My SMB-S Build - Page 10

ilovegt100 · 02-01-2013, 04:02 AM

Apparently a diode pack failure. I have no idea what that means but Paul and the gang are trying to make it right. We have a trip planned next month so the wifey does not know as of yet. The battery bank did not seem to be the cause but who knows at this point.

ilovegt100 · 02-18-2013, 03:05 PM

Woohoo! Back up and running. Apparently a freak alternator failure (fingers crossed) and tripped an impossibly small 10 amp fuse hidden beneath the voltage regulator.

Got a weekend camping trip this weekend so here goes nothing...

Anybody have any winterizing thoughts for me- the weather has been so mild despite the snow never dropping below 10f so Kevin said that I could keep the cabin at 50f without difficulty. I have been doing so despite my secondary alternator issue and had no problems, freezing, or leaks using my thermostat and d2 espar. Anybody else try this?

Lastly, an update on the av system and optional extras. Highly recommend the smart start controller for the sprinter as it works flawless and remote starts via iPhone or Internet. Flir was awesome in snowstorm in mountains (hills if you are from west coast). Kenwood excelon system exceptional with great spacial effects- just have smb make you a cover as even at night it is very bright. Highly recommend gunvault 2000 and shot locks as fast and reliable. Isotherm is more power efficient with more capacity than Norcold listed in site for same external size. Induction stove with uprated 3000w magnum- so fast and efficient. Escort 9500ci is a lifesaver especially with Live app- spooky good.

Despite the alternator, smart lithium phosphate battery packs are so far awesome with much more power density and minimal cold parasitic effect. More to come...

Ilovegt100

skijunkie · 02-18-2013, 11:32 PM

Good to see you are back up and running. And thanks for the updates on your equipment. I've been thinking about getting the gun vault 1000.

Where is your camping trip?

We are in Oregon right now. Took a hike up to the top of Kings Mountain two days ago in Tillamook State forest. Raining at the bottom, snowing at the top. I've been missing the snow. All the great camping spots around here has us really wishing we had our SMB already.

I've never seen so many Westfalias and Eurovan conversions around. They are very popular up here.

Have fun on the trip. Hope all goes well.

ilovegt100 · 02-20-2013, 04:02 AM

Go with the gv2000 if you have the space. The shotlock full size for 1911 and shotlock shotgun rack blend nicely with the interior and holds my remmy 870 without difficulty.

Going to Skyline drive next weekend and camping on beach next month during my brother's wedding. Trip planned to Arches and Yellowstone this summer for a month. Ironically enough, have to go to Dallas tomorrow but by plane- so sad as I would prefer to drive my rig. My wife even named her Magda so I assume we will be loaning it out at some point...

ilovegt100 · 04-06-2013, 07:51 AM

Checking the air pressure on the dually is a pia. I am installing a cat's eye crossover system this week. Still trying to decide optimum settings front and rear. Feels pretty good at 50f and 65r but still need to get actual weight to use the Michelin weight/load tables.

I have googled until my eyes are falling out but still unclear at what represents best rv tire pressures. My listed wet wt was 7340 but I seem to run heavier than that with fluids, supplies, and 4-6 people.

Ilovegt100

Gnarvan · 04-06-2013, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovegt100

Checking the air pressure on the dually is a pia.
(snip...snip...snip)
My listed wet wt was 7340 but I seem to run heavier than that with fluids, supplies, and 4-6 people.
Ilovegt100

Most of the commercial truck scales leave the scales turned on when they are closed. You could get an accurate weight for your rig by pulling into a closed scale house. I'd suggest weighing individual tires, front two, rear 4 and all 6. It's good information to have.

mlts22 · 04-19-2013, 09:27 AM

In one of your photos, there is an A-Pass Touch keyboard being installed. Does that work with 2012-2013 model Sprinters?

That would make life grand in one way, provided the keyboard is reliable. I could do what I do with my current Ford -- toss the car keys in a strongbox in the vehicle, lock up the vehicle, go for a hike with peace of mind that I won't be losing my car keys in the middle of the night on a trail.

There are so many options which I need to list and consider, and being able to not worry about getting locked out in the middle of nowhere would be something worth checking into.

ilovegt100 · 04-20-2013, 05:52 PM

Yes! Apass works well with my 2012 sprinter. I like it for surfing and paddling-not too many pockets and fob isn't waterproof.

Ilovegt100

ilovegt100 · 04-20-2013, 05:53 PM

Cats eyes will not work with Alcoa wheels. Thinking of a sts07 tpms now...