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01-05-2014, 01:59 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: London
Posts: 11
M.O.C. #13957
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Surge Protector
We purchased a Montana 3900FB and would like to know about surge protectors. Do we need one an if so which type is best.
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01-05-2014, 02:14 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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You need one, period. Damage from a surge could cost thousands of dollars. Surge protectors also guard against brownouts or low voltage. Any good surge protector will do the job. I have an EMS with remote readout. I used to have a Surge Guard that was hard wired but they also come so they can be plugged into the pedestal and your cord into that. It's all a matter of choice but get something.
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01-05-2014, 02:15 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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In my opinion, the use of any type of surge protector or Electrical Management System is a no-brainer. There are many available, but it seem the majority of the forum members had settled in on the Progressive Industries EMS models, some are hard-wired in and some are portable. We us the hard-wired 50 amp model with the remote readout. Any you choose will be better than subjecting yourself to the potential catastrophic damage that can be caused by faulty pedestal current.
Bingo
__________________
Bingo and Cathy - Our adventures begin in the hills of WV. We are blessed by our 2014 3850FL Big Sky (previous 2011 3750FL and 2007 3400RL) that we pull with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic DRW CC dually.
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01-05-2014, 02:54 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Frostproof, FL USA
Posts: 2,362
M.O.C. #13272
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I went with a hard wired model in the basement. For me the remote was a waste of money. We get plugged in as we are setting up and it takes about 2 - 3 minutes for the surge protection to test everything and allow the power to flow. By then it is time to open up and start thinking about putting the slids out. Just my opinion, I know a lot of folks like the remote monitors.
__________________
Previous: 2008 Montana 3400RL & 2014 3725RL
Current: Full Time 2022 SOB TT Toy Hauler
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01-05-2014, 02:59 AM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 238
M.O.C. #9976
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Don't leave home without it.
Here's what we got and I will tell you that it does work. I also like having the LED readout that gives me voltage coming in and amps we're using.
http://tweetys.com/portable-50-amp-e...nt-system.aspx
Betty
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01-05-2014, 03:15 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Totally agree that EMS is money well spent.We have a Progressive for the past 4 years, works 30/50 and we have been happy with it. Check ProgressiveIndustries.net
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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01-05-2014, 03:36 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kelowna
Posts: 1,475
M.O.C. #6237
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We use an Hard Wired EMS. We had a portable and sold it to a friend he had a surge that damaged it so he contacted Progressive Industries and told them he was the 3RD owner. They told him to send it to them and they would fix it for him, it was a B model and they replaced it with a C model at no charge. Great customer service which is hard to find these days.
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01-05-2014, 03:45 AM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ooltewah
Posts: 360
M.O.C. #4958
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I have used the.plug in 50 amp for 6 years. Peace of mind each time I plug in. Will also work on 30 amp pedestals with a dog bone adapter.
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01-05-2014, 03:48 AM
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#10
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Established Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Evansville
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #13948
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What about the SSP50? Could I get one of them until I have time to have a hardwired unit installed? Is it the same protection, without the bells and whistles (lcd display, 128 second delay, ect), or is it really not worth the $100? I eventually do want to install a hard wired unit, but I'd like to buy one in the meantime, and if the $100 unit is sufficient I'd prefer to go that route.
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01-05-2014, 04:14 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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Anything is better than nothing, however you should know what the limitations are. Some Surge protectors are just that and offer only surge protection. The advantage of an EMS are that it provides security beyond surges. They detect low voltage, high voltage, open grounds, and other circumstances and when things are not right, they refuse to allow power to the rig, thereby protecting all of the electronics in the rig from the get-go. The reason they cost more is they provide more protection from hazardous conditions. I did not even consider a lower priced alternative, I shelled out the additional money up front with the knowledge that the rig is protected as it should be. Ultimately a personal choice, but do the research and know what the differences are.
Bingo
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01-05-2014, 04:21 AM
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#12
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Established Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Evansville
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #13948
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NVM, found a used Surge Guard 34750 on craigslist for $200.
