lewster

Hi Brad,

Please get with me at 4rvsolar@gmail.com for a complete discussion of your issue.
Thanks!

Hi Lew,
We purchased a 2017 AI GT unit a couple months ago - more or less on a "as is where is" basis
We believe the original coach batteries are shot from a number of complete discharges
and likely the standard issue plastic 100W solar panel is nearing the end of its life
We would like to update these to give enough battery and solar to allow a couple days boondocking (of course we have the generator if we will stop longer)
Could you advise the a battery/solar set-up that could make this happen?
We will be FL Mar/Apr/May (St Pete Beach area)
Thanks
Brad

Thanks for responding Lew. The dimensions are close: 24T is 11.13 long, 6.6 wide, 9.25 high and the 4CT is 10.28 long, 7.06 wide, and 9.92 high. I know I need to pull the 24T's and measure and will do when the weather improves. If they would do I need to change any of the systems? Thanks for your advice. John

Hello Lew, I'm a new member to the forum and after reading a lot of posts I think you can answer my question about replacing the house batteries in my stock 2018 Tommy Bahama Grand Touring Interstate coach. I would like to replace the Lifeline GPL-24T's with Lifeline GPL-4CT's and I'm trying to find out if I need to change out any of standard equipment (Magnum Inverter/charger, Sun Explorer Charger Controller, Power Control System, etc) to do this and will they fit in the battery trays without modification? At this time I'm just trying to gain some additional AMP hours. Thanks Lew

Hi Baruch,

You can get up to 300 A/H with a par of Lifeline GPL-6CT batteries. The only problem is where to place them in your 2005 Airstream coach. I have done a couple of your style Interstates and we placed the batteries below your couch. As for panels, I would use the Zamp 90's available from AM Solar, along with a 100/30 Victron solar controller and their BMV-712 battery monitor. Please let me know if you need any more information about this great stuff!

Good morning Lew,
If you have time to respond...
I have a 2005 Airstream Interstate rear bath/kitchen with a 100 ah Lifeline AGM under the passenger seat.
We love to boondock for prolonged periods of time
I want to put in a solar system mainly to power more built-in propane heater time and would like to use the pre-wiring which I believe is 10 gauge wire. I don't think I need an inverter (I have a little 12v plug inverter that meets my needs).
I'm thinking two 6v batteries to replace the existing 5 yr old 100 ah 12v battery like my friend who has 2 Fullriver DC224-6.

Can you please suggest battery / charge controller / panels for me?
And most space efficient way to install the batteries? The underseat space where the battery currently lives is otherwise useless.

Thanks so much for your help (if you have bandwidth),
Baruch

Hi, Lew,

I plan to order a second Airstream within the next few months, the 2021 Globetrotter 23FB Twin that has the NovaKool RFU6800 6.8 cu ft electric refrigerator drawing 5.2 amp when running on 12 v DC. Even though Airstream offers 180w factory solar on longer Gas, Airstream only offers 90w factory solar on 23 FB GT configurations. I don’t think that is enough power to deal with the electric fridge even if I add lithium batteries. I would like to add at least 180w solar, preferably 360w, but when I discussed adding more solar with Bill Thomas Camper Sales a month ago they said there wasn’t enough room due to the fridge vent. Airstream still vents the electric fridge through the roof in 2021, but the vent is almost dead center on the 23 ft GT and it appears to me that there should be room for at least 2 and perhaps 4 of the 90w 58.3" x 13.5" Zamp panels. What am I missing?

Carl Russell
719-338-2404
ruslcart@icloud.com
Aurora, CO

Lew -

I have a 2014.5 Ext Interstate Lounge that I am considering modifying for more boon docking. Currently has one factory installed solar panel (100w), two Lifeline AGM 100Ah batteries, and so far as I know, the standard Adkinson controller and other electrical equipment. Will you consult with me on some options for improvements?

Jim Stephens
910-540-5420
jimsbc@gmail.com
Raleigh, NC

Having some trouble with my MM1212 inverter. First one fan froze up after 6 years, causing the unit to over heat... we both know in no good. Noticed it because the inverter was clicking on for a brief period of time then off and the batteries we no longer getting charged. Had a spare mm 1212 that I had ordered approx 2 years before (that's another story). Put the spare in and it worked for a month then gave off an internal fault condition. Took the control board off the old one and plugged it into the new on and it did the charge for 30 seconds than switched off. Same fault as the old inverter... So i figured the control board must be bad on both... ordered a control board and replaced it... gave the same internal fault signal. Any thoughts???

Lew:Have lost your contact info, been sending pm but have not head from you. Please e-mail me at billdeloache@gmail.com