work2much
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Re: Surge Protector
I have always used PD units but on the new Rig I went with a Hughes Watchdog. Progressive makes a quality product but Hughes has some advantages. It has bluetooth app which is handy to alert when it disconnects from shore and also allows me to see where power is being used between legs of power. This is helpful to see what use and voltage is on each leg. I went hard wired as I don't need to worry about theft or extra moves hooking up as well as extra friction electrical connections. (plugs) that aren't always great electrical connections. I mounted it in with the rest of the equipment. In the last year it has disconnected power twice due to under and over voltage conditions. Each time giving me an alert on my phone. Each time being an unsafe condition from the parks electrical.741Views0likes0CommentsRe: Suggestions for a shorter 5’ver…
If you are ok on a big budget you could talk to New Horizons. They can create a custom floor plan for you. 30’ with a bunk though would be tough to design in a 5th wheel and still have a useful kitchen and living room. You might consider a TT.802Views0likes0CommentsRe: Adding extra batteries - where do I put them?
I moved the battery bank out of the front compartment and into the main cargo bay after relocating the wall back quite a bit adding storage and room for my solar equipment. There was also wasted space under the staircase where I mounted a DIY Lithium battery bank on a sliding tray. The blue tape on the floor is the stock wall location. The area that used to carry the battery is now used for a chest style fridge/freezer.283Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lithium Batteries
LiFeP04 battery is close to 100% SOC at 13.6-13.7v Lithium chargers do charge at a higher voltage but that is more of a function of charging faster than being fully charged. If you look at the charge curve for LiFePO4 you are talking less than 1 or 2 % above 13.7v A stock Progressive Dynamics converter charger has a 13.6v output. In short your stock converter charger will charge a lithium battery. Pretty much all the battery manufacturers include this fact in their literature. It will take longer than a LiFePO4 charger as it tapers current through stages. Have a look at the charge curve and you will see that 13.6v is essentially 100% Click For Full-Size Image.840Views0likes0CommentsRe: What's you remaining payload weights as configured?
Almost maxed with rig in signature. Truck has 5300 "cargo" but we have added front hitch, sway bar, truck camper tie downs, step bars and a 95 gallon transfer tank/tool box. Camper pin is a little over 3k. Considering going to a 5500 with hauler bed for the next one.671Views0likes0CommentsRe: hydro or electric leveling
Based on the number of posts I have seen on various groups having issues with hydraulics we went with electric. The two models of Grand Design were looked at had one with electric and one with hydraulic. Solitude 2930 and Solitude 310GK Advantages to Hydraulic jacks and slides: Much faster Hydraulic has a higher rating for weight and will lift the wheels off the ground. Advantages with electric: Lower weight Less components and complexity. Less to go wrong. Less Maintenance. Easily serviced by myself with simple hand tools. If a motor fails I can replace it myself. If a front jack motor fails I can take one of the rear and still be able to hitch. In the end for me I would rather it take longer for the trailer to level and have a simple system that I can fix myself. During the minute or two it takes to level I am busy anyway pulling our chairs and setting up camp. I liked the fact that it reduced weight. As full timers we are already pushing the GVWR of the trailer. For some of the same reasons we also didn't want electronic command systems to turn on lights etc. Give me simple and something I can repair myself out in the boondocks.876Views0likes0CommentsRe: Opinions on 5th Wheels with Island Kitchens
Our Grand Design 2930RL is 34'- 4" No outdoor kitchen but that wasn't something we wanted anyway. Honestly I think it is a bit of a joke, these outdoor kitchens. The camper has been ok quality wise but I can and have fixed many warranty issues myself.170Views0likes0CommentsRe: Understanding towing weights?
Payload is the number. We have a 2017 Ram 3500 dually and are near payload with a 35' 15,000 gvwr trailer. How? we carry more than just the trailer pin in the truck. 2 people, a hitch, a tool box full of tools with a diesel transfer tank, chocks, blocks. Really need to hit the scales to know what you got and where it's sitting for payload.269Views0likes0CommentsRe: Grand Design Solitude
Our 2020 Solitude 2930RL has had issues. Nothing I couldn't fix myself but I pack a lot of tools. Bad wiring, trim and cabinet panels falling off, door hardware, leaking PEX piping, heater ducts with leaks... If we had to drag it to a dealer for every issue I'm not sure how many nights we would have slept in it over the last year. Honestly I don't know if things are any better with other manufacturers in the price range of the mainline manufacturers. In the nexts 2-5 years we are going to pull the plug on a New Horizons and have a bigger role in the manufacture of our FT home and hopefully a trailer built by a company not 100% driven by profit via the number of units they can pump out...921Views0likes0Comments
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