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09-10-2018, 09:00 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: loveland, co
Posts: 11
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suggestions on surge protector
Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
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09-10-2018, 09:24 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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First, answers to two questions needed.
1. 30 amp or 50 amp trailer electrical system?
2. Internal or external (add on) EMS preferred?
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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09-10-2018, 11:24 AM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Ogden
Posts: 92
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I installed a Progressive EMS in my 5th wheel
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahm
Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
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I installed a 30 amp EMS in my Cougar 5th wheel. See link below for how I did it and why.
Mel
https://rvbloggers.wordpress.com/201...-my-5th-wheel/ or CLICK HERE
__________________
2016 Keystone Cougar 277RLSWE 1/2 ton series Towed with a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Cab Super Duty 6.2L Gas, Reese 16,000 Lb Sliding Hitch. my Blog Site RV Bloggers https://rvbloggers.wordpress.com/
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09-10-2018, 01:08 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 708
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Adding a surge protector
I added a 30 amp wired-in Progressive industries surge protector after smoking my power converter by plugging the TT into a friend's home made extension cord. In hindsight, I think the cord was mis-wired as the aircon kind of groaned and then shut down a couple of times while trying to power the TT up.
I had intended to install the surge protector before this event, but never got around to it. It would have saved my converter.
The big plus of the PI surge protector (as I see it) is that is has a readout which shows, the input voltage, how many amps are being drawn, and shows an error code if there is a problem. I prefer this quantiative information over status lights on most other surge protectors. Having the amp draw readout helped me diagnose problems with my fridge. It also acts as a reminder when the aircon is running, the hot water is heating up and the fridge is trying to cool on electric, not to try to use the microwave or we'll likely pop the breaker at the pedestal. When the above three items are running, we are drawing about 26 amps which is very close to the maximum (30A system).
Also, I'm not very keen on a cord solution that requires an extra step during setup/pack-up and something else that has to be secured against theft.
From go to whoa, my wife and I can setup our TT in about 10 minutes and we resist adding extra steps that complicate the process and extend the time. This is important when it's 100+ degrees and 90+ % humidity outside!
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09-17-2018, 06:56 AM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SpringGrove
Posts: 31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV
The big plus of the PI surge protector (as I see it) is that is has a readout which shows, the input voltage, how many amps are being drawn, and shows an error code if there is a problem. I prefer this quantiative information over status lights on most other surge protectors. Having the amp draw readout helped me diagnose problems with my fridge. It also acts as a reminder when the aircon is running, the hot water is heating up and the fridge is trying to cool on electric, not to try to use the microwave or we'll likely pop the breaker at the pedestal. When the above three items are running, we are drawing about 26 amps which is very close to the maximum (30A system).
Also, I'm not very keen on a cord solution that requires an extra step during setup/pack-up and something else that has to be secured against theft.
From go to whoa, my wife and I can setup our TT in about 10 minutes and we resist adding extra steps that complicate the process and extend the time. This is important when it's 100+ degrees and 90+ % humidity outside!
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You just sold me on the permanent option. A bit more work – ONE TIME – to put in place, accurate run-time info, and never have to set up again or worry about rain or theft...and it's cheaper.
How to:
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09-10-2018, 12:54 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Regardless whether 30 or 50 amp, hardwired or portable, Progressive Industries surge protector/ems would be/was/is my 1st choice, pricey but worth every penny!
I've had the 50 amp portable for 10+ years, fried one at a park which PI replaced free & has saved my rv on several occasions. If you plan to keep your rv forever the hardwired would be a good choice, if planning to upgrade at any time the portable would probably be a better option, only have to buy it once. I'm on my 3rd 5er using the same portable.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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09-10-2018, 01:11 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahm
Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
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Since you mentioned to add to your power cord, I'm guessing you mean portable. So, I bought the below from Amazon for my recently bought TT. Power is 30 Amps. There is a 50 Amp model. Also, I bought a chain and lock to secure to campsite power station. Works great.. Just plug it in and let it run through its start-up cycle. Then plug in your camper.
Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector Portable EMS-PT30X RV Surge Protector
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09-19-2018, 05:47 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: northern va
Posts: 26
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send pic of what your surge chain security method looks like. [email protected]
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09-19-2018, 06:17 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Lake Stevens
Posts: 764
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Quote:
Originally Posted by villui
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Mine is the center of the trailer secure by two 6/3 with ground cables, and a RJ-11 phone cable. Chris
__________________
2019 Laredo 225MK for travel. Bighorn 3575el summer home in Washington, Park Model with Arizona Room for winters.
2015 RAM 3500 SRW CC SB Aisin Laramie
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09-10-2018, 01:17 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: loveland, co
Posts: 11
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Sorry, I forgot to add. 50 amp portable.
