MAX Burner

We don't have nearly the experience with Starlink as @Snackchaser, in fact we're still in our "personal beta testing mode." As I'm writing this, our SL is being powered by our 2kw inverter at our boondock location in North Texas. So let's try measuring the actual SL energy usage.... Condition 1: Our Victron SmartShunt reads our current values at 76% SOC, current draw is -0.55A, power usage -7W (with all electrical components off except for Fridge in GAS mode, Microwave LED clock on, SL off, and normal phantom draw). It's wall-to-wall sunshine now at about 0725 - solar modules are adding about 2.80A/36W into the BB's. Condition 2: Same background current draw as in Condition 1, but we energized the 2KW inverter. This bumped up the current draw to 1.08A and power usage to -14W. So, roughly, the inverter itself draws 0.53A or 12.7Amp-Hrs daily - just idling with no AC appliances being energized. Good to know number, IMO. Condition 3: All the same as above, except we energized the Starlink system. Current draw now up to -7.57A and power at -98W. The SL literature notes the unit will draw approx. 65W of power. Clearly, in our configuration, it's really more like 84W and pulling 6.5A. Without the SL energized, our phantom current draw is usually around 0.15 - 0.45A/-2 to 7W that's with the Fridge in the GAS mode and MicroWave in LED clock mode, and Smoke/LPG/CO2 detectors and various Victron components drawing a few 10ths of Ampere's. We're not that sad about the SL power consumption, however we're preparing to convert it over to a 12vDC system after this trip to save even more battery bank energy while boondocking. More on that upgrade later. Here are the screenshots of the 3 test conditions, FYI: Condition 1: Condition 2: Condition 3: If your "RV-style" of on the road needs reliable access to the internet like our's does (due to D's work requirements) the Starlink system is a viable option, IMO. It's been Uber-fast in cloudy/rainy conditions both day/night. Here's a screenshot of a speed test from this morning: More info to share later... Cheers!

Woah! That's a boat-load of cash riding down the road on 6 wheels! SHEESH!

Same here. For the same exact rationale that @Geronimo John explains. Keep in mind - the "generic" TPMS, configured correctly, will allow you time to find a safe place to come to rest if it's a "slow leak." OTOH, if you've just experienced a catastrophic tire failure, you may need to rely on the "good" axle (if you've got an LEII) to get the rig to a safe stopping location; or if single-axled - just enough time to stop safely where you're at. We've had the catastrophic blow-out scenario on a secondary road in southern Florida 15 or so years ago - two axles, no TPMS, never knew it happened until stopping many miles down the road. The second axle saved the day.

Thinking about heading to the "Q" 14-28JAN24... The RV show starts on the 20th, FYI: 41st Annual Quartzsite Sports, Vacation And RV Show - 2024 Also the Annual Hamfest for 2024: 2024 Quartzfest Schedule Who's game?

Merry Christmas Eve from Farmersville, TX! D, the boys, and I've been here for a week now - it's been raining about 50% of the time. In fact, the rain started last night around 2230 and has yet to stop. Glad to report that "Casa Blanca" is dry as a bone inside. We've kept the bathroom window and ceiling fan vent open (fan not running) and the MaxxAir fan blowing in "Air Out" mode at 10% RPM: result - absolutely no condensation on windows or bulkheads! Right now, enjoying some breakfast wine while D's learning how to crochet... HO, Ho, ho! Cheers, All! @topgun2:PS - Bill, just "Ravel'n On", Ha! TKX!

Merry Christmas to All in the Oliver Family... May 2024 bring in Peace, Happiness, and Prosperity to us all Cheers! A & D

We used a similar approach for the upgraded copper bus battery terminal:

Thinking about future OTT having electric motors at the wheels for electro/mechanical assist while towing - extending the range even more. Nonetheless, we're eventually entering into a new realm of RV'ing...

Agree 100%, very tough stuff! With the $16k "range extender" best case scenario towing range of 230 miles - not bad if there's chargers available. But out west...? The question is can it charge while towing with RV solar packages...?

Should have watched the video first. I stand corrected. It appears to be bullet proof against pistol cartridges (.45ACP fired from a Colt 1921A1) - but I suspect a modern battle rifle cartridge (i.e., 5.56mm NATO) would sail right through it! Splitting hairs?

figuratively speaking...

Like that stretch on the 378 from Pahrump, NV southwest through Shoshone to Baker, CA... Don't think you'll be seeing too many cyber vehicles in those parts...

Winter in the "Q" - great place for that LPG fire-pit warmed Clam!

@mossemi: Thanks, Mossey! This will be a memorable Christmas and New Year for sure and for certain! Cheers to all!

Thanks! Couldn't agree more, brother! Everyone's very excited and having the little guy here on Christmas Day will always be remembered as a special gift... Cheers!

ROGER, Soak'n!

Amen to that!

I love these tires! Ran thru two sets on the AS back in the day...

Concur, 100%!

Thanks, OM! Everyone's very excited! HO, Ho, ho! Cheers!

Well D and I thought our daughter's baby would be arriving closer to his due date of 25DEC... Clayton called me Monday afternoon to ensure my Go-Bag was ready, silly question. Anyhow, after Meghan worked Monday (4th grade teacher in Frisco, TX), she and Clayton checked her into the hospital and Cade Bailey Webb was born that evening. When they're ready to "EXFIL", they're ready! 6lbs/6oz - momma and baby perfectly healthy and excited to get home. Casa Blanca, AKA Santa's Sleigh/Giant "Go-Bag", was ready to go - loaded puppies and off we went early yesterday AM for TX. A non-eventful 9+ hour drive had us at their hospital room by late afternoon. They expect to be released today by noon. D flies in early Saturday... Proud Papa Flynn with 15-hour young Cade Bailey Webb: Christmas baby! Cheers, All! PS: This is first message sent over the Starlink system, FYI. Interior set-up...

@Patriot: Nope - Campong is a weekend of camping and champagne shooting... Never heard of "Chambong"? Ha! Cheers, brother!

FYI: With 2, count 'em two, 50+# Huskies traveling with us everywhere - we have dog hair. The TV and OTT get dog hair removal operations using the Bissell "Hair Eraser". This device is the bomb - for our application, that is; a great pet hair management system. It lives in the closet and out of the way. Charge lasts for 2 -3 thorough vacuum drills (TV and OTT) - great suction, easy to clean filters, and no weird issues, so far. Those traveling with pets would not be sad to consider it or a similar unit, IMO:

Not meaning to highjack the thread, but, YES! In fact, we're headed to St. Maarten in early FEB.

Same here. So far, during this year's outings we've never had to fire up the EU2000 because the 200w suitcase (and 340w rooftop array) gets the BBs well into the 90% SOC by keeping the suitcase aimed slightly ahead of the sun. We're planning a late DEC trip to Dallas in a week or so, with low sun angles and possible cloudy WX - the EU2000 may "see the light of day" finally... We'll keep y'all posted. Cheers!