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Southwire EMS Built-in vs External Surge Protector: Do You Need Both?
General Easy 15 minutes to verify 87 👍

Southwire EMS Built-in vs External Surge Protector: Do You Need Both?

Opened my 2022 Holiday Rambler 38N DP and discovered it's eating through surge protectors way faster than normal, despite having the built-in Southwire system. Dealer says I might not need an external surge protector like a Watchdog since it's already built in.

Does a built-in Southwire surge guard provide the same protection as a standalone EMS unit? Should I still install an external surge protector or is the built-in system sufficient? Want to make sure I have proper protection without buying unnecessary equipment. …more
50 Amp RV Surge Protector Guide: Best Models, Installation & Protection Tips
Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 74 👍

50 Amp RV Surge Protector Guide: Best Models, Installation & Protection Tips

Turned on the weather this morning and saw another storm system rolling in, which has me panicking since I still don't have a 50 amp surge protector for my RV. I've been looking at units ranging from basic portable models to high-end hardwired systems, particularly needing a 50 amp solution that provides at least 6000 watts of surge protection.

I'm torn between getting a portable unit versus installing a hardwired unit directly into my electrical system. The portable units seem more flexible, but I'm concerned about theft since they'd be hanging outside at campgrounds.

What are the real-world advantages and disadvantages of each approach? Is the protection quality different between hardwired and portable surge protectors, or is it mainly about security and convenience?

I want to make sure I'm getting the best protection without overspending on unnecessary features. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Bill …more
RV Red Warning Light: How to Identify Unknown Electrical Components
Electrical Easy N/A 70 👍

RV Red Warning Light: How to Identify Unknown Electrical Components

Woke up to find my RV's mystery electrical component glowing red instead of the green light the manual promised, and I can't even figure out what this thing is! In the picture I uploaded, you can see the component with the red warning light that just started appearing recently. I'm pretty sure that's not a good sign, right?

I'm thinking it might be some kind of detector or maybe part of the electrical system? There are so many gadgets crammed into these rigs. Anyone know what typically has red warning lights in RVs and what I should be looking for to figure out what this thing actually is? Would love to get it sorted before it becomes a bigger problem! …more
Class A RV Tripping GFCI on Hot Days - Solar Inverter Fix
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours troubleshooting 66 👍

Class A RV Tripping GFCI on Hot Days - Solar Inverter Fix

During these scorching summer days, this complete RV newbie is baffled why my Class A's GFCI keeps tripping every few days and I'm totally lost. The RV isn't plugged directly into the GFCI outlet, but there's one on the same circuit that keeps popping.

I'm wondering if my solar inverter might be the culprit since it seems heat-related? Or could this be pointing to a battery that's starting to go bad? Just trying to figure out if this is normal wear and tear or something I need to address before it gets worse. …more
Best Weatherproof RV Surge Protector Covers: TRC vs Camco Review
Electrical Easy 30 minutes 60 👍

Best Weatherproof RV Surge Protector Covers: TRC vs Camco Review

Left my 50-amp surge protector hanging on the pedestal through a week of thunderstorms and the housing is showing moisture inside the display. Debating between the TRC and Camco weatherproof covers but can't tell from the photos which one actually keeps rain out. Anyone used both? …more
Best 30 Amp RV Surge Protector 2024: EMS Protection Worth the Investment for Safety
Electrical Easy 5 minutes to install 60 👍

Best 30 Amp RV Surge Protector 2024: EMS Protection Worth the Investment for Safety

Standing at this sketchy campground with our new RV, can't afford a $500 electrician visit — is there a surge protector under $200 that'll actually prevent expensive electrical damage? We have a 30 amp setup and I keep seeing recommendations for EMS (electrical management systems) instead of basic surge protectors, but they're expensive - like $180-250 range.

I'm worried about making the wrong choice here. Are these pricier EMS units actually worth it compared to cheaper surge protectors? What exactly do they protect against that basic ones don't? I've been looking at Progressive Industries and Surge Guard models specifically, but I'm scared to spend that much if it's overkill. Really need some reassurance that this investment will actually protect our rig properly. …more
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