Best Of
Re: AGM Battery (Renogy 100Ah) Maximum Depth of Discharge
I hardly ever look at the "calculated time remaining on the battery." I think that data is a lot more useful when the controller is connected to a system where there is some kind of regular-ish load. I just don't think it's very useful when you have the compressor from a fridge (or the fan for a furnace) kicking on/off at irregular intervals. I mostly focus on the SOC (voltage) and the net amps consumed. Just my two cents.jbajor said:I am setting up my new Victron Smart Shunt (IP65, 300 amp) and, in my research, seen MANY references to setting max discharge to 50% as well as 80% discharge (50% remaining charge and 20% remaining charge). Clearly this makes a significant difference to the calculated time remaining on the battery for a given load. Are there any real world uses that you have had with respect to how far you allow your AGM battery to discharge without ill effect? Where 50% is considered 'safe, I do not want to short change my capacity but I also do not want to prematurely damage my battery. What say you oh wise ones? Cheers!
Re: Why don’t you have an awing ?
I have a 2017 with a visor, and use it all the time, weather permitting. I learned how to really secure it so it is pretty stable in reasonable winds. If I want more shade, I have "shade sail" type material to block out the sun.
My visor, including all the stakes and straps, the two sets of poles I have for it, fit in a small thin bag that is easy to pack and carry around.
Re: Which Brake Controller with New Volvo XC90?
Hey there,
We had similar issues with the Curt Echo and have switched to the Prodigy RF wireless brake controller and we could not be happier.
It is a huge upgrade and has given us much more confidence in our brakes. We experienced many problems with the Echo including brakes locking up and activating randomly (!) and their tech support kept giving us a run around despite being within the warranty period. It was incredibly frustrating experience.
On the other hand, the prodigy rf is fairly straightforward to install (though you have to be comfortable drilling a few mounting holes into the trailer steel frame), and has worked flawlessly for us. Importantly, we also had excellent customer tech support when we needed it. Another point to mention is that you can use the prodigy rf on any tow vehicle since it's wireless.
Hope this helps.
We had similar issues with the Curt Echo and have switched to the Prodigy RF wireless brake controller and we could not be happier.
It is a huge upgrade and has given us much more confidence in our brakes. We experienced many problems with the Echo including brakes locking up and activating randomly (!) and their tech support kept giving us a run around despite being within the warranty period. It was incredibly frustrating experience.
On the other hand, the prodigy rf is fairly straightforward to install (though you have to be comfortable drilling a few mounting holes into the trailer steel frame), and has worked flawlessly for us. Importantly, we also had excellent customer tech support when we needed it. Another point to mention is that you can use the prodigy rf on any tow vehicle since it's wireless.
Hope this helps.
Re: Thermal cut-off switch in Alde system?
Can you tell us what year your trailer is? On my 2017 320, the radiator (Alde calls them "convectors") under the passenger side bench are covered with a simple wooden L-shaped wood structure. You will find the convectors and hoses at the far end of the "glycol loop" do not get very hot, at least not hot enough to burn anything. The convectors do have thin aluminum "vanes" that can get bent pretty easily. And, some of these "vanes" have pretty sharp edges.
So, tell us what year your trailer is. And, a picture will help if you can get to it.
Re: Some thoughts on driving....
I tow our boat or our Tab with a set up that works. The most valuable tool is the cameras I have installed to see the blind spot behind the trailer. Easy to see who is there. No need to go any faster than your comfort level. Our tow vehicle and rigs certainly can tow at the local speed limit plus if desired but not needed in most situations. On the Great Plains, 80 MPH is crazy, even when not towing. Keep in your comfort level, arrive alive, there is nothing to prove if you don’t.
Re: Greetings from Upstate NY
To folks from downstate, everything is upstate. Southern Tier folks like to think of themselves as downstate.
If you are North of Albany and into the park, that is an area we refer to as "the North Country". North Country runs East from Watertown to Vermont and includes the park (Adirondacks). This upstate, downstate, Western NY thing is a perpetual argument. To folks from the North Country, Syracuse is downstate.
If you are North of Albany and into the park, that is an area we refer to as "the North Country". North Country runs East from Watertown to Vermont and includes the park (Adirondacks). This upstate, downstate, Western NY thing is a perpetual argument. To folks from the North Country, Syracuse is downstate.
Re: Greetings from Upstate NY
North of Albany is up state ……like Adirondacks …… been here for 70 years
Re: Brake Controller Recommendations
We've used an Echo for 6 years. The few issues we have seen our fault. Take your time. Do the steps in order. The Echo works fine. About 9 months ago the app was updated. It is easier and more forgiving now. That being said, we just ordered a Redarc controller.... The Echo allows a brake controller for vehicles without a wired plug. Our current tow vehicle has a plug. This will free my phone to do other things.
As stated above, the more Bluetooth devices are playing the more interference there is. Heavily tinted windows, particularly the expensive tint with powered metal, will reduce the signal strength. This is true of all Bluetooth brake controllers.
As stated above, the more Bluetooth devices are playing the more interference there is. Heavily tinted windows, particularly the expensive tint with powered metal, will reduce the signal strength. This is true of all Bluetooth brake controllers.
Re: Snap Pads
Snap pads are a nice option. They are for larger trailers with a couple thousand pounds per stabilizer. It keeps the stabilizer from pushing into the summer asphalt by making a bigger foot. We have at best, 300 to 400 pounds per stabilizer.
We camp mainly in State Parks. They have no benefit for us. The primary benefit for for our size trailers is in mud or soft sand. I went to their web site, the menu appears to have all the NuCamp trailers from 320 and up. If you can't find yours, give them a call directly. There are a limited number of sizes for the stabilizer feet.
We camp mainly in State Parks. They have no benefit for us. The primary benefit for for our size trailers is in mud or soft sand. I went to their web site, the menu appears to have all the NuCamp trailers from 320 and up. If you can't find yours, give them a call directly. There are a limited number of sizes for the stabilizer feet.
Re: Infrared Thermometer
I have the same one that Yoshi linked to. I carry it while towing for the same reason you mentioned, and it works fine. For the simple uses like measuring those brake/hub temps from fairly close range, the area of the "spot" isn't too important, it seems to me. But, trying to measure the brake hubs from across the street may give you a false reading! This is an explanation I found just the other day.