Hard wired or plug in EMS on 2016 27RLS

[cosmo]

Hello all, We are awaiting the delivery of a 2016 27 RLS. I plan on purchasing a Progressive Industries EMS, but am not sure if i want it hard wired, or plugin. Has anyone installed one of these on this camper? Is there an easily accessible area to mount the hard wired version (which is what I would prefer to install)? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dave

[TWP723]

That was my problem with the hard-wired version, there was no acceptable place (short of taking the camper apart) for me to mount it so I went with the pluggable version. Works great! Has a metal tab on it for a lock and chain. I use a heavy duty chain to lock it to the CG power post. You'd be surprised how many people DON'T have one. EVERYBODY was asking what it was.

[Filthy-Beast]

On my 31 RLDS there was a standard electrical junction box behind a panel. The panel was blocking the lowest location of a storage cabinet. The junctions box is where the power cord connected to trailer wiring. Replaced the box with the EMS took 20 minutes. Ran the remote up to a shelf higher in the cabinet. Since the display is always on I wanted it out of site while still being easy to see.

When you do the PDI have them show where the power cord connects to trailer. you could always pay to have them install it. I prefer to do it myself, saves money, is done right, I know where everything is and how it's wired.

It was eye opening, TV on microwave on, AC on it was pulling 40amps through a 30amp outlet and wires. New rule, no microwave while AC is cranking.

[RoyBraddy]

If I had one I would most definitely look to install it on the inside somewhere...

Of course they need to be somewhere where you can get to it to reset things when it trips...

I imagine these would be a prime thief item. They sure are not cheap...

Maybe the savings grace in the thief world would be they are usually active at the camp grounds maybe making the thieves think twice about messing with something 120VAC active.

Roy Ken

[gcloss]

As for placement of a hard wired unit, every model is different. I put a hard wired Progressive in my 2009 Eagle 256RKS and it was a bear. I had to takeout the IOTA converter and move a bunch of wires.

My new 2015 Eagle was a piece of cake. The junction box was under the rear bed. Total time to install was about 15 minutes.

[RedHorse1]

We had a 30A pole mount for a couple of years. Had a lock but used it only once and gave the EMS to my neighbor when we sold the HTT. I always wondered if it would go on a walk about but I was lucky. Bought a wired version when we got the 5th.
I prefer the hard-wire version (remote display).
My SOP is:
verify house and pole breakers "off"
Plug in power
Pole breakers "on"
Watch the EMS display to see it's happy
House breakers "on"
Tell the bride "A/C on"!

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by cosmo

Hello all, We are awaiting the delivery of a 2016 27 RLS. I plan on purchasing a Progressive Industries EMS, but am not sure if i want it hard wired, or plugin. Has anyone installed one of these on this camper? Is there an easily accessible area to mount the hard wired version (which is what I would prefer to install)? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dave

Dave,
Like you, I'd like to have a hard wired Progressive Industries EMS. One of the ideas I'm kicking around is to convert the pull out 30amp cord to a removable cord and modify the interior 'end table' (where the pull out cord is now stored) to be much smaller (think 'wall wart') and hold the EMS. I looked at the Progressive Industries manual and didn't see any ventilation requirements for the unit.

DW and I REALLY dislike the loss of the floor that is dedicated to cord storage in an otherwise stellar 27RLS floorplan.

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by RoyBraddy

If I had one I would most definitely look to install it on the inside somewhere...

Of course they need to be somewhere where you can get to it to reset things when it trips...

I imagine these would be a prime thief item. They sure are not cheap...

Maybe the savings grace in the thief world would be they are usually active at the camp grounds maybe making the thieves think twice about messing with something 120VAC active.

Roy Ken

The hardwire remote Progressive ones automatically reset and keeps checking every 20 seconds or so and throwing a code to tell you something is wrong. Once corrected it will reset automatically. There is nothing manual on these models.

Now if you fry it then yes you may need to access it and replace.

