the couch to run for the hills, I heard the power center beep as it does when power is coming on, and saw 3-4 small fire balls drifting downward over the coach next to us.

Our power was off. When I went outside (probably not smart, but I wasn't the only one), I found the 50a breaker tripped on the power pole. I turned it on, but still no power ...checked the pole and it was dead. Back inside, I started the generator. We had one dead outlet circuit. I found the breaker for that circuit tripped inside, but turning it on did not restore power. The bedroom radio looks like it is on ...everything is lit up, but there
is no display, and you cannot turn it off. On the power center, everything appears normal except there are no lights in the charger indicator area that tells us the charger is in full charge, float, etc. Based on the house & chassis power displays, it was charging when I had the generator on. So far we have found nothing else that is affected. Hopefully we will be able to get shore power when the power to the pole is restored.

We have a SurgeGuard hardwired in the power compartment. If it is blown, will it still pass power when the power is restored to the pole, or will we be dead as far as shore power is concerned?

Looking around outside, I could see nothing close to us that looked like it had been hit. The only things taller than the motorhomes is a small tree about 30 yards to the left rear, and a light pole about 40 yards to the front. The tree looked normal, and the light was still lit on the pole. If it dries out tomorrow, guess I will go up on the roof and see if anything up there appears to have been the target...
__________________
Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
'03 Winnebago UA 40e TRADED OFF JUL 2023 / '17 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
AFChap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 03:26 PM   #3
Winnebago Master
 
smlranger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Glen Allen, VA
Posts: 2,169
Paul:

Scary for sure. Glad you guys are OK and certainly hope you have suffered no great damage to the coach electrics/electronics. I also have the hardwired surgeguard and it will be interersting to know if it will function normally when your shore power is restored.

No problems with TV's, satellite, microwave, etc? Just the rear radio??

Wonder if our motorhome insurance policies will cover necessary repairs in these cases????
__________________
'07 Country Coach Allure 470 Siskiyou Summit #31578, Cummins ISL 425; 2014 Ford F150 toad; Air Force One Toad Brake.
Glen Allen, VA; Smith Mountain Lake, VA.
smlranger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 03:30 PM   #4
iRV2 Marketing
 
DriVer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Conway, SC
Posts: 886
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AFChap:
We have a SurgeGuard hardwired in the power compartment. If it is blown, will it still pass power when the power is restored to the pole, or will we be dead as far as shore power is concerned?.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Well that's good news indeed. If you took a lightning hit it's likely that your SurgeGuard either opened the circuit saving your equipment or it sacrificed itself in attenuating the lightning strike. Your SurgeGuard will function regardless if it's blown or not since you can by-pass the protection circuit with the key.

Once the power is restored observe the status LEDs and see if the energizing coil will lock in the unit.

The manner in which I installed my surge guard both the pedestal and the generator feed through the input of the SurgeGuard.

I can say without a doubt that we're glad that no one got hurt.
__________________
03 Adventurer 38G, Workhorse W22
F&R Track Bars, Safety+ , Ultrapower, Taylor Extremes, SGII
TST 507, Blue Ox, SMI, Koni FSD, CrossFire
RV/MH Hall of Fame - Lifetime Member
DriVer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 03:44 PM   #5
Winnebago Master
 
AFChap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ...hopefully on the road!
Posts: 1,653
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">No problems with TV's, satellite, microwave, etc? Just the rear radio?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I would think if lightning struck the top of the coach, that the raised satellite dish would be the target ...it was up and in use at the time, but the control box, Dish tuner, and TV are all fine. So far, the rear radio, the one dead circuit, and dead charger indicator lights are the only problems we have noticed. Awaiting shore power restoration to see what more...
__________________
Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
'03 Winnebago UA 40e TRADED OFF JUL 2023 / '17 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
AFChap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 04:03 PM   #6
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 729
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
Your SurgeGuard will function regardless if it's blown or not since you can by-pass the protection circuit with the key.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's your answer....
FrontRangeRVer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 04:20 PM   #7
Winnie-Wise
 
rvten's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Crossville, TN USA
Posts: 397
The outlet that is not working. Is it on a GFI circuit? That could have tripped.
__________________
Tom & Bonnie
2008 Winnebago Aspect 29H
A Class C Not a B+
2010 Ford Flex
rvten is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 04:22 PM   #8
iRV2 Marketing
 
