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Gerryo · 02-24-2020, 08:12 PM

Thanks, tried both little improvement but probably best to replace.

dbdreams · 03-02-2020, 01:26 PM

We just made reservations for Big Bend NP April 15-20, any other 23ers going to be in the area?

dbdreams · 03-06-2020, 11:40 AM

Getting ready for the trip to Big Bend I placed a 12v outlet near the foot of the bed, between the bed and wardrobe to power a CPAP and other devices. I installed a bike rack yesterday, 4 hours including a run to Home Depot for additional hardware. The bike rack was not fun but I know exactly how it was installed! Waiting on a Zamp 90 watt solar panel to add to the factory solar set up to double the capacity to 180W. Should be here today so will get it on by the weekend. With 180w on the roof and a 100w suitcase set up I hope to keep the lights on while in Big Bend!

Fair_Enough · 03-07-2020, 05:12 AM

Nice work db. Have fun in the Bend and share photos, please. WW

Chris Borth · 03-07-2020, 11:09 AM

I purchased fitted sheets from AB Lifestyles and am pleased with them. I am however having a difficult time putting on the bottom sheet. The first couple of times it was like wrestling an alligator, or more like a Keystone Kops episode. I would lift the mattress up and try to fit the sheet, falling under the mattress and onto the floor. It has gotten better but still not a pretty sight.
I am now fitting the two bottom corners first and then stretching the sheet over the corner on the head of the bed on the right side. Then I stretch the sheet out and, while kneeling on the mattress, try to fit the sheet over the rounded corner at the head of the bed on the outside. I never get it fully underneath the mattress but at least over the corner.

Surely some of you have found a better way.

dbdreams · 03-07-2020, 12:09 PM

We too use the AB lifestyles sheets and LOVE the polar tech blanket!
Carole will sometimes stand the mattress up in the hall to install the bottom sheet, gives me a chance to vacuum under the mattress. The smallish corner bed has led us to look at a larger unit twice but we really love the 23CB and the places we can put it VS a 27 or 28 ~ I do not like east west beds of the 25s and 26, just ONE of my quark's

RFP · 03-07-2020, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

We too use the AB lifestyles sheets and LOVE the polar tech blanket!
Carole will sometimes stand the mattress up in the hall to install the bottom sheet,

Me, too David. With the mattress standing on edge in the 'hall' I put on both sheets and the polar tech blanket.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

< snip > just ONE of my quark's

Wow, I didn't know you had quarks

What are you taking for that?

dbdreams · 03-08-2020, 08:00 AM

Lots of coffee and an occasional bottle of wine!

Mix the above with a nice sunset in the mountains will cure many ills!!!

UncleBad · 03-08-2020, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

Getting ready for the trip to Big Bend I placed a 12v outlet near the foot of the bed, between the bed and wardrobe to power a CPAP and other devices. I installed a bike rack yesterday, 4 hours including a run to Home Depot for additional hardware. The bike rack was not fun but I know exactly how it was installed! Waiting on a Zamp 90 watt solar panel to add to the factory solar set up to double the capacity to 180W. Should be here today so will get it on by the weekend. With 180w on the roof and a 100w suitcase set up I hope to keep the lights on while in Big Bend!

dbdreams, want to make sure you review this thread if you have not already:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...er-201482.html

That zamp panel may not double your capacity. I wish it were that simple as well.

dbdreams · 03-08-2020, 01:01 PM

I did order a matching 90 watt panel for the roof, it will give me the same charging capacity as the factory set on a 25, our 23 does have the factory solar. They will be the primary charging for the two AGM house batteries. I will use the portable set if the trailer is in shade. We managed a 4 day stay with no hookups last year with only the stock 90w panel so having 180w should help, and as this group is known for overkill, I will have a generator with us!.

UncleBad · 03-09-2020, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

I did order a matching 90 watt panel for the roof, it will give me the same charging capacity as the factory set on a 25, our 23 does have the factory solar. They will be the primary charging for the two AGM house batteries. I will use the portable set if the trailer is in shade. We managed a 4 day stay with no hookups last year with only the stock 90w panel so having 180w should help, and as this group is known for overkill, I will have a generator with us!.

