Portable or Hardwired? How to Choose the Right RV Surge Protector

[@arthurcombs5032]

I have the hardwired version and I love it. I installed it (recessed with only about 1/2 inch protruding out the wall) on the same wall as the control center and roughly 8 inches above the floor so you can easily see the power status without having to open the app or go outside. On more than one occasion we've had the EPO feature shutdown the rig's electrical system due to either under voltage or over voltage so it definitely does its job. The one correction... well... rather solution to being able to test the campground's power using the hardwired unit is to turn off the main 30A or 50A circuit breaker INSIDE YOUR RV then turn on the campground's main breaker. The app will tell you what you're dealing with in detail, or just the white illuminated "Bully" face will tell you the power is good before passing the power on to your rig's electrical system by turning on your main breaker.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

That is a great tip to be sure no bad power makes it's way into the RV.

[@looniehoonie]

My friends are traveling across the US with their camper and I would give the portable one to them as a gift. Great job with the videos as always.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the give away Nick

[@JandAReview1]

We absolutely love our watchdog EPO!! We will hardwire one in our next RV. Great video!

[@MobileRVTechServices]

If you need some info on how to install the hardwire one, we made a video when we installed ours. kzbin.info/www/bejne/op2xi2SQe919ntE

[@madjack7979]

As always Steve thank you for the great info

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks Jack

[@tiffanygreenman5550]

We just signed the papers on our very first RV! Life is too short and we’ve decided to start enjoying it more. The Watchdog 50 amp is currently sitting in my Amazon cart. We prefer the portable one for the simplicity of it. Very informative video. Thank you!

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the give-a-way Tiffany!

[@patrickkneib7301]

A watch dog surge protector would be awesome! I would enjoy a portable one because I would find it easier to install. These newer rvs are so complexed now you absolutely need protect. Thanks for the video!

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering. Best of luck Patrick

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

I hard wired mine inside. A bit of extra work, but better in the long run.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

That’s my preference too.

[@kevinthomson4651]

We lost a couple circuit boards a while back due to faulty campgrounds electric, would love the portable watchdog, my camp neighbor has one so I already know they work great.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the contest Kevin.

[@donhediger5072]

We have a cheaper portable unit that we brought with us from 2 previous 50 amp RV's. Now that I've been into the belly of the beast I'd like to install the wired in version to help protect our new multiplus II 2x120. At our age I don't anticipate another RV anytime soon. Started backpacking , then tent camping, later a pop up camper, then an 18' trailer RV, a 28' Trailer, a 32" trailer, and our current 41' fifth wheel.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the Hardwired give-a-way Don. You are the first one so far for this unit.

[@DianeBarton]

Great video Steve. Love that you can Monitor it with the Bluetooth. Also really like that they have a hardwired option. Great for full time Rvers. PWD50-EPO-H. Happy camping :-)

[@MobileRVTechServices]

We love having the hardwired version in our RV.

[@melisam948]

I would prefer the portable one , I sometimes swap and use the travel trailer or the Motorhome , I could use it with either one this way. Also I am not an electrician so this way I don’t have to wire it 😂. I have not purchased one yet and have always looked at them wondering what is difference between one and the others. ! This video was amazing as far as explaining! Thanks so much for all the details ! Love your videos I’m always learning from you guys !!

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the contest Melissa. I have a question for you. We are looking at a class C motor home and the ones we find are 30amps, we wish it was 50amps. What brand/type do you have that is 50amps? Or do you have a class A motor home?

[@davidkurzer3678]

Own a 40ft 5 Slide, a lot to go wrong if there was a major electric surge while plugged in. I’m sure it’s cheaper than dealing with the multiple things that could go wrong. I would want to install the inline since I have the know how to do it and less wear and tear dragging it out ever time for set up. Good find!!

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the contest David.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

The name we drew for the Hardwired surge protector didn’t claim their prize so it goes to you. We need you to do 2 things to claim your prize. 1) Email us at [e-mail] by June 15, 2022 so we can get your address to mail you the surge protector. 2) Reply to this comment when you email so we know you emailed and your message doesn't get stuck in our spam folder. Happy Camping!

[@davidkurzer3678]

@@MobileRVTechServices 😀

[@MyRanger12]

Excellent video

[@MobileRVTechServices]

@@MyRanger12 thank you!

[@madjack7979]

Thanks for doing what you do. We do not have one right now and if we can win one might as well win one that you recommend. I would like the portable one if I win. Good luck everyone.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering Jack!

[@danantes5223]

Very good video. We have a surge protector but it’s not as well made as the one you were discussing. Thank you

[@MobileRVTechServices]

You’re welcome Dan

[@RU12DV8]

Very informative! Thanks for the great content..

[@MobileRVTechServices]

You’re welcome Jeff ❤️

[@robertb5922]

I have both. Bought the portable and then realized that the hardwired version would make setup easier and it wouldn’t get swiped. I would foolishly avoid using the portable during quick overnight stops because I didn’t want to pull it out of storage, plug it in and lock it down.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Robert, I like the hardwired too to make set up easier. -Steve

[@danstehler9062]

I’ve started really looking at the watchdogs. We just got a TT a couple months ago and starting to use is pretty regularly for the season. The 50a external would be perfect for our application.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the give-a-way Dan.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Dan, Congratulations! You won the Watchdog 50 AMP Portable Surge Protector that we gave away on our Facebook Live video on 5/30/2022. We need you to do 2 things to claim your prize. 1) Email us at [e-mail] by June 7, 2022 so we can get your address to mail you the surge protector. 2) Reply to this comment when you email so we know you emailed and your message doesn't get stuck in our spam folder. Happy Camping!

