When you are driving and riding in an RV, it is possible that you love to get back to nature and leave the modern world behind you. However, it doesn’t mean you are leaving all the modern conveniences behind. You would still need to have access to modern electric appliances in your RV, and installing the best RV surge protector is a must.
Progressive Industries 30 Amp Portable RV Smart Surge Protector
The Progressive Industries 30 amp Portable RV Smart Surge Protector is known to be the best surge protector in the market. It is designed for 30 amp RVs that weighs under two pounds which is perfect if you are on the lookout when it comes to the weight of your RV. This is one of the reasons why it is considered to be one of the best surge protectors out there.
Aside from the weight, it is also easy to install and available at an affordable price point compared to other surge protector models. The rate for this surge protector is up to 825 joules and 22,500 apps which is great for outdoor use. There is no need to worry about the weather when you use the Progressive Industries 30 Amp Portable RV Smart Surge Protector.
This surge protector has a huge operating temperature range that extends from -40 degrees to 221 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also wrapped in thermally protected housing for additional safety. Another great feature about this surge protector is the indicator lights that will signal different electrical issues that it may have.
It can detect reverse polarity, open ground, open neutral, miswired pedestal, and surge failure, which are great things to know when you are on the road. On the front of the surge protector, it has a clear diagram that explains how different indicator lights signal and different electrical issues that would need to be addressed.
It also has a sleek and low-profile design, which is perfect for your RV. Aside from the features that are mentioned above, it also has a polarity tester where you can check the status of the power source before using it. You also don’t have to worry about it being stolen since it comes with a locking bracket. The rugged pull handle will help you plug in and unplug it as easily as possible.
Now, the joules rating could still be improved and reach at least a rating above 1,000. There is also no LED display since the indicator lights only provide a small level of information that you would have to work with. Another downside to this surge protector is it doesn’t monitor for dangerously high or low voltage.
The Progressive Industries 30 Amp Portable RV Smart Surge Protector is available on Amazon
for $83.72.
Camco RV Power Defender: Most Durable Surge Protector
When it comes to RV suppliers, Camco is a very popular name. However, they are not known for electrical protection since it is new territory for them. With this said the Camco 55301 30 Amp RV Power Defender is still worth taking a look at since they are super durable.
It can provide surge protection of up to 2,450 joules and can protect against high as well as low voltage. It has an auto-connect and disconnects feature where it will automatically disconnect from any dangerous conditions and reconnects when everything comes back to normal operating conditions have been restored.
The Camco 55301 30 Amp RV Power Defender also has protection against reverse polarity, open neutral, and various wiring issues. It has contoured grips, making unplugging and plugging easier, and can withstand any adverse weather conditions when installing it in an upright position.
The only drawback to this surge protector is it’s not lockable. The yellow color is attention-grabbing, which is great to make it vulnerable to theft. Now, since the price of this surge protector is a bit expensive, the lack of security can be a bit concerning.
The Camco RV Power Defender also comes in a 50 amp voltage protector and is rated to provide protection against surges up to 4,200 joules. Just like the 30 amp, it stands upright when it is plugged in. Both the 30 amp and 50 amp surge protectors are weather-resistant, which is a great feature to have when you are out and about on the road.
When you fail to integrate the Camco RV Power Defender properly, the weather-resistant feature won’t be as nearly effective as it would be under proper circumstances. It also has LED indicators that provide useful information, such as the type of fault or wiring issue that you might need to address.
The Camco 55301 30 Amp RV Power Defender is available on Amazon for $223.74, and the Camco 50 Amp RV Power Defender costs $268.40.
TRC Surge Guard 44260 Portable Surge Protector
The TRC Surge Guard 44260 Portable Surge Protector will not cause any form of disappointment since it tends to leave a good impression among RVers. The one thing that RVers like about this surge protector is its versatility since it is not only made to handle RVs. You can also bring it with other camping supplies during travel outings and camping trips.
