Starcraft RV Owners Forum

Surge protectors;

It depends where you camp. If using a generator, no. If Boondocking, no. If you are traveling where lightening happens, stormy weather, poorly maintained tree limbs.... its a good idea. We have one and it has saved our butts on many occasions. After examining the options, we chose to use a hard wired version as not to forget and leave it behind. (I idiot proofed myself)

A voltmeter is a handy item to test 12 volt as well as 110v and 220v circuits. Eventually something will stop working on your trailer. The first tool is usually a voltmeter. How to use a voltmeter can be found on Youtube.

That's not an easy question to answer. I've never used surge protection. I know what a surge can do to electronics and electric systems (I've been in the electric industry for 25 years), so I might be inclined to recommend using one. I know how rare it is, so I might be willing to take my chances.

It's like insurance .... keep full coverage if your trailer is worth more than you can afford to replace it (blue book value). Use a Surge suppressor if you don't know how or can't afford to replace electric components in your rig. Surge suppressors do not guarantee protection against all evils, out there every time; but, they are a great insurance device.

Polarity Tester .... They are fairly inexpensive (about 10 dollars) and probably a good idea to have around. I have three 20A testers in my bag. Just use your 30 to 20 adapter to test the 30A plug. 50 to 30 and 30 to 20 adapters to test half of the 50A plug. To test the entire 50 A plug I use a voltmeter. Quick, inexpensive and easy test.

how vital is a surge protector or polarity tester?

Gotcha I'll look into that....thanks
As for the water heater bypass I found it, it was under one of the benches but had to unscrew a panel to get to it....

Better than running your TV for hours charging ... go to you local auto parts and get a small battery charger with trickle charge function. Trickle charge it for a few days. Should be able to get one for less than 40 dollars.

Glad to find this forum, since I can't find the answer and my dealer was useless....
Am I blind or does my rig not come with a water heater bypass? Any other owners able to take a picture?

2nd question, my rig is in my driveway as I'm not taking it out for her first trip for another 2 weeks and the battery died...am I able to charge it by plugging in my tow vehicle or is that a big waste of gas? How fast does it recharge?