SeaDawg

If you don't have luck with southco, or truly want something immediately, you might try calling one of the bigger marine hardware distributors like jamestown distributors or boat outfitters. We've bought some quality items from jamestown, and their pricing is decent.

@John E Davies posted a very complete guide to installation here:

What is your valve configuration? You need to pump the water in. Imo. Gravity feed doesn't work, at least for us.

I've read in comments that it's important to keep the carbon steel oiled after cleaning, just like cast iron. So, how do you find the touted "nonstick" feature of carbon steel? Similar to cast iron cookware? Thanks!

Yeah, @ScubaRx, The neutral ground plug is essential. I think activestart actually includes that, too, with the dogbone, in their kits. That was an unfortunate side conversation with me and max burner, sort of off topic. The neutral ground plug, as we know, fixes the floating ground issue of most portable generators. the activestart that @Patriot initially posted purports to supply the function of a soft start, but for the whole line in, not just at the ac. Allowing easier "ramp up", or adding in power, like a power auto former, but how it works its hoodoo magic, I'm not sure. Activestart markets their device as an alternative to soft start. I guess you or I could drill down a bit more? If the activestart actually works, it could be possibly a good solution for those who don't have a soft start, don't know how to install one, or don't want to void the warranty on a new ac, and/or don't want to get on the roof... $485 is much less expensive than an er visit. (If the thing performs.) But, it's expensive, and, as I said before, I've read it may cause issues with hybrid inverters like the victron multiplus. I'd value your opinion if you have time to look at the activestart.

I'm not big on sets, either. I do have a Magma set, because I got a great deal on a marine site, that stays mostly on the boat. Nesting / little used space makes complete sense there. At home , I have a big variety. "Famous name" brands don't necessarily work better, or make you a better cook, imo. Many of my pots and pans at home are ikea 365, on sale, because they work on my induction range. When I bought the first few, I figured I'd need to replace them with something "better" in a year. Not so. Those "cheap" pans work as well as my expensive but not induction compatible Calphalon did on a radiant range. My fave skillet is a cheap one from tj Maxx or Ross, $20. And, my nordicware wok skillet, probably same price, costco. I have one small pot and one small fry pan from tj Maxx in the trailer, for the last 16 seasons. Small, fit the space, makes enough for 2 to 4 people. A lid from a thrift store. I'm not very brand loyal, I guess, when it comes to cookware. More "functional" loyal. I'm just intrigued by the idea of being able to use the same carbon steel skillet on the fire and the stove. Would be nice.

And, in the same flight, lost the "big bopper." We all know this song, too. Happy National Rock n Rolll day.

And, on the same flight was this huge talent. We all know this song. It was his version of a folk song, ticked up to rock n Roll. Rip, Richie.

Today is National Rock n Roll day, so, here's one from Buddy Holly. I used to live a few miles from Clear Lake, and the venue for his last concert, the Surf ballroom. The Surf is still open. Its partner facility in Austin (same owner) was my parents' fave weekend spot, and mine, when I was young , with family and friends. The Terp. Buddy Holly was an inspiration to many. Gone too soon, leaving Clear Lake.

I love my magma set, @MAX Burner, and use it often on the boat. I use felt separators between the nested pot, and wrap the whole set in a towel, close the bungee, and store it in a cloth shopping bag, wedged in a corner of the galley cupboard (boat), or closet (ollie) . Great set. They'll surely last a coulpe lifetimes. I have extra handles.

I blew up your beautiful photo, looking for wheel chocks. 🙃 Me, no. I wouldn't bother anymore. My husband would probably disagree. He loves the challenges. To drive that type of "scenic " highway, sometimes it's wiser to leave the camper in a secure park, and enjoy the ride from our 4x4 truck windows.

So, I found this on Amazon today. I love using cast iron, but my big cast iron stuff is gettimg too heavy to haul around, for occasional use. Have any of you used carbon steel on the campfire or grill? I have not. I like the "natural" nonstick qualities of carbon steel, and I'd really like something that's useful on the stove, or induction, too. I don't like carrying single purpose items. This pan comes in 8, 10 and 12 inch sizes. I'd probably get 8 or ten inch.

Latest technology. No ac power required. No generator. 😅😅😅 Sheets should smell like sunshine, tonight.

So, @MAX Burner, does the addition of the bonding plug allow you to run the dometic? I kind of remember problems, before, with your honda 2000.

