Geronimo John
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Posts posted by Geronimo John
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20 hours ago, Snackchaser said:
I considered adding a battery master switch, but it wasn’t a viable option for a number of reasons which is why I believe that Oliver doesn't install them either
Geoff:
What a great post. It certainly sheds a technical light on the amp draw issue. Knowledge is good.
Speaking of which, would you please elaborate further on not installing a high quality Battery Master Switch? There are some owners who are on the fence in this regard, and your perspective would be beneficial.
Thanks,
GJ
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On 6/9/2024 at 2:32 AM, Dave and Kimberly said:
I'm not familiar with another fuse panel in the attic? Do you mean the rear storage space (above rear window) where the EMS, TV antennae on/off area?
I'm not familiar with the wiring on your trailer, but for many years YES, there is a fuse panel in the Attic, right side.
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To avoid clutter one could Velcro a square section of pool noodle as suggested.
GJ
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JD & JD:
Roger on the CO detector. Also there are:
- The transformer for the USB plugs,
- The refrigerator LED's on the control board.
- The furnace feeding power to the T-stat if digital
- The Microwave control board and LED's
- The feed back loop that can occur where the tail lights have a dim light despite not being plugged in. to the TV.
- What else have we missed?
So basically there are multiple sources for power to be drained. Super small amounts each, but together they can be measured. Years ago John Davies tried to find them all, and pretty much did. But after spend a lot of time on this drain and eliminating all he could, he was still losing power, I believe .1 amp if I recall. If he could not find it, it was not worth looking further in my eyes.
GJ
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On 7/23/2024 at 5:29 AM, Dave and Kimberly said:
While I have the electrical tester... it's a case of having a tool... but not absolutely certain how to use it to it's potential.
No magic on this process. Drop by your favorite auto parts store and ask to borrow their electrical clamp on amp meter. It has jaws like a huge pair of plyers. Set their meter for amps and put it around your battery + cable. It reads the amps on the meter. With your TV motor shut off, you can practice with their tool. Just put the jaws around your + battery cable. then have someone inside the vehicle and turn on various electrical devices. You can easily see how much power they are drawing.
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On 10/17/2024 at 6:52 AM, jd1923 said:
Of course there has been a lot of worry re this subject. I noticed while driving a simple way to know whether your leaf springs are OK. Check your rear view mirror and note the horizontal line of the tailgate is parallel to the line on the Oliver where the hulls are attached.
Great visual. Thanks for posting!
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Ditto: Lock N Lube, Mystic in my axle zerks and CV-2 on the bearings. That said, when I run out of CV-2 (In about 8 years) I'll go with the Dexter Mobile Synthetic bearing grease. It is specifically called out in the EZ Flex installation procedure that I posted earlier today.
GJ
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I have had some rough rides, especially on our Houston to Fairbanks trip. But never have had my TV deploy.
Could you be running higher pressure in your tires or stiffer springs?
GJ
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Just another reason to have AND USE a high quality made in the USA master cutoff switch on your RV when stored. Highly recommend BlueSeas 350 amp switch (Model 9003E) as it has a rock solid reputation that most Insurance investigators already know about.
When stored isolated behind such a high quality switch, our Litho's are pretty much immune from outside hazards. Stored isolated, about the only way our LiFePO4's could be associated with a fire is if the facility burns down on top of our magnificent RV's. By then, everything is totaled and the cause was not our OTT's.
I recommend that the RV Industry Association adopt:
- That all RV battery or battery banks have a quality master switch. That such switch shall meet or exceed those listed below in the US Made switch.
- That all RV battery banks also have a fuse that is rated at a capacity less than the wire size being protected.
- That the battery cutoff switch be located in a location where fire fighters would expect it to be.
With such a switch, the vast majority of our OTT's would easily pass muster of these suggested requirements. However I would postulate that the vast majority of SOB RV's on the road today do not.
This is the message that the Insurance Industry, and especially RVIA needs to get smart on.
GJ
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3 hours ago, rich.dev said:
Thanks JG, can you share a link to your list of torque values?
