Last week we ran into an issue where the campground shore power for our site was only coming in at 104 volts(30 amps). We have a Progressive surge protector and it would not let the power flow. Reported it as a Low Voltage. The campground was full so we ended going somewhere else at a lot more money but we enjoyed the weekend. The campground staff was like it ran for the other folks fine. Indicating we would be OK to run without the surge protection. I was always under the impression that low power was just as bad as too much and not wanting to take a risk with the A/C and other components. The Progressive protector being our guide.So, were we right to leave to avoid this power issue?

Yes, low voltage can damage electrical equipment.

PApopup wrote:The campground staff was like it ran for the other folks fine. Indicating we would be OK to run without the surge protection.So, were we right to leave to avoid this power issue?Absolutely. Just because others are ignorant of the facts it doesn't change those facts - excessively low voltage is damaging but the effects are cumulative and don't necessarily show up right away. Those many who did plug into excessively low voltage may not have noticed any problem this time, nor next, nor the next after that, but do it enough times and they will be replacing parts, most notably the A/C. :(

You paid for a service that was not acceptable or safe for your RV. Ask for your money back. World's worse reason for doing or not doing anything..."like it ran for the other folks fine"

Just think, used trailers are recommended on here quite often. If you buy used, be sure you get a price that will be low enough if the air conditioner was abused.With the electric suppliers having problems producing enough power, and campgrounds having wiring that can't deliver enough voltage, I find that an autoformer is becoming a necessity.

You were correct to question the issue. Low voltage is worse than high voltage. I see you have 3 options (in my order of preference): - Hook up an voltage booster (still might drop so far the voltage to the unit is low) often called an autoformer. - Break out the generator (let them provide the contracted voltage if they don't like it). - Pack up and demand a refund as they didn't provide the power you contracted for.

Low Shore Voltage | Good Sam Community

50 Replies

sgfrye
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
everyone else has given the same answer i would. thats why i spent the money on the progressive unit also . its doing the job it is supposed to do. listen to it.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
PApopup wrote:
The campground staff was like it ran for the other folks fine. Indicating we would be OK to run without the surge protection.So, were we right to leave to avoid this power issue?

2oldman wrote:
Once again, CG staff dismissing an electrical problem for what it really is, and somehow 'blaming' your surge protector. Amazing, and typical. Caveat emptor in RV parks.

No where in the OP's post does he claim campground staff "blamed" his surge protector (in reality an EMS w/surge protection) but merely suggested he remove it and run directly from the power post. In reality, that's all they could have recommended as it's not like they can suddenly throw a magic switch and increase voltage back to where it should be. :R The OP instead made the only other choice available to him at the time - move to a different campground. If neither one of these solutions is acceptable then the OP has only one other alternative - invest in a voltage regulator such as a Hughes Autoformer that will boost low campground voltage so it is acceptable.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2018
PApopup wrote:
The campground staff was like it ran for the other folks fine. Indicating we would be OK to run without the surge protection.So, were we right to leave to avoid this power issue?
Yes you were.

Once again, CG staff dismissing an electrical problem for what it really is, and somehow 'blaming' your surge protector. Amazing, and typical. Caveat emptor in RV parks.
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 12, 2018
Would you knowingly run your vehicle on bad fuel so it overheats?
Yeh I didn't think so.

Another option is a voltage booster such as Hughes Autoformer.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jul 12, 2018
Hi,

If you have a way to travel to Mexico pick up a Sola Basic 4000 VA autoformer. It has three levels of boost (110, 100, 90), and one level of buck (135).

If you are not planning a trip--then perhaps you know someone who would pick one up for you.

I've used mine on 97 volts--it raised up the voltage to 109 inside the RV.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 12, 2018
You were correct to question the issue. Low voltage is worse than high voltage. I see you have 3 options (in my order of preference):

- Hook up an voltage booster (still might drop so far the voltage to the unit is low) often called an autoformer.
- Break out the generator (let them provide the contracted voltage if they don't like it).
- Pack up and demand a refund as they didn't provide the power you contracted for.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
Just think, used trailers are recommended on here quite often. If you buy used, be sure you get a price that will be low enough if the air conditioner was abused.

With the electric suppliers having problems producing enough power, and campgrounds having wiring that can't deliver enough voltage, I find that an autoformer is becoming a necessity.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2018
You paid for a service that was not acceptable or safe for your RV. Ask for your money back. World's worse reason for doing or not doing anything..."like it ran for the other folks fine"
SoundGuy
Explorer
Jul 12, 2018
PApopup wrote:
The campground staff was like it ran for the other folks fine. Indicating we would be OK to run without the surge protection.

So, were we right to leave to avoid this power issue?

Absolutely. Just because others are ignorant of the facts it doesn't change those facts - excessively low voltage is damaging but the effects are cumulative and don't necessarily show up right away. Those many who did plug into excessively low voltage may not have noticed any problem this time, nor next, nor the next after that, but do it enough times and they will be replacing parts, most notably the A/C. :(
enblethen
Nomad
Jul 12, 2018
Yes, low voltage can damage electrical equipment.

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Low Shore Voltage

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