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RE: Just purchased a hot rod from CW, have a question.
The thermostat needs to be mounted to the side of the water heater housing (not the top). To do that you will need to use a razor-knife and cut out a section of the EPS insulation the size of the thermostat. I adhered mine with hi-temp RTV. You can try to reach in through the drawer hole or just remove the water heater from the side-wall of your RV.
HottRods work GREAT and I'm sure that you'll be happy with the results... and the LPG savings.
FWIW, I heat my water while driving with AC power from the inverter (via the alternator) and with DC power (excess solar) when boondocking. I almost never use the LPG anymore.
Cheers,
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/23/13 10:19am |
Tech Issues
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RE: EU200i Companion receptacles
... I almost think the twist lock receptacle 26.6A on the generator is not active unless you connect two of these 2KW generator in parallel.
Both outlets are wired in parallel (with each other and also with the parallel cable banana jacks). The only difference is that the 20A outlet is protected by the circuit breaker, the L5-30P is not. Power is available at all outlets any time one or more of the generators is running.
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msiminoff
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05/23/13 12:07am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Lance 1995 Child Restraint System for Upper Bunk
Hi Dave,
I made a simple bunk-net for my son's bed from a piece of netting, some webbing, and a few buckles from Seattle Fabrics.
The top "rail" is a piece of 3/8" fiberglass rod inside the webbing.
http://simulationfx.com/bunk2.jpg
Cheers
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/22/13 07:42pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: EU200i Companion receptacles
What type of adapter would I need to plug into the eu2000i companion in order to get 110?
If you need more than the one 20A outlet on the front panel of your Companion, you can pick up a L5-30P to 5-20R receptacle adaptor at your local home improvement store.
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/22/13 05:44pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: 9.6 Bigfoot Dual Batteries
Ooh Jeez I am really confused now, I hate too many choices!
Given your interest in the Boondocker and Schumacher chargers, you are likely to be better served by FLA's. I second HMS Beagle's nomination for the pair of 6V GC batt's!
What additional benefit are you hoping to get from AGM batteries that you're not currently getting from the pair of Group24 Interstate(?) FLA's??
And again... what's your power budget?
If I were to spring for 3 31 agms Id want to insure I could maintain them.Bingo!
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msiminoff
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05/21/13 09:18pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: After the Expo!!!
Awesome shots DJ!
I'm jealous...wish I could have joined you at Moab
Cheers
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/21/13 08:51pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Removing self levelling Dicor
I need to remove the self leveling Dicor from my RV roof so I can put on Eternabond. What is the best way to remove the Dicor?
What material is your roof made of?
First scrape off all of the big globs with a plastic scraper, being careful not to damage the roof surface. Then put on a pair of gloves and use a rag dampened with mineral spirits (make certain that your workspace is well ventilated)... this will easily removed excess Dicor.
Despite all of the naysayers, petroleum distillates (mineral spirits) can be used safely, even on TPO, as long as you don't allow it to pool & soak on the roof. Note that Dicor has petroleum distillates in it which evaporate out during the curing process.
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msiminoff
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05/21/13 04:19pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: 9.6 Bigfoot Dual Batteries
Hi Bigfeets,
Have you done a power budget? How much capacity do you need and how much do you want?? Once you know how much power you actually need, you can decide between installing 2 or 3 batteries.
If you have your heart set on AGM's then I suggest that you take a look at the Group 31 Diehard Platinum's. These are made by EnerSys and are the same battery that is sold under the Odyssey brand. They are 13"L x 6.8"W x 9.5"tall... with your plan to remove the door, you just might be able to fit two of them in there.
IMHO, the Boondocker PM4B-75 & Honda 2K combo well likely never get your (~300+Ah) AGM to 100% SOC. Do you have plans to install any other charge source (solar? high output alternator?).
And finally, keep in mind that AGM batteries should never be installed in a sealed enclosure... despite the fact that they can be installed in a living space, they can vent hydrogen gas and this gas must not be allowed to accumulate. Plan for some ventilation.
