surge protectors

The 4 Best RV Surge Protectors and How to Choose

Some of the links listed on this page are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission from the vendor if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. We strive to always keep all our content free to the reader. Thanks.

Getting one of the best RV surge protectors is something you should absolutely do before your first camping adventure. You might be tempted to skip the RV surge protector. After all, you likely just dropped several thousand dollars on a down payment for your rig. Now you have to spend hundreds (or even thousands) more on getting all the new RVer supplies?! 

But in the long run not getting an surge protector for your RV is an enormous gamble. A surge protector is the only thing protecting your RV from electrical damage. Damage which can be extremely costly and even dangerous.

Many people believe all RV surge protectors are the same. So why would you pay a few hundred dollars when you could get “the same thing” for less than a hundred bucks? I’ll tell you why if you keep reading. 

Already know about the purpose of surge protectors? If just want to buy the best RV surge protector, you can skip ahead.

Skip to the Best 50 Amp RV Surge Protectors

Skip to the Best 30 Amp RV Surge Protectors

TLDR: The best RV surge protector is the Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog. Get the 30 amp or 50 amp for the best protection depending on your rig. For more details, keep reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an RV Surge Protector?

In the simplest terms, an RV surge protector protects your rig from power surges. Power surges can occur for various reasons from lightning strikes to faulty campground power poles. 

When using a surge protector you will always plug your surge protector into the power pole first. After that, your RV connects directly to the surge protector. That way, if a power surge occurs, your surge protector responds in real-time. It then disconnects from the power source, saving your RV electrical system. 

the Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog RV surge protector 50 amp model
Power Watchdog RV Surge Protector 50 Amp Model

From What Kinds of Electrical Problems can an RV Surge Protector Protect Your RV?

The RV surge protectors you see that cost around $100 typically only protect against increases in power. However, there are many more things that can go wrong with electricity.

That’s where an electrical management system (EMS) comes in.

What is an EMS?

EMS stands for “electrical management system”. It is technically still an RV surge protector, but it has many additional protective features. High voltage is just one issue you can run into with electricity. 

Other problems you might encounter include low voltage, faulty shore power wiring, open grounds, reverse polarity, or damaged power poles. An EMS will protect against all these things.

If you look at the description, you should see the added protections an EMS offers which I’ll cover next.  If nothing else, the price will usually give it away. To get the most protection for your RV, you need to buy an EMS which typically costs at least $200-$300. 

Camco Power Defender RV Surge Protector 50 amp model plugged into power pedestal with green indicator light glowing
Here is a photo of mine and Joel’s CamcoRV Surge Protector 50 Amp Model plugged into a power pedestal

From What Kinds of Electrical Problems can an RV Surge Protector EMS Protect Your RV?

You might wonder how big of a deal all those “other electrical problems” are, anyway. After all, if you’re like most RVers you have no doubt heard from someone who has “been camping for decades and never had a problem”. 

Here’s a quick review of the types of electrical problems that an EMS RV surge protector can protect against. 

High voltage/power surges

A variety of faactors can casue high voltage levels. Examples include faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, lightning strikes, or other power surges. For RVers, this can be especially dangerous because electricity running through the system at higher than normal levels can cause short-circuiting and even fires. 

Having too much voltage in your RV’s electrical system can cause serious damage to your RV. You may even have to replace wiring and appliances. It’s important that you take measures to monitor and protect against high voltage.

 

Low voltage 

Low voltage issues are actually surprisingly common in RV parks. The park’s electrical system could falter under the stress of hundreds of air conditioners running. This is a major concern on a hot summer day. 

Low voltage might not seem like a big deal, but it causes increased resistance in your electrical system. This increased resistance means your electrical system is working harder, which can lead to electrical fires.

 

House fires can be traumatic, but RV fires are often even worse. A small space combined with highly flammable materials can quickly ignite. 

