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.
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chain and lock, like the photo, is the way I go. cannot slide over the lid to the box.
I use a surgeguard but the problem is my power cord screws on outside of the motorhome with no inside connections. I have one of those lock box covers that keeps the cord and protector plugged together. The only way to stop someone from taking it or the whole cord is to lock it to the pedestal which is not always easy.
My SurgeGuard comes with a metal loop on the cord I just use some chain and regular padlock. I think any theft of an EMS is a Theft of opportunity and if the theft requires some effort the thief will go to an easier target.
We also used to “lock” our surge protector. But were informed in many states and counties, that it was considered a potential fire hazard and illegal. So we discontinued the practice. After 5 years of fulltime RVing it hasn’t been an issue in any park that we have stayed in. Yes it would be an issue if stolen, but we had to weigh safety vs peace of mind. For others you have to do what makes you comfortable.
This article has appeared several times in RVTravel. Each time I see it I wonder what would keep a thief from unhooking the plug and sliding the chain up over the power pedastal. Surely you have gotten this comment before.
Since most thieves are stupid they probably won’t think of that.
Oh SNAP! so much for THAT idea!
I, too use a security cable and a good safety lock. While most people are honest, and, at one time $400 wasn’t a lot of money to me, it sure is now. I recall the shock (no pun intended) when we lost power only to find that rain had shorted out and destroyed our Canco suppressor. So I bought a Progressive Industries model with the weather-proof cover. Getting back to security, I am also amazed to see so many people leaving their Blue Ox hitches hanging off the rear of their motor home or the pins left in the grille of their toad. Imagine their surprise when they go to hook up and a part’s been pilfered. It would certainly delay the next leg of their journey. Lock it up!
We solved the problem in our 5’er by hard wiring our 50 amp surge unit inside the trailer right behind the power panel. We also have a digital readout in the cupboard right above it so we can monitor what it is doing any time.
Exactly what we did on our Artic Fox 28F TT.
I use the bicycle cable & padlock, but also cover the pedestal with a large black plastic bag. If the thief comes in the night, he/she will not see it.
I also use a similar lock and chain system and when possible also lock the lid. A fiend of mine used a cable and had his stolen so for Just a small cost compared to a $200+ loss I like the double protection!
I secured my Hughes transformer to the pedestal by locking the pedestal box at the rv park in Seminole, ok, Bar H Bar rv park. They cut the lock and said it’s a fire hazard and kicked us out. It’s now called the Stuckeys rv park. It’s also a good Sam park . I complain to good Sam about their rating and their treatment towards rv campers . Nothing was done to their rating I would not recommend using their park since you are not allowed to secure your property even though they have transients wandering thru.
They didn’t just knock on the door and ask to remove the lock?
No.. the idiot that works there knew me since I would pick up the trash as it blows around and they don’t. He walked up and cut the lock. I asked him why did he not ask me to take it off since I was in the rv. He said the boss told him to cut it. These people that work there don’t think. I asked the boss why don’t they fix the water faucets and electric pedestals. She said its the owners problem and not hers. Stupid is as stupid does. Still wish Good Sam would drop there ratings since they are rv unfriendly.
Noted – Stuckeys RV park will be on the no-go list.
I lock the door of the pedestal with a long shackle lock. If they can’t open the pedestal door they can’t steal the EMS.
I just wrap this around the pedestal a few times and attach to Surge Protector. Seems to work pretty good!
By the way, my Wife drives the Truck towing the Chain Trailer! A Dual Axle Trailer with Mini Crane to off load the chain once we get to our campsite!
Is this available at Walmart or Home Depot, LOL.
Actually LOWES has it in stock! {bleeped}!
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.
If a low life is taking your surge protector, he would take a long chunk of cable too. “Snip” With the price of copper, it would be worth it.
Stay cool
The receptacle lid is larger than the post so if you keep the chain short it cannot slide off the top of the pedestal
Can’t steal mine, don’t use one. Lightning, bring it!
you wont feel that way if a surge comes through the wire. had it happen to the campground we were staying at. ruined our tv and several oher campers had even more problems. got a surge protector right away.
That’s been my solution for over 20 years too, Billy. Haven’t had any issues either.
Ours was about $1,000 mistake. Blew microwave, coffee pot, heated blanket, digital wall clock, fireplace.
Not the coffee pot!!!
We use an extension cord, surge protector stays inside the bin.
same here
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.
Pretty clever way to hide the surge protector.
You must watch for voltage drop.
Check the voltage at your breaker box.