30 Amp Surge Protector Recommendations

[oldtool2]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

Progressive Industries! Hardwired is best way to go, IMO. Not the cheapest, but offer great protection.

I use their portable unit and am very pleased with it. It seems the main reason many prefer the hard wire is they are worried the portable will be stolen. The portable is designed to take a heavy bicycle cable. I use a cable on mine and don't think anyone could walk off with it without working pretty hard at it.

Heavy Duty Bike Lock and Cable

What I like is if I wanted to I could take it from one unit to another one if I want to. It is also less expensive and very easy to use. Plug it in and let it run through one cycle of tests and if everything is good plug in your trailer. Couldn't be any easier to use. Oh, and has a life time warrantee. Not the cheapest but in my opinion they are the best made units.

Jim

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Dealer suggested this one, easy to use and has done it's job.

I have the same unit and will do the same as a progressive, do not believe that it only has a one year warranty. I had mine 3 years it went bad and TRC sent me new one for free. It good and will protect your unit. You do need something anymore.... I would probably go with a hard wire progressive if I knew about them then and this forum....

[cincia]

another vote for progressive industries. After spending thousands on a tt and more on electronics to go inside, spending a little more for a progressive unit is cheap insurance. cincia

[LTRVing]

Progressive wins! Thanks to all for the insight.

Tom

[jgourlie]

How come nobody ever mentions the Camco 55301? It seems to have all the features of the progressive but less than half the price.

[Campster]

Progressive, hands down. There is a reason so many rver's are using them. In my opinion it doesn't matter if you go hard wired or not, they all are great units.

[davel1971]

there is a reason Progressive is so good. They do one thing and do it right.

[Flybob]

OK lots of votes for the Progressive, but not lot of good data as to why.

The lower priced units are surge protectors only. The progressive units most people are recommending are surge protectors as well as over and under voltage protectors. The most common problem at campgrounds especially in summer is low voltage due to high demand. Low voltage can kill AC compressors. Many people purchase the lower cost surge protectors when new but fairly quickly move up to a PGI unit.

[davel1971]

this chart makes it clear why anyone would want a Progressive Industries EMS series unit

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Articles.asp?ID=279

[jgourlie]

Originally Posted by davel1971

this chart makes it clear why anyone would want a Progressive Industries EMS series unit

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Articles.asp?ID=279

I am still not certain the $80 price difference for the progressive makes it worth it over the Camco

[Flybob]

If you search the forums, you will see incidents of reverse polarity and other issues not covered by the less expensive unit. Also most surge protection components are single use sacrificial devices. If the inexpensive units blocks a surge after the one year warranty, you buy a new one. The PGI is replaced for the life of the unit. Easily worth the extra expense to me, but it is your RV and your choice.

[jgourlie]

Originally Posted by Flybob

If you search the forums, you will see incidents of reverse polarity and other issues not covered by the less expensive unit. Also most surge protection components are single use sacrificial devices. If the inexpensive units blocks a surge after the one year warranty, you buy a new one. The PGI is replaced for the life of the unit. Easily worth the extra expense to me, but it is your RV and your choice.

That is a good point about the surge protection. I hadn't considered it may damage the unit after 1 incident

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

I am still not certain the $80 price difference for the progressive makes it worth it over the Camco

the fact that the PI unit is the only one of them all that will prevent 220 volts from frying everything in my 5th wheel is good enough reason alone. Lifetime warranty means this unit will outlast any RV

[oldtool2]

Originally Posted by Flybob

OK lots of votes for the Progressive, but not lot of good data as to why.

The lower priced units are surge protectors only. .

And that is why Progressive wins hands down. They protect your electric system for just about everything that you can run into at a cg. There are many problems you can run into at cg's you need protection from, plus they give a life time warrantee which is important. And it is made in America!

Jim

[360true]

I was hit last week with a major high voltage series of spikes and my Progressive 50 amp portable protected my air and residential fridge and electronics. The last spoke "blew" the unit so it wouldn't reset. On Sunday, I called and received a call right back. It needed to be sent back for guaranteed repair/replacement. 1) Made in the US 2) Guaranteed for life and 3)They call you back. Doesn't get any better than that!