Reverse polarity 

Reverse polarity is a potentially dangerous situation. It occurs when a power pedestal or receptacle is wired in the wrong direction. When this happens, the neutral and hot terminals on the device become reversed. This reversal can cause your RV appliances to short circuit potentially damaging equipment or even causing a fire. Reverse polarity can also cause electrocution. 

It’s important to ensure that power pedestals and receptacles are wired correctly. However, you have no idea whether the park pedestal is properly wired when you pull up. That’s why taking proper precautions, by using an RV surge protector is key!

Open ground 

Open ground in an RV power pedestal is no joke. If your rig’s power pedestal has an open ground, your equipment could be damaged. You might even be at risk of electrocution. So it’s important to check that all the wiring and connections. They need to be grounded properly before plugging into a campsite hookup. 

The safest and easiest way to do this is to first plug your surge protector into the power pedestal. It will alert you if there is an issue and then you can inform the park staff so they can call an electrician to resolve the issue. 

Open neutral 

Open neutral is a dangerous electrical hazard that can occur in some wiring setups. It means your devices may not have power but you could still get a nasty shock from it. That’s because anything plugged in is still energized. You won’t know when you arrive at a campsite if the park properly wired or tested the power pedestal. An EMS RV surge protector is really the only thing standing between you and a potential zap. 

Progressive Industries 30 amp RV surge protector
Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector 30 Amp Model

Is a RV Surge Protector Worth it?

Using an EMS RV surge protector is a relatively affordable way to have peace of mind. Plus it could potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in damage. I have heard from more than one RVer that they fried their electrical system because of faulty power. Guess what they didn’t have? Yep. A surge protector. 

Over the course of our travels, Joel and I have had a few instances where we needed to alert the park staff to a power pedestal issue. We always inspect the pedestal for any visible signs of damage. However, sometimes the only way to know if there is an issue is by plugging our EMS in.

So really rather than asking “is a RV surge protector worth it?” you should be asking if your RV and your life are worth a few hundred bucks. I sure hope the answer is yes. Do yourself a favor because an RV surge protector is worth it! 

For the rest of this article, whenever I refer to an EMS, I’m just going to call it a surge protector. That’s what most people think of them as, anyway

What is the Best RV Surge Protector?

There are many brands that offer RV surge protectors. However, there are four that stand above the crowd. If you go with any of these options, you’ll be purchasing a solid product. I’ll go over the best RV surge protector companies below, so keep reading. 

How do I choose a Surge Protector for my RV?

Before I jump into specific models, it is important to know if your RV uses 30 or 50-amp power. If you have a 50 amp RV, you’ll need to purchase an RV surge protector for 50 amps. If your rig uses 30 amp power, you’ll need an RV surge protector for 30 amps

If you aren’t sure if you have a 50-amp RV or a 30-amp RV, I recommend watching the video below. It is a little dated, but it provides an easy-to-understand guide anyone can benefit from. 



Best Portable RV Surge Protector- 50 Amp Options

Portable RV surge protectors are extremely convenient because all you have to do is plug them in and go. There isn’t any installation or technical knowledge required. For this reason, they make a splendid choice for RVers looking for comprehensive protection without the hassle. The major downside for a portable RV surge protector is the possibility of theft. Luckily there are easy ways to reduce the likelihood of a crime of opportunity. 

When it comes to portable the best RV surge protectors for 50 amps, there are some great options. They will help keep your rig safe from voltage spikes and other electrical mishaps. I’m here to give you the scoop on the best RV surge protectors for 50 amps so that you can rest easy knowing your RV is as safe as possible. I’ve got the lowdown on all the best options for you. So let’s get started!

Hughes Autoformers Portable RV Surge Protector 50 Amp 

If you ask a group of RVers, “which RV surge protector is best”, you’ll get a lot of responses. But you’ll definitely hear about the Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog

The Power Watchdog 50 Amp RV surge protector has a lot of features people really love. In my opinion, the biggest selling point compared to other options is the replaceable surge modules. This feature means if there is a huge power surge that damages the unit, you can replace just the surge protection module. For most devices you have to replace the entire unit. The company will even send you one free module within the first 2 years of purchase. 