[spoon059]

On my trailer, the wiring junction box is below the main pantry, in the same compartment as the water heater. There was plenty of room to install the hardwired, so that's what I did. No worries about it walking away in the middle of the night... plus I got the unit with the remote panel and generator bypass switch. That way I still have protection if I use a generator.

[Nighthawk 96]

My trailer has the same floorplan as yours, so you can mount it in the table between the two chairs in the living area.

I installed the PI hardwired model with an exterior display, which keeps you constantly informed. While I was doing this I turned my cable into a quick disconnect with
Marinco (30ARVKIT) 30 Amp Detachable Power Conversion Kit about $90 at Amazon

Got the EMS from Tweetys as it was cheaper than Amazon.

There is a switch that bypasses the EMS if you use a generator, since the generator does not appear to be grounded by the EMS and will not allow the current to pass thru it.

I was tired of stuffing the cable into the area under the table.

Since I see you are new to the forum, another upgrade you should consider is to install a digital thermostat in place of the analague one that comes with the trailer. Much better temperature control. There is a Coleman direct replacement one from Amazon for about $70. Well worth the $$ and easy to install. Search the forum for threads on this subject.

Good luck with your new trailer, we love the floorplan of ours and
Welcome to the forum!

[clubhouse]

I went with pole mounted unit. I debated hardware for theft prevention, but after 3+ years using it I realize I'm no longer concerned with theft. Heck my yeti cooler costs more than an EMS and I don't lock it up. Same with my weber Q200. So theft is a reality of life, but I wouldn't allow that to be the decision maker for choosing hardwire or pole mount.

Now recently I saw pictures of a unit that was fried from some voltage spike. That unit I would not have wanted in my TT, so I will stick with a pole mount.

[havnfun]

I guess we all have our preferences as to an outside or inside mount. I'm careful about making it too easy for thieves so I chose the inside mount. Had to get into a cramped space under the frig but I'm good with that as I know I installed it right. Also, the remote readout constantly displays several messages in red so I can easily see if there's a problem. I feel much better knowing the Progressive EMS HW30C will protect the TT in many ways.
Happy RVing,
Jeff

[Nighthawk 96]

cosmo - I looked at 27RLS at dealer near me. It was equipped with a quick disconnect type of outlet for the power cable, so you won't need to do that mod.

The inside table is pretty small but the EMS should fit inside it ok.

[edatlanta]

Originally Posted by clubhouse

I went with pole mounted unit. I debated hardware for theft prevention, but after 3+ years using it I realize I'm no longer concerned with theft. Heck my yeti cooler costs more than an EMS and I don't lock it up. Same with my weber Q200. So theft is a reality of life, but I wouldn't allow that to be the decision maker for choosing hardwire or pole mount.

Now recently I saw pictures of a unit that was fried from some voltage spike. That unit I would not have wanted in my TT, so I will stick with a pole mount.

I agree. I have seen too many electrical devices fried over the years and I prefer a protective device to be outside. After 5 years full time use my EMS is still with me. I do use a chain to lock it to the power pole, but I have never had anyone even ask what it was.

I am so concerned about power issues, I will absolutely NEVER plug in to a power pole without my EMS. If it ever has to go back for warranty work I have a spare one in a box that will be put into service. Expensive yes, but much cheaper than damage to my rig.

[cosmo]

Originally Posted by Nighthawk 96

cosmo - I looked at 27RLS at dealer near me. It was equipped with a quick disconnect type of outlet for the power cable, so you won't need to do that mod.

The inside table is pretty small but the EMS should fit inside it ok.

Are you sure you weren't looking at a unit with 2 air conditioners and 50 amp service? All the 16's I've looked at on line appear to have the mouse hole cover, although I hope you are correct.

[Nighthawk 96]

This has a locking type connector with three prongs. I think 50 amp has a 4 wire connector. It did not have an a/c unit for the bedroom area. I think you can order a unit with a second a/c prep without the a/c unit itself.

This unit has a cover the flips up and the locking cord fits into it. If the cord is wired into your unit there will still be a cover that flips up, however it will have a cutout in the bottom to allow it to close over the cord when it is pulled out.