2016 Flying Cloud 26U

[gypsydad]

Ahhhhsooooo...that makes sense now...thanks for clarifying.

[Plan-B]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Ahhhhsooooo...that makes sense now...thanks for clarifying.

Not a problem and sorry for the confusion.

[Tarcoola]

Ok Plan-B, I think I have this all worked out.

• The Parallax 8355 installed in our 26U is a piece of junk.
• The voltage gauge is a joke and can’t tell me the true state of my batteries, big problem if I’m going to do any sort of boondocking.
• The 2 x 50w factory solar panels are battery maintainers only.
• The solar power control module is not worthy of being in the same RV park, let alone our AS.
• My poor Lifeline AGM’s must think I’m a terrible owner.

So, what is my Plan B, Plan-B
• Replace converter/charger with either PD4655 or Boondocker 1260
• Replace voltage gauge with a better one – ideas?
• Swap out 2 x 50w panels for 2 x 100W panels (at a minimum)
• Replace solar power control module.
• Find someone in Austin/Central Texas who is a knowledgeable and can replace all this professionally.

I guess that’s it!!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Tarcoola

Ok Plan-B, I think I have this all worked out.

• The Parallax 8355 installed in our 26U is a piece of junk.
• The voltage gauge is a joke and can’t tell me the true state of my batteries, big problem if I’m going to do any sort of boondocking.
• The 2 x 50w factory solar panels are battery maintainers only.
• The solar power control module is not worthy of being in the same RV park, let alone our AS.
• My poor Lifeline AGM’s must think I’m a terrible owner.

So, what is my Plan B, Plan-B
• Replace converter/charger with either PD4655 or Boondocker 1260
• Replace voltage gauge with a better one – ideas?
• Swap out 2 x 50w panels for 2 x 100W panels (at a minimum)
• Replace solar power control module.
• Find someone in Austin/Central Texas who is a knowledgeable and can replace all this professionally.

I guess that’s it!!

I should receive the Boondocker 1260 sometime this week from Bestconverter.com. I still don't know which one is better, the PD or the Boondocker, but Randy from Best recommended the Boondocker; others seem to have replaced the stock WFCO in our AS with the Boondocker, so we shall see. I will post pictures of the install, which is supposed to be pretty straight forward.

I also am curious about installing a voltage gauge, if anyone has any advice or recommendations, please advise. I plan to keep the newly replaced 12V Interstates as long as they are working, before investing more money for AGM or 6V models...hopefully, I will get a few years out of these since they are only 1 month old.

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I should receive the Boondocker 1260 sometime this week from Bestconverter.com. I still don't know which one is better, the PD or the Boondocker, but Randy from Best recommended the Boondocker; others seem to have replaced the stock WFCO in our AS with the Boondocker, so we shall see. I will post pictures of the install, which is supposed to be pretty straight forward.

I also am curious about installing a voltage gauge, if anyone has any advice or recommendations, please advise. I plan to keep the newly replaced 12V Interstates as long as they are working, before investing more money for AGM or 6V models...hopefully, I will get a few years out of these since they are only 1 month old.

While I have the PD4655V and like it, if Randy recommends the Boondocker, that is what I would get. I also have the 80 watt factory (dealer installed) solar panel. The solar panel's control board above the kitchen sink has always shown about 0.1 or 0.2 volts less than the one Plan-B says not to trust. Since that control panel hooks directly to the batteries as part of the solar install, I trust it. I think the one that Plan-B is talking about is giving you the voltage at the converter/charger, not at the batteries. That is a significant difference.

[gypsydad]

Made the install. See my post #58 for details. If anyone wants better pictures, please let me know and I can send or repost with better pictures.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f540...ml#post2020377

[knunut]

Just got back from JC. The orig. 8355 converter had no output. I wanted to replace with the new upgrade . They said the one used in 2018 Units is smaller. They would have to change out the cabinet front panel also. Which they would not do. So they would only replace with same model converter.
Other repair's went very well.

