Protect Your RV Electrical System -- You Need A Surge Protector But Which One Should You Purchase?
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- In this video we talk about the importance of using an electric surge protector on your RV. We also compare two of the biggest RV surge protectors on the market which are Progressive Industries and Power Watch Dog by Hughes Autoformers. We discuss the specs on each as well as which one we would chose.
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I prefer the Power Watchdog for two additional reasons that you didn't mention:
1.) If the unit trips, you can reset it from inside the coach through the app.
2.) If you stay in a resort long term, it's common for them to meter your power ( i.e you pay for the electricity you use.) The app has a resetable "trip meter" that logs your power consumption so that you can confirm that you are being billed correctly.
Just bought the gen 2 power watchdog. Will be using it in 2 weeks. Has Wi-Fi so hopefully that fixes some of the Bluetooth problems some people have.
We have the watchdog which has served us well.
I was informed by a camper that the campground where we're at had issues with their electric system so Ibought the watchdog after many hours of researching. Fortunately the campground is in the process of upgrading and we may see it this season.
In the meantime, during really hot days and the neighbors running their AC, we constantly had low voltage. The watchdog shut us down to save our rv's wiring and components. What really came in handy was able to prove the issue we were having by showing the app with the voltage dropping. That was priceless on top of saving our electrical system!
Look into the Hughs Autoformer
This will boost the voltage at your rv
I have one - they work great
Great comparison! - FYI, Hughes just switched to a lifetime warranty.
Thanks for the update! :)
Don't know if anyone mentioned this but a cool thing about the power watchdog is that if you overload a circuit it will shut off all electricity to the RV and tell you exactly why and give you the exact amount you were using that caused you to overload. That's cool but what's better is that all you need to do is hit the reset right on the app and the power resets on. Other units that shut down when a overload occurs requires you to go out to the physical surge protector and reset it there. Pain if it's late and in your undies.
Another excellent feature is you can monitor how much power you are using in real time. For instance if using your AC you can monitor the power use so if you turn on the microwave, you will see it rise. If it starts to rise to the max you can stop before it trips. This is great as it allows you to note what you can and cannot use together to avoid any overloading. Makes life easier if you have a 30amp trailer which limits the mix and match.
I also have the watchdog, I chose it for the fast 💨 starts, blue tooth info , and replaceable module. So far so good
Yup great product. Glad you like it.- MJ
The watchdog lets you monitor live usage in watts. This is nice on a really hot day if you are running a lot of items. You can see how close you are to overload. If you have any errors they will show on your phone and alert you. Should it shut off from load, you can reset it on your phone without walking outside. This is nice if it is raining.
Izzy, we have a 30A coach and started out with the Progressive EMS-PT30X. It works great and we decided to install the hardwire version of the Progressive...EMS-HW30C with the remote display I can place wherever I want it. The hardwire version allows power to pass thru at 15 seconds or the 136 seconds, your choice. The other thing I did and strongly recommend is that we installed a shunt battery monitor (Victron BMV-712) which is bluetooth. The battery monitor has an app which allows me to see the same thing s that the PWD app provides. So in closing, we like the lifetime warranty of the Progressive HW version which has a replaceable surge module along with the Victron BMV-712. We still carry the portable unit as a back up if the HW version should ever take a hit.
Cheers - RedandSnowplow
We have been using the Power watchdog for a couple of years. Well worth the money, the app is really a nice feature gives a lot of info, plus being able to replace the module is what sold us on buying the dog.
I do HVAC for a living and went with the watch dog hardwired in. In my field you can tell alot about how good stuff is running by watching amp draw and being able to turn on one piece of equipment and watch the amp draw all on one app really speeds the process up. Also its nice to know I can run my 15000btu ac and turn my second 12000btu one on low and pull right at 27amps on a 30amp connection if 50amp isnt a option. It gets hot in Texas.
Nice video. I have been using my progressive industries unit for five years with good results and have no plan to change. I did have the need to replace the unit once, I think due to a low voltage situation from a park in Texas. Warranty service was very good and all that was needed was information about the purchase and I was asked to send photos of the end of my power cord and the receptacle that I was plugged into. A new unit was sent overnight. Thumbs up to progressive. I always recommend that people use a pms.