The Power Watchdog has an auto-shutoff feature, but even more convenient is the auto-on. With the Power Watchdog, once the power stabilizes for 90 seconds, the surge protector automatically restores power to your rig. 

You can even monitor and control the unit via Bluetooth from your smartphone. Again, very convenient if don’t want to run outside. 

The 50 amp model provides 4800 joules of protection. This means it will protect your rig even from very large power surges. 



Video explaining some features of the Power Watchdog 50 amp RV surge protector



Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector 50 Amp 

Another popular and solid brand for a portable 50 amp RV surge protector is Progressive Industries. 

Compared to other options, one of the best features of this 50 amp RV surge protector is user-friendliness. Most RV surge protectors use different colored lights to indicate problems. Progressive Industries surge protectors, on the other hand, have a digital display. It tells you exactly what you need to know whenever a problem arises. 

This surge protector has a cover to protect plugs from the elements. It also comes with a loop that you can attach a lock. That way, no one walks off with your $300+ investment. 

The 50 amp model protects against power surges of up to 3,580 Joules. This level of protection is lower than all the other best RV surge protectors. With a response time of  < 1 nanosecond your RV will be almost instantly protected from any electrical issues. Progressive Industries also offers a limited lifetime warranty on its products. 



Camco Portable RV Surge Protector 50 Amp 

You also can’t go wrong with a Camco RV surge protector 50 amp model. The Camco is what Joel and I have for our Class A. When we were first getting started, it was painful to buy all the supplies. Despite this, we decided to spend the extra money to get an EMS for the added protection. 

The Camco surge protector provides 4,200 joules of protection with the 50 amp RV surge protector. This is slightly less than the Hughes Autoformers Watchdog but more than Progressive Industries.  

It is easy to use, and we are satisfied with our purchase. All you need to do is plug it in and wait for the green lights to appear. Then plug in your RV. Despite consistent use, since 2019 we have had no problems with it. We had one instance recently where the power at the RV park had issues. Our RV power disconnected and there was no damage whatsoever to our rig. Thanks for saving us, Camco. 



Southwire Surge Guard Portable Surge Protector for 50 Amp RVs

If you’re still not sure which RV surge protector is best, I have one last option for you to choose from. 

If you own an RV, then you know it is important to monitor the power that comes into your rig. The Southwire Surge Guard 50 amp RV surge protector can help you do just that! The Southwire Surge Guard also carries out a 10-second countdown startup sequence. It will make sure your RV has good voltage, a good ground, a good neutral, and good frequency before it engages and gives power to the rig. After setup, the device will continuously monitor and display voltage and amp draw. It will also protect your RV from high and low-frequency electrical variations. 

If there are any issues with the power source, it will automatically detect them and protect your RV from damage. This surge protector also comes with a 128-second reset which projects your electrical system and especially your air conditioner. If the power goes out, this surge protector will automatically reset itself when the power comes back on.

The Southwire Surge Guard has an anti-theft lock ring on its cord. That way, you can make sure your device is always safe and secure. Although a BlueTooth display for inside your RV doesn’t come standard as it does with the Power Watchdog from Hughes Autoformers, there is an option to add on a BlueTooth display. It will automatically detect both 50 amp surge protectors and 30 amp ones. It functions at a range of 100 feet which shouldn’t be an issue for monitoring power usage from inside your RV. 

One amazing feature is its industry-exclusive connected equipment coverage. Basically, what this means is that if a Southwire RV Surge protector 50 amp model malfunctions and results in damage to your RV’s electrical system, Southwire will cover the damage. This just goes to show how confident Southwire is in its products. 



Best Hardwired RV Surge Protector- 50 Amp

Are you looking for the best hardwired RV surge protector 50 amp options? Look no further—I’ve got some great choices here that offer unbeatable protection for your RV. From top-notch features to reliable performance, each of these products will help you keep your RV running safely and efficiently.