Cheers
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/21/13 04:00pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Trip report, part one: 2013 Overland Expo and the TC flood
Thanx for the pics Jefe!
That was an incredibly fun adventure.
Looking forward to next year.
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/21/13 09:08am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Gen. charging TC batts and using boonie AC power?
Hey Jefe!
Plugging your TC's shore power cord into your generator is a fine plan. You'll need a 20A-to-30A(RV) adaptor, but I bet you have one of those already. Depending on the make/model of your converter it may be better (or worse) than the charger you're currently using, but it will most definitely be easier.
The Honda's 12Vdc output isn't a very good battery charger. It's really more of a 'booster' that could re-charge a dead car battery just enough (after a long run time at full throttle) to start the engine. Very useful in a pinch, but there are far better ways to get juice into your house battery.
Also, I noticed that you wrote umbilical... you weren't talking about the TC's 7-pin connector, were you?
Knowing that you're a boondock'er, I think that long-term you would be best served by a high-current mounted battery charger, a large deep cycle battery (in the TC) and a modest (1 panel) solar charging system.
We'll definitely have time to talk battery charging at OX... I'll bring my folding camp chair and a live extension cord, you bring the margarita blender :W
See you soon!
Cheers
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/15/13 09:08am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Truck camper meet-up at Overland Expo, Flagstaff, May
Anyone know if we'll be able to have camp fires in the TC area? The regular campground has firepits but I don't know about the place where we are.
Camp fires will not be permitted in the OX camping areas.
Based on what i have received from them it does appear that propane-only fire pits are acceptable.
See you soon :)
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/15/13 07:15am |
Truck Campers
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RE: What is the Ideal Battery Charging System?
Hi LeRoy,
Okay, but only since you specifically asked for it:
Buy a Xantrex TRUECharge2 60A (with control panel) and select the 3-stage charging profile. Select the battery type based on the battery chemistry. Be sure to use the battery temperature sensor.
However, there is no one right answer to your question and the ideal charging system really depends upon how you intend to use your camper. Without a lot more information, it's pretty tough to say "Buy this charger and use it in this fashion”.
If you are buying your camper new from Northern Lite, then you might as well have them install good quality batteries and proper charger right from the get-go... this means two group 31 deep-cycle (FLA or AGM, your choice) 12 volt batteries or a pair of 6V golf cart batteries.
- What is your dollar budget for batteries and charger?
- Have you done an anticipated power budget? How much power do you need? What is your highest planned current draw?
- What is the battery capacity in A/h?
- Will you be driving every day? If so you might consider a high current alternator as your primary charging source (you may need to go to 2ga or even 0ga wire instead of the 4ga if you're only making short trips)
- What's your aversion to solar?
- Will you have mains AC power available where you're camping or is your only source of AC the EU2000i? How long are you willing to run the generator every day?
- Do you need a high-current inverter too? If so you might consider an inverter/charger (e.g. magnum)
It is my opinion that the PD-45 will neither charge at high enough voltage nor for long enough time to bring the battery to 100% SOC every day.
Cheers
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/13/13 09:28am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Power Chip in tow vehicle
Smarty is THE way to go for you '04 5.9L CTD!!! You can make a lot more power and do it more safely than with most other programmers. You can improve fuel economy considerably too... but doing that is entirely dependent upon the performance of your right foot. :W
I would not consider any tuner that increased rail pressure (e.g. the Economind)
If you don't already have them, I suggest adding EGT & boost gauges. As other people have mentioned, more power can be tough on the stock transmission so you may want to think upgrading the tranny first.
Before you spend a penny on engine upgrades you may want to spend a few days reading through the forum archives on the Dodge-centric sites like Diesel Truck Resource and Turbo Diesel Registry.
Cheers,
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/13/13 12:25am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Simple Leveling Block Storage
Nice setup. I would suggest some type of cover for them though, to keep the sun from eating up the plastic.
Great idea. The Lynx levelers do not seem to be highly resistant to UV though, so you might want to store them elsewhere between trips.
