Community Forums

Skip3370 · 10-15-2015, 01:24 PM

I have heard that you should install a surge/voltage protector for you motorhome. What are the thoughts of the forum members? I really hate to invest that kind of money for a 50amp protector.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 10-15-2015, 01:30 PM

Skippinhead-

Below are links to two recent iRV2 threads on the topic.

Mark

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/surge-guard-266067.html
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f52/looki...or-262940.html

**Lt Dan** · 10-15-2015, 04:13 PM

Personal opinion, but I would not hook up in a RV park without one. I have too much invested in electrical appliances and electronics to worry about $300 for a surge guard. I look at it as a one time purchase extra insurance.

Steve Ownby · 10-15-2015, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippinhead

I have heard that you should install a surge/voltage protector for you motorhome. What are the thoughts of the forum members? I really hate to invest that kind of money for a 50amp protector.

Here is a highly regarded EMS which will pay for itself over and over if you camp much:

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-In.../dp/B002UC4SWM

Also available as a hard wired unit if you prefer.

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

**pasdad1** · 10-15-2015, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippinhead

I really hate to invest that kind of money for a 50amp protector.

Have you heard the saying "you can pay me now....or you can pay me later" ?

Like others have said, get the Progessive Industries EMS. Not just a surge protector. It will protect against miswired pedestals, high and low voltage, faulty plugs and cords, etc....AND it has a lifetime warranty !

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vsheetz · 10-15-2015, 04:48 PM

Progressive...

Peacekeeper6 · 10-15-2015, 05:18 PM

Here's what kills me about this question.

People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their RV, yet they are too cheap to buy a surge protector worth a couple of hundred bucks to protect their investment.

Really ??

I don't get it.

Peacekeeper6 · 10-15-2015, 05:29 PM

BTW, buy a Progressive Industries surge protector.

They make a high-quality product, and their customer service is top-notch.

It was THE first item I bought for my motorhome....

wa8yxm · 10-15-2015, 05:54 PM

What to buy or not to buy..
Prefferend brand is Progressive Industries
Models:
Hard wired: HW-50C or PT-50C for a 50 amp RV. for a 30 amp, change the number to 30..

I like the hard wired because: Nothing to remember, Always there, Nothing for the thief to see and walk off with,, Out of the weather as well, easier hookup (only one plug instead of 2)

NOTE: Progressive makes a lesser model. No LCD, just a few LED's Forget that one, it's a spike supressor and not what you need.

SURGE GUARD brand (TRC corp I think) would be my 3rd choice

There are others

Avoid any unit that does not monitor voltage and display either Error messages or error codes.

Crabb E · 10-15-2015, 05:58 PM

Progressive is my choice. Cheap insurance.

BrianGlenn · 10-15-2015, 05:59 PM

Many RV parks are inadequate in their electrical supply systems due to age of park, when most RVs were 30A or less. Most RVs are now 50A and are electrical hogs. In their attempt to provide more with aging infrastructure there are many "creative" solutions; some that are outright dangerous. Newer RV parks, or parks that have "fully" upgraded the electrical right back to service transformer and design of the distribution system (including increased gauge cabling, and pedestals) have less issues with low/high voltage, open neutral, open ground, etc.

Considering the high probability that you may visit a park that has electrical distribution issues, it is good insurance and peace of mind, that your investment is protected by a quality Electrical surge/protection system that catch the above scenarios. Others have posted my preferred unit (Progressive Industries 50A EMS with remote display).

Secondarily, I use the EMS remote display to keep an eye on electrical supply quality - it displays line 1 and line 2 voltage, amperages drawn, service frequency, and any errors that are found with electrical supply. I find this information very informative.

Brian

jlabit · 10-15-2015, 06:27 PM

Agree with the rest of the members here. My Progressive Industries PT50C 50 Amp Portable Electrical Management System has saved me twice so far in parks with sub-standard power systems. It WILL NOT let electrical power be applied to your RV if the power is not right. Best $340 I have spent as an accessory. This is the one I use. I have a cable and lock to secure it.

Amazon.com: Progressive Industries PT50C 50 Amp Portable Electrical Management System: Automotive

jacwjames · 10-15-2015, 07:04 PM

I did not invest in a surge protector and had a surge from a lightening strike while the coach was parked at the house on a 20 amp circuit. Ended up frying my EMS circuit board, cost $450 to replace but luckily nothing was damaged.

I since installed a hardwired HW50C from progressive. Already caught a bad 30 amp circuit that the hot and neutral wire were crossed.

Got lucky and found a new one on ebay for $200, I have since added the 2nd display so I can monitor after I've plugged in from inside the coach.

britcon · 10-15-2015, 09:42 PM

We have a Progressive 50A. Last year we stayed at a park in North Carolina and took a massive surge in the middle of the night. I didn't notice until next day when we pulled in to new park in South Carolina and got an error message when I plugged in Surge Protector. Turns out whatever hit us in NC fried the circuit board in the Progressive unit, but didn't make it thru to the Coach !. Progressive replaced the unit in 3 days at no cost ! Absolute necessity in my opinion.