Many things can happen when you connect your RV to a power source at an RV park. Such power outlets can unexpectedly damage an RV’s electrical system and fry electronics.
Finding the best RV surge protector for your RV is a simple and affordable way to avoid this.
A surge protector for your RV will protect your electronics from various issues caused by faulty power outlets. Voltages can be too low, or there could be a power surge.
All of these issues can cause costly and time-consuming repairs and replacements for your RV. Continue reading through our RV surge protection reviews to find the best protector for trouble-free RV travel.
Why You Need a Good RV Surge Protector
Most RVs’ electrical systems aren’t incredibly complex. However, understanding how batteries, power systems, and electrical appliances aren’t on the mind of the new RVer’s.
Contents
Should you travel when the weather gets colder, you can rely on heaters more. Doing so doesn’t take long to overload a system. Like at home, you can have blown fuses, breakers tripping, and the potential for an electrical fire. (Learn How to Prepare for Full Time RV Living)
Unless you have a good understanding, you’ll just hope to be safe and protect all your devices.
An RV surge protector can be the one piece of equipment that cares for your RV and all your devices inside of it. Many full-time RVer has learned the hard way but now understand how valuable RV surge protectors are.
Top RV Surge Protector Reviews
1. Progressive Industries 50 Amp Portable RV Electrical Management System Surge Protector (1 MIN), EMS-PT50X
The Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Portable 50-Amp RV Surge Protector is helping solidify the manufacturer’s reputation. It contains every feature you could wish for in a 50-amp surge protector.
First, you have the surge failure LED indicators to alerts a user of a potential issue with the LED lights. You also find the rugged pull handle makes using the unit far easier.
This scrolling digital display is something else to make life easier. The Progressive Industries EMS-PT 50X is a favorite against the RV crowd for a good reason.
It has 5-Mode / 3,580J / 88,000A and rating to make it deal with anything: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W. Besides, you can use the 50-amp surge protector in temperatures of -40C to +105C. It is weather-resistant and designed to use your RV in any condition.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Pros
[su_list icon=”icon: plus-circle” icon_color=”#408C52″]
- Offers protection against all power issues
- No installation needed
- Integrated locking bracket
- Lifetime warranty [/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
[su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#A80020″]
- Can only use in one position
- Easy to steal if it isn’t locked [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price of a little over $560, you get the best RV surge protectors from a top-rated company. Using this Progressive Industries portable system, you have a complete portable Electrical Management Systems offering full protection for your RV and anyone inside it.
2. Progressive Industries 30 Amp Portable RV Smart Surge Protector With Cover (1 MIN), SSP-30XL
The Progressive Industries SSP-30XL 30 Amp RV Surge Protector is another quality product. It is easy to set up the best RV surge protector 30 amp following the pictures and instructions.
The design allows it to carry out several functions; one can detect open ground, reverse polarity, open neutral, and more. It is well built, weather-resistant, and happy outdoors in all weathers and temperatures of -40C to +105C. There is also thermal protection built-in.
It comes with 3-color bright LED indicators built-in so that you can see instant notifications of issues.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Pros
[su_list icon=”icon: plus-circle” icon_color=”#408C52″]
- Affordable price
- Durable and great weatherproofing
- Easy to use interface
- Works in extreme temperatures [/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
[su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#A80020″]
- Disputable warranty claims
- No reset function [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price of just under $90, the 30 amp surge protector offers a decent amount of protection for the smaller RV or lighter use. The primary function being it saves against unexpected power surges.
3. Southwire 34930 Surge Guard 30A – Full Protection Portable with LCD Display
The Southwire Surge Guard 34930 makes it easy to check vital statistics of your RV’s electrical system. Once you plug in the TRC Surge Guard, a 10-second countdown on display shows the startup sequence. For protection, the 34930 portable surge protector offers a 128-second delay after the power has been applied to your RV.
The Southwire Surge Guard 34930 uses a design to protect electronics following power surges; thus, you can check if your surge protector has been sacrificed from the Surge indicator.
Should the indicator be lit, you’ll discover the Southwire unit has to be replaced for this function. The protector can help you address wiring faults such as polarity, ground, and similar issues. To sum it up, for RVers that desire expedient protection, Southwire Surge Guard 34930 is the best RV surge protector available.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Pros
[su_list icon=”icon: plus-circle” icon_color=”#408C52″]
- Great compatibility
- Easy to use with automatic reset
- High levels of indication, including power pedestal
- Anti-theft ring [/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
[su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#A80020″]
- Not the best weatherproofing
- Dated design [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price of just under $250, you get lots of surge protection. The power surge protector offers a lot, yet it falls in certain areas for some RVers, such as harsh weather reliability.
