Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #125 – May 04, 2021, 10:25:39 pm Harry,AM Solar installed the Victron Cyrix-li-Ct 1 relay between the chassis alternator and our new Solar System with its Battle Born lithium batteries.This allows the alternator to charge the lithium’s at the correct charge rate. AM Solar sells this device. There are probably other manufacturers of a similar device. Kent
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #126 – May 04, 2021, 11:45:27 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - May 04, 2021, 10:25:39 pmAM Solar installed the Victron Cyrix-li-Ct 1 relay between the chassis alternator and our new Solar System with its Battle Born lithium batteries.This allows the alternator to charge the lithium’s at the correct charge rate. AM Solar sells this device. There are probably other manufacturers of a similar device. Reading the specs it needs more than just that device which I’m sure yours has. The spec says nothing about the correct charge rate. What rate do you see with an 80% SOC lithium battery? I would be looking for something that would limit the charge current to 40-50 amps. I did that with a 50 amp DC to DC charger set at 40 amps with my class B. The LD is configured to stay put so all lithium charging is solar or generator. I have a call in to Progressive Dynamics to see if I can increase the charge rate from the generator. 120 amps is a respectable charge rate so it isn’t too important to increase it. It would just decrease generator run time a few minutes.
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #127 – May 05, 2021, 06:55:16 pm Quote from: hbn7hj - May 04, 2021, 07:06:01 pm We avoided that by not allowing lithium charging from the alternator but there are probably good solutions to the problem of uncontrolled charging current destroying the alternator.The marine world uses lithium batteries and engine alternators to charge them, controlling the alternators with specialized voltage regulators.The optional second alternator isn't used for running the engine, it can have its own regulator, one designed for use with lithium batteries.Since this is a new situation, the aftermarket will probably respond or an existing marine regulator may already be available.Lithium batteries are here to stay, why not take advantage of the large available alternator and the ability of lithium batteries to happily accept high charge levels. Some Sprinter RVs now use lithiums for almost everything, including cooking, and require running the engine daily to recharge the battery, some of these rigs do not come with any solar. If lithium batteries continue dropping in price, the day of being able to run the A/C all night on battery power is coming, It would increase the number of places we could camp in the summer and during the shoulder seasons.If and when it does, the optional alternator will be the quickest way to recharge, faster than using the generator. The battery would need a daily run of either to fully recharge when dry camping. There isn't enough room on the roof for the amount of solar needed to recharge daily.Larry
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #128 – May 05, 2021, 10:20:07 pm Quote from: Larry W - May 05, 2021, 06:55:16 pmLithium batteries are here to stay, why not take advantage of the large available alternator and the ability of lithium batteries to happily accept high charge levels. I just don’t use my LD that way. It sits. Mercedes only wants you to take 40 amps from the standard alternator. Those high charge rates have to come from a second alternator. I’m not interested in a second alternator. The generator works just fine.120 amp charge rate is quite enough but if I can increase it from the generator I will. I need to follow up with progressive Dynamics to see if there is a way.For the Roadtrek I only have 100ah of lithium so 40 amps while driving with the only alternator works very well.
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #129 – May 06, 2021, 01:51:32 am Quote from: hbn7hj - May 05, 2021, 10:20:07 pmI just don’t use my LD that way. It sits. Mercedes only wants you to take 40 amps from the standard alternator. Those high charge rates have to come from a second alternator. I’m not interested in a second alternator. The generator works just fine.120 amp charge rate is quite enough but if I can increase it from the generator I will. I need to follow up with progressive Dynamics to see if there is a way.For the Roadtrek I only have 100ah of lithium so 40 amps while driving with the only alternator works very well.I wasn’t suggesting that you or anybody in particular should do this, only that it is an interesting option for those who want to pursue it and own or will own an RV with the 7.3-L V8.Using a large, dedicated engine alternator to charge a large lithium battery pack is not futuristic, it’s been in use for while now on large boats and custom built RVs. A forum thread, two years ago, discussed a new Sprinter-based RV that Winnebago was developing which was equipped with a large lithium battery and a second, large alternator. Winnebago Lithium RVhttps://www.thefitrv.com/rv-reviews/our-experience-as-pure3-lithium-travato-test-pilots/Larry
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #130 – May 06, 2021, 03:15:56 pm Quote from: Larry W - May 06, 2021, 01:51:32 amI wasn’t suggesting that you or anybody in particular should do this, only that it is an interesting option for those who want to pursue it and own or will own an RV with the 7.3-L V8.The virtue of such systems is the 48 volt system standard. The weak point is the belt drive to the second alternator. Certainly a solvable problem with stronger belts or double belt drive. The all electric RVs require it. Certainly an interesting technical challenge to retrofit a 48 volt system. I think I would try for a 48 volt system rather than a 200 amp 12 volt system. Just idle thoughts. If anyone does it, let us know how it went.
