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Hughes Autoformer Review – Never Worry About Power Spikes Again

Published on October 16th, 2020 by Contributor, Let's RV
This post was updated on February 18th, 2022

hughes autoformer review

Hughes Autoformer is designed to protect the the sensitive electronic equipment installed in many modern RVs, whether it is high definition TV screens or complex computer-controlled system monitors.

In America, all of them are designed to operate on 120-volt systems.

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Even appliances like air conditioners and water pumps can be damaged by an unexpected electrical surge that can cause havoc on the equipment, often rendering the devices worthless.

Campground power systems can be unpredictable, especially in older RV parks.

Some parks set up utility poles on a chain, which means that a problem with an RV a few sites away can can certainly impact other RVs hooked up to that same power chain.

As people plug in and unplug, or turn appliances on and off, the amount of power available on the system can fluctuate.

If one RV pulls too much power, it can reduce the amount of power available to other RVs connected to the same system.

A low voltage situation is just as destructive to on-board electronics as a power surge.

RV owners have the ability to protect themselves and their RVs by using a Hughes Autoformer.

Hughes Autoformer

hughes autoformer

Pros

  • Very easy to set up and to use — plug in and use
  • Works in the background. Users don’t need to adjust any controls
  • Can be used in all types of weather
  • Indicator lights show when the device is providing a power boost
  • Comes with a two-year warranty
  • 30- and 50-amp models available
  • Made in America

Cons

  • The device is heavy, about 35 pounds for the 50-amp model
  • Some campgrounds prohibit using the devices thinking that they interfere with campground power levels. However, the devices don’t create energy or pull more energy than the 30- or 50-amp power than the site allows.

Hughes Autoformer 30 Amp

hughes autoformer 30 amp

Hughes Autoformer 50 Amp

hughes autoformer 50 amp

How Hughes Autoformer Works

Hughes works to create a buffer between the electric pole and the RV.

It constantly monitors power levels to prevent spikes and surges. Plus, when it detects a low voltage situation, the Hughes Autoformer boosts the power coming into the RV to ensure a stable energy load.

Using the device is as simple as plugging it into the park’s power pole, and plugging the RV into the autoformer.

One common misconception campground owners have is that the devices work to pull power away from the park.

The company told me that’s not the case, and actually protects the park by lowering the number of amps required by the RV since the device increases the voltage available.

HughesAutoformer.com notes “What it is doing is changing the voltage – amperage relationship, lowering the amperage and raising the voltage. Since appliances run better on higher voltage, lower amperage, less overall power is used from the park, and better service is enjoyed from your RV.”

Still, expect some push back from RV park owners who don’t understand how it works. In fact, some parks prohibit the use of autoformers entirely.

The biggest benefit for using the Autoformer is for RVs with 30-amp power supplies.

The device allows some additional appliances to be run on a 30-amp connection because the autoformer will boost the wattage availble to run the appliances without requiring more power from the park.

Hughes Autoformer is heavy, about 35 pounds, but doesn’t take up a lot of space in a storage compartment.

The included power cord is long enough for the device to sit on the ground and reach the power receptacle.

It also comes with a lock to keep the device secured to the power pole.

hughes autoformer review

Hughes Autoformer Summary

Hughes Autoformer is a must-have for any RVer who frequents parks and wants to ensure that their rig and electronics are protected and secure.

Get more information on the 30 Amp Hughes Autoformer

Get more information on the 50 Amp Hughes Autoformer

This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy here.