EMS/Surge Protection or.... TPMS???

EMS
(Bonus) Progressive Industries
(Extra Bonus) EMS has spike, high voltage & low voltage protection. This reduces potential hits on electronics. It prevents low voltage heat burn out, which reduces the life of things like ACs.

You may get by for under $300 for either of those items, depending.

All things considered, I think your chances of having tire problems are much greater than surges. We get reports on here all the time of peeps going 20 years sans surge protection, but almost everyone has had tire problems. You can always dry camp, but you have to drive on tires.

I have Eeztire with 6 sensors. More than $300.

Since I dry camp 98% of the time, tire pressure system.

I think it would depend on your current tires. How old are they? Are they one of the more reliable brands that are not considered "China Bombs"? If your tires meet the reliability test, I would go with the EMS and purchase the TPMS as soon as possible.
I'm partial to Progrssive Ind. for EMS and Goodyear Endurance or Maxxis for ST Tires, and TST for a TPMS.

One might save your butt, the other might save the cheap junk electronics in the RV. A voltmeter can save your air conditioner.

Good DIY surge protection is to unplug during a lightning storm.

Yep 2oldman

I've seen images of totalled RVs because of tire blowouts. If a rig is a promiscuous Power Pole Princess, then a power management system may become more important. Wilderness camping it becomes a moot point. Hauling a Park Place Palace risks more electronics but it won't risk your life.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
promiscuous Power Pole Princess

lol

I have both systems and , touch wood, I haven’t had any tire problems, but I found my PG surge unit has done its job a few times with electrical issues. When you can afford it get both.

Unless you have tires that are due for replacement, getting a PI EMS unit or equivalent should be a priority. One bad experience with a power pedestal can result in a big bill for repair/replacement of gear that can be damaged to a power surge, low voltage, etc.

If the tires on your rig and towed vehicle are in good condition, and you maintain proper inflation and monitor them while on the road (visually checking them whenever you stop), you should be OK. Of course, there is always the chance of a failure, so I would be trying to get a TPMS as soon as possible.