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lostinfla · 01-09-2018, 06:57 AM

Used this on our last coach quite a bit at campgrounds with low voltage problems, but was hesitant to leave it at the pedestal for fear of theft or damage. Finally got around to adding a 50A receptacle and male plug in the power bay so I can leave it safe inside when needed. When I'm not using it, the surge stays plugged into the feed sans the autoformer. (once again, the pics are sideways, don't know why)

MonacoMan84 · 01-09-2018, 07:04 AM

Nice setup, those Autoformers are really slick.

NealC · 01-09-2018, 07:05 AM

Nice job! This is at the top of my to-do list. I have the kit to do the same. I'm on my second AutoFormer :( But thankful for the outstanding customer service at Hughes. I had mine hooked up at the pedestal, didn't check the weather nor did it look like rain was coming. I am aware it's not water proof and have a nice clip on umbrella for it, but didn't attach it as the skies were clear when I arrived a sunset at the campground. I woke up to pouring rain, went out to find the autoformer submerged at the pedestal 1/3 up the autoformer. It still worked but one of the green lights turned red. I let it dry for a week or two and tried it at the house (I have a 50A at the house) and it worked but again showed some ground fault (red light) so back to Hughes it went ($70'ish in shipping). Hughes said it was all rusted and unfixable inside. They courtesy replaced it with a refurb (i.e. showroom model) which actually was better than mine, has a much better grip on the plug handle. Anyways, not doing that again. I just dread dealing with that anaconda power cable and reel but I gotta get it done before spring.

tnedator · 01-09-2018, 07:11 AM

Autoformer vs surge protection? I'm not familiar with an autoformer, is it like a line conditioner?

Do you use both or just one or the other?

NealC · 01-09-2018, 07:12 AM

Use both, one is for undervoltage, the other is for surges. Autoformer should come before the surge protector.

C.Martin · 01-09-2018, 07:44 AM

We keep ours in the storage bay 99% of the time. When you need it...it’s indispensable! We spent the weekend in the yard at Orlando Freightliner. (Fuel Injector failure) They put us against the fence with power...but the voltage was horrible. Our Hughes autoformer saved the day. We would have roasted without air conditioning and running the air conditioner on severely sagging voltage is really bad for it. Except for changing our travel plans due to the unexpected diversion to Freightliner...we survived the weekend unscathed.

MonacoMan84 · 01-09-2018, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnedator

Autoformer vs surge protection? I'm not familiar with an autoformer, is it like a line conditioner?

Do you use both or just one or the other?

It is similar to a line conditioner, it will actually regulate the voltage to ensure your coach is receiving a consistent 120V. If my memory serves me correctly it can regulate even if the pedestal is providing as little as 105 volts. It does this at the cost of amperage, but in a 50amp scenario it's not a big consequence. Low voltage can overheat and kill A/C compressors and other sensitive electronics, this product ensures that won't happen. Pretty cool.

NealC · 01-09-2018, 08:06 AM

There is a good video on the Hughes Autoformer web site I suggest watching. It can increase voltage up to 10% when in an undervoltage situation.

You can get these on Amazon, they're not cheap, but pick your poison. I'll go for the preventative approach.

TJ · 01-09-2018, 09:24 AM

I have been considering a Hughes autotransformer for some time but hadn't gotten around to doing any research. Interesting that they are not weatherproof. You would think something like that would be engineered to withstand the elements.

I'm not a big fan of putting high-amperage after-market devices under load in the storage bays, but lostinfla's solution is certainly well done.

TJ

NealC · 01-09-2018, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

I have been considering a Hughes autotransformer for some time but hadn't gotten around to doing any research. Interesting that they are not weatherproof. You would think something like that would be engineered to withstand the elements.

I'm not a big fan of putting high-amperage after-market devices under load in the storage bays, but lostinfla's solution is certainly well done.

TJ

When I called them to give my CC number to pay for shipping of my replacement I politely mentioned that. While I appreciated the warranty handling I did suggest to them, you know this is sitting outside exposed, please consider making it water proof in some way as you are selling me an external unit. Had I not viewed the video on their web site I would not have known to cover it to protect it from rain. Go to their web site and buy the internal mounting kit. They will give you free shipping if you call them and order this item which is around $90. Here is the link to it.

chuckster52 · 01-09-2018, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

There is a good video on the Hughes Autoformer web site I suggest watching. It can increase voltage up to 10% when in an undervoltage situation.

You can get these on Amazon, they're not cheap, but pick your poison. I'll go for the preventative approach.

Now, can you use these with 50 amp rv hooked up to 30 amps plug ??...would it give up some amps off the 30 amp supply and defeat the whole system?
thanks,Chuck

NealC · 01-09-2018, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster52

Now, can you use these with 50 amp rv hooked up to 30 amps plug ??...would it give up some amps off the 30 amp supply and defeat the whole system?
thanks,Chuck

I can't answer with confidence, maybe someone else can but you can all them and ask this question (and let us know). With the internal mounting kit you can bypass the autoformer if needed, i.e. if it fries for some reason or maybe this scenario.

HavingABlast · 01-09-2018, 09:47 AM

How is the Hughes Autoformer different or better than the Progressive Industries solution. Are they competing or complementary ones? I have the EMS-HW50C and thought/think that I am ether protected that with just the onboard surge/spike protector. Would you use both of these? In this configuration: Pedestal >> Autoformer >> EMS >> Coach ?

Canuck53 · 01-09-2018, 09:55 AM

The Autoformer increases the voltage if needed.It just so happens there new model also does surge protection and some other energy management. I do not believe it will stop power from flowing.