[@danstehler9062]

@@MobileRVTechServices fantastic. Thank you guys so so much!!!

[@dkleath8697]

I'm not worried about theft of EMS/Surge Protector, but there's not room on my outlet to keep connections above the ground...🥴

[@shanedenmark5536]

I’ve run into this problem too.

[@sreed3203]

Thats an awesome surge protector...

[@rajenadventures6141]

I would love to have a new Watch Dog internal hard wired 50 amp. When about my first wheel in 2018 I was unaware that I could purchase an internal model. We use an old external surge protector that is outdated

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Thanks for entering the giveaway.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Congratulations RaJenAdventures! You won the Watchdog 50 AMP Hardwired Surge Protector that we gave away on our Facebook Live video on 5/30/2022. We need you to do 2 things to claim your prize. 1) Email us at [e-mail] by June 7, 2022 so we can get your address to mail you the surge protector. 2) Reply to this comment when you email so we know you emailed and your message doesn't get stuck in our spam folder. Happy Camping!

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Just a reminder, you have until June 7, 2022 to reply and claim your prize. The information is listed in our other comment on this thread. Live Facebook drawing link: fb.watch/drhh66hrpX/

[@MobileRVTechServices]

It’s June 8 and we haven’t heard back so we are giving the Hardwired Watchdog to the second name we drew on our live Facebook drawing.

[@grumpyshorts1056]

You think the Portable model could be hardwired? We're installing a new Victorn and have to rewire so why not hard wire a surge P.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Grumpy’s Travels, It isn’t set up to be hardwired but I’ve seen people put them in line with a plug in the basement to connect it into. If you try to hardwire, it would need a junction box (on each side) close to the Watchdog to connect to the house wiring. -Steve

[@zantetsu8674]

I have a Travato GL which has a Volta Pure3 Lithium Ion battery system. From what I have read, the Volta system has its own surge suppressor with features for sensing improper wiring and will not 'accept' a connection that does not test out as healthy. For this reason I don't think I need an external suppressor. I know that some people will say "better safe than sorry" and get a separate surge suppressor anyway but that's never been my mindset. I want to know what is actually needed and do only that. If you have any opinion on this topic I'd love to hear it. You don't have a Lithium battery system in your RV but maybe you've discussed the topic with other RV friends who do?

[@MobileRVTechServices]

@Zantetsu, I have a Victron Inverter with lithium batteries and I run a surge protector with EPO because my inverter isn't as advanced as your Volta system. With the Volta Pure3 system doing the job of the EPO part of the Watchdog, you do not want a Watchdog with EPO because having 2 systems trying to do the same thing will cause issues between the systems. If you want added protection, a plain surge protector like the PWD-30 will provide protection for shore power surges and allow your Volta system to continue to provide the voltage monitoring. I would run a separate surge protector if I had your system. The Watchdog surge protector module is much cheaper and easier to replace than the Volta system. From Page 7: travato.group/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Travato-Pure3-Volta-System-3rd-Gen.pdf "If you want to use a surge suppressor on the line, stick with one of the basic models without any kind of voltage protection circuit that will cut off power if out of range. The Pure3/Volta system takes care of that and the two devices won’t get along well. Look for a separate article about Surge Suppressors for more information." Watchdog PWD-30 (plain surge protector without EPO): hughesautoformers.com/product/pwd30/ You can save 10% with our code: Radar10

[@zantetsu8674]

@@MobileRVTechServices Thank you so much for your informative reply! I will definitely get a PWD-30. You're awesome!

[@MobileRVTechServices]

@@zantetsu8674 you’re welcome and safe travels.

[@kenlgraham]

While 4 seconds is nice its going to be turning things on and off too quickly during a multiple power fluctuation. For our house I have applance brownout protectors, most are 30 second delay, however for refrigeration I use 3 minute delay as I understand this gives the compressor time to lower the gas pressure so the compressor is not starting against high pressure. For Computer and Internet like Starlink the solution is a UPS due to its battery which covers both brownout and Surge. Too bad their device can not be set to 3 minutes to cover all.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

Ken, The Watchdog takes 4 seconds to analyze the power when you first plug in. If you have an issue and it shuts off, the Watchdog locks out for 90 seconds to avoid sudden power changes. Also the majority of RV Air Conditioners lock out the compressor for 2-3 minutes to give the pressure inside time to equalize. And yes anything that is a sensitive electronic like a computer should be on a back up power supply. -Steve

[@kenlgraham]

@@MobileRVTechServices 90 seconds is an improvement over the 4 seconds mentioned, I do not know if that is sufficient for a electric refrigerator? I guess one could add a individual plugged brownout protector for the refrigerator if in doubt. That may be useful anyway, helping to protect from internal surges from other appliances in the vehicle. Maybe they should consider one to go in front of a 200 amp house service as a meter base. I would be tempted as in Mexico we had a power outage with 70 volts remaining as shown by a meter on the UPS. It took out a TV, and Microwave that were on surge only protectors and a LG washer electric card , yet we had a few items on recently purchased brownout-surge protectors that came through unscathed as did everything on the UPS. Incidentally there was a Surge only Square D whole building protector on the main breaker box so surge only protection is quite useless in my opinion.

[@MobileRVTechServices]

@@kenlgraham I agree, the surge only models provide very little protection since most issues are with improper voltage. For a RV absorption fridge, short power cycles won’t hurt it because the AC power is just for a heating element. A residential style compressor fridge could be more sensitive but I would think 90 seconds should be enough time. -Steve