For protecting your RV, if money isn’t a consideration, a hardwired surge protector is the way to go. Hardwired surge protectors differ from portable ones. They are permanently installed into your RV and sometimes provide more comprehensive protection than their portable counterparts. 

With the right 50 amp hardwired surge protector, you can rest easy knowing that your expensive electronics and appliances are safe from power spikes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about having to reconnect and reposition the unit each time you set up camp. Or even worse someone stealing it. With a hardwired surge protector, your RV is always protected! 

Also Read:  Tire Health 101: Do RV Tire Covers Make a Difference?

Although they require additional installation work which may require a professional, a hardwired unit may be worth it for you. The right 50 amp hardwired surge protector will give you peace of mind that your equipment and possessions are safe. No matter where your RV takes you.

Hughes Autoformers Hardwired RV Surge Protector 50 Amp 

If you’re wondering what is the best RV surge protector for someone looking for a hardwired option, look no further. The Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog Hardwired RV Surge Protector 50 Amp is just what you need to keep your rig safe.

Like the portable model, this hardwired RV surge protector has a replaceable surge module. Another feature that sets this surge protector apart is the fact that you can wirelessly monitor voltage, amperage, and wattage on your smartphone in real-time! Now you can keep an eye on your power supply even when you’re not around to check.

Not only that, but this RV surge protector is quick to start up. It takes just 4 seconds to power-on and to determine if power conditions are safe. Other brands can take up to two minutes. If an electrical fault is detected, this hardwired RV surge protector uses a 90-second power-on delay before powering back up. This helps ensure you don’t damage your appliances. It also provides an impressive 6,100 Joules of protection to keep your RV and its contents safe. This is the highest of any unit I’ve found. 

So if you’re looking for a reliable surge protector, look no further than the Hughes Autoformers Hardwired RV Surge Protector 50 Amp! It’s sure to give you peace of mind knowing that your rig is safe and secure. It outmatches all the other competitors, especially in the hardwired category. 



Progressive Industries Hardwired RV Surge Protector 50 Amp

Another hardwired option to consider is the Progressive Industries Hardwired RV Surge Protector 50 Amp. This RV surge protector provides protection against over/under voltage, open ground, open neutral and reverse polarity detection, accidental 240V protection, and miswired pedestals. It offers a remote display with scrolling digital display for easy readability. 

With surge protection of 3,580 joules, this RV surge protector from Progressive Industries is significantly lower than the Power Watchdog. Still, it offers enough protection to make you at least consider it. It is also worth noting that the portable Progressive Industries RV surge protector for 50 amps provides the same level of protection. There is no hassle of installation, though. So if you don’t camp places where you are at high risk for theft, you might want to just go with the portable version. 

Still, if you decide this is the best product for you, you can hit the open road in confidence!



Southwire Surge Guard Hardwired Surge Protector for 50 Amp RVs 

Are you still wondering what is the best RV surge protector that will give you complete peace of mind? The Southwire Hardwired RV Surge Protector 50 Amp model is worth looking into. Although, in my opinion, it isn’t nearly as capable as the Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog. Still, some people love Southwire and these loyal consumers frequently recommended it in the Cool RV Stuff Facebook. So here is some more information on it to help you decide. 

The Southwire RV surge protector provides 3850 Joules of protection. This rating is slightly more than Progressive Industries but much, much lower than the Power Watchdog. The Southwire hardwired 50 amp RV Surge Guard protects against everything you would expect with an EMS. This includes things such as power surges, open ground, open neutral, low and high voltage, reverse polarity, miswired pedestal, and high neutral current.

It also has an automatic restart after power restoration. It’s easy to install and use. It is also made with durable materials so you know it will last a long time.



So What Is The Best RV Surge Protector for 50 Amps?

The Power Watchdog is the best surge protector there is if you ask me. Either the portable or hardwired options are far superior to any other unit on the market. Joel and I have been happy with our Camco surge protector. However, if we knew about the Power Watchdog when we were first getting started, we would have definitely chosen that. When it comes down to it, the Power Watchdog has features that none of the other brands can compete with.

