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Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: We have done it!!!
Nice early Christmas present....
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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12/07/09 03:18pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: proposed solar setup
thanks for the many suggestions. I am continuing to search the online retailers to compare their solar packages. I understand that they all want consumers to trust in their products, but it is hard to know who to trust. I like the looks of the AM solar 100W kit, but there are others that seem to be a good value. Lots of folks on here with excellent tech writeups about their systems with no two the same. That tells me that a good DIY install is equally important to the equipment you choose.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/27/09 03:47pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: proposed solar setup
I have pondered the purchase of two more batteries but there is a trade off. Two more T105 will cost a total in Edmonton of just over $300.00 plus $100.00 for the twin battery box. On average a 100-130W solar set up will be about $1000.00 ready to go (more if purchased in Canada). This will give me a long term return with a lot less weight than two more batteries. We did 45 nights last year with more than half being with no services. Perhaps it might seem that solar is not required, but I plan to do more dry camping as the years go on. I like the Honda but it would be nice to run it only for hair dryers/curlin irons and microwave etc. I can move the panels to any rv I own for the next twenty years.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/26/09 10:53am |
Tech Issues
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RE: proposed solar setup
OK, now were talking. I have read the entire article by Handy Bob, and that is why I was leaning towards a 3 stage charge controller. It didn't sound like an MMPT type controller would be necessary, but I was impressed by the technology surrounding higher input voltage. I look forward to talking to AM solar about their systems as I just got an email quote. I need to read up on their charge controllers to ensure I can adjust output voltage to my T105's. After investing in all the other electrical stuff in my trailer, I would really like to get the most from this install. Thanks again for the input as there seems to be just as much bad info out there as good.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/26/09 07:22am |
Tech Issues
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RE: proposed solar setup
specifics would be more helpful to me. Is the panel poor quality? Is there another brand to favor. controller too small...or not enough features. I only want to buy once so although you had a good experience with AM solar, I would like to know why their system is better than the next guy. If I really want to spend big $$$ I could shop in Canada where the standard is $8.00/watt.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/26/09 12:02am |
Tech Issues
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proposed solar setup
We dry camp enough that a solar system seems like a good investment. We have twin Trojan T105 batteries and a Honda Eu2000i generator. After month's of research the following items seem like they would suit my charging needs and budget.
Kyocera KD135GX panel
http://store.solar-electric.com/kyso130wa12v.html
Tristar TS45 charge controller
http://store.solar-electric.com/trts12vochco.html
remote digital meter
http://store.solar-electric.com/redimefortrc.html
remote temperature probe
http://store.solar-electric.com/prosremtempr.html
6 gauge wiring from panels to controller and then to battery. I plan to mount the charge controller about 5 feet from the batteries and then run the remote meter to a convenient location. I would like any feedback on this system that I plan to order soon and install in the spring. There is a small sale going on until month end that will help offset exchange and shipping fees to Canada. Thanks in advance.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/25/09 10:55pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Looking for Wireless Indoor Outdoor Thermometer
we bought a fairly high end oregon scientific. it comes with two additional sensors so we have the main portable unit, one sensor in our basement to see if our tanks might be at risk and the other unit tie wrapped under the trailer to see if my beer might be freezing on the picnic table. works great and gives max/min temps etc. cost about $100.00 shipped to canada
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/25/09 03:36pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Fender Skirt Flapping
I am seriously considering using a spray foam to "stiffen" the fender skirt as it is not supported and is rather flimsy. If that does not work then I will have to find some way to brace it.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/21/09 11:19pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Upside down handle on hitch
I flipped mine for the exact same reason, otherwise my roll-n-lock cover would hit it. It has worked great.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/08/09 12:23pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Reese 16k Fifth Wheel Hitch
I have a reese 16k slider, and yes that latch with the slot needs to be in place (preferable with a padlock) to keep the jaws from opening. It cost me $8700.00 to learn that lesson when I got ahead of myself and flipped the latch up early.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/02/09 11:20pm |
Towing
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RE: Can You Tow A Fifth Wheel With A Ford F150 w/ 5.5 ft bed?
weight issues aside, I would be very concerned about cab clearance during any significant turn, even going forwards. I believe that I read that some slider hitches were not recommended on the 5.5 ft box. definately worth talking to slider hitch companies to see if they have a hitch to do the job.
