Surge protectors and Electrical Management Systems (EMS) are both essential for protecting your RV's electrical system, but they serve different purposes.
Surge Protectors

• Function: Protects against voltage spikes, such as those caused by lightning or power surges.

• Common Issues Addressed:

  • Reversed polarity

  • Voltage fluctuations

  • Open ground or neutral connections

• Cost: Generally more affordable, with basic models available for less than $100.

• Limitations: May not protect against low voltage or prolonged voltage drops, which can damage appliances over time.

Electrical Management Systems (EMS)

• Function: Offers comprehensive protection, including monitoring voltage levels and shutting off power if issues are detected.

• Common Issues Addressed:

  • Low and high voltage protection

  • Open ground and neutral wire protection

  • Miswired pedestals

• Cost: Typically more expensive, often starting around $250.

• Benefits: Provides real-time monitoring and can prevent damage from prolonged low voltage, which is a common issue in many campgrounds.

Key Differences

• Feature                                   Surge Protector    EMS

• Voltage Spike Protection                Yes                Yes

• Low Voltage Protection                   No                Yes

• Monitoring Capability                     No                Yes

• Cost                                                >$100            $250+

• Auto Shut-off                                   No                Yes

 
Conclusion
Choosing between a surge protector and an EMS depends on your needs. If you frequently camp in areas with unreliable power, an EMS may be worth the investment for its added protection and monitoring capabilities. For occasional use, a surge protector might suffice.

Carrying a stocked toolbox can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle if anything goes wrong on the road.
Depending on the issue, having the right tools on hand could save you a trip to the repair shop, getting you back on the road more quickly and potentially saving your trip.
Along with basic tools and parts, it’s a good idea to keep small bottles of all essential fluids on hand.

Create a routine checklist each time you hit the road will prevent accidental damage from oversights such as forgetting to turn off appliances or leaving doors and windows ajar.

The following points serve as a checklist that can be used each time you get your RV ready to travel.

• Roll in and properly stow the awning

• Ensure that all jacks are lifted completely

• Check all tires are inflated to have equal pressure

• Turn off gas and water heaters

• Take down or lower the satellite and/or antenna

• Remove and stow drain and fill hoses, and ensure that all caps have been replaced

• Remove and stow the water pressure regulator

• Disconnect and stow the external electrical cable

• Close and lock all external storage compartments

• Turn off the furnace to prevent overheating and potential fires

• Turn off the water pump

• Make sure the refrigerator door is fully closed and that the setting is set to gas or automatic. This keeps the refrigerator cold while being disconnected from electrical power

• Make sure all pilot lights on your stove and oven are turned off

• Close all windows and vents

• Close all internal cabinets, dressers, and drawers to keep things from falling out while in transit

• Secure loose items by setting them on the floor, into sinks and bath tubs, or in storage boxes

• Close and lock your entry door

• If you have a towable RV, make sure that the hitch (as well as the sway bar and weight distribution hitch, if applicable) are secured properly

• For towable RVs, also ensure that no wires connecting the RV to the tow vehicle are clamped or at risk of getting caught in the hitch while in transit
  
  Walk around again to make sure you haven't left anything behind before departing.

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