epfd217
Explorer
Joined 16 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: New Solar install feedback?
Since the door is open for buying pieces, check the rest of Home Depot's prices. The Grape Solar 100w panels are only $97. You did mention width being an issue and they are 26" wide vs 21", but it would be a huge cost savings to grab four of those if it works.567Views0likes0CommentsRe: Solar cable routing behind front cap
Thank you for all the great suggestions. I'll have to make a trip to the rv to check that front cap. I have a lightweight, non-metallic probe I never considered using. If that doesn't get me where I want to be, I guess a fish tape is in order. As I've said, I still plan on drilling a hole, I was just hoping to do it through the front cap instead of going into the rig and then creating a route through the interior. I prefer making one hole over two (or more) new holes. It sucks how much the electrical is hidden in the newer rigs. SO little room to work and even less room to expand or reconfigure devices.666Views0likes0CommentsRe: Solar cable routing behind front cap
The front cap area is already accessible from below. Thats how I know its hollow from the bottom. My rig has a residential fridge (no I don't plan to run using solar), so there is no fridge vent. I could use a vent path to the underside of camper, but I'm hoping so see if anyone knows if the front caps remain hollow to the top. I would still have to drill a hole and use a combiner box or glandat the front lip of the rig, but it would provide an unobstructed route to the front pass-through if my presumption is correct. Also, the entire front of my rig is wide open and perfect for panels.145Views0likes0CommentsSolar cable routing behind front cap
I'm looking to finally begin my solar install and I'm trying to plan the best route for my solar cables. Batts are on the tongue, front pass through area houses the inverter and is where I will mount the charge controller, fuses etc. I've got a 2017 Salem Hemisphere 312QBUD. My plan is to drill into the front cap from the roof and just drop wires down behind the hollow front cap. There is a 2-3" gap and its the route in from the bottom that the battery wires go to the inverter. I'm curious if anyone has done this routing or is familiar with the front cap and if the air gap behind the cap continues to the roof? I can't seem to get any confirmation from anyone. Anyone tried this route?2.8KViews0likes18CommentsRe: Inverter/power advice
We currently have a newer (2017) rig with the residential fridge and factory installed 1000w inverter. The inverter runs the fridge just fine, but only the fridge. You can't really plan power usage around the fridge compressor running. Dual 1000w or adding a 1500w would be good. Otherwise I think having the fridge running and running the coffee pot would be a huge draw. A 2000w may not be enough. I will echo everyone else with the initial concern, no residential fridge for a dry camping setup. Sounds like you're set on that so, I guess continue with your current plan and get an adequate power setup. An RV residential fridge typically uses 100 a/hrs per day. Each unit is different but expect 100-120 a/h. The rest of the things in your rig add on to that. Coffee pot uses 15-20a per use. The rest of your usage is pretty incidental. You're looking at a minimum of 150 amps per day if you don't use the furnace. Using the furnace will push you over 200amps. Four batteries would be the bare minimum just for power storage. That would allow you to discharge to 50% on 1.5 days of use and no solar. Six would be better. Six batts gets you 2 days of power without recharging. I second the suggestion for building a battery box at the site and put an adequate number of batteries on the ground. Solar. You use solar already so you understand the challenges at your elevation. I would be bigger than 600 watts. The residential fridge is nice, but it REALLY SUCKS if you want to dry camp at all. I will not have a resi fridge again.420Views0likes0Comments312QBUD with resi fridge. Question about inverter
I've got a Salem Hemisphere 312QBUD floorplan. Forest River makes several sub-brands with the 312 layout. Many now come with the residential fridge and a dedicated 1000w inverter. Mine does. I'm wondering if anyone has removed the friedg eor accessed the power outlet for the fridge. I'm interested in accessing the power outlet and creating a bypass or being able to use that outlet for inverter use. I'm trying to find the least intrusive method to use inverter power in the camper for dry camping. I realize a rig with a residential fridge is not made for dry camping. This unfortunately was a difficult lesson to learn, but it has really helped me focus on how to manage power use in our rig. I currently have 2 - 6v GC2's for an adequate amount of battery storage, and I'm simply looking for the easiest way to get inverter power to the main outlets and low use items. NO need for microwave or A/C in my use plan. This is mainly for early and late season hunting use.2.7KViews0likes9CommentsRe: Main slide leaks. Difficulty getting warranty action
I am completely on the same page as you and have made all the same statements to them regarding this issue. That being said, I've worked as a mechanic and if you can't replicate the issue, no service department is going to throw money at an issue. I fully understand the slide topper is simply a bandaid for the leak. That is why I was trying to get more opinions. At this point, I've hit a dead end unless I pay for a lawyer. Not sure what else to push and what to ask for.420Views0likes0CommentsRe: Main slide leaks. Difficulty getting warranty action
Doug, thanks for your reply. Thats the most helpful things I've heard about this problem from anyone. To be fair, the service department has been great to deal with and very open about all the steps they've taken. It was their idea to get in touch with the factory rep for guidance and I've spoken to him as well. They've run a running water test, a high pressure water test and the interior pressure check that you described and they are unable to replicate or locate a source of the leak. Thanks for the tips on the slide topper. I have to confirm with them about the slide awning this week so hopefully I can find out more.423Views0likes0CommentsMain slide leaks. Difficulty getting warranty action
Background is I have a 2017 Salem Hemisphere 312QBUD. We purchased this rig in May of 2016. Since day one we have had a leak in the main living room slide out. The slide leaks in the upper, outside front corner. Water comes into the cupboard above the couch. The leak is most common when the slide is closed, however it has happened when opened up. We have reported this more than once and each time the dealership says they cannot replicate the leak. There response as well as the response from the factory rep is that if they cannot replicate the leak they cannot fix it. Currently the factory is offering to install a slide-topper awning to protect the area from water getting on the slideout. Anyone have more advice? I've pushed and pushed and I don't seem to be getting anywhere. We've been to two service departments and the results are always the same.2.2KViews0likes8CommentsRe: How to Increase Battery Capacity
To the OP, I hope you're finding some good info in-between some of the junk replies. As has been well stated, a new pair of GC-2 6v batteries will almost completely solve your dry camping worries. Throw in a bulk charge frmo your truck to the batteries using your jumper cables and you should be golden. I'm not trying to insult you, but it seems you've done lots of research on the best upgrades for dry camping, but you haven't done much research into how your systems work and the best ways to conserve energy for dry camping. The easiest money to save is the money you don't spend. No need to buy a big generator if you find out you don't need to use a generator to charge from. Turning something off is easier then buying another battery. Check out the blogs of some of the dry campers and you see lots of great info about conserving energy and also about how to know how much energy you're using. You've mentioned you don't know how much the water heater or the water pump uses. Those are the fine details you need to know if you intend to dry camp. When you know those numbers you can "plan" your upgrades around the things you need vs dont need and the things that will add more value. Good luck on your trip and I hope you enjoy the dry camping away from the leash of the power pole.634Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Apr 19, 201944,027 Posts
