grampaBubby
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Re: Reading AMPS from a solar panel
You can test the output by connecting the panel to a battery who's in need of a charge. Place the panel in optimal sun exposure. Using a multi-meter one can test the "load" being placed on the panel. The reading will never exceed the panels max-out rating but until either the sun goes down or the battery reaches a full charge the output load reading from the panel should be just at or just below it's max-out rating. I won't explain how to use a multimeter but I will say that most offer settings for reading the line load. The directions that come with the meter will give you the proper settings.407Views0likes0CommentsRe: Are multiple shallow cycles harmful for batteries?
As for all that I've read about any type of dc battery - yes, shallow cycles hurt. That is why such careful planning goes into equipping a home with solar dc. You need to store a bit more than you'll use in a day but not much more. I'm not solar at home but I have a friends who are. Their battery budget came in just enough to cover their normal daily usage in battery bank storage which was perfect, any more battery and it would have gone to waste.266Views0likes0CommentsKeep to the Well Beaten Path
We know that these countries place a low value on human life (lucky for us all - they can't afford WOMD). When traveling (especially into mexico), keep to the more touristy areas. There is no need to go poking around. Go poking around in these countries and your likely to get poked back. Get turned around? Not much looks like it did minutes ago? Surprise - you're on the wrong side of town. I've never been here and asked for directions. In fact I rarely come to a complete stop at intersections when "in a spot". The thugs aren't brave enough to get in the way of my rolling thunder. Just like your younger days, when in doubt "Gas It"! ;)3.6KViews0likes10CommentsRe: Portable Air Compressor question
Ehhh, I really don't mind paying a dollar more when I know it's going to benefit small business. I've seen a few things in my day and what I'm seeing now is a lazy and greedy America. Don't get me wrong, rest and want are good, but in moderation. Everybody at work today feels they should make more money for the work their doing. Funny thing is they probably had nothing before the company they came crawling to for a job took pity and hired them. Now they want to work less and get paid more. Who doesn't want more bang for their buck? No one that I can think of. Trouble comes when the seller is no longer turning enough profit to dedicate the time and resources necessary to support the product. Then you have big well known companies like sears, kmart and now walmart who invite ANYBODY with a computer to come sell nearly anything they'd like through the sears, kmart... website until the point where it's like online flea market shopping. What's worse than buying from one of these places and not knowing who you're buying from is that these guys sit back and see what's selling well. Once they draw a bead on a hot new product they do what they do best, crush the little guy. They begin buying and selling the same thing far cheaper than the little guy ever could. Pretty dirty business tactics... The next time you have a few minutes, look over the camping world website, PPL Website, 12volt-travel website, crutchfield website... for a product that really interests you. Then (like you said) go find it at amazon. Give them a call and ask some questions about it. Not "can i get it any cheaper" or "can you ship it any faster", But a good couple of real question about the product specifics. 99% guarantee they won't be able to answer your questions. Do you think camping world (THE Motorhome Magazine Sponsor) appreciates loosing business to amazon or walmart? What do you think their response would be to your recommendation of "where and why to buy"?373Views0likes0CommentsRe: Portable Air Compressor question
DHCamper wrote: Escargot wrote: smkettner wrote: put "MV-50" into amazon for a good 12v compressor. X2 X3 - does the job very well I just don't understand why you would look to buy an 12 volt air compressor from anywhere like that. It's just a huge collage of everyones little brother who couldn't make their own website successful. We have a family member who works with the online stuff and has explained much of it to me. Not that I've retained it all but some stuff I do. I'm also on board with walmart not selling guns and ammo. I've always purchased my car from a car dealer, my spark plugs at my local Napa and my camping and motorhome supplies from a qualified dealer.373Views0likes0CommentsRe: Portable Air Compressor question
emarie1760 wrote: We have a Goodyear 120 Volt Multi-Purpose Air Compressor (it is used to fill our truck tires). My question is regarding whether or not we can plug this air compressor into the outdoor outlet of our Fifth Wheel while its parked in storage. And, is there a possibility of it blowing fuses if we do this. Of course our only source of power would be the Fifth Wheel' battery (assuming its has power). Secondarily, if we needed to have the power cable connected to our truck (in the event the battery was dead), would it blow fuses in our truck? Thanks, in advance, for your help with this. That's really going to depend on what the outlet is rated for and what the air compressor is going to draw. Normally 10amps plus on the compressor and 12 - 15 on the outlet. Should be okay but what if you have no 110v? Mockturtle called it with 12V air compressor. They are a bit slower but you're really never going to have a time or place where it won't work for you. It's also doubles as a fantastic way to keep your cell charged around the campfire.373Views0likes0CommentsDo non-Leaking Valve Extenders Exist
I have had two different brands of extenders put on the rig (one each last time the tires were changed) and they have both leaked. I call the service center and they just say "some of them leak a bit, just keep the tire aired up". No duh! Wishing I didn't have to use the new extenders quite so often.... Thanks, Jim4.8KViews0likes20Comments
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