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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Unknow Electrical connection type.
+1 for power poles. No polarity issues here. I see two screws in the OP picture... feel free to use those to install something else.
I believe colored connectors mentioned above are for Anderson connectors to separate odd voltages if needed. Only same colors will connect. So pick a different color for 24 or 48 volt set up to avoid confusion.Powerpole connectors come in two series, PP and SB. The PP series are not keyed so different colors can be connected together. The PP series are typically used in pairs such as red and black. Each connector has a dovetail which will slide together with the mate. A roll pin is then inserted to prevent them from sliding apart. Once paired the polarity can not be reversed.
https://powerwerx.azureedge.net/asset/image/assembly/roll-pin-assembly.jpg width=200
The SB series is a two contact connector. They do have a key and each color is keyed differently. Different colors can not be connected together.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Anderson_SB50_Colour_Keying.jpg/600px-Anderson_SB50_Colour_Keying.jpg width=200
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Tom_M
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07/13/20 04:05pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Unknow Electrical connection type.
Powerpoles are not perfect because it is still possible to reverse polarity, but at least they are color coded.Once assembled there is no way to reverse polarity.
https://powerwerx.azureedge.net/powerwerxpictures/powerwerx-panelpole-panel-mount-housing-for-two-powerpole-connectors-with-a-weather-resistant-cover__5766_300.jpg width=200
Powerwerx.com carries a complete line of Anderson products.
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Tom_M
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07/13/20 01:46pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Dometic fridge woes.
It looks like you haven't checked the filter as dougrainer suggested. A few years ago a fellow camper was almost to the point of replacing his fridge but luckily he checked the propane line. It was full of oil.
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Tom_M
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07/13/20 05:19am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Pet Peeves long road trip
The problem in Arizona is that the idiots in government took away the yield signs to merge onto the interstate.Typically there will be a yield sign if the ramp is not long enough to get up to speed. Putting a yield sign at a ramp that is long enough is a bad idea. I think that this would lead to more people stopping on the ramp.
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Tom_M
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07/12/20 08:22am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Outside shower conversion to faucet?
If you can move the faucet to one side would you be able to swing the spout into the compartment?
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Tom_M
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07/09/20 09:14am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Awning cover
If you intend on using the zip ties, consider replacing them with UV resistant ones. The ones pictured will self destruct in short order.
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Tom_M
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07/09/20 08:35am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Requesting your thoughts on Montana Super Solarflex system
Here's a link to the solar setup. Doesn't say much more than in the main overview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apeWU8CN_eU
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Tom_M
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07/06/20 01:15pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Requesting your thoughts on Montana Super Solarflex system
Only $19,500.
From their website:
"Super SolarFlex™ package includes:
JABONI POWER PRODUCTS SOLAR PANELS
1,000+ watts of solar collection
60 AMP OF MPPT SOLAR CHARGING CAPABILITY
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology maximizes power under all conditions, collecting more energy from the solar array than standard PWM (Pulse Wave Modulation) systems
DRAGONFLY ENERGY™ GC3 LIFEPO4 LITHIUM ION BATTERIES
Two best-in-class lithium ion batteries delivering a combined 510 amp hours of storage. Lithium ion batteries last longer, provide 2-3X more usable power, and are 80% lighter than lead acid batteries. With Super SolarFlexTM, owners have the option to add up to 510 AH of additional storage post-purchase.
Designed and Assembled in the USA 3000-5000 cycles
Built in Battery Management System (BMS) monitors all operating conditions of the batteries to ensure they operate properly
Internal heating system allows cold temp charging at below freezing temperatures, enabling the battery to operate in any environment
FULLY ELECTRIFIED COACH WITH 3,000W MAGNUM HYBRID INVERTER CHARGER
Powers every outlet, every appliance, every system in your Montana
Dual, 50AMP pass-through transfer switch power what you want when you want, regardless of the available energy source (solar or shore)
Directs shore power to charge batteries until electricity is needed in the coach, then diverts current automatically
PRECISION CIRCUITS™ ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
State-of-the-art load management system.
Prevents inverter overload by monitoring energy consumption and temporarily disabling non-critical circuits
ADDITIONAL SYSTEM SAFEGUARD
Precision Circuits™ Battery Guardian provides a second level of protection by disabling 12V circuits until adequate battery charge is achieved
VICTRON BMV-712 WITH VICTRON CONNECT
Battery load monitor and easy-to-use smart phone app provides real-time monitoring and reduces energy anxiety
Coleman-Mach Powersaver A/C with integrated soft-start
The power required for air-conditioner start-up is Achilles’ heel of advanced energy systems, so Keystone’s engineering teamed up with Airxcel to design a soft-start air conditioner for Super SolarFlex™. This model is the only UL-listed soft start system on the market today. Additionally, the Coleman-Mach Powersaver series delivers maximum cooling and uses up to 40% less energy than conventional RV air conditioners.
Super SolarFlex™ is available as an option on every Montana model, and has a MSRP of $19,500. If you have questions about this package, feel free to reach out to Key Connect Product Advisor or contact your local Montana dealer."
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Tom_M
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07/06/20 10:23am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Adding Batteries / Refer Support
The Vitrifrigo looks like it is a decent unit. Have you considered repairing it? I had a pickup camper that had a Norcold AC/DC fridge. It consumed about 3.5 amps on 12 volt when the compressor was running. I had a 100 watt solar panel and 210 amp/hours of battery. I could barely manage on days with full sun. Had to run generator on days that were less than ideal. A residential fridge will be worse.
