I broke down the list between 50 amp and 30 amp. The prices do range from less than a $100 to over $600.
These surge protectors will keep your RV electrical system safe from most electrical inconsistencies.
I'm sure you're wondering by now "Do I need a RV surge protector?" or "Why use a RV surge protector". Many of us look at the costs associated with a surge protector and choose to put something like this off for a while.
I know we did that until we were at a state park with inconsistent voltage. We didn't have a surge protector and I could smell my electrical wires start to burn. After changing out many of the burnt wires, I realized that having RV surge protector was well worth the money.
RV Surge Protector Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK!  | 1. RV Trailer Camper Electrical Surge Guard
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  | 2. Progressive Industries SSP50 Smart Surge
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  | 3. Camco 55313 125/250V 50M/50F Amp Dogbone Circuit Analyzer
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  | 4. Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Hard-Wired Protection
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  | 5. Progressive Industries Surge Protector with Cover
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  | 6. Technology Research 10175 Surge Guard 50 Amp RV with Voltage Protection
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  | 7. TRC 44260 30 Amp Circuit Analyzer
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  | 8. Camco 55312 125V 30M/30F Amp Dogbone Circuit Analyzer
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  | 9. Progressive Industries SSP30 Smart Surge - 30 amp budget friendly
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  | 10. Best 30 AMP Surge Protector- Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C
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We broke down the reviews between 30 AMP and 50 AMP surge protectors so you can scroll to the amperage that you need for your rig.
50 AMP RV Surge Protectors Reviewed
| SSP-50X | SSP-50XL | PT50X | HW50C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over/Under voltage Protection | X | X | ||
| Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection | X | X | X | X |
| Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Protection | X | X | ||
| Accidental 240V Protection | X | X | ||
| Miswired Pedestal Indication | X | X | X | X |
| Surge Failure Indicator | X | X | X | X |
| Amperage Meter Display | X | X | ||
| Previous Error Code | X | X | ||
| A/C Frequency Protection | X | X | ||
| Time Delay (136 seconds) | X | X | ||
| Adjustable Time Delay | X | X | ||
| Thermally Protected | X | X | X | X |
| Built-in Display | X | |||
| Remote Display | X | |||
| Weather Resistant | X | X | X | |
| Brighter 3-Color LED Indicators | X | X | ||
| Locking Bracket | X | X | ||
| Rugged Pull Handle | X | X | X | |
| Tough Lexan® Housing | X | X | ||
| All Weather Shield Assembly | X | X | ||
| Designed for Outdoor Use | X | X | X | |
| UL Certified | X | X | ||
| UL Canadian Approved | X | X | ||
| Electrical Rating | 120/240V, 12,000W | 120/240V, 12,000W | 240V, 50A, 12,000W | 240V, 50A, 12,000W |
| Surge Suppression Joules | 1,650J | 1,650J | 3,580J | 3,580J |
| Made in the USA | X | X | X | X |
1. Progressive Industries Surge Protector with Cover - Best 50 amp surge protector
Most people who keep track of surge protectors know Progressive Industries. This company started over 16 years ago by a fellow RV'er.The new model has a cover now.
This surge protector is the top of the line for the portable surge protectors.
It provides over AND under voltage protection. See surges are the only thing that can harm your RV. If your important electrical equipment or AC isn't getting enough voltage to properly run, then it can also damage your system and this voltage protector will help with that.
It has an easy to read amperage meter display so you know what amperage is coming into your rig.
It has the highest surge protection for the portables at 3580 Joules with an easy to ready display, 3 color LED indicators and an A/C frequency protection.
With the easy locking bracket attached, you can easily lock down the surge protector for security.
Don't worry, if you want all this protection, but have a 30 amp, jump down to #10. For the overall performance, this is one of the best RV surge protectors you can buy.
Installation and Configuration
With this portable surge protector you can easily plug it into shore power first, then plug your RV power cord into it. For security, add a lock
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Electrical Management System will shut everything down if it detects something not right.
- Easy to read display that cycles between voltage, amps, and cycles in hertz.
Cons
- Rain can cause some issues if it's not properly connected and out of the elements.
- Large footprint that makes it difficult at times to connect.
