Surge Protection-Those that have one-what did you buy etc

[great white]

Would love to have one, can't swing 300 bucks right now.....yes I understand the "if you blow XXX device it will cost more that 300 bucks" argument. No money is no money.....

My other issue is I don't want it hanging outside. Theft in the middle of the night and whatnot.

When I do get one, it will be a unit that can be integrated inside the trailer.

Which, unfortunately, puts me firmly back in the 300 bucks and up range......ya just can't win....

[tugboat369]

Have not got my hew 5er yet but have a Surge guard 50A for when it gets here. I wanted it out side the camper as i have seen what the unit looks like after a close lighting strike. all around the surge protector was black and it looked like it had exploded and melted. there was no fire but it made me think also there was no other damage to the camper.

Got mine at Camping World for $336.99 free shipping and a free lock for it.

[BarryD0706]

Cathy,

my thoughts/rationale on the "boost" vs no-boost units.
For 50-amp service, the Franks unit (which does it all) is a LOAD of money. I'm hoping to avoid spending that much. I also don't like having all my "eggs in one basket".

Here in Central Texas, we have short spring & fall seasons; generally, when it's hot, it's HOT. I don't plan to be camping when it's so hot that all you can do is sit in your RV next to all the other people sitting in their RVs. So bottom line is that I'm hoping the parks I frequent will have good power systems and with the times I'll be there, I won't need "voltage boost".

If I find that I do, I will buy a separate "voltage boost" unit. (They are currently made by a couple of companies and I'm hoping that we can twist Progressive Industries "arm" by then to make one as well.) Yes, if that happens, I'll probably spend more on the two units than on one "Franks". At least one of them will have a lifetime warranty.

Your own preferences and situation are very likely different than mine (especially since you're in the great white north!) but I hope this helps.

[WannaBcamping]

Barry I feel we have spent so much money on our new Columbus that I just want to buy a no-frills basic surge protector that won't cost me an arm and a leg. I just don't want to wake up one day and say, i wish I had listened to the folks on the FR Forum and bought a surge protector. If I had lots of money then I am sure I would want the Franks product, unfortunately that is not the case. In fact we have just decided to both take early retirement from our stressfull shift-work jobs. We have had this in mind for a few years and now are making it a reality, just a little sooner than we planned for many reasons. Anyways, I don't want to spend more on "insurance" than I have to when I buy our surge protector.

So with that in mind, what should I look for and be wary of when looking at surge protectors, keeping in mind that I don't want to spend any more than I have to?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[treaves]

You want this:
Progressive Industries EMSHW50C Surge Protector : Amazon.com : Automotive

You would still need this even with a voltage regulator, contrary to what some non-electricians think. So even if you decide to go with the regulator later, it's not wasted money.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by treaves

You want this:
Progressive Industries EMSHW50C Surge Protector : Amazon.com : Automotive

You would still need this even with a voltage regulator, contrary to what some non-electricians think. So even if you decide to go with the regulator later, it's not wasted money.

I times 2 this !

Very easy to install!
Very user friendly !
lifetime warranty !

[TURBS]

turbs

[treaves]

That looks good. Now I've got a better idea where I can install mine when I get my trailer.

[TURBS]

Install was quick and easy.
less than 30 minutes.

Using the twist lock plugs ins allows you to remove the EMS for repairs or If you sell the trailer, Then you can just plug the two unplugged ends together and converter is back up and running with no re-wiring.

Turbs

[Herk7769]

The Franks unit I put behind an unused panel also uses a quick removal idea.

Previously, I kept it under the camper with a bike chain a piece of structure..

[TURBS]

Any body notice I enlarged the holes for the cooling fans to draw "right" side and expel "left side" more air ?

Total of three fans in my WFCO converter.
One fan that I installed is manually operated via the switch next to the EMS panel display and the other two operate from the converter circuit board as normal.
The extra fan I installed draws in cool air from the right side of panel.


Turbs

[speedcat]

I'm convinced even though I have not had a SP on the previous 3 RV's prior to the new fiver. However, the other units did not have near the electronics the fiver has. So based on all the feed back and research I am sold on the PI product. Now the DW and I are at odds on hardwired or portable. Seems the negative with the portable is theft, thus requiring a lock and a negative with the HW is possible fire hazard with a close lightening strike. In your opinions, what are the advantages/disadvantages of both?

[TURBS]

Both have pros and cons.

IMO your best with hardwired .

The odds of a fire because of your EMS is most likely the same as anything else catching on fire inside your camper because of a lightning strike.

TURBS

[bodzcampers]

I'm just an easier is better fan. I vote portable. Also, if you trade/sell your RV, you can keep the portable. The progressive one states is has a built in lock mechanism. I just ordered one, so I haven't seen it yet.

[TURBS]

On the same lines....
I just went out to my camper to turn on my water heater " electric side" and learned it draws 11 amps via my EMS remote panel display.
I have a suburban 10 gallon unit.
Another benefit in having the hard wired EMS with inside display.


Turbs

[jonandjolene]

We use a Surge Guard with the LCD display. Have had it kick us out a couple of times, but that's what it's supposed to do. Would not plug in without one.

[BarryD0706]

Cathy,
I agree with what others have said but think the "portable" version of the PI EMS is a bit cheaper and certainly easier.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_pt30c.htm

Camping World has a good sale on them right now:
http://m.campingworld.com/aHR0cDovL3...81NjQyMQ%3D%3D

I don't remember if your RV is 30-amp or 50-amp. The links I gave are for 30-amp. Switch to 50 if that's what you have.

Oh, and most joyous congratulations on your retirements! You're going to love it!

[jalvin]

Turbs,When you say easy to install what if I only have basic electrical skills

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by jalvin

Turbs,When you say easy to install what if I only have basic electrical skills

YES.


pm sent.

[jalvin]

Originally Posted by WannaBcamping

Hi getting our 325RL in a week and want to know what in the way of surge protection we should buy. We will not be using it right away cause the weather just plain sucks right now.

However want to know those that have invested in surge protection:

1. what make/model surge protection did you buy?
2. how much was it?
3. where did you buy it?
4. are you happy with your purchase?

Thanks!
Cathy

I haven't seen this answered yet in my research I have 50amp to my rig but some campsites I have used only have 30amp available, do I still want to purchase 50amp protector? does it step down and work when only supplied with 30amp service?