Go with the watchdog. Among other things, when you get zapped, you only have to change a module, which is around $30, and you will get the first replacement on them. The first time i used it i got a surge and blew the module in one shot, because of this they sent me 2 new modules. What can i say about that, awsome customer service. About the weather shield on the Progressive, the watchdog is completely sealed.
Great unbiased review! I like the Watchdog for the app and the fact that you can replace the module, but I like the Progressive for the rain cover and pull handle on the plugs. Tough decision!
We use the power watchdog combined with RV Whisper - it allows you to monitor your RV through a phone app as long as you have a wifi connection. The power watchdog connects to RV Whisper, so you can monitor your power from your phone from anywhere - not just within bluetooth range. Plus we can monitor indoor/outdoor/wetbay temps, refrigerator and freezers, etc.
Awesome!
I have the power watchdog, and I like it for several reasons one I like the display I like the fact that you can change the module, and I understand that the app will come out soon with a history recorder, which I would like to see what’s actually going on in real time.
Thomas Atkins
We have the Power Watchdog. It paid for itself the first night. Was extremely hot humid conditions and the park couldn’t handle it. Very low voltages all evening. Unit shut down several times. Worth the money for sure.
Thanks for the video. Yours is the only one I could find that compares these two units. A couple of comments: 1) As of right now, the Progressive is $50 more expensive. 2) several people have commented in the reviews that the Hughes white light (or red light if there is a fault) is very bright in the RV park to the point where it may attract unwanted attention to it.
We always recommend a cable lock. Thanks for watching and the comment
I have the watch dog and it has worked perfectly for me. Thanks Izzy, I agree these are a must have.
Awesome thanks for sharing Don
My previous I installed a 30 Amp Power Surge which checked for low voltage, high voltage, etc, but took 3 1/2-4 minutes before it kicked in power. I have the Watchdog 50 Amp now and Love it. No wait time, and works as advertised.
Yep its a great product. Thanks for checking out the video. 👍 - MJ
Excellent video! Not long and drawn out, short and to the point. I just ordered a the Hughes watchdog because of how quick it passes power to the RV and the phone monitoring. Im sure they are both good.
Glad it helped!
I have the Progressive Industries unit. We recently had a lightning strike in the RV park where we are and we didn't have any damage but the lights for one leg of the unit stopped working. Progressive Industries replaced the unit free of charge. Just this morning, about a month after getting the new unit, we had a quick off/on power outage. It literally was less than one second. Now I have one green light no longer working which means no surge protection on one leg. Even though Progressive Industries would replace it again, I'm going to buy the Power Watchdog.
I have the power watchdog I’ve had it for about a year and I really love its futures I like the fact that I can be sitting in the coach look at my phone and check my voltage! Really convenient if you were camping in a weather related areas such as snow or rain! Thomyt
Thanks for sharing Tommy
I have the watch dog hard wired in . The fact that I can monitor from my iphone a blessing. Thanks Izzy
Thanks Ed. - MJ
We have the 30 amp from Progressive Industries which we got from day one. We love ours! The only difference is that we never have waited for power as long as you. We tend to get it within a few seconds.
Awesome, thanks for sharing. :) - MJ
We have been RV’ing for over 35 years. This year we had a licensed electrician wire a dedicated 30 amp circuit at our house. He mis-wired the plug, and it fried the basic Surge Guard 44260 and the coach’s power converter. We are definitely upgrading to one of these . Thank you
that electrician must gave been cross-eyed.
@@oldsalt8011 you bet he was. Even though we were plugged into a 15 amp line using a 30 amp plug adapter ( just to charge the coach batteries, he thought we were 240 volt coach.
