MIssion Overland Trailer Owners page

[WU7X]

We finally got to go camping this past week! Nanc and I soloed on Tuesday and were joined by my son and his wife Wednesday through Saturday. We were looking for solitude. I guess everyone else was too! Tuesday and Wednesday we had our USFS campground pretty much to ourselves. But on Thursday and Friday the place filled to overflowing. Lots of multi-vehicle groups with young families and kids. No discernible social distancing on their parts. Not a good thing at this point in time. Lake Beth campgrounds typically are lightly used. Covid-19 is pushing lots of folks to get out and get away from home. I can't blame them. Just wish they would be more concerned about getting sick or passing the virus on to others. Oh well.

First night, wet and cold.



Wednesday onward, a bit wet, but then great weather. My son now owns our original trailer/tent combo. It is a nice, light Free Spirit Recreation unit with a fold out monster tent. I don't think that they are made anymore. They must not have sold well which is a mystery to me. The tent space is cavernous! His Sienna does a great job of towing it. But the car will be replaced with something with a bit more clearance soon.



The 4Runner and Beastie, for us, are a means to get outdoors and enjoy the Real World. We've taken up birding and I've played a bit more with photography.

Blue Heron,bald eagles, crows, waxwings, robins, spotted sandpipers, common loons, etc., too many to remember!



We also visited the old mining ghost town of Bodie, WA.

 

[WU7X]

Nanc is really getting into birding too. She is the very best of travel companions.



Our Boykin Spaniel, Tucker, is closing in on 15 y.o. He loves getting out with us. But the hikes have to be short. He is like an old Bilbo Baggins, sleeping half his happy life away nowadays. If you are looking for an excellent family dog, indoor and outdoor companion, check out Boykins.

 

[Daisy22]

Hi all, we have the dual 6volt battery system on our trailer. We have been using solar but want to figure out what we are capable of without solar. Does anyone know what I can take the batteries down too per the voltage meter inside the cabin so I am not doing any damage? I keep trying to figure it out but not sure I understand.

 

[WU7X]

Hi all, we have the dual 6volt battery system on our trailer. We have been using solar but want to figure out what we are capable of without solar. Does anyone know what I can take the batteries down too per the voltage meter inside the cabin so I am not doing any damage? I keep trying to figure it out but not sure I understand.

We ran our Dometic 65 L frig, some cabin lights, etc., for four days while camping last week. That was really pushing our two 6 volt batteries to the max. Even with a few hours on the 180 v solar panel and starting the car on occasion, by the time we left the Dometic did an automatic shutdown due to low batteries. I think at the time I was reading ~11.1 V in the cabin. If we had been in a location with more sunlight, I think we could have made three days stationary with no problem. I am thinking of converting to a military 12 v battery. Nanc and I have plans on doing some extended 4-6 days fly fishing trips in the near future. Oh, I did have my frig set at 29 deg. F. If you keep it up at 36-37 deg. you'll get a much better life out of the batteries.

Dale

 

[Daisy22]

We ran our Dometic 65 L frig, some cabin lights, etc., for four days while camping last week. That was really pushing our two 6 volt batteries to the max. Even with a few hours on the 180 v solar panel and starting the car on occasion, by the time we left the Dometic did an automatic shutdown due to low batteries. I think at the time I was reading ~11.1 V in the cabin. If we had been in a location with more sunlight, I think we could have made three days stationary with no problem. I am thinking of converting to a military 12 v battery. Nanc and I have plans on doing some extended 4-6 days fly fishing trips in the near future. Oh, I did have my frig set at 29 deg. F. If you keep it up at 36-37 deg. you'll get a much better life out of the batteries.

Dale

Ok, thank you. I find I am watching the voltage meter like a hawk and wanted to know a reference. Each time we have been out we have used the solar but only if someone stays at campsite. Can you tell me more on the military battery? We have the truma fridge that Mark is now using and keep fridge side at 49 and freezer at 15. Is there something you changed on vehicle so that it charges more efficiently through the 7pin? Ours doesn't seem to do much.

 

[WU7X]

My Dometic has only one control. so I have to keep it much cooler than you do. I would love to see Overland Journal do an up to date review of these units that give one the type of information you are looking for. I keep my trailer plugged in while at home. The voltage reads 14.4 v. When I left the campground on Saturday morning it read ~ 11.0 v, not enough to run the frig. By the time I got home the voltage was up to 12.4 v and everything was happy. The trip took about three hours. So my seven pin connector seems to be doing what it is supposed to do. Hope this is useful info.

Will try to get you the mil spec battery info soon.

 

[WU7X]

Found the battery info. Here you go. I still have to research it a bit more before I pull the trigger. WOW! Just checked the prices. Don't think I can afford almost $4 K for a battery!

Lithionics 400 amp Battery with internal BMS

• Made in the USA, also used for military applications, in my opinion the best lithium battery you can buy.
• Comes with the ability to trigger the turning on of vehicle and or generator at a certain discharge and its monitor.

