rideadeuce

I used the OEM Zamp panels (90 watts each) to make it easy due to the SAE (reverse polarity) connection. There is an empty SAE connection at the junction box under the main panels, so super simple to add. I think I used a SAE Y-combiner to connect the 2 panels (I would have to look). I got the mounts from Amsolar.com. But you are right there is lots of lightweight, flexible options these days. I have thought about changing the whole solar array but due to lack of flat real estate on the roof I have decided to keep what I have. So if you want to keep it simple and plug and play, I would still just go with the Zamp panels.

Finished the install this evening. Everything went as planned but the Orion is only reading 7-10 amps with Tundra parked. Run out of time to problem solve or change the settings too much but everything did seem to be correct in the settings.

Airstreams get totaled out by insurance companies every year due to hail storms (too costly to repair) especially here in the southeast. One of the many reasons I love the fiberglass hulls, more durable and cheaper to repair! Not to mention the custom made aluminum frame, handmade wiring looms, made in TN, etc, etc, etc. 🙂

This one is made more for storage but the box is not removable but I still think I would rather have this than just an access door. How often do you need to get to the plumbing? My main problem with using the OEM shelf is the ability to get bottles in and out... it is just not very user friendly. They make custom sizes and configurations... maybe one could cut out the box to fit around sink drainage pipe. https://www.deepbluemarine.com/products-detail.cfm?ProductID=504 Mike a

After looking at depth in previous installs of hatch door and obstacles this is probably not a viable solution for storage. (below)

Part 2/2 Did as much as I could today (waiting on more 4 awg wire.) All I have to do is pull the wire and hook it up. Did have to remove a small area of propane shroud to fit gland securely. Did not have to remove BR shelf (at least it was easy to fish some fiberglass wire.) Blue Seas gland is well designed, no need for sealant. Clean and easy. Almost bought the @Ronbrink double gland, very nice install. Orion DC-DC 50 amp charger is very light weight and has small footprint. Much less heat production, no heat sink needed. Best, Mike Test fit the wires.

I like that gland and the fact that you went farther to the right, seems like it might make fishing the wires through the bathroom area a more direct shot. I have already purchased a Blue Seas gland but I will see how anxious I am to start on part 2. Waiting on more 4 awg wire and 3/4" loom. Way underestimated. Looks like to me you cut away more of the fiberglass propane housing to make a better fit? If so, how did you control depth. Don't want to cut into main shell. I am going to try and fish it without removing BR shelf, at least initially. Got this Klein fiberglass fish wire... it's pretty flexible but still stiff.

Decided it was time to start the DC/DC charger install after I got the breaker replaced and the solar input working. Getting the Tundra wired up turned out to be fairly straight forward. Just followed the wire I had installed to charge the GZ for the old ARB fridge we used to store extra food. No issues once I figured out where to mount the Anderson connector to the Tundra (absolutely no flat places under bumper near hitch to mount), had to use a couple of longer bolts (removed OEM and matched) that were used to hold the bumper and then used a 6 in water clamp to hold right side of an aluminum 3 in wide x 12 in long x 1/4 in base for the Anderson plug to mount. Used 4 AWG wire from Windy Nation, it came with heat shrink and lugs, 60 amp Blue Seas, a manual 60 amp Blue Seas resettable breaker, 3/4 in sheathing for protection, and Anderson SB120 connectors. For my application, should have gotten 50 ft instead of 40ft wire total. You will also need HD crimper, wire cutter and heat gun. I had to get creative but the mount is strong and as conveniently located as I had hoped for... now for the Ollie install. Have to wait for more wire to ship. Big thank you to those that preceded me and posted their installs! Best, Mike Links: Kit https://www.windynation.com/products/4-gauge-welding-battery-cable-kit-includes-5-pieces-of-3-8-5-pieces-of-5-16-tinned-copper-cable-lugs-and-3-feet-black-heat-shrink-tubing? Blue Seas https://a.co/d/1DkubaD Anderson cover https://powerwerx.com/trailer-vision-tv201426-120-sb120variant=43802376339678 Could have used SB50.

Solar input dropping was due to a loose post on the solar breaker (from over-tightening). FIXED!

Maiden voyage with Starlink went great. SO nice to have a fast internet connection remotely. Magnetic feet on metal VHB'd discs worked flawlessly at 70mph in windy conditions. Didn't move a bit, despite being out front with no wind buffering.

I think this is the problem with reception in the TV.

Oh, I am sure I would have enjoyed it more if I had not been traveling home on a deadline with wife and kids. Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches were good. Just too many people. I know there is a huge fan base, I hear about Buc-ee's all the time at work. I wonder if they will switch all those gas pumps to charging stations in the future. I get what you are saying about the loss of BTUs but the phenomena that I observed was this cyclical loss of solar input from max wattage to zero repeating itself every 5-10 seconds (see video above). I feel like it is something simple, it is just going to be the running it down part that I hope is easy. Replacement 50 amp auto-reset breaker coming today. Hopefully, starting the new Victron 50A DC/DC charger install today or tomorrow. It will be a good time to check all the connections, etc. Best, Mike

So after some research going to look at testing/replacing circuit breaker (one of the post was loose when I was working on it - didn't check it), some have said BMS could be interfering for some reason. Going to do a more thorough check for loose connections and check/replace breaker first.

