Even though I have been full timing for 3 years with no problems and travelled through most of Canada and USA I am again considering purchasing one of the above. I would like to hear from people who have actually had their wiring fried when using 50 amp plug in, not second hand stories. I have heard that as most 50 amp wiring is comparitively new there should be no big problems when used. Looking around the park I am in with lots of motorhomes, I have not seen one portable surge guard or autoformer. If they are here they must be the installed type. I have also been through a few power outages with no problems. How big of a risk am I taking?
DeWayne & Judy
04 3810 Dutch Star
ISL 370
Frank's autoformer
01 Sahara Jeep-toad
F 374382
It is hard to kiss the lips at night, that has chewed your butt all day long!
When my coach was only a couple of weeks old, we were in a campground where lighting struck close by. It blew the fuse in the microwave, trip several circuit breakers and fried the dash radio. We did not have the TV or other electronics on at the time. Since the coach was so new, my dealer fixed everything under warranty. I went out and bought a 50amp Progressive Industries Surge Guard and it has save me several times with miswired and low voltages. I had also camped for years without any instances of power problems, but all it takes is once to become a believer.
There is just tooooo many variances in available power at tooooo many different campgrounds. Many (nearly all) campgrounds use workampers for their maintenance and upkeep. Not to say that many of these workampers aren't skilled in one phase or another, many really are just like me...perhaps a jack of all trades and master of none. We see way too many different answers on this list alone concerning how to wire 50 amps...30 amps....etc. Because of that, I believe in the insurance that an autoformer and a surge protector provides. Like any other insurance policies, I have it and hope I never need it. My autoformer has provided me with proper voltage many time in campgounds that was lacking proper electrical service. So far, as far as I know, my surge protector has not been tested.
hershey - albuquerque, nm Someday Finally Got Here
My wife does all the driving - I just get to hold the steering wheel.
Expedition - Suzuki Grand Viagra
I have RV'd in the western US for 16 years with no guard and no problem, but have seen credible reports of damage from others. Most of those reports seem to be from the southern and eastern areas, so perhaps there is a regional factor.
I have worked with surge protectors in industrial environments and know that they can have a significant number of false triggers; shutting off the power because of transient events that would not have caused any damage; but if you have dirty power that is better than getting fried.
Not having a surge protector or an autoformer is comparable to not having our Pressure Pro tire monitor system, or even a spare tire. Pressure Pro - $750; tire - $650, Hughes Autoformer - $500. Each provides us some comfort and confidence, even though they may never be needed. The autoformer is hard wired and always working when we plug in and has conditioned power to be useable, on several occasions. The Pressure Pro already saved the toad, and the extra unmounted tire could save a trip, otherwise ruined, waiting for a tire. The Autoformer or a just a surge protector, could simply save you an otherwise catastrophic loss. Sorry, we haven't had a direct hit that would better fit your request.
Jack & Nim Myton
'07 Revolution LE, 40E, DSCVRY "Reveille"
'05 RAV4, RVPUSHR
Moderator, Revolution Owners Group, Good Sam, FMCA
www.revolutionmotorhome@yahoogroups.com
I have the Surge Guard and I believe it is extremely CHEAP insurance. I always check my power before hooking up with a voltmeter, but even then a couple of times, by the time I got the Surge Guard on, it wouldn't let the power come on, and both times it was because of low voltage. I have also had it kick off several times that we never knew what the issue was...
One other thing, There are a couple or so campgrounds here in the west that don't allow the power leveling devices...not sure what the issue is...
Gary And Cathy
'05 Dolphin 5342
Honda Element following us
GS, FMCA 365597 Rallys attended FMCA Albany, Or.'06 FMCA Redmond, Or.'07
One other thing, There are a couple or so campgrounds here in the west that don't allow the power leveling devices...not sure what the issue is...
We have seen the same thing. It's kind of odd because the only time an autoformer comes into play is when the campground is providing inadequate voltage. If they can guarantee proper voltage, then I'd gladly give up my autoformer, but until I get that guarantee, my autoformer just sits in the bay, inline, providing adequate power.
I bought the Hughes Autoformer a couple of years ago when I was experiencing breaker trips I attributed to low voltage (higher current - heat). No more problems. Last fall we experienced a lightening strike which took out our power pole and that of a couple of other campers.
My autoformer was fried. I called the company (the number is on the case) explained the problem - they said "It's under warranty, send it back along with a $25 check to cover return postage and we'll fix it." Oh, I explained to the company that it was a lightening strike and not the fault of the autoformer - they said send it back, it's under warranty. I did and a week later I had a rebuilt autoformer.
I had a light string plugged in to the associated 15 amp outlet that also got fried; but, had NO problems in the RV. I have subsequently added a surge protector - don't know how long the autoformer warranty lasts.
As far as 1st hand experiences with an electrical surge I have had none but I have had 2 experiences with low voltage & 2 of reverse polarity in the last year. Low power is not as evident but is very detrimental to your AC & many electrics. Reverse polarity opens you & yours to the danger of electrical shock by touching any grounded metal on the RV while bare footed on damp ground plus it's hard on some electronics).
One of the low a power situation had nothing to do with the CG. While camping in MN our Progressive system cut off because of low voltage. The voltage finally came up & that evening TV news reported that the whole state was having this problem because the electrical grids were all over loaded. The utilities had the money & desire to expand their grids but could not get the right-of-way to build the towers. Yes an autoformer would have taken care of this but autoformers have limited surge protection & no faulty wiring protection.
I don't think it is wise to drive without collision insurance & I feel the same way about RVing without good electrical protection & it is a lot cheaper than collision insurance.
Dave
Plus New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island & Nova Scotia
Offline
"Reveille"
Rallys attended
