SeaDawg

Trainman, I think you're wise to also troubleshoot the pd charger/converter. If you have the manual, there's a troubleshooting guide in it. If not, you can download it on the progressive dynamics site. PD will answer any questions you have if you call their technical support line. We had a problem with ours not charging last year. Turned out to be low power from the 110 connection. The charger won't charge below a certain level (I 104 or 105 volts, though pd tech told us it might probably still charge down to 102 or so.) You might just start by checking what voltage you're actually getting from your 30 amp plug, so you can rule that out. Another time, I think Paul found a loose connection somewhere, but that's so long ago, I don't remember. We are on our second pd charger/converter. First died after about 10 years.

@johnwen, you night open a ticket and share the results. I "think" the current norcold may have an internal fan, to decrease frost buildup on the fins. I've not seen one, so unsure. Maybe Oliver is still installing an exhaust "lift" fan. I really don't know . Most people probably won't find it necessary, but the extra lift would help those who routinely camp in high temp conditions. Not my cup of tea.

I'm not sure that's a fair comparison, but it's obviously a great price, for those who want an entry level solution. I think Will Prowse tore those down, and found a few flaws, like no low temp charging sensor in the bms. I'd Google it. Ok if you always camp in warm climates, maybe. With caveats. Renogy had a series of lifepo4 on sale this week, and I didn't post it, because it was only a 2000 cycle battety. I think older tech. $500 for 100 ah. Solid company. But you have to acknowledge what you're buying. Fwiw, I do think battery prices will likely continue to drop. As has solar. It's all a gamble, but if we ever swap to lifepo4, we'll go with a company with a warranty, like battleborn, or build our own. Just my opinion. We've certainly been known to take a risk for a price savings, and my opinions are subject to change with research.

@MAG, thank you for sharing your question. You'll save others a lot of stress, in the future.

Well, there's the rub. Warranty from recpro voided if ez start installed. Doesn't matter to me, now, as we are now over a year past install, so out of warranty anyway. Plus, I've never used an ac on generator, other than in a motorhome rental or delivery. But, it's not our general practice to modify/void warranty on expensive investments. If I were someone who wanted to try the Houghton, I'd probably try it for at least six months without the ez start. In our experience, most problems show up after install, within the first few months of use. I have yet to find any evidence that houghton has attained an rvia or the Canadian certification, so that may be the reason you only see aftermarket installs. Again, doesn't bother me, with established products. Our truckfridge isn't. Our 2nd set of solar panels aren't. But, when your trailer is your own, and in its 15th year, you can choose your battles. A manufacturer can't, if they desire to keep rvia certification.

This will definitely be an asset for people who really need high speed data when camped. Thanks for the link, @John E Davies.

@johnwen and @John & Nancy, what year, and which model fridge, do you have?

Many people have done that if their 3way doesn't have an exhaust fan built in. Our original 2008 Norcold did not have a vent fan, and some dometics don't either. You can find a myriad of solutions on YouTube. Some folks have just attached a small clip on battery powered fan to the upper vent to increase exhaust when camping in the heat. Other friends have also installed little fans inside the fridge to better circulate the cold air. I'm thinking about adding one to our DC compressor fridge, as I generally need to unlosd and defrost it every 10 to 15 days, as the frost buildup in the freezer can impede operation of the freezer door. (Broke the door once already due to this.)

I'd say check their website frequently. A quick search of our forum showed battleborns on sale August and early September last year. They also had a 3 day blem sale last summer, June 25-27.

Another beautiful evening in WNC meant another simple meal on the fire. 🔥 Just burgers and slaw. Watched a cardinal flitting around. Now that it's getting darker, we'll watch for fireflies. So peaceful.

Houghton doesn't recommend an ez start. In fact, they state it is unnecessary: https://www.recpro.com/rv-air-conditioner-low-profile-13-5k-quiet-ac-with-heat-pump-remote-non-ducted/?campaignid=12146829544&adgroupid=117783579318&keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAjwgr6TBhAGEiwA3aVuIcKe6D0oigh3GDSNb4e9P00xo3AdmwiJYtowirJsZ5b0B_Ql9ESIoBoCwFEQAvD_BwE

You're welcome. Scubarx thread is interesting, too, depending on your goals.

If your anode looks like half used at the end of the year, replace it, imo. One more year, and it's past done. They're not that expensive, and extend the life of your system.

That is so sick, and makes me very sad.

That's about what mine does, after reaching desired temp. We've barely used ours, so I figured I'd manage cycling by setting the temp 4 degrees higher, and dealing with it. Easy with the remote. It's so quiet, it doesn't really bother me, anyway. Then again, we've never done an overnight with it. Just used it in the driveway a few times, as I've said before. Mt. Dora will definitely give it a workout. Pretty inland town.

I suspect you'll be okay if you thoroughly rinse that tank.. and drain and fill it a few times, before you turn on the heater.. I suspect a lot of people use more chlorine bleach than necessary. More is NOT better. It leaves a chlorine residue, and is more corrosive, with no added advantage . When I had my restaurant, I had one delightful health inspector who loved to teach. If he found an over-chlorinated sanitizer bucket, he'd ask everyone around to show how to achieve a proper level, and then stick his finger in the bucket and lick it, to prove proper levels were human safe, but effective, testing with ph strips. Great guy. We use purogene instead of chlorine bleach, in our trailer. I don't love the smell of bleach, and it doesn't agree with me. How much bleach did you use for sanitizing?

@C&MCurrie, does that also help keep the unit from frequent cycling? I moved ours a bit, but didn't think about actually extending it into the cabin. It would make sense, as the Houghton, with the big chute, not mixing new cold air with hot air, pretty much senses cold air within the inner adu.

@dewdev, do you have the manual for the generator? If you don't, I can send you a pdf, or you can Google it. It has good illustrations and instructions of maintenance, specs for proper spark plug gap, valve clearances, etc. Your unit has a low oil shutoff, like our westinghouse. (Another reason the previous owner possibly couldn't get it started.) Before I tried to fire yours up, I'd do all the annual maintenance, especially the fuel filter and oil change. We've seen those foam fuel filters pretty much disintegrate, with lack of use. Looks like two screws to remove it for inspection, wash it and dry it between two old towels, if it's not crumbled, already. (I'm embarrassed to say, this had happened to us on a rarely used yard tool, but it happens.) Best of luck. You've already done a bunch for a "non-mechanic." You'll get there!

We'll look forward to that! Great photos.

🤣🤣🤣

An hour ago, we gained member number 7,000! Welcome to the board, @SusanJ. And thank you, to all the folks here who make this forum such a great place to learn and share.

A couple threads you might find interesting

I'm sure you'll be fine. We mostly let the rain and wind take care of debris. In pollen/whirlygig season, I brush off with a soft brush or mop, if we're camped long enough to collect them. We've used mild carwash soap on the trailer, and panels,, for 14 years. No issues. At home, we've never cleaned the house panels, and never seen an issue. (Of course, we get average of 34 inches of rain, and plenty of wind... no smog.)

On another note, has Oliver changed wheel suppliers along the way? Which vins, which wheels?

@albert, years ago, my parents' neighbors had a little green trillium just like yours (except not as shiny!) Your photos bring back great memories. Nice work, indeed.