Every RV owner needs an electrical panel to provide temporary electricity to their trailer.
The last thing you need from a *backup* power supply is unreliability. You need your electrical panel to be working when it’s needed.
The best electrical RV panels are outdoor rated, come with 20 & 50 AMP breakers pre-installed, have room for additional circuits, and are reliable.
On the other hand, a bad electrical panel is a complete waste of your time and money (not to mention a huge pain in the a**).
To help you separate the good from the junk, we’ve reviewed the Top 5 RV Electrical Panels of 2023.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best RV electrical panels on the market. Let’s dive right into the reviews.
Contents
Best RV Electrical Panels
Preview | Product | Key Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Siemens TL137US Talon Temporary Power Outlet Panel with a 20, 30, and... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice | GE RV Panel with 50 Amp and 30 AMP RV Receptacles and a 20 Amp GFCI... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Excellent Value | Connecticut Electric CESMPSC55GRHR 50-Amp RV PNL with 20-Amp GFCI... |
| CHECK PRICE |
| RV Power Outlet Panel |
| CHECK PRICE |
| Siemens TL17US Talon Temporary Power Outlet Panel with a 20 and 50-Amp... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Siemens TL137US RV Electrical Panel
- UL Listed and Outdoor Rated
- Elevated cover with padlock prevents unauthorized use
- Receptacles protected by Siemens circuit breakers
The Siemens Talon power outlet panel is an RV electrical panel has a number of features that make it a great system, especially for temporary power. An elevated cover that with a locking system with a simple padlock that allows more security and prevents usage by unauthorized people. It can easily be attached to a surface or even a pole mount without any troubles.
Siemens circuit breakers are used which protect the receptacles. The receptacles are additionally made pre-wired for more ease. The body of this RV breaker panel is made of galvanized steel along with polyester powder coat finish for a durable body. The panel allows you to have a number of receptacle configuration options which create convenience.
This box is pre-wired with receptacles and breakers. It has a 50-Amp breaker on the 50-Amp RV 240/120v 4-wire socket. There is a 20-Amp breaker on the 20-Amp duplex GFCI receptacle. There is a 30-Amp breaker on the 30-Amp RV 120v 3-wire socket. The weatherproof lid covers the entire front, and there is still enough room with it closed for the cables to exit the bottom between the door and panel front.
This panel is perfect for temporary powers with metered and unmetered options available. Overall this is the best choice for those looking for a high-quality RV electrical panel at a great price.
Pros:
- The body is made of galvanized steel along with a polyester powder coated surface to provide with durability
- To prevent power theft and for added security, you can use a padlock to simply lock the box and remove any unauthorized access from it
- The receptacles are made prewired and they are protected by Siemens circuit breakers
- There are different configuration settings that make more convenient for the users
Cons:
- The body is not rainproof, you need to make sure it at a shaded spot
- The box is not deep enough for 50 amp plugs
Verdict:
Siemens is a reliable and internationally recognized brand that allows you to install the panel anywhere on a surface or even a pole. The configuration variety makes it a great option for temporary power lines.
GE 100 AMP RV Electrical Panel
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
The GE power panel RV breaker box is an unmetered RV outlet box that helps provide power for a small period of time anywhere. The zinc coated steel with electrodeposition finish has the ability to resist corrosion and fading making it highly durable and safe unlike many other boxes on the market.
The NEMA 3r rainproof system provides protection against weather, theft, and nuisance tripping. The electrical panel is pre-wired and pre-assembled for a more easy approach to the use. The construction is made with the all in one style so that it has assured terminations from the factory. Aluminum or copper wire can be used for installation convenience.
You will also find the box to have rolled edges to ensure that the cord is not hurt when it is closed. Even though this RV electrical panel is a little pricey, it still has features that make it highly competitive in the market.
Pros:
- The box is made from zinc coated steel with electrodeposition which makes it resistant to corrosion and fading making it strong and durable
- The system is made of rainproof and vandalism proof
- This panel comes prewired and pre-assembled so that you do not have to go through the trouble
- The rolled edges ensure that the cord is safe and sound
Cons:
- The box does not have a locking system
- It is not suitable for poles and needs a solid surface
Verdict:
This GE panel is a great RV electrical panel that has one of the strongest bodies to protect the system from inside. The Preassembled system gives comfort and confidence to the user to use it with ease.
Connecticut RV Electrical Panel
- 14-50R NEMA receptacle is 4 wire, rated at 50-Amp 125/250-Volt; 5-20R NEMA 3 wire receptacle is GFCI protected
- Hub provision is provided for use with Siemens HR-style hubs
- NEMA 3R rainproof enclosure has a lockable latch and the unique design allows the cord to be used with the door closed
The Connecticut RV power panel is perfect for anyone who wants a small power set up for camping, for their trailers, or for anyone that is not looking for something permanent. The body is made rainproof with a latch that allows you to lock it so that theft is prevented and security is enhanced.
The design is made for much comfort which is why the cord can be used even if the box is locked. The heavy duty powder coated steel make it secure and long-lasting. The power outlet is pre-assembled so that you do not have to make much effort in assembling it.
The Hub provision is provided so that you can use this with the Siemens HR style hubs. You can use the lugs with copper or even aluminum wires with ease. You will not find this to be extremely over the budget which makes it worthwhile even more.
