Check out what happened to Bob & Pearl of Just Passing Thru (Next Exit): kzread.info/dash/bejne/q5Vo0Kafcbu4npc.html

I love the analogy "If you aint testing, Your GUESSING!" Im getting all this STUFF!! Thank You!

@OurJourneyInMyles

Ай бұрын

It has been working for us! It is all in our Amazon Store. I just replaced the Watch Dog after 3 years of full time travel. The cord end was getting loose. I'm OK with that. Nothing lasts forever! I love how it works and the Bluetooth reporting.

Thank you Mark and Sue for this video. I’m glad you are better protecting yourselves with an updated Hughes power autoformer. Glad you got it all hooked up and ready to go. Thank you for showing how it works! Great job! Hope you have a freest week! See you soon!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Fingers crossed!

I purchased a 50a but decided to go even further, I installed 1200 Watts of solar with room for another 800 Watts, with all Victron Equipment (except the batteries), I still use the surge protector if plugged in during rare situations, When the power gets bad my solar system keeps me going in Brown or Black outs, Victron has a nice UPS feature that basically protects my entire rig with clean power and enough to run both my AC units for a few hours in full sun or one AC for 3-4 hours at night with no connection, If I need more I start the generator. I've been in Michigan for months now plugged in with a tiny 15a extension cord for cloudy days, The system is set to a 10a limit on that extension cord so it doesn't pull more than it can handle. I've been cool all summer. If I ever get a $6 digit Plus RV I'll do the same thing again, except having all that extra room I'll go with 8 Battle Born Game changers instead of 2, 2 Victron Quarto Inverters. And 3000 + Watts of solar. The BB game changers are 270AH each and only weigh 80lbs each. We had full power when towing from Quartzite to Michigan basically we have our own power plant built in. If I get to a location where the power is questionable or the box looks like you shouldn't touch it, I don't even bother to plug in. You can run 2 Victron Multi Plus II Inverters giving you more than 50a of power just more work to install and program.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Sounds like an awesome setup! Victron is the way to go,....

Excellent video!!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Todd. I know it is overkill,..........but that's kind of the point. Thanks for watching.

Very educational Mark! Thanks for the kick in my booster, I need to take this more serious. Love the Bluetooth app. Great video!!!Thx🙂

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Happy to help guys! Checkout what happened to Bob & Pearl! kzread.info/dash/bejne/q5Vo0Kafcbu4npc.html

Just bought a red watchdog for our dutchstar and are very pleased with it so far. Good job Sue, keeping Mark safe.😊 Guess I better get a spare module to keep on hand.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

It's like a snow blower. The first few years you have it you won't need it,...........but,......

This was excellent. You explain everything so clearly. Thsnk you & stay safe 😊

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it,.........it seemed like a mess when I was editing it.

Always enjoyable to spend an hour with you guys, you are really pleasant people.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Jose,........we are blushing.

Great tip on protecting slip rings as they are the weak point in most electric power cord reels and many are behind a sealed cover so you can't clean or maintain them.. Our neutral wire slip ring failed and created an open neutral situation that fried our dryers wiring harness. Consequently, I eliminated the reel w/ 30 ft of 50 amp wire in my cramped power bay (smaller than Myles) and instead coiled in 50 ft on the bottom of bay (extra length for pulling into back in sites for the view) followed by the Hughes Autoformer (mounted on the wall using their optional bracket) and the Power Watch Dog w/ EPO. Has already saved us many times both on the road and at base camp. Having expensive equipment out of sight is always good and protects it all from the weather. If you do retain or install an electric cord reel that utilizes slip rings, be sure to install your Hughes equipment after the reel so you are fully protected. Contact spray 👍 RV Geeks👍Myles👍Hughes👍

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

LOVE the emoji's! Good advice is to NOT re-adjust the cord length coming out of the reel when under load. Thanks for watching Dean.

@rodneylacy

11 ай бұрын

I just watched a video put out by Next Exit (Bob and Pearl) and he had a bad slipring and it caused him lots of problems.

@deanh7190

11 ай бұрын

@@rodneylacy Slip ring saddles are made of copper whilst the circular drums they ride upon are made out of brass. A weaker metal will always yield to the stronger such that the saddles will wear down until such time that an electrical contact is lost and an arc occurs. That arc is essentially a weld dot that in turn wears the copper saddle even more until the connection is lost entirely. What is really revealing is that a major manufacturer of electric cord reels advertises their model which does not incorporate slip rings as having the benefit of "No slip rings which are prone to failure". Ironically, they also manufacture and market a reel with slip rings. So it is no secret to them that slip rings are troublesome and yet they continue to make them. Meanwhile, RVers can suffer major losses in equipment and possibly a fire consuming their rig.

