My Roadtrek wrote:
What ever the OP does make sure to get approval from Roadtrek, any unauthorized changes to the electrical system will void that part of the warranty.
Even an authorized dealer has to get authorization from the factory.
The confusing part about the David Becker posts is he never said that the factory authorized the alterations. He said it was OK because a Rt dealer did it. He also stated that the extended warranty he purchased would cover any problems the changes caused.
This is confusing, because extended warranties don't start until the manufactures warranty has expired.
JMO I seriously doubt that Roadtrek gave approval to the dealer to do the changes to the elec. system, I also doubt that there is an extended warranty that works the way Mr. Becker claims.
I wish he would come back to this forum and clear these things up.
Here is the thread that Mr. Becker posted here, only under user name mrlandlord
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27582597/srt/pd/pging/1/page/1.cfm
Hey, I just noticed this topic came up again. So, let clarify one point: The RV dealer did provide me with a warranty that will cover the install of the additional batteries. They did call Roadtrek and got approval. I did have to get them to add language into the warranty coverage to ensure that this was covered however. The extended warranty I got is for 8 years on everything. Now, people have said that I am a liar, but think what you want.
Now that is out of the way, lets talk batteries. My experience has been not so good mixing batteries. Where I am at is I am getting the OEM 4 AGM batteries to be removed and just have the 4 batteries that I bought. I am not convinced, nor have been, that the inverter is doing some "magic" to adjust the discharge rates so that they are all draining the batteries at an equal rate. So, I am going to remove this variable from the equation.
Regarding the location of the additional batteries, I have mine under the couch in the back.
Regarding losing the generator, I would not do this. I actually want to add a generator. I think Roadtrek missed the mark on this with the CS Adventurous. The notion that I have to turn the van on in order to charge the batteries is ridiculous. I like that the batteries charge on my way to the campsite, I do not like that I have to drive the van around once I am at the campsite just to keep them charged. I have read that you only need 30 minutes to charge the batteries. I have not had this experience. Maybe my generator is broken and it is only using the alternator. Going to get that checked out as well.
I am thinking of getting a 3000i Honda Generator and also getting a R-Pod trailer. The Honda Generator can then charge both once I get to the campsite with like 5 gallons of gas. I am also planning on taking the 4 AGM Roadtrek batteries and adding it to the R-Pod. Now, with that, I have the ultimate boondocking setup.
