When it comes to protecting your RV’s electrical system, a surge protector is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment you can have. Whether you’re dealing with power fluctuations at a campground or unexpected surges, these devices help prevent costly damage to your RV’s appliances and wiring.
WHY YOU NEED IT ?
To protect the entire electrical system of your RV, it can even help prevent a fire !
HOW IT WORKS ?
By monitoring electrical currents and automatically shutting off power if it detects dangerous voltage levels, protecting your RV’s electrical system and appliances from damage.
With a variety of models available on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. To simplify the task, to guide you, we’ve selected and reviewed three of the best RV surge protectors. Read on to discover why they are essential and which one might suit your RV setup best!
This RV item is part of our list of ‘25 Essentials Items Every New RV Owner Needs (Level 1)‘.
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Our Experience with RV Surge Protectors
After reading countless horror stories about RV electrical issues, we bought a Surge Protector the second we got our Class C motorhome. We went for the Power Watchdog .
Over the 5 years we used it, it saved us from a variety of electrical problems, like low voltage at campgrounds during peak summer times or makeshift RV parks with generator hookups. We also caught a couple of open ground and reverse polarity issues.
If we ever buy one again, I’d probably go for the Power Watchdog again, but the Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector is tempting too. More information about models and how it works below ! Happy reading !
The Power Watchdog surge protector, by Hughes Autoformer, is a reliable option for RVers looking to protect their electrical system, available in both 30A and 50A models. It stands out for its innovative features, including real-time monitoring of power usage via a Bluetooth-connected app. This allows users to keep an eye on voltage levels and diagnose electrical issues, which adds peace of mind on the road.
Overall, the Power Watchdog offers great protection and ease of use, making it worth considering for RV owners who value real-time data and long-term durability.
Here’s a video where to can see the phone information you can get from it !
Pros:
- Real-time monitoring through Bluetooth, giving you live updates on power usage and potential issues.
- Replaceable surge module, so you don’t need to buy a new unit after a power surge.
- User-friendly design with a built-in display for clear status updates.
Cons:
- Mid price point compared to some simpler models.
- Green leds : annoying green lights on at night.
The Geargo RV Surge Protector is a reliable, budget-friendly option available in both 30A and 50A models. It’s designed to protect RV electrical systems from power fluctuations, such as surges, low voltages, and faulty wiring. Featuring a compact, portable design, it’s easy to plug in and monitor while traveling.
The Geargo RV Surge Protector is a solid choice for those seeking dependable yet budget-friendly protection, especially for shorter trips or occasional use. For more advanced protection, a higher-end model may be worth considering.
Pros:
- Affordability: Lower cost compared to many high-end surge protectors, offering good value for basic protection needs.
- Portable Design: Lightweight and easy to connect at campsites, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
- LED Indicators: Provides visual alerts to quickly assess electrical conditions and spot issues like open grounds or reverse polarity.
Cons:
- Limited Diagnostic Features: Unlike some high-end models, it lacks a detailed real-time diagnostic display.
- Plastic Build: The housing may feel less durable than more robust models, which could be a concern for long-term use.
- No Lifetime Warranty: Comes with a shorter warranty period, potentially impacting long-term confidence in its reliability.
The Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector is a reliable, USA-made surge protector designed by Progressive Industries for RVers seeking durable and effective electrical protection. Available in 30A and 50A models, it’s well-regarded for its high-quality build, precise diagnostics, and excellent customer support. What sets this model apart is its lifetime warranty, demonstrating Progressive Industries’ confidence in its durability.
This model is a solid choice for those willing to invest in top-tier protection and performance for their RV’s electrical setup.
Pros:
- Reliable Surge Protection: Offers strong protection from electrical surges, preventing costly damage to RV appliances and systems.
- Built-in Diagnostic Display: Easy-to-read display for monitoring voltage, amperage, and any faults in real-time, making it simple to troubleshoot electrical issues.
- Lifetime Warranty: Progressive Industries backs this model with a lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for RVers who prioritize long-term investment in their gear.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: It’s on the pricier side compared to basic surge protectors, reflecting its added features and warranty.
- Bulky Design: The device can take up a bit of space, which may be challenging for those with limited storage in their RV.
FINAL VERDICT !
After a thorough review of our contenders, it’s time to deliver the final verdict! Each of these surge protectors offers unique benefits tailored to different needs, and choosing the right one depends on your priorities as an RV traveler.
For top-tier safety and durability, the Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector stands out with its robust build, lifetime warranty, and U.S.-made quality. It’s a long-term investment for those who want peace of mind and superior protection on the road. If you’re often dealing with unpredictable power sources and want something reliable, this one’s hard to beat.
