RV Power Protection (Hughes Watchdog EPO plus Autoformer)

Рет қаралды 42,015

Күн бұрын

It's finally time to install some hard-wired power protection in our Momentum 410TH, but this one is a bit strange at first glance.
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00:00 Intro
00:50 Southwire vs Hughes and Autoformer
01:36 Disclaimer and Product Review Policy
02:08 Technology Overview and Product Categories
08:41 Reasoning behind the strange install
10:45 Installation
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+ Hughes Autoformer (Does it Steal Power?): • Hughes Autoformer (Doe...
+ Surge Guard Install in our 397TH: • ⚡️🔌 Total RV Power Pro...
+ RVing in EXTREME HEAT! (our Vegas power issue): • 🥵 RVing in EXTREME HE...
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+ Hughes: hughesautoformers.com/
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+ All Products Used in this Project: gear.changinglanesrv.com/prod...
+ Hughes Power Watchdog EPO 50A Portable: gear.changinglanesrv.com/prod...
+ Hughes Autoformer: gear.changinglanesrv.com/prod...
+ Hughes Autoformer Hard Wire Kit (50A): gear.changinglanesrv.com/prod...
+ Gardner Bender Cable Splice Kit (8-2 AWG): gear.changinglanesrv.com/prod...
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Пікірлер: 170

@kevinknapp4910 Жыл бұрын

We were at an older park in Pennsylvania . . . . major storms . . . .a branch took out the power line . . . . major surges fried AC, microwave, TV, coffee makers and other electronics in RVs without surge protection . . . . everyone using their air conditioners in the heat of the day . . . . the 20 amp circuit checked in at 111 volts. A great example for surge protection! This video couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you!

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Also, that 111 volts isn't great for your ACs... The Autoformer would boost that to a normal 122. gear.changinglanesrv.com/product/hughes-autoformers-voltage-booster-with-surge-protection-50-amp/

@MICMEGEE Жыл бұрын

I've had the setup like yours for about 3 years and it has worked great. Initially I had the autoformer inline with the epo. The problem with that setup is if we were in a RV park that was almost empty the voltage would go up and with the 2% added from the autoformer it would take the voltage over the limit of what the epo would allow. So now like you I just use the autoformer as needed. I have used the autoformer 4 or 5 times in the last 3 or so years and every time it was a situation like your Vegas episode. Very hot everyone running their air conditioner causing the voltage to go low so no air conditioner for us. Autoformer to the rescue worked every time. Once I had voltage down to 99V.

@tedsheldon11 Жыл бұрын

I have had my Hughes Watchdog and I love it, it's jumped in a few times and saved the day we didn't even know we needed saved from! Had it 2 1/2 years. Love the app.

@brianlykins6663 Жыл бұрын

Great video, Chad. This all looks good, and the install looked good. I'm with you on using the butt splices instead of wire nuts. Wire nuts doe correctly are OK, but with it in an RV and a fairly permanent install, splices are better idea. It's nice how you have everything set up so you can easily switch one to the other. 👍 👍 God bless ya'll. Ya'll take care and be safe on the road.

@davidpatrick1813 Жыл бұрын

I learn a good amount. Thanks for putting in the time and making this possible.

@MrEricStratten Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your in-depth Hughes Auto-Former video and description.

@chartrand49036 10 ай бұрын

Excellent advise on butt splice connectors. I have a very similar setup, and after seeing this I'll take my Autoformer out of the loop and only add back in when needed. Thank you for great content!!

@danielnyberg23 Жыл бұрын

Always great info. Didn’t have any audio issues like someone had stated. Thank you.

@jeffcraig4006 Жыл бұрын

I added a hardwired Watchdog EPO to my 35ft Class A two years ago after dealing with low voltage issues at a State Park during a hot July 4th weekend. It has been bullet proof, and alerted me to issues my generator was having that I had no clue about. The project took about three hours from start to finish and was pretty simple once I figured out where I'd place everything in my small electrical bay (have to leave room for an eventual inverter). Definitely agree that the BT connectivity and the app are a great bonus. Great video and thanks for the ideas!

