planning a trip...

[racrx451]

how bout this guys??


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Battery-Is ... 1418wt_952

[daveb]

One thing about using a new product made outside the US is you become the beta tester. Any problems and you're going to have to deal with them. I have had good success with Blue Sea and their customer service...not saying the link to the company you show isn't going to be pro active. Just research it first.

[durangatangs]

Heads up regarding the free BLM campground on 18 Road at North Fruita Desert in western CO. On December 1st, 2011 BLM got approval to start charging $10 per night. Won't go into effect until about June, so from now through spring 2012 is the last chance to use it for free. Dispersed camping for free will still be allowed outside the "bicycle emphasis area" but that is not as convenient to the MTB trails.
Too bad really, since the small annual cost of operating the campground (about $20k) was being comfortably covered by appropriated funding. Their "business plan" projects that, with the $10 fee, they will lose $40,000 over the next three years. Only the federal government could bring you something like this with a straight face.

[daveb]

Originally Posted by durangatangs

Heads up regarding the free BLM campground on 18 Road at North Fruita Desert in western CO. On December 1st, 2011 BLM got approval to start charging $10 per night. Won't go into effect until about June, so from now through spring 2012 is the last chance to use it for free. Dispersed camping for free will still be allowed outside the "bicycle emphasis area" but that is not as convenient to the MTB trails.
Too bad really, since the small annual cost of operating the campground (about $20k) was being comfortably covered by appropriated funding. Their "business plan" projects that, with the $10 fee, they will lose $40,000 over the next three years. Only the federal government could bring you something like this with a straight face.

Cryin shame. I don't mind payin (a reasonable price), just don't like it when they start closeing places.

[AndrewST]

Originally Posted by racrx451

how bout this guys??


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Battery-Is ... 1418wt_952

racrx451, here is a similar product that is available in the US.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/products/ ... ystem.html

The builder homepage:

http://ibs-tech.ch/en/products/dual-battery-system.html

[racrx451]

thanx guys! l o t s to do before my trip!! recommended heater for a cozy sleep????

[saline]

Originally Posted by durangatangs

Heads up regarding the free BLM campground on 18 Road at North Fruita Desert in western CO. On December 1st, 2011 BLM got approval to start charging $10 per night. Won't go into effect until about June, so from now through spring 2012 is the last chance to use it for free. Dispersed camping for free will still be allowed outside the "bicycle emphasis area" but that is not as convenient to the MTB trails.
Too bad really, since the small annual cost of operating the campground (about $20k) was being comfortably covered by appropriated funding. Their "business plan" projects that, with the $10 fee, they will lose $40,000 over the next three years. Only the federal government could bring you something like this with a straight face.

The BLM is using the fees to make additional improvements and sites for the 18 Rd. campground. IMO $10 is not really an issue, especially since the area has improved dramatically over the last few years under better management collaboration between COPMOBA and BLM. It's no longer a redneck shooting, dumping, or mud bog fest.

racrx, PM me if you'd like directions to some sweet spots in the western CO or eastern UT area.

[Scalf77]

Originally Posted by AndrewST

racrx451, here is a similar product that is available in the US.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/products/ ... ystem.html

The builder homepage:

http://ibs-tech.ch/en/products/dual-battery-system.html

Wow, I must really be in the wrong business. While the blacksnake system has dual monitors, it is hard to tell what is going on after that. I found their homepage, and could not find any real specs. The size of their solenoid almost makes you think it could be a "FET". In 30+ years of working on various electronics, they are still one of the few things that I have seen cause actual flames when they go poof. I would be very careful where I placed the unit in the van. But as I said they do not list any specifications for the unit so you really can't tell what it is.

The IBS unit sold by Extreme Outback, well I could not get by the $379.00 Price tag. Some of the engineering looks good, but I got to really ask why. How smart can they make it, they do try to address a few issues key issues, but they need to go back to the KISS principle.

-greg

[racrx451]

thanx for your input.. I think Im going to buy the isolator from blue sea and a bunch of 1/0ga wire and go to work. just trying to figure out how to get it wired correctly...especially how to wire the generator in for backup/charge.

[racrx451]

I did buy this... hope it's decent.


http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-RPPI-2500 ... B000Z0HFP8