How Do I Lock My RV Surge Protector?

A Danish proverb states, “A thief is a thief, whether he steals a diamond or a cucumber.” Unfortunately, thieves don’t only frequent fancy jewelry stores; they also visit RV parks and campgrounds.

These swindlers will swipe anything of value they can get their hands on. An RV surge protector lock can help ensure these bandits don’t leave your RV unprotected.

Today, we’re sharing tips to secure your RV surge protector at your campsite. Let’s get started!

What Is an RV Surge Protector?

Surge protectors protect electronics from power surges and voltage fluctuations. They’re frequently used to protect televisions, computers, and other expensive electronics. 

Since RVs require you to plug them into a power source, they’re one of the most expensive electronics owners must protect.

An RV surge protector takes care of the camper’s electrical system and electronics. Without these devices, owners might have to replace air conditioners, refrigerators, and other sensitive electrical components after power surges or voltage drops.

RV surge protectors can range from $100 to $350. Unfortunately, this is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of replacing a refrigerator or air conditioner if caught without one.

You can end up needing to spend several thousand dollars and be without a functioning camper for an extended amount of time.

Do You Really Need an RV Surge Protector?

We highly recommend that anyone using an RV should use a surge protector. Power surges and voltage fluctuations can occur anytime due to lightning strikes, faulty electrical systems, and power outages. 

Using these devices can help you avoid costly repairs and replacing electronics. Sure, some RVers have camped for years without one and never had an issue. 

However, you take a massive risk anytime you plug your rig in without protection. It’s simply a risk we’re uncomfortable taking, and we recommend you avoid it too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRC4Dsifb8U

Are Thefts Common While Camping?

Thankfully, we’ve never had anything stolen from us during our years of camping. However, thefts can occur. We’ve seen and heard complaints from full-time and recreational travelers who have had items stolen while camping.

Thieves often look for the easiest targets. Electronics, outdoor gear, or other unattended belongings can tempt them to try to make a quick buck. Luckily, you can do some things to protect your stuff while camping.

Keep your valuables out of sight and always secure them when not in use. Maintaining an organized campsite can help you notice anything you’ve left out. 

We also suggest you have and use locks, camp in safe areas, and mark your valuable items to make them easily identifiable. So how do you lock your RV surge protector?

Keep in Mind: This RV Owner’s rig was stolen and was turned into a meth lab! Let’s dive in and see what happened.

How Do I Lock My RV Surge Protector?

Your surge protector keeps your RV safe, so how can you protect it? If you want to prevent this important device from disappearing, you must secure it. Let’s look at several ways you can lock your RV surge protector.

Use a Cable Lock

A cable lock is an excellent option for anyone needing to protect their surge protector. Many surge protectors come with a cable ring that allows you to feed a cable through it. You then wrap the cable around the power pedestal to create a snug and tight fit before locking it in place.

Cable locks come in various thicknesses and lengths. Ensure you get one compatible with your surge protector and easy to use.

While a determined thief could cut through the cable, most are opportunists looking to do as little work as possible. There’s a good chance they’ll pass you by and look for another victim.

Use a Surge Protector Enclosure

A surge protector enclosure helps prevent thieves from removing your surge protector from your RV’s power cable. The box wraps around the electrical plugs and locks in place. You can use a combination or key lock to secure it.

A determined thief could cut through or damage the enclosure to get to your surge protector. However, it will take some time and likely require them to make noise. Thieves typically want to avoid both of these and will likely think twice about trying to take your surge protector.

Use a High-Quality Padlock

Don’t overthink it; you can buy a high-quality padlock and use a steel chain to lock your RV surge protector. Like the cable lock we previously mentioned, find a chain that’ll slide through the cable ring. Pull the chain tight and put a padlock through two chain links.

Cutting through a high-quality padlock or steel chain isn’t easy. It will require certain tools that many thieves won’t carry or have readily available. 

Keep in Mind: So what is the best RV surge protector? Click the link to find out!

Add Extra Protection With an Alarm Lock

You can take your protection one step further by using an alarm lock to protect your RV surge protector. These feature an anti-theft shackle that activates a 130-decibel alarm when broken. 

This sound is loud enough to attract attention and send the thief running. They’ll likely not have time to finish the job and will flee the scene empty-handed.

Consider a Hardwired RV Surge Protector

The safest way to protect your RV surge protector is to consider a hardwired model. These units install safely inside a storage compartment in the underbelly of your rig. 

This can allow you to keep your electronics safe and your surge protector out of sight and locked away. Since these are hardwired into your electrical system, a thief must know where to look and be willing to risk electrocution if they want to swipe it.

Is an RV Surge Protector Lock Worth It?

If you have an RV surge protector, we highly recommend getting a lock for it. These essential and expensive pieces of equipment can easily walk away in seconds. 

It can happen so fast that you may not even notice it’s missing until you go to pack up camp. An RV surge protector lock can help ensure your rig stays protected and you’re not a thief’s next victim. 

Plus, spending $15 to $30 on a lock will save you much more money than having an expensive surge protector get stolen and then having an electrical surge damage your RV’s appliances. It seems pretty risky to us.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API