Surge Guard or Not??

[Happytrails]

I have a 2003 Endeavor and have been told that I need a surge guard. I have the Energy Management System on my coach. I called a tech with a local RV dealership to arrange to have one installed. He told me if it were his coach he would not put one on. He claims they have had more trouble with the coaches with surge guards than without. I then called Monaco and was told that it probably would be helpful due to power surges in campgrounds. He recommended the plug in type and not hardwire it.
With that said - what do you guys recommend??
I feel I can get an honest answer from my fellow RVers. Thanks for your help and experience.
Mike

[Happytrails]

I have a 2003 Endeavor and have been told that I need a surge guard. I have the Energy Management System on my coach. I called a tech with a local RV dealership to arrange to have one installed. He told me if it were his coach he would not put one on. He claims they have had more trouble with the coaches with surge guards than without. I then called Monaco and was told that it probably would be helpful due to power surges in campgrounds. He recommended the plug in type and not hardwire it.
With that said - what do you guys recommend??
I feel I can get an honest answer from my fellow RVers. Thanks for your help and experience.
Mike

[Route 66]

I have a Progressive Industries surge guard/high-low voltage model.

I would suggest a unit like this that offers more than just surge protection.

They make 30a and 50a units, both hardwired and portable.

HERE is a link to the various models.

I have the HW50C.

I went with hard wired unit mainly because of the inside display, so I can see what's going on at a glance.

[Toby]

Happy

I'm on my 3rd Holiday Rambler Motorhome and hav put the progressive on all three. I would not leave home without it. We like to camp in state/Federal parks and sometimes, the elec in not up to par. It has save us on several occassions. While at the factory last year, a couple just back from Mexico had to have every elec appliance replaced in a 2004 Endeavor because they did not have the progressive unit. The Elec mgt system they had did nothing to save them. Also, low voltage is sometimes slow acting. One day one of your appliances will just fail for no reason. Over time low/high voltage burns out the electronic systems. The elec mgt system does not do what the progressive does, like low voltage, freq variations and etc.

Disregard what that tech told you, Get the hard wired progressive and it will take care of you. The hard wire one is also movable to another coach when you sell. This way, you do not have to worry about it any more.

When you plug-in, you can see what voltage is available, if there is a reverse polarity, what amperage you are using and see if anything is wrong with the elec supply system. One of the best things I ever put on my MHs. BTW, it's not hard to install at all. s/Toby

[Fred and Bonnie]

I have used my Surge Guard for over 4 years without any problems. Funny the only problems I have encountered are bad power at the campground tombstone, it was doing it's job. I would not be without some type of surge protection that includes over and under voltage protection. One power spike or repeated low power situations will more than pay for the unit.

Fred

[footdoc]

I also have my second Progressive HW50C on my second coach....wouldnt plug in without it!!

[GStream40]

I also have the Progressive Industries EMS surge guard. It protected the wiring when the CG transformer was hit by lightning. It ruined the surge protector and I called Progressive, they had me ship it to them. Progressive replaced it NO CHARGE and it was out of warranty. Now that's service, I highly recommend them.

It has also protected the coach from switched neutral at 1 cg and several times during high and low voltage.

I won't plug it without it.

Ron

[Ed S]

I have a portable surge protector (not hard wired) It shut down my power a few times while I was plugged into one of those huge heavy duty industrial generators. Use it when ever I am plugged in, even at home. Better safe than sorry.

[NeilV]

The only trouble with having a SurgeGuard is the expensive repairs it prevents and the loss of profits from the repairs your dealer will no longer be charging you for. Add a Hughs Autoformer and your AC and other electric gear should last a good long time. I have both and it is a beutiful thing to know that they are there silently doing their jobs.

[RV Wizard]

I too highly recommend using one EVERY time you plug in. I have seen the results of not having one all too often.

[doc]

If we had only had a surge guard back in May at the Exit 31 RV park in Kentucky we would not have a blown electrical system in the water heater now.
Tech from Winnebago figures it was a hot neutral and fried the HWH. We are lucky that was all it got. Now almost $400.00 later I am going to purchase one.
Sort of like closing the stable door after the horse runs away, but I never again want to go through this inconvenience.
USE'EM

[Jimbo8264]

We summer in up state NY. A few weeks ago we had a thunderstorm come through. The power surged and took out my transfer switch and converter. ($450.00+). Next day I purchased a surge protector. While I was installing the transfer switch the local power droped down to 80 volts the surge protector cut off the power to the RV before it caused any damage.I will never be without a surge Guard again.

[Route 66]

Just another thought.

A surge protector/EMS is not 100% effective against all types of electrical problems, but I believe you are far better off with one than without one.

[Roland]

Mike,

If I could afford only one accessory, it would be a Progressive Industries EMS / Surge protector. It works 24/7 while you are awake, asleep or away. The 50 AMP with the LCD readout hard wired version runs about $315 plus tax and install. If you are moderately savey electrically and can follow directions you can install it yourself. Just cut your incoming power cable (preferably inside your powercord compartment, insert the EMS in the cable and screw it to the compartment wall). Do the hardwire version as that way it's out of the weather and won't grow legs and walk away. Won't protect you against a direct lightning strike, but then neither will anything else I am familar with.

Green lights and soft breezes.