For all the features you get with the Power Watchdog, it’s essentially the same price as any other surge protector. So why not go for the best? The major differences are the higher level of protection, the included BlueTooth monitoring, and the replaceable surge module. If something ever happens to your power and your surge protector takes the brunt of it, you won’t have to buy an entirely new unit. This will save you hundreds of dollars!

Best Portable 

Best Hardwired 

Best RV Portable Surge Protector- 30 Amp

Are you looking to protect your 30 amp RV from electrical surges? Then a 30 amp RV surge protector is what you need. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an intrepid full-timer, having the right RV surge protection can give you peace of mind when plugging into campground power. 

The best 30 amp RV surge protectors shield your RV’s sensitive electrical system from power surges. With so many brands and models of 30-amp RV surge protectors available, choosing the right one can be tricky. 

To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated RV surge protectors to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about the best 30-amp RV surge protectors!

Hughes Autoformers Portable RV Surge Protector 30 Amp 

The Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog 30 Amp RV surge protector, is a solid choice of model for your RV. It has an auto-shutoff feature that will almost instantly disconnect your RV from the power source if any issues arise. According to Hughes Autoformers, it will “automatically shuts down power if the voltage drops below 104 or above 132 volts”. Once power is back, the unit will automatically restore power after a 90-second delay. The slight delay helps protect your RV by not restoring power too soon. 

If your 30 amp surge protector gets fried during the course of duty, you can easily replace just the surge module. The company will even send you one free module within 2 years of buying your device. 

Other outstanding benefits include the BlueTooth monitoring right from your smartphone in the free app. The 30-amp RV surge protector gives you 3,000 joules of protection which is more than sufficient for a 30-amp rig. 



A video explaining some features of the Power Watchdog 30 amp surge protector



Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector 30 Amp 

The Progressive Industries 30 amp RV surge protector is easy to use. It provides a digital display that clearly states whether you have an electrical issue — no having to decipher what all the blinking lights mean. 

This EMS unit protects not just against voltage spikes but also low voltage, open ground, open neutral, and reverse polarity. You can also easily protect your investment thanks to the included loop that lets you use a cable lock to secure. 

The 30 amp surge protector from Progressive Industries provides 1,790 joules of protection. Significantly less than the Power Watchdog, but still enough to protect your RV from most electrical issues.  You can trust the workmanship of this product because Progressive Industries has a limited lifetime warranty for all of its products including its 30 amp RV surge protector. 



A video explaining some features of the Progressive Industries portable RV surge protector 30 amp model



Camco Portable RV Surge Protector 30 Amp 

Are you still looking for the best RV surge protector 30 amp option for your next camping trip? Look no further than the Camco 30 Amp Surge Protector. Protecting against both high and low voltages, as well as reverse polarity, open neutral and other wiring issues, this RV surge protector helps keep your rig safe. It has an auto disconnect and connect feature which means you don’t have to reset it after a power issue.  

It has LED indicator lights that let you know almost immediately if something is wrong with the power pedestal. That way, you don’t have to worry about any surprises. Plus, it has easy-grip handles that make connecting and disconnecting to the power pedestal simple and hassle-free. 

And last but not least, it’s weather resistant, so you know it can handle whatever elements come its way! The Camco portable 30 amp RV surge protector provides superior protection compared to Progressive Industries. With 2,800 joules of protection your RV can withstand nearly anything. 

Joel and I have the 50 amp version of the Camco surge protector for our Class A motorhome. We are totally satisfied with it. It’s saved us a few times already making it money well spent. 



Southwire Surge Guard Portable Surge Protector for 30 Amp RVs 

The Southwire RV Surge Protector 30 Amp model is another option people often recommend. I think the Power Watchdog from Hughes and the Camco provide better protection and features. However, there are some diehard Southwire fans out there — so this one is for you.