Meanwhile, the Hughes Autoformer Power Watchdog brings tech-savvy features like Bluetooth connectivity and a mobile app, ideal for those who like real-time monitoring of their RV’s power situation. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer the convenience of checking voltage levels and troubleshooting from your phone.
Finally, for budget-conscious travelers looking for straightforward, entry-level protection, the Geargo RV Surge Protector is a dependable, affordable option that offers essential surge protection without the frills. It’s perfect if you’re just starting with RVing or if you’re on shorter trips and need basic coverage.
In the court of RV power protection, Progressive Industries gets the top spot for overall quality, Hughes Autoformer wins for tech lovers, and Geargo is crowned the budget-friendly champ. Choose your protector, hit the road, and rest assured your RV’s electrical system is well-guarded. Verdict delivered!
Beyond the Reviews
Is a RV Surge Protector Worth it?
Using an RV EMS surge protector is a relatively affordable way to gain peace of mind while protecting one of your most valuable assets. Not only does it shield your RV’s electrical system, but it might also save you thousands of dollars in repairs caused by faulty power hookups. Many RVers have shared unfortunate tales of fried electrical systems, and there’s often one thing they didn’t have: a reliable surge protector.
During our travels, we’ve come across several situations where we needed to alert park staff about faulty or damaged power pedestals. While we always take the time to inspect the pedestal for visible issues, sometimes the only way to detect a hidden problem is by plugging in our EMS surge protector. It has become an essential part of our setup, ensuring our electrical system stays safe.
Instead of wondering, “Is an RV surge protector worth it?”, ask yourself if protecting your RV and your peace of mind is worth a couple of hundred dollars. The answer, without a doubt, should be yes. Investing in an EMS surge protector isn’t just about avoiding repairs; it’s about enjoying your travels with confidence and security.
How a RV Surge Protector works ?
A surge protector for an RV is essential to protect sensitive electronics and appliances from power surges and fluctuations, especially when connected to external power sources like those at campgrounds. Typically rated at either 30A or 50A, RV surge protectors consist of multiple components that work together to monitor and control the electrical current entering the vehicle.
Key Components and Their Functions
MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors): MOVs are the primary component in any surge protector. They absorb excess voltage when there’s a sudden surge, dissipating it as heat. This prevents the surge from reaching your RV’s appliances and electronics. MOVs are designed to act instantly, so they can protect against even the most unexpected power spikes.
Thermal Fuse: When MOVs absorb too much power or start to overheat, the thermal fuse kicks in to cut off the connection, ensuring safety by preventing a potential fire or damage. This is particularly important in locations with frequent voltage fluctuations.
Voltage and Polarity Monitors: Surge protectors also include voltage and polarity checking components. Voltage monitors detect high or low voltage conditions and automatically shut off power when voltage falls outside a safe range (usually between 104 and 132 volts for a 120V system). Polarity monitors, on the other hand, check that the campground’s electrical hookup is wired correctly, preventing issues from improper wiring, which can cause electrical hazards.
Automatic Shutoff: This component will disengage the power if it detects unsafe levels of voltage or current. It helps protect not only against surges but also against sustained low or high voltage, which can damage electronics over time.
In essence, an RV surge protector acts as a vigilant gatekeeper, constantly monitoring incoming power and protecting your RV’s electrical system.
How to protect your RV Surge Protector against thefts
While it doesn’t happen often, there have been instances where RV surge protectors were taken. After all, it’s an expensive piece of equipment. The best practice is to lock it up using a cable or a bike lock like this one. It’s a very affordable way to prevent a few hundred dollars from walking away.
Protecting your RV surge protector against theft is crucial, especially since these devices are often expensive and vulnerable when left unattended. Here are some practical steps to help safeguard your surge protector:
Use a Locking System
Invest in a locking mechanism to lock your surge protector in place. Products like heavy-duty cables or specialized locking brackets are available and can secure your surge protector to a fixed object, such as the RV’s power pedestal or frame.Discreet Placement
When not in use, try to keep the surge protector out of plain sight. Many RVers store their surge protectors inside compartments or use covers that hide them from view, making them less tempting to thieves.Remove When Not in Use
If you’re staying for an extended period, consider removing the surge protector when it’s not actively being used. This extra effort is simple but effective in preventing theft.
Most models will have a security ring through which you can pass your lock to prevent people from taking it. In general, crimes in RV parks are crimes of opportunity. Even though a lock doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of theft, it makes it less likely.