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FLY 4 FUN
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11/01/09 01:01am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Ceiling Fan MaxAir Cover
I am pretty sure mine were the same way. You have two choices
1. purchase a longer bolt and drill through until you can put on the washer/nut
2. use a small pilot hole, and then self tapping screws that wont go in too far.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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10/31/09 05:03pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Electric Awnings***Like Them ?
Love ours
tend to be a little gun-shy after some "near misses" in high winds. It's nice that you have one person operation (even kids if I ask them". I still have the channel to insert tabs for my lanterns, and good headroom clearance and door clearance on our 5th. The only downside is our rig only has a 15ft awning vs 20ft on our Jayco.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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10/26/09 11:00pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Issue with front stabilizer 'drive' shaft
I almost had mine shear off, but I was hearing a repetitive "clunking" as my gear went down. I took a flashlight and had a good look at the setup and proceeded to tighten the nut/bolt combo that was ready to fall out. I suspect you might be able to grab some new hardware and replace what was there without the hassle of a dealer trip. Now if something got bent/broken as the bolt came out that's another story.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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10/23/09 10:40pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Surge Protection device.....
Hardwired EMS 30A.
good instructions and good features. Easy to hardwire in our 5th, by purchasing 4ft of wire to "jumper in". Will take about 30-45mins to un-install when trailer is sold.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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10/22/09 08:00pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: 08 Dodge CTD DRW 4wd-buy? (or not)
Thrilled with my 08 6.7. it is only used to tow, and use the exhaust brake religiously. no problems, no cel's and a great truck to tow with. We use our minivan for grocery getting.
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FLY 4 FUN
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10/11/09 03:25pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Sadly it's time to winterize
I wish all the best to those of you blessed with warmer climates, but for me the time has come. We had planned a local two day trip with a fair sized group but the weather is going to deteriorate and there is a complete fire ban. Our rig can easilly handle the weather but I don't want to sit inside staring at our friends in the next site in their trailer. I have decided to invite the group to my house for a winterizing party followed by dinner. It's not the camping I wanted but now we can start making plans for next year.
How long until the rv show????
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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10/01/09 12:36am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Battery Dead After 2.5 Weeks
with a full charge, the propane detector alone will drag most group 24 or 27 batteries pretty low in that time frame. There could also be other parasitic loads involved but likely just the LP alarm. Check the cells are topped up with distilled water, charge it back up and consider a battery disconnect switch or remove one lead from the battery when not being used.
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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10/01/09 12:03am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Bocce
We play "extreme Bocce" which can take a serious toll on both players and balls as we routinely go through ditches, under/over logs you name it we play it. Playing in the snow can happen and tossing over your shoulder blindly is considered fair play. If a dog takes your ball, you mark it from where they drop it.
Tons of fun...
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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09/29/09 11:52pm |
RV Lifestyle
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RE: 5TH Hitch Latch Opening By Itself
This summer, while in a hurry I unlocked the padlock on my reesk 16k slider and inadvertantly flipped up the latch. I was a tad flustered that day and outside my routine. I did NOT pull the handle to release the jaws. While backing into a slightly downhill stall I watched in horror as my trailer slid off the hitch, onto my bed rails and the kingpin wedged itself into my tailgate. The tailgate bent but held preventing further damage if it dropped the trailer to the ground. The damage was about 8k to fix it all. No damage to the trailer and nobody hurt but I learned the hard way that routines are there for a reason, and that little black latch with a lock in it is an absolute MUST!!
Daryll
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FLY 4 FUN
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09/29/09 03:37pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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