This surge protector is fully reliable in the sense that it can give the protection that your rig demands. It provides surge protection of up to 2,100 joules, and the TRC Surge Guard 44260 Portable Surge Protector also analyzes the circuit continuously. Aside from that, it alerts you of any issues that you need to address via the LED lights, which have a legend to explain what each alert means.
The TRC Surge Guard 44260 Portable Surge Protector is also weather-resistant, which means you can use it in light rain situations. However, it may not be a great idea to use it in heavy rainfall where you might need more waterproofing.
Another great feature about this surge protector is it is portable, which eliminates the need to install it in a complex way. When you plug in this protector, you can have peace of mind since you know that you are secured. The TRC Surge Guard 44260 Portable Surge Protector can also identify the pedestal power by analyzing circuits.
The drawbacks to this device are that there is no way to tell when it needs replacing and only prevents one surge. You may also experience problems when you use this in heavy rainfall. Lastly, the indicator lights are not as strong as you expect them to be.
The TRC Surge Guard 44260 Portable Surge Protector is available in physical stores for $82.03.
The Camco Heavy-duty Dogbone RV Circuit Analyzer
The Camco Heavy-duty Dogbone RV Circuit Analyzer is another great and reliable surge protector that you can expect utmost satisfaction. It is very effective when it comes to protecting your electronics, especially from electrical boxes with improper wirings on your rig. This surge protector will perform by providing you with instant visual indications about particular faults before you connect the power cord of your vehicle into the electrical box.
The Camco Heavy-duty Dogbone RV Circuit Analyzer has the capability of offering a maximum of 2,100 joules surge protection which is a good protection rating. The diagnostic lights of this surge protector work well in terms of providing you an indication regarding certain issues.
One of the best benefits that you can get with this surge protector is you can safely and easily plug and unplug it. This is because of the power grip handle that is included on the unit, and it is also known to be weather-resistant as well. Aside from this, it is a tough and sturdy circuit analyzer and surge protector that can offer protection to your RV.
Using this device is not too complicated, and you can even find a clear legend in front of it. It will let you know the meaning of each indicator light. The Camco Heavy-duty Dogbone RV Circuit Analyzer also boasts its high-quality construction and reasonable price. Now, since it is weather-resistant, it doesn’t seem to work that effectively when it is used in heavy rains.
You can purchase the Camco Heavy-duty Dogbone RV Circuit Analyzer at your nearby stores for $89.03.
Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge and Electrical Protection
The Progressive Industries HW50C is known to be the surge protector with an LED display. You can easily install this in the underneath compartment of your rig once and enjoy the added electrical protection and monitoring while you are on the road. This surge protector also includes an LED display that provides error codes for more than ten different electrical issues.
This surge protector also monitors for open grounds, reserve polarity, the high and low voltage across two lines, data link failure, high and low frequencies, and so much more. It is made for full-time RVers that need a 50 amp power connection.
It is easy to find replacement parts for the Progressive Industries HW50C if you need any repairs. This surge protector is made for year-round use which can operate at temperatures as low as -40 degrees to 221 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Progressive Industries HW50C also has a miswired pedestal indication and surge failure indicator for you to be aware of. It also has a remote scrolling digital display that continuously scrolls through the power source information. It is UL Certified and provides a lifetime warranty.
One drawback that Progressive Industries HW50C has is it’s not made for outdoor use. You must install it in a protected compartment underneath your RV. Another is it would require more installation time. Hence, it would be best if you were sure to carefully check the user’s manual to properly hardwire this surge protector into the RV’s electrical system.
You can purchase the Progressive Industries HW50C on Amazon for $329.95.
Southwire Black 34930 Surge Guard: Best Universal Fit
If you are looking for a premium 30 amp surge protector for your rig, the Southwire Black 34930 Surge Guard is the best choice for you. It is easy to use and comes with a small LCD panel display to show any information that you need to know. This surge protector is great for both 120V and 240V power supplies that you may have on your rig.
