Check out our latest video on our NEWEST HUGHES SURGE SUPPRESSOR setup that we use! kzread.info/dash/bejne/d4CHl82tdKndkqg.html

I have had the Power Watchdog for over a year, and I really appreciate it. But I had to turn the banners off of my phone because they flashed on and off constantly. I kinda became obsessed! So now, I just go in and check once in a while, much easier on my blood pressure!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Same here Jim! That's why I felt compelled to talk about that in the video.

Very good video. I use both just like you. Would not be without them. The bluetooth is awesome when you only have 20A or 30A to see what you are really pulling. The small meter is great for watching for air conditioner issues. Let say your meter is on line one with your front air and when air's compressor starts you see a large voltage drop - tell tale sign of the start cap going bad - easy DIY $30 fix to avoid the Air going out soon or tripping the breaker when trying to start.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

You got that right. All the electronics in your rig are so expensive, this is the best insurance to have!

I am a big Hughes Autoformers fan, I have both the Autoformer 50-amp voltage booster/regular as well as the Power watchdog 50-amp EPO hardwired unit. I was so impressed they sent me a demo 30-amp portable unit that I have done some videos on as well as if other RVers are interested I will take the unit apart and show them the unique engineering and components they use inside, i.e. in-field replaceable "Surge Module" Great units.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear you are having the same experiences we are having with Hughes. The Autoformer has been with us almost our years now.

You are the “Wind Beneath my Wings”. I just ordered the Watch Dog surge protector today. I had the Hughes voltage booster but not the surge protector. I also ordered a Plano Sportsman's Trunk and two cable hatches to make the trunk more water resistant. It will be better than the trash bag I’ve been wrapping it in. Thanks for the inspiration!

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you,.....we loved your comment. TODAY,.....the Watchdog saved us,.......again. We are at the Newmar Rally parking area with no water or sewer, just 30A electric. They ended up parking us LITERALLY at the end of a daisy chain string of motorhomes all pulled in sucking up the power before I ever see any. I hooked up the Hughes Autoformer, but it can only do so much. We were fine under small loads, but when I started the A/C,.........I went from 115 volts to 107 volts. The Watchdog shut me down! I then turned the A/C off. Without an EMS unit, I would not have known I had a voltage issue UNDER LOAD. I would have left for the day to attend the Tampa RV Show. The A/C would have struggled all day long at 107 volts. I do do need to repair anymore A/C units!!!!!

Always learning for our future adventures! Thanks! 👍🇺🇸

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure guys!

The Watchdog, AKA Mark’s Bulldog, has worked well for me. I can’t imagine plugging any RV into a pedestal without surge protection.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I know,....but I see it every single day,......

Very informative video, thank you. Luv your channel! Happy and Safe RVing to you both 😎

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! You too R!

Clear presentation of important topic. Safe travels.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott!

Another nice and informative video. Happy RVING.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, you too Marlon!

Mark another great video with very valuable information. Thanks for sharing this information and detail video. Safe travels!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for being a loyal viewer Ramon!

Thanks for the tip on the decal. Enjoyed the video.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! FYI,.........we will be installing the decal shortly! The watchdog makes our Rubbermaid Bind glow at night!

Wow! Thanks for the video, helpful info! 🙂👍

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Stay safe and properly electrified!

This was a very informative video, Mark and Sue. We have two Progressive Industries units on our rig: an inline 50 amp EMS installed AFTER the transfer switch (so it protects against both pedestal and generator electrical issues), as well as the portable 50 amp Progressive Industries unit like you have. We plug the portable unit into the pedestal and switch the 50 amp on to test the quality of the pedestal power before leveling the coach or extending our slides. That way, if the power is bad, we can call the campground and ask them to replace the breaker or move us to a new spot. Before we got the portable unit, we only had the inline unit, and it shut down power to the rig twice at two separate campgrounds, both due due under voltage conditions. That’s where your Hughs Autoformer would have come in handy. I will have to look into getting one of those.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Another nice thing about the portable is that if you toast the surge protector, it is easy to replace. Additionally, if you have to go test a different power pedestal in the park, you just walk over with it. Sounds like you have a great setup!