DriVer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Conway, SC
Posts: 886
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FrontRangeRVer:
There's your answer.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Where have you been. I haven't seen you post in a while.
__________________
03 Adventurer 38G, Workhorse W22
F&R Track Bars, Safety+ , Ultrapower, Taylor Extremes, SGII
TST 507, Blue Ox, SMI, Koni FSD, CrossFire
RV/MH Hall of Fame - Lifetime Member
DriVer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 04:45 PM   #9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 729
Hi DriVer...I'm here...I read this forum daily...just looking for a chance to jump in...
FrontRangeRVer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 04:51 PM   #10
iRV2 Marketing
 
DriVer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Conway, SC
Posts: 886
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FrontRangeRVer:
...just looking for a chance to jump in... </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Keepin' my eye on you!
__________________
03 Adventurer 38G, Workhorse W22
F&R Track Bars, Safety+ , Ultrapower, Taylor Extremes, SGII
TST 507, Blue Ox, SMI, Koni FSD, CrossFire
RV/MH Hall of Fame - Lifetime Member
DriVer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2007, 06:43 PM   #11
Winnebago Master
 
AFChap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ...hopefully on the road!
Posts: 1,653
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Once the power is restored observe the status LEDs and see if the energizing coil will lock in the unit. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
What is the energizing coil??? ..and what does it do?

We got power back. I checked the pole with my meter and it reads good. I found the Surgeguard showing power only on leg 2 with no other lights lit. Turning the bypass key made no difference. I pulled the 50a connection and plugged into 30a. I have seen this light indication one other time and cured it by smacking the Surgeguard, so I tried that. After several smacks, it clicked loudly went normal, then clicked and went back to only leg 2 lit. After a couple more attempts both legs stayed lit along with the delay light (which is supposed to flash during the testing delay, then go out. There was no delay ...it immediately connected power. I unplugged from the 30a and went back to 50a and have the same lights lit with normal power inside. The Surgeguard paperwork does not indicate these three lights constantly lit as either normal or error... Guess I'll call them tomorrow and see what it means.

The circuit that does not work is a GFCI circuit, but the GFCI is not tripped. But I also found that the test button will not function at all ...won't pop the breaker. So I am guessing that perhaps the GFCI plug is blown? If I remove the outlet and test the power leads and find there is power to the outlet, I will presume my guess is correct.

Still have no charger indicator lights other than "on" light. After being back on power for about an hour, the readout tells me house batteries are at 12.8 & engine batteries are at 13.6 WITH CHARGER ON. Right after reconnecting, the readout indicated 13.7 & 14.2 respectively. I presume that tells me the full charge & float functions of the charger are working even though there are no indicator lights.

It appears nothing else got zapped except for the rear radio.

All in all we are doing well ...the neighbor next to me (on other side from where I saw the fireballs floating in the air) is unable to get any power inside his coach. He doesn't have a SurgeGuard...
__________________
Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
'03 Winnebago UA 40e TRADED OFF JUL 2023 / '17 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
AFChap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 03:01 AM   #12
Winnebago Owner
 
RV Wizard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.
Posts: 100
It sould like the Surge Guard has been dammaged. You could turn off the main breakers and shut the inverter down and retry the pedastal power thru the Surge Guard. If the Surger Guard goes through its 2 minutes and 56 second diagnostic period and then connects it may be ok. It should not pass power immediately. Have you checked all of your 12 volt fuses? Glad you are ok and I think the Surge Guard saved a lot of the electronics.
__________________
Mike, RVIA & RVSA Certified Master RV Technician
Amy, Dr. Assistant - Roxie & Mei Ling, four legs each
2000 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser 450 hp & 1330# torque
06 Saturn Vue, 06 Chevy Z71 4x4 & 2014 Corvette Z51 M7
RV Wizard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 04:27 AM   #13
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Tx
Posts: 130
Whoa, glad y'all are ok.