Hi Izzy, I have the 50 amp hardwired WatchDog, I got it for all the reasons you mentioned, App-based, fast turn-on, and self-serviceable. So many things these days are throw-away or send it off and wait forever to get it fixed. I bought mine for $190, it took me about an hour to wire it in. Here is a tech tip for you all, if you are using it with your generator, you may need to jumper the ground and neutral line. My 3500 Predator has a floating neutral, so my fix was to take a 110 plug and jumper the ground and neutral legs and I then just plug it to the 110v receptacle and the WatchDog works as designed. I'm sure the SurgeGuard would need the same deal. If I had to do it all over again, I would get the WatchDog in a heartbeat. Rig is a Cougar 362RKS.
Awesome thanks for watching. - MJ
I always used one. Have found issues at pedestals on several occasions. In one case some previous user deliberately reversed the wires. I’m always amazed that there always seems to be someone chime in who claims “I’ve been camping for (insert number of years here) and I’ve never had a problem”. Good for you buddy. I would never not at least test the pedestal somehow before plugging in.
I have the Power Watch Dog and love it. Not only can you monitor the power conditions via the app, but faults send notifications in plain language. I never deal with codes. There is more, not only can you monitor from the app but you can also reset the unit. We have been inside on a rainy, cold morning with the electric heater on, coffee maker, and microwave without thinking then boom - power is cut. Notice says "over current". Push the on-screen reset button and it comes back in a couple seconds -- no going outside in the cold, dark, rainy weather with a flashlight to find out and fix what happened. Of course, you don't have to use the app -- then it would be used like the other one (except much faster startup and replaceable surge protector).
Thanks for sharing George! - MJ
We have the Power Watchdog and it saved us today. Power went OFF. I went to reset the Breaker and noticed that the Bulldogs Face was Red. Thus a surf of some kind. I didn’t know to look for a code that your video showed.
Our camping buddy next to us had the same thing happen. He has different protector. Don’t know which, but it’s not like mine.
Glad we paid the $300 at Camping World. Glad the sales person advised us Newbies that we needed one.
Dick Lewis
Several years ago we had a 21' hybrid travel trailer. I only knew about Progressive Industries at the time so I installed the hardwired 30 amp version in the TT. For the same reasons ski mountaineer below bought the Hughes Watchdog, I put the hardwired version of the 30 amp watchdog in our brand new 2021 Rockwood Minilite 2511S: very fast scan and ON VS Progressive Industries 90+ seconds to turn ON, Hughs now has a lifetime warranty, replaceable surge module, and I LOVE the Bluetooth monitoring feature from my iPhone! Now having experience with both manufacturers, I prefer the Hughes product!
Thank you for the comparison. We are about to purchase our first RV and are researching how to protect our investment.
Good video Izzy, As you know I'm a big time Power Watchdog "Hughes Autoformers" fan, I have their 50-amp hardwired Power Watchdog with EPO as well as their 50-amp Hughes Autoformer voltage Regular/Booster. I have owned the 2 other brands, have taken them all apart, (just a nard of an engineer). The engineering and components used in the Power Watchdog are superior to the other brands, from the replaceable in-field "Surge Module" to the vibration pads, silicon dabs used on the connectors and components to reduce vibration and from becoming loose. Great design and engineering.
Wow very informative. Thanks for sharing John.
We have the Hughes Power Watchdog. I too like the Bluetooth app and the fast start time. The deciding factor for me was the robust surge protector (can take multiple surges before it burns out), and I can replace it myself in the event it burns out. Other manufacturers require you to send the unit to them for replacement, leaving you unprotected until such time as your EMS is sent back to you.
We agree both great features on the Watchdog. Thanks for watching and the comment.
I have a progressive industries and after a nearby lighting strike and error code E-3 high voltage on line 1 it’s now ruined. Also noticed with how “beefy” the unit looks it is not weather resistant. The display screen on mine soon got moisture in it and was almost impossible to read. Also when shaking it seems like water got into the box itself. We bought this used so no warranty valid for us so will most likely be switching to a watchdog
We have the power watchdog and it works great! I love the app on the phone so I can see what is going on.