Very interesting. "I look at it all the time" Sue- "I never look at it". You guys are awesome.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Peter. That is our Yin and Yang!

Thanks Chan Man! We've been on the fence about the autoformer, but we'll add it to the arsenal. Thank goodness for the "Fifi's!" Good info on line 1 vs line 2. Safe, happy and healthy travels! Brendan & Lena

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

The park we are in now is NICE. Power transformers throughout the park are "new-ish". Maintenance is always being done on everything. That being said, the last 5 months the voltage has varied more at this park that most all the others. Go figure!

Thank You!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Dathan!

Mark, your ability to take confusing subjects and bring them down to common language is awesome. As I watched this video I was able to understand everything you talked about. Thank you for putting this video out for all to see. Just another reason why I like you channel so much. Again thank you, stay safe my friend.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks for such a nice comment TJ!

@tjshaw4441

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles I meant every word my friend

@tjshaw4441

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles I am still looking at Coaches and found the 2021 Dutch Star is in the running. Just thought you would like to know.

Excellent info, thanks so much

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks,...your welcome.

That’s a nice piece of equipment. Great info!👍

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍 Kevin.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this subject it was very informative for me.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful David!

Great video Mark. Tons of detail. We bought both the Hughes autoformer and power watchdog before we even picked up our coach in 2019. I was also very concerned about theft so i wired and mounted then inside the basement. I made a video on it and would definitely recommend getting them inside.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Very cool! If I wasn't so stiff and lazy, I may have done that as well,......

Hey Mark I have both units already and ready to go. This was a great video to understand the operation of both..I like the plug in voltage meter going to order them.. Enjoy the video thank Sue for her help....

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Make sure the autoformer is first in line. I had that backwards for a while!

Excellent Video Mark You Are da Man

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly Ernest!

Thanks for another interesting and informative Chan Man production! Probably avoided a number of RV electrical component failures or damage as a result of your protective equipment and diligence. Thanks for sharing.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking we honestly have. Two places in particular over our four years were downright scary.

We have the same setup with the Hughes Autoformer and the Power WatchDog. We use RV Whisper to monitor our coach with the Power WatchDog. We also mounted the Autoformer and the Power WatchDog in the basement of our rig, so no one knows we have it and it keeps them out of the weather, and also makes hooking up to shore power easier.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like the ultimate setup!

great channel very informative1

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated DG!

Thanks Mark good review I've had the autoformer for about 2 years now it's great.I Got the Watchdog about 6 months ago. watching your review you showed me a few things awesome. I'm going to pick up that tray for the autoformer. thanks again and thank you to sue. stay safe

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Good to hear that! Is your Autoformer in a bind or out in the weather?

@sunbtanman7354

3 жыл бұрын

I have everything everything plugged in after my electric reel underneath in my compartment.

Helpful info.

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so Warren!

That tub idea is genius. I bought a well-used Autoformer RV220-50 for the boost. After your review, I bought the Watchdog for the protection and Bluetooth connectivity. Now I know how I am going to store and secure them outside.

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear that! Our units still look good as new. The Watchdog is fast to act. You may trip it out a few times in the beginning before you get used to what you have been doing wrong in the past, but didn't have equipment that would act and trip you out fast enough! We love the Watchdog.

Just subscribed. Thank you for your reviews..Stay safe..

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub Maria! We hope you find our channel worth while.

Impressive

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Terry!

Mark Great video I have learned so much just watching. You can bet that I will be getting me one of those bull dog thingies . Still tagging alone and learn so much thanks !

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍 We have come to really LOVE the info the Bluetooth readout gives us! Helps to better learn what NOT to run at the same time!

subscribed stay safe i really loved the videos keep them coming

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for signing on Cody.

Excellent Job Mark. Well done keep up the good work. Happy Trails. Dan Staten Island New York

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do Daniel!