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #131 – May 06, 2021, 03:43:33 pm Quote from: hbn7hj - May 06, 2021, 03:15:56 pmThe virtue of such systems is the 48 volt system standard. The weak point is the belt drive to the second alternator. Certainly a solvable problem with stronger belts or double belt drive. The all electric RVs require it. Certainly an interesting technical challenge to retrofit a 48 volt system. I think I would try for a 48 volt system rather than a 200 amp 12 volt system. Just idle thoughts. If anyone does it, let us know how it went.48-volt systems are already standard in some hybrid cars and will become more common over the next few years. 48-volts is the next step in automotive electrical, 6-volts was standard until the 50's and 60's, then 12-volt systems came along and replace the 6-volt systems. Higher voltage systems can use smaller wiring, reducing the amperage and replacing it with higher voltage. It's more efficient and cheaper. It makes sense to go with 48-volts for large batteries and alternators.Why Your Next Car Might Use 48-Volt Technology - Consumer ReportsThe 48-Volt System: An Emerging Automotive Standard?48-Volt Mild-Hybrid System ExplainedLarry 1 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #132 – May 11, 2021, 09:28:01 am From initially picking up the new rear bath last September we found the side entry door was warped out mostly at the top and somewhat at the bottom latch side. This caused a gap at the top sunlight revealed on our first days camping. Also the door frame was out of square causing the top left corner higher than the right corner. We were unable to return to the mothership because of scheduling and we will be returning there on Monday, June 7th. Todd said they will make it right and we can stay on site at night in the coach. After that we will be touring CA visiting with friends & family out there. If anyone wants to meet up send me a personal message. 2 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #133 – May 13, 2021, 09:27:39 pm Quote from: Jon & Loni - May 03, 2021, 03:35:14 pmHah! Ours is the 2006 rig that Larry is referring to. The LCD display on the digital thermostat shows each of the functions that it controls: fan, AC, heat (the electric one in the AC unit), furnace, and “off.” You push a button to cycle through each to select the one you want. There are < and > buttons to adjust the temperature up and down. For our first several years of ownership it all worked fine. Then we started finding that, on occasion, in damp, cool conditions some of the functions simply would not appear. You couldn’t access them. Of course, in cool and damp weather it was always the furnace that was AWOL. This was a particular pain while boondocking at a Caravan Club outing near Solvang (CA) when the overnight temperature went down to 17. Yeah it was fun trying to wash and dress that morning! I’ve had Steve B and Larry W take looks at it, and even replaced it with a new unit, but the problem persists. What is galling is that it is intermittent, thus making a diagnosis/repair problematic. Sometimes it works fine in similar conditions. I have more recently found that if I go through a reset procedure, the previously “gone” functions will suddenly show up and I can get it to work. The reset involves using the manual on/off switch to turn it off, then holding two of the function buttons simultaneously while switching it back on. All of this leads me to suspect a bad control board, which is located in the rooftop AC unit. But, Steve gave that a thorough examination and saw nothing obvious. Sooo, that’s the story. — Jon (with thanks to Steve and Larry for all their efforts)Let us know if switching out the old board helps things. It would be a good datapoint. Has anyone had the same problem with the new CCC thermostat? I have not but it is a new install.
