When we got our $360 surge protector (3 years ago) I ordered a security gizmo to prevent it from being stolen when relaxing at one of the less reputable campgrounds we find ourselves in on occasion.
The gizmo arrived and it was flimsy (piece of crap) and $35!
Sent it back to Amazon.
Recently found a chain I was not using for a hammock with an S-hook on the end of it, looped it around the wire between the 50 amp plug and the surge protector, closed the hook in a vice and was ready for the next outing.
Now I can padlock the end of the chain to the clasp on electric panel cover after we plug in making it a bit more difficult to walk away with the surge protector.
Depending where you camp it may be a cheap security measure to take.
I used to lock ours up. But I usually use a 50 Ext cord and leave the Progressive industries in the wet bay plugged into the cable on the reel, that way puts sight and out of the weather.
I have a backup one that you can plug into at the pedestal but my preference is my inline Hughes power. Watchdog and the Hughes autoformer.
It's under the bed in the front but I only have room for all that because I do not have auto transfer switches anymore and in rely on a blue sea systems manual transfer switch. Works for me. That way everything is out of sight and out of mind.
Beamer
Brilliant idea of leaving the surge protector in the bay. I am going to try it!
We have both the inline and a Hughes pedestal and use both all the time
I too leave the surge protector in the bay. I don't have a cord reel, and found that the 25' cord was a pain to use/coil/store. I cut the thing in half, added 2 new ends. So my protector stays plugged into now the "middle" of the old 25' cord. , I have found in the last 3 years, maybe 3 times that I have needed all 25' cord pulled out to reach. And often the surge protector can lay under the coach, out of sight.
OR
If just getting into acquiring an electrical protection device, why not spend around the same money and hardwire? But installing does take a bit more skill than just plugging into a pole, but its also not terribly complicated.
Just like the thought of someone stealing our Diesel fuel while out day tripping, ( which I read is becoming quite common) I too worried about the loss of a costly surge device, then I read about the hardwire approach. Seeing near the same cost, I opted for the hardwire and that is no longer even a passing thought.
Surge Protector, Hardwire, 50A/240V-EMS-HW50C by Progressive Ind : Electronics (https://www.amazon.com/Surge-Protector-Hardwire-240V-EMS-HW50C-Progressive/dp/B00O5BYO7K/ref=sr_1_6?crid=EWQ12NF3YK5Y&keywords=EMS-HW50C&qid=1654951616&sprefix=ems-hw50c%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-6)
Has anyone ever actually heard of one being stolen? I have not despite their value and relative abundance in campgrounds.
Hard wire after the automatic transfer switch to protect coach from both external faults. And a failed generator or damaged transfer switch
Scott
Recent retired friend with a 350k tiffen has had 2 stolen while in a storage facility in the Bham Al area.
I used to lock ours up. not so much anymore.
I just use a heavy bicycle cable-- I look at that the same way I look at tools and equipment at home- at least here-- most of the thieves are meth heads and if something takes over a minute to steal they tend to go some where else!!!
Chris