Good Job!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Good thing they sent you a stand for your autoformer. The rust on the bottom shows it's been getting a little wet. I've wanted one ever since I saw the video the "RV Geeks" did on theirs. Just too rich for my blood right now. Thanks for posting this. Great video ! You might want to look into a soft start for one or more of your a/c's. (If you don't already). They draw a bunch of current on start up.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I am going to see if National Indoor RV Center will install them for me with one of their professional RV technicians. I have an appointment with them in November 2021. I do not want to be on the roof.

Great video... am considering the watchdog

@OurJourneyInMyles

6 ай бұрын

Watch this latest one,........kzread.info/dash/bejne/d4CHl82tdKndkqg.htmlsi=T-fSjNQlLFb2deAc Our ULTIMATE RV Surge Protection, Autoformer Voltage Booster and RV Surge Suppressor-Emergency Power Off system includes the following (3) Hughes Autoformer Products: The Hughes WatchDog Surge Protectors PWD50, the PWD50-EPO and the RV220-50-SP Check out this Power WatchDog review and see why we switched from the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Surge Suppressor. Make certain you are protecting your cord reel contacts as well as understanding how to know when your Surge Suppressor Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV's) have been sacrificed and are used up!

We mounted our Autoformer inboard in the electrical bay followed by the Power Watchdog to the Transfer Switch Panel. Both come after the power cord and former power cord reel. I write 'former' power cord reel since that ended up being the gremlin in the system that fried our dryer harness with an open neutral. Yes, power post power should always be questioned (and tested before plugging in) but few RVers realize how dangerous their power cord reel can be. Research 'slip rings', the method of transferring the incoming power through the reel itself. In most cases the slip rings can not be accessed for maintenance or observation (our access plate was riveted on). Slip rings are copper saddles that ride on brass rotational rounds. One slip ring for each hot wire and the white neutral. Over time, they will corrode and/or wear down and any resulting gap will cause a spark and a weld mark which will accelerate wear. Eventually, you will have an open neutral which will double the 110 into 220!. Removed the reel holding 30' of electrical cord and replaced with 50' of cord that I coil myself. No big deal. Unless you can fit the type of electric cord reel that just grabs the cord and winds it into a plastic drum, I would save the $1,000+ and wind it yourself due to the inherent flaw in the slip ring design. Even Glendinning's reel described above with the drum design admits/brags in their advertising that it doesn't contain 'problematic slip rings', (even though they also sell reels containing them). So placing your power protection AFTER your existing reel will provide both Power Pedestal protection and protection from "problematic slip rings'. Hughes equipment is first rate and worth the investment. Be safe and have fun!

@OurJourneyInMyles

Жыл бұрын

Great tip on the advantage of having your Hughes Autoformer and Watchdog downstream from the cord reel! We always try to never re-adjust the cord reel when we are under power and under load through the slip rings. (We don't pull more cord out, or retract it in while energized.) We also have our autoformer and Hughes Watchdog mounted inside the rig now, thanks to my dear friend Paul who installed it for me.

Love the "fifi" service!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Sue is a great co-captain to our Dutch Star operation!

Glad you could put your hard work of earning your Engineering Degree to good and productive use. I think it's a bit of an over kill for most of us, but good for Sue to keep you out of hair hair at least some of the time.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Overkill is the name of my game! In the nuclear engineering career I had, mistakes were not an option.

Very very interesting from Sheffield England

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Malcolm,......from Sheffield! I had to google a map to see where that was exactly. About 10 years ago I took a Bike & Barge trip in Amsterdam Netherlands.

Great video, detailed and informative, thanks for the research and work you put into making it. I have never seen the a Line Conditioner for RV use. Definitely a must have, if you value your electronics. I see a lot of Engineering jokes in the comments, I believe there are only two types of people, Engineers and people who wish they were Engineers.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! We are going to be looking into getting some soft starts installed on the A/C units.

Mark , here’s your latest Pat on back , Sue said you would like the boost 👌! Very informative! Thanks ! Tell u truth I was unaware this was necessary but I do now ! Still not sure about your AC problem was , is it bad or just had to much running ?

