New RV'r -got an RPod 190

The surge protector is not cheap, about 250.00 bucks. Don't waste time and money on analyzers, they only tell you if its good this very second. An EMS will monitor power before allowing it into your camper, and then keep monitoring it 24-7. I hate keys, I have had keyless entry for at least 10 - 15 years at home, and 5 years on my camper. It s*&ks carrying keys in your bathing suit. 

You DO want the analyser function as that tells you whether you have an open ground, neutral, or line and neutral reversed before you connect. You also want the surge protector function to handle transient voltage surges in the campground power lines. So, get a device that has BOTH functions. 

I use the Progressive EMS HW30C, (hard wired) unit in mine. As IMO incorrectly stated above, you DON"T need the analyzer, because the EMS will analyze the power BEFORE it allows it to enter the camper. Once you plug in, it takes about 10 seconds before you hear the power kick in. If there is any problems with the pedestal, open ground, reverse polarity, ETC. It will block the power and display and error code associated with the problem. Buying the analyzer would be repetitive and wasteful. I recommend "hardwired" because you only install it once, and it's always ready to go. No reason to hang a 250 dollar lure outside, or forget to take it with you. Remember, an analyzer only tells you if the power is good "before" you plug in, I want to know it's good " while " i'm plugged in. 

Originally posted by offgrid Let's get our definitions straight: While the surge protector only protects your appliances from sudden electric surges and high/low voltage spikes, an EMS offers you full protection against all power related issues including current surges, low and high voltage spikes, open ground, reserved polarity, high neutral, incorrectly wired power outlets, and more. So, let's see if we can reach agreement that a surge protector alone is not adequate and what we want is an EMS,

Wow, we are learning A LOT from you guys! Thank you so much! I have been looking into the EMS and I see what you mean when you say it would be better than a surge protector.  We had no idea they had such a device out there.  We will be installing on before we leave on our next trip.  THANK YOU so much for the very invaluable advise! We really appreciate the time you all took to help us understand why this is important.  We are still feeling a little overwhelmed, but have been going through all the information that came with the RPod and are getting more familiar with everything.  Can't wait to feel confident going on a trip someday soon.  I feel like we should have a banner on the RPOD that says "Newbie or Rookie", like they do with "Student Driver's".