BT cruiser full rebuild

[Wex]

I also tested the Renogy with 2 of these 3 suitcase solar collectors. They were able to add a good bit of power throughout the day. The third one on the grill was connected to the 12 volt house batteries.

How did you attach your panels to the roof? Nice setup. I'll probably get the bluetti charger since I have a bluetti ac200.

Have you considered getting a high output alternator? High Output Alternators for Ford | Power Bastards

 

[Just two]

I changed the original alternator to a 400 amp. I first looked to see if I could add a second alternator but I couldn’t find a mounting bracket. I bought the 400 amp and installed it and found where a second bracket would fit. I researched it again and found the bracket. Bummer. I just went on and install the 400 amp. If I could have went with the second alternator it would have been 24 volt.
I have 3 B2B charger 2 Victron and the Renogy. Too much.
The collectors are mounted with screws through the roof. I had the ceiling down so I was able to add supports under the roof. They aren’t going to fall off.
I think the power bank idea is a good one. It would be much simpler and you could keep it portable. If you need to use the power somewhere else just wheel it there. I also like the server rack batteries. The price has dropped a lot.
I have a small Bluetti had several issue with it and had more problems with customer support. Finally got a replacement and now that one won’t charge. Past the warranty.

 

[Just two]

Wex, bought my alternator from Tucson Alternator.

High Output Alternators | Tucson Alternator

Tucson Alternator has a large selection of high output alternators for vehicles. Built in the USA. Shop today and save!

www.tucsonalternator.com

It is rated at 400 amp. I had to get a different serpentine belt because the alternator pulley is smaller than OEM. That wasn’t a surprise we talked about that when I ordered. So far so good put 12,000 miles on it and still charging. I think the price is better too.

 

[Just two]

Wex, I found a Dual alternator kit. If I was to do it over I would add this and a 24 volt alternator. I have a 24 volt battery bank and charging while driving would be simpler.

 

[Downshift]

Simple design requires a return line to the tank

Sorry I just got started back at the rebuild. I had a tree come down on my barn had to clean that up.

The return line goes to the water tank. With the valve in the heat position water comes from the water heater goes to the tank. Then move the valve and hot water is at the shower.

I bought the valve on Amazon. They actually have kits. Some are electronically controlled with a solenoid and a hot indicator. Too complicated.

Great work. Thank you so much for sharing and educating. We have a 2027 5210 on order to be built on a e450 chassis and they are willing to do some additional upgrades for us such as a second lithium battery. But I love your hot water saving hack. What valve did you use. What I found on Amazon was not the same. I’ll attached the item

Thanks again for your help and excellent insight and build. I am also going to ask about sound deadening the wheel wells and overcab unit .

Rob

 

[Downshift]

Piping on the tank dumping system is complete. Added a solenoid valve so we can remotely dump the tanks over the farm’s gray tank grate. Using a 1 1/4” hose to dump at the parks dump station.

Why did you add the red handled valve if you also have the remote waste gate valve? I plan on adding an electric waste gate for grey tank as we have deleted the black tank and plan on using the Modiwell Elite dry flush toliet. Thanks again you are an inspiration. Rob

 

[Just two]

Great work. Thank you so much for sharing and educating. We have a 2027 5210 on order to be built on a e450 chassis and they are willing to do some additional upgrades for us such as a second lithium battery. But I love your hot water saving hack. What valve did you use. What I found on Amazon was not the same. I’ll attached the item

Thanks again for your help and excellent insight and build. I am also going to ask about sound deadening the wheel wells and overcab unit .

Rob

RecPro RV Plumbing Hardware |... Amazon.com

 

[Just two]

RecPro RV Plumbing Hardware |... Amazon.com

Flair-It 16912 Plastic 3 Way... Amazon.com

A second one that I ordered but did not use.

 

[Just two]

Why did you add the red handled valve if you also have the remote waste gate valve? I plan on adding an electric waste gate for grey tank as we have deleted the black tank and plan on using the Modiwell Elite dry flush toliet. Thanks again you are an inspiration. Rob

The red handled valve is a ball valve. We primarily use that when we are dumping at the dump station. I have it connected to a hose which a quick connect coupler then I have a 10 foot extension hose to get to dump station pipe. Emptying the grey water is so fast and easy.
I use the solenoid when at home parked over a waste grate at the end of a trip or when flushing the tanks.

 

[Ronald1955]

We would love to see pictures

Yes please, some pictures.

We are having so much fun on the rebuild. Making this thing the way we want it. Functional and easy to use. There are a lot of choices to make. Trying to figure out everything we need and getting it installed in the right order.

Can you post part number for the electric door lock and supplier? Thanks

 

[Just two]

Sure, we bought it on Amazon.

Did have to file a 1/16” off the edge of the outside opening to get it to fit correctly. We would give it 5 stars. It is so nice not having to fumble for keys.

 

[Just two]

Sure, we bought it on Amazon.

Did have to file a 1/16” off the edge of the outside opening to get it to fit correctly. We would give it 5 stars. It is so nice not having to fumble for keys.

We also bought replacement cargo door locks for the basement storage areas. From the same Larch.it company. We heard that there is a universal key that the camper comes with. We found that out when a family lost their storage key and the campground host gave them a replacement.

 

[Just two]

Sure, we bought it on Amazon.

Did have to file a 1/16” off the edge of the outside opening to get it to fit correctly. We would give it 5 stars. It is so nice not having to fumble for keys.

Looks like they stopped selling this lock. Not sure why?
I had to be careful to get the proper size. 3.5 x 4.5 inches.
Found this one which gets high ratings out of those that bought it.

 

[Just two]

We also bought replacement cargo door locks for the basement storage areas. From the same Larch.it company. We heard that there is a universal key that the camper comes with. We found that out when a family lost their storage key and the campground host gave them a replacement.

Found this on the internet.

Compartment & Storage Locks: These are highly uniform. The vast majority of RV storage doors, outdoor kitchens, and utility panels use an infamous universal key known as the CH751. It is very common for two different campers in the same park to have storage doors that open with the exact same key