Autoformer

[Craig H]

I bought a used Hughes Autoformer from the classifieds on this site and it worked well for a while. Then, while on a 10K mile trip around the country, it not only stopped boosting power, it actually drained power. When I opened it up I found that several wires had been melted and the circuit board was burned. First, I Hughes still in business? I have tried in vain to contact them and can find no web site and the phone # on the autoformer is out of service.
Second, would it be worth it to have it rebuilt or should I just go ahead and get a new one. I have seen another brand advertised as both a booster and a surge protector. Any opinions? Thanks in advance. ps - anyone have a current phone# for Hughes?

[Gary RVRoamer]

Here is their web site, but don't know if they are responsive or not.

Hughes Autoformers ::

Hughes Autoformers
5399 E. Hunter Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
888-540-1504 Sales & Service
866-662-2139 Fax

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig H Any opinions? Thanks in advance. ps - anyone have a current phone# for Hughes?

Try this: Hughes Autoformer

[GaryKD]

Hi Craig H,
It sounds like the appliance gave up its life for your coach's electronics. If you get no /bad response from Hughes, consider biting the bullet and getting another power transformer. I have Surge Guard RV Voltage Regulators - Product - Camping World it works as advertised and I would make the same purchase again.

[wa8yxm]

As I recall most states the warranty applies only to the original owner.

Thus, if you buy used, you are on your own.

Of course... You can always tell 'em you lost the receipt for the original purchase.

[JC2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Craig H, It sounds like the appliance gave up its life for your coach's electronics. If you get no /bad response from Hughes, consider biting the bullet and getting another power transformer. I have Surge Guard RV Voltage Regulators - Product - Camping World it works as advertised and I would make the same purchase again.

Although I'm not a big fan of CW, I also agree with the above recommendation. Here is also a link to the PowerMaster Unit which is also rated very good.
PowerMaster autoformers

[Dr4Film]

I purchased a VC-50 Power-Master from Todd Coffelt before leaving for Alaska last springtime. It worked flawlessly and is still going strong. I really needed it when I was an Anchorage School District host for two months. The 30 amp outlet was too far away from where I had to park my coach, I ended up using the entire length of 50 amp coach cable, another 30 feet of 50 amp cable, 30 feet of 30 amp cable and a 50 to 30 amp adapter just to reach the outlet. That length of cable certainly would have caused high resistance and loss of voltage. The Power-Master set the voltage just where it needed to be.

I have mine setting on a custom made shelf inside the engine compartment right where the shore power cord comes into the coach. It is wired first after the shore power cord then into the Progressive EMS and finally into the coach wiring system.

I read too many problems in the past with the Hughes and other Autoformers that I was convinced if I was going to spend that much money, I wanted a reliable device. Oh, I forgot to mention that it also has Surge protection.

Your best bet is the Power-Master unit.

Dr4Film ----- Richard.