Very, very good video. We carry a surge protector and a EPO and will now use both! Thanks

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful Marcia!

Thanks for sharing this information and video and have a blessed day

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too William!

Enjoy all your videos. Look forward to seeing them every week. Very good information

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching.

OJIM channel satisfaction again!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Pine. Love your Icon. We tested using it on our new business cards. We ended up with just our small picture logo.

Thanks for the time and effort you put into this video. This was one of your most informative videos. Good job!!!!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful Robert!

Installed the Power Watchdog 50A epo version inside the bay with the cord reel. Safely shut down power once. Really find the Bluetooth app on my phone super useful to better understand what amperage each appliance draws. Great product. One other point to suggest: the extra connectors and extension cords all add losses to your circuit. I get the compartment constraints that caused the remote mounting area, but the connectors should come out to reduce loss and improve the quality of the circuit. Enjoy your channel. Good job on the videos! See ya on the road.

@OurJourneyInMyles

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info! You are correct. We seemed to have no choice due to physical room constraints. We too LOVE the bluetooth read-out to be able to see what is happening many times.

Wow! I have learned a thing or two today. Great informative Video Mark. After watching your video on the Hughes Power autoformer power watchdog , I bought one and now it looks as if I will follow your lead on the other units.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Better safe than sorry. Check out the issues Bob and Pearl from Just Passing Thru had with their cord reel: kzread.info/dash/bejne/q5Vo0Kafcbu4npc.html

Great explanations, I watch you offen.

@OurJourneyInMyles

9 ай бұрын

We appreciate that! We have a great Pigeon Forge TN campground review coming up, our Summit Products measuring and installation video and then onto our grey/black/fresh water tank replacement repair. Yikes!

I'm sold on Chan man brilliance.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Clayton.

Mark thank you for information, great video.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Thomas.

Mark and Sue an awesome job as usual! Thank you so much for the layman explanation and attention to detail in everything you guys do. Keep up the great work! Walt

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Our pleasure Walt! We have a great video next week on "Should be have bought NEW or USED?" Stay with us,....

Mark and Sue I really enjoy your videos . I have learned so much from your video. and the strange part is that I feel like I know more about electrical and electronic more so than the average Joe. You always surprise me with not only the information, but its presentation as well. I have purchased so many items from watching your videos that I know will only protect me and my wife on our journey of RVing . Thanks for all your time / editing that I know you must put into your videos for them to be so detailed . Mark I know I have asked you for this information before but I'm sure it want be the last. You had giving me like a link to where you could get these super cool aluminum add on parts to make your motorhome look so cool. Please again if you have that information I will try not to ask again. God Bless you two . Only wish I could catch up with you two one day . Jeff and Donna

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

I know I replied to this in the past, but it may have been to someone else or slipped thru the cracks. The panels along the bottom of the baggage doors are STAINLESS STEEL, not aluminum. We will be doing a video on having these installed at Summit Products in Altoona IA. They DO NOT promote doing the installs at their factory because they are not really set up for that. We are going to be doing a video on how to confidently MEASURE your doors to place an order with them. Then a person can install them by themselves, or go to a qualified RV BODY SHOP and have them installed professionally. This company is the OEM supplier for these panel on most of the luxury Class A Motorhomes out there. A person can already work with them to get instructions on how to measure your panels for your rig, and order them directly. It is not rocket science. Folks can order them, and carry them to NIRVC and have them installed by making an appointment. You would need to show up with the product in hand. Contact: Kelly Johnson, Customer Service Manager @ Sales @ Summit Products 6750 NE 41st Ave. Altoona, Iowa 50009 515-252-0435 Office 515-252-0437 Fax

I have a PWD 50 EPO. Mine was acting weird making a buzzing noise. I contacted Hughes, sent them a video and they sent me a replacement unit no questions asked. Came by UPS and included a pre paid return label. Great service

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

They have been awesome to work with. Always will spend the time to explain things to me.

@peterbu2817

11 ай бұрын

Yes I’m very happy with their product and service!

