50 vs 30 amp surge protector

[the sodfather]

Right now we have a 30 amp TT. I want to buy a pedestal/in-line surge protector. Since basically every place we go has 50 amp plugs, we always use our adapter and adapt up to it. Reason being, they seem to be used less and provide a more solid connection and for some reason we can get away with running a/c and microwave without tripping a breaker as opposed to just plugging into the 30. SO, my question is....should I just buy a 50 amp surge protector and reduce down to my 30 amp cord or do I HAVE to buy a 30 amp surge protector?

[sourdough]

Seems like sorta kinda a wash but I think I would get the 30A protector.

When you use the adapter at the ped you are xfering one 50A leg thru your 30a adapter, the other is not used. Since it is a 50A leg, and you have a 30A service, the only limiting factor would be the 30A breaker in the trailer. That would also hold true if you bought the 50A protector; plus, you would be monitoring a power leg you don't need to. With a 30A surge protector you would be monitoring for the 30A requirement instead of 50A thus giving you more or less double protection for the 30A limit of the trailer (trailer breaker/protector breaker).

I'm also thinking the reason you can draw more current with the adapter is because you are being fed a 50A lead from the ped and the breakers in the trailer are the only limiting factor vs the trailer and ped breakers. At 50A the ped is going to feed the trailer until you blow the breakers inside. Just thinking out loud......Hope it makes sense.

[Outback 325BH]

Originally Posted by the sodfather

Right now we have a 30 amp TT. I want to buy a pedestal/in-line surge protector. Since basically every place we go has 50 amp plugs, we always use our adapter and adapt up to it. Reason being, they seem to be used less and provide a more solid connection and for some reason we can get away with running a/c and microwave without tripping a breaker as opposed to just plugging into the 30. SO, my question is....should I just buy a 50 amp surge protector and reduce down to my 30 amp cord or do I HAVE to buy a 30 amp surge protector?

Smart choice plugging into the 50 amp receptacle. They usually are in better condition. In addition to that, with campgrounds usually having mediocre wiring at best, the 50 amp service will provide solid service for you.

Anyway...

When you use a 50 => 30 dogbone, you only have one hot leg. At that point it really doesn't matter. I would just stick with a 30 amp EMS (better than just a surge protector). Whatever you buy, a 30 amp is fine. A 50 amp provides nothing for your situation.


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[Pull Toy]

I'd stay with the 30 amp'er for the above stated reasons, unless you are thinking of moving up to a 50 amp rig in the near future. At that point the 30 amp would be useless. $$$

Good Luck,

[JRTJH]

I think what you're asking is whether you should buy a 50 amp surge protector/EMS now even though you have a 30 amp trailer currently because you may upgrade to a larger trailer and don't want to buy a 30 amp now and have to buy another one for that trailer. If that is your objective, then the answer would be that either a 30 amp would work for you now and you'd have to upgrade if you buy a new trailer or, of you want to make the extra investment now, the 50 amp will work with a 50/30 dogbone for this trailer and when you upgrade, you can move it to your new trailer to "save" some money....

If that isn't your question, Hmmmmm

[chuckster57]

Another consideration is portable or hard wired. I chose 30A hard wired with remote display. IF/WHEN I ever upgrade I'll have a 50A hard wired with remote display installed as part of the deal.

[the sodfather]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I think what you're asking is whether you should buy a 50 amp surge protector/EMS now even though you have a 30 amp trailer currently because you may upgrade to a larger trailer and don't want to buy a 30 amp now and have to buy another one for that trailer. If that is your objective, then the answer would be that either a 30 amp would work for you now and you'd have to upgrade if you buy a new trailer or, of you want to make the extra investment now, the 50 amp will work with a 50/30 dogbone for this trailer and when you upgrade, you can move it to your new trailer to "save" some money....

If that isn't your question, Hmmmmm

It's also a thought that crossed my mind. I just didn't add that. Your RV knowledge is so freakin' awesome you read my mind...

[the sodfather]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Another consideration is portable or hard wired. I chose 30A hard wired with remote display. IF/WHEN I ever upgrade I'll have a 50A hard wired with remote display installed as part of the deal.

As finding it on Amazon for $220, prolly gonna roll that way. Amazon Prime!