That's a very beautiful campground. Do be mindful of bear precautions. We've been there several times. One of the few places we've camped with a separate area for tenters, enclosed by electrified fence. Congratulations. You're almost to Alaska! Last time we were there, the road between there and Tok was riddled with frost heaves. Hope it's better this year, but look ahead. The three bears grocery store, and the visitor center in tok, are really nice. Excellent free car/rv wash at Northern energy if you fill up the truck. Outdoor, cold water, bring your own soap. Two lanes only. Free dump station and potable water, too. Truly a great welcome after the long dirty road. And, nice people. We've camped a few times at the state cg just before the bridge, down the hill, on the river. There's another lovely campground (weekdays) south of Tok. Don't know which way you're going from there. Moon something. Weekends very crowded, weekdays, pretty empty. Beautiful views, but if it's busy, you're stacked up like sardines. Gravel. No services. Enjoy!

I think the fixed tank is easier for transport, and transfer. We've had one of those bladders for years. Really useful when the truckbed is empty, but not so simple when the truckbed is full, or partially filled. Really great for campgrounds with only a central source. We've found transferring water from our bladder is easiest with a sanitized bucket in between. Hose to the bucket, pickup hose from the trailer pump from the bucket. Been awhile since we used it, but it can be a lifesaver. Unused, the bladder takes up a shoebox space.

Those cube or rectangular shapes worked so well, stacking in the chest freezer and upright. We canned and froze everything in summer's bounty from the garden,and orchard, as a kid on the farm. Cleaning and plucking chicken was my least favorite task. I much preferred working with the fruits and vegetables. 😉

I seem to remember @ScubaRx changing the valve to an electric switch system. Even easier.

On Amazon, $485, for the 30 amp, but it does include a dogbone. 🙂 and, free returns. 🙂 ActiveStart Softstart RV Air Conditioning 30 Amp Rating; 115 VAC; Reduces inrush current for generators.15K BTU Needs min 2500Watt 13.5K needs 2300Watt Not for Solar Generators https://a.co/d/fK8bpqW

In all fairness, the devices he "tested" in the video you posted are listed as not suitable on the active start website, with his almost 15k ac, and a puny 2000 startup/1600 watt running genset. (Not puny for me, with an 9.5k ac, but puny for a 14.5k ac like his.) Website says will not work with a solar generator. https://active-controls-llc.myshopify.com/products/activestart-30-amp-acs30p This guy probably gives a better, more in depth review. He has a big 4k genset, but he can run his 13.5 k ac in ecomode, with the activestart. I have read that it may be problematic if you have a hybrid inverter, like a victron multiplus. Since warranty is voided on a number of ac units if you add a softstart physically wired to the unit, this could possibly be a good alternative. Also possibly good for non tech folks, or those who don't want to work on the slippery roof. Price tag is certainly higher than a soft start wired to the ac. Maybe someone can drill down further into what the unit "actually" does, and why it works, if it does. Why do you need it with your Honda 3200i? Are you hoping to run in eco mode? I'm curious.

Safe travels. I love that little city of Paducah. Will you be staying nearby? We often stop in Paducah on our way to Missouri and Minnesota. Great fudge shop. 😉

@Avalo, are you running fridge on gas, DC, or 110? No lights anywhere on fridge? Or, do you have an error code? Do you know for sure that you gave propane, if running fridge on propane? (As in, does the cooktop light?) Are you camped with hookups, or running on battery? What batteries? Do other dc systems (lights, etc. ,) work? Other 110 systems, if on hookups? What is your battery level? Running fridge on propane, if your battery level is too low, the fridge will shut down. I know I'm asking a bunch of questions at once, but it may help others more familiar with your fridge model. Checking for power in at back of the fridge is a good place to start. If you don't have 12v in, your fridge won't work, obviously. Good luck. It's really tough to have problems in the hinterlands. Where are you in Alaska?

From my very limited testing, and advice from one of my friends in the marine industry, the "dehumidify" function is really a very low level steady operation of the ac and fan. I'm surprised you dropped to 61, but that could certainly be possible, I'd guess, simce your outdoor temps were so low. Mine worked great in the driveway, in close to 90 outside temp, and little shade. Lot of water coming out, dry inside.

The "spare" sensor also comes in handy if you need to send one in for repair, under warranty. We love our tst. Nice folks, great product, superlative customer service.

No smoker here in wnc (yet), but we made some awesome ribeyes on the campfire. Adding hickory log for the last hour before adds a great taste. Happy and safe 4th to all.