Hardwired are better for several reasons, but if you don't have access to the wiring in order to install one, or have an electrician who can wire one, then the pedestal mount is the way to go. I had one in my last trailer, a 30 amp Surge Guard, and it worked perfectly. Since I can't access the wiring in my new trailer, or I should say, there isn't room for one in my new trailer where the panel is located, I opted for the pedestal mounted version of the watchdog.
PI was a good name when they were American made, but has been sold to another company that makes them in Mexico now and quality has slipped a bit. The Hughes Watchdog was rated tops last year, and they aren't as expensive as the PI and Surge Guard models, which BTW come from the same company now.
way2roll, there are different types of protection, so read them carefully. You won't get full protection with the $150 model, it will just alert you when you plug in if the wiring is bad and protect from surges, but if the line voltage drops or spikes, your trailer can still be damaged. The one you want is the one with Electrical Management System, AKA EMS. Those run between $240 for hardwired to well over $350 for pedestal mount. I just bought a pedestal mount Watchdog for $239 from Tweety's RV.
