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Wayfinder

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Posts posted by Wayfinder

    The Saga of corroded brake wires on older trailers

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Well, I finished putting on new connectors on all the brake assemblies. Much like @John E Davies article in 2018, I also saw a marked voltage improvement at each assembly, at least 100 mV or better. I have gone for two 20 mile test runs with the rig and no errors from the RAM and I've been able to reduce the brake controller gain from 8.5 to 6.0 or 6.5. Will continue to fine tune that in up coming travels. 

     

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    The Saga of corroded brake wires on older trailers

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    @jd1923 the Google interwebs revealed that at least going back to 2018 RAM owners reported their trailers clicking. And yes I am a RAM owner. eTrailer explains that this is the truck ensuring the magnets are working and could use the brakes if needed. 

    And as I learned, if the trailer has some questionable grounds or connections, the truck thinks there are no brakes, and gives up trying after a while, sometimes in the disable state. I'm not sure that's good logic or bad to disable the brake altogether. I rather just have the message remind me to check my brakes instead of completely turning them off. 

    This could be my last RAM. 

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    The Saga of corroded brake wires on older trailers

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    On 7/18/2024 at 12:02 PM, jd1923 said:

    I remember removing excess wire. Voltage varies and is controlled by your trailer brake controller. I get Chris to apply the TV brakes,  on and off as I check the brake action and adjustment.

    i would still run the wires through the axles. You just need high-quality, better insulated wire and you can add grommets. 

    Thanks @jd1923 for your suggestions, and everyone's.  I have a new DC clamp multimeter in the mail.  I only had an AC clamp meter before.  Before I finish up my brake wiring job I'm curious to see the voltages before and after, especially at the farthest distance to passenger side brakes.

    I'm torn between going internal and external wires.  I'm thinking someone can at least see any issues if exterior.  And with a ton of perfectly spaced exterior tie wraps, it should look "pro" - with the wire on rear, and slip above center-plane of the axle.  Still thinking about it.  I can be swayed.  I'm malleable.  😉 

    The Saga of corroded brake wires on older trailers

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    Google led me to the 2018 forum discussion about wire size, right after I found this eTrailer article. https://www.etrailer.com/question-83165.html

    I'm thinking of getting eTrailers 12 Gauge Black Primary Wire to replace what's in the axles, and likely going exterior too, but using medium-size black exterior zip ties. Suggestions welcome.
     https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Deka/12-1-1.html

    I agree, what's in the Dexter axles are very thin, albeit double jacketed.

     

    The Saga of corroded brake wires on older trailers

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    Those butt splice connectors on the green extender wires were too large AND whoever put them on did not bother to shrink wrap the ends, and they were quite large open ended connectors.  Water traps for sure.

    Everything is reconnected and heat shrink wrapped ends are done too.  No truck errors in the drive way, but I never did get those.  

    Will test drive soonest.  Finger's crossed.

    • Like 2

    OTT does not track repairs via the Hull Numbers

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder
    Because I can't spell and I don't proof read well enough!

    While at OTT Jason and I were talking about using the hull numbers to track service tickets.  Unless I misunderstand him, and he seemed pretty clear, they have no way in their system to track repairs via the hull numbers.  The numbers are "more for the owners", than OTT themselves.  They "currently" pretty much track only via the owner's name.  So, if you sell a trailer, the next owner would need to know your name, and likely have their database updated.  I would think they have all the VIN numbers too.  Since the VIN numbers no longer correspond with the hull numbers, it's not as easy now to use the hull #s. 

    The VINs have "rotated" back around with new suffix numbers so they can no longer use the last 3 or 4 for the hull #s.  

    Maybe many of you knew this already.

    BLUF:  If we say we own hull # blank, it means nothing to OTT.  They key on our name only, or mostly.  They're just for us "fun monkeys" to use.

    Do you think Hull #s should be put on the back of Ollies by default?  That would be a fun poll to run on FB.

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    The Saga of corroded brake wires on older trailers

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    Well, as some of you know I've been posting a "ton" of stuff on the FB group.  I'm trying to share and received some good suggestions for troubleshooting all my brake issues. 

    I was inspecting the brake wire bundles on the street-side wheel well when one of the very hard plastic sealed connectors broke off. I discovered even more corrosion (pictured).  No wonder these newer trucks think there's an issue with the brakes, cuz there is.  The voltage drop / resistance must be the issue.  I'll get someone to press on the brake peddle while I have a multimeter on these.  I'll compare the rear wire bundle to the front bundle, which I've not touched yet.  To see if I can see a difference. If I do the test correctly.

