August 7, 2013 – Paul has been busy with some final project before we hit the road at the end of the month.
He installed a Progressive Industries EMS in the 5th wheel. He installed the HW 50C model which is hard-wired into the RV's electrical system. The idea is to have the EMS detect a faulty electrical connection when plugging into a campground electrical pedestal. The EMS will then shut down the RV connection BEFORE any damage is done from high or low voltage, open grounds, and other potential damaging electrical situations. We had one on our motor home, and it frequently protected us from faulty campground electrical problems.
Another installation Paul completed was the addition of a Volt Minder. It is a precision electronic instrument to alert the RV owner that the battery bank is approaching a voltage that will not be sufficient to operate the desired D.C. voltage equipment to its fullest capabilities. Again, we had this reasonably priced unit on our motor home and were pleased with its service.
One of the items we felt a “must have” before heading on our extended winter of traveling is a Honda 2000i Generator. This generator will give us enough power to charge our batteries and enjoy some “creature comforts” while parking without electrical hookups. We plan on doing a little boondocking this fall and winter, so this addition was essential.
He also felt it was a good time to install an additional battery. Paul would have liked to install several additional batteries for a total of four along with an inverter, but that will have to wait for the money train to pull into the station. We now have two 12-volt batteries which along with the generator should allow us a little boondocking for a couple days.
While Paul had the batteries out of the storage area, it was a good time to install a Pro Fill battery watering system. This system connects the battery water reservoirs with a hand held pump allowing him to fill the batteries to the proper level with little mess or fuss. By sliding the filling tube into a gallon jug of distilled water and giving the pump a couple squeezes, the batteries are filled to the proper level.
We've both been doing a little hobby work too! Marsha continues to work on her baskets and Monks cloth projects, while Paul has revived his carving hobby. 
A few projects in the works.
Some Swedish weaving Christmas placemats Marsha will be giving as gifts come this Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!
Nice modifications, especially the Progressive Surge Guard. I've had the 30 amp model for a number of years and it has saved me more than once. Cheap insurance in my mind.
ReplyDeleteMy EMS protected me from Terry's Honda generator. It said there was an open ground. there's a fix having something to do with connecting the neutral to the ground on the generator or something like that--I don't speak electronics. But, you will want to research this before you need it.
ReplyDeleteYour installations on the 5ver will make your travels that much more enjoyable! Nice work, Paul.
ReplyDeleteWow...Paul's is really talented with his carving tools! Beautiful creations with your monk's cloth, Marsha!
The summer has really gone quickly with all of your projects. Time to 'retire' again and enjoy the road!
Paul, you're going to make Lee jealous if he sees those carvings. I like your projects - anything to make the unit safer and easier to use.
ReplyDeleteWe have been debating adding some of those same items to our camper for a while now too. It is only a matter of time until we are burnt if we don't I believe.
ReplyDeleteVery useful mods to the 5'er.
ReplyDeleteA Honda 2000i generator has been on my wish list for quite some time now. It keeps getting bumped off somehow.
Maybe this year while we're down in Palm Springs.
Looks like you're getting ready to go! You've added a lot of great items to make this winter much more comfortable and safer for you.
ReplyDeleteI expected house projects so it was exciting to hear about your preparations to be back on the road. These additions look like wise choices for safety and peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteWhat talent you both have! How great to have creative outlets that result in beautiful art pieces.
You've both been very busy. I love the carvings and placemats. Our Progressive surge protector has saved us twice now, the last one being at a new park with a fairly new pedestal...and that we had just left a month prior!
ReplyDeleteWe have used a Progressive protector for 7 years. Best investment you can make. If you don't have them I would recommend Pressure pro tire monitors for the trailer. ... the carvings look great.
ReplyDeleteWe have the Progressive surge guard, voltage meter, 130 watt solar panel with regulator, 1200 watt inverter, built in Onan 5500 generator and 2 six volt house batteries and do a lot of boon docking, works great for us.
ReplyDeleteThe surge guard has saved us a few times.
And with the solar we can camp in the desert for weeks at a time.
You are on the right track thats for sure, enjoy.
$$$$!
ReplyDeleteI don't see how anyone could get along without the Progressive Surge Guard. Had one on the motorhome and now one on the fifth wheel.
ReplyDeleteYou two are certainly talented crafters as well!
A surge protector is a must.
ReplyDeleteDid you really say something about "final projects"? Somehow I find I just do not believe there is ever a final project with you two!
You guys have both been busy beavers haven't you? Looks like you're all set for your winter travels now ... all you need is to get on the road.
ReplyDeleteWell...now aren't you two just flat talented!!!!! I am jealous!! All the upgrades will really make your travels more enjoyable and secure! We have the Honda generator on our list of things to purchase as well. Let us know how you like it!
ReplyDeleteI think we will have to purchase a pedestal surge protector (we had the hard wired one in our MH). They are a must!! :-)
great projects all the way around. . .and peace of mind to boot. You guys have been busy, busy, busy. . .way to go.
ReplyDeleteGood ideas for your rig. I didn't know Paul could carve!! That's some neat work there. You are both talented artists.
ReplyDeleteWe just had our first experience with a campground post not delivering the proper current. Could not understand what was wrong. Called Tiffin and they took us through tests after test and finally said, that our motorhome was fine, it was the campgrounds problem. We left!
ReplyDeleteYou two are so talented. I always seem to learn something from your posts. We are wanting to do more boondocking this winter too so thanks for this information.
ReplyDeleteYou two are so busy busy busy! What are your winter travel plans?
ReplyDeletethat Paul is so handy! better keep him around!!
ReplyDeleteWill have to look into that Pro Fill System...looks kinda neat.
ReplyDeletewe installed ours this past winter while in Fl...I rest easier knowing its there...While in Avon park 2 yrs ago 3-4 units fried due to the resort electrical...love the hobbies good job!!!
ReplyDeleteSince we have same floorplan wondering where Paul installed the surge guard and the volt minder.
ReplyDelete