Surge protection

[okierver]

See my other post on tires
We stopped for the night on a trip and because of tire damage running late we found a small rv park for the night we plugged in 50 amp and ran the a/c 30 minutes later I see smoke from the circuit breaker panel and hear crackle spark there and at the fireplace I quickly turned everything off and spent the nite came the rest of the way everything is ok. My question is hard wired 50 amp or portable and if hard wired is it difficult I am a mechanic so not to worried about the job thanks in advance

[stengels]

You'll get mixed opinions on this. Some prefer hard wired, others the plug in unit at the pedestal. Whichever is your preference. The important thing is, be sure to have the protection.

[DQDick]

We use a portable from Progressive (great warranty and customer service). i prefer the portable because then I can check the pedestal before I work my way into the spot, but we have volunteered for Fish and Wildlife in some places you want to know beforehand.

[PackerFan]

I also have the portable unit. As Dick stated I can check the pedestal before I back into tight sites or spaces. Also, if I sell the rig I can easily move it to another rig with the rest of my stuff.

[jcurtis934]

Glad you managed to dodge that bullet Dale. I use the portable progressive. Saved me five times this year alone...so far. Would I have had damage without it...hard to say...but before I got it I lost an extension cable as well as my main power cable due to a ped with worn contacts in 2015. John

[WeBeFulltime]

I prefer the hard wired Progressive. When we traded Montanas it wasn't any problem to switch it to new one. JMHO.

[1retired06]

We use the portable progressive

[Mark N.]

Progressive portable for me! I want to know BEFORE I back in that everything is OK at the pedestal. No install decisions, and no install work or costs. When I move to a different trailer, no sweat! Just choose one and get 'er done for peace of mind!

[sambam]

I have the hard-wired, but the portable guys have a pretty good argument when it comes to checking the service before backing in. When I plug in, I usually have the landing gear and stabilizers down and slides out. The truck is unhitched and the camper is leveled side to side. That isn't a good time to find out your electrical service is sub-standard. But I like the remote read-out on the wall and the convenience, not to mention no threat of someone swiping your protector from the pedestal. It is not a difficult install to put the hard-wired in. I'm not a mechanic and most of my buddies will echo that sentiment, but I like doing stuff myself and this wasn't a big challenge. Overall, it's a personal choice and I'm fine with what I have. But, DO have one or the other.

[jameswbarton]

I have a new HC 375FL. Where do you mount your EMS when you hard wire it? I do not see much access. I would rather have it hard wired than stolen, I am fairly good at electronic and mechanics. I suppose locks have improved? In my old MH I had to go outside to read it as it was mounted in a compartment.

[sambam]

quote:Originally posted by jameswbarton

I have a new HC 375FL. Where do you mount your EMS when you hard wire it? I do not see much access. I would rather have it hard wired than stolen, I am fairly good at electronic and mechanics. I suppose locks have improved? In my old MH I had to go outside to read it as it was mounted in a compartment.

On my model, I gained access to the cord behind the wall in the basement. The converter is right there and access was pretty easy.

[h2ojocky]

I chose the hardwire Progressive Industry . I chose this because I didn't want to worry about theft of unit. It was not difficult to install. I put it behind the electrical panel and placed the remote display on the wall inside of a cupboard. I have never found a bad pedestal and figure that most are good. If the unit goes bad, the manufacturer will send you parts that you can install yourself, you do not need to remove the unit and send it in. The decision is yours.