Ronbrink
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Posts posted by Ronbrink
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On 9/19/2023 at 8:09 PM, Ronbrink said:
As a side note, I converted my Viair to utilize the Anderson, as well.
Snapped some pics yesterday while servicing the tires on my TV to illustrate the Anderson conversion and use. If unfamiliar with Viair, they come with alligator clips for a direct battery connection at either the TV’s under hood or RV’s house battery(ies). Prior to the installation of the Anderson at the rear bumper to power a DC-DC charger, I would pop the hood, connect the Viair and stage it on the ground at the front passenger side tire; which made for a long hose stretch to the Oliver’s rear, driver side tires. In using the Anderson, the Viair is now more strategically positioned when servicing both vehicles and much more convenient. However, there may be instances when the Viair is needed elsewhere, so the alligator clips were converted, as well.
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7 hours ago, Peggie said:
In the photo, my index finger is pointing to where a hook would go on the ceiling.
It appears the cupboard door is flush against the hull fiberglass; seems a simple twist lock type sash fastener would suffice. Here is one for example only, the arm would swing down and hold the door in the open position. If not flush at the top, it could be mounted on either side, in similar manner. A ‘search’ will reveal a variety of this type fastener to consider for your specific application.
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1 hour ago, Peggie said:
the cupboard doors opened upwards and I loved it.
That makes perfect coffee sense!
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On 12/2/2023 at 2:51 PM, Peggie said:
I asked a while back about flipping the cupboard door above stove.
Hi Peggie. Curious why you are flipping the cupboard door, I could not find where you stated your rationale. I’ve often thought of doing the same at the rear attic to lessen the chance of its’ impact to the TV when deployed.
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On 8/24/2023 at 10:14 AM, Boonter Jeff said:
They pointed out a much larger trailer and said that I had the same brakes that the big one had.
Curious which axle you have, 3500 or 5000?
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1 hour ago, johnwen said:
Any particular brand?
My order details.
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59 minutes ago, johnwen said:
Any particular brand?
If you go to ‘Ollie Modifications’ and scroll through GJ’s post below, you will find a comment made with pertinent information. Power connectors and solar ports were both cheaper on ebay.Flexible Solar Panels
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19 hours ago, johnwen said:
All works ok but I'd like to replace the OTT supplied Zamp connector with an Anderson Powerpole connector.
For an external port, a waterproof connection is my preference. I purchased a couple of Andersons that had a ‘weather tight cover’ to seal when not in use, but returned them due to concerns when using in inclement weather. Although Anderson offers dust and waterproof components, I found none that were flush mount. Conversely, I ordered ports with waterproof bayonet-style connections when in use.
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On 11/16/2023 at 6:17 AM, Ronbrink said:
In an email response from OTT to the service ticket submitted, I was informed they would have to consult with Xantrex and report back.
I am still awaiting a response regarding OTT’s consultation with Xantrex and a definitive answer to my question - Is this the norm for my Xantrex or is it not operating correctly? I did get the following from Jason E., which implies voltage will be maintained after bulk charge. I think a call in in order!
FURTHER OTT RESPONSE: The charge cycle of the Xantrex can be changed within the settings either manually or by selecting a battery type and temperature. We typically select a battery type and manually update based on the battery manufacturer's recommendation. It will initially charge at a bulk rate which is higher amperage, as low as 30a for standard 12v batteries, 60a for AGMs, and up to 150a for some lithium batteries but this depends on the battery type & number of batteries in the bank. After bulk charge it will maintain the voltage but starts to gradually drop the amperage until it goes into Float charge which will be a low amount of amperage like they are on a battery maintainer.
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On 9/22/2023 at 1:46 PM, Ronbrink said:
Also, when the 20 amp DC/DC charger is activated
I have since upgraded to a 40A DC-DC charger.
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Recently posted to Oliver FB: “Nothing like a good morning cup of coffee while checking out the Oliver Owner Forum and FB. I’m the early riser and making use of my new Lagun table, front and center; the wife’s Lagun shows how it is used at night to stage extra bedding rather than out of reach at the dinette table/seats.”
The Lagun tables performed as expected during a recent five-day trip. The only ‘cons’ thus far, are cost and the narrower passageway when the two are positioned directly across aisle from each other; however not that much of a hindrance and serves as a convenient support hold when navigating the narrows. Some ‘pros’ include unobstructed access to the night stand drawer; installation of a Lagun wherein the basement access door was opted; no need for removal and thus, encumber closet storage when not in use; no more maneuvering around the Lagun, as originally mounted, to access the rear attic; easy to move individual bed tables to serve a variety of purposes while laying in bed with unobstructed ingress/egress; no bed cover impediment; staging area for additional bedding or whatever; additional counter space at the galley for food prep; multi-positional standing desk(s); additional sofa bed seated dining; and, although not tested, perhaps a bridge between the twins as a platform for expanded bedding. ‘Nuff said!
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20 hours ago, SeaDawg said:
Will did more testing and teardown on LiTime batteries, including the new 100 amp mini for under $300. Again, no low temp sensor, and much cells, but some other impressive components.
I’ve been very pleased with my LiTimes: the 100Ah ‘mini’ in a potable power station, two 230Ah in the Oliver’s battery bank; each installed with a Victron temperature sensor for good measure, as well as Victron SmartShunts. Also installed a Victron monitor in the power station. A weight loss of ~150 lbs. by switching out the four 6V Trojan T-105s and double the available amp hours, what’s not to like?
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Thanks to all, somehow I feel a bit ‘smarter’ by way of your responses!
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23 hours ago, Ollie-Haus said:
The solar panel connection from the truck to the camper would be another connection at the bumper to the camper, probably just a simple SAE plug on each end with a 4' tether that would make the connection if and when I need to use that capacity.
