Whether you’re camping at your favorite park or boondocking in a remote location, reliable power is imperative. That’s what makes RV surge protectors a must-have. Our guide will provide the information you need to make an informed choice. Considering what’s at stake, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Source: thecurveahead.net
Contents
Buying Guide
Surge protectors go the gamut from your basic power strip to more sophisticated models meant for handling large loads. These products protect your appliances and other devices during a voltage spike, such as a lightning strike. Let’s face it. Shore power has its hiccups, which can wreak havoc on any powered device in your rig.
Features to consider include:
- Types of Electrical Management System (EMS): Surge protectors have metal oxide varistors (MOVs), which take the hit to the ground instead of your stuff. An EMS does the same thing but also safeguards your rig by tripping the electricity source to keep the spike from damaging anything. They are the premier choice between the two.
- Kinds of RV Surge Protectors: Primary models sit between the power source and your house, or in this case, your RV. The secondary ones include various forms of power strips. You’ll also see uninterrupted power supply surge protectors, which keep the juice flowing with a battery.
- Standard Features: Specs vary with the type, but ones you may see include max spike current, energy rating, amps, Underwriter’s Laboratory certification, and MOV indicator lights.
Buying Recommendations








Best Budget RV Surge Protectors
1. CyberPower CSP600WSU Surge Protector – Editor’s Pick
Installation: Plug-in
Surge Protection: 1200 joule
Warranty: Lifetime $75,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee
- The sides swivel out for convenient placement in tight spaces.
- It includes additional filters for optimal performance.
- There are also two USB ports.
- Warranty terms include proof of purchase with damaged items.
- 6 NEMA 5-15R Surge Protected swivel outlets provide 1200 joules of protection for home and office computers, electronics, and home theater equipment
- (2) USB charging ports – 2.4 Amp (shared) are perfect for keeping tablets, smartphones, and other rechargeable devices ready to use
- Compact design and swivel outlets – 2 banks of swivel outlets are perfect for providing power in tight spaces, such as behind a bookshelf or desk
2. AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector
Installation: Plug-in
Surge Protection: 15 amp circuit breaker; 200 joule
Warranty: Maximum of $20,000 for connected devices
- The package includes two power strips.
- An indicator light tells you if it’s still functioning.
- There are pre-drilled holes to mount the unit.
- The power cords are short.
Premium RV Surge Protectors
1. Progressive Industries SSP-50XL Surge Protector – Editor’s Pick
Installation: Plug-n-play
Surge Protection: 50 amps; 1650 joules
Warranty: Lifetime
- The product is UL-certified.
- It offers complete protection with five modes.
- You can use it with a 30-amp outlet with the correct adaptor.
- You must get it installed through a qualified RV tech as per the warranty terms.
- Surge Protection: 5-Mode / 1650J / 45,000A. Ratings: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C
- Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection, Miswired Pedestal Indication, Surge Failure Indicator
- Designed for Outdoor Use, Weather Resistant, All Weather Shield Assembly, Thermally Protected
2. Hughes Autoformer PWD30 Power WatchDog Surge Protector
Installation: Plug-n-play
Surge Protection: 2400 joules
Warranty: Two-year warranty on the device
- You can get alerts on your smartphone about possible issues with its mobile app and Park Power Diagnostics.
- It has an IP rating of 65 for optimal protection.
- You can replace the surge module if a spike damages it.
- There are occasional issues with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- Easy grip handles
- Very Light Weight - 3 lbs.
Basic Power Protection
1. GE Outlet Surge Protector – Editor’s Pick
Installation: Plug-in
Surge Protection: 15 amps; 800 joules
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
- It has both an indicator light and safety covers for outlets that you aren’t using.
- The plug sits flat against the wall.
- The warranty is impressive, considering what it is.
- The LED lights on the strip are too bright.
