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Old 12-08-2017, 06:37 PM   #1
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Which surge protector to buy?

Newbie looking for recommendations on which surge protector to buy. I’ve seen some that are internally wired and others that plug into power pole prior to trailer hookup.
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Old 12-08-2017, 06:52 PM   #2
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Is your rig 30 or 50 amp?
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Old 12-08-2017, 07:00 PM   #3
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Need type of rig and 30 or 50 amps.

For my fifth wheel, love the Progressive Industries 50 amp Electrical Management System that plugs into the Campground power pedistal.
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Old 12-08-2017, 07:22 PM   #4
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You don't want a surge protector. You NEED a Progressive Industries Electrical Management System to match your rig's amp draw. I had a portable unit with the last rig but went to a hardwired on the new one.
Here is a link to the best deals out there.

Tweetys.com - RV Parts & Accessories - RV Hitches - Search

RV Power Protection EMS
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Old 12-08-2017, 07:24 PM   #5
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Which surge protector to buy?

Got me a Progressive 50 amp EMS on the way.
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Old 12-08-2017, 07:26 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rdeejr View Post
Got me a Progressive 50 amp EMS on the way.
Portable or hard wired? Good decision BTW!
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Old 12-08-2017, 07:29 PM   #7
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I opted for the portable.
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Old 12-08-2017, 07:39 PM   #8
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I opted for the portable.
ok cool, you won't need help from us on the install then. There are many threads on install of the hard wired units, I think there is probably one in every Forest River line.
Enjoy your protection.

EDIT; I used a RV extension cord from the pedestal to the EMS, and plugged the rig's umbilical cord to the EMS. This setup allowed me to lock the EMS to my rig's steps to keep it out of sight of thieves and protected from the elements. Worked out very well.
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Old 12-08-2017, 07:55 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rdeejr View Post
I opted for the portable.
Most power pedestals have a cover that closes and allows you to lock your surge protector. Buy a lock similar to one you would use for a locker room locker to secure your new surge protector.

Good Luck
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Old 12-08-2017, 08:35 PM   #10
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Flagstaff 29FKWS with 30 amp electrical system.
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Old 12-08-2017, 08:37 PM   #11
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Everything above is the same, but get a 30 amp unit.
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Old 12-08-2017, 08:54 PM   #12
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Get the 50 amp unit regardless of what unit you have. That way you can use that one on the next unit you buy.
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Old 12-08-2017, 09:07 PM   #13
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I read once on these forums that if you use the 50 amp EMS for a 30 amp RV then you need to contact Progressive Industries for the changes you have to make internally for it to work without showing an error.

If anyone has done this, I have never seen what needed to be done posted on the forums. Which surprises me.
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Old 12-08-2017, 09:16 PM   #14
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Recommend the portable unit. My brother bought a new 35' 5th wheel & installed the hard wired unit. On their 1st trip, his wife decided 35' was too small. So in the middle of that trip, they traded that unit for a 43' 5th wheel ( boy did he get a depreciation reaming ). So adios to that EMS. So next time he bought a portable Progressive EMS. It has already saved him once.

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Old 12-08-2017, 09:19 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madison45 View Post
Flagstaff 29FKWS with 30 amp electrical system.
Ok, Now you want to choose between a portable or a hardwired system correct?
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Old 12-08-2017, 09:29 PM   #16
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Ok, Now you want to choose between a portable or a hardwired system correct?
I really appreciate all the feedback. Looks like Progressive is the way to go. Just have to decide between portable and hard wire.
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Old 12-08-2017, 09:32 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuckerdog1 View Post
Recommend the portable unit. My brother bought a new 35' 5th wheel & installed the hard wired unit. On their 1st trip, his wife decided 35' was too small. So in the middle of that trip, they traded that unit for a 43' 5th wheel ( boy did he get a depreciation reaming ). So adios to that EMS. So next time he bought a portable Progressive EMS. It has already saved him once.

Tuckerdog1
Several here have hardwired them using high quality connectors such that they merely unplug the EMS units and connect the wires end-to-end across the gap.
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Old 12-08-2017, 09:36 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by madison45 View Post
I really appreciate all the feedback. Looks like Progressive is the way to go. Just have to decide between portable and hard wire.
I think you have chosen well. I have the PI portable 30 for my rig. Please note that should you decide to install the hard wired version, I recently read that PI requires a certified install for the warranty to be good.

Read-up and consider this should you go this way. I could be wrong, happened before...

Good luck and safe travels.
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Old 12-09-2017, 01:58 PM   #19
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Progressive hard wired owners should be aware that installing the unit by yourself voids the lifetime warranty. It explicitly says,

"The following are excluded and not covered by the Lifetime Warranty and/or void the Lifetime Warranty:

Installation of hard wired units by any party other than a qualified RV dealer"

Surge Guard has a much better warranty and does not exclude self installs, only installs that don't match their install instructions. That and the new connected equipment coverage makes them a much better choice than Progressive. It is also a Lifetime Warranty which is new for Surge Guard. We use the 34850 which is the portable 50A unit that protects against everything plus low and high voltage, and it is less expensive than Progressive but with more protection. TechnoRV.com has them $25 off this month too, but you have to enter a HAPPY25 code when you checkout. That makes the 50A only $275 while the Progressive 50A costs anywhere from $330-$360.
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Old 12-09-2017, 01:59 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madison45 View Post
Newbie looking for recommendations on which surge protector to buy. I’ve seen some that are internally wired and others that plug into power pole prior to trailer hookup.
The only problem I see with the Progressive Industries 30 or 50 amp Electrical Management System, I believe, is that it shuts down the power when it is too low or too high.

That is why I went to an Hughes 'Autoformer'. A bit more expensive but it boosts low voltage and bucks high voltage without shutting down the power to the coach. And it offers surge protection as well.

https://hughesautoformers.com/produc...ter-and-surge/

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...toformer&ajr=0
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