Hi folks,
Well it has been a long time since I posted anything worthwhile and we have been very busy moving to Colorado, getting into a new work routine, training for work, adjusting to COVD 19 restrictions, etc etc.
We pushed very hard this spring to finish up the restoration as much as possible - some things were rushed. We are living that dream now in one sense as some of the idea's we had did not turn out so well - okay at least they were good ideas but rushing things is not a great idea most days.
LiFePO4 Batteries. The big question is what happens when they become problematic or it gets too cold or too hot or the BMS cracks up? We ended up redesigning the entire compartment and last summer we added 4 X
12V Lead Carbon batteries as a second bank. Now with the switch we can easily maintain the system on one bank or another. Also we moved on from the original BMS which was much too complicated and went with higher end VICTRON components. We also invested in a 3000W electric start quiet generator because it is not always sunny. As they say the proof is in the pudding and we just got back from 10 days on the beach in California with no E hookups and of those days, we charged with the generator on one of them, just top be on the safe side. The solar has both banks charged usually by lunch or early afternoon and just runs a float till it gets dark. We also had to rebuild the plumbing for fresh water tank entry point which is now much better than it was before.
ALDE Hydronic Heating System. The biggest issue with the ALDE is the owner and user of the system!@$ When you are running on battery the ALDE will use either propane or electricity if you have the inverter on the breaker active on the main panel. This is how we got big issues with 4 to 6 cells in the LiFePO4 battery we built. We have done this three times now! Other than that we love the in floor heating system and quietness of the entire unit. It is a success and worth the investment, time and effort to get it operating properly.
Living Space. While we maximized storage and utility space, the narrow 24 inch hallway is a PITA with two people and two German Shepherds. Not sure how you could get around that but cooking is a one person operation.
Bathroom. Nearly total failure as the toilet is way to close to a huge sink which we do not need. Other than that, things work the way they are supposed to.
Shower. Largely a success if the leaks and the drain. Because there is no trap we get quite a smell in the trailer when the grey is open, the sewer is hooked up at an RV park and the fantastic fans are on exhaust. Yuck. Going to have to fix that problem . . . Also the floor is not sealed properly and the lip is not as high as it should be - so it has a tiny leak which can be an issue if we are not level. The length of pipe from the hot water heater to the shower is also a bit long so it takes awhile for it to heat up.
Bed. Lots of discussion on the wrap around design, size, height, etc. One of us does not like to have to roll or crawl over the other one to pee at night. So a bit of a failure from that perspective. Other wise all good.
Cabinetry. Slowly coming along - need more time certainly as building it takes a lot of planning and design. The battery compartment is now the base for some drawers and these long trips require some proper cooking ware storage.
I have attached some cool photos of our trips so far - Vancouver Island to Colorado, Grand Canyon and California. Many more to come. Many thanks to those of you who helped along the way and provided comfort in the knowledge that someone else had been here before. Feel free to visit or contact me through the FaceBook Page which will remain active.
https://www.facebook.com/AIRSTREAMRENO
Kris
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