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1

Tips and Tricks / Re: Leveling System--HWH Factory Service

« on: March 24, 2023, 09:08:28 pm »

Yes, on occasion.my levelers will spring back up.  This occurs when I use the manual option and don't place enough weight on the levelers.   When I use the manual option I know to put the levelers slightly more down so there is more weight on them.   I do at times use the auto option but have learned at times I can do a better job leveling depending upon the terrain. 

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General Discussion / Re: Catalytic Converter Theft Protection

« on: March 14, 2023, 10:49:17 am »

I did install a Fast Guard Alarm underneath our 2910D.   The only issue is remembering to activate the alarm via the remote.  I attached the unit using the zip ties and not directly onto the exhaust pipe.   I installed the unit off the chassis near the catalytic converter. 

Dave

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General Discussion / Re: Black and gray tank sensors

« on: March 11, 2023, 01:16:33 pm »

Has anyone installed the See Level system themselves rather than having the PC factory replace the existing tank monitor system?  If you have please provide details on how you installed and connected the wiring.   Thanks

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General Discussion / Re: replacing an absorption refrigerator with 12-volt

« on: September 25, 2022, 10:56:04 am »

Ron,
My understanding is the 3 way refrigerator does use more energy from your batteries when on DC as compared to the new 12 volt variable speed.  After reviewing several online posts, the energy draw, when first turning on the Dometic 4104 may draw up to 8 amps but once the temperature is reached will drop down to ~1amp.  The Dometic manual states that the system must be able to handle 15-20 amps when first turning the refrigerator on.  At this point I am not ready to switch out by Norcold absorption refrigerator until I get a better handle on power consumption and gather more data from those that have switched to a 12 volt variable speed compressor refrigerator.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBB-QUwKmW4

dave

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General Discussion / Re: replacing an absorption refrigerator with 12-volt

« on: September 07, 2022, 02:41:52 pm »

There are a several reasons we have considered switching to a 12-volt variable speed compressor rather than an absorption refrigerator.  You are correct in that the 3-way absorption refrigerator does use some 12 -volt while using the propane function.  The newer 12-volt variable speed compressors use about 5 amps until they reach the desired temperature than drops down to about 1/2 -1 amp to maintain the temperature.  The biggest advantages for switching:  1) you can drive with the refrigerator on rather than the absorption where you should turn off the propane when driving 2) the compressor refrigerators cool down much faster only taking a few hours, 3) you don't have to be level for the refrigerator to continue to work efficiently, 4) you don't have to worry about the sun hitting the side where the absorption refrigerator is located.  Here is the best YouTube video I have found that compares absorption, compressor, and residential refrigerator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwHU_NY0Auo&t=124s

In prior posts, a few PC owners had the company install compressor refrigerators but that was a few years ago.  The variable speed compressors appear very efficient, provide more refrigerator space, and should easily fit into the same location as the factory installed Norcold absorption refrigerator.

Dave

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General Discussion / replacing an absorption refrigerator with 12-volt

« on: September 06, 2022, 11:32:33 am »

Now that we have our lithium battery system, we would like to consider changing out our absorption refrigerator to a 12-volt variable speed compressor refrigerator.   Has anyone replaced their absorption refrigerator with a 12 volt?  And if you did what make and model did you choose?  And what were the challenges you faced removing the old refrigerator and installing the new refrigerator?  thanks

Dave

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General Discussion / Re: Xantrex 1800 watt Inverter

« on: July 21, 2022, 06:05:54 pm »

Greg,

I also installed the same Lithium Progressive Converter that Battleborn recommended since I have Battleborn Lithium batteries.  Here is some information that maybe helpful that follows what Lance mentioned.

BOOST MODE – Indicated by green LED remaining on. The output voltage is 14.4VDC to rapidly recharge the battery up to 90% of
full charge.
NORMAL MODE – When the battery is between 50% and 90% charged, the green LED will flash once per second. When the battery
has reached 90% of full charge, the green LED will flash 2 - 3 times per second. In this mode the output voltage is 13.6VDC and the
converter is safely completing the charge of the battery.

I do have the Victron BMS and when my batteries drop below 90% and I am plugged into shore power I do see on my Victron BMS 14.4 volts.  But when the batteries are charged to 90% the Victron BMS reads 13.6.   

