Progressive EMS Reliability and Warrenty Service

Parlando

I've read about EMS systems vs Surge protection, and I'm inclined to get a

Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector 30 Amp with Electrical Management System, Portable, EMS-PT30X.

My hesitation has more to do with the reliability of the unit, and the service and warrenty response. Does anyone have concrete experience with getting satisfactory response from Progressive service department?  Thanks.

rfuss928

I've been using an EMS-HW30C for over 10 years.  Twice I've had remote display issues.  Both times it was cable related and both times I received excellent tech support and replacement cables.  Second one was damaged by me while moving it to the new trailer but they offered to send one anyway.
It has several times alerted me of problems with the campground power post and disconnected us.
Highly recommended...

SLJ

I've used them for at least 14 years and never had a problem. I have a pole one sitting on a shelf as we used in on our motorhome for several years. It still works. I put a hardwire in the T@B when we got it. My friend had one about three years old get zapped from a close lightning strike at a campground and they replaced his quickly no questions asked. Nothing happened to anything in his camper.

Sharon_is_SAM

@Parlando - the Progressive EMS units are one of the best.  I suspect you have read reviews that downgraded the reliability and customer service.  Nowadays, it can be hard making a decision when you try to filter through so much of the information out there.  We have the Progressive unit and have not had any issues.  It has correctly diagnosed open grounds at campgrounds and has protected our TaB in an electrical storm while we were away from the camper.  

Parlando

rfuss928, Sharon_is_SAM,    Thank you for your feedback. Yes, I have read the reviews that downgraded the reliability and customer service, and it is hard to filter out the best information out there.  Thank goodness for such a great forum that we have here. To keep my best options for any problems I'll order the Progressive just before I head out for my next trip with the T@B so I can test it within the warranty period in case I get an unusual problematic one.  Thanks again.

Parlando

@SLG and thanks to you also.  I typed in all three responders but maybe I did something wrong?

SLJ

Parlando said: I'll order the Progressive just before I head out for my next trip with the T@B so I can test it within the warranty period in case I get an unusual problematic one.  Thanks again.

Progressive has a lifetime warranty.

CharlieRN

I haven't had any issues with my Progressive hardwired EMS but did contact them for technical information and advice during my installation. They provided excellent support.

Parlando

@CharlieRN  Thank you!

Bayliss

@Parlando, I had the same experience as @CharlieRN.  For what it is worth, I installed the EMS-HW30C and it did a great job of saving my electrical system when I connected to a poorly wired campground in California after I inadvertently failed to first check the campground 30-amp outlet with a voltage tester before connecting my trailer to the campground pedestal (as is my standard routine).  It is simple to install and is "always present" (i.e., hardwired) to protect my trailer's electrical system.

Parlando

@Bayliss  Thanks. I thought about installing the EMS-HW30C, and have already replaced my power center last year.  Did you find a good video/instructions for the installation?

Bayliss

@ Parlando, I have not seen a video for the installation, but these discussion threads may help if you decide to go that route.  You did not indicate which year/model T@B you own, but I have included a couple photos of where I installed mine in my 2019 320 S Boondock Lite (i.e., in the driver side electrical compartment.)  After installing the HW30C, I upgraded to a 100 Ah Battle Born Lithium battery, Progressive Dynamics 4135 Power Center/Converter and added a Furrion Solar Port entry and Victron BMV-712 battery monitoring system (last photo):

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/171009/#Comment_171009

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/86347#Comment_86347

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/11243/surge-protector/p1

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/12492/hardwiring-progressive-30-amp-ems-surge-protector 

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/11078/hardwired-hughes-power-watchdog-in-2021-t-b-400/p1

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/13013/my-installation-of-the-ems-lchw30-in-a-2018-cs-s

 

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/13139/surge-protector-recommendation/p1

 

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/9183/hard-wiring-a-surge-protector-in-a-tab-400-help#latest

rfuss928

Parlando
Both times I've installed my HW30C it was a simple matter of finding a convenient spot along the orange romex running from the outside receptacle to the power center.  The length of the unit provides enough slack in the cut romex to easily connect it at each end.  The remote display is simply a phone type data cable that is easy to route almost anywhere.  Bayliss  pictures look pretty similar to both my installations.

TABNewbies

Our 2 year old EMS PT-30X has always worked well. Last week after a wet 1st trip of the season the unit had water inside (still worked, I guess about a cup full of water entered via the top cable gland). A call to the Progressive service line was answered quickly and helpfully, the on-line warranty form was easy to complete and good email feedback and I have a new unit on its way. The Progressive service warranty certainly was upheld and we are happy customers.

Adding that a new is being provided as Progressive technical team straight away were clear that their units should remain weather tight and once opened up to dry out (as I did) may never seal right again and water always leave debris. A photo of the inside with the rusty contractor connections which had been in the water.

Slackers

Our first mod was the installation of an EMS LCHW-30 (w/ built-in display). It has silently and unobtrusively done its job since then (3 years). 

Sharon_is_SAM

@TABNewbies - good to know.  We have covered the unit with a plastic bag to keep it out of severe weather.  

Parlando

@Bayliss @rfuss928   Thanks for your feedback.  I have a 2015 Boondock 320.