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Recommended Surge Protector for 13.5K Furrion Chill Cube RV AC  

Updated 10/12/2026 | Published 10/10/2026

Question:

We're replacing our old air conditioner with the 13.5K Chill Cube. Our camper has 30 amp service, and we usually stay at campgrounds. Before spending the money on a new AC, is there anything you recommend to protect it from bad campground power?

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Expert Reply:

Hi Brian! One thing worth adding would be the Hughes Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Emergency Shut Down # HU42VR. This protects against power surges and automatically disconnects your camper if the voltage gets too high or too low. It plugs between the campground pedestal and your camper's power cord, so there is no permanent installation.

The automatic shutoff is the feature I would look for instead of choosing something that only protects against surges. It handles that protection without you having to keep an eye on the voltage, and the app lets you check your power usage and see any faults. You're protecting the rest of the camper's connected appliances too, not just the new AC.

For the Chill Cube, you can choose from the following complete systems based on color:

-Furrion Chill Cube RV AC System - 13.5K Btu - Ducted/Non-Ducted - White # FR639YV

-Furrion Chill Cube RV AC System - 13.5K Btu - Ducted/Non-Ducted - Black # FR739YV

Both include the rooftop unit, air distribution box, remote, and wall thermostat. The Watchdog stays outside at your power connection, so it doesn't change how the air conditioner is installed or operated.

What kind of camper are you upgrading?

expert reply by:
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Robin H
HU42VR App Control
HU42VR App Control
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HU42VR
HU42VR
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Donny profile picture

Donny

10/11/2026

Great device, it's worked very well for us. Any power fluctuations and it shuts down immediately. The wifi and Bluetooth have both worked great for us, you do need to be pretty close (within your campsite) for the Bluetooth, we've found. If the power pedestal is on the low side you will have an issue with the Watchdog sitting on the ground due to the length it hangs. That can affect the plug staying tight in the pedestal. All in all I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and would buy it again.

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

10/12/2026

@Donny good point about the Watchdog hanging down from lower power pedestals. That's something worth keeping in mind when setting up at a campsite. Glad to hear it's been working so well for you!
Steve M. profile picture

Steve M.

10/11/2026

Brian, I realize these are expensive, however with all the electrical stuff in RV’s they are well worth money. My wife and I were staying at a campground last spring and as usual I plugged the Power Watchdog in first thing.(even before unhooking the trailer) it faulted out and we were moved to a different site. Possible it saved the electronics in my new trailer. I won’t camp in a campground without it. Highly recommend. Steve Marett

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

10/12/2026

@SteveM that's a perfect example of why having the Watchdog is worth the investment! Catching a problem with the power before you even get set up can save you from some expensive repairs. Sounds like it already paid for itself!
Chris profile picture

Chris

10/11/2026

We have use the Power watchdog on our new Escape E23 travel trailer and it preformed perfectly. I plug it in turn on the breaker infill detect if its good power, I then tuen it back off plug in the Trailer and we are good to go, you can also download the app and monitor power and any issues

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

10/12/2026

@Chris that's a great routine to get into! Checking the power before connecting the trailer is a smart way to make sure everything is good to go. The app is a nice bonus for keeping an eye on things once you're set up.
Donna H. profile picture

Donna H.

10/11/2026

Hi Brian H, I haven’t regretted one day my purchase of my Watchdog. It has already protected my camper once this season. I turn off the power at the pedestal, plug in my Watchdog, turn the power on to make sure I get a white face. If you get a white face, turn the power off, plug your camper into the Watchdog and turn the power back on. You are now protected. Don’t forget to lock your watchdog to the pedestal as you don’t want anyone to steal this very valuable item. Yes, it might seem pricey, but when you consider what it is all protecting, this item is priceless. You won’t regret your purchase, I know I didn’t. Good luck!

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

10/12/2026

@DonnaH good reminder about locking the Watchdog to the pedestal! It's an investment worth protecting, just like the camper and all the electronics it's keeping safe. Glad to hear yours has already done its job!

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