Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: DaButcher on 09/19/13 08:23pm

I'm not a Avion owner and most likely will never be. Just wanted to say thanks to all that have contributed examples of there tireless dedicated work. My favorite thread on RV.net

2021 Freelander 31MB Class C

NRA Life Member

Posted By: garryk6 on 09/19/13 08:32pm

cajunavion wrote:

Howdy!
I?m trying to figure out how to cool this thing.
Its alot hotter down here than Alaska! I saw
the 5000 btu window unit. What temperature
can that bring it down to on a hot day? Some
folks are using mini splits in their RVs with great
results. Thoughts?

Not to be dumb, but what is a "mini-split"

I was reading about the 12V "Swamp cooler" that sounds interesting, but haven't heard first hand.
Link

Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper

Posted By: 69 Avion on 09/19/13 09:12pm

cajunavion wrote:

In AZ it will bring it down into the high 70s when the outside temp is over 100, but only if it is in the shade. Also, our humidity isn't as high. To cool real well, you need it up high or you need another fan to move the air.

Ford F-350 4x4 Diesel
1988 Avion Triple Axle Trailer
1969 Avion C-11 Camper

Posted By: 69 Avion on 09/20/13 01:25pm

garryk6 wrote:

cajunavion wrote:

Not to be dumb, but what is a "mini-split"

I was reading about the 12V "Swamp cooler" that sounds interesting, but haven't heard first hand.
Link

A split system AC is one where the condenser and compressor are in one unit and the evaporator and the fan for that coil are on the inside section. They are connected by the two refrigerant lines and the appropriate wiring. They are not in a "package" unit. The Mini Split system is just a small split system. They are getting remarkably small and convenient, especially for small rooms. Using a Mini Split, you don't have to have a large opening for a package unit like the old "window shakers". You need just a small hole for the above mentioned items.

Posted By: 67avion on 09/20/13 03:33pm

I need some thought on battery gauges. I have three AGM batteries in parallel connection. Two of them are Blue Tops and one is a Sears Die Hard. I can not figure out how to determine the charge level of each individual battery. It seems that all I can measure is the overall charge of the three batteries. Also, because I have mixed the batteries I am a little concerned about over-charging one of the batteries and/or undercharging the other two batteries. Be kind to me and don't make fun. I've mentioned before that I am a klutz at electricity.

Posted By: 67avion on 09/20/13 03:37pm

DaButcher wrote:

I'm not a Avion owner and most likely will never be. Just wanted to say thanks to all that have contributed examples of there tireless dedicated work. My favorite thread on RV.net

I'll speak for the rest of the posters in saying that we are grateful to have a Forum that gives us lots of room to discuss our projects. We find that everyone, Avion owner or not, is unfailingly polite. We also find that some of the sharpest minds in the RV world check in and give us a hand.

Thanks to you.

Posted By: cajunavion on 09/20/13 05:13pm

Howdy!
67 im trying to figure the 12 v thing out too.
Everytime I think I got it someone adds another
layer of complexity to it. Solar, generators, inverterters,
ac no ac; you get the idea. I think, someone
correct me if im wrong, it is a bad idea to mix batteries.
The better ones will discharge into the worse ones.
It is best to design your battery bank, then purchase
all the same type and size batteries; even to the
point if checking dates on the batteries. I have seen
batteries have as much as a year difference in dates!
You can get a VOM and test your system then
add a big resistor to load them and disconnect
them and test them individually or NOT! If
your serious about your battery bank get a
dedicated battery bank monitor like xantrex or
triac.

Posted By: full_mosey on 09/20/13 05:21pm

67avion wrote:

Generally, mixed batteries work OK during discharge, but as you suspect, present charging challenges. If you need all three for the total Amps, you have gotten into a difficult situation where you will need to learn more and spend more if only to get the best use out of the existing battery bank. The long term cure is new matching batteries. Short term, could you camp with either the Blue-Tops or the Sears batteries?

I have a similar situation with two Optimas and a Deka AGM. I don't always use the Deka in parallel with the Optimas. Well, technically I do, but each has its own charger and I can separate them easily.

Are you at all comfortable with connecting or disconnecting battery cables?

HTH;
John

Posted By: 69 Avion on 09/20/13 05:36pm

I only have two batteries currently and they are of different sizes. I use an old battery switch that allows me to choose "off", "battery 1", "battery 2", or "both". I suppose that you could hook up a switch like that and isolate your similar batteries to "battery 1" in parallel, and the Die Hard as "battery 2". I charge mine together, but have it set up that if I'm concerned about it I can isolate them for charging.

Posted By: ticki2 on 09/20/13 05:42pm

You could also use two switches if you want to isolate each individual battery . That would also be the only way to test each battery without disconnecting them .
http://www.jmsonline.net/attwood-battery........303.htm?gclid=CIH4s9WS27kCFYWd4AodwkoAbA

'68 Avion C-11
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed

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