2. Technology Research 44270 Surge Guard 50 Amp - Budget Friendly
Although this surge protector doesn't protect you from under voltage, it provides the basic needs to keep your RV safe from surges.
The 44270 is rated for surge suppression of 4,200 Joules with max spike current of 6500A.
This device is weather resistant to keep it working through wet and windy weather.
It has a lock hasp available to keep it safe and secure with your rig.
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Great display indicators show if something is not right.
- Great way to test the campsite power before backing in.
Cons
- Rain can cause some issues if it's not properly connected and out of the elements.
3. Technology Research 10175 Surge Guard 50 Amp RV with Voltage Protection
Just plug this in after the surge protector and you'll have continuous monitoring of your line voltage conditions.
This system provides steady 50 amp 220 Volts. If the voltage from the power main fluctuates, this unit corrects it or shuts the power off to the RV protecting it from over or under voltage.
Helps prevent damage to your appliance from low voltage.
This system provides you with several LED indicators including
- Open Neutral
- Under Voltage
- Over Voltage
- Phase Reversal
- Operating Model
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- It can be locked to the trailer using a cable through the legs and handles for security.
- Keeps the voltage up as promised.[
Cons
- Price concerns since you have to buy this and a surge protector. But it beats paying for a new RV.
If you need the 30 amp version, look for the Technology Research 10176
Max surge suppression is 4,200 Joules with it's easy to handle power grips for easy connection and disconnection.
Most people know and trust Camco products for many of their RV supplies. They don't specialize in electrical protection, but for many weekend trips this is a decent protection for a narrow range of issues.
Weather resistant makes it great for dealing with bad weather.
Pros
- Cost effective
- Nicely made and easy to read and understand the lighted front to ensure proper wiring
Cons
- Tight connection makes it difficult to plugin.
It has open ground, open neutral and reverse polarity detection so you will immediately see if something is wrong within a nanosecond of plugging it in. If there is a miswiring for the pedestal, you'll get an indicator light go off for that as well.
You'll also be warned for surge failures, so you can continue to protect your RV.
It is thermally protected and has a rugged pull handle to make it easy for plugging into the shore power at any time.
It's bright 3-color LED indicators let you know of any issues quickly and easily.
As with all of the Progressive Industry models, this has a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Great display indicators show if something is not right.
- Comparatively inexpensive. Workhorse of the surge protectors
Cons
- Large dimensions can cause fitting issues at a lot of RV parks.
30 AMP RV Surge Protectors Reviewed
| SSP-30X | SSP-30XL | PT30X | HW30C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over/Under voltage Protection | X | X | ||
| Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection | X | X | X | X |
| Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Protection | X | X | ||
| Accidental 240V Protection | X | X | ||
| Miswired Pedestal Indication | X | X | X | X |
| Surge Failure Indicator | X | X | X | X |
| Amperage Meter Display | X | X | ||
| Previous Error Code | X | X | ||
| A/C Frequency Protection | X | X | ||
| Time Delay (136 seconds) | X | X | ||
| Adjustable Time Delay | X | X | ||
| Thermally Protected | X | X | X | X |
| Built-in Display | X | |||
| Remote Display | X | |||
| Weather Resistant | X | X | X | |
| Brighter 3-Color LED Indicators | X | X | ||
| Locking Bracket | X | X | ||
| Rugged Pull Handle | X | X | X | |
| Tough Lexan® Housing | X | X | ||
| All Weather Shield Assembly | X | X | ||
| Designed for Outdoor Use | X | X | X | |
| UL Certified | X | X | ||
| UL Canadian Approved | X | X | ||
| Electrical Rating | 120V, 3,600W | 120V, 3,600W | 120V, 30A, 3.600W | 120V, 30A, 3.600W |
| Surge Suppression Joules | 825J | 825J | 1,790J | 1,790J |
| Made in the USA | X | X | X | X |
6. TRC 44260 30 Amp Circuit Analyzer
Another US company, Technology Research is out of Florida and focuses on power distribution and management systems.
Although this surge protector doesn't protect you from under voltage, it provides the basic needs to keep your RV safe from surges.
The 44260 is rated for surge suppression of 2,100 Joules with max spike current of 6500A.
