Which Surge Protector???

[Kliwks]

I have read the threads, but still need help deciding which Surge guard to buy.
The TRC 50 Amp Portable RV Surge Guard with LCD Display $336 from CW, or
Progressive Industries SSP50 Smart Surge $115. Based on price alone, you would have to believe the Surge Guard is the better option. The Smart Surge has 1650 joules and 45,000 amp surge protection. The Surge Guard has 385 joules and 65,000.
Looking for opinions before I purchase today. Going camping next week and need to order today.

[WeatherTodd]

progressive by far if nothing for the awesome warranty. They have hard wire units or lockable portable ones.

[cutrell01]

Originally Posted by Kliwks

I have read the threads, but still need help deciding which Surge guard to buy.
The TRC 50 Amp Portable RV Surge Guard with LCD Display $336 from CW, or
Progressive Industries SSP50 Smart Surge $115. Based on price alone, you would have to believe the Surge Guard is the better option. The Smart Surge has 1650 joules and 45,000 amp surge protection. The Surge Guard has 385 joules and 65,000.
Looking for opinions before I purchase today. Going camping next week and need to order today.

Depending on whether your RV is 30 amp or 50 amp, get a portable Progressive Industries with high joules. The 50 amp portable (which is what I have) is 3580 joules, has LED display, and checks for a lot more than just voltage surge. Money well spent especially if you have a motorhome with a lot of electronics to protect. The portable model can be taken with you you to any RV that you may own in the future. Progressive Industries also has a lifetime warranty.

[hallock5]

I know these can be a bit pricey, so if that is a concern, comparative shop as I have seen 20% spread for identical models. Also, if you can wait, may see price clip post-Labor day. But, price=peace of mind for this device.

[Kliwks]

Thanks for the replies. I made a typo in my original post. The Surge Guard is 3850 joules. Much higher than the progressive. I had to get my order in today, so I ordered the Surge Guard with the LCD display and the higher joule rating for $316 from CW. It had free shipping, but I had to go for the 2 day ship at $23. It probably would have shown up in time, but I couldn't take the chance. Now to find a way to secure it. Not a big fan of the cheap quality/ high price $21 plastic boxes.

[rocknrun]

Originally Posted by Kliwks

Now to find a way to secure it. Not a big fan of the cheap quality/ high price $21 plastic boxes.

I use a cable lock like this one to secure my Progressive Industries PT50C to the pedestal. The Progressive has a metal collar for a lock, but you could probably still use the cable on the CW unit.
Products - Cable Locks - 8413KA - Master Lock®

[Zbugsii]

Get the Progressive Industries one, you will not regret it!

[docj]

The reason you are seeing such a large price difference between the two units is that you are not comparing equivalent items. The Progressive you are looking at is only a surge suppressor; it does not have the ability to shut down in case of low or high voltage, or open neutral, etc. You would need to compare the SurgeGuard to a Progressive Industries PT50C in order to compare apples to apples.

The question I have is why you didn't consider getting a hardwired unit? They are roughly the same price and IMHO are far more convenient and don't have to be locked in place to avoid theft. FWIW

[CLIFFTALL]

My power cord is in a wet bay so I got the portable and spliced a male and female plug into my power cord and the unit stays in the bay ( locked up )

[vsheetz]

Plug your standard cable into the surge unit, and leave it in the bay under lock - use an extension cable to run to the pedistal. This way you have not modified anything and can still reach that distant pedistal as is occationally needed.

[vsheetz]

I bought the Progressive unit because its display is informative.

[Kliwks]

Wow, docj, thank you. I never saw this comparable Progressive model. It seems most responders prefered the Progressive model and that lifetime warranty is fantastic. I also like the fact that it has a lock ring on it for a cable. However I like Clifftall's setup.
I wasn't considering the hardwired unit for 2 reasons. (A) I didn't have time to get it installed, and (B) these things were expensive enough without adding the installation costs.
I was able to cancel my CW order for the Surge Guard so I can take my time and make a better decision. I did just find the Progressive for $350 w/ free shipping here.
Progressive Industries 50 Amp Portable Electrical Management System - Surge Guards - Power Protection - Electrical But I will continue to look around.

[Kliwks]

Any tutorials on self installation? I know they come with instructions, but I would like to know what I'm in for before I get started.

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by Kliwks

Any tutorials on self installation? I know they come with instructions, but I would like to know what I'm in for before I started.

Not only does Progressive have the best warranty they also have great technical service. Give them a call 919-462-8280