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Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: running fridge in cold weather?
There are ways to make the fridge work at -37C (-34 f).
Norcold makes a cold weather add on kit.
Restricting air flow and a 60 watt bulb controlled by a thermocube also work.
See the thread in full time RVing called "winter camping". There are a host of cold weather modifications that may be done.
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pianotuna
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12/10/19 01:54pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Recs for Solar Cut Off Switch?
Hi,
On AC power the direction of the voltage changes 30 times a second. On DC it is one way, so an arc requires a larger gap.
Here is a high voltage example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3U1yrBI3xc
That is what is happening inside the switch. The arcing causes pitting of the contacts.
BFL13,
With respect, using a switch rated for AC in a DC circuit may lead to arcing.
Don, what are the design characteristics of AC and DC switches that differentiates the two? What inhibits the arching in one design and not the other. Inquiring minds want to know.
Richard
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pianotuna
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12/10/19 01:32pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Portable Generator Insurance?
As I said earlier, my RV insurance covers my generator, at no extra charge.
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pianotuna
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12/10/19 08:30am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Recs for Solar Cut Off Switch?
BFL13,
With respect, using a switch rated for AC in a DC circuit may lead to arcing.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 09:57pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Motorhomes on Mercedes Chassis
Sprinter maintenance costs are high. Serious repairs are astronomically expensive. Use the "wrong" fuel and you void the warranty.
I had a diesel class C. I'd never go back.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 09:50pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Voltage drop to 1200 watt inverter
No meaningful answer can be made without knowing the wire size and length of run.
It would be good to know what the wattage is for the fridge. A Kill-a-Watt meter would be a good addition. Measure on shore power, and measure on inverter power.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 08:07pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: All battery/electric bus fleet
Inductive charging at some stops would work. However, that does take time to install.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 02:38pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Portable Generator Insurance?
My vehicle insurance covers the depreciated value of the generator. However, it requires replacing it with an identical model. I would have changed to Champion from Yamaha because of greater capacity, and lower price.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 02:37pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Help: 300Ah AGM battery, substantially decreased performanc
What make of battery?
Does the maker have a charging profile?
AGM do need a "wake up" charge with higher voltage. Unless you can disconnect the fridge (disconnect, not just turn off), don't go above 15.4 volts. Best to totally isolate the battery bank when doing the reconditioning, then higher voltage can be used--but follow the battery maker's recommendations.
Thanks to all for the suggestions -- seems like conditioning is the right answer, I'll give that a go.
I do have a Victron charge controller with temperature compensation.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 02:24pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Extension cords
Hi,
I'd go with a 10/3 myself, but I'm only 30 amp. 8/3 would be great but perhaps pricey.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 12:50pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Help: 300Ah AGM battery, substantially decreased performanc
Hi,
Sorry for your issues. To prevent this happening in the future change to a charge controller that has temperature compensated charging. What charge controller do you have? Does it have adjustable voltage set points?
Basically the jars may have been under charged for the whole time you have owned them--because the charging voltage is too low.
A trickle charger would have made zero difference to this problem--unless it was temperature compensated.
Do follow the advice on the Lifeline page to recondition the existing batteries. You may need to "dance on the needles" to recover the jars.
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pianotuna
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12/09/19 12:40pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Newbie here. Maybe wrong forum but here goes.
Hi 2bi
Welcome to the forums.
Buy used.
Stay away from diesel. What you save on mileage is not much, and what you pay for oil changes will eat up any savings. Cost of repairs is astronomical.
Wheel base to length is best at about 55%. Below 50% they become hard to drive. 176" wheel base works well with 27 feet.
Fresh water capacity may be around 44 US gallons. Some times it is possible to add an extra fresh water tank (mine has that feature).
Use a water saver shower head.
Look for a 10 gallon water heater in the unit that is both propane and electric fired.
If the RV is five or more years old, consider replacing hoses and, of course, tires.
Three things to look for:
1. water leaks.
2. look harder for water leaks.
3. LOOK EVEN HARDER FOR WATER LEAKS!
Mods feel free to move this thread if it's in wrong category.
(oh, please let me know if you do) ;)
Okay, I'm not a COMPLETE newb as I had a Toyota v-6 mini back in the 80's that we drove satisfactorily across the country.
Now I am "contemplating" diving in again. Maybe. Very senior. Active but close to 80. :@
I believe it would be a Class C as I don't want to drive a bus.
Priorities are:
Ease of handling
Small enough to handle larger city streets easily
2 beds (small is OK but we don't do well in same one)
Enough water to take showers
Fuel economy would be a minor concern but still....
Should I look for new or used? I tend to "used" as this is sorta an initial foray into the unknown.
Do "certified" RV dealers exist?
Fire away with any help.
Just today the idea of renting one for a week prior to decision might be wise.
Agree or disagree?
Thanks all.
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pianotuna
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12/08/19 12:23pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Honda EU2000
Replace the outlet on the generator with a 30 amp RV plug.
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pianotuna
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12/08/19 12:13pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Route to Florida
This route avoids most of the big cities.
https://freecampsites.net/#!Halifax,+Nova+Scotia~Albany,+New+York~Harrisonburg,+Virginia~Orlando,+Florida&query=routeSearch&routeDistance=25&routeIndex=0&routeAvoid=Tolls&roundtrip=false
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pianotuna
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12/08/19 09:06am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Best Water Pump
Quiet has a lot to do with how the pump is mounted. Pressure side should have a loop, and have felt washers as well as rubber grommets.
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pianotuna
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12/07/19 05:26pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Route Lethbridge AB to Portland suggestions
Anyway, I'm planning my next years trip from from Lethbridge to Portland OR. I'm looking for a route that is easy to navigate. In no rush to get there, just no steep grades.
https://freecampsites.net/#!Lethbridge,+Alberta~Portland,+Oregon&query=routeSearch&routeDistance=25&routeIndex=0&roundtrip=false
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pianotuna
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12/07/19 03:56pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Why Tesla's are bad at towing!
If I’m not mistaken the Porsche Taycan is 800 volts.
Give stsmark 100%
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pianotuna
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12/07/19 03:53pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Stabil or Seafoam for long term gas can storage?
I have never seen it in gallon cans.. I wish I could get one of those
Try Autozone.
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pianotuna
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12/07/19 06:39am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Why Tesla's are bad at towing!
At this time, battery voltage is 400. The trans Canada rapid chargers are capable of 800 volts. When the higher voltage is adopted in vehicles, charge time may reduce by 50%.
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pianotuna
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12/07/19 06:34am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Need Good Sources for Quality Bulk Solar Cable
Hi,
Home Depot will order it in. They have 25 foot lengths.
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pianotuna
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12/06/19 12:20pm |
Tech Issues
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