SeaDawg

Fwiw, we've not had a problem, ever, with loose connections on our 2008. Am solar. We do check annually. Rarely change up the solar angle.

Generally speaking (and seems counterintuitive) black is better in the sun. The link Brian posted showed uv resistance in that product, mostly black. It's mostly what's put into the chemistry of the product.

Yes, my question basically was, did the victron security obviate the need for a pass code on lithionics. Or, prohibit it. I would think with victron app, you don't need lithionics security code, nor, want it. I'm still running that idea through my head. I think we are into the territory of too many apps, personally. Our boat has a xantrex, which doesn't communicate with the victron. We'll eventually change it, but it was only a few months old when we bought the solar, and victron gear. Now five years old, there's probably newer software and systems/backbone out there. We'll see. I do think a smart shunt should at least be an option.

A higher wattage generator will charge lithium batteries faster. And, they can accept fast charges. We have agms. Solar does the heavy lifting, with our Honda 1000 as backup. We use the 1000 genset early in the day, bulk mode, to let the free solar do the slow charging, later and slower, as necessary. Much of the time, we don't need a genset. I don't know about you, but I don't want to carry a genset I can't easily lift. And, I don't want a big genset on the tongue. It's all about your comfort zone, how you camp, your tow vehicle, etc

Thin long pants, long sleeves. Spray my clothes, not my skin. Organic herbal repellents, as i can. A small fan works under normal conditions. Summer in the Tundra, not so much. Head fly screen. I like alcohol wipes to relieve itxh. Or children's antiitch. I have this in both trucks, and trailer first aid kit.

@In Pursuit, please add info to your sigmature. A photo or two would really help. Many things have changed, over the years. Welcome, and, we'd all love to help.

So, I'm still questioning if the battery functions are controlled via victron, vs lithionivs, or if they can work together? I know I'm late to the game, but still curious I don't have a dog in the hunt (none of this gear). Just curious.

I'm "thinking" it's not the fault of your wifi ranger. It's your antenna connection, your antenna, or not running the amplifier, which requires 110. Which tv antenna do you have? We used to carry a small indoor/ outdoor antenna. It doesn't require a booster, but it was pretty lame, without it. We've added a different, stronger antenna, no booster required, because we seldom have hookups.

To the op, apologies for the thread drift. What is your question? Now that we've had our fun Part of my husband's family came into your part of Vermont, back in the day. It's very beautiful.

The albino brothers. Amazing music. Tobacco road.

Hi, and welcome to the forum! Ask away. Plenty of folks to answer your questions here. 15th season, for us, with hull #12. Look forward to great memories.

My fave

I think everyone should have a decent multimer in their toolkit. Klein is good . So are others. Most importantly, watch a few you tubes, and practice, or, get an electrical knowledgeable friend to spend an hour with you. And practice. Settings are different for different voltages, etc. Even a cheap harbor freight meter will give you some info, that’s helpful. You can check each battery, to see if you have a bad one/bad cell for, example. Unfortunately , that means replacing the whole set, if the agm batteries are older. Hopefully, you have another use for the good ones. We can jockey them around, to other places, usually. Before you give up, remove the batteries (yes, I know its a pain) and take them to an auto parts store where you can get them load tested.

I think your plan of action worked to revive your agms. Slow charging from low charge is best, anyway. Your electrician will find the source of interruption, I'm sure. Fingers crossed for you.

@roguebooksI would probably continue charging with a controlled portable solar, in cloudy condition, and/or agm specific charger, attached directly to the batteries, til I figured it out. The portable solar goes directly to the batteries, via a fused line, bypassing the zamp controller. Do you have any readings from your agm batteries, via multimeter? If they're really low, you're better off with a low charge, anyway, to start. Imo. With agm

The other interesting consideration is, if Oliver is using victron in the future, how does that work or not work with the lithionics password? Our boat batteries have no password protection. I would assume the higher digit protection of victron is better. And, any passerby with lithionics cannot access anyway, from a separate/unknown device?

We had this conversation about a few years ago, on our back porch. My marine industry friend and I have the victron connect app on our phones. Since we had not reset the code from all 0,yet, he and i could both see all the same info about our sailboat,, and make any changes. He laughed, and said it was surprising how many boats in a marina (victron is very popular in the marine world) had not reset the 6 digit pass code from all 0. Bluetooth doesn't work very far, but a curmudgeon with the victron app could , potentially, create a bit of havoc. His customers are password protected from the get go. Hint: don't use your hull # , if it's displayed on your trailer, for lithionocs, since it's only 4 digits. Use a different 4 digits unique to you.

I thought the wifi ranger was just for wifi, not television signal?

@Katjo, the breakfast burrito thing apparently works with a microwave, too. My nephew and his wife make a week's worth on the weekend, freeze, and have easy breakfast and quick out the door for their busy workdays.. I've not tried it,, but they love them.

My favorite campground accessory, (partner per se,) is my husband. Next, my friends that we camp with. We don't carry a lot of stuff, but travel a lot of miles. 2nd most important is my tea kettle. Not for nothing, but if you're new to camping, please don't buy a truckbed full of stuff for your new trailer. What you need depends on your camping style. If you don't even know what that is, wait. And buy it later. My rule has been not to buy it, unless we needed it at least twice or three times. Our 2008 came with many things that we never, or rarely used. We bought some things that we never, or rarely use. I carry three good knives, a sharpener, 2 cutting boards,, a wok pan, a skillet. And a small pot, with a lid. I know that sounds spare, but I'm a previous restaurant owner, and I can do most things without anything else, and we don't have a microwave. Trust me, you don't have to carry the contents of a home kitchen to enjoy good healthy meals. I could see a clam, if you have electric awning. We like sitting out in the rain, if it's not too heavy. Life is good, camping. Just, don't get carried away. Too complicated =less fun.

2008, with 2008 undercover. We don't carry bikes.

This is pretty similar to what my friend made. Weave some lacing, and good to go. That frame could allow you to use some landscape timber spikes, if you drilled some holes, or wrapped it with webbing straps and tent stakes, to anchor it in the wind. Still adjustable to the sun. The grommets are for securing the panels. Most people leave an airspace beneath the panels so they can dissipate some heat. But, some boat owners "stitch" the panels to a canvas Bimini, with a washer type plastic beneath. Solar panels don't work as well, overheated, and flex panels don't last as long either, without some air space. We used flex panels on our boat, hard Bimini. They're already showing some wear, 5 years in. But, they work. And keep the battery banks charged. We could not use rigid panels in that application, practically. https://gnomadhome.com/pvc-solar-mount/

I loved the old Shasta, and their wings. Saw some newer versions a few years back at an rv show. Here's a link (a decade old) to a guy who made/makes them. http://nastyshasty.blogspot.com/2012/03/wings-wings-wings.html?m=1

I think they're talking about over riding if a sunshade is attached. No sure. Then, it's necessary. Not even sure if a sunshade can be attached to a Girard electric awning. Haven't heard of anyone doing so. Yet. Your clam is a great bet. Keep it. Anchors well. Still can use the awning.