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Mansderm161 · 05-24-2018, 04:20 PM

Check all the wheels on the screen...roll them completely around. Mine fell off in my hand the first time i used it becase a roller is chipped in 2 places

Alex AVI · 05-24-2018, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdurossjr

Thanks I am hoping the technology these units doesn’t become a monster. I read these threads and they scare me to death. My wife is already saying if this isn’t fun it goes back[emoji30] screen door came off and I’ve worked on the adjustment for an hour to no avail.

Don't get too intimidated by the tech. A lot of us in the forum just like to vent, especially the former techies, because we have our own ideas of how things ought to be built. There WILL BE problems & bugs to fix. But that is true of any new stuff as complicated as an rv. The AI, although small compared to a 40 ft class A, still has the same systems installed, just in smaller scale. And both are just rolling small homes. If you have built a new home from scratch, it is a headache from start to finish. I keep saying I will never do it again, but we are on #4 . In spite of some start-up problems, we are having fun & enjoying our AI. I would do it all over again, anytime, especially knowing I have lots of helpful experience here.

rowiebowie · 05-24-2018, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdurossjr

Thanks I am hoping the technology these units doesn’t become a monster. I read these threads and they scare me to death. My wife is already saying if this isn’t fun it goes back[emoji30] screen door came off and I’ve worked on the adjustment for an hour to no avail.

It's frustrating when things break, but a motor home is a combination of a home & a vehicle and all the mechanical features that go with each. My AS Avenue is well out of warranty so I don't have to deal with that aspect.

The main problem is the RV dealers I've dealt with charge an hourly rate higher than most local plumbers, electricians, and mechanics and yet don't have much expertise in diagnosing/fixing problems. I've gotten pretty good at DIY repairs because, after all, I can't break something that's already broken.

Jdurossjr · 05-25-2018, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pahaska

The large refrigerator and freezer on the Grand Tour precludes overnighting without hookups on the installed batteries.

A GT has a 550 ohm resistor in the control circuit for the refrigerator. That, alone, runs the compressor at about 2750 rpm rather than the 2000 rpm of the Lounge. This resistor probably increases the amp-hours needed for the refrigerator by at least 50%. Add the amp-hours of the freezer, and you are using a lot of amp-hours for the two boxes.

My Lounge will just safely go overnight in hot weather. There is no way that a GT will do so without additional batteries, generator, or idling the engine.

I had AI install 2 addl batteries and solar pane but seems to have made no difference
We intend to use without hook up and am afraid we’ve made the wrong decision.

Tobbun · 05-25-2018, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdurossjr

I had AI install 2 addl batteries and solar pane but seems to have made no difference

We intend to use without hook up and am afraid we’ve made the wrong decision.

I think you will want to look at that MPPT controller.

I felt very similar after the purchase thinking I miss understood the capabilities and really over sold the functionality to the wife. This forum has a ton a great people that have a lot of wisdom and guidance. Your AI might not be perfect today but it is a journey and it has the opportunity to be customized to different needs. Hang in there.

wachuko · 05-25-2018, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdurossjr

I had AI install 2 addl batteries and solar pane but seems to have made no difference
We intend to use without hook up and am afraid we’ve made the wrong decision.

You made the right decision... you just have some components that are working against you... BIM and Solar controller...

Change those and things should improve significantly...

I did mine... here is the link where I documented some of it:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...ml#post2047788

And a photo of both items installed... Blue Sea ACR that replaced the BIM and the Victron that replaced the solar controller...

Blue Sea ML-ACR 7622
Victron SmartSolar 100/30 MPPT Solar Charge Controller (the Smart version is the newer one with built-in Bluetooth... go with that one).

Sue Yeutter · 06-01-2018, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wachuko

You made the right decision... you just have some components that are working against you... BIM and Solar controller...

Change those and things should improve significantly...

I did mine... here is the link where I documented some of it:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...ml#post2047788

And a photo of both items installed... Blue Sea ACR that replaced the BIM and the Victron that replaced the solar controller...

Blue Sea ML-ACR 7622
Victron SmartSolar 100/30 MPPT Solar Charge Controller (the Smart version is the newer one with built-in Bluetooth... go with that one).

I would like to know where to go if I want to make these changes. Sorry but it is well past my DYI abilities. I boondock once a year at my granddaughters, they live off the grid so no power. Also I am interested in a caravan with boondocking stops. When i had an Airstream TT it had a full solar system and was great for off the grid.

wachuko · 06-01-2018, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue Yeutter

I would like to know where to go if I want to make these changes. Sorry but it is well past my DYI abilities. I boondock once a year at my granddaughters, they live off the grid so no power. Also I am interested in a caravan with boondocking stops. When i had an Airstream TT it had a full solar system and was great for off the grid.

Contact Lew Farber (lewster in this forum)

https://www.solartechenergy.net

http://www.airforums.com/forums/memb...ter-10325.html

He is located in Naples, FL.

Tobbun · 06-01-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wachuko

Contact Lew Farber (lewster in this forum)

https://www.solartechenergy.net

http://www.airforums.com/forums/memb...ter-10325.html

He is located in Naples, FL.

What he said...

RJC · 06-03-2018, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wachuko

You made the right decision... you just have some components that are working against you... BIM and Solar controller...

Change those and things should improve significantly...

I did mine... here is the link where I documented some of it:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...ml#post2047788

And a photo of both items installed... Blue Sea ACR that replaced the BIM and the Victron that replaced the solar controller...

Blue Sea ML-ACR 7622
Victron SmartSolar 100/30 MPPT Solar Charge Controller (the Smart version is the newer one with built-in Bluetooth... go with that one).

I read enough pages of the linked thread that my brain needed a rest but still not sure, in lay terms, what the net result of those two modifications are. It does seem based on what I'm reading that it is a high priority for anyone with unpredictable power access.

And to clarify, are people adding a 4th 100w solar panel to an AI that shipped with 300w, or a 2nd to one with 100w standard?

Alex AVI · 06-03-2018, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJC

I read enough pages of the linked thread that my brain needed a rest but still not sure, in lay terms, what the net result of those two modifications are. It does seem based on what I'm reading that it is a high priority for anyone with unpredictable power access.

And to clarify, are people adding a 4th 100w solar panel to an AI that shipped with 300w, or a 2nd to one with 100w standard?

Yes (some would argue for every AI), Yes, & Yes.