Can the Hughes Watchdog Power Center HU74ZR Be Mounted Inside an RV Compartment to Prevent Theft?
Updated 05/21/2026 | Published 05/18/2026
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Question:
Can you replace the input cable with a 15foot cable to the RV site power pedestal and keep the Watchdog Power Center Surge Protector and Voltage Booster HU74ZR inside a compartment in the trailer to prevent theft?
asked by: Davis B
Expert Reply:
Hi Davis,
Yes, you potentially could do that, but there are a couple important things to keep in mind. The Watchdog Power Center part # HU74ZR is designed as a portable unit that normally sits upright at the pedestal, and Hughes recommends keeping it in its normal standing orientation so the ventilation openings can cool the unit properly. I would not mount it laying flat inside a compartment because restricted airflow can cause overheating and shutdowns.
As far as using a longer input cable from the pedestal so you can keep the unit inside a locked compartment, that would require modifying the wiring setup since the HU74ZR does not come with an extended detachable pedestal cord option. Technically, the cord can be cut and hardwired or extended, but at that point you are moving beyond the intended plug-and-play portable installation.
A lot of RV owners who are concerned about theft either secure the unit at the pedestal with a cable lock through the built-in locking loop with part # 8419DPF, or they move to a fully hardwired surge protector setup inside the RV. The HU74ZR already includes both surge protection and voltage boosting, so there is not currently a true hardwired version with all the same features combined into one unit.
If you want to keep it inside a compartment, the biggest thing would be making sure the compartment has enough ventilation space around the unit and that the unit can remain upright during operation.
Where do you usually camp?
Clyde
5/21/2026
That’s what I did, although instead of putting the Power Center in a compartment, I placed it under the camper. This served the dual purpose of keeping it out of the weather and providing a bit of light underneath the camper—helps to keep rodents away. You’ll enjoy the Power Center, best protection available in my opinion.
Robin
5/21/2026
Electrician responding here. Hughes make a kit called "Hardwired Mounting Kit for Hughes Autoformers 50 Amp Voltage Booster", sold on etrailer for $136. You intercept the power cord inside your rig where it attaches to the ac/dc power panel, adding a receptacle and pigtail cord with plug. Then the power centre simply installs between these items the same as if it is outside. But now it is safely inside your rig where it will not be seen, get wet, or get stolen. You will need space at that location to place the device and these new items. It could be located anywhere along the input cable where you have space and access. Ventilation would also need to be considered. All the best.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Watchdog Power Center Surge Protector and Voltage Booster - Bluetooth and WiFi - 50 Amp
- RV Surge Protectors
- Surge Protector
- Voltage Booster
- 50 Amp
- Portable
- Automatic Shutoff
- Bluetooth Monitoring
- WiFi Monitoring
- Hughes Autoformers
more information >
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on RV Surge Protectors
Anthony
5/21/2026
I keep mine outside sitting on two plastic pads within an upside down tub for weather protection. I have it place in a spot not visible to the public. Plus a security camera covering the perimeter.