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Finding the right spot is the hardest part of any RV project. 👍🏼

@rayduke7433 Жыл бұрын

Chad, excellent idea. I literally just received that identical Watch Dog. I like this idea because I can keep a pretty expensive item locked up. Great video, Thank You for the content.

@danh.3766 11 ай бұрын

Excellent video and I really like the plug and play philosophy. Thank you!

@aubreydh1976 Жыл бұрын

Miss y’all. I really enjoy watching y’all ❤

@wadetharp348 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the well explained details from one detail addict to another. I am mentally exactly where you were when doing this video. Been telling myself that I want all this kit internally mounted as opposed to out in the weather, etc. I told myself "CHANGING LANES SHOULD HAVE ALREADY GONE THROUGH THIS BY NOW" 😁 And sure enough you had. I love the plug and play capability of how you set the system up. Your gonna love that if you ever have to replace the surge protection board. We just recently purchased an RV in advance of retiring and enjoying the RV life for a number of years, so am off to climb around in it to trace shore power to see where I can conveniently hook up the Hughes system like you show in the video. Thanks for the tips!!!!

@richardburguillos3118 Жыл бұрын

Nicely done. Wish I had that much room in my rig. Great planning and execution. Like the ability to change configuration. I have the same surge protector. Need to order the replacement module so I’m prepared should it ever have to sacrifice itself. Thanks for another great video.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Right on! Great idea to have a spare!

@rogerkern Жыл бұрын

As always great information really appreciate it and the work it takes for the videos. What’s funny is we was just talking out this yesterday and this is perfect timing. Because I had questions about the watch dog and you answered them in simple terms

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

That is awesome! Glad to help!

@tonyneace Жыл бұрын

great video I have had the EPO for 2 years and it works great . I am going to look into the autoformer for future use .

@michaelfortenberry5162 Жыл бұрын

Great video Chad, was just outside looking at my power watchdog and wondering how to mount it internal to our rig…then BAMBOO, your video appeared on our feed. Beat me to it brother, thanks for blazing the trail. Mike & Juli

@jengelguns Жыл бұрын

I hard wired in a Hughes Watchdog 50a to our 2019 Imagine 2800BH. I love it. The only issue I had (user error) was when we were boondocking last year north of Sundance WY in the national forest. I was then running on a single 100ah lead acid battery and wanted to run the AC and charge the batteries. I started the generator and linked an extra 30a extension cord to get the generator (a Westinghouse iGen4500) farther away from the camper. This is the point where I leaned about line loss. Our Hughes would let power through until it sensed low voltage and then shut off. I learned a few things that week. #1 - I need to get a soft start for the AC. #2 - Extra extension cords are limited in use. #3 - get Lithium batteries. We now have a 200ah Li battery that lasted us 5 days boondocking in SD this year. It was at about 12.4V when we left the campground. I checked voltage when we got home after about 11 hours and the battery was fully charged from the trip home. Lead acid would have not been nearly as efficient. I am glad I went with Lithium.

@alexandrojv Жыл бұрын

Love it! I did something similar between the ac control panel to the softstartup to the victorian inverter to the watchdog to the shorepower

@Green_Ninja1979 Жыл бұрын

Great video as always. Nice install.

@razmondpush2971 Жыл бұрын

Great video, as always lots of very informative information, all much appreciated. Thanks, Chad, but missed the rest of the family.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Next week! 😊

@jbt816 Жыл бұрын

I just did this same thing without the Volta system. I had been looking for any videos about it. I should’ve waited on you! We haven’t taken the RV anywhere yet so I haven’t any results of jostling around but you’ve made want to go back and check my butt splices for heat. Thx

@jamesbitb Жыл бұрын

Chad you did exactly what I want to do with my EPO. And thanks for the information on the mounting kit, that was the only thing holding me back!! I own the 50A Watchdog EPO pedestal version since 2020 and love it. I also added the RV Whisper system to my RV and this unit works with their system. So between RV Whisper and my internet setup, I can now get text and emails not only when temps are out of shape, but I also get notifications from the EPO!

