superbus

I recently attended a high voltage training course focused on EVs. Towing an EV was one of the topics, although related to towing from a service perspective. One of the potential issues is generating energy through driving the wheels (essentially regenerative braking) yet without a control logic to decide what to do with that energy being generated. Towing "Disconnects" for this otherwise great benefit of EVs are not something currently "installed" from the OEMs, as far as my knowledge goes.

I recently went through this exercise of deciding which type of batteries to replace my poorly maintained flooded lead acids (that one was on me). At least for my configuration, price doubled for each move "up" from flooded lead acid, AGM, and finally to lithium (even if looking at halving the number of batteries). In the end, I decided on AGMs as I did not need to change any part of the inverter/charger system, they don't require nearly as much maintenance as FLA, the added vibration resistance, and the fact there is a big diesel generator in the front of the coach to keep them charged up. That last part is a big factor, as it negates a lot of the concerns.

I have been an FMCA member for several years but just recently started to visit this forum. Truth be told, I visited another forum quite often prior to this one, but after they changed their format recently, I figured I'd try out the FMCA forums. Unfortunately, there aren't too many posts or much to reply to here. However, I keep checking daily, hoping for some interesting topics.

I can't comment on where you can find the B.I.R.D on your coach, but it serves as a Bidirectional Isolator Relay Delay (hence the acronym BIRD), protecting your house and chassis batteries from draining one another due to a load on just one, AND allows charging of either from the other (the generator/shore power or the engine's alternator). I believe there are a few different models, but this link explains the function and appearance of one of them.

I have mine mechanically attached with stainless truss screws (bolts) to the engine bay door on the back of the coach. I've put jam nuts with fender washers on the backside to make sure it doesn't loosen up. Unfortunately, I don't have a good picture of this, but I don't think it is necessary to understand how I did it. The draw back here of course is that it means there are two holes drilled in the engine bay door that would be exposed if I ever decided to take the plate off. Since my coach does not have a ladder on the back, that was not an attachment option. I've noticed some members have cast plates. Mine is a cheap flat plastic plate with a sticker on it. Is there a way to get these cast plates, are they reserved for special members (directors, etc.), or was there a changeover at some point in time to the plastic ones?

Thank you, ianbullock. While that could be appealing to some, it is not what we are looking for. Thanks for saving us from that! I'll try and get a jump on the "Premium" spots next year. This year, we'll just drive out there for the race and come back home the same day.

It looks like I am waking up an old post but since it is close to what I would have posted, I figured it makes more sense to reply versus starting a new thread. Out of the blue yesterday, one of my children suggested we go to a NASCAR race. We live within a few hours of Michigan International Speedway. Checking for this year's Firekeepers 400, only the infield camping is left, with all other on track options sold out. I also notice that infield is under the heading "Party Camping". I have not camped at a NASCAR event before. It seems the question is answered already, but does the infield turn into a booze bash? I am inferring it's not the place to camp with pre-teens and teens.

Another good option is Flagg Ranch which is at the north end of Grand Tetons and less than an hour to Yellowstone. It has FHU 50A pull throughs, and I even managed to get in there with a 45' coach (although it took a few spotters in a couple spots). It had a nice on-site store and restaurant at the lodge, and even connected to a few of the trail heads along the Snake River. However, since you're already in at Colter Bay (which has more amenities and is centrally located) I think you've made the right choice. For Glacier, we also stayed on the east side at the KOA. It was located near the entrance of GTSR and not too far from Many Glacier and Two Medicine. The park was a good choice for us with kids in tow as there was plenty for them to do there on our "rest days". Lastly, in terms of wildlife, I reiterated to my group during our visit that more people die from drowning at Glacier than bears (at least that is what I read). With that in mind, we did encounter wildlife, many times the large ones, nearly every day in both GTNP and GNP. I can only recommend being educated and prepared for the type of wildlife you will encounter, namely brown and black bears, bison, and moose.

Wayne77590, I sent you a PM.

Several months ago, I made a post on another forum seeing if anyone knew of a modern replacement for the TrekMate 737PG security system. Not surprisingly, it didn't get any replies. I got very close to purchasing a Viper system (made for autos) that could be expanded to reproduce most of the same features, though it wouldn't end up as nice or integrated in the end (at least in my opinion). I stopped short of purchasing it and the add-ons, deciding I would try a post to see if anyone (someone with an older Prevost, perhaps, in which these systems were "common") had some fobs lying around which weren't being used any longer (sold the coach, had spares, etc.). There is a procedure to pair "replacement" fobs with the base unit. Is there anyone who has some old TrekMate fobs they'd be willing to part with? I've had saved searches in eBay for a while, I've searched the corners of the internet, even used Chat-GPT trying to track some down. No luck. The closest I came was Northwest RV, who has a system, but no remotes. I figure this is a long shot, but what is the worst that could happen; I still have no fobs at the end of the day? 😀 Thanks!

I have always left mine plugged in, inverter off. I have not had any issues as a result of this practice, other than the owner of the storage building unplugging my rig once. I do make sure everything is off (Aquahot electric element, etc.) and use the shore power just to keep the house and chassis batteries charged properly. Just be sure, as already mentioned, your charger/inverter is capable of a float charge. As one of the previous posters also mentioned, keep an eye on the water level if you have FCLA batteries. From my own dumb mistake, I found they only last about four years if you completely neglect them :).