When you’re thinking about all the fun items that you can purchase to improve your camping experience, a surge protector isn’t likely at the top of the list. However, this vital accessory can mean all the difference between an enjoyable family adventure and an expensive, stressful nightmare.
What is an RV Surge Protector?
An RV surge protector is a device designed to safeguard your RV's electrical system from potentially devastating voltage spikes and fluctuations.
Power irregularities can occur due to lightning strikes, unexpected power surges, faulty wiring at campgrounds, or even just low voltage caused by additional demands when plugged into shore power. Without a surge protector, your RV's sensitive electronics—from the air conditioning unit and refrigerator to the entertainment system and charging devices—are at serious risk of damage.
How Do RV Surge Protectors Work?
Surge protectors work by monitoring the electrical current flowing into your RV and instantly cutting off the power supply if unsafe voltage levels are detected.
This protective mechanism ensures that only stable, safe electricity reaches your RV—effectively shielding your appliances from harm, just like the surge protector or power bar that you plug your home computer into. Beyond basic protection against voltage fluctuations, most modern surge protectors also offer advanced features such as reverse polarity detection and even remote monitoring capabilities.
Do I Need A Surge Protector For My RV?
Short answer: YES!
It may surprise you to learn that power surges don’t just damage sensitive electronics. They can also overheat your RV’s electrical system and pose a pretty serious fire hazard! Nothing puts a damper on a great camping weekend like burning your RV to the ground.
Short of a full-blown fire, repairing damaged electronics on your RV can be pretty expensive, not to mention seriously inconvenient. Thankfully, an RV surge protector is a small investment that pays big dividends.
Types of RV Surge Protectors
While any surge protector is better than no surge protector, it’s worth mentioning that not all of these devices are created equal.
Essentially, there are two different types of surge protectors. One is just as the name implies—a basic surge protector that merely guards your RV from sudden bursts of high voltage. The second is often called a surge protector, but is really considered an energy management system (EMS).
An EMS surge protector is a more thorough and all-encompassing safeguard that not only protects against voltage surges, but also reverse polarity, open ground, low voltage, open neutral, and other electrical anomalies.
In fact, these devices take their protection a step further by actually regulating the electricity that comes into your RV. Yes, they’re more expensive, but by ensuring that all incoming electricity is an even voltage, they’re your best chance at avoiding any and all electrical issues, including fire.
Additionally, in the event of a power failure or surge, EMS systems usually feature a built-in delay timer that automatically restores power to your RV only once the voltage has stabilized again to a safe level. Most general surge protectors require a manual resetting.
Portable Vs. Hardwired Surge Protectors
Once you decide on a type of surge protector, you need to decide whether you want a portable or a hardwired unit.
Portable surge protectors are less expensive and super simple to set up. Plus, if you sell your RV and buy a new one, it’s easy to take your surge protector with you.
The problem, however, is that you need to remember to actually set the unit up each and every time you move your RV. Another drawback to portable surge protectors is that they are often targets of theft, so safeguarding yours is a must if you don’t want it to be mysteriously missing when you come back from hiking.
Hardwired surge protectors are often installed on luxury or higher-end RVs and are housed in a storage compartment underneath the camper, safely tucked away where nosy neighbors and passersby can’t see and be tempted to steal them. These are much more comprehensive and are often tied into a panel that will show which faults are triggered.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of having a hardwired EMS system is that it’s automatically turned on every time you plug your RV into shore power, so you will never forget to connect it. Of course, more comprehensive means more complicated. So, if you’re not DIY savvy, you may need to factor in dealer installation costs.
Amperage
Surge protectors come with either a 30- or 50-amp rating. This rating basically indicates the maximum amount of current that your surge protector can work with, so it’s important to know your RV’s power requirements prior to purchasing one.
A 50-amp surge protector has male and female ends and features four prongs on its plug. A 30-amp surge guard will also have male and female ends, but has only three prongs on the plug.
While you can use a 50-amp surge protector on a 30-amp RV, flip-flopping that and using a 30-amp RV surge protector on a 50-amp system can overload the protector and could prevent some of your RV’s electronics and appliances from working properly.
If you’re trying to decide between 30- or 50-amps, consider whether you may want to upgrade your RV’s electrical system at some point. If you plan on adding appliances or upgrading your RV, then a 50-amp surge protector is probably your best bet.
Surge Protector Features to Look For
In addition to the considerations listed above, keep an eye out for some of the following features to ensure you find a surge protector model that best meets your needs.
Weatherproofing
Since camping isn’t all sunshine and rainbows—especially in places like the Pacific Northwest—it’s a good idea to select an RV surge protector with at least an IP65 water-resistance rating. This will ensure the unit can stand up to dirt, debris, UV rays, and rain.
Some models, like the Southwire Model 44380 and Progressive Industries SSP-50XL, feature an additional plastic guard that folds down and protects the female part of the receptacle from moisture and unwanted water damage.
Display Screen
Most basic RV surge protectors feature small displays with diagnostic LED lights that indicate the status of your connection to power. These lights will indicate things such as power on, open neutral, open ground, reverse polarity, etc.
However, some of the higher-end surge protectors (especially built-in EMS systems) are equipped with large, easy-to-read LCD or LED displays for added ease of use. These displays may also indicate things such as battery voltage.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Some “smart” models, like the Hughes Power Watchdog surge protector, offer Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor power levels on your smartphone. This is great for receiving hazard alerts, as well as gathering instant feedback on voltage, amperage, wattage, and more.
Ergonomic Handles
Surge protectors like Camco’s Power Grip feature patented ergonomic handles that make plugging and unplugging easier. These contoured grips are designed to provide a secure hold, making it easier to connect or disconnect the surge protector without straining or damaging the unit. They’re great when working in a tight space, or for users who may have limited hand strength.
Security Features
To avoid having your portable surge protector disappear during a camping excursion, some units come with integrated locks or theft deterrent features. The Valterra Surge Minder, for example, has an anti-theft lock with two keys included to secure the unit.
Power Up Safely
For a reliable and high-quality RV surge protector selection, check out Parts Via, where you'll find top brands like Southwire, Arcon, Hughes, Progressive Industries, Camco, and Valterra.
Protect your RV’s electrical system with confidence and enjoy peace of mind on all your adventures. Happy travels and safe camping!