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

I might need to add that!

@tinkeringwithelectronics Жыл бұрын

1st, thanks for all the work you do putting the video's together. I've had the Hughes Watchdog EPO installed on my Trendcend Xplor RB221 for a couple of years now. It works great, in my case I pulled the breaker/fuse panel out and using the hard wired version EPO mounted it to the floor, removed the 120 volt wire from the fuse panel and took it to the EPO, then a new piece of Romex from the EPO back to the fuse panel. Our camper is 120 volt single line and 30 amps. Here's what I don't like about the Watchdog, if you go to 30 amps, the EPO is programmed to shutoff, no fudge, no timer, it's just off. So in our case (small 30 amp camper) we have to watch things like the coffee pot, AC, Hot water heater and microwave. Some of those combinations will shut the EPO off. So you scramble for the phone and reset it, not a big deal, just something to keep up with. BTW, if you can't find your phone, just go out to the pedestal and shut the breakers off and back on and it will reset. What I do like about mine as it's mounted to the floor, when you 1st plug up it won't close the contactor unless voltage and polarity is correct, at that time I can hear the contactor go thump, even outside and know all is good. One last good thing: twice we've left a campground to go home and left the AC on, when we got home and connected to my 120 volt 15 amp service via an extension cord the EPO saw the voltage go low when the AC started and tripped. Sadly it's only temporary and after a time period the EPO will reset itself when it sees the voltage go back up with no load and do it again. But it gives the AC a fighting chance.

@jeffbarth6041 Жыл бұрын

Great video!! I have the watchdog epo 50amp and have been using it for about 2 years, love it. I was staying at a park where the whole row of trailers I was on suffered low voltage. The watchdog did its job, cut power and i called maintenance. Their advice was to disconnect my watchdog because they are "too sensitive". Goes to show you, don't always listen to park maintenance, they have no investment in your rig.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Yea.. that's like taking the battery out of the smoke detector because it's detecting smoke.. LOL

@jeffboquist3904 Жыл бұрын

Great info as always. Thank you

@mariodagenais6625 Жыл бұрын

Chad, you’ve made a good job on that installation.

@jeekins409 Жыл бұрын

We have had our Hughes Power Watchdog EPO 30A Portable for 4 years now with no problems at all good product

@unknowntraveler8087 Жыл бұрын

I have that exact surge protector. And it works great and I love the app also. I told my brother and my friend, and they bought one also !!

@ejs6010 Жыл бұрын

Great information. Thank you.

@samgonzalez6859 10 ай бұрын

Awesome video!! Thank you very much!!

@mattnormand8351 Жыл бұрын

Great video, I like your setup!

@saskatchewan66 Жыл бұрын

Love our Hughes watch dog with EPO we especially love the replaceable board if needed!! I keep a spare on board but haven’t needed in 2years-

@davidcolinstillman5585 Жыл бұрын

HI CHAD & TARA 👋 THANK YOU FOR SHOWING HOW YOU SET YOURS UP ! THIS WILL HELP IN THE FUTURE IF MY SON IS GOING TO BUY / GET A 5TH WHEEL RV CAMPER . JUST TRYING TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM IF THEY EVER DO ! HOW IS TARA DOING HOPEFULLY BETTER ! BEEN GETTING A LOT OF RAIN 🌧 IN OUR AREA WHICH IS GOOD FOR EVERYTHING ! HOPEFULLY SOME GETS TO WHERE IT'S NEEDED MORE 🙏 TOO ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU AGAIN 🙏

@homerclark9553 Жыл бұрын

When we bought our fifth wheel we purchased the watch dog EPO and I love it because of the blue tooth link

@mnmandthegang Жыл бұрын

Great video, I have the same setup but I haven't hard wired mine yet. Safe travels

@BottomleyAdventures 9 ай бұрын

We ran with our autoformer & EPO both in the loop for a couple of years, but ran into at least 3 RV parks with somewhat high voltage, and the autoformer's 2% boost was just enough to keep pushing the EPO to overvoltage and disconnecting the rig, so we removed the autoformer from the loop. Probably wise to just plug it in as-needed rather than all the time.