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Tom_M
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07/03/20 09:27am |
Tech Issues
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RE: BORN FREE's Kim Olson still in the RV business?
I installed a Roadmaster base plate and use a cheap Reese tow bar. The car only weighs 1800 lbs so I don't use a braking system.
https://www.reeseprod.com/ProductPhoto/500/63180.png width=400
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Tom_M
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07/02/20 07:41am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: BORN FREE's Kim Olson still in the RV business?
...The original factory is not producing any motor homes but the last I knew, pontoons for pontoon boats were being made there...I traveled through Humboldt last August. My Born Free was home sick. Sadly the place is completely vacant.
https://i.imgur.com/4JnLvaJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oxJgz8s.jpg
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Tom_M
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07/02/20 05:08am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: BORN FREE's Kim Olson still in the RV business?
Kim is male. I met Kim a couple of times back when Born Free had annual factory rallies. He's a great guy and was the greatest support person. A great loss for Born Free owners. I purchased my '05 Born Free in 2010. It is my first and only motorhome and has been great. My only major problems have been Ford related.
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Tom_M
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07/01/20 08:33am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Question: Truck Battery Bank for Shore Power
From the Samlex website FAQ page:
"In some inverters designed for portable use, the two current carrying conductors connected to the "Line/Live/Hot" slot and the "Neutral / Return / Cold" slot of the receptacle ( for example, 15 A NEMA5-15R) are isolated from the metal chassis of the inverter. In these inverters, none of the two poles can be called Neutral as both these poles are isolated from the chassis of the inverter. Both the Line and Neutral slots of the receptacle will be at an elevated voltage with respect to the chassis - normally around 60 VAC (Half of the voltage between the two current carrying conductors). Hence, do not touch the neutral slot of the receptacle!
These types of inverters are designed to be connected directly to the AC loads. These are not designed to be permanently installed into household or recreational vehicle AC distribution wiring. As this type of connection / installation can not be classified as a permanent installation, the NEC requirement of grounded distribution system doesn't strictly apply."
https://www.samlexamerica.com/support/faqs/faq16.aspx
Try the cheater plug just to check if you have a neutral/ground bonding issue.
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Tom_M
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06/30/20 10:46am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Question: Truck Battery Bank for Shore Power
Some inverters do weird things with the neutral and ground. Try a two prong adapter like the one below:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41t4qaiQgGL._AC_SX425_.jpg width=200
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Tom_M
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06/30/20 08:57am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Over the air antenna
Cheaper too than the Winegard
I always get beat up by the techies, The debate will go on and on, but I know what works best for me,in the real world.You are comparing the Jack replacement head to a complete Winegard antenna assembly. Here's the complete Jack assembly:
Jack complete antenna assembly
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Tom_M
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06/26/20 03:09pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Over the air antenna
Not the bat wing. All it does is get rattled in the wind. The new TV channels just need a small antenna. The wing does no good but that the little part on it does. I use the Jack antenna. Get many stations!Not 100% true.. Not far from me is WJBK TV-2 Detroit. they broadcast on carrier channel 7 VHF high band.. Dang near the exact length of the Batwings.
Now Channel 7.. They moved up to a UHF carrier (The shorter antennas work best on UHF)
In independent lab tests done by a fellow forum member a few years back the Winegard Sensar III outperformed the JACK on all frequencies and he did not. as I recall have the wingman installed.Here's a link to SCVJeff's test: Batwing vs. Jack shoot-out
It's not a lab test but he did use a lab grade spectrum analyzer.
About 25% of the TV stations in the US are now broadcasting on the VHF band. The newest Sensar IV (aka Batwing) includes the added UHF elements. The Batwing excels for the VHF channels because of the wide wings. The Jack does poorly for the VHF channels because it lacks the wide elements needed for good VHF reception. If you hang out where all the channels are UHF the Jack will work well.
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Tom_M
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06/25/20 11:16am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Replacing stovetop
When my cooktop started giving me grief I replaced it with a small residential one. The burner tops and grates will dance around on rough roads so I stretch a couple of bungee cords across the top to hold them in place. The original cooktop had the knobs in front so I had to fill the front of the countertop. I made a shallow drawer to fill the gap. As mentioned, the igniters need 120VAC. I have an inverter in my coach so that is not a problem. You can light the burners with a match or lighter. Here's the outcome:
https://i.imgur.com/9YAVN8f.jpg width=480
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Tom_M
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06/20/20 08:52am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Deer jumps between truck and trailer
It did some major hurt to the trailer. Grabbed a frame from the video:
https://i.imgur.com/U7ZEtga.jpg
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Tom_M
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06/12/20 06:34am |
Towing
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RE: Lightweight Generator From Israel
Here's a couple of YouTube videos showing the concept for "free piston engine linear generator":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUbBqSu9Hdc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4b0_6byuFU
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Tom_M
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06/12/20 03:34am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Good Wi Fi for RV: Is it Possible?
Check out Visible. $40/month for unlimited everything including hotspot.
https://www.visible.com/
This can be reduced to $25/month if join a Party Pay plan.
https://www.visible.com/party-pay
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Tom_M
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05/30/20 08:30pm |
Technology Corner
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