[Dave-n-Janet]

My 2017 26U (twin) tongue weight was 940lbs from CAT scale when loaded for 3 day trip with full fresh water tank. Note: have the 2nd AC unit which may lighten the front end a bit (also awning package). We use the BlueOx with 1000lb bars and seems to work just fine, although 9th or 10th link from free end work much better than 8th link.

[Deston]

Originally Posted by TG2500

Anybody out there with the new 26U floorplan? I'm upgrading from a 23FB. Getting my unit the week after next as I'm traveling this week thought it's arrived at the dealer. Thought i'd start a thread for new 26U owners thought/findings/etc.

I bought a new 26u and had some issues mostly dealer mistakes the filter under the sink leaked, it was not tightened well and the microwave keeps getting unplugged. I worked on both issues and they seem to be ok now. We had a 23ft for years and never had any problems. We really like the changes in the 26 floor plan we have but things take a while to figure out.

[Deston]

Originally Posted by Dave-n-Janet

My 2017 26U (twin) tongue weight was 940lbs from CAT scale when loaded for 3 day trip with full fresh water tank. Note: have the 2nd AC unit which may lighten the front end a bit (also awning package). We use the BlueOx with 1000lb bars and seems to work just fine, although 9th or 10th link from free end work much better than 8th link.

Does the second ac unit use the same duct system, our 26u has a duct system so I assume you cannot add a second ac to it. In really hot weather it cools but not well.

[Deston]

Originally Posted by knunut

Just got back from JC. The orig. 8355 converter had no output. I wanted to replace with the new upgrade . They said the one used in 2018 Units is smaller. They would have to change out the cabinet front panel also. Which they would not do. So they would only replace with same model converter.
Other repair's went very well.

I just bought a 2018 26u the converter went bad in less than a month. Dealer did replace it. Hope this is not a future problem.

[knunut]

Removed wood lattice spacer under twin beds. Replace short grey plastic bins with Large Sterilte Bin 22 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 12" High. Drops down into place. Probably twice as much storage. Easy!

[knunut]

Have traveled with tables down. They look pretty secure thinking of trying table up. Opinion's ?

[AlanMcD]

Originally Posted by knunut

Have traveled with tables down. They look pretty secure thinking of trying table up. Opinion's ?

Travel with tables up all the time. No problem.

-Alan

[AlanMcD]

Originally Posted by Deston

Does the second ac unit use the same duct system, our 26u has a duct system so I assume you cannot add a second ac to it. In really hot weather it cools but not well.

One duct system. I have 2 AC's on mine.

-Alan

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Deston

Does the second ac unit use the same duct system, our 26u has a duct system so I assume you cannot add a second ac to it. In really hot weather it cools but not well.

Yes. However, the dual AC has more than another unit. It also has 50 amp power, so it's a major changeover.

Originally Posted by knunut

Have traveled with tables down. They look pretty secure thinking of trying table up. Opinion's ?

Since I'm solo, I use only one half the table. I leave it up, no problems. However, I'm considering using the larger half in the smaller position, since the small half makes a great cocktail table, but not such a great dining table. Either way, half stays stored.
I may also remove the snaps since they seem to present a good way for a person to rip their legs open getting in and out.

[AlanMcD]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Yes. However, the dual AC has more than another unit. It also has 50 amp power, so it's a major changeover.

Since I'm solo, I use only one half the table. I leave it up, no problems. However, I'm considering using the larger half in the smaller position, since the small half makes a great cocktail table, but not such a great dining table. Either way, half stays stored.
I may also remove the snaps since they seem to present a good way for a person to rip their legs open getting in and out.

Cocktail table...we bought one (actually 2) of the small tables that are used in the Basecamp along with the short legs. Set one up and it's an awesome cocktail or end table. I'll snap a picture or two at some point and post them.

-Alan

[knunut]

Great table ideas. Think i will use larger "Half" and remove latch's.
Like the Basecamp "Cocktail Table" also.

[AlanMcD]

When we use the dining table we usually use one "leaf" only. We have only latched the two together as a full dining table 3 or 4 times. We did not remove the latches and has never been an issue.

-Alan

[Rich Iverson]

Beautiful rig. I am considering getting one. What do you use to tow it? What are your recommendations?