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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Is a fuse a fuse?
IIRC, automotive fuses rating are based on a maximum of 32VDC-36VDC. Voltages above that may cause the fuse to blow (48VDC) the fuse to blow "early".
ktrmrfs is spot on with his statements. What people need to understand that the "variability" of a fuse. A 15A fuse will "carry" 16A of current for hours and not blow. It might even carry 20A for several seconds.
Back to the OP original concern. ATO/ATC sized inline fuses older with either 10AWG or 12AWG are readily available online. Although you can get these fuses up to 40A, If I needed a fuse larger than 30A I think i would use a Maxi-fuse. These typically come with 8AWG wire.
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theoldwizard1
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11/10/19 09:38am |
Tech Issues
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RE: When will the 2020 Ford Super Duty show up?
For some reason, the 2020 HD are coming out slow. My gut tells me they don't want to rush the 7.3L and 10 speed combination. These will become "killer" sales leaders for HD pickups, Class C and Class A.
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theoldwizard1
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11/05/19 04:10pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Tow Vehicle Battery and Alternator
With the entire life of a Lead/Acid battery between 12.0 and 12.6, and peak charging limited to 14.4 (or .6), there is no room for voltage drop. So a huge alternator will be a lost cause even if you run welding cable from the alternator to the house bank.
First, it takes AT LEAST 13.2V to put energy into a lead-acid battery, PERIOD !
I have mentioned this in a least a dozen other posts. Modern cars, light and most medium duty truck (Class A) use "smart charging". In short, the voltage is regulated AT THE VEHICLE BATTERY to about 13.2V for 99% of the time the engine is running. After the voltage drop to your house battery bank, there is simply not enough voltage left to charge it !
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theoldwizard1
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11/05/19 04:04pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Tow Vehicle Battery and Alternator
I know I can install a DC to DC charger in the trailer.
Do this FIRST ! Use the standard 12V line on your pin trailer harness. I think you will be surprised at how much better it works. Whether it can completely recharge your battery bank depends on 1) the size of the battery bank, 2) the "state of charge" (SOC) when you hit the road and 3) how many hours you drive.
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theoldwizard1
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11/05/19 04:00pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Internet
Campground Wifi networks are notoriuosly overloaded so you will likely not be able to use them for streaming.
The solution is a cell phone data to wifi network adapter of some sort. Most cell phones will do this (at least until the battery runs out). Some people call them "hot spots". Some people use the name of the device like "Jet Pack", "Mobley" or "ToGo Roadlink". They all do, more or less, the same thing.
Of course that is only HALF of your solution ! Then you need a cell phone data plan. Many, MANY options ! Some of the above devices are sold in combination with data plans from the major carriers (Verizon, AT&T and Sprint) or other mobile virtual network operator(MVNO).
This is a very hot topic. Search around the internet and you will find dozens of solutions.
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theoldwizard1
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11/05/19 03:51pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Does anyone use Google FI for their cellular service?
If you are a light data user, you should check into Ting. No contract. $6/mo/phone base charge. Only pay for what you use.
With 3 phones, my bill is typically under $60/month.
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theoldwizard1
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11/01/19 06:00pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Converting to dc fridge
(Danfoss is one of the companies that makes DC compressors ...
The Danfoss company has been bought and sold a couple of times in the past 10 years or so.
2008 - merged with Suaer to form Sauer-Danfoss
2010 - the compressor portion of Sauer-Danfoss was sold off. The new company name is Secop
2017 - Nidec acquired Secop
2018 - Nidec also acquire Embraco compressors from Whirpool
There are some effort to "kill off" the old Danfoss brand name, but the Secop name seem to be staying.
For all of you "techies", the key to the success of the Danfoss DC refrigeration compressor is that it doe NOT use a real DC motor. It is actually a 3 phase AC motor front ended by a dedicated 3 phase DC-AC variable frequency inverter. VERY efficient !
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theoldwizard1
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10/31/19 06:45pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Honda generator oil
API-SJ SAE 10-30
This letter increments as newer oils come out. SN is the latest and exceed all previous levels.
Honda 2000 manual
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theoldwizard1
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10/29/19 02:42pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Doom for the RV industry???
Sounds like they were yanked around and it literally took an excessive amount of time to address.
Similar to automobiles, if they fix things in a timely manner, it's not covered by lemon laws but if it gets crazy, it is.
Lemon laws vary state to state, but in general, factory representatives (dealers) are given a certain number of attempts to repair an issue. Also there is a limited number of days that the vehicle can be away from the customer. If either are exceeded, it is a "lemon" and must be re-purchased from the customer at full price.
I am sure, every major auto manufacturer has had to "buy back" vehicles. In all case they are repaired and resold, typically with full disclosure and with the full factory warranty "clock" reset to zero.
IMHO, it about time this gets applied to RVs !
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theoldwizard1
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10/28/19 07:10pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Quality versus Price
Try to build an 8 foot by 25 foot cabin with bed, bath, kitchen and the associated plumbing, electrical, lighting and appliances, for $25K to $28K.
Now put wheels under it and drive it down the road at 60 mph. then off road for a few more mile.
A challenge for sure ! But if they could build the same size "cabin on wheels" for under $40K and warranty it for 5 years (except for appliances), backed by factory trained technicians, with a 90 day "claim until returned to customer" guarantee, do you think they would get more repeat sales ?
