The 8 Best Portable RV Surge Protectors

Editor's Notes

October 08, 2020:

In this update, we added Progressive Industries SSP50 to the list. This basic, yet very reliable, 50-amp surge protector features a polarity tester and the ability to detect miswiring. While it’s not a comprehensive electrical management system, it performs well for what it’s designed to do. It’s thermally protected to handle extreme temperatures, and is resistant to wet conditions. It joins the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X on the list, which is a more comprehensive solution available from the same manufacturer. It will help safeguard your rig from things like voltage fluctuations, power surges, and improperly wired shore power. It boasts a tough and lean housing, a secure locking bracket, and a durable pull handle. Like most portable models, this one features a simple plug-and-play design. For another basic, affordable model from the same manufacturer, look to the Progressive Industries SSP-50XL, which provides standard surge protection and also alerts you to problems before you plug in your vehicle, such as open neutral and miswiring. Progressive Industries products are made by a company that dedicates itself to only making surge protectors, and they’re backed by a lifetime warranty when they’re installed properly.

We also added in the Camco Power Defender 55310, a compact yellow model that plugs into the pedestal without the use of a wire that separates the plug and the unit. This budget-friendly 30-amp surge protector will alert you, via LED indictors, to a host of issues like open ground, open neutral, and reverse polarity; however, note that it’s not made to safeguard you from sustained high or low voltages. It joins the Camco 55306 on the list, which is a more comprehensive model that automatically disconnects when it detects a host of dangerous conditions, and reconnects after normal power conditions have been restored. To make way for today’s new additions, we removed the TRC Surge Guard With LCD, which is now a Southwire brand, and the highly similar Southwire 34930 already resides on the list, which provides almost the same amount of overload protection, which is 2,460 joules, and also features a clear LCD. We also removed the TRC Surge Guard Entry Level, which is highly similar to the Surge Guard 44280 in features and appearance. The 44280, however, incorporates a built-in rain guard.

December 24, 2018:

While no surge protector can guarantee you won't have issues with a rig's onboard electronics, the models listed here offer the most comprehensive and effective protection available, including detailed circuitry analysis, visual safety indicators, overload and fault detection, and — in some cases — digital readouts of current status. No matter how well your systems are protected, it's advisable to exercise caution with live circuitry, keeping an eye out for inclement weather, damaged wiring or components, and potential overloads (HVAC units can be particularly problematic).