KeysConchs

Hello gatorewc Our total cost for the system was $6,568 which includes the 2 Epoch 300 Ah batteries, the Victron Multiplus 2 inverter, the Orion 50 amp DC to DC charger, the Victron Multicontrol, and a variety of fuses, dongles, cable, switches, connectors, and other miscellaneous parts and supplies. Labor was about $2,200 of that. Given that replacing the Trojan T-105 AGMs would cost about $900 for all 4, we decided to bite the bullet.

Hello JD. We have the 13,500 BTU Dometic Penguin. Neither my wife nor I are too bothered by the noise unlike many others. And yes, we do have the solar package. We were drawing roughly 150-160 amps with the a/c running (see screenshot below). We are looking at alternative a/c options, but at this point, we have already spent a great deal on the LiFePO4 system. And, we are about to upgrade the shocks - we just received our Bulldogs and are cautiously pessimistic as we note that they are made in China. Hoping our leaf springs last a while longer. So, our major upgrade is complete, but there are more to come. With regards to dc2dc charging, we are considering a 400 w suitcase to add to the rooftop capacity and we can boost the output from the alternator above the 30 amps it is set at. Math tells us we will be short, but empirical testing will provide more insightful info. To answer your other question: only two of the 3 pins are connected and functional. We were wondering why they had 3 pins and all we could come up with is that it is for stability and reduces flex. Note that each battery is drawing about 79 amps. BUT, we had our 3-way Dometic absorption fridge on DC - this consumes a whopping 15 amps on its own.

Overview We just got done upgrading our 2018 LEII (hull #344) from AGM to Lithium. The death knell had sounded for our original AGM batteries. So, given the cost to replace the AGMs, their weight, and the limited usable capacity inherent in AGMs, we decided to upgrade to lithium. We settled on 2, Epoch 300 Ah LiPO4 batteries with internal heating (a total of 600 Ah). The decision to purchase the Epochs was made easier by a 15% sale so we bit the bullet and purchased the batteries , a new Victron Multiplus 2 3000 VA inverter and charger, and a Victron Orion DC to DC charger which will allow us to charge directly from the tow vehicle. Here are more specific details about each step. We relied to a great extent on our tech. Victron Orion DC to DC charging We mounted the 50 amp Victron Orion under the aft seat in the dinette. The Orion was set to draw 30 amps from the alternator on the 2020 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel tow vehicle. The alternator puts out about 220 amps so we are confident this is well within safe operating parameters with all existing loads. We used 4 awg coupled to a marine connector from the TV to the trailer which looks to be quite robust. Of course, we disconnected the power from the 7-pin connector. Victron Multiplus 2, 3000 VA inverter and charger We mounted the inverter vertically under the streetside bunk. We also added a dc fan onto the bulkhead between the bunk and the basement to address heat issues and set it to operate above 40C. The inverter has a main disconnect as well as an inline breaker as per code. System Monitoring A Victron Multicontrol replaced the Progressive Technologies inverter switch from the OEM install and was installed in the same location. This is our primary control panel which provides operational status of the system, and allows us to control the input current. Specific battery State of Charge and other more granular data are available in the Victron shunt app, the Epoch app, and the Victron Multiplus app (as well as the original Xantrex Solar Controller which we did not change). Performance of the system We tested the system today by running our OEM Dometic Penguin A/C off the battery bank. We set the thermostat to 75 F. After 5 hours, we were at 55% SOC. Full disclosure, we only finished the install today and the tests were conducted in our winter conditions here in the Keys at 78 F ambient. The trailer did get warm during the day, but I do think we are likely to get 5 hours or so of A/C in the hotter summer months. Maybe even more. We haven't tested the DC to DC other than at idle. As mentioned, we set the charger to 30 amps so we are likely to get a full charge after a full day driving but that is just an estimate. We have enough leeway to turn up the output from the alternator if needed. Special KUDOS A great deal of thanks goes to our tech who helped install all this - Anthony from Outboard Rigging here in Marathon is the Man! Pictures of the install follows:

