Surge protection on 2007 Contessa Bayshore 42ft

[Albert Balika]

Is there a built in surge protection on a 2007 Contessa Bayshore 42ft? My previous coach was a Monaco Dynasty and it had an onboard surge protector. What would be a recommended surge protector, assuming I do not have one onboard? Thank you.

[Steve Huber]

Albert,
The coach did not come with one.
Steve

[Joel Ashley]

Is not the Surge Guard 40350 Transfer Switch common to coaches like Albert’s?
https://rvpower.southwire.com/products/transfer-switches/50a-hardwire-model-40350-rvc-automatic-transfer-switch/

Joel

[Gerald Farris]

Albert,
I use a Surge Guard 35550. It seems to be the best and most trouble free unit out there. It also gives you the most bang for the buck.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Surge-Guard-35550-Hardwire-Model/dp/B01AASJHGO/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2ZURU1QILZT0&dchild=1&keywords=rv+surge+guard+protector+50+amp&qid=1597700379&sprefix=rv+surge+guard+protector+50+amp%2Caps%2C734&sr=8-2

Gerald

[Albert Balika]

Thank you all for your response. I am curious about an answer to Joel's question about the transfer switch. Also, Gerald, is there any difference or advantage between the "hard wire" Surge Guard #35550 protector you recommend vs. the comparable 50amp "portable" Surge Guard protector, other than the obvious outdoor exposure?

[Steve Huber]

Albert,
The brochures for 2007 models are posted on the BAC site. The Patriot and Marquis list of features includes a surge guard transfer switch. The Contessa does not list this feature.
In addition to weather exposure, the portable unit is also subject to theft. There is room on the ceiling of your bay next to the transfer switch to install the fixed surge guard.
Steve

[Joel Ashley]

The 40350 fixed unit is both transfer switch and surge protector in one.  I can’t speak to your model coach, Albert, but ours is in the cord reel bay on the wall, where the cord is proximal and easily connected.  It’s actually a 40250.  I think that at least in late 2007 Monaco was using a different brand (Iota ITS-50R?) of switch, and there was some sort of recall, but it affected ‘08 models.

Steve is correct, but I’m surprised being that Contessa is a step up from Monterey, that you wouldn’t have a 40350 or similar as standard equipment.  Though occasionally there’s reported a loose/burned connection or other issue, it’s a pretty commonly used and reliable device.

As Steve notes, if your switch is as suspected just a transfer switch, then Gerald’s 35550 should mount next to it.

Joel

[Gerald Farris]

Albert,
Like Steve said, weather exposure, and theft are issues, but to me the portable unit is just one more thing to get out when you set up and one more thing to store when you depart. The hard wired unit is cheaper and after a relatively easy installation, you do not need to touch it again.

Gerald

[Mike Shumack]

Is there any concern over having a Surge Guard (35550) feeding into the factory surge protector (the built in one in the 40250 Transfer switch)?

Sorta like having a GFCI breaker feeding a GFI receptacle - which is a no no (they say this causes false trips).

[Joel Ashley]

What is being assumed, Mike, from the brochure for Albert’s coach, is that he doesn’t have that type of transfer switch.  That’s what surprised me, as I noted in my previous post.  Other models’ brochures of that year/era list Surge Guard switches or a surge protector.  And Steve should know... he has the same coach.

Joel

[Steve Huber]

Joel, All,
Here is the transfer switch in an 07 Contessa.
https://www.ecodirect.com/Iota-ITS-50R-p/iota-its-50r.htm
Steve

[Joel Ashley]

I read that the Iota 50R had been recalled around 2012 I think for overheating, or was it a different version? 

[Bill Lampkin]

Iota transfer switch recall; 2015

https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles/electrical-issue-in-recreational-vehicles-prompts-recall.html#:~:text=The%20recall%20applies%20solely%20to,used%20in%20higher%20ambient%20temperatures.&text=The%20recall%20is%20expected%20to%20begin%20October%205%2C%202015.

[Steve Huber]

From the April 2012 FMCA magazine;

 Navistar Inc., on behalf of Monaco RV LLC, has announced NHTSA recall 12V060000, which affects 2008 through 2010 model-year Beaver Contessa; 2009 Beaver Monterey; 2009 through 2011 model-year Holiday Rambler Ambassador, and Monaco Cayman and Knight; 2010 and 2011 model-year Holiday Rambler Endeavor, Neptune, and Scepter, and Monaco Camelot and Diplomat; and 2011 model-year Monaco Vesta motorhomes built from October 25, 2007, through August 26, 2010. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 249. The affected units must have been sold by Monaco RV LLC to qualify for the recall.

The affected vehicles are equipped with IOTA ITS-50R 50-amp automatic transfer switches. The IOTA ITS-50R automatic transfer switch bus bar and/or electrical connections may be inadequate to handle the electrical load. This could cause the transfer switch to overheat and possibly melt, which could lead to a possible fire, potentially resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.

A Monaco RV dealer will replace the IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch with another brand of transfer switch. The repair is expected to take approximately 90 minutes. However, because of service scheduling times, the service department may need the vehicle for a longer time period.

For more information, contact Monaco RV LLC at (877) 466-6226. Owner notification is expected to begin in April 2012.

[Mike Shumack]

What is being assumed, Mike, from the brochure for Albert’s coach, is that he doesn’t have that type of transfer switch. 

I wasn't asking for the OP, I was asking for my own setup (I have the 40250). Been thinking about adding some additional protection - maybe the Hughes AutoFormer or just a hardwired Surge Guard 35550 "to protect my transfer switch" as that 40250 model is no longer available if it frys and it is the only model that communicates with the Aladdin).
 
I guess that question is called a hijack. Sorry