New Class C owner here,   I have read that I should have a surge protector.   I called Winnebago and was told my RV does not have one and it is up to me to decide if I want one, he would not give me advice either way.  When I do a internet search I see there are many different ones to choose from,   how do I decide what I need?

Many of us buy one of the Progressive Industries model. They are a well respected company and have both 30 amp and 50 amp. It would be best if you educated yourself first so start reading. You also will need to decide if you want a pedestal version or locate one inside the rv.

The term surge protector is commonly used for not only surge protectors (which I consider of questionable value) to full ability power line monitors, that I strongly believe in. Voltage sag is much more of a problem in the RV community than power surges, although those do happen. There are 2 very popular power monitors that have solid reputations and I believe that either one is worth your money. I would in fact choose based on price. While I have used a Surge Gard from Southwire for years with good service, I actually rate the Progressive EMS somewhat higher because of their willingness to supply parts to the end user for self repairs. If your RV is a 30a model, check these out. 

Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector Portable EMS-PT30X RV Surge Protector  $218.20

  OR

Southwire Black 34930 Surge Guard 30A-Full Protection Portable with LCD Display        $221.51

If your RV happens to be a 50a model, the consider the 50a version of either one. 

Yes, you want an energy management system not just a surge protector. We used Progressive Industries ones in our rigs with great results.

Linda Sand

I have a 50 amp hard wired Progressive Industries unit. Would not be with out it. I even carry a Hughs Autoformer for low voltage citations. Between the two, my rigs electronics and anything I plug in is as safe as can be. 

Edited December 10 by rynosback

When you look on Amazon for the 30amp be sure to notice the link that Kirk provided is for a renewed unit.  For about $10. more you can get a new unit.  Not saying one is better than the other, I just would rather have a new one.  

  On 12/10/2019 at 2:21 PM, dirtyboots said:

When you look on Amazon for the 30amp be sure to notice the link that Kirk provided is for a renewed unit.  For about $10. more you can get a new unit.  Not saying one is better than the other, I just would rather have a new one.  

That is true for the Progressive unit, which I had not noticed. This link is to the new Progressive for slightly more money. $229.68   I would pay the extra for new since it is such a small difference and I am not sure exactly what "renewed" means?

In addition, Camco is now selling a competing unit called Power Defender that you may be aware of. $252.99 I have seen them advertised and the specs look to be pretty similar to the first two but I have known many satisfied users of both Progressive EMS and Surge Guard, I have not known anyone who uses the Camco and I have not seen it reviewed. 

Edited December 10 by Kirk W

We strongly recommend the Progressive Ind, unit.  It has saved us from power problems more than once.  PI will provide surge protection as well as monitor power for low or high voltage, open neutral, open ground and power frequency. 

We have the hard wired unit mounted in the RV with the remote monitor panel.  PI provides great warranty service and are very helpful answering questions.

Ken

We have the 30 amp progressive in our camper.  Ours in hard-wired into the elec. system, was very easy for me to put in.  Highly recommend it, very inexpensive insurance.  I know a guy that did not run one, cost him quite a bit of change to repair his campers electrical system when he got nailed with a surge.

Thanks everyone.  I am going to go with a new Progressive 

I have used the Progressive Surge protectors.  I have had three now.  Two gave their all for the RV too.  Saved me thousands of dollars.  I also use a Hughes Autotformer too if I am in an campground that is prone to brown outs.  Here is the link:  Hughes Autoformers