Surge protector

[RyanZ71]

I’m looking to buy a surge protector and there are many options out there ranging from 70-300+. My question is do I need to get the high dollar one or do they all provide the same protection


Thanks

[Scoob]

A surge protector is going to offer very little protection. Since the vast majority only protect you from over voltage. If you want to protect your camper you need to protect it from the park low voltage (which happens far more often) that is going to kill your AC and other electronics.

Something like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/Progressive...V/133343484370

[Reverse_snowbird]

You can also get portable Electrical Management Systems which we prefer because you can check the voltage in the post before you back in. Camco has a new one under $300, but others like Progressive make them too.
https://smile.amazon.com/Camco-Prote...4501259&sr=8-4
Some people don't like the low voltage protection because it tends to shut off the electricity frequently. We prefer it for the reasons stated above.

[dbledan]

I would get the EMS. Progressive industries and Hugh's both make pretty good ones. PI was the only game in town for a while and is what I use. It's like insurance....if you want it get it for piece of mind and protection.

Just a surge guard does not protect from much. Sure a spike every so often may happen but low voltage will kill your stuff as well and that is a much more frequent occurance.

[RyanZ71]

Well thank you for the information. I hadn’t heard of anyone talking about the EMS until you guys mentioned it. Now that o have read up on both I guess I’ll have to fork out the $300+ for a good one.

[RyanZ71]

So I picked up my new camper yesterday. Still have to get a lot of things for it. I’ve been researching the surge protectors and ems that you guys talked about above. I’m looking at the Watchdog EPO this seems to have everything needed for $230. Am I correct on this? It has auto shutdown in case of high low voltage and a few other dangerous situations. What do you all think?
Thanks

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by RyanZ71

. I’m looking at the Watchdog EPO this seems to have everything needed for $230. Am I correct on this? It has auto shutdown in case of high low voltage and a few other dangerous situations. What do you all think?
Thanks

As far as I can tell, it's got the protection you need.

All your error codes are dependent on you having an Android or iPhone that will work with it. That could be a problem if you don't have cell service at the campsite. It appears that it doesn't have indicator lights on the unit itself.
It's a good thing in that you can monitor it no matter where you are.

[jrk341]

Check this link.https://www.dyersonline.com/hughes-a...SAAEgIzQvD_BwE

[jtownstumpjumper]

Spent the money and installed the hardwired 50 amp Progressive....It definitely will shut things down when something goes wrong....peace of mind!!!!

[SeaDog]

Surge protectors, EMS are very much like the China bombs tires and 6/12V batteries. Don't get caught up in the hype. do some research and get what you feel you need. I have a portable surge protector that does under voltage, over voltage and surge with timed reset and pedestal wiring check. I have moved it when I changed rigs. Not so easy with hard wired systems your needs may be way different then mine.

[Coach Holly]

We just brought home our new Rockwood that has 50 amp service. Most of the places we go to usually just have 30 amp posts that in the past we hooked up to because our other camper was just 30 amp. I am looking to buy a surge protector. If I buy a 50 amp model can I plug it into the 30 amp post using a 30 amp dog bone to connect our trailer to the power? Will the 50 amp surge protector still work? Or do I need to get a 50 amp and a 30 amp surge protector?

[dbledan]

Originally Posted by Coach Holly

We just brought home our new Rockwood that has 50 amp service. Most of the places we go to usually just have 30 amp posts that in the past we hooked up to because our other camper was just 30 amp. I am looking to buy a surge protector. If I buy a 50 amp model can I plug it into the 30 amp post using a 30 amp dog bone to connect our trailer to the power? Will the 50 amp surge protector still work? Or do I need to get a 50 amp and a 30 amp surge protector?

The 50 is best in both scenarios because then you are not limited to one leg of power if 50A is available. Just plug your dogbone in before the guard is only 30A is availabile.

If buying new I would look at an EMS but to each his own.

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

You can also get portable Electrical Management Systems which we prefer because you can check the voltage in the post before you back in. Camco has a new one under $300, but others like Progressive make them too.
https://smile.amazon.com/Camco-Prote...4501259&sr=8-4
Some people don't like the low voltage protection because it tends to shut off the electricity frequently. We prefer it for the reasons stated above.

EMS will protect everything downstream from it. You don't need both a 30 and 50 EMS. If you go with a portable, your connections would be power pedestal -> 30-50 dogbone -> EMS -> your 50 amp cord -> trailer.
If you go with a hardwire, it will be after your power cord. Both portable and hardwired units have both pros and cons.

FWIW, at last years FR International rally, Mike Sokol gave several presentations. EMS usits were discussed. Mike recommended that Southwire unit as providing the best protection having added capabilities that other units don't have. Here's a link to Mike's web site, lots of good info:

https://rvelectricity.com/

[Theo]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

{snip}...All your error codes are dependent on you having an Android or iPhone that will work with it. That could be a problem if you don't have cell service at the campsite...{snip}

Actually, a cell signal is not needed since the communication between the unit and phone uses a Bluetooth signal.