Ronbrink

We spend a lot of time away from our campsite. I like having cold foods and drinks (think beer), and frozen treats in the Dometic dual zone when venturing out for the day. So we’re out-and-about and the question comes up “whats for supper”? “Oh, let me take a couple of ribeyes out of the freezer, should be thawed by the time we get back to camp”! ‘Nuff said.

With the Savana readied to roll our COW to a scheduled destination, last week’s trip went very well; credit to the many upgrades and mods in the past few months. Here’s a few pics: Loading modular box at COW Barn containing camping gear. Improved safety chain management with newly installed hammerlock coupling links. Newly configured 7-pin and DC-DC connection cables. Ready for takeoff. Smooth landing at destination. Camp R&B, Guadalupe River SP, Spring Branch, Texas. Trailhead parking for an evening bike ride. Morning coffee inside the Savana from a rear passenger captain seat. Wash station setup.

I’m not aware of anyone commenting on mods to the Truma or short cycling issues, not to say there hasn’t been any discussion. Thanks for you response, very enlightening!

I have hopefully found a work around for both the fan control and thermistor issues, specific to the Atmos. Pending implementation measures and findings may be of interest to anyone considering this replacement unit.

I recall you rectifying the issue with your Houghton by installing a relay, correct? Continuous fan run causing cabin humidity to rise seems to be a universal issue, even with the Truma. I replaced my DPll with a Dreiha Atmos 4.4 and use the Dry Mode when humidity begins to spike. Problem being, the cabin gets very cold if kept in that mode for too long and humidity level will eventually start to creep up again and thus, not a panacea. However, I recently learned of a viable solution with the Atmos to control the fan when the compressor shuts off, thereby significantly reducing said humidity concerns within. More importantly, only a minor alteration of the unit and no void of warranty. I look forward to reporting my findings.

Never had one of these fans fall in 5 years of use, nor any issues with the Velcro adherence on the wall or fan base. Use quality Velcro on a clean surface for best results. I actually have to give them a bit of tug when removing, so can’t imagine one just loosing grip and falling. That said, if left up when bouncing down the road then Newton’s Law likely will factor in!

Thanks for the reminder that diesels rock when it comes to idle abilities! However, not practical from this gasser’s standpoint, at least when sitting idle for extended periods just to fully charge and no other purpose. Good point on a/c consumption being offset by power input from a DC-DC, idling or underway! I oftentimes let my COW cool down before a scheduled stop, especially when traveling in extreme heat conditions. Before LFPs my original Renogy 20A charger did justice to the four 6V Trojans, but I had to break out the generator for added comfort during stops. I quickly learned once the switch was made to lithiums and changes to run the a/c on batts that a larger charger was needed and thus, a 40A was installed. And yes, upgrading to the Atmos made things even more better!

As expressed by others, it’s really a matter if choice. Since I don’t have solar, the DC-DC allows for charging while underway. Since upgrading to LFPs and the ability to run the air conditioner on the battery bank, it was important to me to be able to maintain adequate SOC following travel breaks during meals, rests and such while drawing down the batteries for this added comfort. Granted, sitting idle just to charge a battery bank is not practical, and disconnecting the TVs charging wire in the seven pin connector is best since the alternator’s charging profile is not suitable for lithiums.

Here’s my adaptation in mounting the two Sirocco ll fans back in 2020 shortly after our OLEll purchase. By chance, my setup has worked really well, thus far! Rather than a permanent mount and hardwiring, I used Velcro for attachment and installed ports in the fan base for a detachable power cable. The fans and cables are stowed in the attic when not in use and can be deployed, as needed. The two primary locations are above each bed and an alternate in the galley to direct air flow toward the dinette. I like that the fans are multi-directional both forward and downward facing. The white Velcro is not very noticeable at the three attachment points and excess cable is simply wrapped around the base for a clean appearance.

Aft-mounted jet fuel fired turbine engine to enable use of the Dreiha Atmos 4.4 in Turbo Mode, as well as improved fuel efficiency when underway!

We hang a couple of laundry bags (his/hers) in the rear closet void; no interference with hanging clothes. They have backpack type straps for hauling into the house.

Actually, the 60A Blue Sea (not 100A as illustrated in the product pic) replaced a 60A Optifuse for 12V accessary power. The 300A Optifuse you refer to is likely the breaker for the battery bank to inverter.

That @jd1923 really has it goin’ on with his water and power setups!

Likely MacGyvered adaptations!! Actually, Carefree offers a height adjustable vertical stabilizer that looks universal for all awning types.

That will work or get a small section of PVC clear reinforced braided vinyl tubing. My dedicated hose fits inside a gallon Ziploc bag for ease of storage. Mostly used in the tank sanitation process via the boondocking port, but I also carry two 5-gal collapsible containers if fresh water supply ever runs low. I can see in your application where the longer hose would be necessary.

It would take me two beers to patiently and correctly wind up the Gorilla, being that I would probably fumble it a time or two trying to get the perfect roll and have to start over!

Right that! I’ve seen where support posts are placed at each corner of the awning (which manual awnings already have or variations thereof) and the bottom of the sunshade is anchored. Supposedly this makes for a more stable setup in windy conditions.

Many praise the addition of a DC to DC charger, more is better!

I’m a zero-G guy, carry three for dedicated purposes; freshwater fill, black tank rinse and general wash hoses. I find them easy to roll up and stow; they are very flexible and durable. Each are setup with quick connects and accessories for their respective applications.

I replaced mine with a Blue Seas System breaker, much better quality and no recurring issues.

Aftermarket sunshade kits are readily available for a variety of awning makes and models. One would want to turn off the switched power with use on an auto retract unit.

Humidity is definitely an issue in hot climates, especially when outside relative humidity levels are high. The Oliver’s interior can become muggy feeling if the HVAC is inefficient in removing excess moisture and thus, dehumidifiers are subsequently used with varying degrees of success. Proper ventilation practices can help alleviate this issue, as well as other moisture management measures within.

You had me concerned since I purchased my hammer locks some time ago and just now got around to installing them on the Savana. These have a stout cotter pin for an easy install and removal, if necessary. The rubber boots are a nice feature, but do add thickness to the chain connector link. However my stock chain hooks had good fitment, but the locking hitch pin was a close fit. You may want to consider replacing the chain hooks on your setup in order to make use of the hammer locks.

In preparation for next week’s trip, I thought best to test out our ebikes on the bike rack setup I recently retrofitted on the Savana. All went well and pleased that my vision from behind the steering wheel was even better than with the former TV. The front receiver hitch and bike rack rode solid around a neighborhood excursion. As a reminder, the folding ebikes are transported inside the van when underway to a destination then staged on the QuikrStuff bike rack once in camp. I do drive around with them mounted while inside a CG, to trailheads of proximity or nearby attractions.

Looks like you have the Orion dialed in! Good to see how it and your rooftop solar play together.