quasimatter wrote:
SJ-Chris wrote:
- Added 3 USB charging ports (over couch, over dinette, over rear bed)
- Added a 2nd battery (in 2nd from rear on driver's side small bay)
- Added a TV/DVD player
- Added a Aili battery monitor
-Chris
Hi Chris - looks like we are within few miles of each other!
I want to make the above mods myself.. Could you please share links to what you bought (and installation instructions if you can).
Meanwhile - I am half way to Solar installation: I got the following
Victron MPPT controller
Folding Solar Panels
For backup camera - I went for wired version which also serves as dash cam - not installed yet (since I need extra length cable which I have ordered).
VanTop Dashcam ($59.99 at VanTop website)
Also got the following - which is actually pretty awesome:
Front Privacy Screen/Shade
More later..
Sorry...just saw this reply/request...
I have two 2015 Majestic 28a Class C RVs from Cruise America...
Here are the USB outlets:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZQJPJMB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$12 each. I have used others in the past, but these are BY FAR the easiest to install. You just need a drill bit the right size and you can install these close to a dome light by tapping off the dome light wiring behind the panel (there is plenty of space). Each one only takes me about 10 minutes to do now that I know how!
When installing a 2nd battery: I'm surprised that the 28as only have one coach battery. Adding a 2nd battery to double capacity seemed like a no-brainer. I put it in the small, otherwise pretty useless compartment on the driver's side near the rear (this is on a 28a Majestic). I drilled holes for ventilation in the compartment. I purchased these 20' long super heavy duty jumper cables and then I cut off the ends and crimped on some connectors. I ran the cables under the coach and it was pretty easy to zip-tie it up along the way.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FZWBKNZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(~$35 which was a cheap solution for thick wires).
and this crimper:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V6V7XZC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and these connectors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083QC122B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also used one of these trays ($9) that I bolted down so I could strap the battery in place:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E3ALEQM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you are just doing one, see if you know anyone with a crimper and save yourself the $$$. I knew I was going to need it for several RVs and projects so I didn't mind buying it. I didn't need to buy any new batteries as I had what I needed already. But when I need batteries from time to time, I have been buying from Walmart. You can get what appear to be pretty good 29Ds for less than $100 each which seems like a good value.
For the TV and DVD player that I added, I put them in the most obvious place in the 28a Majestic (above the cab on the driver side). There is already an outlet there. I installed a painted wood 1x3 trim around the top and the bottom of that upper window. This gave me a surface to mount a long-extension TV mount such that it could be opened well into the visual space.
Here is the TV mount:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082W8JX6R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I put a 32" TV on it. I put a shelf in the front compartment above the dinette on the driver's side where I mounted a DVD player. Then I drilled a circular hole through to the front where the TV is mounted. I finished it off nicely with some of these that you can pick up at Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-1-1-2-in-Furniture-Hole-Cover-Black-COVER-BK-1-5/203717844
I added an Aili Battery Monitor. I posted about it in the tech section. (Search Aili). Here is a link to buy one:
https://www.amazon.com/AiLi-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Voltage-Motorhome/dp/B07FGFFHC6/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-drs1_0?cv_ct_cx=aili&dchild=1&keywords=aili&pd_rd_i=B07FGFFHC6&pd_rd_r=9fefbcae-ff9a-421a-998e-c090894c6ed6&pd_rd_w=aWWrp&pd_rd_wg=Cm0IK&pf_rd_p=c33e4373-edb9-47f9-a7e6-5d3d6a7a4ad0&pf_rd_r=2B71883T48WB1GJ4XT2G&psc=1&qid=1606961959&sr=1-1-5e875a02-02b1-4426-9916-8a5c26cd5a14
$44. So far, I LOVE IT. I'm kind of a nerd and it allows me to know all about the electrical usage (and charging). I have always wondered...
- How much power does each device use?
- How much battery do I use per day?
- How much is drawing on the batteries when I *think* everything is off?
- Also...I had lots of charging questions...like...
- If I'm charging by shore power (or generator, or alternator), how quickly does the battery get charged?
All of these questions also help with my planning for adding solar and determining how much solar I should add. Since I only use the RVs (or let others use the RV) recreationally, I've decided I'll put 200w on each RV and see how it goes. I'm guessing I'll probably end up putting 300w on one of them and use that one "when boondocking". If I have two 200w systems, I think I'll actually put 100w on one of my RVs and 300w on the other.
For backup camera, I've added one to each of the 3 RVs I've owned. I have found these to be very easy to install (WIRELESS):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078PDH6Z8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You can install it up high by the running lights and tap off the wiring for the running lights. On the dashboard, you just need to plug the monitor into the cigarette lighter. Then, all you need to remember is that to have the camera on you need to have your headlights on (so the running lights have power). Cost: $140.
I'll see if I can get some photos to add to this post.
Hope that's helpful to someone. I enjoy helping others, so if you have any questions feel free to PM me or post them here.
-Chris
