Going from 30a to 50a on the new FW, I'm needing a couple recs for some 50a stuff. First, I'd like to put an elbow on the shore cord connection so would like a double-locking pigtail/elbow. Just want to reduce strain on the locking plug on the side of the trailer. Second, I need a 25' extension cord for plugging in at my house. I let my 30a extension go with my old FW and am regretting it, especially as I only have 1 A/C and that cord would have worked well. At the same time, I'd much rather have the 50a cord "for the future" if I ever do add the 2nd A/C. I've got one anaconda from the factory, so am looking at a "soft" cord that's much easier to coil.Second, I'd like a good remote digital battery monitor so I don't have to depend on the idiot lights on the panel.Third, I've seen the simple, plug-in 110v meters, but was wondering if there are any that will at least give you an alarm for under/over voltage. I plan on getting some sort of surge protection, and really want a portable vs a hardwired, but the usual one that people recommend, Progressive Industries, is NOT getting very good marks on their latest versions, with many people complaining about water intrusion and, on the 50a versions, lack of clearance for cords with convenience handles. While I wouldn't mind a hardwired unit, I'd be messing with an under-warranty unit, and I'd like to have something =now=.TIA for any tips/info.Lyle

The 90 degree elbow is an excellent idea - really reduces stress on the connector and cable.Installation of a hard-wired unit would not affect your RV warranty and would be a much better option than portable/exterior. The EMSs are MUCH more than just "surge protection." Their most important functions are protecting you from the more common under- (most frequent) and over-voltage situations as well as ground issues, etc. Our PI 50 amp hard-wired unit has a remote display that tells me the voltage and amp draw on each leg. It has saved us thousands of dollars in appliance replacement/repairs in the almost 2.5 years we've been full-time. Unless your converter/charger fails or you leave the rig unplugged for long periods, a separate 12V monitor for the house battery is unnecessary.Rob

I installed the PI 50A hard-wired unit in our new TT. I'm not concerned about warranty issues because I see no way they can connect the EMS to any kind of failure and I guess mostly, I'm just not worried about those kind of things. Having said that, I would take a close look at the Surge Guard unit next time. The PI units display is straight out of the 80's and its bright red LED's only show one parameter at a time. The display unit has a terrible viewing angle so must be mounted close to head level to be able to read it. The SG uses a modern LCD with everything available at a glance. Also, there's the fact that PI was bought out and reports of poor warranty support are cropping up all too regularly. If a SG does everything the PI does, I would go with it instead. All JMHO.Scott

laknox wrote:Second, I'd like a good remote digital battery monitor so I don't have to depend on the idiot lights on the panel.The Victron BMV-712 if you're a smart phone/app kind of guy or the Victron BMV-702 if you aren't.I installed one of these with part of a major battery upgrade project and really wish I had installed this a looong time ago.

The PI guard was going to be my go-to, but after reading all the negative reviews after the buyout, I'll likely go with the Surge Guard. The Thor buyout of KZ and Jayco really had me worried as they were #1 and #2 on my short list. So far, I'm still hearing good things about KZ and I'm hoping that it stays that way.Anybody with thoughts on elbows and extension cables?Lyle

ependydad wrote:laknox wrote:Second, I'd like a good remote digital battery monitor so I don't have to depend on the idiot lights on the panel.The Victron BMV-712 if you're a smart phone/app kind of guy or the Victron BMV-702 if you aren't.I installed one of these with part of a major battery upgrade project and really wish I had installed this a looong time ago.That's =exactly= the kind of thing I'm looking for! Thanks for that info!Short term, I'm adding a 2nd 12v battery, but my LT goal is to build a 48v battery bank from Nissan Leaf battery modules. Will start off with a 7 module "battery", which will weigh about the same as a single 6v golf cart battery but give me > 2x the amp-hrs (460+ vs ~220). Depending on how it goes, I may add a 2nd 7 module "battery" to give me 900+ amp hours. :B My cousin and her husband are building a bus-based RV that will be 95% electric and are using an entire Leaf battery (plus 1 module) to power their coach. Gas will only be for water heater and backup furnace. Their DIY blog can be found here: http://www.beginningfromthismorning.com/. Lots of detailed descriptions and videos. He's rebuilding the bus's dash, right now. Started off with a fixer-upper, but ended up with a total gut and rebuild. :B Short of it is, they'll have almost 3,500 watts of solar on the roof and almost 3,300 amp hours storage in the battery. :BLyle

Need recommendations | Good Sam Community

laknox
Nomad
Dec 27, 2017
memtb wrote:
You could, simply, get a piece of 2” pvc pipe ( about 8” in length) and slide your connector through the pvc pipe. Make the connection, slide the pvc up against unit wall... stress point is transferred to the end of pvc, rather than pulling down directly at connection.