 

[Vogold]

Dale, have you looked into Battleborn lithium batteries? Might save a $1.00or 2 over the Lithionics. Or, you might not need 400ah? I have a Battleborn 100ah Battery and an Overland Solar 120 watt solar panel. I’ve been out for 10 nights, the first half of the time it was cloudy with a decent amount of rain and the second half it was mostly sunny. By day 5 of clouds and rain, the battery was down to about 80%. Day 6 and onwards brought sun and I was at 100% by mid afternoon for the rest of the days.

 

[WU7X]

Dale, have you looked into Battleborn lithium batteries? Might save a $1.00or 2 over the Lithionics. Or, you might not need 400ah? I have a Battleborn 100ah Battery and an Overland Solar 120 watt solar panel. I’ve been out for 10 nights, the first half of the time it was cloudy with a decent amount of rain and the second half it was mostly sunny. By day 5 of clouds and rain, the battery was down to about 80%. Day 6 and onwards brought sun and I was at 100% by mid afternoon for the rest of the days.

Now you really have me searching! What do you think about this one? Renology seems to have a very decent reputation. But I'm not an electrician.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YXL2TC7/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B07FDHRP45&pd_rd_w=cvdo1&pf_rd_p=48d372c1-f7e1-4b8b-9d02-4bd86f5158c5&pd_rd_wg=2axIp&pf_rd_r=JWEPVR3GT4FW7QBTFB99&pd_rd_r=292e24b2-5eb2-4860-9f95-6d7a8bfc003e&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMFZQOFBXMlRBTVdIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTg3MDIxMVNLUTAxUTNFM09EOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDI2ODcxMktQVjdaNVNBNU1GRSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

 

[WU7X]

Here is the Renology 100 ah battery. $500 cheaper for 70 less amp hours.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YXL2TC7/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B07FDHRP45&pd_rd_w=cvdo1&pf_rd_p=48d372c1-f7e1-4b8b-9d02-4bd86f5158c5&pd_rd_wg=2axIp&pf_rd_r=JWEPVR3GT4FW7QBTFB99&pd_rd_r=292e24b2-5eb2-4860-9f95-6d7a8bfc003e&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMFZQOFBXMlRBTVdIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTg3MDIxMVNLUTAxUTNFM09EOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDI2ODcxMktQVjdaNVNBNU1GRSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

 

[WU7X]

For a better comparison here is the Battleborn 100 ah you mentioned. A bit pricier. Why did you decide to go Battleborn vs. Renology?

Amazon.com: Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery - 100Ah 12v with Built-In BMS - 3000-5000 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery - Perfect for RV/Camper, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off Grid Applications: Automotive

Buy Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery - 100Ah 12v with Built-In BMS - 3000-5000 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery - Perfect for RV/Camper, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off Grid Applications: Batteries - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Vogold]

For a better comparison here is the Battleborn 100 ah you mentioned. A bit pricier. Why did you decide to go Battleborn vs. Renology?

Amazon.com: Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery - 100Ah 12v with Built-In BMS - 3000-5000 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery - Perfect for RV/Camper, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off Grid Applications: Automotive

Buy Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery - 100Ah 12v with Built-In BMS - 3000-5000 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery - Perfect for RV/Camper, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off Grid Applications: Batteries - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I don’t think you can go wrong with either brand. I went with the Battleborn For the 10 year warranty(First 8 years full replacement, then 2 years pro-rated). My experience with their customer service was great, I emailed them a few questions and they responded quickly. They answered all but one of my questions in the email and asked that I call them to discuss that one question. On the phone, they were great as well. I ended up buying a “b” stock battery with a slight cosmetic flaw, the price was very close to the Renogy.

 

[Daisy22]

I don’t think you can go wrong with either brand. I went with the Battleborn For the 10 year warranty(First 8 years full replacement, then 2 years pro-rated). My experience with their customer service was great, I emailed them a few questions and they responded quickly. They answered all but one of my questions in the email and asked that I call them to discuss that one question. On the phone, they were great as well. I ended up buying a “b” stock battery with a slight cosmetic flaw, the price was very close to the Renogy.

Thank you both for the information. Dale, I agree with you on the price of the military battery-not happening. The info on lithium sounds interesting and now have a new focus to look into.

 

[WU7X]

Thank you both for the information. Dale, I agree with you on the price of the military battery-not happening. The info on lithium sounds interesting and now have a new focus to look into.

Please let us know what you decide.

 

[carbon60]

Hi all, we have the dual 6volt battery system on our trailer. We have been using solar but want to figure out what we are capable of without solar. Does anyone know what I can take the batteries down too per the voltage meter inside the cabin so I am not doing any damage? I keep trying to figure it out but not sure I understand.

I think at the time I was reading ~11.1 V in the cabin.

Guys, if there is *any* current being used from the rear panel (which includes the sockets, lights, and pump on my unit), the voltage reading there is completely useless [due to severe voltage drop]. Get a multimeter and monitor your batteries directly without a load to know what's truly going on. If you are going to really cycle your batteries a lot, I suggest getting a true battery monitor system (BMS) if your trailer doesn't have one already. (I have a very custom electrical setup.)

I have a pair of Trojan T105 Plus GC2 batteries in series and, according to Trojan's data sheet, I would avoid letting the voltage drop below 12.1V [at rest].

Re LiFePO4 batteries: if you camp in cooler weather, you need a self-heating battery or it will be useless. Beware the Marketing Wanks!