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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Got my Transynd fluid analysis back...
Google "Blackstone Labs" and read their site. They have lots of information and some sample analysis.
I've had my engine oil and transyn tested twice and the results were different but so were the miles between tests.
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snail
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07/15/12 07:48am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Replacing Awning Pull Strap
My awnings are A&E. On these awnings on one end, there is a hole and slot in the end cap, through which I can insert the strap end. Look closely at each end cap to see if there is such a slot. If no slot is present, you will have to remove the cap. Be extreemly careful as awnings are spring loaded and can be a big safety concern.
Good luck
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snail
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07/15/12 07:44am |
Class A Motorhomes
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120 VOLT REFRIG'S
I keep seeing folks stating that they are changing out their propane RV frigs for apartment size (10 cu ft) 120 volt frigs. Many times they reference the current for their refrigerator as approximately 1 amp and some times they reference the Whirlpool or simular 10 cu ft frig whose name plate says: full load current is 6 amps. There is a big difference in current useage between these two frigs. I realize a refrigerator does not pull the full load amps all the time, nor does it run 100 % of the time.
Can anyone clearly indicate which refrigerator they are using: those refrigerators that only use 1 amp current? When I look at the 10 cu ft frigs in my local Best Buy, Sears, etc, I see only the 6 amp units.
Much of our camping is without electrical power so amp load is most important. We would be relying on our 4 batterys to provide the power for the refrigerator.
Thanks,
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snail
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07/15/12 07:39am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Where to stay first night in Anchorage
Eagle River x 2
Going south there is a nice park near the glacier. Eagle river is closer.
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snail
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07/12/12 02:32pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Replacing another Dometic Refrigerator
...
Also, those who only camp with hookups - or only few days at a time and carry huge battery bank. 10 cf residential fridge draws upwards of 70 AH a day - this is a death sentence for a typical 2*G27 bank.
For a die-hard boondocker the only way to avoid a propane fridge is to get a very small 12V compressor fridge 2cf-4cf, and also a substantial bank and a solar and/or generator.
Yup. Agree 100% that 2 G27's won't do it. But it _is_ quite doable, depending on room for batteries/solar and if you have a generator or not.
So, lets take a typical 10cu fridge, and fudge up quite a bit from 70AH.
Current draw @ 120v is ~1A after startup surge. That's pulling 120w if it's on all the time or almost 3KW a day. Typical duty cycle is around 33%, so lets guess at 1Kw a day (and this jives with most folks that have actually measured theirs)
Inverter current draw comes out to about 10A (@12v) when the fridge is running. You've got to be able to supply the startup surge, but from then on the inverter isn't working hard.
So you need to supply 1KW/h a day to the fridge. Lets fudge a bit and add in some inverter losses/extra load/etc... and you get: 100 AH per day.
Sure - you need a battery bank that can supply 100AH per day. A pair of 6V's would do it, but it'd be hard on em. 4 6v's would be fine for the inverter + the other house loads.
How much generator run time is that? For me, maybe 3 hours or so. + the fact that while the gen runs, it's powering the fridge on 110.
Solar? You could easily get that with 200W worth of panels where I live. 400W would likely provide months of generator-free existence.
With a reasonable investment in solar and batteries, you can boondock forever (depending on location).
I'd think that a good 12v compressor option (engel, etc..) would be fantastic, but they're lots of $$$, and not as convenient in layout.
I know the life of our frig is about used--it's 11 years old. I to am thinking 120 volt frig and have seen the 1 amp power useage quoted in this forum.
When I look at the nameplate on the Whirlpool in the local shop (Best Buy or Sears) it says 6 amps. Where does the 1 amp power useage come from?
If I remember correctly, the in rush current on a motor start is usually about 2 x full load current (6.5x2=13 amps). I believe some of the "soft start" converters would likely ease this but I am still trying to educate myself as to the real electrical requirements for a 120 volt frig.
Do any of you have real life experience with running a 120v frig with batteries for extended periods of time--week or so?
