Power Your RV Safely with These Top Surge Protectors
Keep your camper’s appliances powered up and safe from dangerous surges with one of these reliable product picks.
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A surge protector is a device that detects faults in the power supply and evens out sudden peaks of electricity to protect your recreational vehicle and its equipment. It’s an important tool for every RV owner, whether you use your RV once a year or every day. It only takes one bad connection to the pedestal power supply at a campsite to fry all your equipment. Our review looks into some of the best RV voltage protectors for your consideration.
You never quite know what you’re going to get when you guide your RV into a camping spot. From the ground beneath your wheels to the angle you’re parked at to the reliability of the electrical power at the site’s hookups, every campsite is different. But more often than not, these seemingly minor differences can present you with some serious camping frustrations, especially when you’ve plugged into a power tower that delivers inconsistent, surging, or dangerously unpredictable power. Luckily, there’s an easy fix: An RV surge protector.
Designed to keep you and all of your RV’s electrical appliances or components safely connected to power regardless of unexpected surges, these handy accessories are an affordable investment that can save you a ton of money. And they’re especially important when you’re in unpredictable situations. Check out our top picks for RV surge protectors below.
Surge Guard Portable Surge Protector
- Up to 2,100 joules of protection
- Easy-to-read LED indicator lights
- Analyzes circuits as soon as you plug in
- Doesn’t offer energy management or extras beyond protection
Progressive Industries RSM50 RV Surge Module
- Up to 2,030 joules of protection
- Easy to use
- Simplifies RV electrical protection
- Will likely burn out after one surge
- Only one indicator light
Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog Portable RV Bluetooth Surge Protector
- Up to 2,400 joules of protection
- Bluetooth and smartphone app connectivity
- Complete power diagnostics and insights
- Can’t get real-time alerts without cell service
Our Methodology
The products we chose as our best RV surge protectors are those that could provide consistent, reliable protection in the face of fluctuating power — and, of course, shorts or surges — at campsite hookups. The surge protectors that made our list were those that were made specifically for RVs and their electric needs or appliances, with either 30 or 50 amp ratings. These products are compatible with RV cords and connections, and they’re all meant to be used outdoors in all kinds of camping situations. Plus, we looked at users' reviews to understand how each surge protector held up in real-life conditions, from rainy weather to power surges to repeated uses.
Best RV Surge Protector Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Amp Rating: 30 amps
- Brand: Surge Guard
- Display or Indicators: LED indicator lights
Pros
- 2,100 joules of surge protection
- Analyzes circuits at any power pedestal
- LED indicators show power status
- Convenient Easy-T-Pull plug handles
Cons
- Doesn’t offer extras beyond surge protection
Specs
- Amp Rating: 50 amps
- Brand: Progressive Industries
- Display or Indicators: Fault indicator light
Pros
- 2,030 joules of surge protection
- Simple, easy-to-use design
- Small and lightweight
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Not many indicator lights
- May not survive a single surge
Specs
- Amp Rating: 30 amps
- Brand: Hughes Autoformers
- Display or Indicators: LED diagnostic display
Pros
- 2,400 joules of surge protection
- 90-second power-on delay after a fault
- Smart circuit analyzer sends alerts and cuts power automatically
- Complete power diagnostics available
Cons
- Does require a smartphone app to see more in-depth power stats
Specs
- Amp Rating: 30 amps
- Brand: Powsaf
- Display or Indicators: LED indicator lights
Pros
- 4,100 joules of surge protection
- Indicators show faults for an array of wiring issues
- Contoured grips on each end
- IP67 waterproof rating
Cons
- Can fall out of some power pedestals
- May be loose in some cases
Specs
- Amp Rating: 30 amps
- Brand: Progressive Industries
- Display or Indicators: LED indicator lights
Pros
- 825 joules of surge protection
- All-weather shield assembly with weather-resistant materials
- Locking bracket for security
- Detects surges, improper wiring, reverse polarity, and more
Cons
- Plastic cover may fall off
Specs
- Amp Rating: 30 amps
- Brand: Camco
- Display or Indicators: LED indicator lights
Pros
- 2,800 joules of surge protection
- Protects against high and low voltages as well as surges
- PowerGrip handles for easy plugging and unplugging
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Likely won’t last after a surge occurs
Specs
- Amp Rating: 50 amps
- Brand: Southwire
- Display or Indicators: LCD display
Pros
- Protects against power surges, voltage variations, and more
- Easy-T-Pull plug handles
- Bright LCD display for continuous monitoring
- Automatic reset and multi-mode surge suppression
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Our Verdict on RV Surge Protectors
The Surge Guard Portable Surge Protector is straightforward and easy to set up, and it’ll provide you with reliable, consistent protection wherever you camp. Plus, it’s got great coverage for those unpredictable surges. If you’re looking for value in addition to surge protection, another great option is the Progressive Industries RSM50 RV Surge Module, which is affordable, small, and still able to keep your RV’s electrical system safe.
What to Consider When Buying RV Surge Protectors
If you’re wondering how to narrow down your options and find an RV surge protector that’ll offer the level of coverage you need when you’re plugged in at campsites, keep these key details in mind while you shop.
Types of RV Surge Protectors
RV Surge Protectors
Surge protectors made specifically for RVs are essentially just like your surge protector at home. They’re extras that are designed to offer you a level defense against surges and power fluctuations when your RV and all of its electronics are plugged in at campsites and any power pedestals. However, surge protectors are considered the “entry-level” protection — they can’t do much more than protect your electronics, though some may allow you to see insight into power levels and what’s happening when surges occur, you can’t actually manage or control the energy.
RV Energy Management Systems (EMS)
If you’re hoping for higher-level protection for your RV’s electronics, an energy management system or EMS is like an upgraded surge protector. Not only can these devices offer all of the same protections and functionality of your typical RV surge protector, but they also give you even more control. With an EMS, you’ll be able to automatically manage your RV’s energy usage to ensure the entire electrical system isn’t overloaded. It’s a handy addition if you’re considering keeping a closer eye on what’s happening while you’re powered up.
RV Surge Protector Pricing
On average, you’ll spend anywhere from $80 to $120 for a standard RV surge protector. But there are options for nearly any budget. If you just want a simple surge protector, you can find affordable options with no bells or whistles for $40 to $60. If you’re looking for more features, like LCD or LED displays, built-in grips, handles, or higher amperage ratings, then you should expect to spend upwards of $100.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Do I need a 30-amp or 50-amp RV surge protector?
A: Check your RV’s manual! If you have a 50-amp service, you’ll need a 50-amp surge protector. Same thing goes for 30-amp service.
Q: Can you use a 50-amp RV surge protector for 30-amp outlets?
A: There’s no harm in going above and beyond as long as you have the proper adapter. If you’re going to use a 50-amp surge protector on a 30-amp outlet or power pedestal, make sure you have a suitable dogbone adapter with you.
Q: What’s the difference between an RV surge protector and an EMS?
A: As we explained above, a surge protector is an entry-level product that’ll keep your electronics and electrical system safe in the event of a damage-causing surge. An RV EMS goes farther, offering both surge protection and the ability to manage your RV’s electrical system to prevent overloading.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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