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍 Now that we used and studied all of our various current draws all on line 1 and line 2, I am certain this A/C unit might be weak and on its way out BUT,....the problem was Sue & I running too many things at once! This #1 A/C apparently needs a little more margin!

Thank you Mark and Sue! Very informative video. Great job! How is the Watch Dog now? You probably can’t put too much on one line or whatever you call it. Is your air conditioner ok now? Thank you for this video. It was very nice and it was informative and a learning experience. I love it when Sue she says Marco. Lol! 😃 You have a great week and see you next week. Stay safe.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

All good Sherri,..........the Watchdog has made us smarter on what we need to shut off when we are doing a lot of cooking in the kitchen!

@sherriweber7105

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles Oh ok good! That is good to know then that it really works. Thank you for letting me know.

Circuit breakers are not meant to be switches. Open and closing them, as is done in RV parks, under load is what damages them. They are designed to turn on then down stream the load is connected via a switch. Our coach has a built in transfer switch with surge protection and waits 3 seconds once shore power is established before it closes the shore power contractor. Every RV needs this to keep the breakers from failing. Be very careful turning breakers on and off, never be in front of the pedestal when operating the breaker. Be behind the pedestal when operating breakers and reach around under the cover.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Great info and advice Jim!

@jimcompson8097

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles Look up “arc flash” on KZread and you’ll see why you never stand in front of a panel and turn a breaker on.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

@@jimcompson8097 You are right about that Jim. We will try to change our routine,.........and stand to the side!

Didnt take many video's to make you and your wife my hero...throughout my OTR job travels i get a few minutes to plug into your wise advise/humor! One of your videos (Washington state) you had suggested of renewing your vows...did that ritual take place? Judging from the dance that was displayed through the lavender fields, im guessing you did 💑

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks for noticing! Vows are now shiny new!

Very well explained Mark. Not really applicable to us as we're in Europe. We're lucky to get 6A max 10A at campsites, but as we run 240v, double these amps to get a fair comparison. We're world champions at the 'which appliances on' shuffle. Thanks for the Vlog - Brian

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Brian. You wouldn't want to driving this beast in some of the beautiful quaint towns in Europe. Thanks for stopping in for a peek!

Great information Mark. I watch the geek video also thank you for pointing it out to us. Have you thought of putting them in your power bay like they did? That way you wouldn't have to lug that tub out every time. But I know it would depend on the space available. Thanks again and safe travels.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

We have a much smaller power bay Richard.

@richardsollenberger2316

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles I thought that might be the case. Thank you for sharing. I can hardly wait until I can hit the road also. Love all off your insights and pro tips.

Lol, yes.... It will be very expensive if you don't. I waited years to protect my coach. Now I had to buy a new battery, an external sensor for my lippert jacks. I hope I don't know if I have to replace the front brain. That is exactly what it was, A Rude Awakening. I thought it was too expensive. Hahaha

@OurJourneyInMyles

Жыл бұрын

The Progressive Industries EMS we had in the beginning of RVing, and now the Hughes Watch Dog & Hughes EPO have saved us from bad pedestal power hookups a number of times over the past 6 years.

Great review of both Hughes products. Question; have you ever, in your visiting of 100+ RV parks, been in a park that didn’t allow the use of an autoformer? I’m told that some parks maintain that the autoformers pull power from the park’s electrical grid (in the event of a low power situation), making the available power to all other pedestals in the park drop.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Not one park has ever said a peep. NOT ONE. Now maybe it helps I have it in the weather resistant tub,......but it was not my intent to hide it. I just didn't like it sitting in 3" of water in a poorly landscaped V site. Check out RV Electrical Expert Mike Sokol's articles on the autoformer: www.rvtravel.com/?s=autoformer Remember,.........I expect to be able to use 50 amps per leg at my pedestal. My autoformer will LOWER my overall ampacity I can use ever so slightly to raise my voltage to a safe level. The breaker will not allow more tha a 50 amp draw per leg. We pay an average of $44/day year around for our rv sites. That amounts to $16,060 in rent. I expect 50 amps at 120 volts,........not at 109 volts!

