Luckydog671
Senior Member
In a pinch, couldn't you also plug the trailer into the TV and charge it at around 13 amps, depending on what size alternator you have? Maybe not the most economical way but . . .
In a pinch, couldn't you also plug the trailer into the TV and charge it at around 13 amps, depending on what size alternator you have? Maybe not the most economical way but . . .
Garry-HILO
Senior Member
That was going to be my last resort if I didn't have enough power on Friday morning. I had planned to charge the batteries from the TV, using my super duper cable system I had installed.
You can, but a lot depends on the alternator you have and the gauge of your charge line. When I first tried this, I discovered the charging fuse in the TV had blown, and I didn't have a replacement.
Of course that is what caused the trailer battery to be low and I couldn't use the TV to charge it. I think you get a faster charge doing it with a generator.
- Jack
I want to add to my last post. A better way to recharge the trailer batteries using the tow vehicle is to "jump" them, using jumper cables. These are very heavy gauge wires that will deliver power to the battery with almost no loss.
However, an alternator is not really designed to recharge a dead battery. It's actually only designed to keep a good battery at a nearly fully charged state in day to day operation. Using an alternator to recharge batteries can lead to alternator damage, and, you risk damage to any electronic devices in the TV or in the trailer if they are left on.
The proper way to "jump" a dead vehicle battery is to charge it for a while from the good battery with the engine in the charging vehicle running and then, BEFORE trying to start the "dead" vehicle, turn the ignition in the charging vehicle OFF. This disconnects the alternator and electronics in the charging vehicle from the circuit which should prevent any damage. The charging vehicle's battery is still connected to help things along.
Overall, I like using a generator for this purpose a whole lot better!
- Jack
However, an alternator is not really designed to recharge a dead battery. It's actually only designed to keep a good battery at a nearly fully charged state in day to day operation. Using an alternator to recharge batteries can lead to alternator damage, and, you risk damage to any electronic devices in the TV or in the trailer if they are left on.
The proper way to "jump" a dead vehicle battery is to charge it for a while from the good battery with the engine in the charging vehicle running and then, BEFORE trying to start the "dead" vehicle, turn the ignition in the charging vehicle OFF. This disconnects the alternator and electronics in the charging vehicle from the circuit which should prevent any damage. The charging vehicle's battery is still connected to help things along.
Overall, I like using a generator for this purpose a whole lot better!
- Jack
Mike M-HILO
Senior Member
Stabilizer Jacks
Sorry Rich it has been a long time on the road and my ability to read, write and remember have gone out the window. LOL...
Still working on the jack thing for my RV.
Thank you!
If you were replying to me my name is Rich. Joyce is my wife.
Sorry Rich it has been a long time on the road and my ability to read, write and remember have gone out the window. LOL...
Still working on the jack thing for my RV.
Thank you!
sam-HILO
Senior Member
Odds and ends on the HiLo
Finally had a free afternoon with no Dr. apts. Went over to the HiLo DH put the air conditioner and tire covers on. Then because it was only 65degrees he decided to put our daughters bed back together. It is a wrestling match affair to put all the dinette cushions back in the sheet sack. Then to shove the six inches of mattress topper back in. No dought she has the most comfortable bed. How does an adult daughter get a more comfortable bed than her parents? Drained the hot water tank. All ready for the next campout. I was using my pick up stick the whole time to pick up apple drops.paper and leaves.
Finally had a free afternoon with no Dr. apts. Went over to the HiLo DH put the air conditioner and tire covers on. Then because it was only 65degrees he decided to put our daughters bed back together. It is a wrestling match affair to put all the dinette cushions back in the sheet sack. Then to shove the six inches of mattress topper back in. No dought she has the most comfortable bed. How does an adult daughter get a more comfortable bed than her parents? Drained the hot water tank. All ready for the next campout. I was using my pick up stick the whole time to pick up apple drops.paper and leaves.
allenr
Advanced Member
what did you do for your HiLo Today?
We put a new fabric on our HiLo awning today. It really took several days to remove the awning, order the new fabric, then have the length of the fabric adjusted when it was about a foot to long, and get it back on the camper. We are very happy with the finished product.