Once you have all the information, you can decide for yourself what is the best RV surge protector 30 amp option. 

This device provides 2,450 joules of protectio. It defends your RV electrical system from power surges, open ground, open neutral, low and high voltage, reverse polarity, miswired pedestal, and high neutral current.

Like the 50 amp counterpart, it has a convenient auto restart after power issues are detected. Once power is restored to safe levels, the unit reconnects after a 128-second delay. This ensures your appliances stay protected. 

It is durable and easy to use. The ease of use is increased even more if you opt to upgrade your unit to add a Bluetooth display for monitoring inside your RV. 



Best RV Hardwired Surge Protector- 30 Amp

Are you looking for the best hardwired 30 amp RV surge protector? Look no further! Hardwired RV surge protectors are a solid choice. They provide protection that people cannot easily steal. They are also out of the elements so they may last longer. I’ll cover the popular choices and the verdict on what is the best RV surge protector 30 amp option is. 

Hughes Autoformers Hardwired RV Surge Protector 30 Amp 

Using a hardwired version of the Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog for 30 amp RVs is a great way to protect your rig. Since RVs cost thousands of dollars, it just makes sense to add this layer of protection. 

With a replaceable surge module, Bluetooth wireless monitoring of all aspects of your power supply, and auto-on and off features, this device does it all. You’ll have 2,600 joules of protection, the most of any of the commonly selected RV surge protectors. 

Once you arrive at your RV site, it takes only 4 seconds for the Power Watchdog to determine electrical functioning. After that, you’ll be ready to enjoy your camping trip.  While it isn’t as simple to use as a portable surge protector, once you have it installed, using it is a breeze. If you aren’t sure how to do this yourself, it is best to hire a professional. That will ensure the job is done right.

Progressive Industries Hardwired RV Surge Protector 30 Amp

The Progressive Industries hardwired RV surge Protector 30 amp unit provides your recreational vehicle with maximum protection from every common electrical issue, as well as accidental 240V protection.

The product comes with everything you need to install the unit in your RV. It has a remote digital display or display board, cable and extra hardware. It also provides 1,790 joules of protection. While not as much as the Power Watchdog, it’s still enough to protect your RV from most power surges. Plus, Progressive Industries offers a lifetime warranty on its products so you can be sure that your investment is sound.



Southwire Hardwired RV Surge Protector for 30 Amp RVs

You may have come across the Southwire hardwired 30 amp RV surge protector. It’s a great way to protect your investments from power surges, open ground, and open neutral. This unit is easy to install in your RV. However, if you aren’t confident in what you’re doing, you should definitely hire a professional.

The Southwire RV surge protector 30 amp unit provides with 2,450 joules of protection. That’s more than Progressive Industries but not as much as the Power Watchdog. Still, it’s a good option that many RVers in the Cool RV Stuff Facebook group swear by. 



So What Is The Best RV Surge Protector for 30 Amps?

Although I use and have been satisfied with the Camco surge protector for my RV, I think there is a better choice. The best RV surge protector for 30 amps is hands down the Power Watchdog. Joel and I didn’t know about this option when we bought ours. You, on the other hand, have no excuse if you’re reading this. Get the Power Watchdog. Your RV will thank you. 

For a comparable price you get more features for your money both up front and in the long run. Remember, if you need to, you can simply replace the surge module. With all the other brands you may replace the entire unit in the case of major electrical issues. 

Best Portable

Best Hardwired

Frequently Asked Questions About RV Surge Protectors (50 and 30 Amp)

With more and more people taking to the open road in their recreational vehicles, it’s no wonder that people have a growing number of questions. In this FAQ, we’ll take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about RV surge protectors. Let’s jump in. 

Do I need a surge protector for my RV when plugged in at home?

The short answer. Yes. Using an RV surge protector is a smart move for any RV owner. It protects your RV from power surges caused by lightning or other external sources. It also protects your RV from any electrical issues that may exist in your home power. 