Just an FYI for you - you no longer need a separate app to scan QR codes - your camera app will read them now.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip Andrew!

✅ For info on how we use & love the RV Trip Wizard Route Planning Tool, check out the "NEW" OJiM Website! ​ourjourneyinmyles.com/resources/trip-wizard/ ✅ For info on all (5) of our recent Harvest Host stays, check out the "NEW" OJiM Website! ​ourjourneyinmyles.com/category/harvest_host/ ✅ For info on the TSD Logistics Fuel Savings Program, check out the "NEW" OJiM Website! ourjourneyinmyles.com/latest-posts/tsd-logistics-fuel-program/

Been rving 20 years...never have used one....never an issue with us...but it’s probably a good idea as a double protection

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

If that is working for you Jackie that is awesome!

That low voltage is bad JUJU on compressor motors on AC and Refrigerators. They might be getting low Voltage to the power pedestal because undersize underground wire causing resistance! Corrosion I agree on protection for your rig! The RV makers should have that built in!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

When you are in a park with low voltage, if you have the Hughes Autoformer, it will start boosting voltage 10% when it falls below 113 volts. Therefore, 112v plus 11.2 = 123.2! You are back in business!

@gman77gas

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles where does it find or pull the extra voltage from to correct.?? I can see a capacitor for a momentary boost but how does it keep it constant for a long period? Or does it. I would freak out running low voltage on compressor motors. 😳

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

@@gman77gas I will never be able to draw more than the 50 amps/line at my power pole pedestal. I am choosing to use those amps at the correct, and sometimes "corrected" voltage. The electrical engineering details of this whole gadget are being studied and analyzed by RV Power Expert Mike Sokol from the NoShockZone.org Check out his work on this subject at: www.rvtravel.com/?s=autoformer The autoformer is called that because it is a FOUR winding automatic transformer that cuts in and out at specific voltages. Once it starts boosting, it will boost constantly until the voltage raises above 112 volts. Both the Watchdog and Hughes cut power OFF power to the rig at 132 volts and above.

@gman77gas

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles "PING"

Great video as usual. I might have missed it but why don't you permanently install all this equipment in a compartment? It would be simpler...

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

If I had more room in the basement bays I might think of doing that. Since we are full time, I don't want that storage space used up. We don't mind slepping these things into the Honda. It would be an involved electrical project. Check out how the RVGeeks did it at: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gGei0s-ve5jWdZs.html

I just replaced my older surge protector, which did not protect from low voltage situations, with the Hughes Watchdog. Hughes also has a model which can be hardwired into the rig and it mitigates the opportunities to grow legs and walk away. However, since wiring a lamp causes me headaches, I went with the portable one which al has a ring so that it can be locked onto the pedestal. This is an important topic that you addressed nicely. Just need to figure out how I can get Fifi service on the road and I am good to go.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I see you understand the importance of FiFi. Between my knees and my pronounced backbone, I don't know what is more tender. Thank GOD for Sue & Amazon.

Just bought the same model to replace an older surge protector which did nothing for low voltage situations. Hughes does make a unit which can be hardwired into the rig, but since I can't wire a lamp, it wasn't for me. The portable one also comes with a ring that can use a cable lock to secure it to the pedestal. Nicely done and communicated well to those without a degree in electrical engineering. Now, can you tell me how to get Fifi service while on the road?

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Fifi service is standard equipment with the right RV partner!

oh looks like you upgraded.... any chance your old unit needs a new home ;-)

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I expect my Watchdog to do fine. I will bring my old 50 amp Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Unit to Wisconsin in September for you Alex! (I assume you are not 30 amp.)

@alexchandler4699

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles Woot!!!

It’s been months since there was a Fifi sighting. Very informative video. I see the cable locks in the gray bin. How do you secure your Hughes equipment to prevent it from getting legs and walking off? An non-descript gray bin cannot be your only protection against theft. Although now you have a watchdog so maybe you are okay.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

You are funny Jim! We have a 10 or 12 foot bike cable lock we use about 70% of the time. We are in a park with a dozen Autoformers sitting on the dirt, rusting away, with no cables. We are over the top with our protections, as usual! If my back hurts, I don't lock it!

