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 08-02-2013, 01:24 PM   #41
Mrs. CountryGuy
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: _
Posts: 5,238
M.O.C. #6337
So, this morning, sitting 17 miles west of East Glacier in a very sweet little park our Progressive EMS shut us down. The campground has very nice and rather new 50 AMP service. No, we do NOT know why it shut us down, just that it did. In ohhh, less than a minute or so, it turned us back on. It is raining here, maybe there was a power bump somewhere up the line?? Simply do not know.

But, the Progressive worked and my frig, telie, monitor for the computer and various other electronics were saved, all work just fine.

Thank you Progressive.

You have my permission to pretend that CountryGuy wrote this, except of course, his posting would have tons more "techy" descriptions.

This comment happily brought to you by Progressive EMS, and all the gear it saved this morning.
 
Mrs. CountryGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2013, 05:28 PM   #42
JandC
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Frostproof, FL USA
Posts: 2,362
M.O.C. #13272
A couple months ago I priced some hard wired protectors after reading about the warning on this forum. I found out how expensive they were and I hesitated. While we were traveling I worried every time I plugged my cord in to another campground service. We had Camping World at Madison WI install a hard wired unit. Just like everyone else has said, it just isn't worth trying to save $200 or $300. I didn't want a portable unit because I didn't want another thing to plug in or worry about getting stolen.
__________________
Previous: 2008 Montana 3400RL & 2014 3725RL
Current: Full Time 2022 SOB TT Toy Hauler
JandC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2013, 12:00 AM   #43
LuckyNichol
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Madison
Posts: 163
M.O.C. #8615
MHS 4771. We picked up the surge protector at Tiara rv, while attending a Moc rally in Indiana. Tasty BBQ by the way. mmmm, may be a road trip and a up-grade at Tiara. We sure like the looks of that 3402. Thanks all.
LuckyNichol is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2013, 03:05 AM   #44
mhs4771
Montana Master
 
mhs4771's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,669
M.O.C. #9969
Be careful at Tiara. We were there for the MOC Dinner in 2011 and while looking at the new Montanas we also looked at their newest SOB at the time, and we were hooked.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
mhs4771 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2013, 03:29 AM   #45
Rainer
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 534
M.O.C. #13378
Send a message via MSN to Rainer
1) the Progressive is the way to go. On this adventure we stopped at an RV park attached to a casino in Vicksburg, MS, and the power wouldn't come on when I plugged in my 50 amp cord. The error code indicated "no ground". Got a new site and all was well.

2) I'm currently in northern Wisconsin and the site doesn't have a 50 amp connection, but it does have 30 amp and 20 amp. I have a cord that will allow me to span these, and give me 50 amp. I'd never used it before, but my Progressive unit told me all was well.

Color me BIG fan of Progressive!
Rainer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2013, 12:16 PM   #46
busterwms
Established Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ALTOONA
Posts: 39
M.O.C. #6931
The first thing I do after pulling up to a site is plug in and check my EMS by Progressive. If it let's the power on board then I set up. We have our EMS hard wired next to the control panel located in the bathroom. Easy to check it there. Why would anyone buy something as expensive as these things are and not spend $300 or so for such inexpensive insurance?
busterwms is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2013, 02:18 PM   #47
jaybird
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kent
Posts: 295
M.O.C. #6300
I buckled under the pressure of this blog and bought a 50amp TRC Protector today. Hard to explain to the wife but she'll be happy when we don't have to rewire the entire RV due to a surge. The final nail in the coffin was a story I heard today. A guy plugged in his Brand NEW Big Sky and within 30 seconds his wife was screaming inside. He ran to find the flat screen melting. That would scare anyone into making a $300 investment in their Land yacht!!
jaybird is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2013, 04:01 AM   #48
RickW
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Wylie
Posts: 532
M.O.C. #9139
The EMS was the very first thing installed on the trailer. It was installed even before we spent our first night in the trailer. When we pull in to a site the electrical is the very first thing we hook up. It is rare to find a bad pedestal but it does happen. We have lost power due to low/high voltage.

I am impressed enough with the EMS that when I wired the truck for shore/generator power I also included a 30amp EMS in it as well.

