2670 hardwire surge protector

[Bubbajim]

Hi all; Just wondering if anyone has installed a 50 amp hardwired surge protector into a 2670mk? How was the install, easy or hard? Thanks

[humunuku]

Bubbajim 6 months later, did you ever get on with this project? I just finished doing this on our new trailer and it took maybe three hours. I can send pictures if you're still interested.

[Lhinaz71]

I would be interested in your pictures if you still have them. I'll see if I can send you a PM as well.

[howson]

humunuku -- I know this thread (and your post) is a bit old, but if you still have the pics and can remember the details, please do a write-up (mod) on the install so it can be included in the Modifications channel's spreadsheet.

Howard

[humunuku]

howson

I have three pictures to show you.

• The first is looking through the drawer holes after the drawers are removed
• The second shows the location where I mounted the surge protector
• The third is is a closeup of the surge protector after installation and operation.

The installation was very easy. The most difficult part was cutting the existing power feed. I purchased a pair of lineman cutters. They are heavy-duty wire cutters for larger cables
The feed from the outside connector to the fuse box had a large loop provided by Grand Design. I cut the loop almost in half. This provided enough cable to feed the top of the surge protector from the outside connector
This left enough cable to connect from the bottom of the surge protector to the fuse box.

There is a minimum radius for the cable which I accommodated on the bottom of the surge protector. The top was no problem.
First I cut a 1/2" thick plywood board and checked the fit between the external plug furnace box.

Before mounting the plywood to the wall, I mounted the surge protector to the board with stove bolts from the back and glued them to the plywood
If I ever need to replace surge protector, all I need to do is remove the nuts from the front and the threaded studs will be available for replacement.

The wires are very heavy and stiff. So I connected them to the surge protector before putting the assembly in place.
When I bolted the plywood with all assembled pieces to the wall I added some construction adhesive.
This was for assurance nothing would move due to stress from the cables or the bouncing from the road.

I have had no issue with heat and I can hear the unit kick on 2 minutes after connecting to shore power. Also, according to my wife it is easier to look for the microwave clock.
I love the security of having the unit inside my rig instead on exposed at the power outlet.

I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, please let me know

[howson]

humunuku (Al)--perfect! I'll add this thread to the Modification List.

Lhinaz71 -- hope you stop back and see Al's post (above).

Howard

[Lhinaz71]

Thanks Al.

[Scott.n.Tira]

howson

The wires are very heavy and stiff. So I connected them to the surge protector before putting the assembly in place.
When I bolted the plywood with all assembled pieces to the wall I added some construction adhesive.
This was for assurance nothing would move due to stress from the cables or the bouncing from the road.

Thanks for the good information, thinking of doing the same thing.

Since that's an exterior wall, how did you bolt the plywood base to it? ...or do you think the adhesive is talking most of the load?

Scott

[humunuku]

Scott.n.Tira In the end, there was less tension on the cables than I thought there might be. I did not attempt to locate aluminum frame members. The screws held the backer until the glue dried. When I did a dry fit, the surge protector and backer almost stood in place by itself. Even though the interior wall is a type of laminate, I suspect the glue is doing most of the work. We have put 3,000 miles on the rig since this upgrade with no issues and everything looks and feels solid.

[Precab]

Thanks for the good information, thinking of doing the same thing.

Since that's an exterior wall, how did you bolt the plywood base to it? ...or do you think the adhesive is talking most of the load?

Scott

If in a 2670 MK you’re better off mounting the hardwired surge protector in the bottom of the hanging closet above the power panel. The ems pc boards are usually replaceable and will burn out overtime so leaving it accessible in the closet verse the floor of the furnace bay (as the other person pictured here) might be Worth considering