Low voltage in camp grounds

[Donald Norder sr.]

I own a 2004 Winnabago Adventurer with a surge protector that shuts down power to the coach when the voltage exceeds 136 volts or drops below 103 volts. I seem to be experiencing more frequently low voltage at campgrounds than ever before. When this low voltage occurs I can not run my a/c. I see Camping World is selling a "Autoformer Voltage Regulator". This unit is supposed to increase voltage from the campgrong hookup by 10 % when the voltage drops below 108. I was wondering if anyone has used this product and how happy they were with the results

[Donald Norder sr.]

I own a 2004 Winnabago Adventurer with a surge protector that shuts down power to the coach when the voltage exceeds 136 volts or drops below 103 volts. I seem to be experiencing more frequently low voltage at campgrounds than ever before. When this low voltage occurs I can not run my a/c. I see Camping World is selling a "Autoformer Voltage Regulator". This unit is supposed to increase voltage from the campgrong hookup by 10 % when the voltage drops below 108. I was wondering if anyone has used this product and how happy they were with the results

[rebelsbeach]

Donald, WELCOME to iRV2!!

If you will click on "find" and uncheck the "search this forum only" box you will "find" several recent posts in regard to this topic,as well as the surge protector which you've already purchased.

I will NEVER be without a surge protector again...

[chasfm11]

Hi, Don. I take a fairly militant view on proper voltage electric in campgrounds. I view it kinda like hot water in a hotel room - I'm not willing to tolerate going without it.

My reasoning is pretty simple. In order for the voltage to drop low enough to cause a SurgeGuard to kick out, there is something basically wrong with the wiring. Either there are too many people trying to draw electricity from a specific electrical branch or there is a loose connection or other high resistance problem. Whatever kind of device you hang on the line to try to compensate for that problem, you are not doing anything be treating the symptoms. Worse yet, there is no guarantee that the basic problem isnt' going to exceed the Hugh's ability to cope with it. If you have had this problem in multiple CGs, it is possible the the problem is in your shore power connections and it is something that you should have looked at as soon as possible.

I advocate bringing low voltage situations to the attention of the CG manager. If they are unable or unwilling to do something about it right away, I advocate moving sites to another branch of the electrical system. Failing either of those, I'd want to move to a different CG all together. Trying to add devices to outguess electrical problems is not the path that I want to be on, but maybe that is just me.

[Donald Norder sr.]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply. I will check it out. When it's hot the wife likes the a/c to work, if you know what I mean. Thanks again, Don

[Donald Norder sr.]

Hi Georgie Boy,
Thanks for the info. At the last two campgrounds I was at another fellow had the same problem that I encountered. Of course, after sunset and the power consumption drop the problem self corrected.I spoke with the CG manager at both locations and they confirmed that they were aware of the problem and have had several complaints concerning it. That being said, I do not feel the problem is with my coach. Once again, thank you for your reply.
Don

[Gary RVRoamer]

As for the Hughes Autoformer, it indeed works. It's rugged, weather resistent (not waterproof) and reliable. The current 30A & 50A models have surge suppression and check for open neutral and grounds and reverse polarity. Older models did not have all these features, so check if buying used or one that may have been on the shelf awhile.

[Donald Norder sr.]

Hi Gary,
Thanks for your response. With low voltage becoming more and more a common occurance in campgrounds I decided to order one. Camping World has it priced at $359.10 for President Club members. (30 Amp model) I shopped around at different RV stores in my area and found that to be the best price by far. Again, thank you for your response.
Don

[Paulin]

We have had a 30 amp Hughes Autoformer for the past 5 to 6 years. Although the first one malfunctioned after about one year, Hughes replaced it at no charge. We have built our Autoformer into the electrical compartment so it is always ready and out of the weather. We wouldn't leave home without it.

[Donald Norder sr.]

Hi Bluewind,
Thanks for the reply to my concern. From what I am hearing it sounds like this is the way to go. I ordered one yesterday from Camping World. You said you mounted it in your electrical compartment, is it vented? Every one seems to tell me that is has to be in a vented compartment. Just curious. Thanks again for your reply,
Don

[jlb77399]

Don,

As a fulltimmer, I have been in a lot of campgrounds.

I would strongly recomend that you mount it in a inside compartment. Most campgrounds do not allow the Hughes Auto Transformer's use.

Jim

[Donald Norder sr.]

Hi Jim,

[Donald Norder sr.]

Hi Jim, Thanks for the reply. The instructions say it has to be mounted in a ventilated compartment. How important is that? Does it get hot?
Thanks, Don

[jlb77399]

Don,

When the unit is steping up the voltage it does get a little warm. The instructions say to mount it in a vented compartment. However, I would use it and see how warm it gets and you make your own decision. I have a vented compartment that my 2000watt inverter is in and the transfer switch is there also, so it is a perfect compartment for mine.

Realize that if it is on the ground, covered with a black plastic bag, in a campground in AZ in the summer, think how hot it gets then.

Personlly, I would put it in the compartment the transfer switch is in if there is room.

Jim