- Expand Your Power – This GE 6 Outlet Surge Protector with 6-foot cord provides power for your home and office electronics
- Long Cord – Get optimal reach with the 6-foot-long power cord with a standard plug at the end
- Protection – Ensure the safety of your electronics with the 800 Joules Protection Rating and integrated circuit breaker
2. AiJoy Surge Protector
Installation: Plug-in
Surge Protection: Automatic shut-off over 2500 watts
Warranty: n/a
- The product has plenty of outlets and ports, along with a long cord.
- The manufacturer went the extra mile with several certifications, including UL and FCC.
- It has an automatic shut-off to protect your rig and devices.
- The unit is too lightweight to manage the use of all its outlets and ports.
- Plug in 4 Sides, Functional and Plenty of Room. The vertical power strips are on each side of the central column to give plenty of space for those bulkier plugs that would cover the next outlet on the old style flat universal socket and having 4 USB makes this surge protectors much more useful. Perfect for kitchen table, rv, college dorms, living room, bed room, office and so on.
- Charging Tower with USB Fast Charging: 4 USB charger 3.1A MAX Per port(Total is 3.1A) that can give your latest USB devices a fast charging! This power strip outlet supports power: 1250W ~ 125V / 2500W ~ 250V,and it does automatically shut off if the wattage through it goes over 2500W, its surge protection, overload protection, lightning protection, short-circuit protection make it Safe and Reliable.
- Surge Protector Extension Cord 10FT: It is a smaller profile surge power strip and has a much better aesthetic appeal. You can fit 8 cords comfortably unlike traditional power strips where huge plugs take up space. Everything fits and the main cord is long enough to put the power strip with usb where you want. Dimensions are 6.7 x 4.3 x 4.3 in, only weight 1.56lbs.
30 Amp Surge Protector
1. Camco 55312 Circuit Analyzer – Editor’s Pick
Installation: Plug-n-play
Surge Protection: 2100 joules
Warranty: One-year warranty
- The LED lights make it quick and easy to diagnose electrical issues.
- The ergonomic ends make it easy to use.
- The company produces several accessories to accompany this product for customizing it to your needs.
- You must keep it in an upright position to protect it from the elements.
2. Surge Guard 44280 Portable Surge Protector
Installation: Plug-n-play
Surge Protection: 2100 joules
Warranty: One-year warranty
- The product is UL-certified.
- The item has a thermal sensor to prevent further issues from overheating.
- It comes with a rain cover for additional protection against the elements.
- The LED lights could be brighter.
- UL listed surge protector designed to handle the high power consumption demands of RVers
- Analyzes circuits to identify power supply status
- Checks for open ground, open neutral, correct polarity and reversed lines/ground
50 Amp Surge Protector
1. Southwire 34950 Surge Guard – Editor’s Pick
Installation: Plug-n-play
Surge Protection: 4200 joules
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- The delay provides additional protection for your air conditioner.
- The surge protection is among the best we’ve seen.
- Diagnostics of shore power is a godsend.
- The product is expensive.
- Continuously monitors for and displays voltage and amp draw (RMS)
- LCD display (English)
- 10 second start up sequence
2. Hughes Autoformers PWD50-EPO-H Smart Surge Protector
Installation: Plug-n-play
Surge Protection: 4800 joules;50 amp
Warranty: Two-year warranty
- The product acts like an EMS and will automatically shut off the power.
- The smart device has Bluetooth connectivity.
- The display is easy to read.
- It is spendy.
- 4, 800 Joules of advanced surge protection
- Smart Circuit Analyzer will shut down power to RV if a dangerous event occurs and an alert will be sent to your smartphone
- Plug-n-play – Only 4 second delay power on after plugging in (others brands are up to 2 minutes)
Final Thoughts About RV Surge Protectors
While RV surge protectors aren’t sexy products, they are critical for keeping your rig and devices safe. They are a worthwhile investment that will pay for themselves the first time they prevent damage from natural causes or your shore power sources.
Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API