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Old 01-27-2022, 10:13 AM   #11
JoeyCharismatic
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These pictures are not of the final install, as the victron is now mounted on the right side divider of the compartment, and cables/breakers and various add-ons are not fixed in place here. The shunt, not pictured, is currently just dangling - its a work in progress.

For compression - look close: there's a 1x6 on each end held tight by a ratchet strap. This is an ingenious way to apply compression in a very controlled manner, with evenly distributed pressure, and yet can be removed in seconds. I also am of the mind set that compression may be overrated in its need, regardless of the increase in lifespan, but I did it really well anyway.

The weight may be more than I originally stated, as I think it may be measured in kilos, I'll have to revisit it to get the actual numbers.

The Victron is amazing really, I'll post more about the full system tonight.
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Old 01-27-2022, 11:20 AM   #12
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Can this please be moved to 'Electrical'? It's awfully hard to find this Thread within 'forum admin'/'account help'/'suggestion box'.
Rick -

Yes, it is in the wrong place and hard to find. As you suggest, I initially moved it to Electrical, where it clearly belongs. But then Joey couldn't see it, because he does not have Sponsor status. So I had to move it back. The new Forum ownership is still wrestling with this issue. Hope to see an answer soon, since it will affect a lot of new members and new posts.

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Old 01-27-2022, 12:10 PM   #13
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Wow! What a beast! That bad boy must weigh 350-400 pounds.
Joey -

I think you have a 2011 2720QB, which came from the factory with 14" ST (Special Trailer) tires rated Load Range C. Have you had a chance to upgrade to Load Range D (either 14" or 15")? The original LR-C tires did not have a lot of load-bearing margin, and much as I love this project, its weight, including the panels "upstairs", eats up quite a bit of it.

Just a thought ...

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Old 01-27-2022, 12:17 PM   #14
JoeyCharismatic
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Default Site sponsor status.

As I've discovered, there is an entire portion of the site which isn't even visible to non-sponsor members. That was confusing to say the least. I may consider upgrading my membership, but I wasn't even aware it existed until now.
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Old 01-27-2022, 12:18 PM   #15
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The original LR-C tires did not have a lot of load-bearing margin, and much as I love this project, its weight, including the panels "upstairs", eats up quite a bit of it.
That's putting it politely. The LRC tires are simply insufficient. That may be within specs on paper, but in practice, have lead to many blowouts reported on this forum. I had several alone. I'd consider moving to LRD the bare minimum, but with all the extra weight you've added, I'd consider LRE a requirement.

Good catch, Bill.

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Old 01-27-2022, 12:22 PM   #16
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I believe I have 15" wheels with recently replaced 10 ply tires. I added the system in and removed all the existing cargo, which had to weight about the same. I don't have much issue towing it, but I recently got a weight distribution hitch, which I can't wait to try out.
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Old 01-27-2022, 12:35 PM   #17
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Excellent. As I understand it, LRE tires are 10-ply, and when I last checked years ago, you couldn't buy them for 14" wheels. So yes, you probably do have 15" wheels.

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Old 02-06-2022, 07:58 PM   #18
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I have recently given my TM a major upgrade. It was a project born of Covid lock-in boredom, and overkill for a rig of this nature, but I share it with you today.

I have installed a 15kWh Lifepo4 battery bank with a 3kw Victron Multiplus battery inverter. In practical terms, I can run my entire rig, including AC, for 15-20 hours with no electrical hook up, or generator running.

I may post pictures or answer questions about it here if anyone is interested.

Happy trails.
I am interested in the size Trailmanor you have, the process to mount the solar panels to the roof and any advice you gained doing it. I want to install a 2nd battery and 2 solar panels (about 200 watts).
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Old 02-07-2022, 07:11 AM   #19
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I actually haven't added to my existing 95 watt solar panel, but have plans for a 600+ watt add on in the future. If you go as large as I did with your battery, or even 5 kWh, you can usually power anything except AC/Heat/Microwave and just recharge on plug in. I will update eventually when I add in the extra solar capacity, but for now it is a battery storage solution only, though I can recharge via generator or plug in at anytime.

Speaking of generators...I finally found a micro generator that runs on propane and is powerful enough to run the AC. Champion Dual fuel 2500 'suitcase' inverter generator. I have to start the AC on low first so I don't bog it down, but once it's on its fine even on high.
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Old 02-07-2022, 07:57 AM   #20
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Default Slightly off topic in this Thread ... but here you go!

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Originally Posted by Agawam View Post
I am interested in the size Trailmanor you have, the process to mount the solar panels to the roof and any advice you gained doing it. I want to install a 2nd battery and 2 solar panels (about 200 watts).
Agawam, you can use https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...85&postcount=1 as your index to other TM owner Solar installs. Many are of similar size to your plans.
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