A Case for the Autoformer

[I-RV]

I know, I know; this has been brought up several times!
I have the Progressive EMS-LCHW50 surge protector and still believe that it is the first step in electrical protection, but have been like many, a nay-sayer about needing an Autoformer.

Well, I humbly change my opinion this weekend when down at the Saint Augustine Beach KOA. The park was full-house, the temperature and humidity in the high eighty's. One of my power legs was 104 and the other about 112 volts. Well, my smart surge protector shut down all electrical input and we roasted. Checking with several other RV's, they had the same problem and was running their generator. I moved to another location and just barely lucked out with a little higher voltage.

This is the first time ever that I have had this problem; but it can be devastating when you are in need of AC.
Hank

[B and B]

I would agree the autoformer is a good idea and I use a portable surge superssor to bypass in case of low voltage. I am thinking of getting one with our new RV when we are 50 amp.

Herk swears by his autoformer.

[BandJCarm]

Autoformer.

Another new word.

Sigh.

Another expense.

So.........this goes between the power pedestal and the EMS system?

[po 185]

I use both and so far no problem

[BamaBob]

Yep, the Hughes Autoformer is 'da bomb!


Pedestal ->Autoformer -> Progressive EMS -> RV Mains


https://hughesautoformers.com/produc...mp-12000-watt/

[BamaBob]

Speaking of Autoformers - has anyone installed one internally? The less junk I have dangling off the pedestal the less stuff I have to stow when it's time to break camp!


I see where Hughes offers a internal mounting kit that "can be installed into the ventilated compartment of your R.V" Not sure what this means exactly but it does NOT sound like you can install this inside the RV at the mains (where you install your Progressive EMS)


Some adult supervision appreciated here


https://hughesautoformers.com/produc...ll-kit-50-amp/

[silver]

Originally Posted by po 185

I use both and so far no problem

What does the autoformer do when you are connected to a 30 amp or 20 amp line? I was thinking of getting one and hard wiring into the coach. I only have 20 amps at home and wondered if I would have a problem. Do not want to trip the circuit. Same for camp grounds. Also how warm does it get?

[Jack350]

I have been in many campgrounds over the years and my biggest issue with electric was low voltage. Running air and other items at 100 volts or less on a hot day is not something I want to do. The Hughes autoformer has solved this issue along with monitoring park power. I would not leave home without this device.

[gasman94]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

Speaking of Autoformers - has anyone installed one internally? The less junk I have dangling off the pedestal the less stuff I have to stow when it's time to break camp!


I see where Hughes offers a internal mounting kit that "can be installed into the ventilated compartment of your R.V" Not sure what this means exactly but it does NOT sound like you can install this inside the RV at the mains (where you install your Progressive EMS)


Some adult supervision appreciated here


https://hughesautoformers.com/produc...ll-kit-50-amp/

Bob, did this a while ago. Pics included in the post.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...mer-79925.html



Rich

[BamaBob]

THANKS Rich - you are Awesome!!

[Roger2650]

I will second that, jack350. I love mine. it provides some surge protection also. The RV parks that are loaded are a problem in hot weather.

[MCTroy]

So this autoformer will boost the electric coming into the trailer? I checked their website. For the costs it might be worth it for our seasonal site as
we have low electric issues there. I doubt the camp ground owner will be happy if I use this and the surge protector on the power pole though. Can the autoformer be used alone with out the progressive EMS?

[KRSmitty]

Originally Posted by Jack350

I have been in many campgrounds over the years and my biggest issue with electric was low voltage. Running air and other items at 100 volts or less on a hot day is not something I want to do. The Hughes autoformer has solved this issue along with monitoring park power. I would not leave home without this device.

X2! Have the 30amp model now and need to get a 50amp model for the new TT.

[BamaBob]

I think the Hughes autoformer is going to work real well. In fact if I'm not mistaken, it looks like there's a convenient place to mount it inside the coach already. Some of you guys who've already installed your autoformer take a look at this picture and tell me what you think.

This is where the 50 amp mains go into the coach: it looks like it'll be a simple procedure to pull the 50 amp cord and just insert the Hughes autoformer in serial, get some metal strapping, and secure it to the top of the compartment.



Sent from my iPhone

[gasman94]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

I think the Hughes autoformer is going to work real well. In fact if I'm not mistaken, it looks like there's a convenient place to mount it inside the coach already. Some of you guys who've already installed your autoformer take a look at this picture and tell me what you think.

This is where the 50 amp mains go into the coach: it looks like it'll be a simple procedure to pull the 50 amp cord and just insert the Hughes autoformer in serial, get some metal strapping, and secure it to the top of the compartment.
Attachment 108350Attachment 108351


Sent from my iPhone

Bob, I think that that should work as long as you have adequate circulation.


Rich

[Bluepill]

I am not against an autoformer in any way, but in my experience in 300 days of electric hook-up I only had low voltage one hot day in California. It seems that the long-term residents were experienced, and within a few minutes of the drop about half of us had our gennies running. No complaints from the park owner about genny usage, since his power bill was reduced.

Based on that, I will just stick with the genny as a solution.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by gasman94

Bob, I think that that should work as long as you have adequate circulation.

Rich,

That is what I am wrestling with - what is considered "good/adequate" ventilation?

This compartment is pretty big - guessing 6x4x4'

Originally Posted by Bluepill

I am not against an autoformer in any way, but in my experience in 300 days of electric hook-up I only had low voltage one hot day in California. It seems that the long-term residents were experienced, and within a few minutes of the drop about half of us had our gennies running. No complaints from the park owner about genny usage, since his power bill was reduced.

Based on that, I will just stick with the genny as a solution.

Good point but the Autoformer is a on-the-fly electrical conditioner. As a old SF guy, I am in the "better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it" camp