Modifications to our 2017 30’ Serenity (Interior upgrades + Solar/Lithium)

[wulfraat]

After 8 years in our 2008 25’ SS International (some background here) we decide to make the move to a 2017 30’ international serenity to gain more space, larger shower/bath room and a queen bed. Our 25’ SS had a similar floor plan in the lounge area which we loved for our family of 4 as it had 3 good sized beds once we modified the lounge.

Based on our travels in and many upgrades to the 25’ we knew exactly what worked for us, and what didn’t, so we took this opportunity with a blank slate from the factory to tailor our new 30’ based on our learnings and needs / wants.

This spring we finally completed numerous “uplifts” with Timeless Travel Trailers in Denver, and Lew Farber in Hood River, OR.

For those who are interested, here are the enhancements we made:

Interior Renovations (Timeless Travel Trailers)


Replaced dinette bench with extension of the couch - aluminum wrapped base - creating a larger living space and additional storage. This also makes for a much larger sleeping area when the dinette is converted into a bed

Removed storage bin behind the couch and made the seating area deeper, also making for a larger sleeping area when the couch is converted into a bed

• New custom cushions matching the original ultra-leather, appointments and foam density
• Added shelf storage below the arm rest by the couch
• Added clip to keep the countertop extension from bouncing around down the road
• Added magazine rack near front door for charging laptops and iPads at night
• Changed out the range to the Domestic CU-434 with electric start oven
• Added matching Corian counter top in the bathroom
• Converted the hallway wardrobed into a large pantry with adjustable shelves
• New base floor that is reinforced for heavy items - factory wardrobe floor actually collapsed on us when we put some kids juice boxes down there
• Adjustable shelves with lips so things don’t slide off
• Installed electrical outlet and vent fan for dedicated “sonic” ice machine that now lives on the bottom level of the pantry
• 3M vinyl print of the Tetons, a photo I took a couple years back on an airstream trip up to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone
• Installed large bathroom mirror, custom cut and re-located towel holder
• Cut out a crescent out from the cutting board to allow for things to be slid into the sink after cutting

Complete “vertical stack” Victron Energy System (Lew Farber / Solar Tech Energy Systems)

• 800watts of solar - Eight AM Solar SP100 panels up top. Ability to tilt if needed
• Victron 150/85 MPPT controller (Smart w/BT)
• Victron 12/3000 Multi-Plus inverter/charger with 50A pass-though
• * PowerControl (ability to deal with limited generator or shore power)
• * PowerAssist (ability to dynamically supplement the capacity of shore or generator power with batts)
• * Real-time uninterrupted 120v power supply when disconnecting shore / genset power sources
• Victron Lithium batteries (600ah total - 2 X 300ah batts)
• Victron CCGX monitoring panel with wi-fi and automatic upload to VRM portal
• Victron BMV-712 battery monitor (Smart w/BT)
• Victron Digital Control Center and BMV monitoring panel
• Victron BMS
• Victron Battery Protects (2)
• Victron Lynx 1000 distributor
• Victron component networking via VE.Bus and VE.Direct communication buses. WiFi / Internet uplink to Victron VRM portal via CCGX
• AM Solar AMS control module for cold weather and other automatic system disconnects
• Inverter, battery, solar disconnects for manual manipulation / inclusion / exclusion of components from the system,
• New 120v panel and sub panels
• New 12v panel
• WeBoost 50db LTE/4G/3G signal booster with Surecall external antenna and large internal panel antenna mounted mid-ship for re-broadcasting through the trailer.

Other upgrades that I’ve done:

• Pepwave Soho powered wifi network with redundant VZ/AT&T LTE internet connections
• Pioneer SPH-DA120 AppRadio double-DIN touch-screen multi-media receiver with Apple CarPlay / Pandora
• Polk Audio high fidelity MM1 speakers
• HDMI 4-port switch and Apple TV
• Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X 50A shore power protection
• 2 MicroAir EasyStarts - one for each AC unit front and rear
• FirstBuild / Opal Nugget ice maker (love that sonic ice on the road

So the trailer is now ready for some adventures in comfort I’d say. We just returned from a 3,500 mile “dry run” from Denver -> Portland -> Northern California -> Moab -> Denver. The ample battery capacity is welcomed and we never have to plug in or give a hoot about energy consumption. Just basically get in and enjoy all amenities.

