I just ordered the Hughes Autoformer and the installation kit so I can mount it inside the trailer out of sight out of mind. My plan was to mount it inside the towel closet right where the electric cord comes through the side of the trailer and stores. That is also the same cabinet where the furnace is so its vented pretty well with a louvered cover. Do you think this will be enough ventilation for the autoformer also? Secondly in the instructions on the website it says it can be used laying on its side but that's not preferable. What the heck does that mean? Im not sure exactly how much space I will have to work with but if I need to lay it on its side I wonder if that somehow will hurt its overall longevity since it's not "preferable".

I really see no reason that a transformer can not be laid on it's side. It might have to do with the position of the internal transfer switch, and having it upright is a predictable way for the transfer switch to open and close properly. Or it might have more to do with cooling air currents?I can do what I want with my transformer, it is just a transformer, not any electronics in it to change the voltage or anything. It does create heat. You do not want to store towels on top of it, as that will keep the heat inside it, and it does not like that! Have fun camping!Fred.

I do not know if it will be enough ventlation howver you can install a vent in the closet door that will allow air to circulate better.. I did that in my rig 10years ago and to date no problems.Why is it better to install upright instad of on it's side:There is a device called a heat sink.. it is basically a hunk of metal often with fins that "Sinks" (Draws) the heat from something..Also transformers generate heat...UPRIGHT is the most efficient cooling of the components..Sideways the cooling is not as efficient. Mine is upright (only choic where it sits)

Interesting. I didn't know that. Once I get it I will see exactly how big it is and go from there. I was just tired of always worrying about the AC when its hot out at some of the state parks we go to.

I have a Hughes Auto-transformer.First mine produces very little heat. Even on a hot day and running my air conditioner I can touch the case of the Auto-transformer and it is only warm.Second the Hughes uses static switches to change the taps on the transformer. No contactors. The windings are in buck/boost configuration and because it is an Auto-transformer there is very little loss that produces heat.

6.7 tow rig wrote:Im not sure exactly how much space I will have to work with but if I need to lay it on its side I wonder if that somehow will hurt its overall longevity since it's not "preferable".*VERY* easy solution!GUARANTEED to be the CORRECT answer to your question!It's a novel approach.....Call them and ask !!They *ARE* nice folks...:C.

Autoformer installation | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Dtank wrote:
6.7 tow rig wrote:

Im not sure exactly how much space I will have to work with but if I need to lay it on its side I wonder if that somehow will hurt its overall longevity since it's not "preferable".

*VERY* easy solution!

GUARANTEED to be the CORRECT answer to your question.

It's a novel approach.....Call them and ask !!

They *ARE* nice folks...:C

.

Thanks for the useless post. It really helped make my decision.
Dtank
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
6.7 tow rig wrote:

Im not sure exactly how much space I will have to work with but if I need to lay it on its side I wonder if that somehow will hurt its overall longevity since it's not "preferable".

*VERY* easy solution!

GUARANTEED to be the CORRECT answer to your question!

It's a novel approach.....Call them and ask !!

They *ARE* nice folks...:C

.
RCMAN46
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
I have a Hughes Auto-transformer.

First mine produces very little heat. Even on a hot day and running my air conditioner I can touch the case of the Auto-transformer and it is only warm.

Second the Hughes uses static switches to change the taps on the transformer. No contactors. The windings are in buck/boost configuration and because it is an Auto-transformer there is very little loss that produces heat.
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Interesting. I didn't know that. Once I get it I will see exactly how big it is and go from there. I was just tired of always worrying about the AC when its hot out at some of the state parks we go to.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 16, 2015
I do not know if it will be enough ventlation howver you can install a vent in the closet door that will allow air to circulate better.. I did that in my rig 10years ago and to date no problems.

Why is it better to install upright instad of on it's side:

There is a device called a heat sink.. it is basically a hunk of metal often with fins that "Sinks" (Draws) the heat from something..Also transformers generate heat...UPRIGHT is the most efficient cooling of the components..Sideways the cooling is not as efficient. Mine is upright (only choic where it sits)
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
I really see no reason that a transformer can not be laid on it's side. It might have to do with the position of the internal transfer switch, and having it upright is a predictable way for the transfer switch to open and close properly. Or it might have more to do with cooling air currents?

I can do what I want with my transformer, it is just a transformer, not any electronics in it to change the voltage or anything. It does create heat. You do not want to store towels on top of it, as that will keep the heat inside it, and it does not like that!

Have fun camping!

Fred.

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Autoformer installation

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