Travelerstoo

Thought I would share my latest projects… We enjoy boondocking mostly. While we enjoy the utility of our Ollie inverter, I’m trying to convert as many appliances to operate on twelve volt as possible. 12 Volt Television Conversation We sometimes enjoy streaming video or playing a downloaded movie at the end of our day. I looked into 12 volt televisions but good ones like the Jensen are expensive and besides, the Oliver installed Vizio works satisfactorily. So, I found a way to convert the Vizio to operate directly from the Ollie battery. Opening the [TV] case I located a Tiny Whoop 12 volt input. I purchased a Tiny Whoop JST-PH 2.0 male plug for the input. I was concerned about the sensitive electronic [Vizio] components given the variability of the voltage of our batteries. I solved this by integrating a Voltage Stabilizer DC 12 Volt Regulator/12 Volt Surge Protector. This was mounted to the rear of the [TV] case. Finally, I integrated a fused 12 volt charging cable with cigarette lighter type plug. I plug into the outlet in the cabinet above the TV when needed. Works great! TV operates normally. 12 Volt Security System Where we often find ourselves camping in secluded desert or forest we are a bit concerned about security when we’re out hiking or otherwise away from our Ollie. We use many devices to immobilize the trailer but we’re still concerned about someone breaking in. So, I purchased an inexpensive KERUI Alarm System on Amazon. It’s designed to be powered by house current with an adapter. I eliminated the adapter and wired in a 12 volt to 9 volt DC Converter, Voltage Regulator to power the alarm; plugged into a twelve volt outlet. It uses a handheld remote to activate or deactivate and I use the included motion sensors inside. Works great! Alarm is very scary!!! 12 Volt UV LED Water Treatment System To complement our three stage water purification system we installed the Acuva UV LED ArrowMAX 2.0 Water Treatment System at the galley sink. (Okay, so I’m a bit obsessive about our drinking water.) The system comes with a 12 volt adapter to use with shore power. I eliminated this by wiring a 12 volt line to the fuse panel. 12 Volt Portable Freezer We like to store plenty of food for grilling and extended travel and so that we can purchase frozen food in reasonable quantities. Where our Ollie freezer is so limited we use the Dometic CFX3 35 Refrigerator/Freezer for this. I ran a 12 volt line to the basement storage area and installed a marine grade 12 volt outlet. The CFX3 35 runs on 120 volt or 12 volt. So, when we’re traveling, the freezer gets plugged into the 120 volt outlet in the bed of our pickup. When we’re camped, the freezer is positioned just to the rear of the Ollie and plugged into the basement 12 volt outlet. Uses very little power! Next project Adapting the Starlink to run off 12 volt…

Good advise! We will consider a HD cargo van as well.

John, Just a quick follow-up to my inquiry... I believe you kept me from making a mistake! After reviewing specifications, I’ve come to realize that I need to adjust towing capacity with the weight of cargo in my tow vehicle. Because we would tow an Oliver as we do our Casita, we carry considerable equipment and supplies in the Jeep. That would put us over the top for safe towing of an Elite II. So, we’ll rethink our TV needs. Thank you so much for your assistance.

Hi John, So yes, ours is a 2014 Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 with the 5.7 Hemi V8. I believe it’s specifications are the same as model year 2016. It looks to be a 3.09 Axle Ratio on the chart you found.

Thank you so much! Very encouraging...

Thank you Russell for your response. I’ve learned a lot through the Ollie forum and this is the first inquiry/comment I’ve made. Yes, you all are super helpful. We are on “the bubble” so to speak. Trying to make informed decisions. We are minimalists for the most part. We’ve been RVing half time for about five years so we have some experience. With that said, I’m not one to cut it too close with regard to tow vehicle capabilities. I was thinking we would have a GTW of about 5600 lbs. to 6000 lbs. with an Elite II. And so we’re trying to evaluate if the 7200 lb. towing capacity of our Jeep would be recommended. I’m mostly concerned about the drivetrain. Don’t want to destroy a nice vehicle! Thanks again for your considered opinions!!

Thank you John for taking the time to respond. There are just the two of us. We had Escapees evaluate our present towing weights and we carry approximately 1000 lbs. of contents including 25 gal. of fresh water [if that tank is full]. I’ll have to research the axle ratio as you have suggested. We would only be interested in the Elite II. We are pleased with our 17’ Casita but are attracted to the additional interior space the Elite II would offer, the double axle and suspension and the build quality of course.

Thanks Stan for your post... We are preparing to order an Elite II but need to consider if our Jeep Grand Cherokee will be adequate! I believe it would be similar to your Dodge Durango. We tow a Casita (our third fiberglass trailer) with a JGC 4X4, 5.7 Hemi, trailer towing pkg. rated at 7,200 lbs. towing. With load leveling hitch and anti sway it tows 4600 lbs. very well under all conditions. Will we have enough overhead to provide for a [continued] durable tow vehicle for the Elite II in your opinion? Thank you members of the forum. Rob Reighter