So, it’s better to stay prepared rather than to regret any mishap. That said, we have come up with some of the best RV surge protectors out there that can help you keep your RV protected from electrical damage. A decent RV surge protector might cost around $100-$350, but you should keep a few things in mind before buying one:
Hardwired or Detachable: There are basically two kinds of RV surge protectors, Hardwired and Detachable ones. While the detachable ones are super-easy to install as they simply plugin, and start working. The hardwired models are essentially installed inside your RV, so the one-time installation is complicated, but no one can steal it, so it’s also good in that way. Amps Rating: Depending on the circuitry of your RV, you have to confirm whether your RV requires a 50 Amps connection or a 30 Amps connection. Choosing the right one for your RV is important otherwise, it may make things worse. Surge Rating: When it comes to handling electric surges, each surge protector has its own capabilities. While most 30-amps surge protectors are good to handle up to 2000 Joules of electricity, 50-amps options may survive up to 4000 Joules before showing any signs of failure.
That’s what’s most essential to check before you spend your money on a surge protector for your expensive RV, but there are a few more things that you can consider and make your purchase even more worth it. To know such factors, you can consider reading the “Buying Guide” that’s mentioned below in this article.
6 Best RV Surge Protectors in 2023 List
Best RV Surge Protectors in 2023: Reviews
1. Progressive Industries HW50C RV Surge Protector
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Progressive Industries is one of the most renowned and trustworthy brands out there when it comes to making superior-quality surge protectors for RVs. We’re placing this HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge at the 1st position in this list because it’s highly premium and can protect your RV from extremely severe damages. That said, it can substantially withstand 3,580J / 88,000A of electricity. Apart from that, this 50 amps model is ideal to use with both 120V as well as 240V, and it even supports up to 12000W power. It’s built quite solidly that it can survive in unfavorable temperatures from -40 degrees to 105 degrees Celsius. Speaking of 5-mode protection, it offers Open Ground, Open Neutral, and Reverse Polarity detection and protection, Accidental 240V Protection, Over/Under Voltage Protection, and A/C Frequency Protection. The package also includes a 14’ data cable that’ll be helpful while setting this up. Moreover, you can remotely scroll through all the information it shows on the digital display, while it also has a miswired pedestal indication and surges failure indicator. The best part is that the manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty for this RV surge protector. Key Features:
5-Mode Protection Accidental 240V Protection Supports up to 3,580J / 88,000A 50 Amps Surge Protector Works for 120V/240V / 12,000W Over/Under Voltage Protection Can withstand -40C to +105C temperatures Remote Scrolling Digital Display Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
Highly-durable Can operate well in unfavorable temperature conditions Comes with a lifetime warranty No worries about theft
Cons:
Installation might be tricky
2. Camco 50 Amp RV Surge Protector
In contrast with the previous one, if you want a plug-and-play surge protector for your RV, Camco is the most popular brand that you can trust on. We are placing this surge protector in the 2nd position in this list since it’s highly efficient and easy to use as well. It can significantly save your RV from dangerously high (above 132VAC), and low (below 102VAC) power surges. Since it features an automatic shut-off feature, it automatically disconnects your RV from the electricity until the conditions go back to a safe state. An LED indicator is also provided that flashes whenever faults are detected and reset itself after a time delay of 140 seconds. On the other hand, it also provides your RV complete protection against any wiring issues, reverse polarity, open neutral, etc. Apart from that, this 50 amps surge protector works fine and can handle up to 4,200 Joules of electricity pretty easily. The installation process is pretty quick as well since it comes with 50-Amp male (NEMA 14-50P)/50-Amp female (NEMA 14-50R) input and output which you can directly plugin and use. In addition, it’s totally weather-resistant, so there’ll be no issues using it outdoors, especially when it’s covered under a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Key Features:
50 amps surge protector 4200 Joules of surge protection 50-Amp male (NEMA 14-50P) 50-Amp female (NEMA 14-50R) Weather-Resistant 140 Second Reset time delay Auto Shut-off and Reset 1 Year Warranty
Pros:
Easy installation Ideal for outdoor use Comes with PowerGrip handles
Cons:
Slightly Expensive
3. Southwire 34930 RV Surge Protector
For those who are looking for a premium 30 amp surge protector for their RVs, the Southwire 34930 is one of the best options to pick. It holds 3rd place on this list since it’s quite easy to operate and also comes with a small LCD panel display to showcase the information. Basically, it’s a 30 amps surge protector that can operate on both 120V and 240V power supplies. As far as the protection is concerned, Southwire 34930 Surge Guard can handle up to 2450 Joules and also tackle dangerously high (above 132VAC) and low (below 102VAC) power surges. Due to its plug-and-play design, it’s highly portable and easy to use as well. After dealing with any power surge, it uses a 128 seconds reset delay and 10 seconds start-up sequence that is quite essential and helpful for protecting appliances like Air Conditioners. Not just that, it also features an automatic reset feature that triggers power restoration, so you won’t have to do it manually. For additional safety, it comes with a safety cover for the connector, and an anti-theft lock ring on the cord as well. Moreover, Southwire offers a lifetime warranty for this surge protector which is also a great add-on. Key Features:
