RV Surge Protector Pros And Cons [Updated]

Last update on: November 17, 2022

We're proud Amazon affiliates. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission – at no extra cost to you. We only share products we truly love and use ourselves. Read full disclosure

Facebook Tweet Pin PrintShare1

Knowing the pros and cons of an RV surge protector can help you make an informed decision when buying one.

RV devices are becoming increasingly popular, but the main problem is that most don’t come with a built-in surge protector. That’s why if you plug your RV’s device into an outlet without a surge protector, it may be susceptible to power surges that can fry everything inside.

So what do you do? Well, there is an option for this: buy an RV surge protector and install them where you want to use it before you go on your trip. If you’re looking for a way to protect your devices from power surges while on the road, an RV surge protector may be the best option for you.

However, there are many pros and cons that you should know before choosing a good-rated RV surge protector for your RV, home, office, or business place.

But before going to the pros and cons section, I would like to discuss its type.

Table of Contents

Types Of RV Surge Protectors

RV surge protectors are available in various types, but there are two main types: hardwired and portable.

Hardwired RV surge protector

Hardwired RV surge protectors are designed to provide extra protection for your electrical devices during power surges. They work by monitoring the electrical grid and activating an alarm if there is a sudden increase in voltage, which may indicate that a storm is approaching or has already hit.

There are pros and cons to using hardwired RV surge protectors, but overall they can be a valuable addition to your safety arsenal. The biggest pros are that they’re always on standby and ready to go when you need them most.

For example, in a power outage, you won’t have to wait around for hours while your generator kicks on – the protector will automatically activate and start protecting your electronics.

The downside is that they can be more expensive than traditional plug-in models. In addition, some people find them intrusive because they constantly chirp or blare alerts whenever something changes with the electricity grid.

Nevertheless, if you live in an area where storms are common (or happen frequently), it might be worth investing in one of these units so that you know you’re prepared no matter what happens.

Portable RV Surge Protector

A portable RV surge protector is a type of power strip that has been specifically designed to protect an Rv from voltage spikes and surges. Voltage spikes are sudden increases in voltage levels, while surges are sustained increases in voltage levels over time. Both types of spikes can cause serious damage to electronic equipment inside an RV and the wiring system connecting the RV to the utility grid.

Portables come with several features that make them particularly suited for protecting RV’s electrical devices. They have multiple protection zones so you can adjust how much protection each zone provides.

Also, they have built-in filters that help reduce noise and interference, and automatically turn off devices when the electricity goes out to prevent them from drawing too much energy or causing other problems down the line.

RV Surge Protector Pros & Cons

Let’sLet’s talk about the pros and cons now.

Pros

Easy Installation: They usually come with easy-to-read installation manuals, and installing one is not hard. They also come with a surge protection indicator, which will let you know when the surge protectors are doing their job.
Easy transportable: They are easy to transport because of their lightweight and small size.
Reduced energy costs: Installing a surge protector can reduce your overall energy bill by protecting sensitive electronics like televisions and computers from being damaged by surges or spikes in voltage levels.
Increased safety: Installing one also increases safety by providing additional protection against fires caused by short circuits or sparks during an emergency.
Fast protection: Since it offers very high protection, they don’t take too long to protect your appliances. A large appliance can be protected under a nanosecond, which is great when you are in the middle of a big project.
Reverse polarity: It will detect if your RV is plugged in reverse and shut off the power. This means that you don’t have to worry about your RV wiring.
Power surges: It works as a power surge protector. It will protect appliances from electrical surges as well as lightning strikes.
Versatility: RV surge protector also works with all types of RVs.
Faulty wiring: Another great advantage is that if your RV has faulty wiring, the surge protector will detect it and shut off the power.
Power source: RV surge protector works with all power sources, not just home/RV outlets.
Electrical issues: This type of surge protector will also protect your appliances if you have electrical issues.
Surge failure indicator: If your RV protector fails or detects a problem, it will let you know by blinking the indicator light.
Polarity detection: If your RV is hooked up in reverse, the device will shut off and let you know.
Diagnostic: It will detect a problem and let you know by a sign indicator light.
Reasonable price: One of the most important pros is that it has a reasonable price, especially when you compare it to a professional installation. 30 amp RV surge protectors are, on average cheaper than a 50 amp RV surge protectors.
Weather-resistant: Most are weather-resistant, so if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, this type of protector will work for you.
Circuit analyzer: This works as a great circuit analyzer, which means it will let you know if your appliance is overheating.
Voltage protection: It protects your RV from voltage surges up to 6,000 volts(depending on brand and model)
Lifetime warranty: Most branded RV surge protectors have a lifetime warranty, so it’s another advantage to consider.

Cons

Even though this is a great product, there are some cons that you need to know about.

Lifespan: The average lifespan of an RV surge protector is only around 2-3 years. Also, it absorbs hazardous voltages every time, so lifespan can decrease when it absorbs these voltages.
Brands: If you are unfamiliar with brands, they can be expensive because you have to buy a more expensive one.
Possible circuit damage: If the surge protector is not built properly, it may actually cause a short in your RV. This can result in electronic circuit damage.
It can be stolen: This one isn’t a con, but it is something to be aware of. Surge protectors are easy to steal because they are small and lightweight.
Price: 50 amp RV surge proctor is a bit more expensive than a general surge protector, but it is worth the price if you have an RV.

That’s all about RV surge protector pros and cons. But remember that your RV power protector should keep secure by applying the best practice. I recommend the best RV locks and security products for this purpose.

Do You Really Need a Surge Protector for Your Rv?

Most RVers know that they need a surge protector for their RV. But do you really need one? The answer is yes! If you want to protect your investment, you’ll need to install one. Here’s why? because RVs are very susceptible to power surges.

A surge protector will keep your RV safe from electrical damage by absorbing the excess voltage and redirecting it away from your appliances and electronics. It’s like an insurance policy for your RV – and it’s well worth the investment. That’s why it’s important to have a surge protector installed.

How Long Do Rv Surge Protectors Last?

RV surge protectors are an important part of protecting your RV from electrical damage. But how long do they last? Most RV surge protectors have a lifespan of around 10 years.

However, this can vary depending on the quality of the surge protector and how often it is used. If you use your RV frequently, you may need to replace your surge protector more often. To extend the life of your protector, make sure to keep it clean and free of dust and debris.

Also, be sure to check the cords and connections regularly for any wear or damage. If you take good care of your RV protector, it should last you for many years.

Top Rated RV Surge Protectors

Surge Guard 44280(30A)
Hughes Autoformer BX4370[(30A) Our Top Pick]
Technology Research Corp 34931(30A)

Overall Opinion

RV surge protector pros and cons are something every RV owner should consider. As you are having trouble with your RV wiring and don’t know where to start. It’s frustrating because you want to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is impossible until you get everything fixed.

So the best way to fix any problems with your RV is by using an RV surge protector. This type of product will detect any issues and let you know what needs to be done before they become a problem. Although some cons go along with this product, it is a must-have for anyone who owns an RV.