As far as the surge protection, the Southwire Black 34930 Surge Guard can handle up to 2,450 joules. It can also handle dangerously high (above 132VAC) and low (below 102VAC) power surges. It has a plug-and-play design that is highly portable and easy to use.
When dealing with any power surge, it uses a 128 seconds reset delay and a ten-second start-up sequence that is crucial as well as helpful in protecting your appliances such as air conditioners. Aside from that, it also features an automatic reset feature that can trigger power restoration, so you don’t need to do it manually.
For an additional safety precaution, it comes with a safety cover for the connector and an anti-theft lock ring on the cord to prevent theft. The Southwire Black 34930 Surge Guard also offers a lifetime warranty for this surge protector, which is also a great add-on.
One downside to this device is that there’s no handle, making plugging a bit more difficult than the others on this list. Also, it doesn’t have any indication of UL listing, but the product claims it may not be verified by a third party for safety and durability.
You can buy the Southwire Black 34930 Surge Guard on Amazon for $239.62.
Hughes Autoformer RV Surge Protector
The Hughes Autoformer RV Surge Protector comes in 30 and 50 amp. It boasts a built-in Bluetooth connectivity and lets you monitor the status of your electrical setup through your smartphone without any difficulty. When the Hughes Autoformer RV Surge Protector notices odd readings, it will send you a text message to warn you of the possible dangers.
In case someone or something breaches your safety parameters, the Hughes Autoformer RV Surge Protector will automatically shut down your power in your rig. When the surge protector is plugged in, it will take about four seconds for it to turn on, which is pretty fast compared to other models in the market that usually takes minutes.
To protect the delicate appliances that you use in your rig, the surge protector features a 90-second delay after the power in your RV is back on. The spike module of the Hughes Autoformer RV Surge Protector would be useless if it is subjected to a single power surge.
The module is both replaceable and affordable so that you could get your surge protector back online with a snap. Due to the slim body design, this surge protector is a wise investment for those RVs that have limited storage space. When you want to save space, the Hughes Autoformer RV Surge Protector is the best for you.
Now, some of the drawbacks to this device are the quality control could use some work, and several surge protectors arrive with incorrect parts.
The Hughes Autoformer RV Surge Protector is available on Amazon for $99.64 (30 amp) and $150.20 (50 amp).
Technology Research 34850 Surge Guard
The Technology Research 34850 Surge Guard has the capability of monitoring amp, voltage draw, and reverse polarity continuously. It is compatible with all types of trailers, motorhomes, and RVs, especially for those who are using a 50-amp service. This surge protector also offers protection for your AC compressor, and that’s thanks to the 128-second reset delay feature. For its surge protection rating, you can expect it to go up to 3,850 joules, which is pretty decent.
One of the great features of this surge protector is it has automatic reset, which is good for a more convenient experience during power restoration as well as plug disconnection. It is also protective since it can shut off power automatically in case of overheating and open ground.
The Technology Research 34850 Surge Guard is lightweight, which makes it not hard to handle. Aside from that, you will be glad to know that it has user-friendly and convenient plug disconnection handles. It also comes with an LCD display and light indicators that will let you know if there’s a problem that needs fixing.
The only drawback to this device is it doesn’t have a fireproof feature and a surge failure indicator. Other than that, this surge protector is perfect for making sure that the appliances in your rig are safe. It is also a bit expensive but worth the investment.
The Technology Research 34850 Surge Guard is available on Amazon for $345.37.
All You Need to Consider When Buying A Surge Protector
Surge protector’s main role is to protect your RV’s electrical appliances and other electrical things you may have. Power surges do happen, and they can damage the appliances that you have on your rig or your entire electrical system. To solve this problem, purchasing a surge protector is important.
A surge protector is a device that you would have when you are traveling on the road. You will never know when a power surge may happen, so in order to prevent this problem, purchasing a surge protector is the best way to go. All full-time RVers may rely a lot on the limited appliances that they have, so buying a reliable surge protector is crucial.