Even if you’re not plugged into shore power, but instead using a portable generator, it is still important to use an RV surge protector for the same reasons. This will help prevent any damage to electronic components or appliances in your RV due to power issues. 

Investing in an RV surge protector is a great way to ensure your RV is always safe from electrical issues that you can find in any home or portable generator system.

RV power cord plugged into RV end
Even when plugging in at home, you should use an RV surge protector to keep your rig safe.

How do I Use an RV Surge Protector 30 Amp?

Using an RV surge protector 30 amp model is a great way to protect your rig from power spikes. It’s easy to set up, too—all you have to do is plug it into the 30-amp outlet on the power pedestal at most RV parks. Before you connect your RV, wait for the all-clear reading from the indicator lights or display. They will let you know if there’s an issue with the power source before you plug in.

After the all-clear, you can plug your power cord directly into the surge protector. Once connected, it will protect your RV against any potential surges or other electrical issues that could damage your appliances or electronics. 

How do I Use an RV Surge Protector 50 Amp?

If you are staying at an RV park with 50 amp hookups using an RV surge protector 50 amp is just as easy as using a 30 amp. Simply plug your surge protector into the power pedestal. Then wait for the indicator lights to inform you that everything is clear. 

If you have a 50 amp RV but the park only has 30 amp hookups available, you’ll need to use a dog bone adaptor to “step down” from 50 amps to 30 amps. You’ll connect your 30-to-50-amp adaptor to the power pole directly then plug the surge protector into the adaptor.

You can even add another dog bone to step down from 30 amps to 15 amps. This process will let you get electricity from a regular house outlet. It is very useful for moochdocking. (Aka mooching off your friends and family by living in their driveway now and then). We may or may not be doing this as I write. 

When purchasing a dog bone adaptor, ensure you get the right male and female ends to match your system. 

RV surge protectors can connect to a dog bone like this
This is an example of a dogbone adaptor that can be used to step down so you can still use your RV surge protector 50 amp model when only 30 amp hookups are available.

How to Protect Your RV Surge Protector Against Theft 

While it doesn’t happen often, people have walked off with RV surge protectors. After all, it’s a pricy piece of equipment. The best practice is to lock your unit up using a cable or a bike lock like this one. It’s a super cheap way to stop a few hundred dollars from disappearing. 


Sometimes if the park doesn’t have an easy way to lock our surge protector we just lock it around the pedestal and then also to our extension cord. It is enough to deter theives at least a little bit. A lot of times, that’s all you need. If a real theif wants to get it, there is no stopping them unless you get a hardwired unit. Now please, no one try to steal my surge protector. I would be really sad about it.

Most models will have a security ring you can run your lock through to stop people from taking it. Typically, RV park crimes are crimes of opportunity. So while a lock doesn’t eliminate the possibility of theft, it makes it less likely.  



Concluding Thoughts on the Best RV Surge Protectors 

After carefully considering the features and levels of protection offered by each RV surge protector, the Power Watchdog is the clear winner. Camco offers a good level of protection at an affordable price, coming in second behind the Power Watchdog. 

Southwire lacks in protection compared to other models although it will still protect from most issues. However, the optional BlueTooth display is a nice feature. Lastly, Progressive Industries offers the least amount of protection for the price. 

In conclusion, the Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog is the most reliable and best RV surge protector. It offers the best level of protection and features at an affordable price.

You need to know that your RV is protected from power surges and other electrical problems. That’s why you should make it a priority to invest in one of the best RV surge protectors. With the right device, you can protect your RV from surges and other electrical issues. That way you won’t have costly damage to your home on wheels. 


One moment, please. If the comments fail to load, FB may have been too slow responding so try reloading.

Kathryn Mancewicz

Kathryn Mancewicz is an RV expert who has been a full time RVer since 2019. She has bylines for her RV related content on major publications including MSN, MSN Canada, and AOL. She has also been featured on Yahoo and quoted on KOA. Kathryn is also a regular RV content writer for Cheapism.