When a plan to buy a new camper didn't work out this spring we thought a new awning and another year in the HiLo would be an acceptable plan B.
We put a new fabric on our HiLo awning today. It really took several days to remove the awning, order the new fabric, then have the length of the fabric adjusted when it was about a foot to long, and get it back on the camper. We are very happy with the finished product.
When a plan to buy a new camper didn't work out this spring we thought a new awning and another year in the HiLo would be an acceptable plan B.
Garry-HILO
Senior Member
Allen, do you have any sage advice on the steps taken when undertaking this project? I'm sure along with me, there are others that will eventually have to take these steps.
allenr
Advanced Member
awning
As I said in my post I had to have the new fabric cut because it was about a foot to long. You would have one less thing to do if you could buy a fabric already cut to fit to the shorter length that the HiLo requires.
I found a less expensive fabric on line, even with shipping charges I could have saved enough to take my wife out for dinner. But I do like to give my local RV dealer some business, you never know when you may need them.
Otherwise, like any project you attempt, watch how it comes apart so you know how to put it back together. Also, try not to do any damage! That's the big issue for me. I hate it when I wreck stuff!
As I said in my post I had to have the new fabric cut because it was about a foot to long. You would have one less thing to do if you could buy a fabric already cut to fit to the shorter length that the HiLo requires.
I found a less expensive fabric on line, even with shipping charges I could have saved enough to take my wife out for dinner. But I do like to give my local RV dealer some business, you never know when you may need them.
Otherwise, like any project you attempt, watch how it comes apart so you know how to put it back together. Also, try not to do any damage! That's the big issue for me. I hate it when I wreck stuff!
guitarman023
Senior Member
Finished painting the walls in my camper, and built new countertops for the dinette and dresser.
Luckydog671
Senior Member
Been on the road a lot visiting family lately so haven't done anything recently to the trailer. Headed up this morning to the Bay Area this week to visit parents and grandkids and will also attend the Chargers/49ers pre-season game on Sunday in the brand new Levi's Stadium. It helps to have a daughter-in-law that works for a company with season tickets!
Still need to get the towing setup right but just haven't had time to work on it. Hope to get back to it in the next few weeks.
Still need to get the towing setup right but just haven't had time to work on it. Hope to get back to it in the next few weeks.
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Modified weather cover for our 27T:
Got a Coverking RVTT24P62 Deluxe for $232 off Amazon. This cover is for a full sized trailer, so cut it down height-wise, and since the length was a bit too short (found out only after trying it), inserted an 18" band all the way across near the rear, making it OK for length. Also sewed in five plastic buckles and straps that go under trailer to secure cover. Turned out that Mom's old 1957 Singer sewing machine came in handy! Try sewing a 72 foot lower seam sometimes - lotsa fun.
Anyway, fabric appears good, about the weight of denim, 600 denier, and the top is doubled. For the price we have a nice cover. Sure beats the Tyvec 'shred-O-matic' covers that we used to buy every two years.
Made wheel covers for our boat with excess material to boot.
Of course this was after removing caulk from all seams, then recaulking with self leveling caulk, then two coats of Kool Seal on roof.
Other than that, not much!
Got a Coverking RVTT24P62 Deluxe for $232 off Amazon. This cover is for a full sized trailer, so cut it down height-wise, and since the length was a bit too short (found out only after trying it), inserted an 18" band all the way across near the rear, making it OK for length. Also sewed in five plastic buckles and straps that go under trailer to secure cover. Turned out that Mom's old 1957 Singer sewing machine came in handy! Try sewing a 72 foot lower seam sometimes - lotsa fun.
Anyway, fabric appears good, about the weight of denim, 600 denier, and the top is doubled. For the price we have a nice cover. Sure beats the Tyvec 'shred-O-matic' covers that we used to buy every two years.
Made wheel covers for our boat with excess material to boot.
Of course this was after removing caulk from all seams, then recaulking with self leveling caulk, then two coats of Kool Seal on roof.
Other than that, not much!