Great reviews and comparison! I had the 50A PI EMS for our Holiday Rambler MH. Installed the hardwired and used the wired remote to see what it was doing and didn't have any issues, although a couple times I did see voltage go a little low (never below 104v) when we were at a couple older, pretty filled up campgrounds and started to pay attention to our ac running. I decided to get the Hughes Autoformer which pretty much eliminated the voltage worries. I mounted the Hughes inside and out of view just because of learning that some 'less informed' individuals had issues with the autoformer. We now have a new smaller trailer and I recently got the 30A PWD and looking forward to being able to monitor the energy usage over Bluetooth. I'm installing my PWD inside the trailer rather than using on the post so that it isn't seen......it is a pretty attractive item to thieves when you're not at the trailer. I got the plug in model and will just splice into my 30A cord a plug & receptacle inside the trailer. That way I can unplug it if I have a problem and still power the trailer via a generator if need to.
I have used the Hughes Watchdog for 2 years. To use these on a generator you will need the Ground line grounded or make a neutral to ground bonding plug.
Do you have the epo50amp version? Also is your generator an inverter? My generator is a non inverter and I've been wondering how it would work with epo50 and bonded plug? Any input would be appreciated.
I installed the the Watchdog hardwired 50 p I month or so ago and love how I can actually monitor my usage. Additionally I've been able to calculate how much lithium battery I needed to comfortably live in case of no power using the app.
Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
I have the Progressive. Mainly by reputation and rain protection. You’ll discover some campgrounds mount their outlet on a 4 x 4 about 1 foot off the ground. The Progressive offers more rain protection than the Watchdog, which would have the outlet on the ground facing up.
I actually wish the lights would time out. If you’re worried about theft, then having a beacon at night is no help. “Here’s a $300 unit.”
30 amp Watch Dog hardwired....love it. Works perfectly.
Very cool!
I have the watchdog and this summer while in Moab it was very hot and the campground started having low voltage, the watchdog worked flawlessly
Thanks for sharing.
I have the OLD, 30 amp version of the Progressive surge protector "no cover over plug" it's never given me any problems at all. Still use it every trip out. If ever dose go out, I will just get the newer version.
The delay is a safety feature. I’ll take the delay to save my AC from constant quick cycling.
On the progressive ind. unit the time delay is for the head pressure on older air conditioning units to drop so you don’t have a high amp draw from a hard startup.
If your using the permanent installation and installing yourself, the Power Watchdog is a much easier installation. The fast pass through power and Bluetooth connection is a bonus.
Progressive EMS is what we have. It takes about 2.5 minutes to cycle and allow power to the coach, no big deal, I'm busy for those 2.5 minutes anyhow. The Processive is shorter which is better when you have a short post to hook up to, it also has a cover to keep water away from the plug. The best reason, their Life Time Warranty, and they really do honor it, the sad part is each P EMS we've had has only lasted about 18 months. We're on our 3rd P EMS.
I had a 30 amp Power Watch Dog with my smaller RV, but when I changed to a larger RV I bought the 50 amp Power Watch dog. I also have a 50 amp Hughes autoformer. I plug the 50 amp Power Watch dog into the campsite power and then add the autoformer. I have a set of the 50 amp replacement surge protectors for both my 50 amp units. You really need them on the road. I have never had any problem with these and it is great to check them via blue tooth on your phone. I have had a few sites that the Power Watch Dog showed a little too low of voltage but after going through the Autofomer the voltage was boosted a few percent. Great units.
You need to put the Watch Dog after the Transformer. If the voltage goes too low the Watchdog will shut off. Having it after the Transformer will increase the power. your Watchdog we'll just monitor it. Double protection
My Watch Dog is the older version and does not shut off if voltage too low. The newer version should go after the Autoformer. On the Zhughes site they talk about this if you have the older version. It goes first to check the circuit and the the Autoformer goes on followed by the newer version that can shut off if voltage too low. Triple protection! This is really only for those who already own the older version.
Okay didn't know you had the old one. You're in good shape then the Transformers work great. Enjoy and be safe
Thanks for sharing. :)
Progressive ems warranty has limitations. If the plug is melted and deemed the campsite's fault where you are plugged in they will not warranty it.
Hello you two, thanks again for a VERY informative video. I purchased a Progressive EMS based on your comments, life time warranty and the fact that I am not a Tech type of guy. LOL
awesome link for the progressive is in the video description!