Got no input for ya, but sure sounds like I ought to invest in a SurgeGuard.
__________________
Rather be Ridin' than Rollin'
2003 UA 40E(wheelchair accessible)
McDuff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 05:43 AM   #14
Winnebago Watcher
 
Jimbo8264's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Glenville, New York
Posts: 2
Trouble shouting guide for surgeguard.
http://www.surgeguard.com/Manuals/34560tbl_shooting.pdf
__________________
"MEANDERING TO A DIFFERENT DRUMMER"

Jim (KC2JJQ) & Sally
Jimbo8264 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 07:20 AM   #15
Winnebago Owner
 
CC38EL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: McCordsville
Posts: 216
Paul, your GFCI could be fried internally. I've had one or two fail on me after lightning struck power poles near our house.

What I believe happens is the sensing wire is actually melted during the strike.

Glad you guys and your equipment are ok.
__________________
Jim

2017 Cedar Creek 38EL/2015 Silverado 3500HD
CC38EL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 07:43 AM   #16
Winnebago Watcher
 
Provelogear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1
GFCI Circuit might have more than one outlet. I know my house does and I checked the entire house only to find the one in the garage was also wired in to the smae GFCI circuit. Once I reset that one the rest of the circuit came up.

Just a thought!
__________________
Gerald, Emi, Mike, Mel, Dani & Rossi (mini pinscher)
2007 Challenger 376 F53
Provelogear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 08:28 AM   #17
Winnebago Owner
 
jcar6109's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 83
WOW
I have been wanting to get a surgeguard and keep putting it off. You just pushed me over the edge. Now I am going to get one.
Glad everyone is OK.
__________________
John
2009 Winnebago Tour 40TD
jcar6109 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 09:13 AM   #18
Winnebago Master
 
AFChap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ...hopefully on the road!
Posts: 1,653
Found out this morning that the lightning hit a CATV box. Exploded it just outside the park. Exploded the catv line connection and all the breakers in the power pole 2 sites down from us when a fifth wheel is "stored" hooked up to power (we are between that site and the catv box), and exploded a surge guard on a coach two rows behind us. Guy between us and the damaged site cannot get any power into his coach.

I replaced the GFCI plug this morning and that circuit is now working. Bedroom radio is toast. Talked with TRC and they told me the Surgeguard is damaged and I need to send it to them for repairs. I got supplies to make a jumper wire to fill the gap so we will have power when I take the Surgeguard out.
__________________
Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
'03 Winnebago UA 40e TRADED OFF JUL 2023 / '17 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
AFChap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 09:41 AM   #19
Winnebago Owner
 
becks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: SE Minnesota
Posts: 228
It is something non of us dare be without. Lucky we got by this long. Gary
__________________
06 TS-42-DS04
1040 watts of solar
2014 Jeep Rubicon/2003 Honda CRV
becks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2007, 09:52 AM   #20
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: south side Virginia
Posts: 1
I just happy you all are safe---
take care
rich in Va.
__________________
98 Bounder 34J-Chevy, 2 Saturns (toads)
2000 Casita 13 ft deluxe Towed by 1990 Chevy G20 Van Lifetime Good sam.
Lamont is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Entry door loose; How do I adjust Strike? jspringator General Maintenance and Repair 18 02-22-2017 07:35 AM
Basement doors strike slideouts iam144 General Maintenance and Repair 6 04-14-2015 05:51 AM
Lightning Strikes - Winnebago Steel Cab Shields Owners DriVer Winnebago General Discussions 9 07-23-2008 05:44 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.