@tommcl386 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I love your "how I did it videos".

@WingmanNation Жыл бұрын

Really good video! This seems like a gem of a product. Looks like something all RV’ers should have and it’s so great that you could install it yourself!…. Lisa

@johnr5545 Жыл бұрын

Great job I was actually thinking of doing the same thing nice to see that you did that keeping keep up the good work I enjoy the video

@paulpannell7179 11 ай бұрын

The Watch Dog saved our RV. We are hosting at one of the oldest state parks in Georgia. When we hooked up to the pedestal everything was working fine as we were the only RV (Grand Design Solitude) on our loop. But once RV's started rolling in and AC units going our Hughes EPO cutoff and sent a message saying we had low voltage on one leg. After multiple times of resetting and tripping the park called the EMC. They tested the circuit from the distribution panel to our site (approximately 325 feet) and found an underground fault. The power watchdog saved our AC units and refrigerator. RV'ers do not skimp on the inexpensive surge protectors. Get a power watchdog. You will not be sorry.

@TRtribal Жыл бұрын

A while back I picked up the 30A version of the Autoformer that has the surge protection module (2400 Joules) built in. We're seasonal at our campground, and I can tell you that the boost comes in handy when the big Class As and 5th Wheels start firing up 2-3 AC units on the same leg that we're on. Hughes makes a little voltage "plug in" that just gives you a current line voltage that I keep plugged in inside our travel trailer so I can see where we're at. It's amazing watching the line drop from a consistent 120-124 in the spring to sometimes as low as 110 over the summer. Occasionally it will dip even lower. It's really frustrating when my main breaker inside starts tripping because the line voltage is too low and causes it to overheat. That was before we got the Autoformer, which has really helped.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Glad it's helped you out! 👍🏼

@mikeventi637 Жыл бұрын

🤯 Chad love your videos on using devices!!!! Nicely done. Great explanation on devices and uses. Thanks for all your hard work on doing the vids! I prefer hardwired in place of the pedestal plug in on the suge protectors. Having worked and had to replace many plugs on the pedestals because of the arcing as the weight of the surge devices pulls on the plug and pulling it slightly out. People don't realize the danage to a pedestal. I don't think I have ever seen a surge device starpped to the pedestal to help with weight. Anyways 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏.

@josephrawls Жыл бұрын

I have been planning to install my Watchdog the same way.

@tywebb9879 Жыл бұрын

Chad, very helpful video, thanks. I have carried my Autoformer for a couple of years and never had to use it. My wife keeps asking why we carry such a large, heavy box we never use. She is not good with amps, volts, watts! I will continue to carry on trips.

@danrandall794 Жыл бұрын

Great video. As I was watching the video I kept thinking I don't like how that plug is just hanging there. Coming from the boating world they have a screw on retainer ring on the end of the shore power cable. Right at the end of the video Chad takes that low hanging curve ball and knocks it out of the park. Zip tie the plug. And the fans went wild!! Never should have doubted you.

@user-vd4nr5zn1u Жыл бұрын

Well done Chad.

@foot2 Жыл бұрын

excellent!

@Formulabruce 11 ай бұрын

Boost transformers. I used to build them, great concept having it automatic now.