Thanks for the support.
After years with the Surge Guard with no problems other than 15 years old (fading LED's, hard to read but still functions). We bought a Progressive EMS and have had bad luck with water intrusion. After one year of full timing, being outside in the rain it will get a E2 fault code and have 1/4 cup of water internally, the company knows of this problem and promptly sent other one free of charge. After 8 months and covering it with a plastic bag, same thing happened. The life time warranty is nice, but a pain to keep filing a claim and sending it to an address on the road. We just bought a new Hughes 50 amp EMS and I guess we will see. When I receive our 3rd Progressive EMS I will use it as a back up. Thanks.
I have the watchdog. Love the app and the ability to monitor my power draw. I also like that the surge module is replaceable. Thanks for a great and informative channel!
👍👍 Watch Dog sounds good with bluetooth connectivity, light up feature, and the price. Not having to wait for power is an big plus. Thanks.
Thanks for watching. :) - MJ
We have the Power Watch Dog, and it works great. We love the blue tooth feature
Awesome thanks for sharing!
I got the Power Watch Dog a couple of weeks after I got my rig.
I watched a ton of reviews and technical videos before choosing.
Less than $300 to help protect my home from being ruined because of an electrical issue is a bargain if you ask me. 👍
100% a bargain!
I’ve got the Southwire by Techno RV. So far it’s done a great job. I definitely lock mine up because I don’t want someone walking away with my $300.+ protector!!
This is, in my opinion, is the most important thing to have. It should be the first thing you buy!!
I may get the Power Watch Dog though, just because I like the “techie” end of it. Lol
LOL It is pretty cool. Thanks Lori! - MJ
The light of the Watchdog is like having a street light on the pedestal. Had to tape ours up and just left the tip of the ears out.
After an extended power outage in the Smith River Complex fire of N. CALIF. They brought in many mobile Super Generators. During the "slow" switch over "Back" to the main line a week and a half later, the line voltage was 133 volts for about 18 hours. 133! If your device doesn't protect you from this high voltage event, AND cut you off... It's worthless. Progressive Indust EMS is fantastic. Nobody in the RV knew they were being put in a bad situation, except me. Keep in mind, they had protection, but ran on the 133 volts.
I like the app on our watchdog. If you are having an issue with something you can help check amps on certain devices.
👍
Yes Watchdog
👍
Love my watchdog. It’s techy is just right for you Izzy!!
LOL Thanks Kevin. - MJ
I've used both and my actual is the power Watchdog that I hate because it gives false open neutral cutoff whenever the amps are within 0.1Amps on L1 and L2. This is a builtin 'logic' that was explained to me by the manufacturer.
I just ordered a progressive ems to replace my watchdog.
The Watchdog will also protect you from getting shocked if the ground on your rig is loose or disconnected I’ve had that happen when I touched the metal stairs before i got the watchdog OUCH!!! 😁 thanks for the Vid
Thanks for sharing! - MJ
Informative video. Thank you. As a future rv owner, this is a must have item.
Thanks for watching John
We have had multiple Progressive units, 30amp portable and hard wired 30 amp and now the 50 amp portable. I have never had any issues with mine also and they have saved me many times at parks. I do have to say that if yours is actually taking that long to connect you might want to have it looked at. Ours have never taken that long...average of 20 to 30 seconds and it connects. Watch Dog seems like a good choice too, though I would still choose the Progressive because of warranty, I like the old Honda lol (my opinion of course). Thanks for the video!
Thanks for sharing.
We have a hard wired progressive in our 5vr and just bought a Watch Dog to hardwire in our coach with a new transfer switch. Honestly, the tech won me over to try the Watch Dog
Awesome thanks for sharing.