We can run the main AC while on the road without hookups when desired. This is really our second home and we use a lot of AC ‘gear’ such as hot water kettle, electric grille, ice maker, microwave, AC, TV, computers, etc.. so its nice never to have to worry about drawing down the batteries.. we just go along our way and all is good in 600ah lithium land.

So a special thanks to Timeless Travel Trailers in Denver who did an incredible job, as always, with the interior uplifts. Highly recommend them.

And a second super special thanks Lew Farber for his great work and attention to detail in installing our ultimate airstream energy system. Many man hours spent on the project - Lew’s work is renowned and it showed on this install. Lew was also especially patient with a high detail, technically oriented client with many questions and very specific system component requirements

[wulfraat]

Few other shots..

[wulfraat]

Lew's work!

[GMFL]

Wulf,
Love the 3D graph on the front. Who did you get to done the print?

[wulfraat]

Timeless outsourced it to a local company. Not sure who. A FastSigns or similar could print and install this type of thing. Just make sure you ask for / use high quality 3M vinyl. It stands up better over time and it also has slight perforations so you can see through it from the inside. The photo is one I took of the Tetons...

[mythbuster88]

Very nice and thanks for all the pictures!

[kendrick.l.j]

Absolutely fantastic. Awesome job. I hope I get to see it in person some day. Congratulations!!!!

[daleyocum]

Now THAT’S an electrical system! I’m almost done with my Victron-centric system as well but 600ah of battery and 800w of solar is almost double what I was able to fit/affford. Jealousy abounds!

[Lara Me]

If I ever get a solar setup, Lew is the guy I’d go to. Seen so many exceptional installs, including this one.

[gklott]

Thanks for sharing. Looks like you are set for a while.

73/gus

[Mansderm161]

Awesome. Everything looks great...I, too, hope we cross paths so I can take a peek inside. Have fun!

[Antique Pedaler]

Did you talk with Timeless Travel about doing the solar install? I’ve called them to ask if they do solar installs. What I got was a salesman who said a tech would call me but he never did.

[wulfraat]

I did not consider Timeless for this particular install due to the size / complexity and the experience with Victron that I was looking for. I would only consider Lew (or AM Solar perhaps) for this size install with the Victron stack. I would have done it myself otherwise, but didn't have the time to allocate (took Lew 70 or 80 man hours for this install - and he's the go-to pro who with a fully-outfitted shop and he does this every day! ...would have taken me 100+ man hours)

I did have timeless do the solar install on my 2008 (see here). I did it in 2 waves and had a total of just over 450 watts.

Timeless did a good job with the install on my 2008, but it was a simple system and they needed guidance from me on exactly what parts to order, etc.. (maybe that's just me, I am a technical customer and have specific requirements - as Lew will tell you [emoji4] )

Knowing what I know now, I would have taken a different approach with the Timeless install and had them use AM Solar SP-100 panels and Victron MPPT controller (vs. GoPower).

I would also have them deploy the "no holes in roof" methodology of securing panels with 3M high bond tape and sikaflex over top using AM solar mounting feet.

Give them a call and ask for Nicole, she should call you back. They tend to take on larger projects but they should call you back nonetheless.

If you need / want help coming up with a parts list for your installer, etc... I'd be glad to provide some advice based on my experience, as others will too on this forum I’m sure. Lots of mindshare here! Also - you might consider a DIY approach - if all you are doing is adding some panels and a controller - it’s not that bad of a job. Takes time but not that complicated.

[DBinSD]

That is some impressive upgrades!
Looks great.

[mythbuster88]

And the very cool dog seems to be OK with the upgrades too!

[bigcountry]

wulfraat, Thanks for the detailed post.
I'm just exploring solar systems and components.
I have a technical background and enjoy understanding what to pick and how it works.
I'll probably have some specific questions for you soon.
Thanks Again!

[tbashin]

All that and noses are in the phones. LOL

[uncle_bob]

Hi

So ... ummm .... where is the DC/DC converter to the tow vehicle?

Bob

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

So ... ummm .... where is the DC/DC converter to the tow vehicle?

Bob

I disconnected the 12v supply from the TV. Charging from the TV is a rounding error - opted out of that.

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by tbashin

All that and noses are in the phones. LOL

hahah - yeah kids. I give my son 1 hour per day to use his phone - good timing on my part to take a photo with him playing a game with his friends