Why Should you Use a Surge Protector for Your Popup Camper?

Why Should you Use a Surge Protector for Your Popup Camper?

As you know not all campsites are the same, and that includes the power pedestals that connect to your camper. Protecting your popup camper’s electrical system is very important for safety, and your asset, the camper itself. Most camper pedestals are located outdoors and unprotected from the elements, though some have covers, that don’t always show signs of repair or damaged wiring.  

Every time you connect your camper to a power source you have the potential for electrical problems. That doesn’t matter if you are staying at a 5-star RV resort or a state park, you’re susceptible to electrical problems. This happens more than you think, damage can occur in many places, and it doesn’t always pertain to the power pedestal.

Most power pedestals and circuit breaker switches are often rugged and not reported. Switches can wear down over time due to the amount of usage and wiring can be damaged from flooding or not being properly installed. The wiring in a campground isn’t always as tidy and orderly as it is behind the walls in your home. Most if not all wiring is fed through the ground, and this can invite some gnarly problems from flooding, insects, and rodents just to name a few.

With more and more individuals camping and most of them inexperienced or amateurs, we see more damage from a human error to the pedestals. From dogs and children digging holes in the ground to campers backing into pedestals and not reporting issues, not to mention power surges. You can see why it is important to check your power first before plugging it in and using a power surge to protect your asset while you are on location and continuing to draw power.

There are many ways you can check the campground’s power supply and it starts by purchasing a digital multimeter or voltmeter to predetermine the voltage. What does a multimeter do you should ask? Multimeters test different electrical systems in your RV including your standard AC system voltage, DC battery system voltage, circuit connection, and much, much, much. They will cost you anywhere from $15 to $100 depending on how fancy you want them to be.

Safeguarding our popup camper’s electrical components from power fluctuations is crucial. If not, they can be damaged due to defective park power. This could cost you a pretty penny, not to mention hazardous. I would strongly suggest a surge protector for your power cords. Using them for all your major appliances like air conditioners, humidifiers, microwaves, television, and all charging devices. You will also use one for your camper.

The most common types of surge protectors are typically portable plug-in elements or hard-wired components that are installed into your camper’s electrical unit. They come in the size of the common amps for RVs at 30 or 50 amps. Depending on your camping style and the age of the popup camper, you can make the determination of which type of surge protection would work best for you.

We typically use a portable plug-in element with an anti-theft lock. Expensive portable plug-in elements can be stolen like everything else. So be aware of that aspect of it as well. You can buy a surge protector with locking devices that come with the component, or you can buy a special locking case separately. Surge protector locks are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of your portable surge electrical protector from your RV and easily attach to standard 30 Amp and 50 Amp plugs. Most locks are sold separately.

You don’t have to buy the priciest one either, again choose one that fits your camping lifestyle and popup camper abilities. They typically run from $35 to $250 but can go lower or higher depending on the voltage and brand name. But diagnosing and repairing an internal electrical problem is a whole lot pricier than purchasing one. Don’t take chances, you should bite the bullet and purchase a good quality surge protector.

We found one at Walmart for $19.99 for a 30 amp and that worked well for our 1970s PUP camper. Currently, I use a $55 for a 30 amp for our 1994’s PUP camper and don’t have any complaints either. Depending on budget and long-term usage is a great start to picking one out.

Look for more information on types of Surge Protectors and the best ones we’ve found to be useful for our camping lifestyle and how it has changed throughout the years follow us! We have more great content for you to read.