    I placed new temporary connectors on the rear bundle at a harvest host in a very wet grassy field, after a huge downpour.  Fun times.  But the truck did not gripe about breaks for 2.5 hours going home, until the very end of the trip, after going through a HORRIBLE rainstorm on I-20.

    There seems to also be wire "extenders" on the green wire on the front bundle, and I don't like the look of the NON-sealed connectors. I cannot wait to see what they look like.  I have shrink-wrap sealed connectors on-hand I will use.

    Any suggestions are welcome, especially as it comes to testing the voltage from the 7-pin to the bundles.  Just things I've not yet done before. Kind of fun though.  

    Thanks,

     

    corroded-brake-wires-front.png

    corroded-brake-wires-rear.png

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    New axles may not fit all older sub-frames

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    I just opened a ticket for Jason.  Maybe he'll have those exact hanger measurements needs for the axles.  I sent them a pic of one of my hangers, if they need to mark it up on the pic.

    If nothing else, maybe we can save his team's time by not entertaining the idea if the hangers don't meet what the new axles expect.  New tech, old tech - they don't usually play nice together.

    Like mentioned above, it's not a defect.  It's just the way things were done "back in the day" and now we all expect to have the shiny new "gear" on our old rigs.  It's just not usually practical in the real world.  LOL. This is why we constantly need to upgrade our computers. Dang it. Difficult to plan for the future widgets not yet on the market.

    Here's is pic of my driver's side hanger.  We specifically talked about the position of this one. 

    chris-scarffs-hanger-drivers-side.jpg

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    Broken leaf spring

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    Hey guys.  I tried trudging through some of the 8 pages on the Alcan leaf spring thread listed above.  Wow, that was a long thread.  But I did not see mention of an actual part number to reference for the Alcan.  Did I miss it or do they go off the basic specs of the springs that @Geronimo John mentioned in his attached document (very handy, thank you).

    EDIT:  Ah I see, it's a super small business, so likely no specific part number, and just give them the specs.

    Thanks.

    Chris

    • Like 1

    New axles may not fit all older sub-frames

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    9 hours ago, jd1923 said:

    Any chance you can ask for the hard measurements? I’d like to measure mine to see. Thanks

    I failed to get that measurement and I won't see them again. If those hangers are perfectly flush with the sub-frame, you have a good chance of them working. My hangers are not flush at all. 

    Maybe the welder had a really good party the night before. LoL 

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    New axles may not fit all older sub-frames

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    Okay, here are more details on the new axles not able to be fit onto #110.

    In the attached picture, my trailer's hangers are welded a bit too far inward on the sub-frame. The new axles do not have ANY "play" or "slop" in them for a fudge-factor. This is unlike the original axles. The frame hangers MUST be spot-on in regards to measurements. So, between the left and right hangers, there is not enough room. They needed 3/8" more to make them fit correctly.


    Oh well, it saved me a bit of $$. They said my shocks are still good and they installed my self-provided EZ-Flex suspension parts for me.


    The new windows and shades look awesome and the new batteries are working with more Amp Hours than I had with the crappy Interstate batteries.


    Jason seemed to give me a "facial & verbal compliment" and said the trailer is still looking great. I think he was a bit surprised due to the age of the camper. Wait until CGI gets their hands on it tomorrow.


    Oh, also, they are out of trailer covers and likely will not order them again, since not too many folks get them and .... some other reason, can't remember. He suggested I call Calmark Covers to see if they can still get me one. It will make the ceramic coating last longer. Mostly only cover it in winter and early spring.

    Oliver-sub-frame-hangers.png

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    Potential Battery Upgrade

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    2 hours ago, CRM said:

    What was different about the new axles that caused them not to be compatible with your Ollie?

    I'm not entirely sure yet, but it was a measurement that was, I think Jason said, 3/16 inch off, or something like that. I'll get details when I pick it up.  Hopefully no more issues were encountered by the team.  I don't want to be... "that guy".  LOL

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    Potential Battery Upgrade

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Well, as I just posted in the FB group.  I can't get new axles on #110, they will not fit, but I did go ahead and get new AGMs for now!  I just do not have time this year to fiddle with Lithium experimentation myself. They are installing my Dexter EZ-Flex system, which I had not yet gotten around to installing.  A shame they spend so many man-hours trying to fit the axles onto the frame.  I'm very pleased though with everything so far.  Very impressed by the integrity of the Oliver service team.

