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Xplorer

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Posts posted by Xplorer

  2. Posted · Report reply

    No, I didn't even make the local news but the reporters were there. I respectfully declined and Janet was a wreck!

    You can get a brief look at our tragedy here. NO ONE WAS HURT and the van was unoccupied!

    http://www.datastorm...p/1.html#000000

    The van has been replaced, the ins. co. is sending a check which is way too small and we are sleeping better every night but still not sleeping all the way through any one night. Time heals all wounds and we are just hoping time truly flies! We can't help thinking how bad it could have gone and despite how "well" it went we can't stop asking for that 30 seconds of our life back again.

    There's better days ahead.

    I was at an RV Park couple years ago. A fellow was unhooking his car from the MH on a down hill slope. Pinned him to the MH, seriously broke both legs and hospitalized for several months. He was seriously injured.

    Thanks for sending the link, wow, no one hurt, like you know, all can be replaced. Insurance never covers vehicles. You may remember last Feb, my boat was in storage when an guy in a MH started a fire. Burned his new truck, MH, another RV, my boat. The saving factor was I had an agreed value with Progressive and came out of it OK. They settled fast.

    Hopefully, better days ahead.

  3. Posted · Report reply

    Ohhhh, No.....

    No one hurt?,,,,,anything can be fixed and/or replaced. Hope your ins will take care of it.

    Get you some good pics. Some day you will be able to sit by the ole campfire and have a good laugh.

    My battery issue seems kind of like a flea in comparison.

    Best wishes,,,,,you didn't make National News, yet! At least I didn't see anything about it.

    Thanks, you know how to make a CKlutz feel better.

    Best Wishes

  4. Posted · Report reply

    That's the exact location of the switches I have seen accidentally shut off as I suggested above. Since the DW has done this in the past I would put my money on the fact that you did it as well. Hopefully, you will find that when left alone, the power will remain!

    Let us know.

    Bill, check is in the mail. I don't know who the clutz was that shut the 12v power down, but when I see him, he's going to the wood shed.

    Working fine, fridge is getting cold.....

    False alarm,,,,Gave me something new to think about. Deer got fed, and I got to see happy hour or happy 1/2 hour.

    Regards and thanks again.

  5. Posted · Report reply

    Bill & Brett,

    It's a rocker switch in a row of rocker switches for the steps inside/outside light; located inside the doorway at the bottom of the cabinet.

    I just got back from checking again. Everything is on and fine.

    If it continues, I'll check the info and provide more detail info.

    I am positive it was on the first time, because I checked the fridge, monitor before walking out the door.

    I thought it was strange as I knew it was on.

    In the past DW shut it off by mistake. That was interesting before I remembered to check it.

    I will probably go over and check again before dark.

    Unless,,,,,,,when I turned it back on after installing the new batteries it was not seated and the vibration of closing the door, etc, caused it to shut off. Just grasping.

    sure was weird to go in and find all 12v off. oh well, that's life in the RV Lane.

    Thanks for your thoughts on this continuing saga. Electrical gremlins.

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Life was good,

    Assumption The Sequel:

    Went over to the MH to check the power, fridge, etc.....

    Well, the battery monitored showed nothing. The fridge lights were off. The 110v power meter plugged into the socket showed power.

    Reset the 12v house power switch. I know it was on when I left.

    After resetting the 12v switch, the 12v power monitor returned to fully charged. The lights on the fridge were on, other 12v pumps, lights worked.

    What would cause the 12v house switch to go off, if that is what happened?

    I'm going back and recheck later.

    If the 12v switch has to be reset again, what would cause it to automatically turn off. Is it a bad rocker switch? Or something else?

    Just when I was looking forward to 5pm.

    Again, any thoughts are appreciated.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    DW never has cared for the day/night blinds, especially the larger ones, as you have to open them from the middle of the blind.

    Every opportunity that I get to break one, we replace it with a custom sized aluminum blind from Lowe's.

    They lock down nicely, and when snug do not rattle. Easy to open and close for light and privacy...Never leave home without them.

    We like the aluminum,,,,your mileage may vary......

  8. Posted · Report reply

    This is a 32" Spectre, a great picture, good sound. I drilled a hole in the plastic stand, and top of the cabinet, and bolted it down. It works great, very little movement. We decided to downsize the TV from 37" to 32". The larger size was nice, but not necessary for good viewing. Couldn't resist the WallyWorld.com price on the 1080p spectre at $219., reviews were right on target. The bluray player viewing is as good as the Sony in the S&B Living Room. Life is still good.

    IMAG0058.jpg

    I had a 37" Toshiba in the same spot for 2 years. I also drilled a hole in the plastic stand and it held up fine. The Toshiba has since moved into the spare bedroom.

    The TV cabinet is cherry, matches the rest of the MH cabinets and holds DVD's on the right and left side. The top shelf is for the Bluray, and the bottom shelf holds the front loading HP Printer. The middle shelf holds a large DVD Binder and remotes, and surge strip. The TV cabinet came from WallyWorld also at $129.