I have the power watchdog, no issues. Like the replaceable fuse and Love the remote monitoring. Mine even keeps track of power consumption.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing! - MJ
Just bought a 30 Amp Power Watchdog, arrived today actually. So I haven't tried it yet. The ability to monitor electrical data remotely is pretty cool. Seeing the how fast it checks and allows power to pass through is kind of nice, especially if it's raining! I'm confident it'll be everything as advertised and said to be through all the reviews I've read. Good review 👍🏻
Good review. Agree with it all BUT, Watchdog now has a lifetime warrantee as well. I have had to use the warrantee when my unit failed. Watchdog happily replaced 😃my unit immediately. For my money I love the Watchdog. It is so nice to glance at my phone and check on the power status ( I am a gadget guy). Have had this unit for 3 years with flawless service and 6100 joules of protection is the best in the business.
Thanks for the info!
We actually have two Progressive surge protectors. The first one went bad. When you actually look at the warranty it is almost useless. You have to have the original receipt. There is also a service fee you have to pay plus shipping both ways. There is also a long list of everything they don't cover. After reading all the rules on their website we just bought a second one.
Thanks for sharing
I actually have the Progressive one. And it was destroyed by a Park pedestal and they sent me a brand new one with just a couple photos and a replacement request online.
I have a simple tester and a separate surge protector sold as a set by progressive. It was about $50. The difference with these expensive units is that they contain a large relay that disconnects power of the voltage is too high (unlikely) or too low (can be an issue with old wiring in some campgrounds). A third option is to get an autoformer, which is just a switchable boost transformer. This will boost voltage in a brownout situation producing safe usable power. The downside is that it will not work with GFI outlets.
We have the power watchdog by Hughes Autoformer. I always plug it in first to verify the power is good. We have a COE park nearby our home that we use from time to time, and the watchdog has saved us several times, showing bad power (once a missing ground, and once reverse polarity.)
That’s great it’s worked so well for you. Stay safe! - MJ
We've had a Progressive Industries 50 amp EMS for years. They were made in the USA until the company was bought out. Love the lifetime warranty but it was all the positive reviews that sold us. I know it takes a while but I take comfort in that it is doing a thorough job. Not to sure I'd trust something quick. We also have a Hughes autoformer (Shh).
lol Yep its a good product. Thanks Roy!
Thanks for the information. Best to have all that protection. It is expensive to rewire your RV. 👍👍
Sure is. Thanks Rick! - MJ
I got a Power Surge protector off the shelf at our local Camping World when we first bought out Coach and I’m sure I didn’t pay more than $100 but that was a year ago and so far no issues but I’m a bit concerned about it now after watching your video so I’m going to review all that it covers. It has lights that turn on green when all is well and if anything goes wrong the lights should turn red and cut power to Coach. Haven’t seen that happen yet but since we leave next week for the rest of the Spring and all summer we’ll get a good variety of campgrounds to compare it’s effectiveness. Hope I don’t regret it so I’m leaning towards the Power Watchdog for the ease of Surge module replacement.
You probably got one that only protects against surge. You really want one that protects also against low voltage as that can also damage electrical components . Either one we mentioned in the video will do the job.
So Izzy I ordered the Power Watchdog from Amazon. Thanks for the tips.
We got the power watchdog and love it. It also gives you KWHours that can be reset for RV parks that charge for electricity.
On the power watchdog, Hughes will send you a free surge module if it needs replacement within 2 years.
We have the Hughes Power Watchdog. The price and reviews is what sold me; found on sale $225.00. The only thing I found that I didn't like is the overall length. We were at a campground that had short power posts which made the plugs lay on the ground. Other than that, it's been great.
Awesome thanks for sharing Rick. - MJ
We have Progressive 50 amp hardwired AND external. I did the external if strike happens I could keep motoring till replaced. Had lightning strike power pole 30 yards away and fry 2 transformers. Saved our trailer- not 2 others next to us. Our ems still works. It didn’t fry it. Con is the time. I don’t know if it’s longer because of 2 units- but about 2 mins 50 seconds. Today it saved us in Saint Charles MO with over voltage. Park said it measured good- till the electrician came out and found the pole ground wave very loose and showed flash around the screw.
We have the watchdog. Got it based on recommendation from other you tubers. Glad to see you also recommend.
