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Water level - Popular upgrades
Yahoo Message Number: 134746
"The SeeLevel is on my next upgrade.|

LeLand
 SeeLevel gauges is in the group of the top four major aftermarket LD modifications made by full-timers, long-term campers and those who want to stay in the middle of nowhere.
It's good to know when the tanks are nearly full or empty. It's bad to run out of water when the wife is washing her hair...very bad.
 Sure wish LD would pay closer attention that so many LD owners are full-timers or long-term camper and most have the desire to stay in remote places, for extended periods, where hookups are not available. With a handful of upgrades, they would sell an RV truly ready for boondocking.
 Keeping accurate track of supplies of power and fluids is important and reduces the worry factor.
Today's camper is likely to have an array of electronics, all begging for power. While the Factory electrical components work fine for many, some are to inaccurate or inefficient for maximizing your ability to stay out for long periods.  The hood's LED idiot lights (Steve's description) are just about worthless. Accurate battery and tank monitors are essential.
In winter, or when the rains come and you need to charge the battery, by running the generator, you can reduce the run time to a minimum by having a large, "smart" charger/converter, with upgraded wiring. The generator produces a lot of power, use as much of it as you can and shorten run time. Many big inverters (2000+ watts) have huge chargers built in.
LDs are now built with AGM batteries, which can take better advantage of a higher output charger than the old lead-acid batteries (T-105s).
It will be interesting to see if 300-amp/hour AGM batteries become an available option.
 Lastly, a high-quality surge and voltage protector is something that should be in any motorhome. You never know the quality of the electrical you are plugged into or if the pedestal is wired right. Even your LD's generator can dangerously surge. A built-in surge protector is the best type, IMO, because it will always be at work, when 120-VAC power is available, it takes zero effort to use in normal conditions and no one is going to steal it (unless the take the whole LD with it).
 I would like to see a 'Boondocker' package that includes a SeeLevel tank gauge, LinkLite battery monitor, hardwired surge and voltage protector and a higher output "smart" converter (to significantly shorten generator run time).
A sealed passage, or two, through the roof for the inevitable antennas would be a nice touch. Many want cell-amplifiers and antennas but the market changes to fast for the Factory to deal with it.
http://www.rvgauge.com/products/model_709.shtml http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/power-accessories/linklite-battery-monitor.aspx http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_lchw30.ht

Some of the heavy, primary wiring, from the charger to the batteries, would need upgrading, along with the fusing. Doing this when the walls are open is much cheaper and simpler.
Retrofitting wires and cables can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive when done to an existing LD. Many times(most?)there is no easy way to get a wire from point A to point B.
Having the Factory do it would be a better way of getting these popular upgrades. None require extensive extra electrical knowledge and would be a profit center for LD and would add more hours for LD's electricians.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134747
On Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:56:14 -0000, "Larry" wrote:

Quote
a higher output "smart" converter (to significantly shorten generator run time).
Do you know if they are using the same converter for the AGM's as was used on the T105's? That was one the items on my Boondocker's list I sent to Steve in 2008.

Cheers, Don
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades - now surge protector
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134750
Quote

 "...Lastly, a high-quality surge and voltage protector is something that should be in any motorhome..."
Larry, could a 30a portable SurgeGuard surge protector be adapted to being built in line (and inside the coach) so it would not be exposed to potential thieves externally?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134753
"I would like to see a 'Boondocker' package..."
 I couldn't agree more! If the factory offered this group of items as a package, they could avoid a lot of individual item requests and thus streamline production: either you order a coach with the package or without. It would be simpler for them, and would make a lot of customers happy.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades - now surge protector
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134759
"could a 30a portable SurgeGuard surge protector be adapted to being built in line (and inside the coach) so it would not be exposed to potential thieves externally?"

Chris
 Most likely yes. An electrician can cut the cord down and wire it the same way a hardwired version is installed. The toughest part is finding the space to place it, near the power center and have access to the reset buttons.
You might want to consider a new, hardwired model.
The Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C has features I like.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_hw30c.htm The remote readout gives very useful information: A/C volt & amps and a numerical trouble code. The thing is brain dead easy to use and you will not have to get down on your knees, remove a panel and push the silly button, if the protector kicks out. And unlike so many appliances today it's serviceable.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades - now surge protector
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134760
I second Larry's suggestion.
 We are very pleased with the Progressive Industries surge protector we installed in our 2001 RB.  It is mounted under the drawers in the closet, with the readout cable running up the vent pipe to the readout mounted at the top of the closet.  We just have to open the closet door to read voltage, amperage, and any problems like bad ground or reversed wires, or overly high or under voltage (which prevent the power from getting to the RV).
 I was also very pleased with Progressive Industries handling of a problem with my order.  I can recommend their customer service.

Barry
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades - now surge protector
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134761
"Larry"  wrote: You might want to consider a new, hardwired model.
The Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C has features I like.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_hw30c.htm --- I use a Progressive Industries "plug in" EMS because I wasn't willing to give up compartment space to install a hardwired unit. I rarely hook up, and, when I do, the portable EMS works for me. If one does have compartment space, the Progressive hardwired unit is an excellent choice, IMO.

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades - now surge protector
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134770
On Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:35:21 -0000, "jctaylor1941" wrote:

Quote
I use a Progressive Industries "plug in" EMS because I wasn't willing to give up compartment space to install a hardwired unit.
On the popular MB floor plan, it can be mounted on the wall under the kitchen sink, just above the power distribution box. The location does not take up any space that is usable for any other purpose. The caveat is that the installer be very flexible. Mike Sylvester meets that criteria. http://www.thervguynm.com/ I am guessing he will soon be in his winter quarters in southern CA.

Cheers, Don
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades - now surge protector
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134776
"I use a Progressive Industries "plug in" EMS because I wasn't willing to give up compartment space to install a hardwired unit."

Joan
 In many models, it can be mounted behind or next to the power center and not use any storage area. In other models, it's mounted at the back of a lower interior cabinet, and uses little room.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134777
On Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:01:51 -0000,

Quote
Speaking of most popular upgrades is there a list or agreement on the most popular ones?
Yes, The Companion has a list that some owner, somewhere can not live without. YMMV http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/2011/06/items-some-find-to-be-essential.html

and under supplies http://kokoandpelli.blogspot.com/2009/04/must-have-items.html

Saw the post lights at Harbor Freight the other day, 4 for $20.

Cheers, Don
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
 
Re: Water level - Popular upgrades - now surge protector
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 134787
I had the hard wired Surge Guard Protector installed shortly after getting my LD. It is a fairly bulky unit but built like a tank. I am sure it has saved my electronics during several power surges here in Oregon. During the summer months when I attempted to hook up LD with extension cord and run A.C. it sensed the low voltage and shut everything off. May have saved my A.C. unit. Well worth the investment.

Bob 01 23.5 TK