You placed your post under the Xantrex 1800 were you planning on replacing the inverter at some point?  At some point I do plan on changing my Xantrex 1800 with the plan to replace it with a pure sine 2000 watt.   That is a future project.

Dave

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General Discussion / Re: Lithium Battery Upgrade

« on: July 08, 2022, 09:43:41 pm »

I have the original Xantrex Pro 1800 which is not connected to the microwave.  Most of what we use while on the inverter are the TV's and several of the AC outlets.   What we had an issue with prior to installing Lithium was using our furnace on those cold nights where it would come on frequently.  With the lithium's we feel comfortable that we still have sufficient power the next morning.  What we must be careful about using the lithium's is when we use our Keurig coffee maker or my wife's hair dryer.  But as you mentioned, it's nice that we can charge up the lithium's with the options of having a DC to DC charger, generator, solar, and shore power via the converter.

thanks again for your great contributions..

Dave

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General Discussion / Re: Lithium Battery Upgrade

« on: July 08, 2022, 11:48:44 am »

Thank you Lance for this very valuable information and the link to the Youtube.  Since installing our Battleborn and Victron Lithium system we have had no issues but I do monitor our voltage usage to ensure we don't run our batteries down to where the BMS goes into a sleep mode.   For those interested in what Lithium batteries are available and reviewing the quality here is a Youtube link that you may want to watch.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvCdo0cs99w

dave

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General Discussion / Re: Stinky slinky

« on: June 04, 2022, 10:36:37 am »

Yes, we carry a stinky slinky hose as a backup.  I fabricated a 4 PVC square fence post mounting it under the rig to hold the slinky hose.  While we mostly use the macerator  I have found that when I flush the tanks out the stinky slinky hose does a better job cleaning out the macerator holding tank.

dave

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General Discussion / Water Pump

« on: May 18, 2022, 11:37:44 am »

Just curious; Do you carry a spare water pump?  If you do what pump did your purchase?  Have you ever had to replace your pump while on the road?  Being on the road for an extensive period of time and boon-docking we are considering of having an extra pump available.    thanks

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General Discussion / Removing Dometic Slide Topper

« on: May 07, 2022, 10:30:42 pm »

The top outside seal, on one of my slides, has started to come loose.  Unfortunately, where it's coming off, is located in the middle of the top of the slide.  To re "secure" the seal the best thing to do would be remove the Dometic slide topper so I can access the area.  I would appreciate if anyone has removed the slide topper provide me how best to do that.  The top seal is still attached on each side of the slide; it's the middle section that has come loose.
thanks

Dave

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General Discussion / Re: Fit to be tied - cat gone AGAIN!

« on: April 30, 2022, 12:19:04 pm »

Sorry that this happened to you again.  Nothing is safe.  Are you able to get your money back from the Cat Clamp company?  Their website says they cover the Cat Clamp if stolen but not the catalytic converter.

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Tips and Tricks / Re: Small insects and screens

« on: April 14, 2022, 10:23:58 am »

Are you referring to screens that go in front of the chassis grill?  If so we have them and it does a great job of keeping the bugs from entering into the engine compartment.  The grill snaps off and on for easy cleaning.

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General Discussion / Re: Thetford Sanicon 700 Motor Replacement

« on: March 25, 2022, 03:24:36 pm »

I first want to thank Lance for his help and support providing great information on how to switch out my macerator pump.  My pump, over the last several months, just didn't pump efficiently.  Sometimes it wouldn't even power up unless I knocked on the macerator tank.  I followed Lance's great instructions which helped out tremendously when I switched my pump out.

Couple of further recommendations to add to Lance's post:

1)  Have someone assist you.  It was great having a second set of hands especially when putting the strap on holding the tank and aligning the drain pipes to the valves

2)  Clean or replace the valve gaskets.  When you re-insert them put them on the drain pipe side  (flange)

3)  There are two blue wires on the tank.  It doesn't matter which blue wire you reconnect to the ground (white)

4)  The "O"ring that came with the new tank doesn't seem to fit as well as the original "O" ring.   I cleaned the original "O"ring and using plumbers grease reused the ring.

5)  Hope that your macerator pump will live out it's life during the entire time you own your rig.  And always carry a back up sewer hose

Dave