This device is weather resistant to keep it working through wet and windy weather.
It has a lock hasp available to keep it safe and secure with your rig.
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Great display indicators show if something is not right.
- Great way to test the campsite power before backing in.
Cons
- Rain can cause some issues if it's not properly connected and out of the elements.
- Many had issues with it not working after a short period of time
Max surge suppression is 2,100 Joules with it's easy to handle power grips for easy connection and disconnection.
Most people know and trust Camco products for many of their RV supplies. They don't specialize in electrical protection, but for many weekend trips this is a decent protection for a narrow range of issues.
Weather resistant makes it great for dealing with bad weather.
Pros
- Nicely made and easy to read and understand the lighted front to ensure proper wiring.
- Cost effective.
- It also prevent power surges.
Cons
- Tight connection makes it difficult to plugin.
- The manufacturing quality of the item received was less than it should be. Only prevents one surge.
The HW30C offers both open ground, open neutral, and reverse polarity detection and protection. Along with A/C frequency protection. It's thermally protected. It will save the previous error code for easy troubleshooting.
It provides remote display so you'll know what is going on with the item while in your rig.
Pros
- Nicely made and easy to read and understand the lighted front to ensure proper wiring.
- Cost effective.
- It also prevent power surges.
Cons
- Tight connection makes it difficult to plugin.
- The manufacturing quality of the item received was less than it should be. Only prevents one surge.
9. Progressive Industries SSP30 Smart Surge - 30 amp budget friendly
It has open ground, open neutral and reverse polarity detection so you will immediately see if something is wrong within a nanosecond of plugging it in. If there is a miswiring for the pedestal, you'll get an indicator light go off for that as well.
You'll also be warned for surge failures, so you can continue to protect your RV.
It is thermally protected and has a rugged pull handle to make it easy for plugging into the shore power at any time.
It's bright 3-color LED indicators let you know of any issues quickly and easily.
As with all of the Progressive Industry models, this has a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Made in the USA by a fellow RV'er.
- Great display indicators show if something is not right.
- Comparitively inexpensive. Workhorse of the surge protectors
Cons
- Large dimensions can cause fitting issues at a lot of RV parks.
10. Best 30 AMP Surge Protector- Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C
Most people who keep track of surge protectors know Progressive Industries. This company started over 16 years ago by a fellow RV'er.
The EMS-PT50C is the top of the line for the portable surge protectors.
It provides over AND under voltage protection. See surges are the only thing that can harm your RV. If your important electrical equipment or AC isn't getting enough voltage to properly run, then it can also damage your system and this voltage protector will help with that.
It has an easy to read amperage meter display so you know what amperage is coming into your rig.
It has the highest surge protection for the portables at 3580 Joules with an easy to ready display, 3 color LED indicators and an A/C frequency protection.
With the easy locking bracket attached, you can easily lock down the surge protector for security.
Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Electrical Management System will shut everything down if it detects something not right.
- Easy to read display that cycles between voltage, amps, and cycles in hertz.
Cons
- Rain can cause some issues if it's not properly connected and out of the elements.
- Large footprint that makes it difficult at times to connect.
Which RV Surge Protector Should You Get
The size depends on the amperage that your motorhome is rated. Most class A's and larger Class C's are 50 amp while the smaller motorhomes are 30 amp. If your RV has two air conditioners, then it's likely a 50 amp.
Finally, just take a look at the power cord. You can tell the difference between the 50 amp and the 30 amp by the prongs on the cord.
Installation and Configuration
With this portable surge protector you can easily plug it into shore power first, then plug your RV power cord into it. For security, add a lock
Final Words – Wrapping it up
Considering all the specs you have to look at when choosing an RV surge protector, it's no wonder so many people wait until it's too late to pick something. That's when lists like these help. Hopefully it's given you a quick glance at all the things to look for in getting your surge protector for your motorhome.
We hope this list helps you pick the best RV surge protectors so you can concentrate on your travels and not on power surges. We've added surge protectors based on budget as well as "the sky is the limit" surge protectors. If you think we missed on, let us know.
Last Updated on June 20, 2019
The post Best RV Surge Protectors For 2019 [Our Reviews and Comparisons] appeared first on RV Living Now.