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theoldwizard1
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10/28/19 06:55pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Quality versus Price
There is NOT a good correlation between price and quality, even within a given manufacturer. Jayco has a dozen different "lines" of TT. The biggest difference are trim. Basic construction is the same.
Eggshell TT seem to be of better quality/durability, but they tend to be on the small side. The only "medium" size eggshell that I know of is made by Oliver, 23'6". Oliver probably has the best warranty in the business, unlimited on the outer fiberglass, 5 years on the chassis, 2 years on everything else (probably not the appliances).
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theoldwizard1
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10/28/19 06:49pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: replacement for Directv
Also, I enjoy loading up the DVR with programs for when we are in an area where satellite (or internet) is not available.
DVRs are dying fast. A laptop or a tablet does the same function and you can "cast" the video to pretty much any of the devices I listed before.
Personally, I think satellite TV (as we currently know it) is on it last legs also.
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theoldwizard1
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10/26/19 10:25pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Slow/ No Cranking
If you haven't. Definitely clean battery connections.
Not just the battery connections, but ALL connections between the battery and the starter ! This does mean removing the cable at the starter (AFTER removing the cable at the battery) and thoroughly cleanly all connections with a wire brush and/pr sand paper.
If you don't have a meter, buy one, even a Harbor Freight cheapy. With someone else behind the wheel, put your leads on the battery and have them start it. Record the lowest voltage. Repeat the same test when hot.
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theoldwizard1
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10/26/19 11:56am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Questions about pulling a fifth-wheel with a half ton TV
The option list for towing on the F150 is long and complicated. Maximum towing can only be achieved with the right combination. Because you have a Supercrew you need to know your LOADED vehicle weight and rear axle ratio.
Refer to page 15 of the Ford 2013 Towing Guide
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theoldwizard1
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10/26/19 11:48am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: replacement for Directv
You have two different problems that might require two different solutions.
At home, if you have good internet speed, you really should try one of the "streaming" services. They could even save you some money. Most allow you to buy your own "tuner box" (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV). So you only have a "one time purchase" (between $30 and $150 per TV). You can easily move the device from your house to the RV.
Your choice of services includes Hulu, Sling, PS Vue, AT&T TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Philo and I am sure more. This are almost all "no contract", "pay as you go" and include some "cloud based" DVR storage. From about $50-$200 month. Channel selection differs greatly. They do limit the number of simultaneous viewer (2-5). You have to do your homework on this.
As I said, these all require a good internet connection. Most campgrounds do NOT have "good internet" and if you boondock, you need another solution. As long as you don't camp to far "off the grid" and can get an AT&T cell phone signal (4G preferred, but I think 3G is adequate for SD TV), then you could use AT&T AT&T ToGo Roadlink. $400 for the device and $360/year for unlimited data. Actually, there is no reason you can not use that as your home internet.
More on AT&T ToGo Roadlink This talks about successful RV installations and use with internet streaming TV.
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theoldwizard1
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10/26/19 11:39am |
Technology Corner
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RE: How much solar do I need?
I just watched a video showing a family of 5 living in a modern house, off grid, in ID. It is heated by a wood stove so there is no furnace. Water is gravity feed from a tank up the hill. No heavy electrical load except for the washer and LP gas dryer. Their battery bank is EIGHT 6V golf cart batteries.
With 3 MASSIVE solar arrays, a 3 day early winter storm left them running off of their old 3000W generator.
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theoldwizard1
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10/21/19 11:23pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Reliable truck+lightweight TT RVing Setup
In general, I like eggshell (fiberglass) TT, but they are all so small, except for Oliver.
If you are looking for a lightweight Jayco consider a hybrid.
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theoldwizard1
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10/20/19 02:54pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: My 4th. Ford V10 Class A, but lacks power???
Different rear axle ratios ?
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theoldwizard1
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10/19/19 10:25pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fry cooking electric device and watts?
IF you have a full 120 volts circuit at your camp you will draw 15 amp @1800 watts. That's a maxed out circuit. chances are it will not work for long. There will be other things on that circuit. Best thing to do in run a 12 ga extension cord from the 20 amp outlet on the ped to the appliance If the ped has low voltage (and it will) the amperage goes up and it will never work.
Power directly from the pedestal is a good idea, just make sure to secure the extension cord so that if someone trips over it, the fryer does not fall and potentially start a grease fire !
Plugging it directly in to the camper means it will be less like for this too happen. You won't be able to run the A/C, microwave or coffee pot at the same time.
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theoldwizard1
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10/15/19 01:36pm |
Camp Cooks and Connoisseurs
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RE: 2019 F-150
The 3.3 is not an ecoboost engine. A quick search shows that a properly equipped 3.3 has a max tow of 5,000#. You may want to rethink the truck or the camper.
According to the 2019 Ford F150 Towing Guide a 3.3L F150 WITH the Trailer Tow option (53A or 53B) AND a 3.73 rear axle will tow up to 12,400 lbs Gross COMBINED Weight.
If you do NOT have the Trailer Tow option or the 3.73 rear axle, you need to down size. A lot depends on how much your loaded truck weights (fuel, passengers and cargo).
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theoldwizard1
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10/15/19 01:24pm |
Towing
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