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Protect Your RV’s Electrical Appliances with the Best RV Surge Protector: Top 5 Models Reviewed

Published on September 3rd, 2019 by Ray & Tammy Roman
This post was updated on March 19th, 2024

Protect the expensive electrical appliances in your motor home using the best RV surge protector. First, it protects your expensive appliances from older electrical systems and lightning strikes. Second, it will protect your electronics from high and low voltage. Depending on the model, you get protection from various issues. 

Looking for the best RV surge protectors?

These are the top 5 RV surge protectors we recommend.Below you will find detailed product information and the pros and cons of each model.

EDITORS PICK – Camco Power Defender 55306 with Integrated Surge Protection

Sale
Camco Power Grip Camper/RV 50-Amp Voltage Protector | Features......
  • RV ELECTRICAL PROTECTION: Protects your camper from dangerous high (>132 VAC) and low (
  • AUTO CONNECT/DISCONNECT & DIAGNOSTIC LEDS: Automatically disconnects from dangerous conditions & reconnects after normal operating conditions are restored. Diagnostic LEDs indicate...

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Designed to connect directly to a campsite’s power pedestal, the Camco Power Defender circuit analyzer has surge protection of up to 1,050 joules. Here is how it works. Before connecting to your RV, the device will carry out a series of diagnostics. The LED will indicate the status of the source circuit.

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Suppose the device confirms that the source circuit matches; you can connect your RV. The circuit analyzer is weather resistant. As such, it can withstand adverse weather.

Aside from protecting your electrical equipment, the circuit analyzer can indicate wiring issues. For instance, it can analyze the source circuit and identify faults for reverse polarity. It can also identify other wiring issues.

Made in the US, the circuit analyzer with integrated surge protection has diagnostic LEDs. Indicators include correct wiring, open ground, reverse polarity, open hot, open neutral, hot/ground reverse, and hot on neutral with hot open. This helps to indicate faults.

As the best 50 amp RV surge protector, it has a contoured grip making plugging and unplugging easier. The product has the following dimensions: 27.5 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches. We consider the Camco one of the best RV surge protectors for the money.

Pros

  • Works in adverse weather conditions
  • Diagnoses source circuit for faults
  • Indicates faults for reverse polarity
  • Contoured grip 

Cons

  • Limited information on warranty
  • Verified buyer claims it lasted only 1 hit

Portable RV Surge Protector EMS-PT30X

Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector, 30 Amp EMS with......
  • Maintain electronic safety - This 30 Amp RV Surge Protector by Progressive Industries is a real guard for your RV electronics. Its built-in Electrical Management System helps to protect...
  • Prevents costly damage - With a 30A/120V/3,600W rating, EMS-PT30X can absorb surges of up to 1,790 joules. This surge protector prevents severe and expensive damage to RV accessories...

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Regarding the best performing and portable RV surge protector, the EMS-PT30X is another top contender. Progressive Industries is a trusted brand; it’s weather resistant, making it ideal for use in adverse weather conditions. It can protect your appliances from weather elements such as snow, rain, sun, and wind.

The portable RV surge protector from Progressive Industries also has a weather shield. This ensures that the unit lasts longer than other models on the market.

It has a security locking bracket that allows every RV owner to secure the surge protector. As such, you don’t have to fear that the surge protector will unplug accidentally if not secured well.

For easy unplugging, you have the rugged pull handle. Thanks to its intelligent design, you can have peace of mind that your appliances will not get damaged by faulty connections. The portable surge protector also has Lexan housing.

This provides extra protection to the RV and electrical devices. The surge protector can provide full protection to your RV electrical appliances thanks to its surge suppression rating of 1790 joules.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Weather-resistant
  • built-in scrolling digital display

Cons

  • Expensive
  • The warranty does not include heat damage

Southwire Surge Guard 34931  Portable Protector

Technology Research Corp 34931 Surge Guard 30A Portable Wireless Surge......
  • Low and high frequency protection
  • Includes anti-theft lock ring on cord

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As one of the most powerful portable surge protectors on the market, Surge Guard 34931 comes with built-in intelligence. It has smart microprocessors which protect your RV from faulty park power.

Unlike other models, the Surge Guard portable protector offers twice the surge protection other models offer. That is 2,450 joules of power surge protection. As such, you can have peace of mind knowing that your electrical appliances are safe.

