Looking to buy one for my 2004 TT. never had one before and I see there are 3 models available...My TT doesn't have a lot of electronics in other than a 60 amp convertor, refer and A.C unit along with the other standard plugs etc... Any suggestions as to which one might be good enough for my older TT??middle of the line....beginning model......https://www.campingworld.com/portable-surge-guard-protectors-30-amp-73993.htmlhttps://www.campingworld.com/portable-surge-guard-protectors-30-amp-73993.htmlbest....https://www.campingworld.com/southwire-surge-guard-portable-30-amp-120-volt-wireless-communication-capable-surge-protector-118086.htmlhttps://www.campingworld.com/southwire-surge-guard-portable-30-amp-120-volt-wireless-communication-capable-surge-protector-118086.htmlhttps://www.campingworld.com/portable-surge-guard-protectors-30-amp-73993.htmlCHEAPEST MODELThanks for any suggestions...

I had 2 older SugeGuard EMS units, and both failed. One failed dramatically with sparks and bouncing unit. The other one just quit. Both had water intrusion, which I assume didn't help the longevity of them.I changed brands and went with the Progressive Industries 50 amp EMS. Personally I would buy an EMS model rather than a simple surge guard-type.PS Your links don't work.

Hi,Since low voltage causes more damage that surges I suggest going to the PD top of the line unit. Or else just get an elcheapo from a dollar store.My own personal choice is to use an Autoformer to correct the voltage.

My recommendation is to go with the best PI unit that you can get. This is no place to skimp. I have seen under ground faults from one pedestal To Another causing very high voltage to enter the RV and did considerable damage. I personally have the best that PI offers.My PI unit plugs into the pedestal and hangs right there. I have had it for over 15 years and it has never been stolen. I personally prefer the portable one rather than the hardwired unit.I have the PI 50-C. It was about $400.15 years ago as I remember. It is worth every penny.

You only have URLs for two different models.The item number 73993 ("beginner" I think) is basically useless and hideously overpriced. It's equivalent to one of the little three light plug-in outlet testers; you can do the same tests with a neon test light or better a voltmeter/multimeter. (You want 0V ground to neutral, 120V neutral to hot, 120V ground to hot.)The item number 118086 provides the sort of protection you want; it monitors the line voltage, and cuts off power if it's out of range. I'd prefer to have a Progressive Industries (not to be confused with Progressive Dynamics) unit myself, which is about the same price, but the Surge Guard works. I generally think the PI units are better designed and supported by the company.The key difference is cutting off power when there's a problem--most commonly voltage out of range--rather than just checking or monitoring things. The "surge suppression" itself is a secondary thing of rather limited value.

For a 30 amp RV I would recommend a Progressive Industries HW-30CWhy the HW (Hard wired) Two reasons in a way both the same1:Outta sight, outta mind means you will never forget it cause it's always there2: Outta Signt, outta mind means it won't grow legs and walk off in the nightAlso it has a very good VERY GOOD warrantyWhat I have is the 50 amp equivalent Southwire job cause it was one "Heck" of a sale.. What it does:SPike supression.. All the so called "Surge Guards" do this from the 10 dollar outlet strip to the thousands power line conditioners. HIGH VOLTAGE (Real surge) this damages most everything in the RV .. example no matter what others say "You Can not plug into 220 volt outlets with a TT30 plug) I have seen it done.. I've done it. (Proof of concept) Never got burned though cause the plug was a dogbone and nothing on the other end of the bone.I've also read far too many stories where a Professional electician wired a TT30 outlet for 230 volt (It says 125 max right on the plug body)I've stopped on such from doing that... In time.The unit also protects from LOW voltage. this damages the Air Conditioner and SOME other systems.. and the damage builds up over time. The Surge guard stops it.Finally it has a built in "Delay" on the PI Hard Wired set it to LONG Southwire there is no option (long it is) like wise the portables.This too protects the air conditioner if youget a power "Blink" (off and on say 1-200 seconds later)Very good product

Surge Guard Protector..???? | Good Sam Community

DFord
Explorer
Jan 29, 2020
Advice I've received said to stay away from Surge Guard products. I know from experience, Camco's top of the line protector is a bad investment. When mine failed due to water intrusion (it was never immersed in water but did hang outside for a month when it rained several times - it claimed to be water resistant), I called asking where I could get it repaired and was told it was not repairable. $250 on a non-repairable item doesn't sit well with me - never again. The Progressive line of protectors has a lifetime warranty that users say they stand behind.

https://www.progressiveindustries.net/our-products
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jan 29, 2020
Different, yes. But also better.

cavie wrote:
Lwiddis wrote:
Consider an autoformer.

