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Sometimes, when camping in a local campground, the voltage drops down to 95 volts. Do the voltage boosters, like those advertised in RV magazines, really work? I am concerned about running my appliances on this low voltage. --Mark Altman Dear Mark, If you are, indeed, situated at the tail end of a long circuit, you may not be getting enough voltage to your rig. Low AC voltage is notorious for causing damage to roof top air conditioners, microwave ovens and many other sensitive electronic gear like computers, DVD players, VCRs and some medical equipment. Voltage measurements approaching 103 volt AC and below should be considered too low. Damage to such components is also possible should the frequency vary greatly from the 60-Hertz standard. Since the typical voltmeter cannot measure the frequency of the alternations, other specialty equipment is needed. Still, it is necessary to have the frequency checked from time to time. Perhaps the park maintenance department can verify the frequency for you. Checking the frequency from time to time, by the way, is also important for those RVers with on-board generators. In any event, do bring this situation to the park owner's attention. MY GUESS IS THAT YOU'RE CAMPING in an older park, many of which are under-serviced for the alternating current demands of today's RVs. I would avoid staying there again until appropriate power is provided. You may find higher voltages in a different area of the park. Unfortunately I cannot comment about the power boosters you have seen advertised in the RV magazines. All products mentioned or featured in the RV Doctor column have been personally tested by me and are literally run through the paces of normal and abnormal operation. In the past we have requested some of the boosters for testing, but unfortunately, no manufacturer has opted to let us test one. Hmmm. Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor, is a well known RV author and the host of RV Roadtrips, the DIY Network cable television show. He is one of the RV industry's most sought after speakers and the host of the popular DVD titled Do It Yourself RV Care.  RVs for saleMotorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Truck Campers, Pop ups and much more. See the big selection at NewRVer.com. Click here Top of Page Get your FREE RV Travel Newsletter every week - sign up now.
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