Apart from the complete surge protection, the best 30 amp RV surge protector can monitor voltage, reverse polarity and amp consistently. This model comes with AC compressor protection with a 128-second reset delay. This ensures that one of the most expensive appliances gets protected.

It also comes with an automatic reset feature. This allows the surge protector to work during power restoration and plug disconnection.

The surge protector is compatible with power pedestals in most campsites. It’s also compatible with most RVs, motor homes, and trailers using 50A service.

The device has an LCD with the following dimensions: 4.68 by 3.86 by 21.5 inches.

Pros

  • Compact, easy set-up
  • Automatic reset
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • No info on weather-resistant
  • No locking brackets included

Southwire Guard 44390 Portable Surge Protection

Sale
Southwire Company LLC 44390 Surge Guard 50A Portable , Black...
  • Brand: Southwire Company LLC
  • Part Number: 44390

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Southwire 44390 portable surge protector has ground fault protection protecting your electrical equipment and RV from power faults. Perfect for travel trailers and pop-ups, the surge protector can automatically shut off the power in case of ground faults.

Another smart feature you will love about the SouthWire 44390 surge protector is shock protection. One of the top considerations when buying a surge protector is shock protection protects your electrical equipment from open neutral and reverse polarity. It also protects you from open ground and other issues.

Built to withstand adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, and sun, it helps to prevent damage to your electronics.

This guarantees you that the devices will last long. A dependable surge guard, it’s compatible with all RVs, trailers, and motorhomes.

The surge protector weighs 3.59 pounds and has the following dimensions: 24.4 x 5.8 x 5.8 inches. It’s rated at 120V, 50A.

Pros

  • Easy set-up
  • Provides shock protection
  • Weather-resistant

Cons

  • No reset button
  • No low voltage protection

Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection

Progressive Industries Hardwired RV Surge Protector, 50 Amp EMS with......
  • Maintain electronic safety - This 50 Amp RV Surge Protector by Progressive Industries is a real guard for your RV electronics. Its built-in Electrical Management System helps to protect...
  • Prevents costly damage - With a 50A/120-240V/12,000W rating, EMS-HW50C can absorb surges of up to 3,580 joules. This surge protector prevents severe and expensive damage to RV...

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Paid Affiliate Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Camping in the RV is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. Not only does it provide an opportunity for families to spend time together, but they get to be closer.

However, as the RV owner, you must ensure that the electrical appliances are safe. You don’t want a fire to start in your RV due to an electrical fault ruining your camping.

Unlike other surge protectors on this list, HW50C is hardwired into your RV electrical circuit. Hardwired surge protectors provide the highest level of protection of electrical spikes and surges. 

This unit is wired between your AC inlet and your RVs electrical panel and protects all onboard AC devices. This is not the type of surge protector you might forget at home since it is wired into your camper.

It’s available in 30-amp and 50-amp models. It’s rated at 88,000A max current spike/ 3,580 joules. It can sense Open Hot Indication, Open Ground Protection, Open Neutral Protection, and Reverse Polarity Protection.

It measures 10.2 x 5.7 x 4.9 inches and weighs about 2.49 pounds.

Pros

  • Hardwired
  • Miswired pedestal indication and surge failure indicator
  • Remote Scrolling Digital Display

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some buyers have reported quality issues

Getting the Best Deal

To get the best deal, you have to consider a couple of things. First, consider the joule rating. The higher the rating, the higher the level of surge protection. Also, a higher joule rating means its ability to disperse heat during power spikes.

Second, consider the amp rating. Every electrical device requires a certain amount of electricity to function. If insufficient power is present, the device will not work. Buying a surge protector with the right amp rating protects your RV and electrical equipment.

Third, check for an LED display and lights. The display helps to show voltage, frequency, and more metrics. The LED lights help to indicate if there is an issue with the source circuit or wiring.

Fourth, make sure the device is weather resistant. If the device is not suitable for outdoor use, your electrical appliances will not be safe. This is because rain or snow can cause a short circuit leading to damage.

Last, you should find a product that does not give you a hard time installing. Simply put, find one that is plug-and-play. The surge protector should also come with a manual.

When shopping for the best RV surge protectors, we recommend that you buy from a reputable brand. Buying a cheap surge protector will damage your electrical appliances.

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to also read about our top selections for best travel trailer brands and our review of the Airstream Nest and Top 10 Pop Up Campers. One other RV accessory you should buy is an RV sewer hose support. Look at the Top 7 best RV sewer hose support we reviewed.