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Post by justanothergeek on Sept 2, 2021 22:38:59 GMT -5
We have found ourselves taking over my parent's 2017 KZ Escape E181RB trailer, we have used it over the years since they bought it new but now find ourselves the primary caretakers of it. We already took 2 short trips earlier this summer with 2 planned for November and December to the Washington coast. Beyond the changes my Dad made prior to his passing in 2020, I have added a heater element to the Mach 8 rooftop unit and will be looking to add a slide awning this fall. Some of the other things I am looking at is upgrading the inverter unit, adding a solar panel to the roof with a solar charge controller, and hopefully a digital thermostat that can control both the propane and electric heat/ac unit. Interestingly enough, most of the items I am working on were on the project lists my Dad had left in the trailer so I guess my wife is right and the apple didn't really fall that far from the tree... A couple of questions for the gurus in the group, I'm looking for generalized information on the KZ's: - What's a good inverter upgrade that is rf quiet? I'm a ham radio operator and want something that is as quiet/clean as possible
- Recommendations for a good solar charger controller? Maybe a remote control panel?
- Is the side plug for solar directly connected to the battery? or run through a hidden charge controller?
- Is the rooftop ac pre-wired for thermostat control? or will I need to figure out where to run the wires?
I'm sure there is more that I will be looking for information and guidance on, but that gets things started.
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Post by lynnmor on Sept 3, 2021 9:43:14 GMT -5
Welcome!
Your questions would be better answered by finding a solar power group. There are so many options and you need to find the components that fit your needs.
Usually the solar preparation provided is only some undersized wires installed.
Your AC question can be answered by finding the information on the makers website using the model number.
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Post by laknox on Sept 7, 2021 10:27:36 GMT -5
We have found ourselves taking over my parent's 2017 KZ Escape E181RB trailer, we have used it over the years since they bought it new but now find ourselves the primary caretakers of it. We already took 2 short trips earlier this summer with 2 planned for November and December to the Washington coast. Beyond the changes my Dad made prior to his passing in 2020, I have added a heater element to the Mach 8 rooftop unit and will be looking to add a slide awning this fall. Some of the other things I am looking at is upgrading the inverter unit, adding a solar panel to the roof with a solar charge controller, and hopefully a digital thermostat that can control both the propane and electric heat/ac unit. Interestingly enough, most of the items I am working on were on the project lists my Dad had left in the trailer so I guess my wife is right and the apple didn't really fall that far from the tree... A couple of questions for the gurus in the group, I'm looking for generalized information on the KZ's: - What's a good inverter upgrade that is rf quiet? I'm a ham radio operator and want something that is as quiet/clean as possible
- Recommendations for a good solar charger controller? Maybe a remote control panel?
- Is the side plug for solar directly connected to the battery? or run through a hidden charge controller?
- Is the rooftop ac pre-wired for thermostat control? or will I need to figure out where to run the wires?
I'm sure there is more that I will be looking for information and guidance on, but that gets things started.
I don't know a lot about solar, but make sure your charge controller is an MPPT. They're =way= more efficient and can provide charge even in marginal light. Lyle
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Post by Chuck on Sept 18, 2021 14:47:54 GMT -5
justanothergeek Welcome to the Kz Form an family We are also located in Washington State just off exit 88 on I-5 Some of these question are best answered in the KZ Escape thread on the form or possibly in the upgrade thread ... You also might think about a camping trip to Sea-side OR in June for the Hamvention, we camp at the Cannon RV Resort for that week along with a campground full of amateurs ...
73 Chuck W5KAV
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Post by jfspry58 on Sept 24, 2021 22:53:31 GMT -5
Can’t be of much help with the questions on the Escape, but welcome to the KZ forum and family! Hope you have many safe travels and best of luck with the information you’re seeking!
Jay
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