Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-03-2021, 08:18 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Soddy Daisy, TN
Posts: 132
Is Low Voltage An Issue In Most RV Parks

I am still waiting to pick-up my NoBo 19.6 and today I've been segregating my RV purchases pertaining to Electrical, Waste Water, Fresh Water as well as items for the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen over the past 6 month to see if I've overlooked anything.

From what I've read most campers would want to have a Surge Protector plugged in to the park's electrical supply and plug their camper into it. But what about the issue with Low Voltage, is that a real concern at RV Parks to where I need to consider spending the big bucks on an RV EMS System? I spent under a $100 for the Progressive Surge Protector but their EMS System seems to run around $300 and up so do most campers use those at their campsites?
Stingingfork is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2021, 08:28 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Retired JSO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 962
Is Low Voltage An Issue In Most RV Parks

I’ve had good luck with the cheaper Campco power defender. It comes in 30 and 50 amp. Guards against low and high voltage and surges although not the name brand, much cheaper and has lasted 5 years so far.
Retired JSO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2021, 08:31 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SW PA
Posts: 907
A surge protector will only indicate issues when you are looking at it. It will do nothing to prevent damage on it’s own.

A EMS system will protect your rig 24x7 with no intervention on your part. I would not connect to any parks electrical system without an EMS. It has prevented issues quite a few times. Parks with low voltage and other problems are not the majority, but enough that the investment is easily justified.

This past season I had one pedestal at a state park that had a open neutral due to a bad receptacle, had the EMS not prevented power from entering the coach I would have significant and costly damage.

Currently I use a Hughes hardwired unit. In my previous coach I had a PI hardwired unit. I would recommend either.
__________________


2021 Newmar Baystar 3401
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk toad
2017.5 Forester 3051S Traded 7/2020
Steve-W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2021, 08:32 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 434
I doubt 1 in 10 use good EMS protection. It's like insurance you don't HAVE to buy. But you'll be glad you have it if something happens..
1100mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2021, 08:33 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
SeaDog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: x
Posts: 12,423
In the summer when its hot there are real problems with low voltage at campgrounds.
__________________
Retired Navy
Jake my sidekick (yellow Lab) 10/04 - 05/20
2017 RAM 2500 CC 4X4 Cummins Diesel
2016 Flagstaff 26 FKWS
AF&AM & El Korah Shrine of Idaho
SeaDog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2021, 08:48 PM   #6
Scoundrel
 
HangDiver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Montrose, Colorado
Posts: 2,788
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeaDog View Post
In the summer when its hot there are real problems with low voltage at campgrounds.
Ditto!!!! My Progressive Industries EMS protected us from low voltage at campgrounds on three separate occasions, cutting power to my TT temporarily until voltage came back up. And I only use campgrounds rarely while I'm enroute to dry camp in BLM or USFS land.
__________________
2024 Geo Pro 15TB, 400W Solar, 2 Golf Cart batteries
2015 F-150 5.0L V8 XLT Crew Cab, 4x4, Tow Package, 36 gal tank, 3.55 locker, 1891 payload, Integrated Brake Controller, Roadmaster Active Suspension

Wooden Spoon Survivor
HangDiver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 07:38 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Soddy Daisy, TN
Posts: 132
Well it appears that I wasted almost a $100 on my Progressive Surge Protector since it didn't mention anything about protecting my RV against Low Voltage. Not sure I understand why they sell something to protect against the high but not the low voltage also if it is a major concern with damaging the devices inside my camper but it appears that I made a Newbie mistake by not purchasing one that would protect from both voltage situations... Might as well have flushed my $100 down the toilet.

I just found one from Hughes on Amazon and Amazon was selling it at approx. half off the manufacturer's current list price. As I've read from the mostly 5 star reviews it protects against high and low voltage and the price is not much more than what I shelled out for the PI Surge Protector. Has anyone had any experience with this particular model: Hughes Autoformers PWD30-EPO, 30 Amp Spike Power Watchdog. Hughes also stated that they have a replaceable surge module built in that the customer can replace if it ever goes bad which makes it sound as though I would never have to buy another "Watchdog" as they call it. If I order this model it would make sense to go ahead and order a new module (for under $30) to keep on hand and if the original goes bad within the first two years Hughes will send me one replacement for free.

As an added bonus Hughes noted that they have a bluetooth app where all of the data from the unit is transmitted via Bluetooth to sync with your phone. On the app, you will see in real time, your voltage supplied, your amp draw, and your use of power in Watts and also tracked over time as k/Wh. Not sure that I would ever need this info but it sounds cool anyway.

I hope someone on this forum can provide their experiences with this model...
Stingingfork is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 07:55 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
5er_tom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 3,188
I have that Hughes unit and like it a lot. Several times this past summer we tripped it due to over amp situations and using the Bluetooth app makes it very easy to reset it.
Plus, we once had a low voltage situation and it tripped off. It came back on after the voltage came back up.
__________________
Tom & Renée
Durham, NC

2021 Jayco Class C model 27U
5er_tom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 08:29 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SW PA
Posts: 907
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stingingfork View Post
Well it appears that I wasted almost a $100 on my Progressive Surge Protector since it didn't mention anything about protecting my RV against Low Voltage. Not sure I understand why they sell something to protect against the high but not the low voltage also if it is a major concern with damaging the devices inside my camper but it appears that I made a Newbie mistake by not purchasing one that would protect from both voltage situations... Might as well have flushed my $100 down the toilet.

