Surge protector

Juju · 07-07-2014, 05:52 PM

Just wondering......what is the general feeling about using a surge protector?

What would be the best one to purchase? We have a Class A 50 Amp service.

We want to know if it's worth the money to purchase one.

Wiscampsin · 07-07-2014, 05:59 PM

You need power protection, not just surge protection. Consider what it would cost you to replace all the on-board electronics if you have either a spike or low voltage and then make the decision yourself. Get a Progressive Industries unit and don't look back. Most of us wouldn't plug in without one.
Link: http://www.progressiveindustries.net/

Suggest you do a search about surge protection on this forum.

Ford Idaho · 07-07-2014, 06:02 PM

I use a portable 30 amp, I use it every time I plug the trailer in even at home on 110.

There is a 50 amp version if you wish to go that way.

Portable Power Surge Protectors - Save Your Electronics - PPL Motor Homes

Amazon may have them a bit cheaper.

Wayne & Kimmy · 07-07-2014, 06:05 PM

In general, getting one is a cheap form of insurance for a major purchase by you. There are some horror stories on the forum about mishaps which occured when one was not in place.

I went with the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C, which is a portable model. Company offers lifetime warranty. Does more than just protect against surges - low voltage, reverse polarity, etc.

EMS-PT50C

Good luck with your search!

castaway · 07-07-2014, 06:18 PM

I have 2. Just incase one blows

**Terier** · 07-07-2014, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

I use a portable 30 amp, I use it every time I plug the trailer in even at home on 110.

There is a 50 amp version if you wish to go that way.

Portable Power Surge Protectors - Save Your Electronics - PPL Motor Homes

Amazon may have them a bit cheaper.

I have the same one and it is worth every penny I paid for it. Twice I have encountered trouble.

Charles Firth · 07-07-2014, 06:19 PM

I always use a surge protector on my 30 amp service. However while at a campground several weeks ago, I did not see many used while I was walking through the grounds. I have one, it was highly recomended on this forum. I feel much better having one. I have heard some horror stories of not using one.

Chuck "still in Va "

**Terier** · 07-07-2014, 06:24 PM

I may had seen one other setup with it which might be why I do get asked "What's that?" when other RVers see it on my site. I know that many owners will have it installed to avoid it being stolen easily.

The previous service manager once commented that I was the only person she knew that used one.

Ford Idaho · 07-07-2014, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Firth

I always use a surge protector on my 30 amp service. However while at a campground several weeks ago, I did not see many used while I was walking through the grounds. I have one, it was highly recomended on this forum. I feel much better having one. I have heard some horror stories of not using one.

Chuck "still in Va "

I have had a CG host ask me what it is and what it does, I have seen a couple of other and there may be more that are hardwired in that are not visible.
I will not plugin without it.

Hutch333id · 07-07-2014, 06:36 PM

X 2 for the Progressive Industries hardwired electronic management system. Costs about $300 but worth every penny and can be installed with very little hassle. Trust me on that. I'm a complete Luddite when it comes to DIY but even I managed to wire mine in.

Richard & Diane
2014 Cedar Creek 38FL
With a F350 dually
2014 26 nights and 3120km

Cypressloser · 07-07-2014, 06:51 PM

I like my Surge Guard 50 Amp but the Progressive supposedly comes with a Lifetime warranty.

elind · 07-07-2014, 07:24 PM

My last TT had issues electronics a couple of times and none after I started using the surge protector. Now I hardwired a 50 amp surge protector now so it would be out of site.

Davidceder · 07-07-2014, 07:46 PM

X3 Progressive Industries. I use the portable unit. A bit more work than the hard wired but you can check the site before you pull in and can check additional sites without moving the rig.

ChrisPlus3 · 07-07-2014, 11:57 PM

TT on order and browsing around for info and find myself wondering if I need a surge protector. I plan on dry camping and using my Honda 2000. Do I need one for this?

Cypressloser · 07-08-2014, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPlus3

TT on order and browsing around for info and find myself wondering if I need a surge protector. I plan on dry camping and using my Honda 2000. Do I need one for this?

I'd say a multimeter should do to check the voltage on the Honda, but please don't quote me.
On second thought: a surge protector is cheap insurance.

Pill Billy · 07-08-2014, 12:29 AM

I'm in the same boat shopping for an EMS. The generator will give an open ground error with a EMS. The Progressive hard wired unit (if you get the optional remote) has a bypass switch. From my research, the TRC Surge Guard (hard wire or external) doesn't have a similar option to bypass.

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Cypressloser · 07-08-2014, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pill Billy

I'm in the same boat shopping for an EMS. The generator will give an open ground error with a EMS. The Progressive hard wired unit (if you get the optional remote) has a bypass switch. From my research, the TRC Surge Guard (hard wire or external) doesn't have a similar option to bypass.

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Correct, it's been a long time since I used a portable

Maybe someone with some more recent knowledge has a good answer, it would be a real bummer if a hardwired surge protector with no bypass shut the system down every time the generator gets plugged in

Enconcapt · 07-08-2014, 06:35 AM

I have the 30 hard wired in and the first time I turned the generator on it popped off and gave an error code that allowed me to easily swap two wires from the power feed from the generator. Turned out it was wired wrong at the factory. About three minutes and now it is better than new.

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TURBS · 07-08-2014, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enconcapt

I have the 30 hard wired in and the first time I turned the generator on it popped off and gave an error code that allowed me to easily swap two wires from the power feed from the generator. Turned out it was wired wrong at the factory. About three minutes and now it is better than new.

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It was probably wired correctly.
When using a hardwired ems surge and genny you must install a neutral bonded plug.

BamaBob · 07-08-2014, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juju

Just wondering......what is the general feeling about using a surge protector?

What would be the best one to purchase? We have a Class A 50 Amp service.

We want to know if it's worth the money to purchase one.

X2 on Progressive Industries.
Progressive Industries

Since you have a Class A, you might want to look into installing the permanent one rather than the portable (and pilferable

) one.

Wish I had thought THAT through before I bought the portable one for our 5er (no, it was not stolen, just rather have one installed for greater peace of mind)

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