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mjrendon

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Posts posted by mjrendon

    Cold temperature data

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    Thank you for sharing.  I really enjoy data like these.

    What system was used to collect these data (logger and sensors)?

    Any thoughts on why the temp dropped on the rear curb at 2pm-4pm on the 26th?

    Are you planning any further modifications based on these results?

    Mike

    • Thanks 1
    • Like 1

    Solar Generators?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    This unit is one of the better ones in my opinion (note: I do not own this one).  Will Prowse does an excellent job of identifying strengths and weaknesses of each unit he reviews.  Some units can take a full day or longer to charge after being fully discharged.  

    Would you buy one if your trailer already has Li batteries and an inverter?

    Would you buy one instead of upgrading your trailer to Li batteries? 

    How would you expect to use the solar generator?

    Mike

    • Like 1

    Electrical question

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    Dennis1,

    The Oliver Elite 2 has these 5 AC circuit breakers.

    • Main 30 amp
    • A/C 20 amp
    • Fridge/Water Heater 20 amp
    • Microwave/AC Outlets 20 amp
    • Charger 15 amp

    Whenever you are using AC power (shore, generator or battery and inverter) you can not exceed the draw on each circuit breaker. 

    If you are running a space heater you will want to avoid using the microwave. Simply shut one off when the other is needed (or the breaker will flip). 

    Mike 

     

    image.png.bd1c82c36f8a4f3b4c1eb39309fc6eec.png

    • Thanks 1

    Battery Cut-Off Switch - Positive or Negative Terminal

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    1 hour ago, Neuman's said:

    I have two battery banks.  A single starting battery (105 - AH AGM) is fused between the alternator / battery charger and the ships power bank (3 - 105AH AGM's) is also fused between the alternator and battery charger.  This is done per the recommendation of Blue Sea's as well as Balmar, the alternator manufacturer.

    Jim,

    This is interesting.  The AGMs do not use a BMS and I suspect that your fuses are placed between each system component, where as with Victron lithium batteries they recommend fusing each battery individually.  So if you are using multiple Victron batteries in a single bank, then each battery should have its own fuse for over current protection.

    Mike

     

    Battery Cut-Off Switch - Positive or Negative Terminal

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    1 hour ago, John E Davies said:

    I don’t know the exact reason, but why would you not simply follow accepted practices?

    If the switch is installed on the positive terminal lead, then any positive leads that are between the battery and the switch are a "risk" since anything in the RV that was grounded is still grounded.  Working on any positive lead between the battery positive terminal and the cut-off switch could be dangerous until the negative battery terminal lead is also disconnected.  I will suggest that it might be safer to do this work if the cut-off switch were placed on the negative terminal, but I could be wrong too.

    NOTE - My concern comes from something that I read where lithium batteries are supposed to be balanced annually, which includes charging each one when isolated from the others. So at least annually I would expect to be working in the RV battery compartment.

    1 hour ago, John E Davies said:

    How many folks fuse their batteries? Hands up.

    I had thought about this quite a bit when you mentioned Victron's recommendations in a previous post.  I read that Victron uses an external BMS (battery management system) that is incapable of providing isolation for overcurrent situations, where as some other manufacturers do use internal BMS with this capability. I believe that Victron recommends fusing each of their batteries individually because of this. Fusing a Victron's battery would be the primary protection for a short circuit event and would be a back-up for other batteries that already have this protection built-in with an internal BMS.

    • Thanks 1

    Battery Cut-Off Switch - Positive or Negative Terminal

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted

    So why do switch manufacturers show the switch connected to the positive terminal? 

    Wouldn't it be safer to place the  cut-off switch on the negative terminal lead as it makes sense to disconnect the negative terminal lead first whenever working on the electrical system. 

    Has anyone installed their cut-off switch on the negative terminal lead rather than the positive lead in an Oliver?

     

    image.png.cbaf4f0365990a50eb014fd7dc25b988.png

     

    Campgrounds/boodocking sites along I40/southern Arkansas from Hohenwald to Los Angeles

    in Campgrounds & Parks

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    John,

    I have used this app on an Android tablet for planning trips.  The pro version upgrade has a trip planner feature that works well for me.   I setup the start and finish locations and then I start looking for campsites.  Once I have campsites selected/arranged, I will choose fuel stops and rest areas. NOTE: There is also an IOS version of this app but I have not used it.  Once the trip is planned I can use the same tablet for navigation. The app links your stops nicely to both Google Maps and Waze.

    You might also consider Harvest Hosts, which offers a membership program that invites self-contained RVers to have unique overnight stays.

    RV Parks & Campgrounds by Parkadvisor

    Cover art

    Mike

    Replace 12v Port With a Dual USB Port

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted

    1 hour ago, QuestionMark said:

    Can't ever think of a reason we would ever need the 12v port anyway and this allows my wife and I to charge our phones and apple watches (4 USB ports now).

    I have an elte 2 with both USB and 12V connections available in the kitchen and dining areas. but the attic has only 12V (or110). 

    Seems like there is always a need for another USB port and most of the time the 12V ports remain empty. 

    • Like 2

    Redarc Trailer Charger mounted inside the Ollie for 100% lithium charge

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    The 

    49 minutes ago, John E Davies said:

    That little step-up power supply is interesting, however you could only get 5 amps at 24 volts,

    I believe that a DC step up power supply could be sized to provide 160 watts, which would be the same as the Redarc.  I will test the 5A 24V DC 120 watt unit with the MPPT controller to see what it can deliver over time and take some temperature measurements.

    I also like your 12V fan plan.  How will you get the air flow into and then out of the battery compartment?

    Redarc Trailer Charger mounted inside the Ollie for 100% lithium charge

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted · Edited by mjrendon

    Thanks for the update.  

    I have plans for two MPPT controllers as well. The second controller would be used for external PVs when camping, so it would be available when towing. 

    An alternative solution might include using the second MPPT controller by substituting the PVs when towing with a 24V at 5 - 10 amp boost (step-up) power supply with its power sourced from the 7pin 12V supply but triggered using a relay tied to the marker lights.  

    When camping, the marker lights would be off and the 24v power supply would be bypassed by the relay so the external PVs would work as intended.

     

    • Thanks 1
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