Question re. surge protectors

[raj]

My Winnebago trailer (2017 2108FBS) has a power cable with a handle so large that it doesn't fit under ANY surge protector covers I've seen. (I was looking a surge protectors with covers because I want the protection from rain.)

This got me thinking that if you're going to plug in a surge protector every time you plug up your trailer, why not have a hardwired unit right before the power goes into your power distribution box. Since, I recently replaced my power unit to support LiFePo batteries, I know exactly where these wires are.

Looking at hardwired units, I see that they're generally $200+ while the plug-in units are much cheaper.

I'm interested in people's thoughts on this.
1) Why are hardwired units much more expensive?
2) Maybe I don't need to worry about a cover in the rain?
3) Obviously, I *could* buy a plug-in unit, cut off the connectors and wire it in for a lot less. I'm sure I'm missing something here.

Thoughts?

[Decuct CoCo]

I installed male and female NEMA plugs on cable within the electrical compartment primarily to keep it out of sight so plug-in unit wouldn't be stolen as compartment locks..
Should it be disabled by lightening hit or power surge it's easily replaced..

[wahoonc]

In answer to the question about prices, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. There are basic surge protectors, then there are EMS units. For an EMS hardwired or plug in I would expect to pay in the $250 range.

Aaron

[creativepart]

The Cover on the EMS-PT30X Portable RV Surge Protector is hinged and opens enough to accommodate your power plug without any problem. Even opened it will provide some cover in wet weather, though I have the 50-amp model and don't really worry about rain - just don't let it sit on the ground where water puddles.

As to theft - I've never ever worried about it this happening. Some folks think everything will be stolen and stress about this stuff all the time. I don't. Look around the campground, you'll see dozens of these ready to be stolen. Yet, for some reason aren't.

Hardwired is great - but there are limitations. When something fails you can't easily replace it like you can a "portable" model. Also, when you buy a new RV you can take your portable with you easily.

We really prefer the Progressive Industry products. They cover all the potential problems and are reliable.

[Morich]

When I see things stolen it is often a case where it is just too easy. Things like porch pirates?
In campgrounds we have seen a few things stolen but they were just ripe for the picking. Campgrounds on highway edges where you are basicly parked ten feet off the roads and folks can see coolers, grills, and stoves setting loose out on the picnic tables?
We woke one night hearing lots of metal banging and it was guys grabbing things and throwing them in the back of a truck. They got in and out and away before anybody woke up!
If it is tied to power and they don't know what that is doing, I feel it makes them a bit shy about touching something that may take time to get loose!

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Decuct CoCo

I installed male and female NEMA plugs on cable within the electrical compartment primarily to keep it out of sight so plug-in unit wouldn't be stolen as compartment locks..
Should it be disabled by lightening hit or power surge it's easily replaced..

Great idea!