Mark love the setup that you have! Question, is there any method to securing the complete setup so that the setup doesn't grow feet and leave your camp site? Could you set it up in the power bay to keep it out of the public's view? THANKS SAFE TRAVELS

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Check out what the RVGeeks did at: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gGei0s-ve5jWdZs.html We do not have the room in our bay to do this,......plus,.......I like it being modular for ease of replacement. Being retired now, I am so done with working on fixing things. Thanks for checking in.

@ronmcdaniel1583

3 жыл бұрын

That's a fantastic setup The RV Geeks have! Thanks for the heads up video. Now we just have to buy our new coach and away we go! Thanks

Hey Mark, you and 'Suzette' ever go on a fun bike ride or stay at a nice RV park? Larry's Pro Tip: be careful clapping your hands and barking out Sue's name.....just sayin! Thanks for the video, until next time....clap clap 👍

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip,.........I don't want to take my awesome navigator for granted.

Great video! Where did you get the extra rope handles on your water softener? I just had one side of my rope broke and need to replace it.

@OurJourneyInMyles

Жыл бұрын

Good catch! I have talked about those handles a few times. IT IS A HOKEY, cheap, dumb design. They are a safety issue. Someone in the campground I was in broke their foot when the softner dropped on them. I buy extra handles right from the On The Go Company 3 or 4 at a crack because: A) I am too lazy to invent something better, B) It's a fast solution and C) I don't want to break my foot! They are SIX DOLLARS/EACH. www.portablewatersoftener.com/shop/water-softener-accessories/rope-handle?SKU=OTG-084

@richpflederer9455

Жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles Thank you!

Just got passed the title and have a sneaky feeling I need to go back and get a second degree in mechanical engineering 😂! Oops Now I need a degree in electrical engineering! 😂

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Just make sure you at least have an EMS Ben,...........which I am certain you have! The autoformer is just the icing on the cake.

@BenNstyle

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles We do, but now after seeing your video and the Bluetooth feature on the Watchdog has me in the upgrade mode. And the price isn’t bad either for what you get in return. As you know, most RV fires result from the refrigeration, the electrical and fuel leak in the engine compartment. We appreciate your due diligence in bringing this to the forefront. Happy Trails Mark & Sue and hope to see ya on the road sometime! Thanks again!

Agree with gman7 ...

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Gman7 was in building maintenance & engineering!

Have you considered hard wiring the Autoformer and watchdog in the electric bay?

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Our autoformer is mounted in our electric bay, and currently is wired AFTER the Watchdog which is on the pedestal. This is NOT the correct order, and REDUCES the effective range of my voltage boosting assistance. The final "correct" install will be done in December of this year when in CA at a resort. My buddy Paul will help me install the Watchdog on board as well, after the autoformer finally. I may make a video of this.

Question. Is it 2 items doing one job? The Autoformer has surge protection and then you add a watchdog with surge protection. Is it because the autoformer can boost and the watchdog can monitor the condition of the power the reason for both? Thx.

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

Yes BOTH have surge protection. Multiple surge protection in line is OK per RV Electrical Expert Mike Sokol. The autoformer will check for mis-wired conditions just like the WatchDog, but the WatchDog will DISCONNECT high and/or low power situations to the coach if they happen. The Autoformer will just just raise the voltage by 10% when it is low, AND it will check for mis-wired conditions, but WILL NOT shut you down if the voltage is WAY too low or WAY too high. At the present time, for max. protection, you need both.

All you need is a surge protector camco makes one much cheaper

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 жыл бұрын

I guess as long as you have something, your better off than nothing!