@jamistanek125 Жыл бұрын

That’s a great idea. I have been kicking around the idea of getting the bluetti solar generator, but as we don’t full time any more. I wanted to have a way to install and deinstall it. So this type of wiring idea might be the ticket

@toyhaulen Жыл бұрын

I was having low voltage this past week at an Arizona st park. I have the Watchdog 30amp EPO to help me monitor the 105 volts in the afternoons. Great video!

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

The autoformer would definitely help!

@toyhaulen Жыл бұрын

@ChangingLanes Yes definitely, I have been thinking about purchasing one.

@ptcclatlptcclatl1683 Жыл бұрын

Put the hardwired 30 amp watchdog in the RV in May. Had a nearby lightning strike at the end of June and it killed the watchdog. Hughes replaced the entire unit at no cost. We were back up and protected in less that a week. I would recommend that during a thunderstorm that you kill power to the RV.

@paulpannell7179 Жыл бұрын

We went with the Hughes Watchdog because the protection module is replaceable. Previous, we went through 3 of the Southwire products because there no replaceable protection module. $120 per device tomes 3 vs the Hughes was an easy choice. Also appreciate the Bluetooth monitoring on our phone.

@johnnylightning1491 Жыл бұрын

Getting the pedestal version and put it in a compartment is what the previous owner of my rig did, it's genius. If the surge suppressor dies it;s easy to bypass and also, like you said you can disconnect it for trouble shooting. You can also play mix and match with the autoformer. If your surge suppressor cuts out because of low voltage you can just insert the autoformer and the problem is solve. The only question I have is there any significant voltage drop with all of the plugs? Keep the good stuff coming and say hi to Tara and Daisy.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Good question. I'll have to take some measurements.

@killionconstruction Жыл бұрын

Sweet

@sw2kilo714 Жыл бұрын

Destracted by the shirt but great video.

@snookrookie Жыл бұрын

After 5years full time nothing is weird. We are at thousand trails in Williamsburg Virginia. Unloading the Harley. Does Lucille want a play date? Be here for a week then headed to Gettysburg. Travel safe. Robert Woods.

@johnstangel8918 Жыл бұрын

I understand exactly what you are talking about we lived in the park you are talking about for 1 year and battled with electrical issues too. The funny thing is the closer to the front you got the better the electrical voltage got. Go figure. I wish I knew about the system your talking about.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

The piece you need is just this:gear.changinglanesrv.com/product/hughes-autoformers-voltage-booster-with-surge-protection-50-amp/. It will boost the voltage 10%.. Also see this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nZ2oq5ByrbjOoWg.html

@jeffreyhanks551 Жыл бұрын

Really waiting on your Volta system video…..I have a Sport Chassis with a 8.9 Cummins and really think this will be a good option for my Montana High Country 383th….patiently waiting. But I got more excited a little while ago when you said all your a/c was on going down the road. Thanks for all of your informative videos as I am getting everything ready when I retire in 2yrs from mandatory retirement from the military at age 60.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

We're dying to get a video out also! it's just been a slow road working the bugs with Volta. Hopefully soon though!

@steamboatkid Жыл бұрын

This is how i wired mine in my 351ms. Last year

@user-ot7fh8qy7n 8 ай бұрын

I was lost but you done good job thinks

@anthonyfreed4494 Жыл бұрын

You might try velcro straps to hold the plugs in. It would make unplugging and plugging thing back without having to cut cable ties.

@matthew2000tx Жыл бұрын

If you talk with Huges about the Watchdog. Please tell them to allow the bright white dog light to be shut off or dimmable. I camp at a few state parks that are designated International Dark Sky sites and its so annoying and the park rangers don’t like the bright white light it puts off. We have resorted to taping a paper plate over it or foil. We have debated just putting black duct table over it however we do like that the dog face changes to red when something is goes wrong and the white face lets us know it’s good when we arrive at a nee site and plug it in. The light was a big issue when we camped near a university observatory because of light pollution it caused we were out of compliance with outdoor lighting regulations. It seems the dog face lot was a great marketing department idea but when camping at light sensitive locations or ones where the power pole is near the RV windows that white light is annoying then we go tape a paper plate or foil over it.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

I'll mention it if I chat with them. In the mean time, try some black gaffer tape. It will cover it and not leave all the residue: amzn.to/44DtUi8

@matthew2000tx Жыл бұрын

@@ChangingLanes thanks, failed to mention we didn’t have room for the hardwired version in our little 20ft RV. We have been using blue painters tape because we had it on hand.

