Why Every RVer Needs an RV Surge Protector: Protecting Your Rig from Dirty Power

When you plug your RV into shore power, you’re trusting that the campground pedestal is delivering clean, steady electricity. The reality? That’s not always the case. “Dirty power” — voltage spikes, low-voltage brownouts, wiring errors, and even AC ripple bleeding into your DC system — can silently destroy your RV appliances and electronics. An RV surge protector is your first line of defense.

What is “Dirty Power” in an RV?

Dirty power is any unstable or inconsistent electrical current entering your RV. At campgrounds, pedestals are shared, wiring can be old, and power loads fluctuate constantly. Common problems include:

• Voltage spikes from sudden demand or even nearby lightning strikes

• Low voltage (brownouts) that make compressors and motors overheat

• Reverse polarity or miswired pedestals sending current the wrong way

• AC ripple — stray alternating current riding on your DC power line

  • VERY COMMON

AC Ripple: The Hidden Threat

While most RV owners watch out for surges and low voltage, AC ripple is a silent killer. It happens when your converter or inverter isn’t filtering properly, allowing AC current to bleed into your 12V DC system.

This stresses sensitive electronics like refrigerator control boards, furnace circuits, and LED lighting. Over time, ripple can:

• Cause control boards to fail prematurely

• Trigger random appliance error codes

• Overheat converters and shorten battery life

An RV surge protector with advanced electrical management (EMS) helps reduce these risks by monitoring both AC input and converter health. Pairing protection with proper battery maintenance and a high-quality RV converter keeps ripple under control.

Why Surge Protectors Are Essential

Your RV isn’t just a camper — it’s a rolling home filled with sensitive equipment. Often times more sensitive that residential components. Appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washer/dryers can be destroyed in seconds by unstable power. A surge protector prevents expensive failures and protects your investment.

Think of it this way: replacing a surge protector costs a fraction of replacing a Dometic refrigerator circuit board, a Coleman-Mach AC unit, or a Splendide washer control panel over and over, let alone the headaches involved in troubleshooting strange issues.

Key Benefits of RV Surge Protectors

• Protects major appliances from spikes, surges, and ripple damage

• Saves money by avoiding costly premature failures

• Adds peace of mind when plugging into unknown campground pedestals

• Monitors power quality so you can spot campground issues before they hit your rig

Choosing the Right RV Surge Protector

When shopping, you’ll see two main types:

• Portable surge protectors – Plug in at the pedestal. Easy to use, flexible, and can be locked.

• Hardwired surge protectors – Installed permanently inside your RV. Less risk of theft and “always on” protection. 

Make sure to select the right amperage (30-amp or 50-amp), and consider models with EMS (Electrical Management System) features. These not only stop surges but also monitor for low voltage, miswiring, and AC ripple.

Final Thoughts

RV surge protectors may not be flashy, but they’re one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Whether you’re running a Dometic or Norcold fridge, a Coleman-Mach AC, or a Splendide washer/dryer, keeping dirty power out of your system is the key to long-term reliability.

Protect your appliances, protect your trip, and keep your adventures rolling.

Shop our recommended Surge Protectors Here!