Back in the early 1990s, my grandparents called me from Circuit City to ask which VCR they should buy. They had a funny habit of going to electronic stores and then calling me immediately before making a decision. Anyway, I told them to get a Proscan VCR, a highly rated model at the time made by RCA. They bought the VCR, brought it home, and seemed happy with the decision.
About a week later I went to their house and asked them how the VCR was working out. “It’s dead,” they said. “It got fried in a lightning storm.” I couldn’t believe that a lightning storm could kill a brand new VCR, but that’s exactly what had happened. $500 gone in a flash. The VCR was connected to a power strip, but not a surge protector – an unforgiving mistake.
Ever since that experience, I have always had electronics plugged into surge protectors. I also immediately unplug electronics when I see or hear a lighting storm. I literally go around and unplug our computers, televisions, and stereo equipment every time I hear a nearby thunderstorm. If there are storms in the area, I’ll even unplug equipment before heading out to a store or restaurant. Why take the risk?
This is exactly the point some fellow truck camping friends have been saying about RV surge protectors. First Mike Tassinari of the North-East Truck Camping Jamboree said we needed a RV surge protector. Then legendary mod-maker Charlie Coushaine showed us his new RV surge protector and told us we needed one. A week later Tom Emerick pointed out a nice RV surge protector he picked up on Craigslist. Tom even told us a story about friends in a motorhome who had their rig fried. “You should really get a RV surge protector,” said Tom with his signature, “Listen to me son, I’ve been there, done that, and I’ve got the T-shirt to prove it” look in his eyes. Oh man, I guess we need a RV surge protector!
Well, we haven’t bought one yet. Considering how much we love our camper, and what’s plugged into it, we should. After all, Mike, Charlie, and Tom made their decisions and recommendations after considerable thought. The only decision left is which RV surge protector to get.
This week’s Question of the Week is, “Do you have a RV surge protector for your truck camper?”
If you have a RV surge protector we want to know what make and model you got, and why you bought it. If you don’t, tell us why you think you don’t need a RV surge protector. Are RV surge protectors a smart investment, or a waste of money? We think they’re a good idea, but they’re not cheap. Let’s see what you think.
Share your thoughts by filling out the form below.