30 Amp Surge Protector Supports up to 2450 Joules Ideal for both 120V/240V LCD Display Panel 128 Seconds Reset Time delay 10 Second Startup sequence Automatic Reset Feature Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
Simple installation Universally compatible Comes with an anti-theft locking ring for safety
Cons:
Average Build Quality
4. Surge Guard 35550 RV Surge Protector
Next up, we have a pretty good offering from Surge Guard for the audience looking for a 50 amps hardwired model. It’s a good choice to pick if you want to secure your RV without making your pockets completely empty. Since it’s a hardwired model, it’ll need one-time installation, which is very simple for this model. At the front, you will get multiple LED indicator lights that will provide you all the necessary information about the connection. Fortunately, it automatically shuts off when it detects any power surge, or other dangerous conditions like Open Ground, Open Neutral, and Reverse Polarity, etc. Not only that, it can automatically reset itself as well upon power restoration. Its 128-second reset delay will help you keep the appliances in your RV safe and sound all the time. Moreover, there are no doubts about its build quality as it is strong enough to manage electricity up to 3850 Joules which is pretty decent for a 50 amps surge protector. It does come with a 1-year warranty, but that’s only applicable when the device is installed by an RV dealer or some licensed electrician. Key Features:
50 Amp Surge Protector Supports up to 3850 Joules 128 Second Time Delay upon reset LED indicator lights Auto Shut-off Feature Auto Reset Feature Supports both 120V/240V supplies 1 Year Warranty
Pros:
Simple installation Theft-proof Highly protective
Cons:
Installation by a professional is preferred for warranty reasons
5. TRC 44750 RV Surge Protector
Last but not the least, we have one more highly affordable option for you all that is offered by TRC. Hence, you should check it out if you’re on a budget. This highly portable surge protector from TRC has a plug-and-play design that allows users to directly join it between the connection and use it. Speaking of protection, the 44750 Surge Guard is ideal for all 30-amp connections and comes with Shock Shield to deal with power surges. That said, it can significantly detect any ground faults and shut off the power automatically as well. However, the auto-reset feature is not present in this model; you have to reset it manually. Since it’s meant for outdoor use, it’s good to see that the brand has put efforts into making it weather-resistant as well. It’s an ideal surge protector to use with 120V power supplies and provides 510 Joules surge protection. In addition, TRC also offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for this model, which provides additional peace of mind to the customers. Key Features:
30 Amp Surge Protector Supports up to 510 Joules Ideal for 120V supplies Shock Shield Protection Auto Shut-off feature Weather Resistant 1 Year Warranty
Pros:
Good Build quality Highly Affordable Provides decent protection
Cons:
Lacks auto-reset feature
6. Hughes Autoformer BX4370 RV Surge Protector
Coming over to the next surge protector, this one is from Hughes Autoformer, which is well-known to provide highly affordable surge protectors. That said, this 30 amps surge protector does come at a very attractive price point as well. Looking at the design, it’s a pretty simple plug-and-play design which makes it extremely easy to use. On the main unit, you get three LED indicator lights that can display information by flashing lights in several combinations, which are all mentioned on the front panel itself. It’s a small 14’ surge protector that only weighs around 3 pounds which means you can easily store and carry it with you without any problems. Speaking of its power ratings, it’s ideal to use with 120V power connections. It uses a highly efficient spike module that can handle up to 2400 Joules of electricity. Apart from all the basic features, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity that makes it connect to your smartphone via an application. This can be handy if you want to check information about the connection directly on your phone. Moreover, the brand offers a 2-year warranty for this surge protector also. Key Features:
30 Amps surge protector LED indicator lights Bluetooth Connectivity Ideal for 120V supply Supports up to 2400 Joules Plug-and-play design 2 Year Warranty
Pros:
Decent pricing Can connect with your smartphone via Bluetooth and Application Highly portable
Cons:
Could be easily stolen
Buying Guide for the Best RV Surge Protectors
We understand maintaining a fully-equipped RV is not that easy. That said, if you frequently take your RV out for vacations, power stations present in the parking areas and campsites do not have a stable power output, so there’s always a risk of power surges. However, if your RV is protected with a decent surge protector, you can stay out of the risk and save thousands. In this buying guide, we will discuss some crucial factors that you should always check before buying a surge protector for your RV. Let’s start!
