Surge protectors

[Cowboy52]

We had a lighting strike it saved are Rv it took out rvs that didn't have one best money spent !

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by herk7769

for me, it has become a "must." i have a large investment in my camper and protecting my investment is high on my list.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ers-26202.html

x2k

[Hutch333id]

I have to question why the manufactures don't install these as standard in their rigs? There is so much at stake in a high cost unit for such a relatively low cost device to protect it. I'm sure that if Forest River with all its manufacturing subsidiaries approached Progressive Industries they could come up with a deal that would actually drop the price of the surge protectors and have them installed at source.

[Todouble]

Because it keeps you coming back to the service dept. and they have to stay competitive to other brands so it all boils down to money! Always

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Hutch333id

I have to question why the manufactures don't install these as standard in their rigs? There is so much at stake in a high cost unit for such a relatively low cost device to protect it. I'm sure that if Forest River with all its manufacturing subsidiaries approached Progressive Industries they could come up with a deal that would actually drop the price of the surge protectors and have them installed at source.

Because not everyone wants a cheap surge suppressor. If one came pre-installed, my first official act would be to rip it out and put a Franks Auto-Transformer in. Others would want the Progressive unit.

MOST would just leave the cheap, almost no protection at all, stock unit in; thinking they were protected. Which actually may be worse than KNOWING you are walking barefoot in a world of broken glass.

[jwedell]

Would be nice if a good one was an option.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by jwedell

Would be nice if a good one was an option.

There are ALWAYS "dealer installed options." Just make sure to specify which one you want when you negotiate the sale. Many folks have solar and other "options" installed on their new units.

There are too many different kinds for a manufacturer to offer it.
Just think of trying to buy your Ford Truck with a different radio.

[Firefighter969]

Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C first thing I bought and put in the new trailer last year. Would like not to be one of those horror stories hopefully.

[Ray and Steph]

The night before the Goshen rally last year we were staying in the KOA up the road. It was full and everyone was running their ACs. There was a power surge and we lost it for about 10 minutes. Fortunately when the power came back on all was well, but we learned our lesson.
Wanted to have a Progressive hardwired model installed while we were at the fairgrounds, but evidently there wasn't an onsite dealer. As soon as we got back to Houston we had our dealer order and install it. We are not electrically talented and by having the dealer do that work they will warranty both product and labor.
As for the portable units, besides relying on a lightweight metal loop to lock them to the pedestal, they don't have the range of protection and readouts that you get with hardwire. While our TT is neither the cheapest or the most expensive on the road we do plan to keep it for at least another 5 years and count our PI surge protector as very reasonable protection, especially over an extended period of time.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Ray and Steph

The night before the Goshen rally last year we were staying in the KOA up the road. It was full and everyone was running their ACs. There was a power surge and we lost it for about 10 minutes. Fortunately when the power came back on all was well, but we learned our lesson.
Wanted to have a Progressive hardwired model installed while we were at the fairgrounds, but evidently there wasn't an onsite dealer. As soon as we got back to Houston we had our dealer order and install it. We are not electrically talented and by having the dealer do that work they will warranty both product and labor.
As for the portable units, besides relying on a lightweight metal loop to lock them to the pedestal, they don't have the range of protection and readouts that you get with hardwire. While our TT is neither the cheapest or the most expensive on the road we do plan to keep it for at least another 5 years and count our PI surge protector as very reasonable protection, especially over an extended period of time.

What does a hardwire do that the progressive plug in do not show on the display outside. Besides not having a remote screen on the inside of trailer? showing the samething...

[jwedell]

The portable is portable that's it. I have had mine for a while. I've used it with 2 5th wheels and a class a, now I have it for my sc 226rbds. If it's hard wired and you sell or trade in the unit no one wants to pay you extra for it. Ours can be used on 20, 30, or 50 amp services so all our bases are covered. I chain the surge protector to the power cord and then chain that to the power center. So far never had a problem.

[sonic2]

Originally Posted by Sewhappy

Thanks for all the info. The comparison chart was very helpful. Do you have additional surge protectors on the tv's and computer?

Yes. I have a Progressive Industries portable unit w/additional protectors on the inside.

Here's a link to a previous post on the subject with more information.
Surge protector - Forest River Forums

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

What does a hardwire do that the progressive plug in do not show on the display outside. Besides not having a remote screen on the inside of trailer? showing the samething...

Lol you dont have to go outside to look at the portable!

TURBS
Sabre owners united!

[jwedell]

Look at what. If the powers fine there is nothing to do. If there is a problem you'll know.

[martin73]

We have a SSP-50 sp Keep it chained and padlocked to t

he post. martin73

[jwedell]

We have a 50 amp Surge Guard. No readout just led lights. Kicked in a few times over the years.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by jwedell

Look at what. If the powers fine there is nothing to do. If there is a problem you'll know.

I like having the readout inside so that my wife knows EXACTLY how many amps she is drawing. Beats the heck out of going outside in the cold and dark to flip the breaker like I had to do a few times before we got the surge protector. Also, installing the surge protector is pretty easy and straight forward- strip 6 or 8 wires(30 or 50A) and clamp them down. I would rather do that once and be done with it as opposed to having to deal with another thing to haul and hookup and secure. I removed mine when I sold it- took 10 minutes or so. Just my opinion, of course.

[jwedell]

That is a great idea. Many owners can install them by themselves. Many cannot. They can have the dealer install it. Many dealers can't even install a roof vent without ruining the roof. Don't know if i'd trust them with electric.

[Wayne & Kimmy]

We just bought the Progressive Industries portable EMS unit from Amazon last week after a bit of research and reading the great advice from the fellow Forum members. Haven't had a chance to use it yet. Decided to fork out for the EMS rather than just the less expensive surge protector partly because of the low voltage situations that can arise, reverse polarity, etc.

When we were camping last year (before we got our 36CKTS), a lightning strike hit in the campground we were in - I was pumping up something outside and it just came from out of nowhere and hit. I found out later that it had taken out a couple's rig and it was their very first time taking it out - had just bought it earlier that week.

It's definitely a cheap bit of insurance given the amount we pay for these rigs!

[Witch Doctor]

Smart, all it takes is one time and you would have a repair bill a lot bigger then the cost of it. they will save your electronics.......