Awesome. Thanks for watching. 👍 - MJ
Actually looking up different types to help me decide what I should get. I'm a new and first time R.V. owner. I bought a used RV in pretty decent condition. Some minor repairs had to be done. New canopy fabric( had a tear running the entire length.) And was missing a leveling jack, and had a bent leveling jack. I just bought four new ones and replaced them myself, and they are great. Also had to replace a valve on the black water near the sewage dump connecter. Other than that everything was amazing good condition for $8k.
I think I will the power watchdog EMS. I like the app monitoring feature.
Congrats on your nee RV and thanks for watching
@@EndlessRVing Thank you, and the video was great!
I have the power watchdog and love the bluetooth monitor as well as the replaceable surge module.
Thanks for sharing Bob! - MJ
I was just online shopping for surge protector for our new RV and you video posted. Great timing. I’m thinking Hughes watch dog?? Need to have it for when we pick up our rig in May. Thank you.
Absolutely get one before you plug your new rig in! Thanks for watching and the comment.
I have the power watchdog it works great I love the App and the replaceable surge module although thank goodness haven’t had a issue I agree that these are a must have
Awesome thanks for sharing! - MJ
I own the Power Watch Dog and no issues with it. Even though my Phaeton has a built in surge protector I would never plug in without my Watch Dog.
Good, glad you like it. 👍 - MJ
watchdog is dope, I wish or not sure if it includes soft start if it doesn't, I wish it did. there's one on the market that helps Ac soft start.
I have 30a watchdog. Bought it for the connectivity and monitoring as it give kWh. Perfect for knowing what size panels and inverter you’ll need for dry camping.
I have the watchdog - I also have the Autoformer voltage booster
I installed both of these in my electrical bay - out of sight out of mind - much less risk of thief
We are new and we bought Campo 50amp RV power defender. It runs a check and takes like 4 mins before you get the green light it is waterproof. Don't know about warranty. We paid $330 dollars on Amazon. We really didn't want the cheap one but since we are new we didn't really knew much about EMS when we bought it.
Hopefully it's doing a good job for you. 👍
@@EndlessRVing it takes like 3 minutes to turn green for the ok to plug it. So I hope so
We have the power watchdog, we like fact that you can monitor it from your phone.
Yep thats definitely a perk. - MJ
I have the Watchdog and chose it for the replaceable surge module and reputation.
Awesome!
Since buying a EMS and installing it hardwired, I realized if that unit gets destroyed by a storm theres no way to get power through it. We bought another one in case it goes down. I'll just replace it.
We upgraded from SurgeGuard to Hughes for the bluetooth. We have a 50A rig and do dog shows where we have 20A power and need to watch what we are drawing so we don't trip the breaker. Sometimes we have two 20A on a Y connection. Love it and highly recommend it. Great video.
Thanks for sharing.
I also need to buy one of yours it's awesome
Great Vid! I was on the fence, and I really appreciate your info. I ordered a 50A Watchdog!
Awesome thanks Wes. - MJ
Just bought the watchdog and it says lifetime Warranty! Maybe they stepped it up since this video. Great video by the way.
Awesome! Thank you!
Haven't seen a comparison like this before, good job! We have had a Progressive 30 amp EMS since 2015. In fact, we've had two, because one was stolen in Oceanside, California. We'd stick with Progressive because of the lifetime warranty and Mexico seems some how better than China.
Good to know that you have gotten good use out of your Progressive. Thanks for sharing.
I have the hardwired Surge Guard EMS. I like it because I can monitor what's happening with the power on a panel installed inside my Motorhome. Security was a concern for me with pedestal ones.
I agree with you David. Hardwiring it into the motorhome seems to make more sense.
My .02
Glad you like it! - MJ
I just received my power watchdog EPO 30 amp. I decided to test my two outlets
on my driveway before plugging in my rv.I used a good quality 30 amp to 15 amp dog bone . The first outlet was fine but the 2nd one that I would have used had an error code 5 & the unit turned red. It paid for itself in my opinion. If I had plugged my rv without the surge protector it would have been catastrophic since my rv is brand new.
They are well worth the cash no doubt. Thanks for sharing
I have a progressive 30 amp hard wired EMS and it's great. But using with a generator you may need a ground/neutral bonding plug.