So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?

[Mello_Mike]

I saw these threads in some of the other Open Roads RV Forums, but didn't see one for TCs.

I'll start...

I installed Interior LED puck lights and a 12v power outlet.

[USMarine0369]

Had the new Vision Heavy Hauler wheels and continental HDR tires installed today!

[narcodog]

Since I've owned my Lance 845 '06, I have been disappointed with the backup lights so I have been looking for a replacement. I finally found what I was looking for by accident. A few weeks ago UPS made a delivery and as he was backing I noticed his lights, outstandingly bright. I got the brand off the truck and contacted the manufacturer, Truck-Lite and got the model number, 44348c. Not knowing any better I ordered a flange model instead of a grommet model.
I had to enlarge the hole so the flange would fit. I used an angle grinder which only took a minuet or two. Cut and attached the wires, coated the connection with liquid tape and slipped them in the holes, fastened withe stainless sheet metal screws. Great lights I must say.

I also need to replace the LED the s/t/t lights as most of the diodes have burned out or work intermittently. I have ordered Truck Lite replacements. Note these lights are not cheap so if you are interested do a search.

[Rubiranch]

Started getting it loaded for a two week road trip. 🙂

[SidecarFlip]

USMarine0369 wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:
Got into my fridge yesterday and got a couple surprises.

...only one tiny fan installed in the upper vent cavity and it was a cheapo sleeve bearing fan that after a season was getting noisy. Understandbly so, the fan was mounted horizontally, Sleeve bearing fans need to be vertical. It's headed to the lanfill to be replaced with 2 120mm ball bearing case fans. That should improve airflow over the condenser by a lot. A cool condenser means good heat transfer and that means the fridge cools efficiently. Gotta keep that beer cold.

FR did install an upper baffle over the condenser to direct air flow but the tiny fan wasn't flowing much in the first place.

I bet between the twin fans and the added insulation, my fridge will be really cooling this summer.

We will be finding out soon enough.

Cool. Did you get to the fan from the outside compartment?

Yes, I did, from under the upper vent cover which was screwed on. Had to order a roll of butyl tape, no store around here had it, looked at me like I was nuts when I asked for it.

The muffin fans draw very little current so they should not be an issue running on battery power.

I'll test everything before I button it back up to be sure it all operates as it supposed to.

[SidecarFlip]

lakeside013104 wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:


Gotta keep that beer cold.

We will be finding out soon enough.

That beverage must be for your guests. Last I heard, no form of hops flows across your palette.

Installed a dual battery 12V system in parallel in the TC this week.
If the sun ever comes out, we will see if the solar setup keeps things charged.

Lakeside

Roger that, for guests only. Not me. I prefer drinking Naked....;)

[lakeside013104]

SidecarFlip wrote:


Gotta keep that beer cold.

We will be finding out soon enough.

That beverage must be for your guests. Last I heard, no form of hops flows across your palette.

Installed a dual battery 12V system in parallel in the TC this week.
If the sun ever comes out, we will see if the solar setup keeps things charged.

Lakeside

[USMarine0369]

SidecarFlip wrote:
Got into my fridge yesterday and got a couple surprises.

...only one tiny fan installed in the upper vent cavity and it was a cheapo sleeve bearing fan that after a season was getting noisy. Understandbly so, the fan was mounted horizontally, Sleeve bearing fans need to be vertical. It's headed to the lanfill to be replaced with 2 120mm ball bearing case fans. That should improve airflow over the condenser by a lot. A cool condenser means good heat transfer and that means the fridge cools efficiently. Gotta keep that beer cold.

FR did install an upper baffle over the condenser to direct air flow but the tiny fan wasn't flowing much in the first place.

I bet between the twin fans and the added insulation, my fridge will be really cooling this summer.

We will be finding out soon enough.

Cool. Did you get to the fan from the outside compartment?

[SidecarFlip]

Got into my fridge yesterday and got a couple surprises.

One, Forest River didn't put very much insulation between the unit and the cabinet, in fact, very little. I'm solving that with a roll of unfaced from Lowes. I will have enough insulation when I'm done.

Two, only one tiny fan installed in the upper vent cavity and it was a cheapo sleeve bearing fan that after a season was getting noisy. Understandbly so, the fan was mounted horizontally, Sleeve bearing fans need to be vertical. It's headed to the lanfill to be replaced with 2 120mm ball bearing case fans. That should improve airflow over the condenser by a lot. A cool condenser means good heat transfer and that means the fridge cools efficiently. Gotta keep that beer cold.

FR did install an upper baffle over the condenser to direct air flow but the tiny fan wasn't flowing much in the first place.

I bet between the twin fans and the added insulation, my fridge will be really cooling this summer.

We will be finding out soon enough.

[towpro]

i replaced my 350W 15 year old MSW inverter with a 600w GoPower MSW inverter.

After replacement I was pleased to discover the reason my old inverter was going in overload was because the Bogart Engineering solar controller was charging around 15.5v (finish charge) which was over the "over voltage cutout level" for the old charger. Now the 350 can go back into under the seat in my pickup for charging laptops while going down the road.
and I turned down the Bogart a little so the new one don't go into over voltage cutout.

[USMarine0369]

Thanks!

[billyray50]

skipro3 wrote:
I use this brand. It has individual caps to fit multiple sized batteries. I have 6 volt batteries and I think the cell spacing is different than 12 volt batteries.
https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Rite-RV2020-Pro-Fill-Qwik-Fill/dp/B001FC79EW/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2?_encoding...

to fill, you use a bulb pump;
https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Rite-RV2020-Pro-Fill-Qwik-Fill/dp/B001FC79EW/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2?_encoding...

Same brand as mine. Just cut connecting tubes to size in regards to spacing.

[billyray50]

USMarine0369 wrote:
I like that idea of the battery fill; how do you inject the lines?

Qwik fill sells a adapter hose with bulb pump that quick connects to fill line. sold separately of course. will upload pic.

[Ski_Pro_3]

I use this brand. It has individual caps to fit multiple sized batteries. I have 6 volt batteries and I think the cell spacing is different than 12 volt batteries.
https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Rite-RV2020-Pro-Fill-Qwik-Fill/dp/B001FC79EW/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2?_encoding...

to fill, you use a bulb pump;
https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Rite-RV2020-Pro-Fill-Qwik-Fill/dp/B001FC79EW/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2?_encoding...

[USMarine0369]

I like that idea of the battery fill; how do you inject the lines?

[billyray50]

Installed the Qwik-Fill on board water battery system today on TC dual batteries. Works very good. No more lugging the batteries around to check the water levels.