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Starstream · 10-18-2014, 10:40 PM

The updates are going along. We have changed out and or replaced all of the exterior lights. The next step will be changing over to an all-in one Boondocker from Best Converters.

We are looking at the different possibilities for a surge protector. We have decided to go with Progress Industries as the brand name.

Here is where I need some help;

First -- Which is best to have, The SSP-30 or the EMS-30

Second -- Whish is best to have and why for the EMS-30-- The portable unit or the hardwired? What are the advantages and disadvantages to each (portable/hardwire)?

Karl

Starstream · 10-19-2014, 06:32 AM

I have watched several You Tube videos on the different protectors.

But I'm still trying to figure out if there is any advantage of the portable versus the hardwire power protectors?

SteveH · 10-19-2014, 06:46 AM

I know it was just my opinion that biased my selection, but I went with the hard wired unit because (a) I didn't want to have to hook up one more thing every time we stopped at a park, and (b) I didn't want to have to be concerned about it getting stolen, and (c) I didn't want to have to worry about it getting wet in the rain.

It was however, sort of a chore to install it.

dznf0g · 10-19-2014, 06:49 AM

With a portable,, there isn't one more thing to hook up. Mine is always attached to the end of the shore power cord....same one step hook up as if it weren't there.

BTW, get one with a low/high voltage shut off. Mine was utilized several times last weekend. A BUNCH of tent campers had cords running into their tents....cold = full time electric heaters running.

Starstream · 10-19-2014, 08:02 AM

Thank you for the replies.

Steve---
What did you find that was difficult for the installation?

Rich---
Did you modify a portable unit by direct wiring your shore power cord?

SteveH · 10-19-2014, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

With a portable,, there isn't one more thing to hook up. Mine is always attached to the end of the shore power cord....same one step hook up as if it weren't there.

Yes, Rich, but you can't tell me you don't have to carry it out to the post. The 50 amp cord by itself is almost more than I can handle on cold mornings.

SteveH · 10-19-2014, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starstream

Steve---
What did you find that was difficult for the installation?

It may not be this way in every trailer/circumstance, but I had to first move the circuit breaker box to get room for the unit....not a big deal. But then the difficult part was working with and bending the #6/3 THW cable. It is NOT very flexible, and as always working in a travel trailer, the tight work space made it more difficult than it needed to be. But in the end, I'm happy I did it for the above mentioned reasons.

Edit: Almost forgot, there's one more reason I like the wired-in unit....I can check the voltage input and any fault history from inside the trailer without having to go out to the post.

dznf0g · 10-19-2014, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starstream

Thank you for the replies.

Steve---
What did you find that was difficult for the installation?

Rich---
Did you modify a portable unit by direct wiring your shore power cord?

No, I got one of those PLASTIC theft deterrent covers with a lock on it, so it always stays connected.

dznf0g · 10-19-2014, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

Yes, Rich, but you can't tell me you don't have to carry it out to the post. The 50 amp cord by itself is almost more than I can handle on cold mornings.

Yeah, forgot about your 50 amp "anaconda" cord. I only have 30 amp, so it isn't an issue at all. Those 50 amp cords are massive!!!! Literally.

Starstream · 10-19-2014, 04:59 PM

Thank you Steve and Rich.

Do the portable and hardwired units have the same or similar protection features?

The way I understand it, only according to what I've read, one can plug the portable into the shore power first, ensuring all is good at the sight before hooking up the trailers electrical?

And the hardwired unit is similar, but instead the trailers electrical will not come on and give you a code?

SteveH · 10-19-2014, 06:06 PM

When I saw the hardwired unit and all it's features, I knew right away that's what I wanted, so I really don't know much about the portable unit's features or operations, but I think they are the same as the one I have.

I can tell you my unit will not pass power to the trailer if the polarity is wrong, the voltage is too high, the voltage is too low, or the frequency is off. It will also shut the power off from the trailer if the voltage goes too high or too low. It gives you a digital read out of voltage on each leg of the 50 amp service, the amount of current that's being drawn off each leg, and any error codes that have happened since it was last powered up, such as brown out, etc.

Starstream · 10-21-2014, 06:24 AM

Thank you Steve

dznf0g · 10-21-2014, 07:20 AM

Portable has same protection features as Steve mentions. However, mine is an older one without the LCD display...just LED error lights.

Tyvekcat · 10-24-2014, 11:09 AM

Just a quick question, not to steal the thread, but I have a regular 30 amp connector on my AS.
Is the wire from the connector on the side of the trailer to the distribution box/converter, is it just a regular 12/3 wire or is it in Romex ? I havn't seen what is in my trailer. What would you guess it is ?

If I find it I may install that surge suppressor.
Thanks for your help

daveswenson · 10-24-2014, 06:36 PM

I installed the EMS HW30C in my 28 Intl. But I don't remember what kind of wire it was. It's pretty easy to access the transfer switch on the back of the power center. You can probably get a peek at it through the water heater bypass hole under the L lounge.

Tyvekcat · 10-25-2014, 06:56 PM

Cool, Thanks Dave, That's what I wanted to know. I had that thing open once back in the summer but didn't know what all I was looking at. I saw the water heater bypass valve, the sub-woofer is in there.
I will look in there again tomorrow.
see what I can see. Thanks !
Have a good one.

daveswenson · 10-25-2014, 07:08 PM

I mounted mine next to the subwoofer. I just disconnected the shore power line from the transfer switch, connected it to the EMS and ran either 10/3 or 12/3 ( don't remember which) back to the transfer switch. I mounted my remote display in the cabinet under the sink, so I didn't have to fish any wire through the wall, and the flashing display wouldn't be staring at me all the time. It's a simple thing to just open the cabinet and check the status when I need to.

interstateflyer · 10-25-2014, 08:42 PM

I've used this one on my 2005 Interstate and now on my 2014 International.Portable Surge Guards With LCD Display - 30 Amp - TRC 34730-001-LCD - Surge Protectors - Camping World

gandttimes · 10-26-2014, 12:50 PM

Weighing the pro's and cons of hardwired vs portable and the question comes to mind. Has anyone ever had a portable one stolen?

George

interstateflyer · 10-26-2014, 01:02 PM

Nearly all parks have electrical boxes with a loop for your lock. I'm not aware of any other way to secure a portable surge.

I had a $75 Camping World surge protector smoked and fried at a park near San Francisco and opted for their best one.

Incidentally the one I posted above is on sale for $229. I saw the same one at the Airstream dealer in Eugene, OR for $425 last month.