RV Surge Protector
Just like how you protect your electronic devices in your sticks and bricks home, every camper needs an RV surge protector for their rig. It only takes one bad connection at the campground power supply to fry your equipment and while that would make for a memorable trip, it’d be much easier (and CHEAPER) to protect your RV. When you pull into a campsite, you never know what to expect (we’ve found some pretty shady spots), but with an RV surge protector, you can be sure your rig is always protected from the faulty electrical supply.
While you CAN get an RV surge protector fairly inexpensively, you really need an Advanced Energy Management System to give you even more protection for your RV. In addition to everything else a surge protector does, an advanced energy management system (EMS) offers voltage spike protection. These RV surge protectors will help keep any nearby lightning strikes from reaching your RV’s electrical system. In addition to this added protection, they also continuously monitor for voltage above 128 or below 104 volts to make sure the ground connection is working properly.
If something dangerous is found, these devices will shut down and remove your RV from the pedestal power, saving your RV from damage to the electrical system. The cost of these advanced / EMS protectors is well worth the investment, considering it’d cost MUCH more to replace your entire RV and contents. Check out the list below for our top picks.
Hughes Power Watchdog with EPO (Emergency Power Off):
This one will monitor for high or low voltage, reverse polarity, open ground, and high amperage. The Hughes Watchdog will also check for downstream open neutral problems in your RV, a great feature for a 50-amp service.
- Bluetooth app that allows you to monitor voltage and current draw from your RV, as well as see your total Kilowatt Hour Usage (helpful to make sure parks aren’t overcharging you for electricity).
- Available in both 30 and 50 amps with portable and hardwired options
- You can replace the MOV module yourself for around $30 if it gets damaged from too many surges – way better than having to buy a whole new unit!!!
Progressive Industries EMS (Electrical Management System)
These EMS surge protectors come in both hardwired and portable versions for 30 and 50-amp rigs. There’s no Bluetooth app for this one just yet.
- Progressive Industries offers a great replacement warranty if the MOVs do wear out
- This one has a waterproof plug cover you can add on
- This one gives you simple warning codes, but you need to look up the codes on a chart (which might be inconvenient at times).
Southwire/Surge Guard Total Electrical Protection
The Southwire Surge Guard is also available in both 30-amp and 50-amp versions. This one has an automatic reset when power is restored after an event. While there’s no Bluetooth option, they do have an optional (extra cost) battery-operated Bluetooth LCD display that allows for remote monitoring of your Surge Guard.
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Portable and hardwired options
- Monitors low (>102) and high (<132) Voltage
Once you have decided which RV surge protector is best for your needs, you’ll need to make sure you get the right size. If you have a 50 amp RV you should get a 50 amp RV surge protector. If you use a 30 amp surge protector, you will only have 30 amps worth of power whenever you plug in, so make sure you get a protector that covers your RV’s full capabilities. You will find that some campgrounds only have 30 amp service. You can still use your 50 amp surge protector in the 30 amp outlet, just make sure you have a suitable dogbone adapter with you.
Related Posts
RV Tanks
How to Dump RV Tanks at Home: The Perfect Step-by-Step Guide
RVStorage Ideas for Clothes
Best LED Replacement Bulbs for RV 921
How to Run an RV Fridge on Propane
The Best RV Vacuums That Totally Suck
