Ronbrink

My DC-DC only puts out a partial charge when idling. Revving the engine should show an increase in output.

This has happened with me a few times, as well; guess ‘things’ get discombobulated when crossing the Pacific! Better to invoke understanding rather than provoke Crazy Horse!

I experienced much the same issue, and will share what I found out and truly believe what may, in part, be going on. When on shore power, take a look at the Progressive Industries EMS digital display. I noticed a 1A draw and could not figure out why, despite the fact that everything was shutdown to the best of my knowledge. I would have to make a weekly trip to the storage facility to activate the ‘initial’ charging aspect of the Xantrex to bring my battery bank up; this involved tripping the 30A main breaker Off then On again. Upon researching, I learned that the Xantrex has a 1A draw even when turned Off. To remedy, I now trip the surface mounted circuit breakers for the Xantrex and DC located under the street side bed. Problem solved, at least for now; zero draw on the batteries! I plan to install a Victron Cerbo and dedicated charger to maintain the battery bank since the Xantrex ‘maintenance’ charge feature is not working.

That is one sexy cow, as is my OLEll, often referred to as my ‘Condo-on-Wheels’!

Twice a year, prior to turning my ‘COW’ out to pasture, the COW Barn gets a good cleaning, aside from the frequent use of a leaf blower throughout the year, as necessary. Although fortunate to be able to stow indoors, pests must be kept at bay; specifically insects and spiders. It has been my practice to clean and treat using diatomaceous earth (DE), rather than harmful chemical pesticide and insecticide formulations on a more frequent basis. The proper DE for this use is food grade, not the type used in swimming pool filter systems. Here is the simple, but very effective process: The floor is swept clean with a push broom. At the time of this cleaning, previously applied DE is mostly piled along the walls as an intrusion barrier. Any critters crawling over is destined for death! The old DE is swept to a pile for disposal. A bulb applicator and bag of DE are readied. A scoop is used the fill the bulb. A liberal amount of DE is broadcast on the floor. It’s seemingly a lot, but this initial coverage will be swept to the side walls when the ‘COW’ comes home for prolonged effectiveness. When about three-quarters done, my equipment carts are rolled in and the remainder of the floor is treated. The COW Barn is then closed up for the duration of our trip. Prior to herding the ‘COW’ back into the Barn, the push broom is used to sweep the DE to the walls where is continues to effectively kill targeted pests. Since DE is commonly used to treat pests on outdoor plants, one could dust under and around their OTT sitting outside to reap benefit.

No cutting of the propane housing involved, but did notch the gland for it to fit (see pic); it is slightly under the propane housing at the top. As I recall, I made a single 3/4” hole behind the gland through the hull to route both cables under the bath flooring and forward dinette seat hatch to the aft dinette seat hatch where the charger is staged. The fishing tool should suffice, but in my case the two cables had to be hand-fed by my Son as I pulled from inside forward hatch.

The hull passthrough was the most challenging part of my DC-DC install. I used this double cable gland to ensure a waterproof installation. Here’s a couple of views.

Had a similar hinge break on my Norcold three-way. Thinking a fix with Super Glue or similar product.

I haven’t read any mention as to whether or not the Houghton needs a soft start or similar unit, especially if running on a battery bank/inverter.

Final install of Autoformer. Ell extension fastened to white board as primary stabilizer for the support/bracket assembly. Spacers added to raise relay to span over the ell extension. Makeshift thumb screws used to secure support/bracket assembly in place; serves for easy removal, as necessary. View of support/bracket assembly readied for Autoformer install. Autoformer secured and energized!

In followup, I have completed the fabrication of the aluminum support for the Hughes Autoformers mounting bracket. I will provide further details upon final installation. The ell extension protruding out on the left of the support/bracket assembly will be permanently installed within the aft dinette seat hatch, affixed under the Automatic Transfer Relay mounted on top of the wheel well. Two rivet nuts in the vertical ell will enable removal of the support/bracket assembly, via thumb screws, once the Autoformer is removed from its’ bracket for maintenance/repair of any underlying or surrounding electrical components. Back view. Front view. Autoformer mount views. Area cleared for installation of support/bracket assembly and Autoformer over the grounding bus bar. Support/bracket assembly and mounted Autoformer view. Pending final installation will involve placement of spacers under the relay’s mounting tabs to raise it up and over the ell extension, which will be secured with screws to the existing white mounting board.

My wife bought a couple of these TMA vacuums a year ago and have been very pleased considering the cost, less than $40 each at the time (promotional deal). Although we have a Dyson in the house, I often grab this cheapo for a quick sweep of things. The other is dedicated to the OTT, stows in the closet standing on end and is lightweight. It’s simple but very effective in a daily clean of the floor; also has a few attachments for cleaning cushions and window seals.

The question will be if both the neutral grounding plug and your the 30A adapter will simultaneously fit the genny’s duplex receptacle.

In my test, the 40A Renogy DC-DC reduces the typical 108A draw when running the A/C on battery while underway to 68A; getting full output from the charger means it is properly dialed in! I have no reason to run the A/C while underway other than pre-cool the interior prior to an anticipated break for lunch or a rest. When doing so, the batteries rebound by the time I reach my destination. You could see a 50% reduction in battery draw by the A/C with your charger, even more if you have solar, as well. Unfortunately, I have not been able to monitor the house batteries via the Victron Smart Shunt and Connect app from within the TV, and the breaker did trip once for some unknown reason. That said, I’ m sure you have a way to ensure your dogs are okay, perhaps temperature sensor alarms. NEway, thanks for your post and good luck with the endeavor!

HOLE-E COW BATMAN!

Most small generators only have a single duplex receptacle with two outlets. One outlet will be used for the neutral grounding plug, the other will require a 30 Amp to 15 Amp 110 Volt RV adapter. This is the one I bought from etrailer.com, but many similar are available on Amazon. I also make use of this plug at my storage facility for shore power.

This was sent me by Oliver upon request when I converted to LFPs last summer. In particular, Setting 20 (Battery Type) was switched to LFP and Setting 24 (Charger Current) on my Xantrex was checked and left at the factory 90 value for my older Freedom 2000 unit.

That was my observation, as well! Should be easy enough to scrape off the beads, apply new adhesive, properly bed the adhesive onto the fiberglass, then secure in place as it cures. I state this more to the benefit of others that may not know how to DIY a fix.

As an alternative, even though the ‘neutral bonding plug’ encumbers one of the duplex outlets on the generator one can always utilize the OTT’s external outlet, as needed.

Based on my experience, the BS performs best when level as possible or perhaps slated a bit toward the grease trap. I find many campsites to slope, so having a cook table with adjustable legs helps in dialing in an optimum cooking surface. This was one important criteria when I shopped my tables.

Mine is the 17” BS, only one burner control. Other than the egg carton and aluminum tray, all else stow inside the BS when not in use; very convenient.

Right that! Mine are by GCI Outdoor from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Shown in two configurations, based on the campsite terrain. I like that the individual legs are height adjustable. Complete with storage bags.

You can get an adapter for the BS. Pic connected to my 17” BS. This or a similar hose spans between the Oliver and the BS, I’m partial to MB Sturgis. I have two 15’ hoses; use one or both depending on distance from Oliver.

Not a problem, you have an immediate need so hope @Jps190 can help you!

PM me if still available, thanks!