Thanks Steve & Jon! When I'm not out using the truck/camper it is parked indoors ;)
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/12/13 02:25pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Running Dometic Refrigerator with an inverter
My Dometic Refrigerator doesn't run on gas, can I run it off an inverter while traveling? How many watts will I need to run it?
That's exactly how I run my fridge... When I'm on the road my LPG bottle is OFF.
IMHO this is the easiest, safest, and most efficient (in terms of my resources) way to run the fridge while driving.
I have 2ga wires run from my (180A) alternator to the camper, battery and the ProSine inverter easily powers the fridge. When I get to wherever I am going my beer is cold and the batteries are 100% SOC.
The AC heating element draws ~360W.
Cheers
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/12/13 02:22pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Simple Leveling Block Storage
What kind of pin/ bolt did you use for the handle?
The handle is a 3/8-16 hex head screw. I turned the head (& nut) on the lathe and then TIG welded the nut in place after assembly.
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msiminoff
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05/12/13 01:10pm |
Truck Campers
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Simple Leveling Block Storage
I use Lynx Levelers to level my truck/camper... but this easy little mod would work with most other leveling blocks.
I have always kept the Lynx blocks in the basement, but it's been a hassle to stow and remove them from there especially since my scissor steps block the basement door (when folded up). To make the blocks easier to access I decided to store them right on top of the TC's bumper.
I drilled a couple holes and installed 3/8" threaded rods through the bumper. They are held in place with nuts and fender washers. I slid a 1/2" thick sheet of foam-rubber over the rods to provide a compliant mounting surface. Finally I fabricated a pair of stainless steel speed handles to make securing the block quick and easy. The knobs for the handles can slide down into the blocks which prevents them from loosening while underway.
I'll send the speed handles out for electropolishing this week ;)
Cheers,
-Mark
http://www.simulationfx.com/lynx1.jpg
http://www.simulationfx.com/lynx2.jpg
http://www.simulationfx.com/lynx3.jpg
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msiminoff
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05/12/13 09:18am |
Truck Campers
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RE: In-Line Charcoal Water Filter for Under Sink
Hi Dave,
I have a small carbon block filter installed in the cabinet under the kitchen sink and a dispenser spout mounted in the countertop. It does an excellent job of removing chlorine taste/odor and particulates.
http://www.simulationfx.com/waterfilter1.jpg
http://www.simulationfx.com/waterfilter2.jpg
I'll add that I am diligent about sanitizing my fresh water tank and I pre-filter every drop of water that goes into it. However if I were ever to add water from a source where I wasn't confident in the water quality (can't imagine why I'd do that), I would not trust this filter to "purify" it.
Cheers,
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/10/13 09:11am |
Truck Campers
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RE: License plates from truck to TC and back again, and again.
I have had a laminated color photocopy of my license plate on the back of my TC for the past 7 years. The original plate (visible, but obstructed) has been fastened to the rear bumper that whole time.
I have been tail'ed by police, highway patrol, and national park rangers in many states across the west... I never ever been stopped or questioned about my license plate(s).
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/08/13 11:38am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Tri-Metric programming help
Your TT came with one Group 24 starting battery??? Personally I'd have strong words with my RV dealer and/or Outback for installing the wrong battery... but I digress.
The spec's on the MAR-500 are 550 MCA & 440 CCA, but Crown doesn't list a capacity in Amp-Hours, because that battery was never intended to be cycled or used as a house battery. I would venture a (generous) guess that it's in the neighborhood of 50-55Ah.
As a starting point, I suggest that you use a P3 value of "50"
The P1 and P2 values are going to depend on your charger (converter?) and its charge profile, so more info about this component would be helpful (can you verify the charge voltage with a VOM? If not the brand & model will suffice). Most OEM converters peter-out around 13.6 Volts so I'd use "13.5" as your P1 value. Start with "1" as the P2 value.
These values will get your Trimetric working... No guarantees on "correctly".
Hope this helps.
Cheers
-Mark
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msiminoff
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05/08/13 09:56am |
Tech Issues
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