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snail
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07/12/12 02:15pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA
Thank you very much. Your clarified what it means to see the satellite. I'll locate our antenna someplace up front under the fiberglass cap.
snail
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snail
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07/12/12 01:55pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA
i have a magnetic mount sat radio antenna that lives in the overhead compartment above the driver's seat. our CD changer is in that cabinet and the antenna is on the changer. works fine.
Do I understand correctly that you store your antenna in a cabinet inside your unit and receive XM radio from the satellite?? I had understood that the antenna had to "see" the satellite as in satellite television.
There is no magnetic surfaces to fasten an antenna to on our mh. It is aluminum and fiberglass construction.
I do almost all work on our unit. I enjoy it and I think I better understand how our unit is built and operates. I've not always been happy with the so called "professionals". I can't grip if I do the work myself.
We listen to sports, talk radio, old radio as well as music. Really have enjoyed the radio in our home and auto's.
thanks for the ideas.
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snail
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07/09/12 10:12pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Onan diesel starts but won't stay running.
I had a very simular problem with our 1995 Onan gas genny. The problem turned out to be the genny controller. If I remember correctly on these units the genny serves as the engine starter. Once the unit starts it then switches to a generator. If the controler fails, the default is to shut down the engine.
After installing an new control module, everything worked fine.
good luck.
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snail
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07/09/12 02:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA
Sorry, XM radio.
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snail
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07/09/12 02:27pm |
Technology Corner
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SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA
We have just subscribed to satellite radio and I need to install a satellite radio antenna for use in our rv. I need some help.
We use the radio both while traveling and while camped. We will locate the satellite radio receiver on the rv dash both while driving and while camped. I will hook the satellite radio output into the aux jack of the rv dash radio.
How have you successfully done your antenna? Oue rv does not presently have a satellite radio antenna. The question is what antenna works best and how to route the wire to receiver. I'm considering:
1) installing an automobile type satellite radio antenna or a home satellite antenna someplace on the roof or rear ladder of the rv and running wire to the radio. I see routing of the wire and hiding the wire as a pain.
2) setting an antenna on the dash and running to the radio receiver. I question the ability to consistantly receive a signal while driving or parked.
What has been your experience on location and type of antenna for good reliable service?
Thank you for your help.
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snail
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07/09/12 02:08pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Need front door??? where to buy?
Try Colaw in Carthridge, Mo or Visione near Corbin, Ky. Both have web sites and are good to deal with.They are rv junk yard, if you will. I've bought from both and they are good people.
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snail
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07/08/12 01:51pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Replacing generator
I'm not aware of your needs or situation but I would consider the following:
How many years and how many hours do I plan to run the generator?
Is one quieter than the other? Where will I use the genny's {campground or boon dockinig) and will a noise difference affect me?
Is there a fuel operating difference between the two i'm considering?
What is the life of each generator i'm considering?
Is overhauling my existing genny an option? Am I capable of doing the work (replacement or overhaul) myself or do I need to pay someone?
Is there a good trade school available that would overhaul for the cost of parts? Sometime they are looking for work to use for teaching.
Is a good low hour used genny an option? Colaw and Visione are two possible sources of used genny's. I've bought from both. Colaw is in Carthage, Mo and Visione is in southern Ky just off I 65 near Corbin.
Both can arrange for having the work done.
Are all connections between the old and new exactly alike? Things like remote start, fuel lines, power out to the coach and 12 v to the gennys starter?
good luck,
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snail
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07/04/12 01:14pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Replacing generator
Sorry, I just woke up and saw that you said your existing generator is a diesel generator.
snail
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snail
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07/02/12 08:38pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Replacing generator
How is your present generator installed--stationary or on a slide platform? Is your present generator being replaced because of hours, too small, or some other reason? Is your present generator diesel?
Will the new generator fit in the same compartment?
Is rebuilding your present generator an option?
Obvisiouly, i don't understand your installation or the need to replace the generator.
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snail
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07/02/12 08:00pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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