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16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

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.

26

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.

27

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

28

General Discussion / Re: Alternator to Lithium Battery Charging Question

« on: February 28, 2022, 10:17:46 am »

On the 8th of March 1500 hours Pacific Time, I will be doing a presentation on what I did to install my lithium system.  This will be through the Phoenix Cruiser Travel Club (PCTC) Zoom.  Contact information on joining this Zoom event can be accessed through the PCTC website.  It would be great to have all of you attend and share your great advice, experience and expertise. 

I am not an electrical expert but learned much from You Tube, reading online, and from our fellow PC colleagues.   I have now had my system in place for about a year and with no issues.  I faced the same questions:  What lithium batteries do I purchase?  What about the converter in my Parallax system?  What is the size of the alternator installed on my Ford E450?  Do I need a DC/DC charger?   Do I need to disable the existing wiring from the chassis to lithium batteries and how would I do this if I installed a D/C to D/C charger?  How do you wire the D/C to D/C charger from the chassis batteries to the control unit?   Should I change out my solar controller to match the rest of my Victron equipment?  How much is this entire going to cost?  How long will it take me to install and wire my system?  Should I add more solar panels?  What size of solar controller should I purchase?

Again it would be great to have many join me on this Zoom presentation.  If you are unable to join let me know and I can send you my Power Point presentation which shows photos of what I did to install my lithium system.   Feel free to contact me via pm.

Dave

29

General Discussion / Re: Equipment behind the carpeted area?

« on: February 16, 2022, 11:10:39 pm »

Chuck, 

After your remove the cover to the transfer switch box tighten all the contact screws to ensure everything is tight. 

Dave

30

General Discussion / Toilet Replacement

« on: February 06, 2022, 10:23:20 am »

I am considering replacing the factory installed toilet with a more updated and better toilet.  Has anyone replaced their toilet?  If you did what did you purchase and why.  I would like to consider one that has a better water flow, consider hand held sprayer, and a better soft closing seat.  Was replacing your toilet the same as replacing one in our residential home?

thanks

Dave