Community Forums

Kimik · 10-05-2017, 11:29 PM

We have a 2018 DS 4326 on order, mid March delivery, I didn't option the factory surge protector ($600msrp), should I? Or would you go aftermarket?

Cheers

vsheetz · 10-06-2017, 12:38 AM

Aftermarket. Progressive Industries full EMS. Not just a surge protector.

Canuck53 · 10-06-2017, 01:58 AM

The $600 MSRP has a heavier duty transfer switch contactor 65 amp in addition to the surge capabilities. The standard is a $125 transfer switch.

DrPhil · 10-06-2017, 03:44 AM

Hmmm. Tough call. Didn't have the option in 2017. Went with a Hughes Autoformer with built in surge suppressor. Very helpful with suppression but has the added advantage of boosting low voltage situations which in our experience are more common.

GaryKD · 10-06-2017, 05:39 AM

Hi Kimik,
Go with the aftermarket. Surge Guard or Hughes does surges and boosts low power.

Norm Mac · 10-06-2017, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimik

We have a 2018 DS 4326 on order, mid March delivery, I didn't option the factory surge protector ($600msrp), should I? Or would you go aftermarket?

Cheers

We were having this discussion at a recent rally and an interesting point of view came up...
What if you had a serious surge strike to your coach, assuming that the surge protector did its job and sacrificed itself to save the coach electronics, you would now need to replace the surge protector.
If it was built in and integrated with the transfer switch you would now have no power in the coach until you could source, order, ship, and install the new unit. (is this days, weeks?)
If it was aftermarket (Progressive, Surge Guard, etc.) you can likely source it over the counter at RV stores and camping centers (Camping World etc.) and install it yourself in minutes. Worst case scenario, you could bypass the surge protector and plug directly to pole.

It was an interesting point of view and made me happy that I have the standard plug-in Progressive right at the power post.

Webz · 10-06-2017, 09:59 AM

I have the factory surge protector but use the progressive one also. My control panel in the coach showed an error. Took the coach in to the dealer and they said it was the progressive unit is the problem. I emailed progressive today. Waiting to hear from them. I've heard great things about their customer service. I'm sure they will help.

fegans02 · 10-06-2017, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm Mac

We were having this discussion at a recent rally and an interesting point of view came up...
What if you had a serious surge strike to your coach, assuming that the surge protector did its job and sacrificed itself to save the coach electronics, you would now need to replace the surge protector.
If it was built in and integrated with the transfer switch you would now have no power in the coach until you could source, order, ship, and install the new unit. (is this days, weeks?)
If it was aftermarket (Progressive, Surge Guard, etc.) you can likely source it over the counter at RV stores and camping centers (Camping World etc.) and install it yourself in minutes. Worst case scenario, you could bypass the surge protector and plug directly to pole.

It was an interesting point of view and made me happy that I have the standard plug-in Progressive right at the power post.

This is the 1st unit we've had that didn't have a built in one so we bought the Progressive. I considered having a built in installed but after reading this I'm glad we did aftermarket

Kimik · 10-06-2017, 10:34 AM

Thanks for all the feedback, I will go aftermarket. I like the idea of being able to replace it anywhere anytime.

Cheers to all.

Mr_D · 10-06-2017, 10:41 AM

My rig came with the 50 amp Surge Guard and a 30 amp autotransfer switch to serve the inverter/charger only.
Was at a friends house to help with her SO's death and the paperwork. Found that the power was problematic and got down to 105 volts so I would turn on the gen when needed. Burned out the transfer switch so no power getting in from either the gen or shore power. Figured out how to keep the transfer switch on by using a popsicle stick.
The next day I went out and got a 50 amp Hughes Autoformer which I had planned on buying anyway. Unfortunately this was in CA and not on sale so it was about $100 more expensive than buying it on sale in OR a few weeks before!
Plus I had an unused 30 amp Hughes Autoformer at home that I should have thrown in the rig, it might have saved the transfer switch and the over $600 I spent on the 50 amp one!

Stuart W · 10-06-2017, 01:07 PM

I have read that on 2017 before it was a line item add, Newmar said that they had compatibility issues with Progressive and would not install them as a special. They only offered to install the one they offer now.

Stuart W · 10-06-2017, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart W

I have read that on 2017 before it was a line item add, Newmar said that they had compatibility issues with Progressive and would not install them as a special. They only offered to install the one they offer now.

Also don't forget that's $600 retail, I'm sure your not talking retail for the motorhome

BBelanger · 10-06-2017, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webz

I have the factory surge protector but use the progressive one also. My control panel in the coach showed an error. Took the coach in to the dealer and they said it was the progressive unit is the problem. I emailed progressive today. Waiting to hear from them. I've heard great things about their customer service. I'm sure they will help.

Quite sure I've read that you should not use two protectors together.

I got the factory unit. It seems to me that these units are supposed to dump the power if there's a problem, not blow up right? Why would you have to replace one? Mine didn't come with a fire extinguisher.

Guess I've got to go read the manual now. :(
Plus I guess I feel if I have the factory unit and there is a problem related to power, I don't have to call the guys I paid $300 to and ask if they'll replace my coach.

woodosgood · 10-06-2017, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm Mac

We were having this discussion at a recent rally and an interesting point of view came up...
What if you had a serious surge strike to your coach, assuming that the surge protector did its job and sacrificed itself to save the coach electronics, you would now need to replace the surge protector.
If it was built in and integrated with the transfer switch you would now have no power in the coach until you could source, order, ship, and install the new unit. (is this days, weeks?)
If it was aftermarket (Progressive, Surge Guard, etc.) you can likely source it over the counter at RV stores and camping centers (Camping World etc.) and install it yourself in minutes. Worst case scenario, you could bypass the surge protector and plug directly to pole.

It was an interesting point of view and made me happy that I have the standard plug-in Progressive right at the power post.

We purchased (and brought with us) the Hughes Autoformer and the Progressive Industries Surge Suppressor and had them installed by Newmar during our factory pickup. However, to address a situation as laid out by Norm, I had both pieces of equipment installed with "plugs", instead of hard wired, so that I could by-pass either one or both in the event of a failure. I also carry an inexpensive surge suppressor (Campco), that will plug in at the campground post in case I ever have that situation.

At the time (April 2016) Hughes offered a kit for the autoformer that included two short "pig tails" for this purpose.