November 11, 2012 - AGM Batteries Installed

Recieved our new Lifeline GPL-4CT AGM 6 volt batteries from Powerstride Battery. Only $285.00 each (gasp) and free shipping. I went this route so I can install them a little more centrally located. In the Basement. And no maintenence or venting. Not to mention 440 amp-hours.

I replaced the 2 12 volt batteries that came with the rig with the new 4 in a series/parellel combination. It was amazing to notice how light one of the 12 volt batteries is when compared with the 6 volt ones. 45 1/2 pounds for the 12 volt battery verses 66 pounds for each 6 volt one.

It's a done deal!!.

November 4, 2012 - From House-sitters to House-guests

Bruce and Carol came back home today from their RV trip around the US. They were glad to be back home after traveling over 8000 miles and having such a great time.

They offered to let us stay with them over the winter. We will live in their basement. We are very grateful.

We moved our rig out from beneath the 'RV Port' to make room for their motorhome. Our Bighorn is winterized and set-up next to theirs while I install the new batteries and finish the inverter wiring. Then we will close her up till Spring. Around March 1st, we will move out to a nearby campground while I continue to work for 4 more months. Then it will be 'Hit The Road' time.

Life is Good!

November 2, 2012 - Installing the Solar Set-up

For the past several days, I have been re-installing our Solar set-up that we bought from AM Solar last April. Today, they are in and working. Here is some photos of the install process.

I had to get a PV cable from the basement to the roof. I couldn't use the refrigerator vent like in our Cameo because is is in a slide. The closest vent pipe was in the wall and not over the basement, so I had to drill. I used a closet that was in our bedroom.

Here is where I drilled up to the roof. .

After my starter hole, I used a 1 1/8 inch round hole bit. Note how thick the roof is.

Up comes the PV cable and the combiner box is installed. I used lots of Dicor. No leaks for us!

I put the 4 100 Watt panels in-line with enough slack so we could tilt them. Again using lots of Dicor and stainless screws.

The PV cable went down through each shelf of the closet into the basement. I secured the PV cable into the inside corner of the closet where you can not see it.

Through the same holes with the PV cable, I ran the 2 wires for the Tri-Star RM-2 Remote Monitor for our Solar equipment and for the ME-RC50 remote battery monitor for our Inverter. They mounted great at the end of our closet.

I put new back board up in the basement for the Tri-Star 45 charge controller, 300 amp catostrophic fuse, Shunt, ME-BMK battery monitor, and the Magnum Enery MS 2012 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter all using 2/0 wedling cable.

I connected up the 2 12 volt batteries that came with the rig, but I have ordered 4 Lifeline GPL-4CT AGM 6 volt batteries. An easy swap when they get here.

Here is the working rig. I still have to finish the Inverter install.

Done!

October 23, 2012 - Installing the EMS

Donna is getting everything back into our rig. Now I get to re-install my goodies. I have to re-install my Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C 50 Amp Surge Protector w/ Voltage Protection & Remote Display, our solar setup we got from AM Solar (4 panels and charge controller), and the Magnum Energy MS 2012 2000 Watt Inverter. Today is the EMS.

I pulled out the AC breaker panel and disconnected the incoming power cable and pulled it back to the basement. Our Bighorn basement is huge. I removed the wall section revealing all the hoses and wiring. There is plenty of room to work in there. I then fished a 5 foot piece of 6-3 w/ground power cable, that I picked up at Home Depot, into the basement.

I was able to connect the power cables into the EMS without standing on my head. It is good to have all the slack and room to work.

I mounted it just inside of the basement wiring area. It is the 'neatest' installed item in the mass of wires and hoses and stuff. I am sure I will be in here again when doing the solar and inverter stuff.

I fished the cable into the control area for the Remote Display.

Now after we move to a new location, I can plug into shore power and just open the door and see if the power is good or not. The display will show the operating frequency, and the Voltage and current on each leg.

Next is the solar equipment. It gets dark soon after I get off work and it has been raining lately. But we have lots of time. The rig is winterized and we will have it ready to live in probably about March 1st. I am still retiring July 1st and then we will be off.

Meanwhile, we check the blogs and forums and continue to plan and dream. Time is moving quickly and we are counting the days. 251!!!!!!