That's original. Thanks!

Lyle
memtb
Explorer
Dec 26, 2017
You could, simply, get a piece of 2” pvc pipe ( about 8” in length) and slide your connector through the pvc pipe. Make the connection, slide the pvc up against unit wall... stress point is transferred to the end of pvc, rather than pulling down directly at connection.
laknox
Nomad
Dec 26, 2017
ACZL wrote:
Okay so color me blind here, but what's up w/PI 50EMS ratings? Bought mine last year from Tweety's as the one I got is PI's newest latest and greatest w/ lifetime warranty.

Read some of the reviews. There have been issues with water intrusion, customer service seems to have suffered and people were reporting warranty claim problems.

Lyle
john_bet
Explorer II
Dec 23, 2017
laknox wrote:
The PI guard was going to be my go-to, but after reading all the negative reviews after the buyout, I'll likely go with the Surge Guard. The Thor buyout of KZ and Jayco really had me worried as they were #1 and #2 on my short list. So far, I'm still hearing good things about KZ and I'm hoping that it stays that way.

Anybody with thoughts on elbows and extension cables?

Lyle
I have had a 50 amp 5th since '05 and never bought or used an elbow. Never had a broke,cracked or pulled out of shape, or what ever you are afraid of on the recpt. Mine are plugged in 24/7/365 except when moving. I guess do what makes you feel good.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Dec 23, 2017
I have an older Progressive 50 amp outside plug in unit. It has served me very well for many years. I use a small piece of electrical tape over the top of the plug when I use it to keep the water out. Never a problem through many, many heavy storms. Wouldn't be without it.

B.O.
ACZL
Explorer
Dec 23, 2017
Okay so color me blind here, but what's up w/PI 50EMS ratings? Bought mine last year from Tweety's as the one I got is PI's newest latest and greatest w/ lifetime warranty.
donn0128
Explorer II
Dec 22, 2017
Unless you absolutely must have 50A for two ACs, I really see no reason for it. Heck, a 20A circuit will keep the batteries charged and cool the refer between trips. What else do you need?
laknox
Nomad
Dec 22, 2017
ependydad wrote:
laknox wrote:
Second, I'd like a good remote digital battery monitor so I don't have to depend on the idiot lights on the panel.

The Victron BMV-712 if you're a smart phone/app kind of guy or the Victron BMV-702 if you aren't.

I installed one of these with part of a major battery upgrade project and really wish I had installed this a looong time ago.

That's =exactly= the kind of thing I'm looking for! Thanks for that info!

Short term, I'm adding a 2nd 12v battery, but my LT goal is to build a 48v battery bank from Nissan Leaf battery modules. Will start off with a 7 module "battery", which will weigh about the same as a single 6v golf cart battery but give me > 2x the amp-hrs (460+ vs ~220). Depending on how it goes, I may add a 2nd 7 module "battery" to give me 900+ amp hours. :B My cousin and her husband are building a bus-based RV that will be 95% electric and are using an entire Leaf battery (plus 1 module) to power their coach. Gas will only be for water heater and backup furnace. Their DIY blog can be found here: http://www.beginningfromthismorning.com/. Lots of detailed descriptions and videos. He's rebuilding the bus's dash, right now. Started off with a fixer-upper, but ended up with a total gut and rebuild. :B Short of it is, they'll have almost 3,500 watts of solar on the roof and almost 3,300 amp hours storage in the battery. :B

Lyle
laknox
Nomad
Dec 22, 2017
The PI guard was going to be my go-to, but after reading all the negative reviews after the buyout, I'll likely go with the Surge Guard. The Thor buyout of KZ and Jayco really had me worried as they were #1 and #2 on my short list. So far, I'm still hearing good things about KZ and I'm hoping that it stays that way.

Anybody with thoughts on elbows and extension cables?

Lyle
ependydad
Explorer
Dec 22, 2017
laknox wrote:
Second, I'd like a good remote digital battery monitor so I don't have to depend on the idiot lights on the panel.

The Victron BMV-712 if you're a smart phone/app kind of guy or the Victron BMV-702 if you aren't.

I installed one of these with part of a major battery upgrade project and really wish I had installed this a looong time ago.

Forum Discussion

Need recommendations

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Water Heater Replacement Recommendations

Recommendations?

Class C Recommendations

Multimeter recommendation?

Insurance recommendations