Well that was pretty dumb.... Thanks for the reminder to post the link. Up there now.
🙂
GJ
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Periodically I take a couple of hours and retorque selected components of our OE2. My list of torque values is more extensive than what I have to date found on our forum. BUT, it for sure is not complete. If you disagree with my values OR have other values, please post back. It would be helpful if you included the source of your input and it's date.
I'll periodically update the attachment and repost. Down the road if you want to check the currency of one you may have in hand, just check the version dates in the upper left hand corner. With this post, it is 21 DEC 2024.
GJ
PS: I was surprised to note the updated NTSB web site provided info for the Dexter EZ Flex. I suspect is may have been updated in response to the "Walking EZ Bolt" problem.
EZ Flex Installation (April 2021 From NTST Web Site) MC-10190118-0001.pdf
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4 hours ago, Galway Girl said:
$411.95 + to my location shipping $264.26 = Total $676.21
Great info, thank you for doing the leg work for us! Just over $400 takes this effort into the affordability range for many owners. Even the shipping to Washington from Indiana was reasonable. Likely a lot more than most of us would need.
Looking forward to your DIY install.
GJ
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On 12/8/2024 at 12:47 PM, Wayfinder said:
I have 2 to 4 extra connectors just for the Andersen links.
What size and rated threaded couplings do you carry? Stainless Steel or Steel?
thanks
GJ
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On 8/26/2019 at 3:51 AM, Raspy said:
f you have two torque wrenches, work them against each other on a nut and bolt, to see if they agree on their torque values.
But just don't do this on your wet bolts with splines. A great way to spin the splines off. Can't say for the shackles, but for the EZ flex it will result in the center bolt walking out of it's desired home. There are ancient threads on this topic.
GJ
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I believe the right answer is the same torque as the rear jack bolts as they are essentially the same jacks.
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Sounds like these Roller Cam cam lock straps would be a great choice for battery hold downs.
Thanks
GJ
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4 hours ago, Ronbrink said:
To his credit, @Just Joe does show use of covers and metal cam straps in his last photo to protect and better secure the load
My comment on the blue straps is their plastic ends. I am not familiar with this strap buckle. But it looks like just a loop through type. If it is metal and is rated well stronger than the burst strength of the quality strapping, then again more credit to Joe.
GJ
I am not familiar with this strap buckle
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24 minutes ago, Just Joe said:
7 pin plug cradle (also keeps it dry).
NIce!
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PS: What is this? Thanks GJ
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That said....
I like your mounting concept.
But in an adverse situation the short height will foster spilling contents out of the storage basket. This is a major reason that the OTT box and all the options above have height enough to ensure stuff in the basket stay in the basket. If you were to::
- Match the size and shape of the Oliver Box foot print, this would mitigate the Basket/TV interference damage issue somewhat.
- Ditch the hanging fuel containers outside the basket. Reduce the fuel load and mount a fuel container inside the frame of your basket. Would require vertical tang.
- Ditch the blue straps and get some STRONG ones. These plastic strap ends will fail under impact.
- The larger picture below seems to indicate that the blue straps are run up and to the flanks of the generator handle. IF this is the case, a better solution would be to "X" them on the front and back big sides of the generator, running them through the handle. I would also increase the bottom width distance to help reduce movement port/starboard directional movement. Or add another strong strap port/starboard also passing through the generator handle.
Combined the above would significantly mitigate the situation.
GJ
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On 12/11/2024 at 6:48 PM, Geronimo John said:
Ditto. I would only say "Danger Will Robins Danger".
4 hours ago, John Dorrer said:MO this is a disaster waiting to happen. The chance of damaging your trailer is high. It is not a question if, but when. Not worth the risk. The stability is another concern. If that breaks off while driving, the result could be deadly for someone following behind and cause you to loose control.
Joe:
Several of us share similar safety thoughts about your storage solution. Realistically, the backing damage hazard to your storage box and/or TV likely would not incur a liability concern. But a more disasters event, such as postulated above, certainly would. Please be aware that many forums contents are searchable on the Web.