@revoracer523 Жыл бұрын

I have the 30A EPO and the 50A EPO.. both are great units...the only drawback I find using it, is that you cant turn it off from the App even tho it shows an On/Off button...other than that, they work great. Its saved my camper and my 5th wheel many times...great product..

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Yea.. I think that thing that looks like a button is just an indicator. Confused me also. Did you know you can use the 50A EPO on a 30A connection with a dog bone?

@revoracer523 Жыл бұрын

@@ChangingLanes i did.

@ryanmcnulty8323 11 ай бұрын

Hughes has the best customer service when you run into a warranty claim. I’ve have two 50 amp Power Watchdog + EPO go bad and they have always had a new one in my hands less than a week later. I’ll never go to another brand.

@datuttlejr Жыл бұрын

It is funny that I am dealing with this exact problem right now... 107 volts at my site. I've lowered the allowed current in my Multiplus ii

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Yea.. 107 is no bueno!

@datuttlejr Жыл бұрын

It's supposed to be a 30 amp site but the breaker tripped when I limited it to 26 amps

@chrisyoder8429 Жыл бұрын

You could buy a buck boost transformer if you want a cheaper option. You would have to hardwire in but pretty common for electrical installs.

@lvcruise2879 6 ай бұрын

Great video Chad! Got a portable Watchdog and love it. Thinking I'm going to install it inside my Airstream like you did. Questions: 1) Any code issue with a 50A outlet inside the RV from what you gather? and 2) Did you end up securing the cable to the outlet in any way to keep it in place while in travel? Thanks!

@markratliff7991 Жыл бұрын

Interesting combination of using the Watchdog EPO but wiring it "internally" Got me thinking I could do the same thing with my pedestal mount 50A SurgeGuard (that I already invested in and recently sent back to Southwire for a free firmware update to support the new BT App). I chose to purchase the pedistal mount Southwire SurgeGuard because the hardwired version only had the "wired" monitor panel. As always love your channel. Looking forward to your full overview of Volta system

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Yep! Just grab this kit and use your southwire. 👍🏼 gear.changinglanesrv.com/product/hughes-autoformer-hard-wire-kit-50a/

@garryhammond3117 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Chad - I'm gonna call you "Mr. Flexability"! I think you have almost any variable covered. - Cheers!

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Sure.. just don't ask for a high kick or a split! 😂🤣

@TheAviator90 Жыл бұрын

I think the audio is a bit “bubbly” (not sure how else to describe it lol) specifically on vocals, but love the content!

@IntheDash2021 Жыл бұрын

I just installed my hardwired Watch Dog this weekend on new Paradigm. Wrestling that 6/3 was like fighting an Anaconda. Purchased extra 10ft of 6/3 from Lowe’s and that wrestled $80 out of my wallet. It was fight night all the way around but it was fun. I live for projects like this. What’s next? BTW, if using a “standalone” generator, you will need to deal with the ground issues and create a neutral bond plug for the gen. Trying to run AC on gen through the watch dog kept Erroring out E6. Bonding fixed that.

@cliftonharper8444 Жыл бұрын

Nice shirt! Where is the Chaning Lanes t shirt?😊

@jamistanek125 Жыл бұрын

I’m really thinking now. Have a 50amp females on the power coming in then another going to the panel. You can then wire in anything in the middle.

@robertnasser9937 Жыл бұрын

The advantage of the Hughes EPO is the replaceable board.