  9. Posted · Report reply

    Installed the 2 Trojan T105's, and the battery monitor sure is purty.

    Everything seems to be working according to Hoyle......

    The fridge is on, I'll check it in a few hours to see if it will cool the Lone Star, Mexican Ice Tea, Sangria, et.al.

    Between picking up the batteries, and installing them,,,,

    Had the fan clutch and water pump replaced on the Jeep. I'm doing my part for the economy. I helped keep someone employed today.

    Everything done by 1:30 p.m,,,,,fed the deer, kicking back in the lounger with feet up watching the clock until the big hand is on 12 and the little hand on 5.

    It has to be 5pm somewhere,,,,,,,In the meantime, life is good.

    Thanks for all the help, advice and education.......

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Batteries can be loaded tested in any location as long as they are disconnected from each other and from any other load (+ and - cables disconnected).

    If you can take them in and charge them with a 6V charger separately that would be best as the batteries must be fully charged in order to do a proper load test. If a battery will not properly charge you are done and the battery needs replacing.

    Lest I forget to say thanks again for all the 12v battery education.

    Thanks for yours and Brett's responses.

    I'll resolve the battery issue today or tomorrow.

    Thanks again.

  12. Posted · Report reply

    If you are going to use a 12V charger, I would just disconnect the + and - connections that go to the coach, leave the center jumper and connect the charger to the posts you just disconnected. This will isolate the batteries and allow them to at least attempt a charge. If you think the coach will need to have 12V power while you are doing this then you would want to unplug or disconnect the converter and leave all of the battery cables connected. I suspect that you are going to find that one battery is good and one is bad based upon one of your earlier posts so you may want to take them to a local battery store and have them load tested. If you find you have to replace one, you really need to replace both. Something like this 225AH battery would be a good choice.

    http://www.ebay.com/...ain_100&vxp=mtr

    In the past, I've just taken them in, thought I would work through the process as far as I could this go around, but the simple solution may be just to take them in.

    Just curious, can batteries be load tested while in the MH? Or do they have to be removed?

    I have some time before we take off again, that's why I'm playing around trying to resolve and learn something at the same time.

    I have sure learned a lo from the 2 forums I track, over the years.

    Again, I sincerely appreciate you and Brett taking the time to educate me in this process.

    When I get it all resolved, I'll post my final results.

    Thanks again.

  13. Posted · Report reply

    Please don't take anything post here by anyone as an indication that we think anything you have said or done is foolish. Learning is a process and we are all willing to help you learn. Once you are done learning about batteries there will be something else and then something else and then......

    Thanks for the comment, and patience you and Brett have demonstrated.

    As indicated, I have a battery charger. Can the batteries be charged while still connected to the MH?

    If, so, I assume (that word again), I would unplug the coach before charging.

    AND,

    Would the charger be connected to the right positve side of the battery bank, and the negative to the negative cable connected to the coach, causing both batteries to be charged, or do the have to be charged individually? By connecting the charger to the positive and negative post on each battery one battery at a time.

  14. Posted · Report reply

    To check the batteries in the photo, negative lead on the negative of battery on the left side (where cable goes to house ground) and positive on the positive of right battery (where house positive connects.

    If you were talking about another battery bank , "just over 12" shows a mostly discharged battery (12.2 VDC is a 50% discharged 12 volt battery as measured with the battery at rest). If you don't have a way to charge that battery, suggest you get one.

    Brett

    If you were measuring each batteries voltage they would read somewhere around 6.6V if fully charged. Since you are measuring the 2 together as one bank then the voltage is read only on the + post on one battery and the - post on the other battery.

    Back to battery school tomorrow. I'll redo the testing as indicated. I tested across each battery, and also as Brett indicated. Obviously I'm doing something wrong or reading the meter incorrectly. I do have a charger. Why wouldn't the converter maintain the charge if the batteries were ok?.

    I understand the basics of the 12v system, it's just the innards I'm not sure about. I have an IOTA converter.

    I appreciate the education, at the expense of looking foolish. I am going to understand this stuff one way or another, testing, etc.

    Thanks again.

  16. Posted · Report reply

    I'll do that on the voltage check.

    It varies, the last time i had it in storage, I added distilled water once during the 3 months.

    When park at an RV site, I have gone 6+ months with the water level ok.

    It seems as though when in storage more water is used. I had it in storage for 4 months from December to April, and because we went east, I did not leave it plugged in during that time, because I would not be able to check the batteries. The water level was fine when I left.

    It has been plugged in since May, with the exception of a short one week trip, and all was well. Returned plugged the unit in. That's when I again checked the water level and added a little water.

    Since returning from the one week trip, the battery monitor kept declining over the last weeks or so. I expected the batteries were going bad. Now, they aren't charging. There is still enough power to operate the steps, and dull lighting. That may be a result of still being plugged into a 15 amp circuit.

    Anyway, this is basically the same thing that happened the last time I replaced the batteries, except we were using the Motorhome fultime at that time.

    Maybe there is another villain I need to look at.

    Thanks again for the comments.

