Have been thinking about getting a 30 amp autoformer. Never thought we'd need one but have been to enough CGs now with really bad voltage problems to warrant one.There's lots of Hughes RV2130 autoformers around new and used but can't seem to find Franks units for sale except on their website. Some forums have mentioned a Hughes RV430 being available that has 3 boost levels while the RV2130 only has one but the Hughes website does not list an RV430. If the RV430 is NLA, would prefer a Franks autoformer (which they call a voltage booster) but is a bit pricey at $449 (waay more in CAN dollars). Are the Franks units only available from Franks or are they not available anymore? Can't find a new or used Franks unit anywhere else. Not interested in a TRC unless the price was right.

myredracer wrote:Have been thinking about getting a 30 amp autoformer. Never thought we'd need one but have been to enough CGs now with really bad voltage problems to warrant one.There's lots of Hughes RV2130 autoformers around new and used but can't seem to find Franks units for sale except on their website. Some forums have mentioned a Hughes RV430 being available that has 3 boost levels while the RV2130 only has one but the Hughes website does not list an RV430. If the RV430 is NLA, would prefer a Franks autoformer (which they call a voltage booster) but is a bit pricey at $449 (waay more in CAN dollars). Are the Franks units only available from Franks or are they not available anymore? Can't find a new or used Franks unit anywhere else. Not interested in a TRC unless the price was right.We have the Hughes and love it. I mounted it inside where the cord comes through the side of the camper so its not possible to steal, and not possible for anyone to know its there. We were in the same boat and finally got it last year after several Florida campgrounds were dangerously low. I like Hughes because it is constantly self adjusts providing you the perfect amount of power. It works from 94 to 125 volts

You might want to reconsider buying a Franks -- have heard some bad things about them.I use a 50A TRC Voltage Regulator, here's a $375 30A TRC unit.

TechWriter wrote:You might want to reconsider buying a Franks -- have heard some bad things about them.I use a 50A TRC Voltage Regulator, here's a $375 30A TRC unit.I seem to recall one of them having some kind of legal issues but can't find anything at the moment. The Hughes is definitely everywhere you look and people seem to be happy with them.6.7 tow rig wrote:We have the Hughes and love it. Do you know the model no.? The RV2130?

Gil,I have the Hughes 30 amp which will allow me to get down to 96 volts. The lowest input I have ever seen was 99 volts. The Franks will operate down to 91 volts and has features that the Hughes does not. So far the Hughes has served me well and I haven't needed anything more. Like anything else, it's just a judgement call.

myredracer wrote:TechWriter wrote:You might want to reconsider buying a Franks -- have heard some bad things about them.I use a 50A TRC Voltage Regulator, here's a $375 30A TRC unit.I seem to recall one of them having some kind of legal issues but can't find anything at the moment. The Hughes is definitely everywhere you look and people seem to be happy with them.6.7 tow rig wrote:We have the Hughes and love it. Do you know the model no.? The RV2130?Yes it's the RV2130. We ordered it off Amazon but I don't remember what we paid. Im thinking it was right around 400

Autoformers - what's available as of 2016? | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
myredracer wrote:
TechWriter wrote:
You might want to reconsider buying a Franks -- have heard some bad things about them.

I use a 50A TRC Voltage Regulator, here's a $375 30A TRC unit.

I seem to recall one of them having some kind of legal issues but can't find anything at the moment. The Hughes is definitely everywhere you look and people seem to be happy with them.

6.7 tow rig wrote:

We have the Hughes and love it.

Do you know the model no.? The RV2130?

Yes it's the RV2130. We ordered it off Amazon but I don't remember what we paid. Im thinking it was right around 400
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
Gil,
I have the Hughes 30 amp which will allow me to get down to 96 volts. The lowest input I have ever seen was 99 volts. The Franks will operate down to 91 volts and has features that the Hughes does not. So far the Hughes has served me well and I haven't needed anything more. Like anything else, it's just a judgement call.
myredracer
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2016
TechWriter wrote:
You might want to reconsider buying a Franks -- have heard some bad things about them.

I use a 50A TRC Voltage Regulator, here's a $375 30A TRC unit.

I seem to recall one of them having some kind of legal issues but can't find anything at the moment. The Hughes is definitely everywhere you look and people seem to be happy with them.

6.7 tow rig wrote:

We have the Hughes and love it.

Do you know the model no.? The RV2130?
TechWriter
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
You might want to reconsider buying a Franks -- have heard some bad things about them.

I use a 50A TRC Voltage Regulator, here's a $375 30A TRC unit.
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
myredracer wrote:
Have been thinking about getting a 30 amp autoformer. Never thought we'd need one but have been to enough CGs now with really bad voltage problems to warrant one.

There's lots of Hughes RV2130 autoformers around new and used but can't seem to find Franks units for sale except on their website. Some forums have mentioned a Hughes RV430 being available that has 3 boost levels while the RV2130 only has one but the Hughes website does not list an RV430. If the RV430 is NLA, would prefer a Franks autoformer (which they call a voltage booster) but is a bit pricey at $449 (waay more in CAN dollars). Are the Franks units only available from Franks or are they not available anymore? Can't find a new or used Franks unit anywhere else. Not interested in a TRC unless the price was right.

We have the Hughes and love it. I mounted it inside where the cord comes through the side of the camper so its not possible to steal, and not possible for anyone to know its there. We were in the same boat and finally got it last year after several Florida campgrounds were dangerously low. I like Hughes because it is constantly self adjusts providing you the perfect amount of power. It works from 94 to 125 volts

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Autoformers - what's available as of 2016?

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