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Moereece · 06-14-2018, 03:34 PM

Hello, I am trying to figure out what type of surge protector should I get? Does any know which is the best way to go.

uncle_bob · 06-14-2018, 03:45 PM

Hi

It's pretty much a "you get what you pay for" sort of thing. These guys make what most people think are the best:

http://www.progressiveindustries.net

The main objection is four hundred-ish dollar price tag on some of them.

Bob

Moereece · 06-14-2018, 03:49 PM

Okay thanks for that

Boxster1971 · 06-14-2018, 03:53 PM

I have no idea where "uncle_bob" is buying a surge protector for $400-ish. I installed the hardwired Progressive EMS. You need the 30A unit for a B-van like the Interstate. Amazon has them for $230. Here is one link.
https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-I...cal-Management

Moereece · 06-14-2018, 03:59 PM

Thank you and I'll check that out

uncle_bob · 06-14-2018, 04:16 PM

Hi

Their top of the line 50A unit lists for $450 and shows up around $350 or so in various places. The Progressive guys at least used to have a big write up about fakes. They claimed they would only honor warranties if you bought it from a listed dealer. That makes bottom fishing for price a bit risky.....

Bob

accordionman · 06-14-2018, 04:26 PM

I have the expensive one. Bought it last yr when I got my coach. I didn't know at that time that they had hard wired ones; otherwise, I would have gone that way. Less expensive and it's not hanging on a pole. That being said, I'm happy with the one I bought. It goes through an extensive auto analysis of the current being fed to the coach prior to allowing it in. I'm comfortable hooking up to the pedestal w/o checking polarities, etc. I did purchase a cable lock and usually do lock it to the pedestal. I'm sure a good crook could still get off with it, but it deters the average crook. If I had to do it again, I would buy the hard wired one and either put it in myself or if you're not comfortable with that have a dealer or electrician wire it. In either case, I don't think I would travel without one of them.

Moereece · 06-14-2018, 04:30 PM

Thanks for that information I think I'm going to go with the wired one.

WayneG · 06-14-2018, 04:36 PM

I just posted here about my install of a 30 amp version for about $230

Tobbun · 06-14-2018, 05:15 PM

I bought the 30amp one from Wachuko’s list. Only used it once but worked well once I figured out it wasn’t instant (doing its diagnostic).

I am curious... why not the 50amp one if some RV spots have 50amp hookups? Seems like bigger would be better.

rmkrum · 06-14-2018, 05:22 PM

The trailers wired for 50 amp service have a completely different wiring scheme and connectors. Using a 50 amp surge protector requires using 50 amp, 4-wire service to use it to advantage. It contains about twice the parts, carries more current, and costs a lot more... The other problem is not all sites have 50 amp connections.

If your AS is wired for 30 amps, three wire service, a 30 amp surge protector is optimal, and quite good enough to protect you fully. Overkill here won't buy you anything extra, and just burn money needlessly...

(Which is a heck of an honest statement by the well-known head of the "Overkill Engineering Department"...)

wachuko · 06-14-2018, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by accordionman

I have the expensive one. Bought it last yr when I got my coach. I didn't know at that time that they had hard wired ones; otherwise, I would have gone that way. Less expensive and it's not hanging on a pole. That being said, I'm happy with the one I bought. It goes through an extensive auto analysis of the current being fed to the coach prior to allowing it in. I'm comfortable hooking up to the pedestal w/o checking polarities, etc. I did purchase a cable lock and usually do lock it to the pedestal. I'm sure a good crook could still get off with it, but it deters the average crook. If I had to do it again, I would buy the hard wired one and either put it in myself or if you're not comfortable with that have a dealer or electrician wire it. In either case, I don't think I would travel without one of them.

Did the same... wished I had gone for the wired one... did not think this one through or was not aware of the options at the time (can't remember). If I had to do it again, wired one all the way as the one I have is huge, got to put a lock on it... just more work that I could have avoided.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobbun

I bought the 30amp one from Wachuko’s list. Only used it once but worked well once I figured out it wasn’t instant (doing its diagnostic).

And for that I am sorry since we could have had one that would be out of the way all the time

And I hate that I can't go back and edit my posts to recommend wired...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobbun

I am curious... why not the 50amp one if some RV spots have 50amp hookups? Seems like bigger would be better.

I bought the 30 to match the RV... and avoid having to use yet another adapter to take it from 50 to 30 all the time... now, only use the 50->30 adapter if the site only has 50amp... so far, all of the three

that I have been to, had 30amp as well...

rmkrum · 06-14-2018, 05:26 PM

Yup. "Match the RV" is the key here.

No point adding MORE adapters than you have to, either.

Moereece · 06-14-2018, 05:46 PM

All good information I think I'll just go with the 30 amp hardwired surge protector. Has anyone did this their self hardwire and do you have pics or a video that shows how to do it? thanks.

Tobbun · 06-14-2018, 06:32 PM

So... with the 30amp Surge Protector... and if in a 50amp RV hookup... just plug in the 50amp to 30amp converter and then the 30amp surge protector into that?

Inline would have been better... but your list has been awesome... Also got the tension rods (wrong size) for the fridge but using those in the cabinets.

wachuko · 06-14-2018, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobbun

So... with the 30amp Surge Protector... and if in a 50amp RV hookup... just plug in the 50amp to 30amp converter and then the 30amp surge protector into that?

Correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobbun

Also got the tension rods (wrong size) for the fridge but using those in the cabinets.

I know...

I had to order the smaller ones as well...

68 Overlander · 06-14-2018, 08:54 PM

They are not hard to install. I certainly would not pay somebody to do it.

rowiebowie · 06-14-2018, 09:37 PM

I would have to pay, so that is why I bought the plug-in version and just chain it to power pole.

If I'm given an exact replacement part to install, I do pretty good. But I can be dangerous with changes, which is why I have to hire some wiring work.

Mollysdad · 06-14-2018, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobbun

I am curious... why not the 50amp one if some RV spots have 50amp hookups? Seems like bigger would be better.

The 50 amp surge protector is for trailers with 50 amp service. It only has a 50 amp receptacle.
I ended up with the portable one. I liked the idea of being able to plug it in and read the power before I attached the power cord.
Yes, I weighed the fear of it being stolen, but I use a sturdy cable lock, and I've never had anything stolen at a real campground. I hear folks talk about it here, but I've never seen it in practice.

Mansderm161 · 06-15-2018, 04:43 AM

I bought progressive industries 30 amp and a cable bike lock to keep it from being stolen. There is a delay when you hook it up before you have power as it checks everything. Got it on Amazon for $200-300. Have never hooked up without it. Someone would have to have bolt cutters to grab it, but if they come that prepared, they are probably looting the campground! It was rated very well.