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01-05-2014, 05:02 AM
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#13
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Renton
Posts: 362
M.O.C. #13959
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IMHO a surge guard is a must. You spent a lot of money on a nice 5th wheel, now you need to protect all the electronics inside. I personally haven't had any issues at the RV parks we frequent, but many of my friends have, and it only takes 1 time to ruin your day. I just purchased an Progressive Industries EMS 50 amp unit that I'll hardwire in as soon as the rig arrives. I looked at the less expensive units and heard horror stories about MFG support and several that burned up. Get a good one and it will protect against all the common issues you may fine, and a few not so common. Here's where I got mine... http://www.makariosrv.com/progressiv...40v-ems-hw50c/. I had great customer service and it arrived very quickly.
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01-05-2014, 05:22 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by MDL
IMHO a surge guard is a must. You spent a lot of money on a nice 5th wheel, now you need to protect all the electronics inside. I personally haven't had any issues at the RV parks we frequent, but many of my friends have, and it only takes 1 time to ruin your day. I just purchased an Progressive Industries EMS 50 amp unit that I'll hardwire in as soon as the rig arrives. I looked at the less expensive units and heard horror stories about MFG support and several that burned up. Get a good one and it will protect against all the common issues you may fine, and a few not so common. Here's where I got mine...http://www.makariosrv.com/progressiv...40v-ems-hw50c/. I had great customer service and it arrived very quickly.
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AND... that's a good price. I have the same model EMS. My very 1st mod!
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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01-05-2014, 06:45 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location:
Posts: 608
M.O.C. #12894
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The Surge Guard offers the same features and protection as the EMS too.
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01-05-2014, 10:06 AM
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#16
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ooltewah
Posts: 360
M.O.C. #4958
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Scott, I want to tell you that when I looked at the picture of your truck, I thought I was looking at mine! Deep molten red pearl, with the white gold lower panels. Same features and axle ratio, just with the Mega cab.
The portable surge guards will shut down if wrong polarity, brown out conditions, or over voltage. Mine has worked well. Possibly when I do go with a newer unit, I may go with a hard wired unit.
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01-05-2014, 10:18 AM
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#17
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Redmond
Posts: 274
M.O.C. #12815
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by bncinwv
Anything is better than nothing, however you should know what the limitations are. Some Surge protectors are just that and offer only surge protection. The advantage of an EMS are that it provides security beyond surges. They detect low voltage, high voltage, open grounds, and other circumstances and when things are not right, they refuse to allow power to the rig, thereby protecting all of the electronics in the rig from the get-go. The reason they cost more is they provide more protection from hazardous conditions. I did not even consider a lower priced alternative, I shelled out the additional money up front with the knowledge that the rig is protected as it should be. Ultimately a personal choice, but do the research and know what the differences are.
Bingo
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We did the same but with the portable 50 amp. Already saved us several times.
Don't go cheap. The PI EMS is the way to go. You wont be sorry.
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01-05-2014, 01:51 PM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hixson
Posts: 3,436
M.O.C. #11397
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I have never regretted spending a few dollars more for the PI Hardwired 50A with remote. Has saved my bacon 3 times!
__________________
2018.5 Montana 3791RD
Full Timers 9/1/2010 through 1/16/2020.
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01-06-2014, 01:45 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location:
Posts: 608
M.O.C. #12894
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When mine dies or when I'm ready, hardwired seems the way to go and I won't have to worry about theft. When I bought mine for my last Monty, I knew I wasn't keeping her for long, that's why I went portable.
Jim, thanks for the compliments on my truck. I love the Longhorn edition!
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01-06-2014, 02:11 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Goldsboro
Posts: 288
M.O.C. #9143
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Mine has found multiple issues with various campgrounds' power supply - under voltage, open ground, etc. I have the PTC-50 from Progressive Industries. A bit spendy at $399, but cheaper than a few hours of an electrician fixing things. Mine actually died this year and Progressive replaced it at no charge. It has a lifetime warranty and they have excellent customer service.
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