Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > General Discussions about our Montanas
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-05-2014, 01:59 AM   #1
Rv3900
Established Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: London
Posts: 11
M.O.C. #13957
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.
 
Rv3900 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 02:14 AM   #2
NCFischers
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,369
M.O.C. #8728
Send a message via Yahoo to NCFischers
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.
NCFischers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 02:15 AM   #3
bncinwv
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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.
bncinwv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 02:54 AM   #4
JandC
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Frostproof, FL USA
Posts: 2,362
M.O.C. #13272
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
JandC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 02:59 AM   #5
TYR
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 238
M.O.C. #9976
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
TYR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 03:06 AM   #6
scott-pati
Montana Master
 
scott-pati's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location:
Posts: 608
M.O.C. #12894
Most people use these. Right now CW has a sale on them.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping....KOSBg64S.dpbs Watch the video at the bottom of the page. It explains the need for one.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping....OHtYssB0.dpbs

I use the portable one.
They protect against brownouts and surges.

Scott

scott-pati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 03:15 AM   #7
1retired06
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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
1retired06 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 03:36 AM   #8
hookman
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kelowna
Posts: 1,475
M.O.C. #6237
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.
hookman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 03:45 AM   #9
Devildog
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ooltewah
Posts: 360
M.O.C. #4958
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.
Devildog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 03:48 AM   #10
MrYesterday
Established Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Evansville
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #13948
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.
MrYesterday is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 04:14 AM   #11
bncinwv
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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
bncinwv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 04:21 AM   #12
MrYesterday
Established Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Evansville
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #13948
NVM, found a used Surge Guard 34750 on craigslist for $200.
MrYesterday is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 05:02 AM   #13
MDL
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Renton
Posts: 362
M.O.C. #13959
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.
MDL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 05:22 AM   #14
CORattler
Montana Master
 
CORattler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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.
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
CORattler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 06:45 AM   #15
scott-pati
Montana Master
 
scott-pati's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location:
Posts: 608
M.O.C. #12894
The Surge Guard offers the same features and protection as the EMS too.
scott-pati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 10:06 AM   #16
Devildog
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ooltewah
Posts: 360
M.O.C. #4958
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.
Devildog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 10:18 AM   #17
Bigsky3625RE
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Redmond
Posts: 274
M.O.C. #12815
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
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.
Bigsky3625RE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2014, 01:51 PM   #18
WeBeFulltime
Montana Master
 
WeBeFulltime's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hixson
Posts: 3,436
M.O.C. #11397
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.
WeBeFulltime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2014, 01:45 AM   #19
scott-pati
Montana Master
 
scott-pati's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location:
Posts: 608
M.O.C. #12894
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!
scott-pati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2014, 02:11 PM   #20
akf15e
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Goldsboro
Posts: 288
M.O.C. #9143
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.
akf15e is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Surge protector charlog5 Additions & Improvements 11 08-30-2015 07:52 PM
Surge Guard Surge Protector-SOLD azranger Trailers, Tow Vehicles & RV related items for Sale 7 10-21-2013 12:10 AM
50 AMP Surge Protector K&Gs3400RL Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help 9 11-30-2012 11:13 AM
Surge Protector Mudchief General Discussions about our Montanas 12 04-17-2011 05:13 PM
Surge Protector hookman Additions & Improvements 3 11-03-2007 09:44 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:56 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.