Surge Protection

[#1footballfan]

So, my Progressive Industries surge protector just got fried along with the prongs from my electrical cord for my coach.
Had a tech out here tonight and he put on a new prong head so we are plugged back in but with no surge protection.
My question is, which one do you guys use. The tech recommended using the one I have attached here. Any suggestions or insights is greatly appreciated. Surge Guard
Thanks

Surge Guard 34951 Portable Total Electrical Protection - 50 AMP

TechnoRV provides the best RV Surge protectors including surge protection for your whole RV from both internal and external surges and frequency variations.

technorv.com

 

[scottramer]

I have used a Hughes Autoformer Watchdog Surge protector for over 3 years and am very happy. The nice thing is the surge module is self replacable at $42 plus they have a limited lifetime warranty on the unit overall. They also just came out with a new one that is wifi enabled that you can monitor and control the coach power from anywhere in the world, provided you have wifi service in the coach. Oh, and there customer service has been great.

 

[Neal]

This is what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015Y9A4HU/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[old timer]

I would assume this would be a good idea even for a rv trailer in a camp ground?

 

[Richpatty]

Another vote for the Hughs watchdog. Works real well, has Bluetooth ( and now wireless) and the replaceable module is nice.

 

[Richpatty]

I would assume this would be a good idea even for a rv trailer in a camp ground?

Yes! You never know what power problems a campground would have.

 

[Neal]

I would assume this would be a good idea even for a rv trailer in a camp ground?

Just my opinion:

1) Some campgrounds have very old electrical grids and don't want to put the huge amount of money it would require to upgrade the infrastructure. Don't trust it!

2) Pedestals get worn, often breakers are worn out, if you have a problem that's the first thing that typically happens, they check the pedestal and swap the breaker.

3) Coaches are probably pulling a lot more power these days than when some of the campgrounds were built.

4) Modern coaches have a lot more sensitive electronics and it could be costly to replace and could obviously disrupt your camping pleasure.

I use the one on the pedestal I linked, I use it mainly to get the lights telling me the pedestal is wired correctly, and it protects the path to the cord reel. I have a Hughes internal EMS-50 and also a Hughes AutoFormer, and then my coach's transfer switch also has surge protection but if it trips I think it requires a replacement of something. Cheap insurance....

 

[old timer]

Thanks!

 

[#1footballfan]

So, my Progressive Industries surge protector just got fried along with the prongs from my electrical cord for my coach.
Had a tech out here tonight and he put on a new prong head so we are plugged back in but with no surge protection.
My question is, which one do you guys use. The tech recommended using the one I have attached here. Any suggestions or insights is greatly appreciated. Surge Guard
Thanks

Surge Guard 34951 Portable Total Electrical Protection - 50 AMP

TechnoRV provides the best RV Surge protectors including surge protection for your whole RV from both internal and external surges and frequency variations.

technorv.com

Thank you to everyone for their input it’s very appreciated.

 

[old timer]

So for a trailer with basic electronics do I need a top of the line unit? I see they are from 40 to 400 dollars.

 

[Richpatty]

The less expensive ones just do surge protection while the pricier ones also have “EPO” or emergency power off for when voltage goes to high or too low…it will cut the power automatically to protect you electronics….which can be as bad as a surge in some cases.

I guess it depends on what you are trying to protect and how much it might be worth…

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I've successfully used Progressive Industries EMS for 15 years.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Progressive makes a good unit. We have moved onto Hughes due to the needs of our all electric RV.
Used Progressive’s surge protector with our prior RV.

10 Best RV Surge Protectors & Electrical Management Systems for 2024 (30 & 50 Amp)

Discover the top 10 best RV surge protectors and electrical management systems for 2024, available in 30 & 50 amp options to protect your RV electrical system.

www.rvingknowhow.com

 

[DennisT]

Another for the Hughes Watchdog EMS unit.

The addition of cutting off power on voltage or frequency issues is good to have. Currently in an older park and have tripped on low voltage a couple times already.

Surge protection is just that and would not help with voltage issues.

Can’t go wrong with either Hughes or Progressive (had a hardwired Progressive in our old RV).

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

We have the watchdog unit too (in addition to a Surge Guard unit built into the coach).
However, there are times when the watchdog unit complains about something and I just scratch my head. I pull out the multi-meter and check things on the power pedestal, check continuity on the coach side and cannot figure out why it indicates a problem and is shutting down. A couple times, after testing with multi-meter, have removed the watch dog and just used the internal Surge Guard. (Testing with full power running, just pulled plugs apart enough to be able to use multi-meter on exposed prongs, not seeing the problem that the watch dog said it saw)

Customer service replaced a unit for us once when I sent them a video of the unit complaining and then showing what our Fluke Multi-meter was showing.
Good customer service and support.

Next time we will probably spend the extra $ for the auto former model, to adjust for those times when voltages drop a little low.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

I like having this hardwired in my storage bay with the remote display: Amazon.com

Best,
-Mark