For the rv that auto(trans)former is good, but for the parks electric grid and for others in the same park it may be not. For example if you have 120w load inside rv (120V and 1A) and voltage on the grid drops to 110V. What happens to the current when autoformer raises voltage back to 120V? it also raises! to 1.09A. (110V and 1.09A is about 120W) More current means more voltage drop on the grid and tsädäm there might be a problem. (Probably not with 1A or 1.1A but with 50A or 54.5A there might.) I have no idea how often autoformer is needed, but it might be better to use just that bulddog thing. Anyway I liked this video, informative and some jokes here and there.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

The Autoformer can only pull the amount of amps your 50 amp pedestal breaker can allow, which is what you are paying for. The Autoformer simply changes the amperage/voltage ratio for YOUR RV so you are always getting the correct, proper voltage. In reality, because of the Hughes, your site is sacrificing some of your own ampacity to make certain your VOLTAGE is correct. No cheating or extra privileges are happening here! Thanks for stopping by!

@billchesney8949

3 жыл бұрын

Some parks don’t allow the autoformer use

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

@@billchesney8949 Not one park has ever said a peep. NOT ONE. Now maybe it helps I have it in the weather resistant tub,......but it was not my intent to hide it.! I just didn't like it sitting in 3" of water in a poorly landscaped V site. Check out RV Electrical Expert Mike Sokol's articles on the autoformer: www.rvtravel.com/?s=autoformer Remember,.........I expect to be able to use 50 amps per leg at my pedestal. My autoformer will LOWER my overall ampacity I can use ever so slightly to raise my voltage to a safe level. The breaker will not allow more tha a 50 amp draw per leg. We pay an average of $44/day year around for our rv sites. That amounts to $16,060 in rent. I expect 50 amps at 120 volts,........not at 109 volts!

Do the new Space Shuttle RVs come with that rectifier as a option? If not is there a reason? Do they not think you need it? Guess 110 120 whatever it takes is not true to life!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

It's all about price point. Good EMS and Autoformer Equipment would add $1000 retail. It is accepted in the RV word that you can chose to buy it,.....or not.

We have a built in surge guard. What would you use or to check post

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

You need to check the post with one of the EMS (electronic management system) checkers out there, which typically is ALSO a surge protector. The surge guard in the rig would be a pain to replace, so and exterior one is preferred to take the hit "first". The Hughes Watchdog is a post checker basically, first and foremost. In about 5 seconds it checks all the faults, and if everything passes the tests it lights up white and allows power to pass thru to the RV. If something isn't correct, the unit will light up RED and display an error code. You can look at the side of the unit to see what each error code means. Another good EMS checker is the Progressive Industries one,........although the surge protection unit in it is not replaceable.

@JerseyRV

3 жыл бұрын

Excellent content as always Mark and Sue. I’m a nine year class A owner that is still learning the ropes. Many thanks!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffh5934 We do not have a built in one in the 2014 Dutch Star. Later models do. So we have basically two in-line surge protectors that RV electrical expert Mike Sokol from the NoShockZone.org says is great!

Why do I need both when the autoformer also has surge protection?

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

The autoformer has LED lights on it to tell you if various conditions are "OK",.......but it WILL still allow low power and high power to pass thru. It starts to boost voltage between 91 and 112 volts by 10%. At 115 volts, all boost shuts off automatically. If your pedestal sends you 135 volts, it will pass thru the autoformer to your rig. You are correct,....buying both doubles your inline surge protection. The job of the EMS unit (electronic management system) is to SHUT OFF POWER to your rig if any faults are detected, along with high OR low voltage. Low voltage is WAY more prevalent that high voltage. The Hughes Autoformer MOST TIMES will boost a parks low voltage automatically and continuously for you that you will never know it happened.

First, I am not a power distribution expert, so. . . My understanding is that an autotransformer boosts output voltage by drawing more input current. So, if the park supply voltage is low, like it might be during high demand conditions, it seems to me that the additional current draw from any and all autotransformers would simply cause more drop in supply voltage. Is it possible that the additional current draw and commensurate voltage drop might lead to a cascade effect that ultimately could trip park power from the grid? I would appreciate any feedback from an expert.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I will never be able to draw more than the 50 amps/line at my power pole pedestal. I am choosing to use those amps at the correct, and sometimes "corrected" voltage. The electrical engineering details of this whole gadget are being studied and analyzed by RV Power Expert Mike Sokol from the NoShockZone.org Check out his work on this subject at: www.rvtravel.com/?s=autoformer

@davelauraphillips8814

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles THX - I will look that when I get some time!!

