Forum Discussion

krsmitty's avatar
krsmitty
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016

Hughes Autoformer

I used one for several years with the 30 Amp 5er we owned. Purchased a new 2016 TT a few months back with 50 Amp service and had planned to get a new autoformer for 50 Amp service. I kept putting it off until this past weekend when we had stopped overnight at a KOA. I checked the voltage on several occasions and did not see it over 110 volts. Perfect situation for the autoformer. Made my mind up...time to order one.

Ordered one yesterday. Decided to pay a little extra and get the newest model with surge protection.

Should be here for our next trip over Labor Day weekend.

Hughes Autoformer RV220-50SP
Seeking Advice
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2016
    I believe these are very good devices to have and use but are horribly overpriced. IMO there is nothing in that gizmo that rates it costing $580. JMO
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2016
    I don't have one and, don't know a lot about them.
    However, I would consider one to be another insurance policy to justify the price. It seems that if it protects your equipment it would probably pay off in the long run.
  • krsmitty's avatar
    krsmitty
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2016
    fla-gypsy wrote:
    I believe these are very good devices to have and use but are horribly overpriced. IMO there is nothing in that gizmo that rates it costing $580. JMO


    You may be right...

    The standard model was $499...not much cheaper on Amazon. IMO, another $80 for the additional surge protection was worth the additional cost.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Aug 18, 2016
    fla-gypsy wrote:
    I believe these are very good devices to have and use but are horribly overpriced. IMO there is nothing in that gizmo that rates it costing $580. JMO


    Very simple. Start producing a $200 unit and undercut them. You'll get rich.

    We picked up a used 30amp unit over the winter as one park friends like has had voltage down to 98v. This year we haven't seen lower than 114v.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 18, 2016
    Hi,

    A friend picked up a Sola Basic autoformer for me in Mexico. Cost was $177 USD for a 4000 VA unit. I'm totally sold on it. It has three levels of boost and one level of buck.

    I've added some surge protection to it so it has more protection than the EMS units from Progressive Industries and Surge Guard.
  • Puddles's avatar
    Puddles
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2016
    You must've been in the Tacoma/Seattle KOA... 9 days... never over 110v
  • krsmitty's avatar
    krsmitty
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2016
    Triker33 wrote:
    Same Hughes one at Tweety's for $70 less


    My usual luck...buy gas and then find it 10 cents cheaper a gallon at the next exit. :S

    I even did a search and only found this model at one other place for about $10.00 cheaper.

    Emailed Hughes to see if they could give me a better price.

    Thanks for the heads up.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 19, 2016
    Hi,

    Surge protection on the Progress Industries ems, Surge Guard ems, and Hughes is minimal.

    However the ability to check for open ground, open neutral, etc is well worth the extra price of the newest Hughes.

    Since low voltage is endemic in campgrounds I'd always go for an autoformer.

    I'm extremely satisfied by the Sola Basic.

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