1 st. impressions - 2013 Ventana 3434

[Ma Snart]

Thanks for the additional info, RedBarion73. I have done some additional reseach on this subject. I am going to mount the surge protector ahead of the transfer switch to protect it as well.

Typically I kill the main switch in the bus when we start the generator to give it time to warm up and minimize surge issues. Next high draw things like microwave and air conditioners are then switched on at the main box as well. It is the habit I have gotten into and we have had no issues in the first 6 years using a RV.

Regards

Ma Snart

[joes2901]

I have the remote (Progressive 50 amp) installed in the compartment above the door and it is very convenient to monitor the power from that location. You avoid bending or getting on your knees to look at it if mounted in the cargo bay near the transfer switch. Add bad weather and you will be wishing you had the remote above the door. I also had it installed after the transfer switch so it would protect from shore and generator power problems. I use a digital VOM to check the power pedestal when I am rarely connected to shore power. The over ride switch is less likely to be accidently bumped with to over the door position. It is not a source of concern.

I watch the readouts all the time to monitor the load on the L-1 and L-2. I cannot afford 3 15 amp loads at the same time with the Onan 5.5 KW gas generator.

[KenSherwin]

Originally Posted by lass

My first RV drive was 150 miles from the dealer, set the Comfort Control Steering on high and it tracked nicely. Won't get into the feeling of driving it over the Sunshine Skyway!!!!!WOW

After you drive it for a few thousand miles, please update us on how you have your Comfort Drive set. I suspect that the longer you drive it, the lighter you want it.

Enjoy.

[Route 66]

PI recommends installing the EMS before the transfer switch to protect it as shore power problems are far more common than generator problems which are rare.

Originally Posted by redbaron73

Another thing to consider is how you will have the protector installed. There are 2 methods, Before the transfer switch, and after the transfer switch.

My fleetwood did not have an easy way for me to install it after the transfer switch. Since the fleetwood was not an all-electric, the EMS was pretty active in making sure that the generator did not get a load for 2 minutes, so I felt safe in doing this. I know that surges *can* happen from the generator, but that is not as common.

Now that I am getting an all-electric coach, I am leaning towards installation *after* the transfer switch.

Cons:
* There is no protection to the transfer switch.

Pros:
* It is very easy to install since the transfer switch is located in the bay.
* When set to timer mode, this will ensure that no load is placed on the generator for 2 minutes +. This will always give a good warm up period.
* Protection from generator based surges


Is the transfer switch protection enough of a reason to place the surge in front of it?

[lass]

Originally Posted by KenSherwin

After you drive it for a few thousand miles, please update us on how you have your Comfort Drive set. I suspect that the longer you drive it, the lighter you want it.

Enjoy.

Ken, I have already reduced the setting on the Comfort Drive. Being new to the RV world, and my own insecurity of driving a 35' motorhome for the first time, the #5 setting appeared to be giving a more stable drive, but after reading some of your previous posts on making only minor corrections, I found that #5 was actually causing me to wander in my lane. Now, by reducing the CD to a #3, I am more confident looking straight ahead down the road rather than making constant steering adjustments.

Only time will tell, but as of today, your expert advise is right on.

As an additional note, I deal with you engineering types at work and know that you guys are always looking for better solutions, and can never put the pencil down, but in this case, kudos for what you have accomplished. When searching for my first RV, I wanted a quality unit with a company which offered good customer service and also fit into my budget. I found the answer with Newmar and received the extra bonus of your Comfort Drive steering system.

Thanks for your efforts.

[Ma Snart]

Originally Posted by Deek

Had Surge Guard 34560 50 amp surge protector on our 2011 All Electric Ventana. It worked fine and definitely took up less space than the Progressive models -- one of the reasons we went with it then. But the thing I learned in researching this time around (when we were less rushed in our decision) is that the Progressive LCHW50 has Lifetime Warranty v. 1 year Warranty on Surge Guard and the Progressive has a much stronger Joule rating -- 3,580 for Progressive v. 1,750 for Surge Guard.

Roughly same price. Many more features on Progressive.

It's an important enough gizmo that I decided to go for the Progressive this time around.

Btw, best price I found on Progressive was from Lawrence RV Accessories, Inc., a Progressive dealer in Livingston, Texas. LCHW50 (with digital display on unit but without remote display) is $289.00 and HW50C (with remote display) is $339.00 -- both include free shipping. Ours came within four business days after ordering. On their website, Lawrence advertises that they do Progressive surge protector installations at RV rallies at $110.00.

I did ask Newmar if they would install our LCHW50 along with our the Air Force One equipment we will need to have installed on the coach. They said they would do both installs at the reduced $75.00 per hour winter special labor rate if we supply the parts.

Deek

Hey Deek!

Not sure who at Newmar said they would install your surge protector, but during my visit yesterday the factory told me they would not. I am planning to have the dealer do it.

My factory visit pictures and notes are posted on PDR John's thread

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/our-...ar-136924.html

Ma Snart

[redbaron73]

I believe if you have the factory delivery then you can schedule with the service department. This would be *after* the coach is delivered.

[Deek]

Originally Posted by redbaron73

I believe if you have the factory delivery then you can schedule with the service department. This would be *after* the coach is delivered.

That is correct!

That's why they agreed to do it for us.

Deek