Community Forums

Raining Star · 04-03-2014, 09:26 AM

DW saw the ad in Motorhome magazine for surge suppressors for RV's. We had just hired an electrician to put in a 50 amp line to the RV driveway, and so she wanted to know what I thought about using a suppressor at home as well as travel.
Much to her surprise, I admitted I didn't know. Can someone help restore my reputation as a "know it all" and clue me in about how much of a threat electrical spikes really are to RV's.

BigSkyBob · 04-03-2014, 09:29 AM

All I can say is it only takes one severe electrical spike to ruin your day. Never leave home with mine. Plus I always use it at home.

arlinv · 04-03-2014, 09:32 AM

It's not just electrical spikes that can do damage. There is more potential from mis-wired or loose wired electrical posts at RV parks. A protector like the ones from Progressive Industries can protect from many of these issues, including low or high voltage. They come in hard-wired and portable models. I always used a portable unit until I bought the new coach, which has it built in.

becks · 04-03-2014, 09:34 AM

A must have, better than replacing thousands of dollars of electronics.

HD4Mark · 04-03-2014, 09:35 AM

We would not be without one. Here is ours and the best price we found Amazon.com: Progressive Industries SSP50 Smart Surge: Automotive

They also make permanent installation models if you are worried about theft but it can be locked up if you are crafty enough. It will also work if you are connected to 30A or even 20.

Bfmorgan · 04-03-2014, 09:37 AM

I purchased a surge protector with voltage protection this year. I have not found a mis-wired pedestal pedestal in my travels, but I do find parks with all kinds of voltage levels. After monitoring the voltage levels last year, I purchased a surge protector with voltage over/under protection and it also checks for the mis-wired pedestal.

CampDaven · 04-03-2014, 09:58 AM

Hype is what my neighbors found with fried electronics, fridges, A/C units, on and on, in only 2 occurances....while all I had to do was wait for my PT-50C to reset and bring the power back on for my coach.

That and it identified 4 pedestals with bad neutral.

Other than that it is pure hype.

plasma800 · 04-03-2014, 10:04 AM

Yeah, I have one too for sure!

I happen to have a pole mounted 50 amp I was about to list in the classifieds. PM me if you like.

I eventually found someone who could install my inline protector under the bed, so now I have a spare. First shop said it couldnt be done, so I bought a pole mount for the interim.. that's how serious I thought it was to have one.

Z714X4 · 04-03-2014, 10:17 AM

It's like insurance, you don't need it until you need it.

I bought the Progressive Industries EMSLCHW50 and hard wired it myself. I didn't want another display in the coach and I simply watch it when I hook up, let it do its thing, then relax the rest of the time knowing I'm protected from under/over voltage and spikes.

I'm sure it saved me during a lightning storm in Indiana two years ago when the whole campground went dim then dark several times. My EMS went off and on about 5 times during that storm. I just sat in the front and watched without a care.

Link to mine:

papa&susu · 04-03-2014, 10:27 AM

I use Progressive at home and on the road.

donnariley53 · 04-03-2014, 10:36 AM

We have a new coach (Winnebago Journey 36M) which has a hard wired EMS (but mid-level). The salesman said we did not need anything else, but after reading suggestions in this forum we decided to purchase the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C for $431 including shipping and tax from Progressive. We figure it is cheaper than replacing the built in suprressor one time.... EMS-PT50C

MSHappyCampers · 04-03-2014, 10:41 AM

Joseph, I personally would not be without an EMS (not just surge protection) on my RV! There are just too many things that can happen out there that could wipe out all the electrical equipment in your unit.

I strongly recommend the Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C if you want a hardwired version. They also have a portable version of this. This unit gives you full protection against surges, low or high voltage, loss of neutral, etc. This company provides the best warranty and tech support out there!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

dennis45 · 04-03-2014, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Joseph, I personally would not be without an EMS (not just surge protection) on my RV! There are just too many things that can happen out there that could wipe out all the electrical equipment in your unit.

I strongly recommend the Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C if you want a hardwired version. They also have a portable version of this. This unit gives you full protection against surges, low or high voltage, loss of neutral, etc. This company provides the best warranty and tech support out there!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

X2 on the Progressive Ind. very good product.
Progressive Industries

Barbara S. · 04-03-2014, 10:47 AM

Bought a 30 amp unit for my last motorhome many years ago. When I bought my new motorhome last year the very first thing I bought for it was a 50 amp unit from Progressive.