Type
First of all, you should know that there are two kinds of surge protectors available for RVs, Hardwired and Plug-and-Play models. The hardwired models are directly installed in the RV, but the installation is a bit tricky, so you might need to hire a professional for that. On the other hand, the plug-and-play design models attach between the connection line, which is pretty simple, and anyone can do it on their own. Moreover, they are portable as well, so you can easily carry them, or even lend them to your friends in need. However, the plug-and-play models are more vulnerable to theft as anyone can simply unplug them and steal, which is not the case with hardwired models. So, both types of surge protectors have their own pros and cons.
Build Quality
Once you pick the right type, you should take a look at their build quality. Generally, the hardwired models are better here, since they are installed inside the RV, so they are less prone to damage. However, in the case of plug-and-play devices, you should check if the surge protector is weather-resistant or not. The surge protectors, which are weather-resistant, can be used in rain, storm, etc., while you can relax in your RV on the vacation. Otherwise, you will have to keep an eye on the weather all the time and use it cautiously.
Amps Rating
It depends on your RV, whether it uses a 50 amps connection or a 30 amps connection. So, depending on that, you can pick the right pick for your personal RV. In general, you can distinguish between a 50 amp and 30 amp surge protector by looking at their connection pins. The 50 amps surge protectors usually have a 4 pin connector where 3 of them are flat, and 1 is round. On the other hand, 30 amp devices come with a 3-pin connector featuring only 2 flat pins and 1 round pin.
Voltage Rating
You can easily find surge protectors that support 120V power supplies, as we have already mentioned a lot of good options on the list. However, at some places, you might find a 240V power supply. In that case, your 120V power surge protector might not work properly. Hence, the good choice to make here is to get a surge protector that can deal with both 120V and 240V power supplies.
Surge Rating
Next up, considering the surge rating is quite an essential factor while buying a surge protector for your RV. If you have a well-equipped RV trailer that boasts Air Conditioners, refrigerators, and a bunch of other appliances. You should spend your money on a good surge protector that is capable of handling around 4000 Joules of electricity for proper protection. Although such high spikes are very rare, you should not be playing risky here. On the other hand, if there are lesser appliances in your RV, you can consider other options with fewer Joules, such as a 2000 Joules one.
Warranty
Lastly, we always recommend checking for the warranty for any product you purchase. In the case of RV surge protectors; there are several brands that offer lifetime warranty while the others provide 1 or 2-year warranty. It’s always better to pick a surge protector which has a longer warranty period so that you can get a replacement easily if something wrong happens with the product.
Conclusion
We hope you have liked this list of the best RV surge protectors. As you can see, we have included all kinds of options in the list, which have different prices as well. That said, there’s a surge protector for everyone on this list. By now, we assume you already have a few considerations in mind to get your hands on. However, if you are getting confused between all the good options, we have a few personal recommendations for you:
If you are looking for a hardwired model, the Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge is one of the best options to pick. It’s a 50 amp option that comes with 5-mode surge protection. Moreover, it’s ideal for both 120V and 240V supplies and comes with a lifetime warranty. In the 50 amps category, if you want to choose a plug-and-play design surge protector, there’s no better option than the Camco 50 Amp RV Power Defender Voltage Protector. It features 4200 Joules of surge protection and is completely weather-resistant as well. For those people who are looking for a 30 amp model, pick the Southwire 34930 Surge Guard 30A surge protector as it provides full protection against every wiring fault, and also comes with an anti-theft locking feature.
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