Does anyone else have an issue with the Power Watch Dog being to sensitive to over voltage at times? Mine cuts out at over Voltage, but the system reads about 130V.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

We have not read about any issues like this. When you are at 130 volts, don't know how brief of a period the control will allow 132 volts. If it is happening in a fraction of a second, you may think it's not happening, because you can see it, but it is. If this is happening only at one park, I would think it's a good bet that park is the issue. Will be interesting to see the numbers at your next park.

MarkO what happened to your hand? i saw the new zipper.(stitches)

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I have a trigger thumb fixed before we hit the road again. Once we move from SoCal we will be on the road until the 2022 Tampa RV Show in January!

I just replaced the same EMS you have for the second time... AT NO charge thanks to the lifetime warranty

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear a report they back up the product!

@kevindick3754

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles just need your proof of purchase

Question.....What if someone hacks your watch dog and turns you off when it is 102 degrees outside.....?

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

We aren't going to worry about that. I already have enough to worry about!

Mark, I know you are not talking about it now but I had a couple of questions about your gray box.. Your Hughes autoformer is plugged directly into the power pedestal and the Hughes is plugged into your EMS (Watch Dog) then I assume the 50 amp chord from Myles is plugged into the Watch Dog, as well. Why not plug the Watch Dog first from the power pedestal? Would that not protect the Hughes autoformer from reverse polarity and power spikes? The autoformer would boost low voltage before it gets to the Watch Dog then way you have it configured but is there not concern about other pedestal issues ruining the Hughes autoformer? Just so you know, inquiring minds want to know. I could ask my electrical engineer friend but he doesn’t RV. He would spend an hour explaining how electricity I made, the difference between AC and DC power, and then tell me he does not know how a Hughes autoformer works.

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

I actually met one of the owners of Hughes a few years ago. When I told him how I had it hooked up, he told me I needed to switch things around! YOU NEED THE AUTOFORMER FIRST IN LINE. First you check the pedestal with your EMS checker. When things pass, remove your EMS from the pedestal, plug the Hughes Autoformer into the pedestal, plug your EMS into the Autoformer and plug the RV into the EMS. This order of equipment allows the Hughes to prevent the EMS from shutting you down during low voltage events if it is able to BOOST the voltage enough to satisfy the EMS programming!

@jimmartinson4280

3 жыл бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles Makes sense. Check for problems on the pedestal first before hooking up the autoformer. Thanks for the tip!

My rig is parked 30 minutes away so I can’t just go look at it, but in my rig, (2017 Thor Miramar 34.2) the power cord goes into a transfer switch. Is there a reason I couldn’t just put this device inside this compartment where the transfer switch is?

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

If you have the room, and know how to do it, that IS the way to go! Check out this great video by the RVGeeks: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gGei0s-ve5jWdZs.html

@mrtonothorns

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the extra video! I have way more room in my power compartment than he does... now I want a power reel too! I ordered a watchdog with his coupon code to get the 10% off.Thanks!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

@@mrtonothorns Were you able to use the RVGeeks coupon code while ordering from Amazon Prime? That would be awesome. Amazon Prime almost ALWAYS has the best pricing, that is why we have it listed on our Amazon Store Page and DO NOT have an OJiM Code direct from Hughes.

@mrtonothorns

3 жыл бұрын

I ordered directly off the Watchdog website and used Amazon Pay - now I gotta check Amazon and see if it is cheaper. Maybe if it is, I can cancel...

@mrtonothorns

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you commented and made me look. I am cancelling the order because I mistakenly ordered the hard wired unit. Am going to reorder through Amazon using your “store” link.

I was in Corrections for 14+ years... you don't want to know what a Fee Fee is, on that world.....

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Yikes!

Did that watch dog almost bit your thumb off........why all the stitches........you know snitches get stiches.....LOLOLOL!

@OurJourneyInMyles

3 жыл бұрын

Had my trigger thumb fixed! (Minor surgery, but I told Sue it was a big deal.)