No, completely clear blue skies on the interstate. Did this all way home.

The spray head and suction cup mount were here when we arrived in Nashville. Side note: Remembered @Snowball had a terrific suggesting for getting ride of the black streaks from the OEM exterior light gaskets. Terribly frustrating. But he suggested using Capt Tolley's creeping crack cure on the gaskets and it worked like a charm!!!! Not more black streaks, just make sure you clean up when applying (hard to get off gelcoat once dry). So the whole reason I replaced the shower head was the freeze got it and it had a hairline crack at the head. SO walking back into the garage I saw Capt. Tolley's sitting on the shelf. Decided to apply it to the old head and see if it works. I will let you know. I also have used it to seal a window that had starting to fog up. Worked great there too. Thanks Snowball, wonderful stuff! Best, Mike

So measeaured performance of system (Victron MP2 3000W, (2) Epoch 460 aH batteries) running AC on the road. We left at 7am and arrived in S Nashville around 3pm. Batteries were 97% when we got on the road and exactly 30% when we got close to home. Started the day at 75 degrees in GS, AL climbed to mid 80s then back to 82 degrees in TN. Cabin temperature was set at 74 and stayed steady the entire time. We made 4 stops along the way, mostly for gas but the last one was at Buc-cees. Never again. Complete mad house. My wife and kids were in hog heaven. But it was so nice NOT having the propane generating running. Completely quiet except for the Dometic AC. I feel like I have a ton of propane now... (2) 30 lb tanks. No more worries about running out of it. *I had this weird reading while monitoring solar input while on the road. The wattage would go up to over 400 watts then drop to zero (blue skies) for a few seconds and then start climbing up again just to drop out and this repeated itself all the way home. Loose wire? Checked, everything seems fine. No alarms/warnings. Temperature in area where solar charger is installed was fine. Video of solar input dropping out... RPReplay_Final1717175852.mp4

The unique part of my Dyson humdinger setup is the extension wand so that the handheld can be used with a motorized hard surface head standing up! Maybe the micro tube replacement will work but you probably need to call Dyson support to check for compatibility. And acquire the mini motorized head. Anyway, I think it is a scavenger hunt. Wish I had my old links, I did this a couple of years ago. Maybe there is another solution I am not aware of. I too threw out the long runner carpet a long time ago. This may work: https://www.dyson.com/support/journey/spare-details.971606-10

Yes, we have some redundancy built in to monitor TT temps in cabin and fridge. https://a.co/d/fDlGGL2 https://a.co/d/4mDqwXo To monitor your Victron system you will have to setup some kind of cellular/satellite modem/router. You probably already know that but it is very useful. I will also be able to monitor and make changes remotely to the Victron DC to DC charger. NEway, HA, too much tech!

Bought the Dyson Humdinger handheld vacuum and thought this would be great for the Oliver if it had tube extensions to be able to vacuum standing up. Somehow I found tube extensions in the EU market and hopefully it becomes available soon stateside. Works great and is small/lightweight. Uses a mini hard surface roller that picks up sand and dirt efficiently. Mounted (VHB tape) it in closet for recharging. One of my favorite things in the TT with 3 kids and 2 dogs... Clean floors! To cleanliness, Mike After a little research... looks like the micro is what it is called. It is very similar to what I put together. https://www.dyson.com/support/vacuum-cleaners/cordless/micro

We use suction cups for everything. Flag poles, trash, paper towels, etc. Just have to have clean surface. Though, I like your solution. M

So first real world test using new system to power AC on our trip from TN to Gulf Shores, AL. With the AC set on 74 we left at 4am and arrived at the beach around 1pm with temps in the upper 80s. Battery level was 64% but dwindling fast with higher temps. Pretty happy with the 8 hour drive with no DC to DC charging yet and able to easily make it with dogs in the camper resting comfortably. Looking forward to heading out West with on the road charging using the new 50 amp DC to DC charger and seeing how that works. Best, M

It is an interesting install idea. Not ready to change things around yet. I am still stuck on the wifi being based out of the camper not the TV. Also, The access point/router with Starlink basically turns it into a unified mesh wifi network from what I understand so may try that first if I get caught up on other projects. Thanks for the offer and like the newly found site MobileMustHave.com. I might come around to your way of thinking eventually. Best, M

Found this while looking for a shower head replacement. Might come in handy. https://itcshopnow.com/products/fontana-exterior-shower-adapter-and-sprayer-holder

My black pipe had a nice bead of sealant at the hull penetration, so it didn’t move and was secure. The old cap slid off easily. I just cleaned up some foam that had been used to give it some support I guess, not really needed.