30 Amp Vs. 50 Amp: Know the Amperage
The amperage is the main thing that you need to pay attention to when you are buying a surge protector. There are two versions when it comes to amperage, which are 30 and 50 amp. It is important that you must get the right one for your RV, and it is easy to figure out which one you would need.
All you need to do is look at your rig’s power cord. If you see three prongs, you need to purchase a 30 amp surge protector, which is typical in smaller campervans. If you have a power cord with four prongs, you would need a 50 amp which is mostly found in most motorhomes.
The Joules Rating and Power Rating
As you may have noticed above, I have mentioned joules ratings which essentially tells you how much protection the surge protector provides your rig. A surge protector would disperse heat in the event of a power spike. The highest the joules rating is, the more effective the device is at prevents any overheating. The joules protection becomes important when you are looking for devices that have a longer lifespan and fuller protection.
On the other hand, the power rating is rated above the maximum energy level that your rig will generate. You need to make sure to consider all the appliances that you regularly and concurrently have in your RV.
Diagnostics and LED Display
Now, surge protectors have evolved to be sophisticated, and modern versions use diagnostics to detect any issues that the protector may have in the power supply. When there is a problem, the protector will alert you if there are any problems. This feature can come in handy when you are visiting new campgrounds with unknown power supplies.
When the surge protector detects any irregularities, the LED display will come in handy because it will let you know what’s the problem. The LED display should be easy to read and should be bright enough for daytime use which is one of the issues that some surge protectors have.
Types of RV Surge Protectors You Need to Know
There are two types of surge protectors that you would need to know when you choose your surge protector.
Basic surge protectors. These surge protectors are as basic as they can get; just like what the name suggests, it is a basic device. They can protect your rig against unstable electricity at RV parks or campgrounds.
Complete surge protectors. On the other hand, these devices offer a higher level of protection and come with a higher price tag. Some surge protectors come with electrical management systems that bolster RV protection. The protection includes things like faulty wiring, high and low voltages, and open ground.
Power Strip. The best thing about this surge protector is that you can easily plug it into an electrical outlet. It also has several unique outlets, which makes it possible for you to plug several appliances into it.
Hardwire. Hardwire surge protectors can conveniently and firmly attach to the internal parts of your rig. This type of device is often available in a specific compartment where your wiring takes power. One of the advantages of this device is you can stay connected at all times. It will eliminate any worries as far as safety and protection are concerned.
Portable. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing your surge protector, then it is best to go for the portable type. This is easy and convenient to use since it doesn’t need any complex installation process. All you need to do is connect it directly into an electrical pedestal’s outlet, and you are good to go.
It is best to purchase the complete surge protectors, which will provide much more comprehensive protection than the basic ones.
How an RV Surge Protector Work
The primary purpose of an RV surge protector is to offer assistance every time you plug your vehicle into an unfamiliar or unknown power source. These sources can be a friend’s home, RV parks, campgrounds, or a storage unit. It works by analyzing the power source to figure out if it is neutral or a proper ground.
It prevents any issues that are related to reverse polarity and low as well as high voltages. You can expect it to work in monitoring any changing situations such as low and high voltages as well as surges. Surge protectors also function similarly to the ones that you use for your home electronics.
Now, the main advantage of using a surge protector for your rig is that you can conveniently plug it into a power pedestal at specific RV sites without worrying. Some also feature a kit that you can use when it comes to wiring the surge protector to a primary power feed directly.
Another great function of the RV surge protector is it examines power sources such as proper voltage, neutral condition, grounding, frequency, and reverse polarity. It also works by constantly keeping track of power situations that you might encounter along the way.
Lastly, a surge protector also ensures in case of certain changes, and the device will immediately cut the power of your rig. It can offer protection for your expensive devices and electronics by preventing any costly damages to them.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a surge protector is a great investment since it is necessary for your safety on the road. In my opinion, the best choice for a surge protector is the Camco RV Defender because of the joules rating and other features it offers. It also has an automatic shut-off, which is great for saving my appliances in my rig. With all the options that you have above, it is up to you to choose which one will be the best fit for you!
