Protect Your RV Like A Pro: Surge Protectors & Voltage Boosters With Hughes Autoformers Beyond The Wheel podcast

In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we sit down with Brett Thomas, General Manager of Hughes Autoformers, to break down the essential (but often overlooked) gear that protects your RV’s electrical system. Brett shares why low voltage is the silent killer of modern RVs, how surge protection really works, and what makes Hughes’ products stand out—like Bluetooth monitoring, replaceable modules, and their soon-to-launch all-in-one power center.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need both a surge protector and a voltage booster, or if you’ve assumed your current gear is “good enough,” this episode will change your thinking—and maybe save you thousands in repairs.

Key Topics Covered:

Brett’s hands-on role and how Hughes Autoformers has grown since 2019
The origin story of the Hughes Autoformer voltage booster
What surge protectors actually do—and don’t do
Why low voltage is more common and more dangerous than most RVers realize
The difference between the Watchdog surge protector and the Autoformer
What the new Watchdog Power Center will combine into one device
How Hughes’ replaceable surge modules save you money over time
Understanding joules, MOVs, and what happens when lightning strikes
How to properly match your surge protector to your RV’s amperage
Real-world examples of RV damage from poor power quality
How the Hughes app helps monitor real-time voltage, frequency, and power draw
Upcoming innovations and how customer feedback drives product design

Listen If:

You’ve ever plugged into a sketchy RV pedestal
You thought your surge protector shuts off power (spoiler: not always)
You’re unsure if you need a voltage booster
You want tech that helps you prevent power damage before it happens

Special Thanks:

Thanks to listener Joshua Sheahan for introducing us to Brett and making this conversation happen!

Have comments? Reach out to us through our Contact Us page.

Sponsors

Battle Born Batteries

Looking to get out there and stay out there? Battle Born’s lithium-ion batteries are here to power your RV, marine, and off-grid adventures. Designed as easy drop-in replacements for traditional lead acid, these reliable solutions have 2-3x the power, charge 5x faster, are 1/5th the weight, and last 10x longer. Offered in various models in unique sizes and shapes, ranging from 50Ah to a robust 270Ah, and backed by a 10-year warranty, Battle Born Batteries are built to fit your needs and power your experiences.

On the road, on the water, and off the grid … Reliable power is here! Shop now!

Wholesale Warranties

Buying an RV is a huge investment, and you want it fully protected. But what if your RV breaks down? The cost of repairs can be incredibly high, and you may not have the money to cover it. Wholesale Warranties offers affordable policies for RVs up to 20 years old. This is a more age-lenient policy than most RV parks we have stayed in. They have a wide selection of plans and policies so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Their policies are backed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you maximize your investment. Get a free quote today!

We hope you enjoyed this video and wish you safe travels, but before you hit the road could you do us a favor and leave us a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform? These ratings help the show get ranked and makes it easier for new listeners to find us.

Take care all and we will catch you next time.

The post Protect Your RV Like a Pro: Surge Protectors & Voltage Boosters with Hughes Autoformers appeared first on Beyond The Wheel.