Voltage Regulators and Surge Protectors

tld · 12-25-2015, 08:09 PM

Brand new Jayco Eagle owner here and I need some advise regarding voltage regulators and surge protectors. I have looked at the products from Progressive Industries (like the HCW30 or HCW50 ) and they get really good reviews. But, they are a little pricey. So, I have to ask if having such a unit is a critical component to invest in. Your thoughts and experience regarding this issue are greatly appreciated.

NVGun40 · 12-25-2015, 09:04 PM

A voltage regulator and surge protector is a very important component. Especially if you plan on using your rig at places with hook ups. My experience has been there are some good products out there to cover your needs in a reasonable price range. Taking steps to take good care of the equipment helps to make it all last (keeping it clean, storing it where it can't get damaged, keeping it dry, etc.)
Yet in the same breath, my DW can attest I am one who will use his equipment to the utmost of its ability and yet I am anal about taking care of it at the same time. Therefore we tend to by the good stuff when it comes to things like this.

MrNiceGuy · 12-25-2015, 09:58 PM

You can buy less expensive EMS protection than the Progressive Industries equipment but you will not get the lifetime warranty with the cheaper equipment. As far as using a true EMS system I would never connect to a pedestal without one.

robkelly · 12-26-2015, 03:50 AM

Agree with NVGun & Silverado - I will never hookup without one, and it's saved me from much more expensive repairs a couple of times. I use the Progressive Industries products, and while they are a little more expensive, in the long run I think the price is worth it, especially if you take care of it.

**norty1** · 12-26-2015, 05:06 AM

Sounds like you have done some research and understand the differences. Just for reinforcement, I am one who favors the quality Progressive products.

I explained in another thread how we had a TRC product, which does not provide the same level of protection as the Progressive. We had a lightning strike in a thunderstorm that toasted our microwave AND the TRC unit. The TRC unit was out of its 2 year warranty and they said it was not repairable.

I have been happy with my PTC50 since. I understand from many reviews that it can be repaired.

Wrascal · 12-26-2015, 06:43 AM

Yes it's worth the money. And so is investing in a TPMS system for the RV.

oldmanAZ · 12-26-2015, 08:57 AM

I have a budget, portable, 30 amp TRC Surge Protector that I bought YEARS ago and use it every time. If the pedestal looks questionable, I have a couple of circuit checkers I will use before I connect.

The surge protector has only tripped once. I reset it and all was well.

One of the mods I plan to make is installing an EMS - probably a Progressive Industries unit based on comments in this forum.

Fairenatic · 12-26-2015, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrascal

Yes it's worth the money. And so is investing in a TPMS system for the RV.

Another thing on my list of upgrades.

Not sure why Jayco refuses to offer products like these as options or part of a customer value package.

I am sure there are many new RV owners who have no clue how to safeguard their equipment or their lives.

**norty1** · 12-26-2015, 10:31 AM

Some manufacturer's do include it as std or as an option.

RodgerS · 12-26-2015, 02:01 PM

I don't think a reasoned argument can be made not to have one of these protective devices. I'm not sure a reasonable argument can be made to buy a cheap unit either.

Mostly, it is the lack of knowledge about all things RV that puts the hurt to the owners. It starts with a bad first unit decision for many and then continues with all kinds of learn-by-bad experiences along the way, depending how unlucky you are.

Recently a big dust up over the new Newmar Dutch Stars was played out in three threads on irv2.com. It started, as is common, with an owner discovering after his purchase there was a problem with overloading the front axle, something that would have been discovered by a savvy buyer because such a buyer would have weighed the new unit before driving off with it and not accepted delivery in the first place.

Failing to do a through PDI is another example of stuff awaiting the inexperienced or the unaware.

The real problem is that there is a lot to RVing and these units are complex. You just can't expect the mfgs to be the answer, and that starts with the lack of lemon laws that lets them get away with this stuff.

There is just no substitute for putting in the time and $$ to get wise to this stuff or pay it out by suffering the consequences.

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