A surge protector should be at the top of your must-have checklist of essential RV accessories. After all, it could save every single appliance in your camper if you experience a power spike.
If you ask us, you shouldn’t even think about plugging your rig into a campground pedestal without one.
Today, we’re talking about the importance of surge protectors and giving you several affordable options to consider.
Let’s bolt!
Why are RV Surge Protectors Essential?
Every time you connect to shore power at an RV campground, you run the risk of a faulty energy supply frying your electrical system. You never know exactly how an RV park services its pedestals, and even well-maintained systems can experience power surges.
Energy spikes due to electric overload, lightning strikes, or faulty wiring can destroy devices and cause deadly fires.
Ideally, your voltmeter should read around 120V when you test your campsite’s pedestal. An acceptable range is anywhere from 108V to 132V.
A surge protector is an intermediary device that insulates your RV from energy spikes. Depending on the model, it can shut down your electronics when it detects fluctuations in energy.
While these tools are essential for safeguarding your appliances from an influx of power, they do have some limitations.
First, they won’t address low voltage, which can cause your devices to draw more Amps and eventually overheat. Additionally, you’ll need to assume they’re one-and-done instruments. That means if your surge protector experiences an electrical event, you can’t rely on it to endure another. This is especially true of more affordable models.
That said, shelling out for another surge protector will be a relief when you consider the costs of replacing all your RV’s appliances!
Discover: How to Protect Your RV Surge Protector From Thieves
Best Affordable Surge Protectors
If a pricey electronic management system isn’t in your budget, have no fear. An affordable surge protector will keep your RV safe from power spikes. Here are a few great options that won’t break the bank.
#1 GEARGO RV Surge Protector
GEARGO’s RV surge protector is the #1 best seller on Amazon for good reason.
When you plug it into your campground’s pedestal, you’ll see several indicator lights. Below these lights is a diagnostic chart that tells you what each combination means. Two green lights let you know you’re good to hook up your RV. Any other combo signals issues like reverse polarity, open hot current, and other problems that could wreck your machinery.
This system is rust-resistant, rain-proof, and rated to power spikes of 8,000 Joules for the 30-Amp version and 9,500J for the 50-Amp option. It also includes a sturdy plastic cover to shield the electrical components from rain, sand, and other debris. Best of all, it comes with a three-year warranty.
Finally, you have your choice of bright orange or neon green.
Price Check: GEARGO RV Surge Protector.
#2 Southwire SurgeGuard
Southwire’s SurgeGuard is another product beloved by the Amazon community. In fact, zero reviewers rate it less than four stars.
Like GEARGO’s surge protector, it includes illuminated status indicators and a corresponding key on the face. Its built-in intelligence will let you know if issues exist and what they are as soon as you plug it into your shore power supply. It also features Easy-T-Pull handles for effortless removal.
This nylon-fabricated device can deflect power surges of 2,100 Joules with the 30-Amp model and 4,200J with the 50-Amp option. While that’s not as much as the GEARGO item, it’s enough to save your appliances in most electrical events.
Price Check: Southwire SurgeGuard.
#3 New Generation RV Surge Protector
New Generation offers an affordable surge protector with added safeguards. Aesthetically, it’s very similar to the GEARGO device, with a circuit analyzer and robust plastic cover. It includes all-weather housing to ensure it can handle nearly any temperature.
The ergonomic pull handle makes it easy to unplug, too.
According to reviewers, its best feature is the anti-theft protection measures included with the device. When you buy this option, you’ll also get a padlock, robust security cable, and keys. You’ll never have to worry about burglars taking off with your gadget!
This surge protector is available for 30- and 50-Amp setups. The former can shield up to 2,100 Joules, while the latter can deflect up to 4,200J. There’s even an option to add a power adapter if you need both. You’ll save big instead of purchasing two separate items.
New Generation also offers a 12-month warranty. If the device fails or you’re unhappy with your purchase, they’ll make it right.
Price Check: New Generation RV Surge Protector.
#4 Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector
Progressive Industries offers many options within its line of affordable surge protectors. The portable 30-Amp model with a shielding cover can absorb up to 825 Joules, while the 50-Amp version boosts that defense up to 1,650J during an electrical event.
It also includes LED indicators to tell you when your power source is unstable. The locking bracket gives you a great place to secure it using a bike lock or other anti-theft device.
This rugged device was made to stand up against the elements and protect your RV in any conditions. Best of all, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you’ll be covered if you need to return it for any reason.
Price Check: Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector.
#5 Vehiker RV Surge Protector
The final item on our list of affordable surge protectors is a winner from Vehiker. The 50-Amp beast can deflect a whopping 12,000 Joules from your rig in the event of a power spike, while the 30-Amp version comes close with 9,800J!
This heavy-duty device includes an easy-to-read circuit analyzer. However, if you need a little more guidance, it also comes with an instruction manual. Additionally, it has a sturdy weather-guard cover to protect it from the weather and an anti-theft tab you can secure with your own wire or bike lock.
Both the 30- and 50-Amp models include a three-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry whether or not you’re making the right choice.
Price Check: Vehiker RV Surge Protector.
Safeguard Your RV with These Devices!
We think the real question here is whether or not it’s worth it to go without a surge protector. And the answer to that is a resounding no. You can snag some of these items for as low as $35. When you consider the cost of replacing even one of your RV’s appliances, it’s hard to justify passing up this essential tool.
Save yourself the heartache of a destructive power spike by grabbing an affordable surge protector before it’s too late!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: