Surge Protector

[Jack65K]

I need to purchase a power protector and am considering both the Camco Power Defender and Progressive Industries EMS PT50 for my 50 amp service. Does anyone have any experience with either?
Thanks
Jack

[RedHorse1]

I've owned 2 from Progressive, a 30A pole-mount and a 50A hard-wired. The PI units seem to be a bit $$$ but if I ever need another one I'll buy it without a second thought.

[Nighthawk 96]

I have the PI 30 amp EMS installed inside the trailer. Lifetime warantee and great telephone support if you need it.

[Cosmik Debris]

There was a post a few days ago telling a story about some major damage in an RV park from lightning and the poster survived it due to having a Progressive Industries unit in play. I have a portable unit and would not connect without it. I have even used it to test pedestals for others to see if it is wired correctly, although they would not have protection afterward if something went awry.
Look at it as cheap insurance from having to replace a aircon unit, refrig, microwave etc.

[wanderlust]

Originally Posted by Jack65K

Does anyone have any experience with either?
Thanks
Jack

I hard wired a Progressive Industries in my Jay Feather; I consider them the leader: lifetime warranty, knowledgeable and friendly customer service.
Here is my install video.

[drk98]

I've had 30 amp pedestal surge guard and a 50 amp hard ward surge guard in prior trailers. In the Redhawk I went with the 30 amp Progressive and have to say I prefer it over the surge guard for minor reasons. I wouldn't plug any of them into power until I had one to use.

I'm not familiar with the Camco one but you should really consider a device that does more than just surge protection.

[Jack65K]

Thanks to all for the advice! It looks like the Progressive Industries is the way to go.
Jack

[Wrascal]

That would be the PI EMS units, not their surge protection only.

[Jack65K]

Yes it will be the EMS PT50.
Jack

[Marcm157]

Another vote here for the Progressive Industries unit. After doing my due diligence the positive customer reviews, lifetime warranty and reports of great customer service sold me. I did a hardwire install and love the peace of mind.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

On one our last camping trips, we arrived Friday afternoon and it was quite hot. Also the electrical system is quite old and almost every site needed an extension. We plugged in, turned on A/C and electric water heater only to have the power cut after a few minutes. Checked my hard-wired EMS 30 (PI) and found a low voltage fault. It was dipping below 104V! We switched the water heater over to gas and the voltage was steady around 106 to 108. The campground was full and the next day everything was fine. I won't be without mine!

[Marcm157]

I haven't had a "Save" moment yet but love the peace of mind that my hardwired Progressive Industries unit gives me.

[Explorer03]

My PI EMS saved me at a campground in Nashville, TN. The campground like others have mentioned was full and there was low voltage which led my EMS to shut off. It was very, very hot outside and with the EMS shutting down we hand no AC. Eventually after about an hour the voltage came up and steadied out so we were fine for the remainder of the night.

I am a firm believer in the EMS and surge protection systems.

[Jack65K]

Great feedback on the "saves" that PI units have within our RV community! Sounds like low voltage is a more common problem and I will get a unit that protects both low and high.
Thanks
Jack

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

I haven't had a "Save" moment yet but love the peace of mind that my hardwired Progressive Industries unit gives me.

My Progressive EMS has caught one event in the past two years, a low voltage event as I recall. I can't say it was a "save" but like you its peace of mind knowing its on the job.

If the display has a periodic message telling me "hey, I shut your power off for a few minutes due to frequency, low volts, surge...", I can think that's interesting rather than wondering why both TVs, micro and fridge aren't working.

[Jack65K]

Thanks to all, I ordered an EMS PT50 today and will have it before my next camping trip!
Jack

[RAurand]

We have been using the Surge Guard Portable 30 Amp protector for several years (model:18277). Last summer we were camping in the Poconos and my power shut off. I looked at my Surge Guard and it showed 134 volts trying to pass thru the system. The Surge Guard will automatically disconnect your trailer system from the pedestal on either a high voltage or low voltage problem at the pedestal. As I watched it for several minutes, as the voltage went down to 124 volts, my trailer power came back on. Later, as I was doing some stuff outside the trailer, my kids came up saying there was no power in the trailer again. I looked at the Surge Guard and saw 97 volts. When it came up to 108 volts, the power came back on in the trailer. We notified the camp ground manager that there were issues. He didn't know anything about it. Maintenance came and looked at it and claimed they couldn't find any issues. Later that day, power went out to the trailer again and I saw 139 volts on the display.
5 trailers around me that had no protection had melted power prongs. The cost of the Surge Guard more than paid for itself that day.
HERE IS THE LINK:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...y-30-amp/81277

[Bassdogs]

Just about pulled the trigger on the pi ems pt30C today. Available on Amazon for $227 with free shipping. Not planning a trip for a couple months so didn't push the order now button. Have camped for 30 years without one of these things. The older pop ups and first TT didn't have much in the way of digital equipment so never worried about power management. My White Hawk has more than its share of digital sat / tv equipment and the normal stuff in a modern TT. I have read the testimonials on this thread and the saves that are mentioned. My waffling is that on my trips over the last couple years I just don't see that many of these devices. I understand the high end Mhomes and other RVs come with or owners have installed permanent ems devices so I'm just talking about not seeing many of the portable post units. If this is so much of an issue, why don't I see my neighbors going up in smoke?

[tnchuck100]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

........If this is so much of an issue, why don't I see my neighbors going up in smoke?

Most of the time it does not result in smoke. Just silent damage that may go undiscovered until the battery goes dead or the air conditioner dies two months later.

The EMS is about 1/3 the cost of an air conditioner.

There will always be those who will roll the dice and take yo chances.

[DragonflyChick]

Enjoying reading this post. Which device would be best for my Jayco Jay Flight SLX 264BHW? Thanks.