  17. Posted · Report reply

    I keep the MH plugged in while in storage which at the most is 3 months, and not very often. We can't sit for 3 months unless we are involved in some volunteer endeavor.

    We do stay put for 3-4 months at times between trips. I clean and use the battery spray for the terminals if I notice any corrosive buiidup, etc.

    I regularly check the water level and use distilled water when needed.

    I keep the fridge on, as we keep items in the freezer, etc ready to go. Although plugged in, typically it has some drain with the fridge.

    I use a bayonet disconnect on the Chassis battery, and I never have any issues with it.

    Thanks for all your input on FMCA. Good sound advice. I'll take a look at the Walmart Golf cart batteries.

    Thanks again.

  18. Posted · Report reply

    As a DIY'r,,,,

    When I getaroundtoit,,,,,,I'm replacing the carpet with Allure. It is easy to install and looks great.

    I have installed the Allure throughout the house.

    Kitchen, 2 baths, foyer, dining area. It's water proof and has held up like new for the last 3 years, especially in the foyer and kitchen where most traffic takes place.

    Anyway, may not help you, just my Nickel, inflation!

  19. Posted · Report reply

    Brett, thanks for the quick response.

    I thought I would be able to cut costs with the one 12v battery.

    Seems the most service I have been able to get out of any of the "mainline" batteries is 2 years.

    Based on what you are saying, Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places for the 6v batteries.

    Next ???, where is the best and most economical location to purchase the 2 6v batteries/

    I'm not confident I would get more than 2 years out of any battery regardless of the cost.

    I looked at the sites for the high end batteries, trojan, etc., and retailers are not conveniently located.

    If, I have an issue before warranties expire, I would like the convenience of locating a dealer almost anywhere.

    Thanks again for your confirmation in ensuring I don't contribute to the Assumption tag.

    Regards

    John

  21. Posted · Report reply

    In at attempt to avoid the Assumption Label, I need to replace the 2 - 6v batteries in the below picture and replace them with 1 - 12v battery.

    If my research is correct, all I need to do is connect the positive terminal wire to the positive post on the 12v battery,and the negative terminal wire to the

    to the negative post on the 12v battery.

    Am I missing anything?

    We don't do a lot of boondocking, more than one night at a time while traveling. I assume, there's that word again,,,,,,that a 12v battery would be sufficient for our needs.

    Again, if I'm missing something, help me prevent the Assumption Label.

    Thanks in advance for the assistance and comments.

    IF, another little troublemaker word,,,,,I am correct. Any suggestions on a 12v battery as a replacement for the 2 - 6v ones????

    As you can see the below batteries are NAPA,,,,,2 years and 1 month of service........

    IMAG0118.jpg

  22. Posted · Report reply

    I have developed a habit that if I don't know the number, I don't answer and if it's important it goes to voicemail.

    I recently got a call from someone, I could not understand in an area code I recognized. I asked him who he was when he asked for me by name. I could not understand his response or who he represented. I told him, I don't know you and hung up. It's my phone. I talk to whom I choose.

    I blocked future calls from that number which will go directly to voicemail. Any bets that they ever leave a message? I have not received a return call from that number, yet!

    I sure like the blocked call to voicemail feature on these smarter than me phones. I have blocked over half a dozen numbers, so when they call They get to talk to the Hand.

  24. Posted · Report reply

    Well, keeps getting easier and better.

    Decided to extend stay another 2 days.

    No Problemo, just paid the 50 amp upgrade fee, received a new date out tag and back to the pool.

    Ice Cream social almost broke me, 2 orders of 3 scoops each, for $1 per for a total of $2, now back to the bike trail.

    It was the 50lb bag of Deer Corn for $10.89 that DW wanted to feed her Deer Kids that sent me to the bank. Wonder if they can be deducted as dependents.

    So fur, so good, yeah, I know fur......just like there's gold in them thar hills.

    Now 7 nights @ $25-$35 a night, recouped on this trip $175-$245

    Reconstructed cost of Zone Pass = $266-$196 after the 7 nights.

    Based on the Zone Pass cost of $399 + Uncle Suga's $42 take.

    Add in $3 for 50 amp daily charge x 7 = $21

    Reconstructed Zone Pass camping costs = $287 - $217

    *Ice Cream and Deer Corn not included in above figures,,,,written off as almost a total loss.

    The numbers are starting to confuse me.

  25. Posted · Report reply

    Made first online reservation today, everything went smooth and within minutes received confirmation for 5 nights.

    Anything over 4 nights, will require one week out for the next reservation. Total cost of the reservation $0.00

    The only additional charge may be when I get there and upgrade to a 50 amp site, which should be $3-5. This time of year need both AC's and the additional umph in electric power.

    I'll post updates as I use the Zone Pass, see how it goes.

    So fur, so good, yeah, I know fur......just like there's gold in them thar hills.

    5 nights @ $25-$35 a night, recouped on this trip $125-$175

    Reconstructed cost of Zone Pass = $267-$317 after the 5 nights.

    Based on the Zone Pass cost of $399 + Uncle Suga's $42 take.

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