Also keep in mind that if you get the Progressive EMS you can also get a 2nd remote display for the hardwired units. I have the 1st display inside the trailer next to the charger/inverter display for monitoring. I have purchased the 2nd remote and when it cools off will be installing it in the basement next to the Level-up control panel. This will allow me to verify the power from outside the trailer.
RickW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2013, 04:38 AM   #49
DQDick
Site Team
 
DQDick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
That's a great idea.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
DQDick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2013, 10:08 AM   #50
Icehouse
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Palmer
Posts: 1,526
M.O.C. #7893
about 12 years ago, I witnessed a friend park her brand new $250,000 bus in a campground we all frequented at a site we all had used many times. Moments after she was setup and showing off her new rig, something went bed and she fried the majority of the electrical elements in the rig. Never asked her, but the cost must have been huge to have it rewired. She sold it a few months later because of too many unexplained electrical issues. She is sure it was not bad wiring in the rig as she had used the new rig several times at other campgrounds and at her home with no issues. I always put and EMS in my new rigs before they leave the lot.
Icehouse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2013, 07:36 PM   #51
seahunter
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,284
M.O.C. #11675
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by markmontana

I'm really liking the idea of power protection for the RV- are there other brands to compare- before pulling the trigger on the Progressive portable unit?
I would read all the pros and cons of portable versus hard-wired. Two main brands are Progressive Industries and Surge Guard. I have the Progressive hard-wired 50 amp. Has already saved us a couple of times by shutting down the power. As others have said, you want a management system, not just a "surge suppressor".
seahunter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2013, 10:34 AM   #52
twindman
Montana Master
 
twindman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 3,047
M.O.C. #5651
It seems most people buy a Progressive protecter. Why are they better than the actual 'Surge Guard' brand? Just curious as I have the Surge Guard.
__________________

Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
twindman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2013, 10:47 AM   #53
H. John Kohl
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,296
M.O.C. #311
Send a message via AIM to H. John Kohl Send a message via MSN to H. John Kohl Send a message via Yahoo to H. John Kohl
The Progressive Has or had at time I upgraded a better meter and information system. It displays the following in a scowling window.
HZ
Error code
L1 voltage
L1 current draw
L2 voltage
L2 current draw

It also has a bypass switch which I do not believe was on my old Surge Guard.
It also has 10 error codes for my 50 amp unit:
EO - Normal
E1 - Reverse Polarity
E2 - Open Ground
E3 - line 1 High Voltage
E4 - Line 1 Low Voltage
E5 - Line 2 High Voltage
E6 - Line 2 Low Voltage
E7 - Line Frequency High
E8 - Line Frequency Low
E9 - Data Link Down (to report)
E10 - Replace Surge
H. John Kohl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2013, 11:17 AM   #54
seahunter
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,284
M.O.C. #11675
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by twindman

It seems most people buy a Progressive protecter. Why are they better than the actual 'Surge Guard' brand? Just curious as I have the Surge Guard.
Progressive has very good customer service and have heard many stories on here of them going above and beyond to take care of a customer after the sale.
seahunter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2013, 11:20 AM   #55
seahunter
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,284
M.O.C. #11675
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by seahunter

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by H. John Kohl

The Progressive Has or had at time I upgraded a better meter and information system. It displays the following in a scowling window.
HZ
Error code
L1 voltage
L1 current draw
L2 voltage
L2 current draw


Sorry sir, I could not resist. Maybe the Progressive is so good just because it looks menacing and scares the bad current away!
seahunter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2013, 12:00 PM   #56
ols1932
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids
Posts: 4,876
M.O.C. #1944
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by twindman

It seems most people buy a Progressive protecter. Why are they better than the actual 'Surge Guard' brand? Just curious as I have the Surge Guard.
Personal choice. I've used the Surge Guard in all my rigs and I've just stuck with it. Why change when you know you have something that works?

Orv
ols1932 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2013, 12:08 PM   #57
DQDick
Site Team
 
DQDick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
Not a lot of difference. Both do the job. Progressives portable EMS comes with the locking mechanism on it. Surgeguard it's extra. No big deal either way.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
DQDick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2013, 03:34 PM   #58
Neil.M
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location:
Posts: 310
M.O.C. #12816
Well, all you guys convinced me, got my portable Progressive EMS today. New High Country and I want it protected.
Neil.M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 03:42 AM   #59
The Oldguard
Montana Master
 
The Oldguard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YUMA
Posts: 862
M.O.C. #2625
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by twindman

It seems most people buy a Progressive protecter. Why are they better than the actual 'Surge Guard' brand? Just curious as I have the Surge Guard.
Because they have a lifetime Warranty
The Oldguard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 04:16 AM   #60
DQDick
Site Team
 
DQDick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Neil.M

Well, all you guys convinced me, got my portable Progressive EMS today. New High Country and I want it protected.
You'll be happy you did. One advantage of the portable you'll need to get used to is that you can check the pedestal before you back in. I don't bother on pull thru's but on back in sites I hook up the Progressive EMS and let it tell me everything is ok before I spend time getting the rig where we want it.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
DQDick 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 Rv3900 General Discussions about our Montanas 21 08-30-2014 04:35 PM
surge protector lfw Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help 3 01-08-2014 02:56 AM
Surge Guard Surge Protector-SOLD azranger Trailers, Tow Vehicles & RV related items for Sale 7 10-21-2013 12:10 AM
Power Surge Protector klash Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help 15 11-16-2009 04:13 AM
power surge protector Debbie Asher General Discussions about our Montanas 26 03-31-2007 04:14 PM

» 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 01:03 PM.


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