EMS & TPMS

Relatively new to the PC world and seeking info constantly. My latest questions are:
Do you use an EMS (Electrical Monitoring System) or not? Are they worth the expense and which do you prefer? We generally stay in State Parks, COE or county municipal cg.
And the Tire Pressure Monitor Systems. Flow thru or not. Which brand is you choice?
As always cost is a factor in any decision and more than likely we'll be getting a TPMS first. And pending on that cost the EMS could be next. We rather wait until we can afford a quality unit rather than buying a cheapo and having to replace it in the near future.
Thanks for any and opinions.

Garmp, l  don’t even plug in at home without my EMS, surge protector. Over the years ours has picked up and protected us from several external electrical problems which could have had major consequences.
We have a Progressive unit that this summer failed, they have a lifetime warranty, I called described the problem and had a new one within a few days.
To me this is an essential piece of equipment. 

We have installed a whole house electric monitoring system, eliminating the need to carry and instal the extra "pigtail" and worrying about it being stolen. Don't know what brand and in storage so cannot look.  Had it two years and to date, it has only shut the power down once and we were glad it did. When the RV park checked the power post, they found it had a problem and moved us.

We installed flow through Tire Minders on all 7 tires (including spare) and love knowing PSI and temp at the flick of a switch.  However there are some problems.
1.) The front ones are kind of tucked under the hub cap and it needs to be removed to add air. At first we carried the necessary tools. Now we just go to a tire service center.  If there is a Costco in the area, you can pull up to their tire service bays and they will take care of it.  Most filling stations will loan you the crow bar and rubber mallet.
2.) Just after they were installed and we were in rout to Alaska, the weight of the flow through valves pulled the brackets off the hubcaps. The brackets were only attached with two little rivets. The temporary solution was to screw and super glue the brackets back into place then tape them with gorilla tape.  Solution held strong for over 5,000 miles. Permanent solution is to find a really good welder and have the brackets welded to the hub caps....as they should have been in the first place. It was done this spring and we have traveled about 4,500 miles and they are holding strong.
3.) Sometimes the batteries shake loose and you get a no signal. First few times we panicked. Some times the battery will reseat by itself. Sometimes it has to be done....which is another nuisance when it is a front tire.
4.) The people at Tire Minder are wonderful to work with and they will take all the time necessary to walk you through installation or problem resolution. HOWEVER, they do not have extended office hours, are located in Florida and are closed holidays, weekends, and when a hurricane blows through.
Sorry this is so long.

Progressive IndustriesThis is the EMS I have, very happy with it.  On my trip to the factory this summer I had several "open ground" errors from the EMS at different RV parks.  At the factory they said there must be a problem with the EMS and put in a new one.  On the way home, same error.  I started tracking myself and guess what?  Found an intermittent open ground in the RV receptacle on the coach itself.  The EMS was right all along we just did not believe it.  Strongly recommended.

I do not have TPMS yet but that is on the list.  Not sure which one to get though.

We have a Progressive Industries EMS unit like Jatrax.  I installed one on our previous motorhome and it saved us two different times from repeated power surges and this was while staying at a high end park.
Gary

We've had EMS built in or portable on all but one of our class A units and now on our PC (always Progressive) .  Wouldn't be without it - particularly at State Parks where the electrical system can be "iffy".

EMS is on my "someday" list.  In the meantime, that little yellow Camco surge protector (55310) actually has a higher joule rating than most of the $300 built-in EMS units.  I only paid $35, but I see it's up to $54 on Amazon now.  I like it because it fits completely inside the park's utility pole box and it looks too cheap to bother stealing, anyway.  The main downside is that it's manual.  You need to plug it in first and check the trouble lights to make sure the power is good before you plug in the RV.  Of course, who knows if it's actually doing anything until you really need it.  So far, its never detected a bad pole.  But I wouldn't go without surge protection of some kind.

I bought the EEZTire TPMS with 10 sensors last year for $449 from Amazon.  It's easy to use and seems to work fine.  I didn't get the flow-through sensors because they're so big and heavy I worried they'd increase the chance of the valve extenders leaking, but then I've struggled ever since with getting the pressures right.  You lose a lot of air fiddling with the theft-proof covers on the sending units.  Next time out, I plan to just take the covers off.

With your newer rig, you might not need to bother with TPMS if you're not towing.  Don't the later Fords have factory TPMS just like a car?  But I sure wouldn't drag a toad without it.

By they way, watching the pressures while you're driving is an eye-opening experience, which I posted about elsewhere. 

https://hughesautoformers.com/product/pwd30/

I've used my Hughes AutoFormer for over 15 years.  It works.  I have never had a surge protector, but figgered I may be on borrowed time. So, I recently bought a Progressive surge protector, but  not EMS.  After several years of good performance, my AutoFormer quit working properly.  I sent it back and AutoFormer fixed it at no charge.   Granted, it is a heavy son-of-a-gun and the UPS fee was not nice, but the service after the sale was stellar.

Barry T

EMS: We had the progressive dynamics installed during the build. Our previous coach had one as well. Found several bad plug ins over the years..one on an extension cord at a brother-in-law's home, when the EMS failed he admitted he had wired a new plug onto it recently! Another time the camp wouldn't believe us as they said they just had an "electrician" install the outlet! (Time for a new electrician!)

It also tends to get a work out in Mexico if you ever go that way!

TPMS: We had bought the original Pressure Pro many years back and it still works. Has gone off a few times for low tire pressure so has been useful as well. I'm sure any newer units have been improved on.

I've used my Hughes AutoFormer for over 15 years.  It works.  I have never had a surge protector, but figgered I may be on borrowed time. So, I recently bought a Progressive surge protector, but  not EMS.  After several years of good performance, my AutoFormer quit working properly.  I sent it back and AutoFormer fixed it at no charge.   Granted, it is a heavy son-of-a-gun and the UPS fee was not nice, but the service after the sale was stellar.

Barry T

Good to hear!  I got one, good to hear the weight is worth it.