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Old 04-15-2013, 08:23 AM   #1
jjackflash
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Surge Protectors

I'm considering buying a 50 amp surge protector.
I'm trying to decide on the TRC from Camping World or The Progressive,I would like to hear from people who own one of these. The pro's and con of either one of these surge protectors.
I need to know if you can use the 50 amp with adaptor on a 30 amp pole.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jack
 
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Old 04-15-2013, 12:12 PM   #2
H. John Kohl
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Jack,
I had both. Originally I had the TRC and thought it had failed. In reality it had not. So I purchased the Progressive Industry as a replacement. I went with the PI because I like the ability to read Voltage and Current measurements which the TRC did not offer. Either one is better than nothing.

Yes the 50 Amp will work with a 30 amp source providing you use the proper 30 to 50 Amp interface cabling.

I hope this helps.
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Old 04-15-2013, 12:37 PM   #3
Bucky573
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I installed the TRC 50amp Hardwired model last Fall. It worked fine on our 3 month trip this winter. Gives you a peace of mind. I know lots of horror stories where people have fried many appliances and TV's due to bad power in the RV park. I dodged a problem in Florida in winter of 2011 by luck. That's when I decided I needed a surge protector.
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Old 04-15-2013, 01:44 PM   #4
mhs4771
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Had the TRC Portable (older model before the LED readout), but got tired of dragging it out to hookup, so at the GS Rally in Nov I bought the Progressive 50 amp hardwired unit with remote display and totally love it. Wasn't too hard to install, just took my time and did it in a afternoon. I bought a short length of cable from HomeDepot to make a pigtail on the unit so I wouldn't have to cut the main supply cable. Made for a much easier install in our SOB.
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Old 04-15-2013, 02:05 PM   #5
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I have the 50amp portable surge guard which I bought after a ground fault failure at an rv park in gold beach, or which fried my microwave, direct tv box and fireplace. Haven't had a problem since, and yes, you can use with 30 amp pedestal with adaptor cord.

Worth every penny for peace of mind.
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Old 04-15-2013, 03:04 PM   #6
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Jack, we have had both and think that the "Progressive" is a better unit plus it has a life time warranty
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Old 04-15-2013, 03:25 PM   #7
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I have both the 30- and 50-amp TRC. Wouldn't go with any other type. Personal opinion, no experience with others.

Orv
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Old 04-15-2013, 04:41 PM   #8
jjackflash
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Thanks everyone for the good info.
Bill,I think I'm going to go with the Progressive,I do like the idea of the life time warranty .
Jack
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Old 04-15-2013, 04:49 PM   #9
CORattler
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While I haven't used any other brand, you can see from my signature that I use the hardwired PI HW50C. I like it because it checks the power coming from the pedestal constantly from the moment I hook it to the RV. No guessing as the power is constantly monitored. One less thing to be concerned about. I use it with both 30 and 50 amp using the right adapter. Truly a WISE investment to protect you, your loved ones and of course the Monty.
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Old 04-15-2013, 06:08 PM   #10
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We use the TRC 50 AMP with the digital read out. Twice we have had to change sites due to power which was wired up incorrectly. Also, power dips during storms keeps you well protected. Worth it insurance.
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Old 04-15-2013, 06:47 PM   #11
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Had the 50Amp hardwired in the trailer at CW. No problems and sleep better at night knowing it is doing its job.
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Old 04-16-2013, 04:33 AM   #12
DQDick
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We have the progressive portable EMS. Love it. I plug it in before I back up (that's why we've stayed with the portable). Twice I've saved getting into a tight spot and then having to move because the pedestal has an issue.
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Old 04-16-2013, 01:33 PM   #13
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We have the PI hardwired unit. I installed it before we even used the trailer for the first time. Not a lick of trouble in 4 years of service. Very pleased with it. I like it so much, I even installed a 30amp PI hard wire to the shore power input for the truck.

Yes you can still use the 50amp unit with a 30amp dogbone. On the PI the readout will just show both line 1 & line 2 as the same.
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Old 04-16-2013, 07:02 PM   #14
jjackflash
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by RickW

We have the PI hardwired unit. I installed it before we even used the trailer for the first time. Not a lick of trouble in 4 years of service. Very pleased with it. I like it so much, I even installed a 30amp PI hard wire to the shore power input for the truck.

Yes you can still use the 50amp unit with a 30amp dogbone. On the PI the readout will just show both line 1 & line 2 as the same.
Thanks Rick,that's the info. I needed
I'm assuming I 'll need two dog bone adapters,one for each end of the PI for 30 amp?
Jack
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Old 04-17-2013, 06:08 AM   #15
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Question on hard wired ones, where are they mounted/connected? When a surge happens and it does its protection thing, does it need to be replaced?
I have a PI portable at the moment.
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Old 04-17-2013, 06:14 AM   #16
Wayne and Carolyn Mathews
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We have the Progressive model, and it's already saved us several times. We worked as hosts from June through February at an RV park in Texas, where the power pedestals hadn't been touched in years. The first day we were there, our power went off several times. We reported the problem to the park manager, who tested the outlets, and sure enough, both the 30-amp and the 50-amp plugs and wiring had to be replaced. Since we were running both air conditions when the power failed, we know that the Progressive unit probably prevented any damage to those units.

Carolyn
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Old 04-17-2013, 10:42 AM   #17
jjackflash
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Thanks Carolyn,We looked forward to seeing you and Wayne ay the Rally. Oh well!
Jack
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Old 04-18-2013, 12:00 PM   #18
H. John Kohl
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by jjackflash

I'm considering buying a 50 amp surge protector.
I'm trying to decide on the TRC from Camping World or The Progressive,I would like to hear from people who own one of these. The pro's and con of either one of these surge protectors.
I need to know if you can use the 50 amp with adaptor on a 30 amp pole.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jack
Jack, Yes. You will need a 30 amp plug to 50 amp socket then your EMS and then power connection to your trailer.
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Old 04-18-2013, 01:55 PM   #19
jjackflash
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by H. John Kohl

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by jjackflash

I'm considering buying a 50 amp surge protector.
I'm trying to decide on the TRC from Camping World or The Progressive,I would like to hear from people who own one of these. The pro's and con of either one of these surge protectors.
I need to know if you can use the 50 amp with adaptor on a 30 amp pole.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jack
Jack, Yes. You will need a 30 amp plug to 50 amp socket then your EMS and then power connection to your trailer.
I'm going to use a 30amp dogbone converter to 50amp EMS than 50amp dogbone converter to 30amp trailer power cable (I'm using a 30 amp power cord.)
I'm trying not using the large 50amp power cable if I can get around it.
Does this sound right John?
Thx for your help!
Jack
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Old 04-18-2013, 02:23 PM   #20
H. John Kohl
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Yes. That will work. You are addressing one of the main reasons I went with with wired in system. I don't have to worry about either one.
If you are going to be at Jackson I could help put in a permanent one.
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