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #134 – May 19, 2021, 03:56:36 pm Will do, Harry. Haven’t tried it yet. Meanwhile, my “reset” procedure has failed. It did bring up the displays, but when I started the AC it only ran for a few seconds, then shut down. And, of course, the display disappeared. ☹️ Thanks again for donating your old board. — Jon
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #135 – August 08, 2021, 08:59:03 pm Wow Mike, I guess I am on the wrong side of Florida this year...You have a load of knowledge going into that new rig...Over here just hanging out on the Space Coast
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #136 – August 09, 2021, 07:42:36 am Let me know if you ever wander across the state and you can stop in for a visit. We occasionally go visit my son & family in Titusville. My email: mikecoachman31@gmail.com
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #137 – September 19, 2021, 09:52:56 am Well, I'm still busy doing things to Villa Verde, this time a different latch for holding the side door open. The clip at the top of the door I feel played somewhat of a roll in the warping out of the top of the door, particularly on our previous LD rear bath. Also, several times the door had been open using the top clip a strong gust of wind unexpectedly slammed the door shut. So I ordered a 6" stainless steel door hook (photos) with screw down mounts from Amazon to secure the open door at mid level. I used 5200 marine sealant in the screw holes when mounting the hook just below the window frame where the screws would be anchored in the wood window framing. I also sealed the screw holes in the loop mounting above the door handle. To make the hook/loop connection more secure I first bent the hook tyne inward toward the mounting end and added a piece of heat shrink tubing for additional friction when placed in the loop. I then added very high bonding exterior velcro to the hook shaft and the side of the coach to keep the hook from rattling about when not in use. Hopefully this will solve both issues with the door. While working in the shop the two sandhill cranes that show up every day at our ranch came into the shop to help me with my work. A lot of times they will hang out with me when I am working in my pineapple patch. 8 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #138 – September 19, 2021, 10:14:51 am Very nice door "keep"! And, your shop and "shop companions" are enviable! 3 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #139 – September 19, 2021, 12:37:02 pm Mike, I'm not fond of the factory door holder either so another mod to add to the list. So you didn't use any screws at all to mount the new brackets? Nice to have some company while you work! 1 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #140 – September 19, 2021, 01:47:53 pm Quote from: Mike Coachman - September 19, 2021, 09:52:56 amWell, I'm still busy doing things to Villa Verde, this time a different latch for holding the side door open. The clip at the top of the door I feel played somewhat of a roll in the warping out of the top of the door, particularly on our previous LD rear bath. Also, several times the door had been open using the top clip a strong gust of wind unexpectedly slammed the door shut. So I ordered a 6" stainless steel door hook (photos) with screw down mounts from Amazon to secure the open door at mid level. I used 5200 marine sealant in the screw holes when mounting the hook just below the window frame where the screws would be anchored in the wood window framing. I also sealed the screw holes in the loop mounting above the door handle. To make the hook/loop connection more secure I first bent the hook tyne inward toward the mounting end and added a piece of heat shrink tubing for additional friction when placed in the loop. I then added very high bonding exterior velcro to the hook shaft and the side of the coach to keep the hook from rattling about when not in use. Hopefully this will solve both issues with the door. While working in the shop the two sandhill cranes that show up every day at our ranch came into the shop to help me with my work. A lot of times they will hang out with me when I am working in my pineapple patch. Mike,This is a little off topic, but what kind of insulation do you have on the roof of your RV garage? It appears to be reflective wrap. Thank you for sharing. You have a very admirable set up!
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #141 – September 19, 2021, 03:02:23 pm <Sam, when we recovered all the outside sheet metal siding and roofing from the 50' X 80' shop building the workers laid double bubble reflective foil insulation (see link) across the roof trusses before attaching the new metal roofing. We did the same for the west and south walls that has the most exposure to the sun. It eliminates almost all the radiant heat from the outside. Years ago we had done the same to the other equipment building during the construction and it then did a great job of keeping the heat out.What also helps during the Florida summer is running a 4' floor fan's air through the building.(pix)<Amazon.com: Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation: (4 X 50 Ft Roll)... 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #142 – September 19, 2021, 03:33:24 pm I mentioned your 4000 square foot shop to my engineer/build anything/craftsman neighbor; he almost cried. 😉 1 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #143 – September 19, 2021, 05:03:45 pm Anytime you all get to Florida's west coast let me know and plan to stop in for a visit.