Should a worst case scenario happen, the plaintiff's attorney would likely present this thread as evidence. He/She would present that you were duly warned about the safety issues of your design. The attorney would then press for a determination that you were grossly negligent. With such a determination, it generally results in triple damages. Your insurance would likely not cover any claims or liabilities as a result of a courts assessment of a grossly negligent act by the policy holder. In short, you are hosed.
So IMO as well, it's just not worth the risk to you, you family or other's.
GJ
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On 7/10/2024 at 1:59 AM, MAX Burner said:
The MaxxFan Plus with the LED light really makes for a superior lighting configuration in the head with the factory OTT LED lighting package, FYI. Should be another standard module from the Mothership, IMO.
Just had Amazon send one to my TX family for this summer. Great idea for OTT to consider!
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14 hours ago, Ronbrink said:
I would be more concerned when turning sharp corners or turnarounds
Ditto. I would only say "Danger Will Robins Danger". There is a good reason OTT cut off the corners of the front box. I and many other owners have the "witness marks" to prove it. 😞
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On 12/10/2024 at 5:50 PM, jd1923 said:
Today is the LAST day for 15% OFF Epoch Batteries if you're thinking this product!
JD's and other's use of these game changers is noteworthy. Much more power is available than from our three 100 AH battery (Battleborns) bank.
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Battery depletion rate 3% or more per day... with EVERYTHING off?
in Mechanical & Technical Tips
Posted · Edited by Geronimo John
Geoff:
Thank you. From your perspective, use, & trailer options; I can understand and respect your justification for not seeing the need for a master battery switch for your trailer.
Concerning some of your responses:
Increased Resistance: Yes resistance is bad and should be minimized especially with the high amperages ... as you stated. The suggested switch install in the battery box, as several of us have done, uses a short copper flat bar, and no additional lugs or extra wire. The increased resistance induced is inconsequential compared to the terrible efficiency of many of our Inverters. Especially the older ones!
No Place to Install: The suggested Blue Seas Series 9000 E switch has nicely been installed in the battery bays, under the dinette seats, and under the street side bed of our trailers. Depends on your priorities. If you wanted access inside, it can be mounted inside. If you want it outside we have space the battery box for many Litho Battery installs. (But not all). Either way, locations are not an issue.
Huge Size of Switch: Tilt, see above.
No Compelling Reason: How about the Fire/Rescue having the ability to stop the flow of power to an inside fire? This is especially the case for Lithium installations. One of the reasons to put the switch where they will first look for it.
Un-necessary Burden of turning the battery off when In and Out of the Trailer: For most of us, that is not the purpose of this switch. Many of us only use it for storage and emergency use. It takes me less than 15 seconds to turn on/off, and that happens on our first season’s voyage and off 3 - 4 months later in the fall when we winterize. But some owners likely do so more often.
For Standby Power Losses During Storage: Some lucky owners such as yourself have solar and/or shore power in their storage site 365 days a year. Some owners don’t need to worry about their batteries freezing. On the other hand, some owners do not see their trailer for months at a time over winter. Collectively this means that more than a few owners do need to isolate their batteries. Additionally some battery manufactures do not recommending keeping their Litho's at full charge when not being used, especially where deep freezes occur occasionally.
Simply shut off the DC breaker that supplies the DC fuse panels: The purpose of the Master Switch is to shut off ALL DC power to the trailer from their batteries. The 60-amp DC breaker does not do this. I believe that it does not terminate the power to the Inverter which is wired into the 300-amp fused via 4/0 wiring. For our trailers, if we want to kill all DC current flow, without a 300 amp breaker, which I am not aware of any OTT trailer having, we would have to remove the 300-Amp fuse or disconnect a terminal in the battery compartment. But either are a PITA. So, we do so in 15 seconds or less by turning off the Master Switch.
To summarize, many of our OTT owners don’t have such a great storage solution as apparently you are blessed with. Likewise, they and others have chosen the peace of mind that the DIY installation of a Master Switch provides.
I hope you and the family are enjoying a great Christmas!
GJ