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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Xantrex won't charge
Some chargers need to sense an adequate battery Voltage (verifies right kind or combination of batteries connected).
If the battery Voltage is too far down, probably won't charge. I'd suggest going to the Xantrex website, and take a look at their online troubleshooting guide. There's also a section on resetting the unit.
http://www.xantrex.com/support/web/id/996/support1.asp
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2manytoyz
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11/30/08 09:32pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Ok you Jeep people
I've owned a 2004 Wrangler, and now a 2006 Wrangler Unlimited. Neither are 4 door.
It is a pain to squeeze two more people in the back of a 2 door, but that's not MY problem, and the riders rarely complain as these are fun vehicles!
My 04 short wheelbase did okay as a daily driver. I put 30K on it in a year, and towed it behind a 36' Bounder. Great toad. The short wheelbase meant it could go most anywhere on road and off. It had almost no cargo room unless the rear seat was tumbled forward.
Our 06 Wrangler Unlimited is the long wheelbase model. Lots more cargo room, and more room for passengers. It's quieter, rides smoother. This was the last of the I6 engines. It was bulletproof, and had 'adequate' power. The real downside is the poor gas mileage. About 15 MPG in town, or on the hwy. We drove this from FL to NC a couple of years ago. Very comfortable seats.
The latest Wrangler shares little with the earlier models. The drivetrain has been changed (I have mixed concerns of their choice), the windshield has been raked back (improves wind resistance), and the fuel economy has improved (YES!). The 3 piece hard top is an excellent idea. We have a hardtop for the 06, and it takes 3 people to remove it and put it on the cradle.
If you're only planning on using it as a Toad, and there's only 2 of you, I would go with the 2 door. Sure makes parking easy in a popular area.
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2manytoyz
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11/30/08 09:24pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Shunted Battery Monitors
I have the Xantrex LinkPro. Think it's similar to what you're considering. It not only connects to the shunt, but also to the battery bank. It has a sync function that is required every so often to get an accurate reading. The idea is to fully charge the batteries, SYNC the monitor so it knows 'this is 100%', then it will track the current in/out of the battery bank, giving a fairly accurate measurement.
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2manytoyz
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11/30/08 09:10pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Rockwood TT Questions
Our friends own a 2004 Rockwood. They've fulltimed in it more than half of each year they've owned it. It's travled from FL to Canada, and FL to Oregon, as well as most places inbetween. It's their fault we went with Rockwood. FWIW, it still looks new. They've never had a leak issue.
We have an 06. We get more than our fair share of rain here. Zero leaks, not a drop. My BIL has a 31' Outback, that leaks like a sieve. He bought it new, and has been to the dealer 4 times IIRC. They've 'fixed it', only to have to replace carpet, bedding, and paneling AGAIN. The weird part is the leak is at the roof/wall seam, not at a window! So don't assume avoiding a window will fair any better!
This was the weather driving back from the FL Keys.
http://www.2manytoyz.com/camp/sugarloafkey/rain.jpg
Camping at Fort Wilderness.
http://www.2manytoyz.com/camp/fw/raingrillingfw07.jpg height=480
http://2manytoyz.com/camp/st_augustine06/1107.jpg height=480
Our camper lives outside in the FL weather. I do wish the bed was a tad longer, but it does sleep well with the memory foam mattress cover we added.
We really like our camper. When we decide to move up to a slightly larger camper, it'll be another Rockwood. Good reputation for a reason.
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2manytoyz
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11/30/08 09:04pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Securing a Yamaha EF2400iS Genny
Did the same as others...
http://www.2manytoyz.com/hurricane/genlock/lock2681.jpg
http://www.2manytoyz.com/hurricane/genlock/lock2683.jpg
http://www.2manytoyz.com/hurricane/genlock/lock2684.jpg
http://www.2manytoyz.com/hurricane/genlock/lock2686.jpg
... and I'm also a follower of Charleston Heston. :W
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2manytoyz
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11/30/08 08:46pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Downsizing to a Pop-Up - anyone does this?
I had my last Popup for 9 years, traveled more than 20K miles. It was my second Popup that I owned. I started Popup camping in 1969 with my parents, so have some experience!
Popups are great. The tow nice, store outside with little degredation, and very low impact on fuel economy. My '95 Coleman had a low profile aluminum roof, so it was possible to see over it while towing.
But there were several downsides as mentioned. Loading was a PITA as the roof had to be raised to get into the tiny cabinets. The icebox couldn't be reached with the camper closed. Why bother with a real fridge in this case? So I used two big external coolers for food & drinks. It always rains in FL, so setting up/breaking down in bad weather got to be common.
My last camper was a 36' Class A. Wonderful, but decided to buy a house once again, so had to sell it. Couldn't afford both.
