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Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #25
Thanks, Kent.  That is very similar to what my in-law did, except he owns a large Jayco. Same idea.  I realize that is a pretty slick way to do it -- and, compared with running a hose out a shower window, relatively stumble free -- but such a set up will not allow me to disconnect the tank and drive into town and switch out for a full one.  Not a deal-breaker, really.  Just requires more planning ahead.  I do like the simplicity of your supply source.  Like I said, a work in progress.

Thank you, also, for the install resoutce.  This next October I am going to help my in-law recoat and paint his "rubber" roof.  :'(   I might tap him for pay-back and ask him to set my rig up like yours.  He is a very handy guy, and can fix, build, jerry-rig just about anything.  I'm no stranger to tools and shop work, either, but after his messy, sticky roofing job, maybe I'll just pull into his large shop and pop a beer while I watch him do the plumbing work!
2017 RB

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #26
Ray,

Glad to be of service. A cautionary note here about propane plumbing. While I’m good at many DIY projects, risking blowing up my new LD was something I did not care to do.

As many of the lead tech-heads on LDO warn, this is a job for the professionals. That certainly is not me when it comes to tapping into the LD propane lines. $300, to me, is chump change when it comes to such upgrades. Choose your tech wisely.

Just sayin’

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #27
ABSOLUTELY!  A truth applicable to many aspects of RV ownership. 
2017 RB

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #28
Thanks, Kent.  That is very similar to what my in-law did, except he owns a large Jayco. Same idea.  I realize that is a pretty slick way to do it -- and, compared with running a hose out a shower window, relatively stumble free -- but such a set up will not allow me to disconnect the tank and drive into town and switch out for a full one. 

Install an Extend-A-Stay and you will be able to connect a refillable, portable propane cylinder to the LD's propane system.
Many who live in cold climates use them to connect to large propane tanks, for winter use. It also allows closing the main propane tank's valve, keeping the tank from draining, instead, receiving propane only from the portable tank
Extend-a-Stay | Flickr
Amazon.com: extend a stay propane.
The kits come with hose for connecting to the portable tank

We camp year round and love our LD's two cat heaters, especially the bath heater, which is used  year round, to warm the bathroom for our evening showers, primarily when it's cold out.
Cat heater in lounge | Flickr
Bath catalytic heater | Flickr

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #29
Welcome, Graydon.  You have already received a lot of good input.  I have nothing new to add, just a few "boosts" for some of the comments. 

Others said your electrical needs depend on how you use the systems.  All my lights are LED.  But, I use a DVR almost constantly, I use my TV for 4 or more hours per day, I use a CPAP machine all night, and I use my computer 4 to 6 hours a day.  I have 6 large AGM batteries fed by 5 solar panels.  I am a fulltimer, spending most of the time from late May to October boondocking.  My 5 solar panels are not quite able to keep up with my demand, and I must either cut back my usage or run my generator for an hour in the morning to obtain a full battery charge by late afternoon.

As to 14.2 volts being enough, the issue is not voltage, it is amps and battery state.  I can get about 30 amps at 14.4 volts going into my system on a clear summer day.  My panels can pull in something on the order of 20 volts, which my controller adjusts to about 14.4 volts for charging.  If you see 14.2 volts coming off your panels, that means... nothing.  Your controller will take any incoming voltage and adjust it to 14.4 volts.  If I had a single solar panel, and if my 6 batteries were at 80% of charge, I would see 14.4 volts, but only about 5 amps, and the batteries would gain very little charge through the day.  You need to know how many watt-hours you will consume in a 24 hour period, and you need to know where you will be during different seasons.  With that information, your solar needs and your battery needs can be calculated. 

Yes, it can be confusing, but as others have said, Steve is very sharp on average needs and coach design, but is not well equipped to size an electrical system for anyone with unusual needs.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #30
Some may find the information at links on this AM Solar website page very helpful:

RV Solar Education
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #31
Larry. -- yes, I put Extend-Stay on several of my last RVs, and have purchased one for this new LD.  We are on the road now, but I will get it on the tank soon after we return.

We actually have the small Olympian at home. We use it in our Chalet hard-sided fold-up trailer (or, more accurately, these days our sons and grandsons use it when they take the trailer fishing and snowboarding, etc.) and it keeps that small rig very toasty, even at the high ground those guys like to frequent.  Likewise, our large Olympian has kept us very comfortable in the 25' Winnie we just sold, and we anticipate that we will get the same comfy use out of it in this new LD.  Our RB model is very similar in design as the Winnie in that it is open and straight thru rear to front.  I am confident that the single cat will do just fine in that design.
2017 RB

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #32
"Our RB model is very similar in design as the Winnie in that it is open and straight thru rear to front.  I am confident that the single cat will do just fine in that design."

We've found that an Olympian on a quick connect behind the passenger seat in our RB, and one mounted on the wall in the bathroom, are ALMOST sufficient to keep the whole rig warm.  But us ol' folk may get colder than those who are younger and more active.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

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Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #33
Hey, Kid!  Who you callin' old?
2017 RB

Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #34
That's so awesome!

- Dave
2003 RB

 
Re: Hello Folks!
Reply #35
"Hey, Kid!  Who you callin' old?"

I's jes' callin' myself old.  But "old" only in calendar passage and joint deterioration!  ;->


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie    < -- can still get up into my aerie over the cab - AND back down!

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