How Do You Protect Your Portable EMS From The Rain?

[TxJnJ]

I have done a search of the forums, so I apologize if this has been covered before, but I haven't been able to find any tips so far. That is probably due to my use of poor search terms.

I just bought a used PI EMS-PT50C last weekend and there are predictions of thunderstorms for when and where we are camping next week. We have a 30A site, so I'll be using a 30A to 50A adapter from the pedestal to the EMS. I've put up a lot of Christmas lights and had to constantly fight water intrusion, so I know that "water finds a way" is a truism. (I've even seen it wick up a cord and into the bottom of a connector before.)

If anyone has any tips on how they keep their portable EMS protected from water intrusion during the rain, I would appreciate it.

Jim

[nomad297]

I dont know about Progressive, but my SurgeGuard is made to be out in the rain. I dont see why the Progressive wouldn't also be this way.

Bruce

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by nomad297

I dont know about Progressive, but my SurgeGuard is made to be out in the rain. I dont see why the Progressive wouldn't also be this way.

Bruce

My 34730 has done well in the rain as well, Rapid City SD was a real test.

I would hope the PI does as well, if not then there is that life time warranty to fall back on.

[dmchapman]

Vertical should be okay but I left mine face up on the bumper during a heavy rain. Water entered around the display and killed the unit. PI replaced the unit under the lifetime warranty. I will cover it with a bucket or garbage bag if rain threatens in the future.

[nomad297]

Ah, so, we've found the Progressive Industries EMS Achilles Heel.

Bruce

[FordHauler]

PI states that the unit is water resistant, not water proof. I do not want to temp fate and have problems in the middle of a trip. Warranty won't help in the middle of the night!
On several occasions I have placed a black contractor sized trash bag over the pedestal and electric box to protect mine.
Travel safe

[spock123]

I just leave my PI out, it's okay as long as it doesn't sit in water. If I was worried I would put a trash bag over it


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[wahoonc]

As long as they are vertical they should be fine, if in doubt put a garbage bag over the power pole and the EMS. Mine has seen some very heavy rain and hasn't had an issue yet.

Aaron

[TxJnJ]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

My 34730 has done well in the rain as well, Rapid City SD was a real test.

I would hope the PI does as well, if not then there is that life time warranty to fall back on.

I got a very good deal on the unit, but I knew going in that the Lifetime Warranty is only available to the original purchaser. I even emailed PI to see if there was a way to pay for the Lifetime coverage as the second owner and they replied back that they currently don't have a program to do that.

I like the suggestion of placing a heavy duty garbage bag over the pedestal. I'll probably do that and lash it down with a bungee cord.

Thanks to everyone for all the feedback and suggestions. This forum has been invaluable to me as a first time TT owner.

Jim

[Wiscampsin]

[TxJnJ]

Originally Posted by Wiscampsin

Attachment 120588

Wiscampsin,

That is very interesting. While I won't have time to make this before this weeks trip, it looks fairly simple to do.

I'm assuming that the two screened holes in the bottom are for some air flow. Also, did you seal the holes for the cable lock in the back(?) of the box or just use foam seal like there is out the bottom?

Thanks,

Jim

[Wiscampsin]

Originally Posted by TxJnJ

Wiscampsin,

That is very interesting. While I won't have time to make this before this weeks trip, it looks fairly simple to do.

I'm assuming that the two screened holes in the bottom are for some air flow. Also, did you seal the holes for the cable lock in the back(?) of the box or just use foam seal like there is out the bottom?

Thanks,

Jim

Jim,
There are screened holes on the top of the 2 vertical sides too for ventilation that don't show up in the pic. Yes, I use a small section of pipe insulation for the cable lock too.

[W5CI]

How would PI know that you aren't the original owner? I got mine off of Amazon

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by W5CI

How would PI know that you aren't the original owner? I got mine off of Amazon

Because you're honest?

Bruce

[billcoll]

I recently bought a PI PT30C. First used it Labor Day weekend in Gulf Shores, AL. Hard rain most all day Mon. Honestly, never thought about the ems. No problems. As well known as PI is, surely they make the units water safe!

[twoclaws]

I would not wrap it with anything as it needs to release heat. Member of our camping group wrapped his in plastic - it got extremely hot and blew circuit breaker which created another issue he had to deal with

[spock123]

Originally Posted by W5CI

How would PI know that you aren't the original owner? I got mine off of Amazon

You have to send a copy of the bill of sale, at least I did.


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[rogerkathy]

Before I got a hardwired EMS I used a metal toolbox I had when I was a kid. Cut two large holes in each end for the cords (and ventilation), Plugged it into a 30 amp RV extension cord so I could then place it under my TT in case of rain. I also ran chains around it and through the metal handles to deter thieves. Worked great and kept dry.

[jimmie2gunns]

My PI PT50C got caught in a rain storm while camping this summer. It was fine for the rest of the week but when I packed up and moved to a campground in another state a few days later I had issues. When I unhooked it, I laid it flat in the storage bay. When I got to my next destination 5 hours later the digital readout was illegible because it was completely fogged up. It also wouldn't work and kept giving me high and low voltage error messages. The campground electrician came and checked the power post. It was fine. I sent it back to progressive industries for repair. When I contacted them, I was instructed to provide a copy of my sales receipt and a note indicating the problem. I got the unit back 7 days later saying it was repaired. I don't think I'll leave it on the power post without some type of cover any more.

Hope this helps,
Jim

[325BH]

I bought a plastic container "slightly" oversize. I then cut a hole for its short cord to stick out the top. Just cut a slot so it could slip over the cord.

It is kind of sloppy fitting, however I wanted to allow for a bit of air space/flow. It does cover the important parts from the rain, which was the point.

To envision what I did, plug the unit in to the pedestal and plug the camper in. Then, the plastic container goes on from the face of the EMS. The bottom of the container covers the face of the EMS. The back of the EMS is not covered (which is where the lid would be).