Community Forums

profjedi · 12-08-2019, 03:40 PM

OK so I know these things will pay for themselves if I ever have a problem, but wow they are expensive.

So which one are you using? Any problems?

Thanks!

les.warden · 12-08-2019, 03:50 PM

Progressive 50A portable, but wired into my electric bay. Had it when we still had the 5er.

Expense is relative. Think of everything that gets zapped if it’s not in place, including the coach/5er/trailer operational circuit boards. Cheap insurance.

Zero problems in 8 years. Saved my butt several times on both 5er and MH.

MSHappyCampers · 12-08-2019, 03:51 PM

If you want a portable unit I would go with the Progressive Industries PT50X. I have the HW50C, the hardwired version of that!

Yes, they're expensive, but so is replacing most everything electrical in your RV ! They protect you against just about any AC problem, not just surges, and have a lifetime warranty!

ThePowells · 12-08-2019, 04:18 PM

We have a hardwired 50 amp in the 5er and had a 30 amp hard wired in the class C.
If the cost of the EMS is an issue, then you have two options. First you can call it an investment in a plastic and electronic insurance system for your electrical system, or you can reevaluate your choice of recreation due to the costs.

profjedi · 12-08-2019, 04:32 PM

all good advice so far... 2 other questions...

1) my coach is 50amp and for parks with only 30amp I have a dogbone - can I plug that into the 50amp EMS? Or do I need an EMS just for 30amp too?

2) For those of you who have the hardwired EMS - did you do it yourself? How difficult was it? I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10 I'm about a 7 on the handy scale - could I do it myself?

Thanks!

ThePowells · 12-08-2019, 04:42 PM

A 50 will work for a 30 amp hook up, but will show 0 volts for one line ( as I understand it).
Sometimes the biggest battle is accessing where you want to put it. My 30 went into the side compartment where the power cord was installed and I was able to lay in there and work on it, then mount it to the wall. Our 5er has lots of room and cable, but accessing that area will be a challenge as I will have to remove then replace some supports.

It is a 4 wire cable. Cut, skin the jacket back, strip the wire ends, put thru case and into connectors, tighten, mount the case and yer done. Probably many Youtube videos on this and they come with great instructions.

cavie · 12-08-2019, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by profjedi

OK so I know these things will pay for themselves if I ever have a problem, but wow they are expensive.

So which one are you using? Any problems?

Thanks!

Amazon is your friend.

twinboat · 12-08-2019, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePowells

A 50 will work for a 30 amp hook up, but will show 0 volts for one line ( as I understand it).
Sometimes the biggest battle is accessing where you want to put it. My 30 went into the side compartment where the power cord was installed and I was able to lay in there and work on it, then mount it to the wall. Our 5er has lots of room and cable, but accessing that area will be a challenge as I will have to remove then replace some supports.

It is a 4 wire cable. Cut, skin the jacket back, strip the wire ends, put thru case and into connectors, tighten, mount the case and yer done. Probably many Youtube videos on this and they come with great instructions.

The 30 to 50 amp adaptor will power both legs of the 50 amp service, so 120 volts should be detected on both lines.

ThePowells · 12-08-2019, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

The 30 to 50 amp adaptor will power both legs of the 50 amp service, so 120 volts should be detected on both lines.

He's right, but just remember you only have 30 amps to work with so you will have to do your own "load management"on your high draw stuff to keep from popping the breaker.

Martind4 · 12-08-2019, 05:51 PM

You shouldn't have any trouble installing it yourself, just a PITA working with the heavy wires.

We have the hard wired 50A Progressive and it's saved us several times over the years.

My sister has the 30A model and it just kept her rig from getting 220V from a mis-wired circuit. Electrician thought she needed 220V for her rig.

jacwjames · 12-08-2019, 06:00 PM

I have the hard wired Progressive 50 amp. Actually bought it on Ebay at a very good price.
Installed it myself, not hard, about a 5 on a scale of 10.

I only bought it after I had a lightening strike that took out my Intellitec EMS system, cost me $450 to replace.

After I installed the surge protector we had had 3 different instances it saved our bacon on the first trip. Who'd a thought.

Shawn6596 · 12-08-2019, 06:02 PM

I'm not sure what you're calling expensive. I picked up my hard wired progressive unit for around $250 on amazon. Here's the unit with a remote display for $270 with prime 2 day shipping. https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-I.../dp/B003AN1UA8

momdoc · 12-08-2019, 07:16 PM

We have the 50 amp progressive system hard wired and a remote mounted in the cockpit next to the inverter monitor. That way we can see what is going on from the inside.

It has saved us 3 times so far. So worth the $$$$.

And yes if you are handy you can do it yourself.