Another great video, chock full of helpful information. I’m still using a plastic tote for my Hughes Autoformer and surge protector. I need my own Paul to set me up too!!!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Paul is not only handy and a great friend, his wife Pat makes awesome German Buns and Banana Bread. I am going to have to keep them both to myself.

Thank you for the info!! Thomyt

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Your welcome any time Thomy!

Thanks for the info... I'm gathering items for my first rig.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Check out our "Newbie Basic Setup" section in our Amazon Store for the stuff you really need!

@CATiiib

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles oh, unfortunately I’ve already been there 😂 I will end up buying what I need from your site once I get this rig home from Phoenix. I can’t travel with all this stuff on an airplane haha. Ty!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

@@CATiiib Have a safe and fun trip.

@CATiiib

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles Ty! Love your channel! Went with an LXE 40M. Cheers.

Another great video, I only wish you had posted it a few months ago. Our power cord reel slip rings pretty much fried last May and it apparently took out a couple of AC units and our washer/drier. I was not aware that we wee not supposed to use the power cord reel while power was flowing through it. OOPS. I have never given that a thought previously but it makes perfect sense now that I know. The good news is we will be on the Oregon Coast till October then head south so hopefully we will not the AC units until we get back to Arizona and I have already purchased several rolls of quarters for Pearl to do the laundry with, at least that is my plan and I guess I will have to see just how well that works out.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Trust me, I have readjusted mine plenty over the years. God only knows how my slip rings are. Hope your rebuild goes well.

Great information ! We are newbies, actually bought a used Dutch Star we are picking up soon.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! Wait til you see the next episode we are working on. "Should We Have Bought a NEW RV or a USED RV". The amount you can save was unexpected!

Mark, I am thrilled that you have protected your jewels so well........oh, wait........I meant joules........never mind.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

When I was editing the video I knew I was in trouble,.....

I just learned a lot about how you've set up your electrical protection, and now as I lay awake with my CPAP machine on, I've got some thinking to do about my travel trailer's set up. Before I took delivery of the trailer, I purchased a Southwire 30Amp pedestal surge protector, and I've been using it to help me live worry free in campgrounds as we weekend-warrior around the southwest. Well, I've now learned that I may not be as safe as I once thought. While it is nice that my surge protector goes through a complete check of the pedestal before releasing power to the RV, and it even shows me line voltage and amperage usage, I don't think it tells me at all if the unit's protection has been used up. And, while it will shut down if pedestal output limits are exceeded (either under or over) and automatically restart, it does not provide alerts (except to tell me why it would not open the power to the unit if it detected a fault through an indicator on the LCD). And an autoformer for my 30A trailer? Not sure. Soft start for my single AC unit? Maybe. WD-40 contact spray? Check! (Good for the trailer to tow vehicle pigtail.) Thanks Mark and Sue.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Look at the bright side. We are both smart enough to be compliant with our CPAP's! Thanks for the view.

...well Professor Chan-man... you have helped yet another Weekend Warrior RV'er reach a level of confidence to use the word "joules" in a sentence and ALMOST understand what we're saying! Great video content! I love being informed! Many thanks!! 🚌 ::: air horn 📣::: ::: air breaks ::: 🚌

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Excellent! Thanks for checking in Carlal!

Great video I have the same equipment, I just need to install them inside my coach. Safe travels

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Right on,......good luck,..........work on it on a cool day!

Chan Man….I just ordered mine! Very timely video and good job on geeking out on surge protection. I’m kind of disappointed that you missed some comedic one liners? I know it’s a family channel.😂

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

I know EXACTLY what you are referring to. You're a GEM for not outlining it further.

Another informative video from you that will help me spend my money! Very informative and helpful. We have the progressive industries 50 amp surge protector, but it doesn't have the app that gives the real time data. Your engineering background shines though the video. Thanks for the great video!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! In your case, since the Progressive Industries PT50X Portable RV Surge Protector is a good unit, if you don't already have an Autoformer, get that and call it a day! Ask for a Watch Dog EPO from the inlaws for your birthday!

@heilwoodworkingandmore1892

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles you haven't met my in-laws, but I like your thinking :) Autoformer is on my buy list, will probably switch to the Watch Dog when I replace my current unit.

Good info Chan man Good luck getting to 40K subscribers

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Fingers crossed, and then on to 100k so I can quit!! First, I need the plaque for the wall!

