Horizons28
Brevard, NC
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Joined: 05/19/2004
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When we bought our RV, I bought a Hughes autoformer. $600. Just before the 2 yr warranty expired, it stopped working. So the only way to get warranty work was to ship the (heavy) thing back, so that was another $150. It lasted one more year before giving up the ghost. I wasn't sure I wanted to invest another $600, so I bought a Surgeguard instead. $300. A year and a half later, it has died. I see it's $330 for another, so that comes to $1400 to cover 4 1/2 years so far.
Are these things burning out because they're doing their jobs and giving their lives in the process?
Or are these brands sub-par and are there better out there?
I was also curious - has anyone had their electrical system fried and how much was the repair? I'm in a 5th wheel.
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Ranger Smith
Wherever the rig is parked
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Joined: 05/13/2006
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Ive had a surge guard 50 amp for 6 years and still working like a champ
Where I Am Now
Amateur Radio Operator KK9W ARRL VE FT DX2000
Steve and Joy
1999 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom
2011 RAM 1500 Laramie CC 4x4 Hemi
Yogi . . . The Yorkie
Kage . . . The Poodle
Cookie . . . The Chihuahua
Cooper . . . The Aussiedoodle
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past-MIdirector
Michigan
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Joined: 03/03/2007
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Our 30 AMP Surge Guard the old gray box is over 10 years old and still going strong. I can't explain why yours are not lasting long. I do have a power meter in the rig and check it off and on during the day. Our protector has tripped off on low voltage several times and a couple on high voltage over the years. When it gives up I plan to up grade to the RV voltage regulator from CW.
I have seen people with both low and high voltage damage and it can be from a couple hundred up in to the thousand dollar repair cost.
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MEXICOWANDERER
las peñas, michoacan, mexico
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Joined: 06/01/2007
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It depends on the "Why" of "Stopped Working". Which parts failed? I have a Sola 10KW ferroresonant line tamer in operation in Mexico since 1992, 24/7
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ploiselle
South Shore, MA
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Joined: 05/28/2003
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Hi
I would call Surge Guard and ask them about it. I may be an easy fix.
I had a 50 amp Hughes go 1 month out of warranty. The shipping was $75 from Naples. I was not happy when the old owners told me it took a surge and that it would cost me $450 for a replacement plus shipping. No one else had had any electrical issues in my area.
I would love to know what their failure rate is. The old owner told me that Camping World was dropping them so they were selling the company. I wonder if it had anything to do with the amount of failures?
Paul
41' MountainAire (MADP) -Spartan- Cummins 350 ISC
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Brake Buddy - CoachNet
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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Our Hughes autoformer gets used at about 20% of the places we stop. It is 13 years old now I think, and still working great. Hope my luck holds.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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Joined: 09/25/2007
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Look into progressive Industries.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside by Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
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lryrob9301
Maryland
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Joined: 01/23/2009
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Why don't you buy this to protect against low or high voltages, and it has a lifetime warranty.Progressive PT50C
2013 Tiffin Phaeton 40QBH
2011 Scion x/B Toad
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Horizons28
Brevard, NC
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Joined: 05/19/2004
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I've come across some threads about the "chattering" noise the Surgeguard makes when it dies. We've gone through the TRC troubleshooting guide which leads to the concluding step: "buy a new one." My husband is going to take it apart when we get home, just to see what's what inside. Meanwhile the lifetime warranty (plus lower purchase price) on the Progressive surge protectors make them look like a better choice.
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larry barnhart
wenatchee. wa usa
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Joined: 03/30/2001
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We had one installed in 2001 but in 2009 it burned up. Couldn't wait to get another one installed.
chevman
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy
easyrider/reese airhitch
trailair center point suspension
JT Strong Arm Stabilizers
KSH 55 inbed fuel tank
Garmin 2720
scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
TST tire monitors
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