Voltage Regulators

[clthames]

Do Montana's have anything built into them that regulate voltage coming into the RV or do you have to purchase an external device?

If external devices are necessary I would be curious who uses what types for 50 Amp service. Or if you don't think they are necessary.

 

[bncinwv]

They are not built in. You have two main choices a voltage regulator known as an Autoformer, and an Electrical Monitoring System, of which the Progressive EMS seems to be the forum favorite. We have both. The EMS will shut off power to the rig when there are abnormalities in the power supply (high voltage, low voltage, improper ground, etc.). The Autoformer will provide additional voltage in low voltage situation via the principles of the Ohm's law equation (boosts voltage by dropping amperage). There are different manufacturers of both devices, we have a Hughes Autoformer and a Progressive Industries 50 amp hard-wired EMS.
Hope this helps.
Bingo

 

[NCFischers]

One of the very first things you need to purchase is surge protection. The trailer isn't equipped with any and a surge or brownout can cause thousands of dollars in damages.

 

[PackerFan-MOC]

This is one of the most important additions you can make to your rig! There is a lot of sensitive electrical equipment in our rigs and they all need to be protected from the those little unforeseen disasters!

 

[DQDick]

A Progressive EMS will give you both surge protection and the other advantages mentioned above. If you decide on an EMS then you have to choose inside or outside. Some folks like inside because then the display panel is in the rig and you can see what's happening without having to go outside. Others, like myself, prefer the outside unit because I can attach it to the pedestal before I back in and if the service is faulty move to another site without getting in and then having to get out. It's just how you look at it.

 

[Rainer-MOC]

Right after I purchased my Monte two months ago, one of the first mods I had installed was the "EMS-HW50C Surge Protector & Power Monitor Hardwire Type 50A/240V". We decided to keep all our control together inside the unit.

Here's how I have my "control panel" inside by the stairs.

 

[clthames]

I picked up an external protector today. Thanks for the information.