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #144 – September 21, 2021, 11:20:56 am There was one addition to our previous 2010 Lazy Daze Rear Bath that I never got aroundtuit. Then I recently remembered that I did have a "Round Tuit" that was hiding on our fireplace mantel. A Newfoundland friend gave it to us many years ago. So I retrieved it, dusted it off, and put it to use. The issue was that when dry camping during a rain shower the side windows could not be opened to allow better air circulation inside. We seldom use the Fiama patio awning and especially not in bad weather. One time while camping several years ago a dust devil blew the Fiama awning over the top of the motorhome requiring it to be replaced. All we could do for fresh air is use the ceiling fans to rotate the air. I wondered why I couldn't add a window awning to a window where it could be kept open during the rain. Back in the early 90's I had installed Zip Dee patio and window awnings to my Barth motorhome. The Barth was an all aluminum coach and the install went well. The Zip Dee awnings held up very well for the six years I had the coach and has continued to do so with the next owner (who still travels in it to this day!). Looking at the Zip Dee website to get the layout measurements I realized that the only window that had enough space on ether side of the frame was the left side dinette window which was my first preference. I ordered the awning to extend 6" past the window frame which still allowed for the arm hinge placement. It took about three weeks for Zip Dee to ship the package with good install instructions. There were also YouTube install videos available. With a little occasional help the install went very well. When getting a new replacement Fiama awning (mentioned above) it came with an opening arm hook which gave me a spare. I took this spare hook, shortened it to fit in the front left storage compartment, and added heat shrink tubing for a handle grip. All mounting screw and rivet penetrations into the aluminum coach siding was well sealed with 3M 5200 marine sealant. Mike C 3 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #145 – September 21, 2021, 11:36:16 am When learning of the ARP Fridge Defend I felt its function would be a good additional safety measure for the refrigerator's well being. Yes, there are times traveling in the western mountains we have encountered very long steep grades that could cause detrimental issues to the boiler. I ordered one without the fan as I had already installed an upward blowing fan behind the refrigerator that works whenever the system is on. The instructions were easy to follow and the install went well. The one modification I added was putting heat shrink tubing over the sensor wires where they come past the sheet metal enclosure to the boiler. I printed the operational instruction for my onboard file.Mike 2 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #146 – September 21, 2021, 06:42:30 pm Back to the awning Mike, are you comfortable with the backing where the main arms attach? Jon
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #147 – September 21, 2021, 07:31:46 pm Jon,Absolutely. Mounting all the hardware to the siding I used #14 X 1” stainless steel screws where there was wood framing behind the siding and 3/16” X 1” tri-fold exploding aluminum pop rivets where there was no wood framing. All attachments were sealed with 3M 5200 marine adhesive. The awning open position puts inward and a little downward pressure on the hinge. The only outward and upward pressure is at the strap hook mount where a screw and rivet are used. I don’t foresee any issues with the hinges. Time will tell. Mike 3 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #148 – September 26, 2021, 08:51:40 am Well, I finally addressed an issue that has been annoying for a really long time (several past motorhomes) which is keeping the access door to the rear of the refrigerator open while working in that space. The answer was simple but it was just a matter of "Getting it done!" I ordered the parts from Amazon and completed the install of a stainless steel baggage door clip (as LD uses) using the stainless steel small head tri-fold pop rivits sealed with the 3M 5200 adhesive sealant. Now the door will easily stay up out of my way. 2 Likes
Re: 2021 Rear Bath "Villa Verde" What's new & improvements Reply #149 – September 26, 2021, 09:02:47 am I can't tell what that thing is Mike.I just ordered a clip from the Mothership just like they put on all the other doors.