I just found one from Hughes on Amazon and Amazon was selling it at approx. half off the manufacturer's current list price. As I've read from the mostly 5 star reviews it protects against high and low voltage and the price is not much more than what I shelled out for the PI Surge Protector. Has anyone had any experience with this particular model: Hughes Autoformers PWD30-EPO, 30 Amp Spike Power Watchdog. Hughes also stated that they have a replaceable surge module built in that the customer can replace if it ever goes bad which makes it sound as though I would never have to buy another "Watchdog" as they call it. If I order this model it would make sense to go ahead and order a new module (for under $30) to keep on hand and if the original goes bad within the first two years Hughes will send me one replacement for free.

As an added bonus Hughes noted that they have a bluetooth app where all of the data from the unit is transmitted via Bluetooth to sync with your phone. On the app, you will see in real time, your voltage supplied, your amp draw, and your use of power in Watts and also tracked over time as k/Wh. Not sure that I would ever need this info but it sounds cool anyway.

I hope someone on this forum can provide their experiences with this model...
I have the 50 amp hardwired version of this unit. This is the type of EMS you want. Very good unit and a longtime solid company behind it. No need to carry a spare surge board, unless something catastrophic occurs nearby lighting strike etc, it will be many years before you need it.
A basic surge protector like you already have does not protect you from high voltage just surges, which are short duration high voltage spikes. A EMS like the Hughes EPO unit will monitor for line voltage and open up the power feed to the RV if line voltage goes above 132 v or below 104 v. Once voltage is restored to normal after a 90 second delay it will reconnect power. It of course also has the same surge (spike) protection as the one you already have does.

That is an excellent price from Amz.
__________________


2021 Newmar Baystar 3401
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk toad
2017.5 Forester 3051S Traded 7/2020
Steve-W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 09:05 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Soddy Daisy, TN
Posts: 132
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5er_tom View Post
I have that Hughes unit and like it a lot. Several times this past summer we tripped it due to over amp situations and using the Bluetooth app makes it very easy to reset it.
Plus, we once had a low voltage situation and it tripped off. It came back on after the voltage came back up.

5er_tom, Thanks for the post on the positive experiences that you've had on this particular Hughes unit. I really don't see how I could go wrong at the current price point on Amazon and the fact that they have a replaceable surge module inside their unit makes it even better.
Stingingfork is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 09:20 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Soddy Daisy, TN
Posts: 132
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve-W View Post
I have the 50 amp hardwired version of this unit. This is the type of EMS you want. Very good unit and a longtime solid company behind it. No need to carry a spare surge board, unless something catastrophic occurs nearby lighting strike etc, it will be many years before you need it.
A basic surge protector like you already have does not protect you from high voltage just surges, which are short duration high voltage spikes. A EMS like the Hughes EPO unit will monitor for line voltage and open up the power feed to the RV if line voltage goes above 132 v or below 104 v. Once voltage is restored to normal after a 90 second delay it will reconnect power. It of course also has the same surge (spike) protection as the one you already have does.

That is an excellent price from Amz.

Steve-W, Thanks for your post as well, you've provided me with the detailed information of how the Hughes works and the safe limits above and below 120 volts that I had not read yet as well as the short comings on using a surge protector. Wow I wished I had read enough about surge protectors before I wasted my money on one... If I knew more about the electrical space available on the NoBo 19.6 I might consider hardwiring one in since it would be nice not to have to worry about someone walking off with the plug-in model but at this price I will go ahead and take a chance.

If the PI surge protector was heavy enough I could say it might make a good boat anchor but I'll probably take a loss and try to sell it online -
Stingingfork is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 09:37 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Chuck_S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Richmond VA
Posts: 4,515
Invest in a voltage transformer. If it includes "surge" so much the better.

High summer temperatures (i.e. massive air conditioner use) and (old) campgrounds with marginal electrical infrastructure (to include bad pole box connectors) cause low voltages which are damaging to electrical devices. It's the old "Watts" issue which is simply Volts times Amps; if volts drops amps has to increase to supply the watts. None of this has any relation to "surge."

I've been using an AutoFormer for years that simply plugs into the power pole and the trailer connects to it. But even it wasn't enough to keep the voltage high enough at an Indiana SP a few years ago and the entire campground literally shut down for most of a very hot day. Good olde LP/AC refrigerator kept the ice cream frozen and the beer cold if you actually need another reason to avoid the 12v-inverter refrigerators.

Surge is really a non-issue. Unless you built a house in the past couple of years there's no "surge protection" in your home. But an RV surge protector is cheap. I think I have one somewhere stashed in the Roo...