Auto former is a totally different piece of equipment.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2020
The advice given here about the Progressive Industries EMS is the best advice,If you are looking for the plug in one The best choice would be the EMS PT 30 X

Right now Tweetys has the best price.

I prefer the Hard wired one myself, not because the fear of theft or forgetting it just one more thing to drag out and put away. The hard wire one is an easy DIY project they even have a CompanyVideo showing how it is done.
joelyn
Explorer
Jan 29, 2020
thanks for the advice, I will check out the progressive one which seems to have been mentioned a few times here. thank u all again..
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jan 29, 2020
Lwiddis wrote:
Consider an autoformer.

Autoformers come in two limited flavors
The one I have (Hughes) if the voltage is low will BOOST it. a bit more than the spec sheet claims it appears as I've seen voltage in the GREEN zone inside with voltages outside in the seriously scary low...

That's why my rig is set up Autoformer--surger gurad---ATS--RV

BUT if the voltage is high No help and nothing for power "Blinks" either.

now ther other flavor will help if the voltage is a LITTLE high. but plug a TT30 into a 240 volt outlet and other than putting on a good firecracker sound effect show as teh MOV's go pop pop pop Well you are still fried.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jan 29, 2020
There are boost/buck autoformers. I have never seen mine buck.

None of the surge devices are likely to prevent damage from a lightning strike.
joelyn
Explorer
Jan 29, 2020
IAMICHABOD wrote:
The advice given here about the Progressive Industries EMS is the best advice,If you are looking for the plug in one The best choice would be the EMS PT 30 X

Right now Tweetys has the best price.

I prefer the Hard wired one myself, not because the fear of theft or forgetting it just one more thing to drag out and put away. The hard wire one is an easy DIY project they even have a CompanyVideo showing how it is done.

Thanks for the info and u r right, tweetys is the best price after checking many sites... they even beat Amazon who want 229.00 for the same one.
I am leaning towards that model after reading many reviews and videos..
thanks and thank you all for the help...
cavie
Explorer
Jan 29, 2020
pianotuna wrote:
Different, yes. But also better.

cavie wrote:
Lwiddis wrote:
Consider an autoformer.

Auto former is a totally different piece of equipment.

All it does is raise voltage. Offers no other protection. Hughes is now selling an EMS to go with the autoformer.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2020
joelyn wrote:
IAMICHABOD wrote:
The advice given here about the Progressive Industries EMS is the best advice,If you are looking for the plug in one The best choice would be the EMS PT 30 X

Right now Tweetys has the best price.

I prefer the Hard wired one myself, not because the fear of theft or forgetting it just one more thing to drag out and put away. The hard wire one is an easy DIY project they even have a CompanyVideo showing how it is done.

Thanks for the info and u r right, tweetys is the best price after checking many sites... they even beat Amazon who want 229.00 for the same one.
I am leaning towards that model after reading many reviews and videos..
thanks and thank you all for the help...

You are very welcome,enjoy your TT knowing everything is protected.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jan 29, 2020
cavie,

Not all autoformers are created equal. Mine does three levels of boost and one of buck. I have added surge to it that is head and shoulders better than the offerings from SG or PD. It was cheaper than the SG and PD offerings.

The surge ems disconnect power at 103 and 104 volts. 107 would be the lowest I'd operate the roof air conditioner on. And when it is 40 C (101 f) outside I would want to be able to run the roof air safely. I have boosted from 97 volts on my unit--and that leaves the 3rd level of boost (90 volts) ready to switch in.

As I said before, low voltage is the culprit most of the time. I prefer to correct the voltage rather than be left relying on my "on board" power.

My power system is (when needed):

30 amp shore power-->autoformer-->limit demand to 24 amps-->load support-->RV.

I always check the pedestal voltage and polarity under load before plugging in my RV. I'm in a 30 amp service.

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