So in 2006, I was in the market for another camper. I wanted a fancy Popup, with psuedo walls for the shower/bathroom. Locally, these were selling for $18K-$19K. OUCH! I ended up buying a 25' Rockwood TT. It was $12.5K for the base model, $16K with all the options.
It has a real bed, small but functional shower/bathroom, nice sized fridge, TV, Dolby 5.1 surround sound, dinette, couch, A/C, furnace, WH, insulated walls, floors, ceiling. It's easy to keep the camper cool during the peak of the FL Summer, something that was a challenge with my Popup.
The camper is usable during rest stops on a long trip. Go inside, use the bathroom, have lunch, take a nap, etc. Everything but the microwave and A/C runs on 12V or propane.
It tows easy, it's small enough to pull through almost any gas station, and is easy to back up into a tight spot.
Note that my TT is a liteweight model. It's 7 1/2' wide, and weighs 3993 lbs empty, but with all the options.
Both types of campers have their pros/cons. But when you compare costs, you can get more for your money with a TT.
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2manytoyz
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06/27/08 10:46am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Will my A/C work on 15 amp service
Done this many times. I plug my TT into the 15 Amp outlet in the garage. All other loads removed from this circuit.
Did as others have mentioned, turned everything else off initially. I have an analog meter (needle) from Camping World that I calibrated against a digital meter from work (which is calibrated). Voltage stayed 115V-120V the entire time. Better than many campgrounds.
As long as you are careful, shouldn't be an issue.
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2manytoyz
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06/20/08 02:10pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Generator Question
Other than the price, the only complaint I've read about the dual Honda setup is some find that the RPMs vary quite a bit between the two units. One may be running near wide open, while the other is near idle. Still getting the job done. Many have the idea that with two generators running, they'd share the load equally. This isn't the case according to posts by owners. Not an issue, just unexpected.
Considered the Yamaha EF2400iS? Link to the testing I've done... Half the weight of a 3000 Watt model, same sized engine as the 3000 Watt model, and designed to run a 13,500 BTU A/C unit. Half the price of the twin Honda setup.
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2manytoyz
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06/20/08 01:39pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: neighbor killed unhooking 5th wheel UPDATE
Ouch! What a way to go. :R
For about $150, you can EASILY add a color camera system to any vehicle. Mount the camera in whatever location you choose. Spend another $30, add a second camera behind the trailer.
Here's my setup: Link.
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2manytoyz
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06/20/08 01:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tioga George ? Updated!....
Prank, let it go. You'll hear from him soon as he gets access to a computer again.
;)
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2manytoyz
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06/20/08 01:18pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: tents at topsail
Part of the reason is the underground plumbing. The rules mention no stakes in the ground from awnings, etc. Concerned about damaging the PVC pipes.
Topsail is eventually supposed to put in a tent area.
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2manytoyz
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06/18/08 07:05pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Thoughts on Back Up Camera for a 5ver
A backup camera is very beneficial for more than simply backing up. Ever have someone tailgate your trailer, and as you get ready to change lanes they suddenly whip around you?
I drive with the camera operating all the time when towing. Do you look in your truck's mirror when not towing? Why? Duh!
Here's my setup. I put a camera on the back of my tow vehicle, and a second camera on the back of the trailer: http://www.2manytoyz.com/backupcam.html
While parked at a rest stop, I snapped this picture from the driver's seat. The image in the rear view mirror is actually video from behind my TT. That's my BIL's rig parked behind mine.
http://2manytoyz.com/xterra/camera/backupcamgpsxm.jpg
Changing lanes is much easier when I can see what's coming up behind me.
I did upgrade the backup camera on my SUV. As mentioned by John, get color cameras with IR LEDs. They see far better at night, and the built-in illumination works well. The image from these are color by day, B&W by night.
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2manytoyz
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06/15/08 06:26pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Camping 'N Kayaking
Had an Ocean Kayak Malibu II. Now have a OK Prowler.
Previous setups:
http://www.2manytoyz.com/yak/ready2go.jpg
http://www.2manytoyz.com/yak/convoy2.jpg
Convoy with friends
http://www.2manytoyz.com/camp/longkey02/2780.jpg width=640
Long Key State Park, FL
http://www.2manytoyz.com/camp/spacecoast/6094.jpg width=640
Current setup:
http://www.2manytoyz.com/rockwood/ready2roll.jpg
Common theme. Mount the kayak to the mobile vehicle. Many times the water isn't at the campsite, so it the yak is mounted to the camper, how will you get it to the water once you're setup? :B
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2manytoyz
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06/13/08 10:55am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Help, New Yamaha 2400 won't run 13.5 AC
If you search the archives, much of this has been discussed before. And if this 2400 won't start it, a 3000 won't either, as other people have found out.
What some here don't know is the 2400 has been tested to carry a 3000 Watt load for 10 seconds before it goes into overload. While it may be rated at 2400 Watts, it'll carry a 3KW surge.
