Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X - Best surge protector
This is the first thing I plug in at every site. The EMS-PT30X tests pedestal voltage, polarity, and frequency before letting power flow into the RV. At a campground in New Mexico it flashed an open neutral warning that would have fried my AC unit. The lifetime warranty and metal lockable housing put it ahead of cheaper plastic units. Get the 30 amp version for most trailers, 50 amp for fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes.
Check price on Amazon →I lived out of an RV for three months and these are the gear pieces I would not leave the driveway without.
I lived out of a 24-foot travel trailer for three months and 8,000 miles, hitting everything from full-hookup parks to dry boondock sites. After dozens of gadgets came and went, these are the five essentials that earned permanent storage space.
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X - Best surge protector | Check price | ||
| Camco brass water pressure regulator - Best plumbing protector | Check price | ||
| Valterra Viper sewer hose kit - Best sewer setup | Check price | ||
| Lynx Levelers - Best leveling blocks | Check price | ||
| Jackery Explorer 1000 - Best portable power | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X - Best surge protector
This is the first thing I plug in at every site. The EMS-PT30X tests pedestal voltage, polarity, and frequency before letting power flow into the RV. At a campground in New Mexico it flashed an open neutral warning that would have fried my AC unit. The lifetime warranty and metal lockable housing put it ahead of cheaper plastic units. Get the 30 amp version for most trailers, 50 amp for fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes.
Camco brass water pressure regulator - Best plumbing protector
The adjustable brass model with a gauge is worth the extra money over the cheap red inline regulators. I set mine to 50 PSI and never thought about it again. Brass holds up to freeze cycles better than plastic, and the gauge lets you actually see incoming pressure (one Texas park was pushing 110 PSI). Pair it with a quality filter and your water system will last the life of the rig.
Valterra Viper sewer hose kit - Best sewer setup
Cheap sewer hoses split, leak, and ruin trips. The Viper kit comes with a heavy-gauge polymer hose, two clear elbows, and a four-in-one sewer adapter. After three months of dumping every five days, mine still seals perfectly. The clear elbow lets you confirm when the tank is actually empty, which sounds gross but saves you from carrying stink home.
Lynx Levelers - Best leveling blocks
These interlocking plastic blocks stack like Legos to level your RV on uneven sites. I tried wood, plastic ramps, and inflatable bags, and Lynx Levelers won on weight, durability, and storage. They survived multiple drives at full GVWR and never cracked. A 10-pack handles 99% of campsites; carry 20 if you boondock on rough ground.
Jackery Explorer 1000 - Best portable power
When you go dry camping, a Jackery turns your RV into a comfortable home base. The 1000-watt-hour unit ran my CPAP, laptop, and lights for two nights without recharging. Pair it with a 100-watt solar panel and you can stretch boondocking indefinitely. I prefer it over a built-in generator because there is no noise, no fumes, and no maintenance.
What to look for
Buy quality power protection first
A surge protector is cheap insurance against a RV electronics rebuild. - **Match amperage to your rig:** 30 amp gear will not work on 50 amp shore power without proper adapters, and vice versa. - **Plan for boondocking:** Even if you only do hookup sites, one storm can knock out park power. A small power station keeps your fridge running. - **Storage matters:** RV storage bays fill fast. Look for collapsible hoses and stackable blocks. - **Test everything at home:** Set up your gear in the driveway before your first trip. You will find missing parts there, not at a remote campsite.
FAQs
A surge protector with EMS. Bad pedestal power has fried more RV electronics than anything else. A 30 or 50 amp surge protector pays for itself the first time it cuts power on a faulty hookup.
Yes. Campground water pressure varies wildly and can blow your PEX plumbing. A simple brass regulator set to 45-55 PSI prevents thousands in plumbing repairs.