    Jason did say the Progressive Industries converter I just upgraded to, which has a Lithium switch on it, part # PD4045CSV, is not "certified" with Lithionics, but is for Battleborns. The way I use the camper now, I really have no real "need" for Lithium, although I know I will love the future upgrade.  Let's face it, guys can get each other "excited" over new shiny tech toys. I know I do.  This might be the last set of lower-end batteries.  Mine were not even able to maintain the hot water pot, which only needs 1050 watts of power.  Since the "rube" who installed the batteries at the NC dealer connected the positive inverter cable to the wrong end of the batteries bank, the batteries did not degrade evenly, or together.  So, screw it.  Out with the old.  At least Oliver will wire everything back up correctly.  They have all the pre-cut connectors I'm sure.  Jason said it takes less than an hour typically to install the batteries.  Hopefully no more surprises.  New large windows are in along with new shades.

    • Like 3

    Points of inspection in the hitch area

    in Towing an Oliver

    Posted

    I replied to someone on Facebook, I figure I would post here too for coverage.

    I use 13 points of interest to check before rolling out on a trip and anytime before I move the camper. Even if parked along in a shopping area.  Just to ensure someone is not "mucking" with stuff. I don't always get "13", so I'll start again!  LOL

    I've seen both Oliver and non-Oliver folks with twisted chains using Andersens.  Very easy to correct by "flipping the wing" one direction or another.

     

    Hitch-POI-Count.jpg

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    Potential Battery Upgrade

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    I had this video pop up on  my "suggested list".  Very informative.  I never did understand all the different sizes and names for wires.  Americans!  We're some stubborn folk, aren't we?! 

    Looks like he's doing a good job with his new training series too.

     

     

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    Potential Battery Upgrade

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted · Edited by Wayfinder

    Update: Well, I've had the system on a few days of Solar and a few days of 20A shore power.  The BlueSky and converter seem to be working totally as expected and as it was before my battery tray clean-up. 

    A good long shutdown/reboot fixes almost everything.  Even us.  LOL

    I'll be at the factory for the first time in a few days.  Not sure what to expect, but excited.

    • Like 4

    Refrigerator Cooling Fan

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Yes, #110 has the exact setup pictured above.  Mike (forget last name) at the AL rally told me how to test my fan and power leading to it.  I found that no matter what, there is no power going to the fan.  I tested the switch and it appears to work as expected.  I have not bothered to pull out the fridge, and/or microwave, to figure out there the disconnect is yet.  I've lived with the fan off since I owned the trailer.  I will be asking Oliver which to pull out first to trace the wire.  I figure it's the fridge.  Again, not knowing where it's connected in the cabinet.  I wonder if it ever worked, even for the first owner.

     

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    Potential Battery Upgrade

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    23 minutes ago, topgun2 said:

    OK - this will not explain the 2.3 - but - did you pull the fuse on the propane detector?

    Just so I understand your question.  Do you mean the CO2 / propane detector under the dinette by the electrical panel?  If so, then yes, I pulled the fuse during one of my tests to see where the draw was coming from.  During one test ALL 12v fuses were pulled out, just to be sure. 

    Good news this morning.  After putting the trailer in "dark mode" last night, (with everything off and breakers popped open) the Blue Sky seems to have "fixed itself". After verifying the batteries had stabilized down to 12.94v and were holding this morning, I powered up the solar controller and reset the rear breakers.  In short order I noticed a more "expected" behavior from the ProRemote, with only a draw of -1.1 amps, while it was rethinking it's life's decisions.  LOL

    I verified all settings as Ryan from BlueSky had me set them to a few years ago (same batteries).  All was well there.

    One test I did, out of curiosity, was to change, just for a few minutes, the "self discharge" setting.  Ryan, and the user manual, suggested keeping it at 10% for FLA batteries.  I put it to 0.00% to see what the ProRemote would say the draw would be.  It immediately dropped down to 0.0amps.  After re-reading the ProRemote user manual in the house, I went back out and set it back to 10% self discharge.  The ProRemote leveled out to what I would consider a more "normal" behavior for my system, with a draw of -1.1amps consistently.  

    As the sun is coming up now, the system is going from float to acceptance and back again as needed.  Also, the charge level hashes (#####) appeared much, much sooner after turning the system back on, compared to yesterday or day before.  Previously they would not show up for hours, which frankly I think was a normal behavior for my system if the power was taken away from the BlueSky for a while.  

    Either way, it feels like it is "happier" now.  I'll keep an eye on it throughout the day.  I'll keep only solar on it for now and keep the shore power off until I confirm it's behavior. 

    Thanks again!  Great fun learning something new that does not involve a keyboard and a desk.   LOL

    I still have not gotten around to checking the draw using my clamp multimeter. I will, hopefully today.  Depends how busy I get at work.

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