Sounds like a solid plan!

dbdreams · 03-10-2020, 09:12 AM

It has been a few years since a lot of this group replaced their skylights. Would anyone change how the installation was done if they were to do it again today? New adhesives, caulking, fasteners etc?

Thanks all and have a great week

RFP · 03-10-2020, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

It has been a few years since a lot of this group replaced their skylights. Would anyone change how the installation was done if they were to do it again today? New adhesives, caulking, fasteners etc?

Thanks all and have a great week

No, David, I would do it again exactly as I did it. This is a great upgrade. Actually, one of the best things I did for our skylight was to get rid of that cheesy plastic interior trim and make a 'proper' trim from wood; nicely painted ivory, of course, to (more or less) match the Serenity color scheme.

StephSH · 03-11-2020, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

Getting ready for the trip to Big Bend I placed a 12v outlet near the foot of the bed, between the bed and wardrobe to power a CPAP and other devices. I installed a bike rack yesterday, 4 hours including a run to Home Depot for additional hardware. The bike rack was not fun but I know exactly how it was installed! Waiting on a Zamp 90 watt solar panel to add to the factory solar set up to double the capacity to 180W. Should be here today so will get it on by the weekend. With 180w on the roof and a 100w suitcase set up I hope to keep the lights on while in Big Bend!

I’m going to do the same, did you order the long thin expansion 90w Zamp panel? Wasnt sure it would fit on the top, so would love to know if thats what you got and how it fits with the existing panel on top.

uraljohn · 03-11-2020, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

We too use the AB lifestyles sheets and LOVE the polar tech blanket!
Carole will sometimes stand the mattress up in the hall to install the bottom sheet, gives me a chance to vacuum under the mattress. The smallish corner bed has led us to look at a larger unit twice but we really love the 23CB and the places we can put it VS a 27 or 28 ~ I do not like east west beds of the 25s and 26, just ONE of my quark's

We had a 2017 Int. Serenity 23D for 2 years. 17k miles and lots of good travel. We sold it (we were able to sell for just $3k less than we paid for it when new!) and purchased a 2019 Flying Cloud 25' Rear Bed Twin. Loved the 23D, however, the 25' FC RBT is worlds better. So far we have not had any size challenges in our travels. Just some food for thought.

We did perform many of the upgrades discussed on this forum to our 23D while we had it. The new owner appreciated the many nice modifications.

dbdreams · 03-11-2020, 08:23 PM

Steph,
Yes, 90watt Zamp slim panel that matches the original. It will go on the street side forward of the black tank vent. Will post a shot or two when I start the install. I spent today removing the sealant from around the skylight in prep for the new maxim skylight. The sealant on my 2017 came off much easier!!

dbdreams · 03-14-2020, 09:44 AM

Steph,
I just ordered a set of rocker mount feet from AM solar, they let you tilt the panels or easily remove them for cleaning or maintenance. There is plenty of room for the panel, had it up yesterday just for a look.

Tucker74 · 03-15-2020, 08:28 PM

Hey guys - first extended trip and have a problem with the hot water heater (if not my ignorance). Had gone through most everything but not actually hooked up water, so when I pulled into site at Garner State Park and hooked up the water, of course the drains are open from winterization and immediately flood the site

. Got that sorted, but for some reason when I turn on the water heater it lights the pilot for a minute or so and goes out. It may have been winterized as well, found the drain plug removed in the outer compartment...taped and tightened it and didn’t notice anything else out of sorts. Any ideas? It has the auto-igniter via the switch over the vanity sink.

Thanks!
Tucker

StephSH · 03-15-2020, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

Steph,

I just ordered a set of rocker mount feet from AM solar, they let you tilt the panels or easily remove them for cleaning or maintenance. There is plenty of room for the panel, had it up yesterday just for a look.

Thank you! I really appreciate the info, I had no idea where it would fit. Did you install yours without putting any holes in the roof?

StephSH · 03-15-2020, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdreams

Steph,

I just ordered a set of rocker mount feet from AM solar, they let you tilt the panels or easily remove them for cleaning or maintenance. There is plenty of room for the panel, had it up yesterday just for a look.

I looked up the feet you mentioned, so I see that you aren’t using screws :-). Looking forward to seeing the pictures. I bet I can get my son to help me with this project...