@earlhunt2815 Жыл бұрын

Chad, by code, wire nuts not authorized on aircraft or sailboats and most vibrating machines. I'm shocked Volta used wire nuts. I have a letter into Winnebago for using wire nuts in the junction box of our Navion. The wire nuts burned along with the wire. I found in the junction box of our Navion during a regular inspection. Not only that, as it turns out this is a recurring problem with Winnebago using wire nuts on the main 30 amp junction box. Nowhere else in the Navion does Winnebago use wire nuts. I'm also seeking the codes from the RV association. Our forum referenced a Winnebago View that burned because of wire nuts. I can't believe any electrical engineer would authorize wire nuts whether wrapped with tape or not... it's just unsafe. Like you, I use the same butt connectors.

@Les988 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I have both the Autoformer and EPO inside my electrical bay. What is the reason for not leaving both units connected in series? When I plug in my RV both units are active. I use a dogbone when connecting to 30 amp and have not had any issues.

@MrTimmhagen Жыл бұрын

Its the way I have mine wired so I can add/remove WD or VB.

@kirkq2071 7 ай бұрын

I would review the NEC before installing. According to the NEC Article 551.72(E); Autotransformers shall not be be permitted in Recreational vehicles. Surge protective devices are permitted. Based on 2020 NEC

@larryclemmer5583 Жыл бұрын

How was your and Tara's vacation? I always seen in videos to use a surge protection to check the pedestial voltages before plugging in the RV. Are going to check your pedestial voltages and possible bad wiring in some other fashion before plugging in the RV? I can see that you will be protected from overvoltage, but how can you check for bad wiring without checking the pedestial with a multimeter or another EPO type device? Is there an indication of bad wiring from the bluetooth app on the Watchdog? I assume if you were using a 30 or even a 15 Amp plug you would just use a dogbone? Excellent installation as always! Thanks for all you do and answering my questions.

@bbazinet11 Ай бұрын

Great video, thank you! I am working on this now, how did you plug in the EPO to the Autoformer once you mounted the EPO to the wall?

@kensmith1288 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for all your videos Chad. Feel I can try to fix almost anything. Question for you if you do not mind. Looking at installing the soft start on our AC. See they now have a surge protector with the soft start installed. What do you think about this - ActiveStart 50AMP with Surge Protection- ACS50PS?? Thank you in advance.

@jtoepke9763 Жыл бұрын

Question … what it your thought about Rv manufacturers putting an outlet near the power inverter and a plug on the inverter making R&R kind of plug and play also installing a pms ped type inside the Rv? Thanks for a great info video

@truetexan7755 Жыл бұрын

I've heard that some rv parks don't allow auto- formers. I think its due to the theory of excessive draw on the overall park electrical system. Although the parks should be expected to have a robust enough electrical grid to handle high/ heavy usage throughout their parks.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Some have bought into the misinformation out there about them.. Which is another reason to have it hidden inside. 😊

@richardcorcorran8965 Жыл бұрын

Velcro, I would use that in place.of zip ties

@brubaker5555 11 ай бұрын

Hello! I may have missed it… but I recall you had mentioned not getting a generator in the 410. Is that black box the alternate? Do you have a video about the option?

@EarlBalentine 2 ай бұрын

Do you think the watch dog surge protector also works as a soft start to your A/C's when off grid?

@Version.B Жыл бұрын

This has been on my list! Hoping prime day will bring a ln autoformer discount. What did you join 6/4 wires with before the heat shrink?

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

These: gear.changinglanesrv.com/product/gardner-bender-cable-splice-kit-8-2-awg/

@martyd4943 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your very informative videos. Always on point. Please share your Volta setup. I am new RV owner-- 2017 Tiffin, and want to know if Volta would be a good choice for us. Thank you.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

We're anxious to get a Volta Power System video out also! We're still working out a few bugs with them on our prototype, then we'll definitely be producing a video! 😊 ⚡️

@martyd4943 Жыл бұрын

@@ChangingLanes Thank you!

