KenNTennessee
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Re: stop the Bucking!
Thanks, I have changed the tension on the WDH several times on this trip to see if it would make any difference. I started out setting it exactly per the manufacturer's step by step procedure and recommendations. I've ended up quite a bit tighter, (more weight on the front axle of the TV) which seemed to help some, but it's still not good. Before I bought the Anderson, we would literally get sick to our stomachs from bouncing on some concrete Interstates. It's not that bad now, but it's still not right.512Views0likes0CommentsRe: Black vs. White A/c shrouds
Thanks for the ideas. I forgot to say that it is a ducted system. I've also seen enough forum posts that I know inadequate cooling is not uncommon. Sorry, haddy1, I'm not interested in your 100% fuel saving device... When I get home, I'll do some scientific experiments and measure the results with shroud off, black, white, lined with a radiant barrier and see what happens. Those are all affordable things to try. If none help, I'll consider the 15,000 BTU 325 CFM unit upgrade.448Views0likes0CommentsRe: Black vs. White A/c shrouds
When it is hot, the unit never cycles off, it runs continuously and can not keep up. I have cleaned the filter and checked the coils, they do not look dirty. I have an infrared thermometer that I used to check the air temperature and the unit is putting out 38 degree air when the outside temp was 98, so it seems to be cooling, just does not have the capacity? I took the inside cover off and it does not appear there are any leaks between the return and output air systems. When I gt home, I'm thinking of removing the shroud and painting it white. The other items on the roof that are visible from the ground (roof vents) are white, so I don't think a white shroud will look bad. I agree with the statement about the quality of installation has much to do with the effectiveness of the R-19 ceiling & floor insulation and the R-9 wall insulation. A sloppy job can negate the insulation's value. No way to check that except maybe an infrared camera. Anyway, I would like to know the source of the data in the April post.448Views0likes0CommentsRe: stop the Bucking!
We are on an extended trip, over 7000 miles so far. Had serious bucking issues with this new 26' Evergreen Sun Valley trailer first trip, so invested in an Anderson weight distributing hitch for anti-sway and anti-bounce before starting this trip. Never had any sway problems with the old "spring bar" EasyLift weight distributing hitch, but had severe bounce and bucking with this new trailer. We never had that with the old 23' rockwood trailer, same 2012 GMC truck and hitch. Both trailers have tandem axles. Anyway, the Anderson hitch did help some, but it did not cure the problem. Still get a pronounced bounce on concrete roads when the joints are uneven. It's much worse with the trailer than without it on the same road, so the truck shocks seem okay. I'm thinking that this trailer has a long overhang behind the rear axle, and although it has 12% of the weight on the tongue, that overhang and some flex in the frame just give it enough leverage to cause the bounce. I'm thinking of a suspension upgrade, adding shocks to the trailer. Has anyone done this, and what were the results? Thanks for your help.512Views0likes0CommentsBlack vs. White A/c shrouds
I saw an earlier thread from April 2014 on this, but could not find it through search. I was interested in a post by Luke Porter on 4/17 that said the black shroud was 31% less efficient and raised the output temperature by 7 degrees. I believe it, but would like to know where he got that technical data. My new 2014 Sun Valley 26' has a black Coleman Mach 3 unit with a black shroud, and it just is not able to keep up. We are on an extended trip, about 9 weeks so far, and when the outside temperature is over 90, it just can't cool down the trailer. Our previous unit was a 2009 23' Rockwood with a Dometic 13,500 unit, and we camped in Texas in August when it was 107 outside, and it stayed comfortable inside. Both units were 13,500 BTU capacity. I realize this unit is longer, but at least by manufacturer's claim has a higher r-value insulation. I know that the unit is not cooling outside air, and I know that the condenser coils are fan cooled, but the black shroud is much hotter than the white one, so the unit can not be as efficient. I'm hinking of upgrading to a Mach 15 with a white shroud. Not sure if the 1500 btu gain is worth the money, and the cfm spec per Coleman is 325 vs. 320 for our current unit. Big price for a little difference in specs, but I need to do something. Would I be better off just buying a white shroud? If that would give me a 30% increase in efficiency, that's more than the 11% capacity increase by going to the Mach 15. any thoughts?3.4KViews0likes13CommentsRe: Balance Tires or Not
Interesting that no TT manufacturer that I know of balances the tires at the factory, so obviously it is not absolutely essential. However, I do balance mine as it helps cut down on vibration within the trailer. My experience in towing about 12,000 miles per year is that things tend to shake and vibrate in the trailer. Anything to reduce that will reduce the number of minor repairs you will need to do over time. Although I agree tread rarely wears out on trailer tires, balancing them will reduce cupping. They will also run cooler with less flexing.372Views0likes0CommentsRe: Is it okay to link two batteries of unequal size?
I appreciate most all of your responses, thank you! I didn't understand the tone of RJsfishin's response which seemed a bit hostile. Otherwise greatly appreciate the help. I found the connection information contributed by pianotuna interesting, as who would have thought there would be that much resistance in the interconnection, but a great idea and simple to do. I'm going to go ahead with the 24MS and 27DC for now only because I already have the new 24MS. When it's time to replace, I'll seriously look at Golf Cart batteries in series, as that seems to be the best bang for the buck in terms of capacity, number of cycles and cost.1.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Is it okay to link two batteries of unequal size?
Well, the dealer threw the battery in at no charge, so I didn't get "cheated", but I don't believe it is the optimum type for an RV. However, I have noticed that some brands, such as Sears DieHard do not carry the DC, they only carry the MS, which is a "hybrid". Yes MS is a Marine Starting battery, which has a higher CCA rating than a true Deep Cycle, but is also rated for deep cycling. Anyway, I appreciate the response as I wanted to go with the 27Dc, and already have the box for it.284Views0likes0CommentsIs it okay to link two batteries of unequal size?
We just bought a new travel trailer and it came with a dealer installed new 24MS battery, which does not have enough capacity for us as we do dry camping up to three days at a time. I am going to install a second battery and would like to get a 27DC battery, but am not sure if there would be problems having two 12V batteries of different capacities hooked in parallel. In theory hooking batteries in parallel, you should be able to add the amp hours together. So if the 24MS has a reserve capacity of 90 and the 27DC has a reserve capacity of 115, then the total reserve capacity would be 205. My question is will there be an issue with charging or will the battery life be affected since they are not the same capacity?7.4KViews0likes25Comments
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