4. Progressive Industries 50 Amp Portable RV Smart Surge Protector With Cover (1 MIN), SSP-50XL
Our final RV surge protector Progressive Industries SSP 50XL, is a robust model, which delivers all-around surge protection.
The Progressive Industries surge protector can cope with outdoor weather thanks to the weatherproof cover. No matter what is thrown at it, such as heat, humidity, rain, or extreme temperatures, it can cope as any other Progressive Industries EMS HW30C model included. It can take some setup once you first use the surge protector for RV use, yet it doesn’t take an electrician to do it. The Progressive Industries SSP-50XL can cater to a wide range of applications. It is lightweight and has a handy pull handle.
Like other models, the Progressive Industries SSP-50XL comes with LED indicators to keep you informed of your electrical system’s status. It is widely known as one of the best 50 Amp RV surge protector pros use regularly.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Pros
[su_list icon=”icon: plus-circle” icon_color=”#408C52″]
- Lots of adaptability
- Robust and dependable
- Great value
- Works at 50A, 120/240V with a 1650 joule rating and 45,000A max current spike [/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
[su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#A80020″]
- Control could do with refinements
- LED lights can burn out in time [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price of just over $130, this portable RV surge protector offers any RV owner peace of mind when using this EMS. It combines a detailed circuit analyzer, reverse polarity, and power pedestal protection.
No products found.
No products found.
5. Southwire 34950 Surge Guard – Full Protection Portable with LCD Display, 50A
The Southwire surge failure indicator uses the same digital display as other models. You also have the 10-second startup delay from plugging into your power source, and when your EMS lets power flow to your RV, a Progressive Industries model offers a 136-second delay.
The Southwire Surge Guard 34950 portable EMS offers 50 amp protection, and you can use it to check your RVs wiring for open ground, and should there be one, then no power will flow.
The Southwire Surge Guard 34950 instantly reacts when there is a voltage spike and cuts power before damage to your rig or devices.
It can also disconnect power after a 7-second delay if it detects a low voltage, high voltage, open ground, or reverse polarity situation.
Something unique to the Surge Guard 34950/30 is that it will shut off power to your RV if an overheating plug or receptacle is detected.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Pros
[su_list icon=”icon: plus-circle” icon_color=”#408C52″]
- No installation needed
- It gives complete electrical protection
- Lifetime warranty
- High levels of protection [/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
[su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#A80020″]
- It requires a lock or could easily be stolen
- When used on a low pedestal, the surge protector or EMS could rest on the ground [/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
With a guide price just under $350, you get a high-performing and high amp service. The voltage protector offers a lot compared to another electrical management system (EMS). It ranks highly by many RV owners.
Best RV Surge Protector Buying guide
Since there is much at stake, you need a device to protect your investment; it is here where buying a good RV surge protector comes in. Here are some things to know.
Types of RV Surge Protectors
Basic surge protectors: Offer protection for your RV against unstable electricity.
Complete surge protectors: Such devices offer more protection. Many offer complete electrical management systems to bolster RV protection. Such protection comprises faulty wiring, high and low voltages, and more.
Amperage: 30 amp vs. 50 amp
One area to pay attention to on an RV surge protector is the amperage. You’ll find 30-amp and 50-amp versions, so pick one right for your RV rig.
Look at your rig’s power cord, and if you have three prongs, you have a 30-amp rig. If there are four prongs, you have a 50-amp rig such as a motorhome.
Diagnostics
Surge protectors use diagnostics to search and detect power supply issues.
LED Display
Some models come with LEDs, while others use Digital Displays. Any display needs to be easy to read in the day or at night. It should also be bright enough for daytime use, which is a problem with some surge protectors.
Protection
Not all RV surge protectors are made equal. Some offer Automatic Shutoff & Alarms while others don’t.
Joules Rating
Most surge protectors offer a joule rating, which tells you how much protection the device will provide. The higher the rating, the more effective the device and able to stop overheating.
Power Rating
Check the surge protector power rating is above the maximum level of energy your RV can potentially
generate.
Portable vs. Hard-Wired
You can also find portable units along with hard-wired models. Portable surge protectors are typically cheaper than the higher price tag of hard-wired models. Hard-wired surge protectors need an electrician to wire them in, yet the plus points are they won’t be stolen.
Weatherproofing
A good surge protector has to survive harsh weather conditions as it will be outside.
Final Verdict
In testing, many of the protectors offered a good degree of protection. However, for features and the overall price to performance, the Progressive Industries 50 Amp Portable RV Electrical Management System Surge Protector (1 MIN), EMS-PT50X, came out on top. (Learn How to Unclog a RV Toilet Holding Tank)
No matter what the weather was like or how unstable the power to an RV, the voltage remained constant. You can be safe against any shore power or low voltage setting.
With the lifetime warranty and the secure locking ring, you have an RV surge protector that you’ll only have to purchase once.