-- Chuck
__________________
2006 Roo 23SS behind a 2017 Ford Expedition
Chuck_S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 09:59 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,050
over heated one leg of a ,50 to 30 amp dogebone adapter. during summer in a campground full of rvs. slightly melted the rubber around the prong and discolored it. still works fine. never payed big bucks for a " surge",, voltage regulator ... i am on my 5th rv. dog bone adpts. are under $20.00 at home depot under RENOGY DOG BONE . Surge protector or "Minnow Money?" ill take the minnow money ,and a dozen night crawlers ,, Please!
Thomas ho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 10:14 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SW PA
Posts: 907
The current model Hughes AutoFormer does have a basic surge protector built in, it does not provide the same protection as an EMS. The AutoFormer will raise and lower line voltage +/- 10% if it is out of the safe range. It most situations it is not needed. If you frequent a particular campground that has low or high voltage it is very useful. They are quite $$$ and are not needed in most cases. If you use a AutoFormer it is also recommended that a EMS is placed inline after the AutoFormer.
__________________


2021 Newmar Baystar 3401
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk toad
2017.5 Forester 3051S Traded 7/2020
Steve-W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2021, 10:57 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,371
Low Voltage

If you are getting one, go EMS. It only takes 1 incident to cost you more than the EMS. The EMS will disconnected, then reconnect when the low power is solved or sacrifice itself. We have only seen 2 times in 20 years, so it is rare. I think it depends if you mainly go to state parks or private camp grounds (more likely to have problem). Think of the EMS as an insurance policy. One incident for us, we were at a campground when road construction hit a power pole. Our EMS did its job, we were w/o power for several hours. Several campers had electronics fried. The surge protector will not help w/ low power.
Tundra 2014 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2021, 01:16 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Bob2019's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 473
As stated, consider an EMS as insurance protection. Think of all the electronics in your RV. Microwave, A/C, electronic boards for water heater, refrigerator, TVs, DVD player, and display tablets to control everything, converter and inverter and on and on. Ask yourself: Do you feel lucky? Just think of what some of the cost will be if you blow any of the things listed. With shortages of everything and dealers repair backups, you could find yourself broke and at the end of the season for going out. Buying an EMS is petty cash compared to fixing many affected electronics.
__________________
2019 Forester 2861DS
Bob2019 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2021, 01:31 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 387
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck_S View Post
Invest in a voltage transformer. If it includes "surge" so much the better.

High summer temperatures (i.e. massive air conditioner use) and (old) campgrounds with marginal electrical infrastructure (to include bad pole box connectors) cause low voltages which are damaging to electrical devices. It's the old "Watts" issue which is simply Volts times Amps; if volts drops amps has to increase to supply the watts. None of this has any relation to "surge."

I've been using an AutoFormer for years that simply plugs into the power pole and the trailer connects to it. But even it wasn't enough to keep the voltage high enough at an Indiana SP a few years ago and the entire campground literally shut down for most of a very hot day. Good olde LP/AC refrigerator kept the ice cream frozen and the beer cold if you actually need another reason to avoid the 12v-inverter refrigerators.

Surge is really a non-issue. Unless you built a house in the past couple of years there's no "surge protection" in your home. But an RV surge protector is cheap. I think I have one somewhere stashed in the Roo...

-- Chuck
I'm good with most of that but what is a "12v-inverter refrigerator"?
__________________
Rockwood Geo-Pro 15TB on order
2019 Ford Ranger
W5CRE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2021, 03:13 PM   #18
rfifer
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Miami
Posts: 172
I have an EMS that I use on almost every hookup. I have been fortunate not to experience low voltage issues, but I have experienced low amperage issues at a couple parks. When I measure the voltage at the plug, it reads 120 volts +/- 1 or 2 volts. But at one park, in particular, the output reads 27 amps on a 30 amp post. What that means is that operation of individual electrical items appears normal, but I cannot use, for example, my AC and my water heater when both are drawing power. So I use the water heater on propane and the AC on electrical power. It took me a little while and a volt-meter to figure out the problem. At first I thought it was something in the electrical hookup within the trailer. But once I knew what the issue was, the "cure" was pretty easy to come by.
__________________
Bob and Jan
Miami
Grey Wolf 26 DBH
TV F-150
rfifer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2021, 04:21 PM   #19
Citrus County, Fl.
 
GL1800Rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hernando, Fl
Posts: 2,368
Quote:
Originally Posted by W5CRE View Post
I'm good with most of that but what is a "12v-inverter refrigerator"?
Your 15TB has a 12 volt refrigerator

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/trave...pro/G15TB/4395
__________________
2016 Forester 3011DS
2017 Toyota Corolla SE toad
PREVIOUS: 2015 Flagstaff 832IKBS
99 Terry 31G
GL1800Rider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2021, 04:28 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 387
Quote:
Originally Posted by GL1800Rider View Post
Your 15TB has a 12 volt refrigerator

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/trave...pro/G15TB/4395
Yes it does but it has nothing to do with the inverter. Just confused me.
__________________
Rockwood Geo-Pro 15TB on order
2019 Ford Ranger
W5CRE is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
voltage

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:10 AM.