Great content. Never considered cleaning the connection

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! I didn't either. Mike Sokol suggested it! Check out: rvelectricity.com/category/pedestal-power/

Mark and Sue...another fantastic session. Back in my early days of engineering with a major hvac manufacturer, per the UL standard, we designed and tested our electrical components to operate within +/- 10% of the nameplate voltage. However, we really designed the total electrical control system to operate within -/- 15% of the nameplate voltage, the maximum rating UL rating. The reality is, as you described, with each and every deviation from the nameplate voltage, the components do become fatigued and are subject to a premature failure. In your situation being a full time rv'er, it pays to err on the side of safety as those on-the-road service calls will be expensive. I took a look at the rvelectricity site and he has got some good information. Thanks for all your information.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the real life insight from someone like yourself that was in the business. My hope is that everyone takes this subject seriously to heart, and gets the correct setup for their rig to be protected.

Mark point on about being protected when it comes to the power we are introducing to our Coaches. Years before we ordered our Coach I was reading articles and watching videos about people talking about what surge protector to use. Soon after that time power watchdog was introduced and I read about it, I also learned about the AutoFormer and what that does. One month before we place the order for our 22 DS in 21. I ordered the power watchdog and AutoFormer it was my first accessory I purchased for the Coach. I wanted to be power protector. I think about that time you put out your video Playing RV Power Pedestal Russian Roulette. I saw how you used the gray box set up and liked that. My box is black and a little smaller. If my memory is correct you gave my set up the Mark’s thumbs up at Cabana bay/Margaritaville RV Resort January 22 right before the Tampa RV Super Show. I still use the same set up today and can do power check and hook up in less than five minutes. Safe travels my friends…

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

You are fast for a few reasons: 1) You are a lot taller 2) Have much better hair 3) Are younger AND have a corvette. I rest my case.

thank you very much

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

You are welcome!

@yvesclavet6707

11 ай бұрын

it s very interesting@@OurJourneyInMyles

Great video Mark. I am not allowed to watch any more of your video because you cost me extra money….lol….not to worry, I learn so much from you all, so I will continue to watch and learn. Thank you.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

That is understandable William. I am a little overkill. Just do half of it and you'll be good.

Another great feature is the unit will trip before the breaker on the pole. We’re using a 50A PWD EPO and the AC unit was going out and would peak to 60+ amps for a second. The EPO would trip on overcurrent fault. We would reset it via Bluetooth app. Good thing because at the fairgrounds we’re connected to only has a plug and no accessible breaker. So without our PWD we could have tripped the non accessible breaker and been without power all night. We ended up turning off the rear AC to stop the power from going off. Also a good heads up the AC was failing. Your using two PWD’s is great if you loose one leg of power either at night or on a rainy day because you can see the power before and after your ATS/cord reel; if hooked up that way.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Yes,....you are correct. I missed talking about the convenience of the RELAY inside the WatchDog digitally tripping BEFORE the pole would physically trip. That way, I can reset the power overload error from inside the rig remotely with the iPhone or Android App.

Superb video! Chock full of information to protect your valuable RV. My biggest take away from the video though is to have a friend named Paul who can do for me that which I cannot do for myself. Question: Should you carry a spare Hughes Surge Protector module (note that Hughes will replace one for free during the two years of ownership of the Watchdog)?

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Realistically, I think the best take away is to actively always watch to make certain your surge protection capacity is not used up on ALL the devices you are using. I have read that this does not happen that often. We are choosing to carry the replacements because we will be in Canada and Alaska in 2024 for almost 3 months and getting mail sent along our trip route would not be practical. Spare surge modules are small & cheap for us to carry!

@jimmartinson4280

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles You are once again, absolutely correct.

You don’t sand your plug prongs, you use very fine steel wool, like 0000. Works great.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Great point! That and tuner cleaner and you will be good to go!

Mark, I liked this episode but something I noticed early on was that you were wearing Sue’s stockings! Lol

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

I left those on to condition the audience to my advancing age,..........for sympathy. They are my new compression socks! Nothing like congestive heart failure to perk you up!

@randyshay7280

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles You take care of yourself!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

@@randyshay7280 Just my luck that I'm the one then ends up wearing garter belts. Just sayin"

@randyshay7280

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles Lol!

Hey, you know the one thing people never check to see if its taken a surge. Smoke Alarms that AC connected in a house. Checked mine which are 3 years old and 2 where bad. That why i have battery only units in most parts of house.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Yes,.......you need to check what ever surge protection unit you own, and make certain the warning lights aren't ON telling you the unit is "used up". The beauty of the Hughes WatchDog is that the entire FACE on the unit will glow RED, AND the bluetooth phone app will send you and F9 alert!!

