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Who uses which ones? I've run into one (and only one) RV park that bans autoformers - says they may keep the voltage stable, but that they also pull way too much current. I suspect there's more to that story than gets told. Anyhow, we don't have one, but if they work, seems like a good thing to have. I'd be interested in knowing what users think of them.
Thanks
-------------------- al Millenicom/Verizon - F1 on standby Posts: 176 | From: On the move | Registered: Apr 2007
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I used an autoformer several years ago. It will raise the voltage to your RV when the park voltage gets below 116. When I was staying in a lot of small private parks, state parks and national parks, I had many occasions where the voltage was getting down to about 110 volts. The autoformer would bump it back up to about 120 volts.
Parks with low voltage don't like it because it will allow you to run your AC when otherwise you couldn't/shouldn't due to low voltage, thus using more power when they don't have much.
-------------------- Michael Day F1|D3|7000 5.8.0.72|Currently no Hughes|1 Laptop: XP Home|1 Desktop:Vista, 1 Win7|Cradlepoint 1400|Verizon MiFi 4GLTE| Newell Coach, PT Cruiser Turbo Find Me Here (Map) Donations Help Support This Site Posts: 2815 | From: Everywhere (home is Austin, TX) | Registered: May 2003
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So essentially the places where you'd benefit most from an autoformer are the places which would object the most to your using one?
I've heard the Hughes autoformers are sensitive to surges, but I've also seen ads in the backs of magazines for a brand (don't recall the name) that claims to be able to withstand anything short of a direct lightning strike.
-------------------- al Millenicom/Verizon - F1 on standby Posts: 176 | From: On the move | Registered: Apr 2007
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Frank's is the other Autoformer. I have used the Hughes one for several years. I have mine mounted inside a compartment to protect it from weather, sticky fingers and campground owners that don't like to see them.
My MH is 30 AMP with a energy management system. At campgrounds with low power I can still run both of my AC at the same time.
-------------------- Larry 99 34Q Discovery & 08 HHR LT2 Banks Powerpack F1 | D3 3.8.9 | HN7000S | 117/1070 |Hardwired through 8 Port Switch with WRT54 |Trav'ler Slimline SWM |Wilson SOHO Click here to see where I am Posts: 1151 | From: Homestead, FL | Registered: Aug 2003
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I have used the Hughes Autofomer for 5 years and wouldn't be without it. I also have it mounted inside the power cable compartment. With all of the electronics that one has in their MH these days it would be a good idea to have it.
-------------------- Al and Evelyn Fox F1, D3, 7000 (89W-1390)ver.3.9.1, Linksys WRT54GC Safari Trek towing Saturn Vue Posts: 25 | From: Santa Fe, NM | Registered: Jun 2004
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Anybody using the "Franks" unit that is supposedly less sensitive to surges and spikes? We, too, have a 30 amp MH with power management, and can run both AC units simultaneously, depending on whether the microwave is also running.
-------------------- al Millenicom/Verizon - F1 on standby Posts: 176 | From: On the move | Registered: Apr 2007
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After getting my Hughes 50amp Autoformer "repaired" 3 times, I decided to get Franks Autoformer and couldn't be happier. I also have Progressive Industries EMS unit. The Autoformer is wired before the EMS and I haven't had a bit of trouble. However, the EMS will always show that fault code, but it hasn't ever caused a problem. Spikes & surges are non-existent with the Franks unit. It was those spikes & surges that caused the "shipping of the Hughes unit back & forth", making the cost of my Hughes higher than what Franks cost me. So if there is anyone needing/wanting a boat anchor with a cord--please let me know--I'm sure we can come to an agreement on the price. I have both a 50 amp and 30 amp Hughes I will let go for next to nothing!
-------------------- John Christman| No longer do I have Satellite Internet Service—just a `po boy who uses 35/35MBBS FIOS for internet. Permanently parked as of 6/1/2012 in stick house. Posts: 407 | From: Marysville, WA | Registered: May 2004
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One thing about the Franks I've found. They have, it seems 3 models
One is a 30 amp, one is a true 50 amp and one is a 35 amp (70 amp total between the legs) This one has 50 amp plugs and sockets but can only pass 35 amps per leg, Make sure you get the right one.
Other than that, I do believe Franks is the better unit. I am in the process of mounting, I've gotten the location scoped out, need to modify the floor a bit (minor, it's an area with cables so I need to put in a false floor strong enough to hold it) and add the outlet and plug, have all but one piece of hardware needed, Just a matter of getting the remaining piece (outlet) and plugging it in
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I have the Hughes Autoformer and purchased the kit to allow for mounting inside the coach. So, I do not have to worry about it walking off. I too have been in parks where there is low voltage.
I have a surge supressor installed also, that shuts down the system when the voltage gets too high or too low.
-------------------- Mike, Linda and Peanut (Shi-Tzu) Posts: 430 | From: Somewhere USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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The Hughes unit I have will raise voltage if the park is too low, When I'm done with the install it will be internal to my rig and I'm not going to tell any park I use one, they have no need to know, if they are delivering low voltage they have liability and I'm saving them the cost of a lawyer
The Franks unit will not only boost, but if you are in one of those mexician 130 volt parks. it will buck, I think it's the better value
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For newcomers to the autoformer type unit these unit boost voltage as the expense of amperage. That's not a bad thing, but if you are on a low amperage connection already the autoformer may give you even less amps to work with.
-------------------- Bill Adams Winegard Company Posts: 15681 | From: Traveling the Western US | Registered: May 2003
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I've had my 30 amp Hughes for over two years and it works great. Mine is permanently installed in a compartment. Something like it should be standard equipment on any RV. Low voltage either form the service point or due to those lousy extension cords makes them a cheaper alternative to equipment replacement.
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