Garry-HILO
Senior Member
Way to go Reno! Just today I was thinking of looking into a "shred-o-magic" you referred to and I have suddenly changed my mind.
sam-HILO
Senior Member
Fixed shredded up seal
The weather was 76degrees with a light breeze and no humidity. Told DH this was the afternoon to fix the shredded up seal between the halves. It was about 3ft. We don't have electric on site so we made a trip to HD for a hand brad nailer. DD informed us that they take Harbor Freight 20% off coupons on one item. A good day is when DH gets to buy a new tool. Tomorrow after my Pre surgical apt. we will try and finish up installing trim ect. This time he put the seal under the original metal and braded it very well. I call it taking it by force. States next year he will take up the toilet and replace the seal so it holds water. Fun wow.
The weather was 76degrees with a light breeze and no humidity. Told DH this was the afternoon to fix the shredded up seal between the halves. It was about 3ft. We don't have electric on site so we made a trip to HD for a hand brad nailer. DD informed us that they take Harbor Freight 20% off coupons on one item. A good day is when DH gets to buy a new tool. Tomorrow after my Pre surgical apt. we will try and finish up installing trim ect. This time he put the seal under the original metal and braded it very well. I call it taking it by force. States next year he will take up the toilet and replace the seal so it holds water. Fun wow.
Garry-HILO
Senior Member
Good luck with EVERYTHING!
things I did.today
today I repacked my 4 wheels just to make sure they were ready for my 2 trips..one is going to wild wood NJ,and after that going to Myrtle beach SC for 7 days.. I have a 1987 fun chaser 22ft.. I enjoy this site very much.. Paul & Kathy. Albrightsville,pa
today I repacked my 4 wheels just to make sure they were ready for my 2 trips..one is going to wild wood NJ,and after that going to Myrtle beach SC for 7 days.. I have a 1987 fun chaser 22ft.. I enjoy this site very much.. Paul & Kathy. Albrightsville,pa
Garry-HILO
Senior Member
Whenever those trips might be, have a safe journey.
Luckydog671
Senior Member
I got hitched!
Finally made it to the Cat Scale and then went to Camping World. My hitch weight was 720 lbs., quite a bit more than the 520 lbs. listed in the brochure but that's with the camper and Tahoe loaded for camping. So, based on that, I went down to Camping World and bought a whole new EAZ-Lift Elite WDH hitch with 800 lb. spring bars (same brand as the old obsolete one that had unknown bars and components) so now I at least know what I have and can get parts for it!
One issue I had with the new hitch assembly was that they could not install the new saddles (the part that attaches to the frame that the chain is hooked up to) due to the design of the A-frame box. I will need to modify either the box or weld the new saddle to the frame. The advantage of the new saddles is that they have a safety pin you can install after cinching up the chains- the old ones do not. I'll try and post some pics of the issue if anyone is interested.
Almost ready for camping!
Finally made it to the Cat Scale and then went to Camping World. My hitch weight was 720 lbs., quite a bit more than the 520 lbs. listed in the brochure but that's with the camper and Tahoe loaded for camping. So, based on that, I went down to Camping World and bought a whole new EAZ-Lift Elite WDH hitch with 800 lb. spring bars (same brand as the old obsolete one that had unknown bars and components) so now I at least know what I have and can get parts for it!
One issue I had with the new hitch assembly was that they could not install the new saddles (the part that attaches to the frame that the chain is hooked up to) due to the design of the A-frame box. I will need to modify either the box or weld the new saddle to the frame. The advantage of the new saddles is that they have a safety pin you can install after cinching up the chains- the old ones do not. I'll try and post some pics of the issue if anyone is interested.
Almost ready for camping!
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Prepped it for one last camping trip before putting it in dry lay-up for winter.
Leaving tomorrow and traveling to beautiful McCall, Idaho, and Payette Lake.
Just wish our Hi-Lo was built to tolerate winter camping in Idaho... It always seems like such a long wait until Spring, when we can go camping once again. Like when you're a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Jim
Leaving tomorrow and traveling to beautiful McCall, Idaho, and Payette Lake.
Just wish our Hi-Lo was built to tolerate winter camping in Idaho... It always seems like such a long wait until Spring, when we can go camping once again. Like when you're a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Jim
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