How about the use of some dielectric on the power cord plug?

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

When I was talking to Mike Sokol, he wasn't a big fan. Not only that, it will attract grit and dirt when you unintentionally drag it thru the dirt when retracting your cord later on. I STOPPED using it, and actually want CLEAN and TIGHT connections. I just make sure when I am struggling with the plug I have the breaker OFF in case I touch some part of the plug I shouldn't.

Mark. My autoformer rv220-50-sp voltage boost also has surge protection. Like you i couple that with the PWD. Wouldn’t that be double protection like your talking about??? Thx.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Yes,.........they are all additive. BUT,.... they all have to be watched for the moment they become "used up" if they aren't reporting back to you in real time like the E9 error (and RED FACE on the Watch Dog) that it uses to alert you.

Silly question, but would you be willing to do a video on what you keep in your basement?

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Hey guys. That is actually a great subject for a lot of reasons. Since we aren't traveling right now, I have added this to the "possible" this! Thanks.

If you using a outdoor generator do you need to connect it with a surge protector? Our generator is a inverter style!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Go to rvelectricity.com/category/generators/ and study up! If the answer isn't there, you can email Mike I believe. Poke around for his contact or question area.

Thanks, have fun up in the wilderness, make sure before you head that way to rob a bank with lots of loot, it is VERY expensive up there 🤠

@OurJourneyInMyles

10 ай бұрын

We are going to stop periodically along the way and have bake sales to help out! Thanks for watching!

@meseahunt

10 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles we just got back from visiting our nephew who is in the Army and when we were in town at the grocery store I was vocal the entire time on the OUTRAGEOUS normal prices, 1/2 gal of milk $12, dozen eggs $12, 1/2L of soda $6, u better have A LOT of baked goodies ready.... 🤠

Hey, You might want to air compressor and blow out the plug. Becarefull & CRC CONTACT CLEANER IS THE ONLY ONE I USE. Freaking cold in FL my southern blood can't take the 41° . Have a major civil war with my phone it changes my text after i post it. They have a bug in the software / Hardware glitch. Yeah when I brought the other phone back the girl said well what's the tire mark on for it I said it got run over three or four times it was an accident😂 I want to make sure I did a good job of it that's why I backed over it again to make sure it was killed😮 when your phone's possessed I performed a car exorcism on it

@OurJourneyInMyles

6 ай бұрын

CRC is another great contact cleaner as well. Hope your phone problems stop, and 2024 is better!

Interesting...I think you should put a wind turbine on the roof so when you drive it charges a battery pack on the rig!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Our alternator is doing that now! If and when you go to Lithium Batteries, you need to be careful and ADD gadgets so you don't OVERLOAD and cook your alternator.

@gman77gas

11 ай бұрын

"We aint designing space shuttles"...Dick Mattson

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

@@gman77gas He was a piece of work. He wouldn't have made it in today's world.

why didn't you just "put" your grey box (your before set up) inside your bay instead of all the mounting and extensions? Anyway, thank you for the good info!!!

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

That would have made the cord reel never used, and I would have needed to use a 50 foot manual cord from the grey box in the bay to the pole. Plus the grey box would have taken up valuable basement space.

@jhen6690

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles of course that makes sense. I just liked your tote lol!

Mark, how are you doing?

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

Doing fine Randy! Actually just came back from dinner with friends. I could have slaved away to get out todays video, but decided to take life easy. Normally Sue & I share the video production work. Each one takes 40 hours. But she is always busy with her daughter & new granddaughter (that is only days old now) so the channel is all on me now. Don't want to make it a job, so until she returns to me & the channel, we are going to be less regular. Next video will answer a great question folks always have for us: Should we have bought a NEW rig, or was buying USED the way to go. You won't believe how much money you can save by making the CORRECT decision!

@randyshay7280

11 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles That is a lot of hours for 1 video! Glad y’all are ok!

The Newmar LA 4589 has enough space in the electrical reel compartment to mount the Autoformer and the PWD50-EPO inside. Would attach a photo but unable to do so in comments.

@OurJourneyInMyles

11 ай бұрын

I believe you! Your rig is 2 feet longer than mine. What a great advantage that is. And the newer rigs have taller basements than mine.