Pros:
- The body is made of heavy-duty powder coated stainless steel to make it secure, durable, and even rainproof
- You can lock the box to prevent theft; however, you can still use the cord with its convenient design
- The NEMA receptacle is of 4 wires each of which is rated at 50 amperes and is GFCI protected
- The lugs can be used with aluminum and copper wire both
Cons:
- There are not many different configuration settings
- The wires from the plugs to the neutral bases are not long enough
Verdict:
The Connecticut RV electrical panel is a great and friendly to the pocket option for you to set up your panel anywhere. With features such as the heavy-duty body and pre-assembled outlet make it very easy for the users.
Siemens TL17US Talon Temporary RV Power Outlet Panel
- Surface or pole mount with meter provision
- UL Listed and Outdoor Rated
- Elevated cover with padlock prevents unauthorized use
Siemens is a reliable brand that makes great electric gadgets. This camper breaker box is an example of one of the finest products. The box has a meter provision along with having the ability to be bound to any surface and even a pole. This is one of the features that make it a great RV panel.
The cover is elevated and comes with a padlock that ensures that the panel is safe from theft and insecurities. The Siemens circuit breakers protect the receptacles and provide perfect power. The panel is UL listed and outdoor rated. The galvanized steel and powder coated finish allows the box to be durable and supportive of the inner panel.
You will not have to worry about assembling or wiring the receptacles since they are prewired. There are additional branch breaker provisions easily available for this box. With so many different qualities, the price is very cheap.
Pros:
- The body is galvanized steel and made with tough coating along with a lock against protection
- The Siemens circuit breakers are used which help in protecting the receptacles and provide the recommended power
- The receptacles and breakers are prewired to ensure that you do not have to go through heavy efforts
- The box contains a meter provision and can be bound to a pole or any even surface
Cons:
- The box is not rain or weatherproof
- The cords cannot be used when the box is locked
Verdict:
Siemens is a trusted brand and you really do not need a reason to use it. However, if you still are looking for one, then you can see the features which provide support and perfect power for a short time.
Eaton RV Power Outlet Panel
- NEMA3R construction for rainproof installation
- Removable upper dead-front cover
- Lower dead-front cover rotates 90 degrees for easy routing of incoming wire
The Eaton RV circuit breaker panel has been made for versatile surfaces to easily fit outdoor and be protected from the rain too. The upper front cover is made removable so that you can keep it according to your needs. The lower dead frontal cover has the power to rotate 90 degrees for the easy routing of the wire that is incoming.
There is 1 BR style single pole breaker and a 30 ampere, 125 volts receptacle in this panel. The panel is made NEMA rated and UL listed which makes it a much more convenient and trusted electrical panels for outdoors and for temporary supplies. The durable and strong body gives the interior system to rely on the body of the panel for protection.
With features like these, the panel seems to be a bit overpriced; it may not be a hard task to find another with much more features at a lower price.
Pros:
- The upper frontal cover of the panel is made removable so that you can use it as per your preference
- BR style single pole breaker provides perfect power for a small RV or space temporarily
- The strong durable body makes it safer for the inner system
- The down frontal cover can rotate up to 90 degrees with ease
Cons:
- The body does not have a lock to protect theft
- The box is not resistant to the weather
Verdict:
Even when being overpriced, the Eaton RV distribution panel has some great features like the removable upper panel which adds to the ease of the user. Features like these make it a great purchase.
Buying guide:
We have compiled this guide to help you through the considerations of getting the RV electrical panel that will suit your needs the best.
1. What features should the body have?
The body of an RV electrical panel is one of the most important parts of it. You need to make sure that the body is good so that the inner system is well protected. Make sure you choose a high quality galvanized steel at least for the best support. A powdered finish will allow a more durable and presentable aspect for a longer life.
The box additionally needs to be versatile and needs to be sited on every surface including pole. Since the panel is installed outside, make sure you prevent theft by ensures that your box has a lock system or place to have a padded lock.
2. Should you get the 30 amp or the 50 amp?
All RVs come with a power cord to plug into an electrical pedestal. These are either 30 amps or 50 amps. A 30 amp hookup will allow you to use three prongs while the other will allow you to use four. This means that you can use more electricity on the 50 amps if you need it. To calculate your needs, multiply the amps with the volts and you will get the watts.
These watts will actually determine how much power you will need. These adapters do not make a huge price difference, but they do make a slight difference. Keep in mind all these factors.
3. What is the importance of good circuit breakers?
One of the most important things that you need to have is great quality circuit breakers in your panel. The circuit breakers work as guards of the whole system. They literally break the circuit if they are overworked and the temperature rises. This, in turn, reduces chances for fires and short circuits. A bad circuit can be very dangerous as it can fail to do the job and cause fires and electrical hazards very easily.
You can choose the single pole breakers for RVs as they are the best for 120 volts with ratings of 15 amps to up to 50 amps. You do not want to choose something higher as these breakers can also overwork and eventually cause accidents.
4. What is the alternative?
The alternative to the RV electrical panel is the RV solar panel. Solar panels are a little more complicated to install and they are also a little more expensive. However, in the long run, they save a lot of money and provide safer energy that you can use in your electrical appliances in the RV.
Solar panels are also a bit more different and generally, they do not have locks that make them more secure. Yet, if you are looking for temporary options but still a long-term, they are great for you.
Conclusion
Out of all the different RV electrical panels mentioned in our reviews, the one that stood out for us is the Siemens Talon Temporary Power Outlet Panel. It has features like having a durable body, being prewired, and having a lock that ensures ease for the user. It may have its cons; however, they can be overlooked because of the pros.