Hello Steve Contrary to your post above, everything I've read indicates the part number for Bulldog replacements of the Monroe 555001 is HD1213-0656, not HD1214-0656. I put the specs for each as well as the Monroe OEM 555001 in the image below. The specs on the left are for the HD1214-0656 and the right frame is the 1213. If you compare it with the OEM Monroes (the bottom frame), the 1213 shocks line up much more closely than the 1214. My question is: is this just a simple mistake or is there a reason you were recommending the Bulldog HD1214-0656? I ask because I am about to change mine out on my 2018 LE2 (#344) and want a robust replacement.

Unfortunately, you would likely be horrified if you saw our Ollie. It definitely isn't spit-shined sitting out in the Florida sun. But, oh so comfy! And our 2 golden retrievers love traveling with us. Life is good.

Our Truma AquaGo has been relatively trouble-free since we purchased our 2018 LE2 (#344) in 2000. I say relatively because on a 4-month sojourn, each night we stopped, the AquaGo, propane was no longer supplying the AG. When I tapped on the solenoid (much like my 1968 VW squareback), it would work fine for the rest of the evening. It seemed like a solenoid issue, but you can't simply replace the solenoid on an AG - it is mated to other parts and is not user-serviceable. I set up an appointment at the Truma Service Center in Lakeland, Fl which was not convenient (a 6 1/2 hour drive) . Also, their first availability was months out. Nevertheless, we confirmed the appointment and drove up there months later. The tech confirmed that is seemed to be the solenoid. It was easier and not much more expensive to replace the entire unit so we gave him the go-ahead. But when he started taking the unit apart, he noticed that a wire had become corroded and consequently was not in contact with the connector. Thus, all he had to do was replace the connector and it has functioned flawlessly ever since. And, the cost was negligible. I remain quite happy with Truma. Now, however, the nearest Truma service is at a Camping World 4 hours from us and we are within the recall. A mobile tech's travel time is not covered in the recall.

We have travelled extensively for months at a time during the height of the busy season and have never had a problem finding last-minute campsites despite (except that one time in Missouri on the 4th of July) not having many reservations. We stay in order of preference: COE campgrounds, state/provincial parks, USFS campgrounds, Hipcamps, a few HarvestHosts, and when we have to, private campgrounds (KOA in Boone was particularly nice on the J loop). We have never had to revert to Cracker Barrels, WalMarts, or Cabelas. We do plan a few days in advance and rely a great deal on Campnab to let us know when vacancies open up at certain desirable campgrounds. We use RVParky to identify sites in the general area where we are going, and have actually found google maps to be exceptionally good. Campendium often gives us information about specific campsites, and Campground Photos as the name implies, shows pics of many specific sites. Bottom line: no problems.

We are installing the MP 2 as we speak. Here is a photo of the mounting bracket under the streetside bunk made from aluminum and PVC that our tech made. Is is mounted horizontally on the fiberglass wall with epoxy and two s/s screws for safe-keeping through the wall. We live in the Keys so our tech specializes in wiring boats. He said 1) this is fairly simple compared to a lot of installs on sailboats he has done, and 2) that heat that is produced is also not an issue compared with other installs in engine compartments, etc. Nevertheless, we are installing a fan on the bulkhead to the basement to dissipate heat. We considered the Mulitiplus 2 bracket (https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/multiplus-ii-free-standing-mounting-bracket/) but it really won't mount well to the deck. 2018 LE2 Hull 344, LE 2.

Hello John. I just saw your question. Our tech said that all the battery wires must be the same length which necessitates making the cables going to batteries in the battery compartment as long as the cable needed to go to the 3rd battery under the streetside bunk. We have opted to stay with 2, 300 aH batteries at this time.

Nice upgrade, Ray. Curious where you installed the 3rd battery. We are installing 2, 300aH Epochs in the battery bay and have room under the streetside bed for more batteries, even with the Victron MPII installed there. Just wondering if anyone else has considered this option or alternative locations for increasing LiPO4 battery capacity? Is this unwise considering venting issues with possible battery failure?