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09-10-2018, 01:32 PM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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I'd suggest the Progressive portable. http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt-x Be cautious about buying a "surge protector" that doesn't monitor anything but lightening strikes.... You need an electrical systems monitor, not a surge protector. Plan about $250-300 depending on where you buy.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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09-10-2018, 02:57 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Rural Minnesota
Posts: 102
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What would be the reason I would need a 50amp instead of a 30amp?
__________________
"Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy. " Albert Einstein
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09-10-2018, 03:08 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Quote:
Originally Posted by labman
What would be the reason I would need a 50amp instead of a 30amp?
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If your rv is 50 amp you need a 50 amp, 30 amp a 30!
With the proper dogbone adapters you can use the 50 on the 30 & the 30 on the 50 if necessary.
As for the portable adding another step in setting up, mine is plugged into the rv cord & stays there, so it's still just plug into pedestal & into the rv, no extra steps. As for theft, as stated I've had mine for 10+ years, never locked down & has never walked away.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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09-11-2018, 02:16 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Georgia
Posts: 104
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
I'd suggest the Progressive portable. http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt-x Be cautious about buying a "surge protector" that doesn't monitor anything but lightening strikes.... You need an electrical systems monitor, not a surge protector. Plan about $250-300 depending on where you buy.
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I completely agree with this recommendation; we have the 30 amp model. It will reset itself after shutting down, when it detects safe levels again. Some protectors will shut down when there's a problem, but they don't reset themselves. I think this one is worth every penny!
If you get this one, don't panic when your camper doesn't immediately power up once you power it on. It runs a diagnostic test before allowing power to the camper - takes just a few minutes. Also, be sure to follow the directions regarding the order of hooking it up, printed on the protector.
__________________
Beth and Joe
2017 Keystone Bullet 248RKS
2013 Ram 1500 HEMI
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09-10-2018, 02:56 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Dallas, Ore
Posts: 165
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I would suggest a portable unit only because if it goes sideways its much easier to swap out instead of a hardwired unit. I was in Apache Junction last winter and I was using a 30 amp progressive ind unit and I believe the adapter cord from 50-30amp is what was at fault not sure but it got toasted. I went to a RV supply and bought another adapter and a inexpensive surge protector and everything was fine. Progressive fedex me a new unit no questions in 2 days and I went on my way happy....Highly recommend period...
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2019 Alpine 3800 FK
2018 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7 3.73
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09-16-2018, 10:58 AM
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#17
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 46
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I also have a Progressive Industries 30amp. I recommend the hard wired with the remote that shows power usage. It’s really nice to know what takes how much power so you don’t blow things. I’ve had mine for about 4years now with no issues. Their portable version is also a quality unit.
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09-10-2018, 04:09 PM
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#18
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,695
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahm
Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
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You may want to look at the Surge Guard EMS portable protection model 34950? I believe. I have had mine almost 5 years and it provides all the info you need on the readout plus it is, and has been, completely trouble free. Mine did not have a lifetime warranty but I was just reading that as of Nov. 2017 all of their higher line units had a lifetime warranty. That was where Progressive units had the upper hand. I've not heard of anyone having trouble with the lifetime Progressive warranty....I've not heard of anyone using the Surge Guard lifetime warranty so...…? If the Progressive has the same kind of readout as the Surge Guard I will probably go with them the next time if this one ever fails.
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Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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09-10-2018, 07:58 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Rockett, TX
Posts: 481
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I've been using Surge Guard portables for the nine years we have been RVing. 30A model for the TT's and got a 50A when we got the 1st 5vr, no problems with either one and was able to convince a SP maintenance man that he had a problem last spring, he tried to say the problem was mine until I showed him the readout on the Surge Guard. Not familiar with the PI units but it seems like you can't go wrong with either one as long as you get the top model.
__________________
Jerry & Debbie
with Fur Babies Sasha & Sam
2018 Alpine 3401RS
2019 Ford F350 SRW
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09-10-2018, 09:11 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Lake Stevens
Posts: 764
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I installed HareWired PI units with remotes in both of our trailers. On 50 amp service it is very important to have one that senses loss of neutral and shuts down instantly. Loss of neutral without protection will fry all your AC items, TVs, Microwave, converter, frig etc etc, as it puts 240 V across these items. Chris
__________________
2019 Laredo 225MK for travel. Bighorn 3575el summer home in Washington, Park Model with Arizona Room for winters.
2015 RAM 3500 SRW CC SB Aisin Laramie
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