By Chuck Woodbury
If you use a surge protector when you plug in your RV (you absolutely should!), it’s a good idea to secure it so a thief can’t steal it. Most times, you can simply use a padlock that will fit through a hole in the electrical pedestal cover.
We hear reports at RVtravel.com quite often from readers whose surge protectors disappeared during the night or when they were away from their RV.
For those times I can’t simply lock the pedestal cover, I carry a combination bicycle lock like the one here and a strong security cable, which most often does the job: I can usually find something to attach the cable to — a tree, picnic table or anything else nearby that can be used to secure it.
We found this photo on Pinterest that shows another way to secure a surge protector when a system like what I describe above won’t work.
Do you have another method? Please leave a comment, or send an email to me with a photo attached at chuck@rvtravel.com .
I use a cable lock used to secure guns by going through the action. Often they come free with the gun and the one I use says ‘Smith & Wesson’ so it has extra security.
I’ve used the largest diameter bike cable available for years, fastened so it can’t be lifted up and over the pedestal, (like someone else suggested) and have never even suspected someone has attempted to steal it. Most set-ups I’ve observed would be much easier to steal than mine, and that’s the object, Thieves are lazy low-life’s, who don’t want to work very hard at anything – thus they’re hard wired to follow the path of least resistance, which I do not offer them.
I hard wired my surge suppressor inside my electrical cabinet bay. I also lock the cabinet up all the time I am away from home. It has been 17 years and I still have it safe and secure.
I have two electric management systems, 50 amp, and I have had them both for many years. No one has ever tried to take it when pluged in all these years. Someone once told me many years ago that they don’t lock their storage because he would prefer that if they are going to steal from there them he hope they didn’t break the doors or door locks.
I’m surprised no one else pointed out that the chained box pictured wouldn’t do anything to stop theft. Unplug, lift the loop of chain, and walk away with it. What works better is locking the surge cable to your non-removable RV cable so even unplugged its still stuck to your rig.
Can’t steal mine, don’t use one. Lightning, bring it!
We use an extension cord, surge protector stays inside the bin.
If I will be staying for a few days at a camp site, I first check the pedestal with my tester/surge protector. If all is ok I use my 50 Amp extension cord from the pedestal to the entry into my basement electrical service and plug the surge protector into the extension cord and the 50 amp service cord into the surge protector. So all anyone sees is an electric cord going under my RV.
I’ve installed the hard-wired version inside my truck camper. It even comes with a digital readout that’s mounted on my wall so I can monitor what’s going on without going outside. Nice when it’s raining or 113 degrees outside! This should be everyone’s standard equipment.
I use a sliding cable lock and tighten it around the base of the power pole. Just unlock and slide the cable to make it a larger loop to remove.
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Python-Adjustable-8413DPF/dp/B00006407M/ref=sr_1_21/147-4156355-8249627?ie=UTF8&qid=1543361983&sr=8-21&keywords=cable+lock
I use a Master CABLE Lock. Purchased at Lowes, comes in a Set of 3 locks and Cables for $20. Good Thick Cable and is 6ft. Long, so depending on the Pedestal, you can wrap the Cable around twice.
Everyone needs a Surge Protector and should always secure it with a Chain or Cable lock. Good Heavy Duty Lock that is very difficult for a Bolt cutter to cut through.
Just my 2 cents.