@scotstafford2137 Жыл бұрын

I like what you did, but my concern is the cumulative voltage drop caused by the resistance of all the plugs and recepticles, and the heat that goes with it. Do you use a conductive grease on yoir plug terminals? I ask because I had my RV plugged into an extension while full timing. The plug and recepticle at the extension to RV junction welded together due to a slightly worn recepticle. Had to cut the cables and reterminate them. Never did get them apart.

@jeffsteele1295 6 ай бұрын

Question Chad why would you not have your Hughes Autoformer plugged in all the time ? The autoformer will boost the line voltage up to 12vac I'm thinking . Ok 2vac when you plug it in and power it up and the rest if needed. What if you are away from your RV all day long and the voltage drops to say 109vac ? This could cause problems with any motor device running in your RV at this time. You would not know because you are out doing something that whole day. So say you get home and your refig is not working because the compressor was trying to run off 109vac all day long and over headed. Now you have to purchase a new refig .

@mannyalfonso6716 8 ай бұрын

Any cons to leaving the autoformer connected all the time?

@Chap_iii 3 ай бұрын

Would you say it is possible to do the same plug in / portable set up in a 410 with the stock Yamaha generator inventory set up? Would it have to go back where you did the surge guard install in your 397?

@traceycummings6946 4 ай бұрын

I have a 50A 5th wheel. Right now I have a 30A portable surge protector because our old motorhome was 30A. A lot of the sites we get in only have 30A plugs. If I put a hardwired 50A EMS in is it still ok to plug into these 30A plugs?

@ferminamezquita5422 10 ай бұрын

I have a class A motorhome and it has a search guard inside under my bed that would take care of an outdoor search guard, correct?

@robcatterton8244 5 ай бұрын

I remember when you were in Las Vegas and having the issues. Was that the same time Phil was there having trouble as well with his Tiffin? Question - I have been researching these and some folks are claiming they get a lot of humming noise from the watchdog. Ours will be installed inside as we have a Transit Van B-Model. So the noise issues have me wondering if you have noticed it and how you have liked the unit now that it has been installed for a while. Thanks and happy travels.

@wagz Жыл бұрын

Hi Chad, great video like always. I have a rookie question. If I build a full 50 amp Victron system doesn't that equipment already condition the shore power? Is it does do I still need this level of suppression and conditioning? Thanks!

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

When in bypass mode, the victron simply passes it through... So, it's still a good idea to have something like the EPO. And, when in hybrid mode, it will protect the victron.

@wagz Жыл бұрын

@@ChangingLanes Thanks for this answer. Learning as I go and videos like this are very helpful. Safe travels!

@VideoByPatrick Жыл бұрын

Would it be possible to just voltmeter test lead the park's power outlet (30 or 50) ? BTW: Love those high current butt-splices l Does your RV have bayonet type 50amp plug ?

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

Yes, you can meter it if you know how to check for mis-wired ground, and proper split phase. Our RV does have the standard plug. I'd like to try the smart plug, but not until they come out with one that has a 90 degree line in.

@dougroell7959 Жыл бұрын

I have the hard wired 50A Watchdog and tried to use the split circuit set up that you showed in a previous mooch docking video. The Watch dog would not allow it to work. I don’t remember what the error code was that was thrown. I tried with two 15A circuits and 20/15 and got the same results. Please keep us posted if you have any issues when mooch docking.

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

We've not tried that yet with the EPO, so maybe it's experiment time soon.. LOL

@markhaney7332 Жыл бұрын

Nice install video. I installed a solar/inverter system and our Victron inverter has a boost function that can add current when we are plugged in and exceed a set current limit. I am not sure how the Victron would handle low voltage with respect to boosting. I also have an EMS to protect against low voltage issues. Does the Volta system have similar boost function?

@ChangingLanes Жыл бұрын

We had our victron in vegas and it was no help as it can't boost voltage. We'd be in the same boat with the volta system.