Surge protector installation

[msp2jxr]

I saw a number of people were adding surge protectors to their campers. We thought this was a good idea. Since installation on surge protectors has been done I will just add my take on the installation for a 2012 Cougar 326 MKS. In our case the first step was to remove the rear cabinet between the two chairs. My ACE mechanic backed out the many screws and it gave clear access to the wiring. The hardest part of the installation is bending and cutting the 50 amp wires. Wiring in the surge protector is straight forward with matching the color wires to the colors on the surge protector and making sure the electrical load side of the protector is going to the converter. The odd thing for me was the protector is not to be mounted flat on the floor. I made a bracket to mount the protector on its side. The bracket quickly became a support for a new shelf we added in the cabinet. I left the bottom open so we could see the indicator lights on the protector.
My ACE mechanic came up with the idea of adding a left over cabinet door from our fireplace installation. I cut the top and bottom of the cabinet door and used the router to match the edging. We purchased stain from Lowe’s and after three coats it was still lighter in color but was close. Here are some pictures of the completed project.

[allentx1]

That looks factory to me. Good job. Can we get details on the surge protector?

[msp2jxr]

The surge protector was bought through Amazon.com for $274.31. We had free shipping. The model number is TRC 3460 Surge Guard 50-Amp Hardwired.
Now that I have used this device a few times I will mention there is a 2 minute 16 second delay before you trailer power kicks in once you plug your unit into shore power. When it comes on it starts with a loud clap so you know it kicked in. I have also noticed a slight hum coming from the unit. I am glad I have a cabinet over it.

[jbsmith]

The hardest part of the installation is bending and cutting the 50 amp wires.

Ain't that the truth!!!

I just wrapped up installation of a TRC Surge Guard Plus Model 40240 (http://www.trci.net/products/surge-guard/hardwires-portables/50a-hardwire-plus) in our 331MKS. Installation required relocation of the power converter/charger, removal of the power panel, fishing the remote cable through the wall, and alligator wrestling the 6 gauge cable into submission. This particular TRC unit can be installed in any orientation except hanging, i.e. cover facing down. The remote display panel includes a switch allowing you to bypass the 2 min delay. It also has a slight hum when energized.

Photos show location of power disconnect relay in basement and installation of the remote display. The dealer wanted over $200 in labor to do the same install.

[msp2jxr]

Very clean and impressive job on the installation. I like that you have a bypass switch...

[f6bits]

The 2+ minute delay is normal, supposedly to protect your air conditioner from a rapid recycle.

I see from the SurgeGuard site that the remote is no longer available for the 30A hardwire unit. Bummer. I’m kind of liking my portable unit because I can easily swap it out or bypass it if it breaks. I keep it padlocked to my power cable so it doesn’t wander off.

[LarryL]

I to found it easier to install the surge guard with cabinet out of
the way a lot of screws, I have one with a remote display and
bypass switch, mounted it on the the front of the cabinet and
also cut down a door I had when I put my fireplace in.
I have noticed the chair I like it would you be so nice to
tell where you brought it please.

[msp2jxr]

We purchased our chairs from Slumberland. IMHO, they are much lighter and more comfortable than the factory chairs.

Your install looks great! I like the remote idea. We were not aware of that feature when we purchased our surge protector. Where did you get your stain and can you tell us what color it is.

Thanks.

[LarryL]

I will look at the chairs see if I can afford to buy them.
The stain I used was minwax gel stain Mahogany 003
It took two coats left each coat on for 10 minutes.