Chiming in a little late on this, but I do think it bears emphasizing that 27' is considerably larger than 23', especially in state park campgrounds. We are 4 months into a trip from our home base in the FL Keys and have been up as far as Cape Breton, PEI, and throughout New England. Many of the campgrounds we have stayed in had very few campsites that could accommodate 27'. One other consideration is that if you really intend on using both air conditioners, you will likely need 50 amp service which will further limit your options. As others have pointed out, it will be important to predefine what style of camping best suits you.

I'm totally with you. I, too, have thought about bringing the bike inside the trailer or the tv. I already have a Bike Friday so I'm pretty much set. I also left Carlsbad. Day 1 was tough because I had too much stuff, and the 50 year old motor was not yet tuned :).

Here's a review of the Truma Aventa a/c. Truma's been hyping it on their Facebook page. https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/review-of-the-truma-aventa-eco-air-conditioner/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=truck-camper-news_129

When I turned 50, I rode solo self contained across the U.S. and started in San Diego. Tough place to start as it goes uphill right away. I ended in DC riding 400+ miles from Pittsburgh down the Gap and C&O Towpath. Anymore, there are so many crazies on cellphones that I seek out trails. My dream has been to use our Ollie as a sag wagon. This year ii looks like the time is perfect since I am newly retired.

Our Oliver has a similar type peel-and-stick backsplash in both the kitchen and bathroom. It does add a nice bit of color to the whiteness. 202A5A92-AC23-450F-A23F-7F86A24D6573.heicDAE144EE-25BB-406F-94CF-5241B7AF237C.heic

With regards to the auto-leveling on your Ram, there is a jack function in the menus under suspension that will turn off the auto-leveling. We use it when connecting the truck and trailer. Once connected with the Anderson, we turn the jack mode off and have had no issue with the auto-leveling mode after that when towing.

It seems I find a 1/2 used tube of Phil Wood grease every 6 months or so somewhere around the shop. Also used it more than once to lube the freewheel and on emergency bottom-bracket repairs on a tour in some backwoods town in the 70s. Graduated to roadside bearing replacements for our boat trailers at work. God awful job in the Florida summers. Our bearing failures were always due to too much weight on the axles. An important lesson for towing anything including an Ollie.

Getting roughly 15-16 towing our 2018 LE2 with 2020 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel. It all depends on the wind speed and direction...especially on the flats. I have a tendency to drive about 70 on the Interstates. In the very flat roads of Florida I can get up to 18. 3.93 rear axle. I do use tow haul where hills are steep like our current traverse of the southern Appalachians.

One other addition I might suggest is adding an on-demand water heater at the shower head so there is no fw waste while waiting for the water to heat up.

Thanks, Bill. I figured it was straightforward but it will have to wait for retirement (4 months!!!)

That's what they recommend using to remove tar from your feet at the beach.

Does anyone else have problems with black gaskets or seals bleeding and leaving streaks on the outside of the hull?

We're in Hannibal, Missouri now so about to revisit our old friends, Tom, Huck, and Becky. Favorite quote (paraphrased from memory): I gotta set out for the wilderness ahea because Aunt Polky, she says she's gonna cicvilize me and I can't do that, I been there before.

And...I'd guess < 50% use gloves when dumping...at least based on my casual observations.

@mossemi and @SeaDawg Right now we are on our 6-week tour of the midwest and east I can't tell you how many people I have seen rinsing their blackwater tanks from the drinking water spigots. I definitely sanitize, filter, and purify our fill water...and avoid drinking it directly from the fw tank ... even after sanitizing the fw tank prior to lift off. Not having the switch at the outdoor shower is not too big a deal since I usually am inside right before taking a shower But when dumping, everything is always shut up tight and off and there is no need to go inside...except to turn on the water pump. An inconvenience for me and the people waiting behind me at the dump station.