I found the SAE connections in my initial install to be unsatisfactory. Either the wires were too stiff, there was too much vibration or a combination thereof, but the plug components would loosen, heat up and disconnect; very frustrating. Since changing to bayonet coupling components, problem solved. This is the set used with my homemade 100ah LFP portable power station for both input and output connections. These, as well as the solar connectors shown below, are also waterproof!
Given the success of this style connector, I purchased a like product to use in my pending exterior solar plug installs, one forward at the propane tank housing and one aft at the basement hatch.
Although the solar port shows 10A, I believe that to be a misnomer. The lead wires on the reverse side appear to be substantial enough to support a 20A system, and thus fine for use with a 200W solar panel.
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2 hours ago, Geronimo John said:
Victron 712 Smart
I would think (meaning I don’t really know in fact) the Victron SmartShunt would have something to do with the balance of varied incoming currents, as each charging source independently completes their respective charge cycles to float, thus allowing them to “play together” to reach full battery bank SOC.
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33 minutes ago, MAX Burner said:
With full understanding of what "highjacking a post" means, and risking getting hammered for this post - but @Ronbrink reminded me of my old handmade meerschaum pirate pipe I acquired in Istanbul decades ago... Now I need some good tobacco to go with the Oliver!
I see you have a good stock of cigars, as well! I’m an infrequent smoker, cigar with whisky, pipe when camping. Gave up the whisky a long time ago, but now reminded of something missing in camp! Nice looking pipe!
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On 11/29/2023 at 8:52 AM, MAX Burner said:
@Geronimo John - Hey, GJ; FYI, D found these from Amazon. They work out well for our needs. They fit through the street side garage hatch. We use them in the back of the SUV also
Bought similar at Northern Tool, brand name Big Ant, available in two sizes. I use two of the smaller in the further reaches of the basement; one for water-, other electric-related stuff. The first ‘in’ has a rope tied to it for easy retrieval, the second used to push the first all of the way back. Perfect fitment to maximize that available, but hard to reach space. Just know, I had no inclination to opt for the interior basement hatch door at the twin model nightstand, the Lagun table was the preferred option. Since these crates ‘nest’, I stack two under cap in the TV bed for miscellaneous, as well as two in the cab behind the center console for easy to reach items and snacks. As for the larger size, I find them very handy in transporting food and clothing to and from the OTT, with no intentions to take with.
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8 hours ago, Cameron said:
a pipe? somehow he doesn't look like a pipe smoker.
I thought the same, went back for a second viewing to see if the pipe was just a prop, but saw actual smoke! That reminds me, I need to locate my ‘old’ deer hunting camp Peterson pipe, get some cherry tobacco, and carry with. Thanks for the memory jog!
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This may be a given, but repositioning the twist latch catch at the bottom will need to be considered.
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5 hours ago, Geronimo John said:
When I was installing our Lithiums and DC to DC and solar suit case I asked the forum if they could all play together at the same time. Got zero response back then.
I too was waiting for some response! To your original question, I kinda remember seeing those long, narrow flex panels installed on an Oliver within the curbside lower trough between the awning and roof rise, in similar manner on the street side, as well as the center roof. Not to offend, but I passed on the solar option not only due to the added expense, but also because of aesthetics; the ‘roof wings’ simply did not appeal to me, nor potential effects on aerodynamics, as you mentioned.
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9 hours ago, SeaDawg said:
Best investments are based on individual camping styles,and everyone is different.
True that!
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8 hours ago, Ollie-Haus said:
I like the idea of keeping the camper cool during hot weather while traveling to the next stop. With the DC-DC charging the bats from the truck, we can leave the inverter on and run the AC on low while driving and when we get to our destination, the camper is cool and the batteries will likely be 100%. No sense letting that alternator capacity go to waste.
My 40A DC-DC will not totally offset the power consumption of the Dometic’s 90+amp draw when the compressor is cycling On. At best, I plan to do the same with inherent limitations; wherein running the A/C an hour or so prior to stops during hotter times of year for the added comfort. I recently upgraded to LFPs and installed a transfer switch to operate the Dometic via inverter; a relatively simple conversion compared to the DC-DC install, but well worth the overall cost and effort! However, you do have an advantage, in that your OTT equipped solar panels will further maintain battery bank levels when underway with optimum climatic conditions. I suggest you move up your tentative DC-DC install to next spring rather than summer; time’s a wastin’!
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On 11/29/2023 at 9:55 AM, Ollie-Haus said:
As an alternative to lack of solar input, the DC-DC charger gets it done!
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On 11/28/2023 at 5:12 PM, Ollie-Haus said:
I purchased the 200w 12v Renogy Flex panel for my charging needs for a lithium battery pack in the truck that runs my portable fridge/freezer.
I added 200W of flexible solar panels atop the TV bed cap for the same purpose. Been great for 3.5 years! Since I did not opt for solar in my build, I’m now geared up to install a solar port at the propane tank housing to enable use of said panels to charge the OTT’s house batteries, as boondocking has become more frequent for me. Also adding a solar port outside at the rear basement hatch, inline with the other two ports for sat/cable TV. I plan to get a portable folding solar panel to further increase solar input.
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Xantrex DC Power Draw
in Mechanical & Technical Tips
Posted
After a couple more emails regarding my Service Ticket, I received the following:
FINAL OTT RESPONSE: Based on the information you provided to us it does not seem like the inverter is working as it is designed to, this could be due to the settings. That is why the settings were sent to you to verify that all of those are correct. Xantrex would be responsible for this warranty and may have some trouble shooting steps that they would walk you through so I would recommend contacting them directly to see if they would replace under warranty, but I do not know if they would do so as it has a two-year warranty that would have run out on 01/28/2022.