Some here also don't know that the 2400, 2800, and 3000 Watt Yamahas all use the same sized engine.
Yamaha states on their website that it'll run "MOST" 13,500 BTU A/C units. "YOU" might be one of the lucky ones! ;)
In recent posts, people are discovering some RV A/C units come with a hard start (capacitor) already installed, where the Coleman units don't, unless you get the PS model.
And the archives also point out that the vast majority have had very successful results when installing the Supco hard start kit.
So spend an hour, $30, and install one, keep whatcha got. Or buy two generators and bridge them together (mucho bucks), or buy a massive generator to do everything.
My Yamaha easily starts and runs my Dometic A/C. Doesn't even grunt, just ramps up the RPMs to about 2/3rds throttle. I leave everything else running (not the microwave!), and flip the thermostat to kick the A/C on, and the blower to high. Had it a couple of years now, still works perfectly.
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2manytoyz
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06/13/08 10:45am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Yamaha EF3000iSEB surge
All small generators surge a little when a load is applied. Even my 5500 Watt Onan surged some.
As for the slight surge killing an A/C, appliances, etc., not buying it. Either there was something wrong with his generator, something wrong with the wiring in his TT, or the equipment had been damaged by shore power during a previous trip.
The power coming out of an inverter type generator is VERY smooth. Far cleaner than ANY campground, and cleaner than the power supplied to my home. The waveform and frequency are not RPM dependent, so while the motor spools up to meet the load, the generator is supplying clean power.
Here's the ouput of my slightly smaller Yamaha:
http://www.2manytoyz.com/hurricane/generators/gen1compare.jpg
I suspect an under/over Voltage situation rather than a surge. Wasn't there, didn't have a meter or o-scope on it, so can only guess. But I'm also willing to bet the repair guy have the necessary equipment to make the determination either, so the cause was his opinion.
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2manytoyz
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06/11/08 02:12pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Tow-N-See Mirrors - Any Good?
My buddy used CIPA mirrors on his previous truck before it was totaled in an accident. He ended up with a new Titan, which had extendable towing mirrors. So he gave them to me.
He replaced the plastic clips that grab onto the stock mirror with some metal ones he fabricated. NOW they work great.
http://www.2manytoyz.com/rockwood/mirror1.jpg
http://www.2manytoyz.com/rockwood/mirrors.jpg
I can tow all day and they don't shake or slip from their position. It is a bit difficult to remove them. I crank them down pretty tight, and the handle must be cranked even harder to pull the release.
Since I don't have a truck style mirror, I'm limited on options. These work well for me on my SUV. There are so many different styles of mirrors, hard to say one aux mirror is better than another. What might fit your mirror, probably won't fit others.
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2manytoyz
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06/09/08 01:54pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: How many kilowatts will my A/C use in 2 hours???
The place I lived at for a year here in sunny FL had metered power. With two 13,500 BTU A/C units running day/night, fridge on AC power, converter running lights, TV, satellite receiver, computer, blah blah, it was about $75/mo during the peak of Summer.
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2manytoyz
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06/09/08 01:44pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Hydrogen Generators
Be sure to remove the magnets from your fuel line, and the vortex thingy from your intake first. I forgot, and messed up my Flux Capacitor.
;)
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2manytoyz
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06/09/08 01:41pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Crazy Generator Question
Look at your 120V outlets on your generator. Does one of the vertical slots also go horizontal? If so, then you have 20 Amp type outlets (a good thing). My generator also has these.
http://images.campingworld.com/is/image/CWI/3000/31547.jpg width=400
You can use a better type of adapter, which doesn't get hot like the cheap one from Walmart. These are sold at places like Camping World: link.
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2manytoyz
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06/09/08 01:39pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Generator
Sounds like my very first generator, back in the 80s. Craftsman with a B&S motor. Ran great. Even had a throttle control so it went to idle with no load. Soon as a load was applied, it spun up to full operating speed (3600 RPMs). Yea, it was LOUD.
http://2manytoyz.com/hurricane/generators/generator-1s.jpg
Unless it's an INVERTER type generator, you won't be bridging them together. A conventional generator uses mechanical methods to generate the AC waveform, and the RPMs determine the frequency.
With an inverter type generator, the waveform and frequency are electronically produced. Consequently, it'll produce a 60HZ sine wave from idle. And since the waveform is electronically created, it's easy to sync it with another waveform produced by a similar generator.
I went to the Sears website. No mention of this being able to be bridged, or an inverter type. So this one will run full RPMs all the time. It also doesn't specify what the noise rating is. That equals LOUD! If they don't want to brag about the dB...
As always, you want quiet, pay for it up front. I bought two noisy generators in the past before getting what I really wanted. Learn from such mistakes, or repeat them yourself, LOL.
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2manytoyz
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06/09/08 01:31pm |
Travel Trailers
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