Plus, 13 Important Factors To Look For.

RVing is our favorite way to explore the outdoors, offering the freedom to travel with the comforts of home. Our RV actually IS our home, as we’ve been traveling full time in it since 2018! Protecting our home on wheels is a MUST. One essential piece of equipment every RV owner needs is a surge protector. Here’s why:

1. Protects Your Electrical System

RVs are packed with electrical appliances and systems, from refrigerators and air conditioners to TVs and computers. A power surge, which is a sudden spike in voltage, can damage or even destroy these devices. A surge protector acts as a shield, absorbing excess voltage and preventing it from reaching your RV's electrical system.

2. Guards Against Unstable Campground Power

Campgrounds are notorious for having unstable power supplies. They often experience voltage fluctuations due to the varying demands from multiple RVs hooked up to the same power source. We encountered this more in Mexico than anywhere else, but it definitely happens in the U.S. too. A surge protector ensures that these fluctuations don't harm your RV's electronics by providing a steady flow of power.

3. Prevents Expensive Repairs

Repairing or replacing damaged electrical components in an RV can be costly. Surge protectors are a small investment compared to the potential expense of fixing or replacing fried wiring, appliances, or other electronic devices. By using a surge protector, you can avoid these unexpected repair costs.

4. Enhances Safety

Electrical issues can be dangerous, potentially leading to fires. Surge protectors not only protect your appliances but also reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by power surges. This added layer of safety is crucial, especially when you're in a small space like an RV.

5. Protects Against Lightning Strikes

While rare, lightning strikes can cause significant damage to your RV's electrical system. A surge protector can help safeguard your RV against the immense voltage surge caused by a lightning strike, preventing catastrophic damage.

6. Monitors Electrical Health

Many modern surge protectors come with built-in diagnostic tools that monitor the health of the electrical supply. They can detect issues such as low or high voltage, faulty wiring, or improper grounding. This feature allows you to address potential problems before they cause damage.

7. Peace of Mind

Knowing that your RV and its electrical systems are protected allows you to focus on everything else. The peace of mind that comes from using a surge protector is invaluable, letting you relax without worrying about electrical mishaps.

Important Factors To Look For In A Surge Protector

When it comes to protecting your RV's electrical system, not all surge protectors are created equal. Here are the crucial features you should look for to ensure comprehensive protection:

1. Power Surge Protection

A primary function of any surge protector is to guard against power surges. These sudden spikes in voltage can cause severe damage to your RV’s electrical appliances and systems. A good surge protector will absorb these excess voltages and keep your equipment safe.

2. Open Ground Protection

An open ground occurs when the ground wire is not properly connected. This can lead to electrical shocks and equipment malfunctions. Ensure your surge protector can detect and protect against open grounds.

3. Open Neutral Protection

An open neutral can cause unbalanced voltage, leading to damage to your RV’s electrical appliances. A quality surge protector will monitor for open neutral conditions and provide protection.

4. Low Voltage Protection (<102V)

Low voltage can be just as damaging as high voltage, causing your electrical devices to underperform or overheat. Look for a surge protector that safeguards against low voltage conditions.

5. High Voltage Protection (>132V)

High voltage can fry your electrical appliances. Ensure your surge protector can detect and protect against high voltage spikes to keep your devices safe.

6. Overheating Plug/Receptacle Protection

Overheating can lead to fires, which is a significant risk in an RV. A surge protector that monitors and protects against overheating plugs and receptacles is essential for safety.

7. Polarity Detection

Incorrect wiring, such as reverse polarity, can pose serious safety risks and damage your RV’s electrical system. A good surge protector will detect polarity issues and alert you.

8. Weather Resistance

RVs are often exposed to the elements, so having a weather-resistant surge protector is crucial. Look for models that can withstand rain, sun, and extreme temperatures to ensure durability.

9. Joules Rating

The joules rating indicates how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. Higher joules ratings offer better protection. Aim for a surge protector with a high joules rating for optimal safety.

10. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts

Advanced surge protectors come with real-time monitoring features that provide alerts for electrical issues such as voltage fluctuations, wiring problems, and power quality. This allows you to address problems before they cause significant damage.

11. Portability and Ease of Use

Since RVs are all about mobility, having a surge protector that is easy to install and portable is a big plus. Look for compact, lightweight models that can be easily connected and disconnected.

12. Auto-Disconnect Feature

Some surge protectors offer an auto-disconnect feature that automatically cuts off power to your RV if dangerous conditions are detected. This can prevent severe damage and enhance safety.

13. Warranty and Support

Finally, consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected against defects and malfunctions.

By ensuring your surge protector has these important features, you can protect your RV’s electrical system from a wide range of potential hazards, keeping your home on wheels safe and secure.

Our Favorite Surge Protector: Southwire Surge Guard

After years of full-time RV travel and testing various models, we have found the Southwire Surge Guard to be our favorite.

Here’s why:

The Southwire Surge Guard 50A provides top-notch protection against power surges, open grounds, open neutrals, low and high voltage, and overheating plugs/receptacles.

It offers a high joules rating, ensuring that your RV’s electrical system is well-protected from sudden spikes in voltage.

What sets this model apart is its real-time monitoring and alerts, which give us peace of mind by notifying us of any electrical issues. The auto-disconnect feature has come in handy multiple times and is a lifesaver, automatically cutting off power if dangerous conditions are detected.

The Southwire Surge Guard 50A has received rave reviews from fellow RVers on sites like CampingWorld.com, praising its reliability and durability.

Many users highlight its ease of use and the comprehensive protection it offers, making it a must-have for anyone serious about protecting their RV’s electrical system.

Check out reviews and purchase at CampingWorld

We’ve personally experienced the benefits of this surge protector, from identifying unsafe power sources to preventing potential electrical damage. Its weather-resistant design is perfect for the varying conditions we encounter on the road, and the portability ensures we can use it wherever we go.

It’s been a lifesaver in so many instances, saving us from frying our system and showing us the safe sites to use!

A helpful hint is to try out the pedestal with your surge guard before setting up. It should be the first thing you do when you pull in. If it shows that it’s unstable or unsafe, you can easily move to a better site.

Investing in a surge protector is a smart move for any RV owner. It protects your electrical system, prevents costly repairs, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind. With a small upfront cost, a surge protector can save you from significant headaches and expenses down the road, making it an essential piece of gear for every RV adventure.

Stay Protected and Travel Worry-Free

Protect your RV and enjoy the freedom of the open road with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home on wheels is safe from electrical mishaps. Happy travels!