BRAVE
Maine
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Joined: 09/21/2005
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I finally purchased an autoformer after replacing my second AC capacitor. According to the technician who replaced it, low voltage is the primary reason for AC capacitor failures. Capacitors are essentially used to start the compressor when your AC first starts up. Anyways, I purchased a Frank's 30 Amp Super model and cannot belive the difference. In the past, our ACs used to groan when the campground voltage was low. Now they operate perfectly with no hesitation.
Even though we have a 50 amp RV, we purchased the 30 amp autoformer because we've only encountered low voltage problems at campgrounds that have 30 amps. The savings was more than $200. However, if we do encounter problems at a 50 amp site, we use the autoformer with a 50/30 adaptor. The Frank's autoformer also delivers top notch surge protection as well. Paid a little less than $400 including shipping.
Jack
Jack and Julee Meltzer
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rvhank
North America
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Joined: 07/21/2002
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Last year our power pole was struck by lightning; the Hughes Autoformer took the hit. I called them about the broke unit and they asked that I return it with a $25.00 check to cover return postage - they repaired it.
'03 Adventurer 33V
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Hank & Darcy & Bear
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Dave A
Espanola, ON
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Joined: 04/28/2004
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Bought a Frank's Autoformer last winter after suffering through many years of not using A/C. Our summer park only has 30 amp so only run one A/C but they run much smoother. I heard my neighbor complain to management about his power last week so I'm guessing I'm having an impact on park power but I also do not have two old refrigerators humming away on my deck like others do. I keep my autoformer in my electrical bin out of sight. I have not noticed any over heating in the bin.
Good purchase. Bought mine new on EBay.
Good luck.
Dvae
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Dave... I've seen a few parks with rules that say "No autoformers"
Which is 1/3 of the reason that if you see me set up you will NEVER see the autoformer. (I put it where you don't look)
In short when you say "I keep my autoformer in my electrical bin out of sight" I think "Good Idea"
The other 2 reasons
1: Legs.. the autoformer is not supposed to have any, but they do tend to grow 'em..
2: Convience... That sucker is heavy and it's a pain to hook it up and unhook it, Thus, epically if you are just "Overnighting" it's easy to forget. The one time I most needed it... You guessed it. Overnighting, forgot it. This way I'll never forget it.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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brobox
Sunny SW. Florida
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Joined: 11/18/2003
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Happy_Trails wrote:We bought used 14 years ago, our RV is now 24 years old, we have never used an Autoformer.
We still have all original appliances, including the A/C...
Have no way of knowing what the power has been at any campground.
My old MH didn't have an EMS or an Autoformer either, but again it did not have the electronics my new MH does. The old MH did not have double TV's, surround sound, DVD players duel A/C's double door refrigerator, etc. According to my A/C repair person, most A/C units fail due to the "start capacitors" getting weak caused from low voltage. The more electronics you have the more problems you can have due to low voltage. Many people can go for years with no problems, then you could be one of my friends that fried $6,000. in electronics the second year he owned his MH because he had no electrical protection. He does now.
Chuck
02 Travel Supreme, 2 street side slides
02 Jeep Liberty Toad
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hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
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Bought a life insurance policy 60+ years ago and never used it...never needed it. I think it was a waste of time, I'm going to cancel it. 
hershey - albuquerque, nm
Someday Finally Got Here
My wife does all the driving - I just get to hold the steering wheel.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Hershey... That may be a very good idea.. but not for the reasons you joked 
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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I have 30 amp Frank's and it works just like it is supposed to. It boosts in two stages as needed to give 8% or 16% more voltage. It also shuts off power if too high or too low to boost. I thought this feature was great but now I have second thoughts. The shut off does not seem to have a delay to turn it back on and I have seen it flick on/off in succession with high voltage. I don't know if low voltage cut off has a delay and the voltage would need to be less than 95 to even trigger it. I might worry if the voltage dropped to 92 and shut off power causing the voltage to rise to 95 and back on and the load droppped it back to 92 and it repeats. That can't be good for the air either. And I doubt I will ever encounter that low of voltage so it is not a huge concern. Franks Website
If buying today I would get the new Hughes RV430. It boosts 5%, 10% or 15% as needed and has no voltage cut off. I might get a surgegaurd etc to monitor voltage. Especially as it has a time delay to reconnect. Surgegaurd would go between the Hughes and RV.
Contrary to what member wa8yxm said, the Franks does not buck or reduce high voltage. The only one I know that will reduce voltage is Tripplite LC2400. Although it is only rated 20 amps it might come in handy in Mexico where many have posted of high voltage. It says it will correct from 89 to 147 to nominal 120.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
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Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
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Oswald38
3rd Rock
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Joined: 12/04/2007
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smkettner wrote:
Contrary to what member wa8yxm said, the Franks does not buck or reduce high voltage.
Does it not have hi and low voltage shutoff? I'm pretty sure it does.
I have not found one with more features than the Franks for what I and what I believe most people need but sure not closed minded.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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smkettner wrote:
Contrary to what member wa8yxm said, the Franks does not buck or reduce high voltage.
Thank you sir, I stand corrected. (I went back and re-read the specs)
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