Converting to LiFePO4 batteries and Sailor Man's LiFePO4 Build

As I have already mentioned earlier, I only have one functioning eye, the left one and I have written about the Tadi Brothers cameras and monitors to provide vehicular surveillance to keep my family safe. I have also been working on a custom pair of glasses to increase my visual range.
I am on about the 12th version of the experimental pair of eyeglasses.
According to statistics, about 3.4 of 100 of men and 3.2 of 100 women only have a single functional eye. Therefore, it is likely that one of you may be so afflicted.
Research conducted by Dr. Peli at Harvard Medical did some research to determine how much more likely a person with a single functional eye would be to have a vehicular or pedestrian accident. The result is that such an individual is 35% more likely to have an accident.
This is Dr. Peli’s solution for a special pair of glasses to increase the field of vision. It requires substantial training over a few months but it is commercially available.Left Peli Glasses 040323.jpg
Research conducted by Dr. Peli at Harvard Medical did some research to determine how much more likely a person with a single functional eye would be to have a vehicular or pedestrian accident. The result is that such an individual is 35% more likely to have an accident.
This is Dr. Peli’s solution for a special pair of glasses to increase the field of vision. It requires substantial training over a few months but it is commercially available.
While the Peli glasses do work, there are two shadow images superimposed over and under the normal view ahead everyone sees. It is somewhat confusing. You can see videos about the effect of these glasses.
I decided to develop my own pair of glasses that would be more effective, less costly and less obvious.
IMG_2056.jpeg

This is about version number 9 of my glasses. I think that it is less obvious because the device is over the nose and not in front of the good eye. There are no lenses in the glass frame, so the prisms are much more obvious than if there were actual prescription glass in the frame.
However, I am pleased to advise you that these glasses are far more effective than the Peli glasses. I am driving in my Ford C-Max and there is a small visual window in the upper right corner of the left frame. It is sort of a window in window effect that we sometimes use on our tv's to watch two programs at the same time.
However, in this case, for the first time since I started driving at the age of 17, I can see the passenger side mirror without turning my head. To me, that is startling!
The last time I was at Cliff's to meet my new engine, I sat behind the steering wheel to test the glasses. I already have told you that I cannot see windshield center mullion, rear view mirror or passenger side mirror without turning my head all the way to the right.
Ureaka With these experimental glasses I can see the passenger side mirror and most of the window by the passenger seat without turning my head at all.
I do have to dig my head a bit. I need a small eye movement to focus on the right side vision but I do not lose sight of what is directly in front of me.
I am becoming much more aware of how vulnerable I have been for nearly all my life. I now know somewhat of what you can see and what I cannot, until now. My God!
Cliff told me that even with his functional two eye, he has to turn his head to see the passenger side mirror, How about you?
It is 68 years since I lost vision in my right eye on 9/9/55. This is so intoxicating!
Are any of you afflicted as I am? Contact me. I would like to help you.
We are extremely vulnerable to a front collision in a GMC Motorhome. Owners have died this way! There is no auto braking, auto alarm, three point safety belts, air bags , collision alarms, shock adsorbing telescoping steering wheels, collision force adsorbing front body, engine, etc. to protect us. There is also fire. Most owners do consider a powerful frontal collision fatal.
Accident avoidance is essential
 
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Just jumping into the end of this thread, apologize I have not read all 15 pages! Do you mean these guys https://undermountac.com/

And my apologies for trying to catch up, but is this system ian lieu of the dash AC, AND the rooftop AC? My dash AC is fried, not sure whats wrong but completely disconnected. From sounds of things, never any good to begin with. I was thinking to replace the old rooftop with something like the Houghton 3800, to have AC or Heat.
Yes.
They are using a compressor that looks identical to the ProAir II. I have had many conversations with them, but I think it is best to purchase a complete system from them.
 
View attachment 8712
This is 11 Weber Road, West Orange, NJ. I designed and built this house in 1972-3. Since it was around the time that the GMC Motorhome first was designed and manufactured for the first time.
This house has been bank owned for the last 5 years or so. There was and auction about 21 months ago, but the sale never happened. I thought above buying it myself and fixing it, but it was just to far away.
It is heavily damaged from the roofing failure and severe water damage.
It is a passive solar house with redwood and brick exterior and the interior is mostly brick and rift cut white oak.
Check it out on Zillow.
I still have all of the original plans, specifications and correspondence in storage in Cliffwood, NJ>
I am looking for a savior and I will help. There is a former employee in New Brunswick, NJ that can help.
It is currently on the market for $355,100 and was last sold for $520,000 on 5/09/06 and the current property taxes are $20,930 based on an assessment of $645,300. The tax will be cut in half upon sale and tax appeal.
It is somewhere between a core and a useable coach. Fully restored, it isn probably worth between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000.
The redwood and white oak is painted. The brick walls and pavers are fine. The original copper roofing is gone.
In that tube next to the entrance door is a custom white oak circular stair with a circular domed skylight above, taking up all of the ceiling space.
View attachment 8714
You should look at the 3D/Visual as it is a video walk through and for the opening bid, you can see that this is well work it. By the way, in the bathroom with a white and avacoa green toilet, the green on was original there was a green bidet there originally.
View attachment 8715
View attachment 8716
View attachment 8717
As you can see the unground is just huge.
A GMC Motorhome might just fit in the upper corner where it says workshop as long as everything is off the roof. Maybe the Birchaven.
It is much larger than the 3,177 sf listed. I think that is only the upper floor.
Zoom in with Goggle Earth and look at the street views.
All of the original plumbing fixture and kitchen appliances are still there. It is something like a barn find.
If you are not interested, do you know anyone who might be.
I apologize if I offended you by posting this. I am just desperate in finding a way to save it!
What I am trying to do for the designers of the GMC Motorhome, I am trying to find someone to do that for me.

I have just found it at auction with an opening bid of $250,000.
Single Family auction West Orange,NJ - 11-Weber-RoadWest Orange-NJ-07052,90016120355. Hubzu.com

I won’t speak of it again. If you want to talk about it email me at sailor13@aol.com.

And now back to the other things I want to tell you about my GMC Motorhome project. I know that you think that I might be running out of things, but there is really so much more that I want to tell you.
A strange thing happened as the auction on 11 Weber Road neared its completion last Friday at 5:00pm. With 2 hours left at the auction, there appeared to to be about 7 people bidding and the offer was up to $360,000. They were raising the bids about $1,000 with each offer. he bidding was starting to get frequent as the deadline was approaching.

Suddenly, the bank cancelled the auction with no explanation. I guess that they bought that the beds were much too low.
11 Weber Road is currently no longer for sale.
With the auction cancelled, I decided to walk my dog to get my head around what had just happened.
I decided to call Donna, a realtor who my wife and I had gotten very friendly with after using her to sell my condo in Keyport, NJ. We had spoken about the West Orange property a couple of years ago and I thought that maybe we could find a buyer who might be interested in restoring the property.
I called Donna when I got home. It was astonishing to find out that Donna was looking at 11 Weber Road on her computer when she answered my call. She had a relative looking for a property in New Jersey close to Newark Airport because he is an airline pilot. She thought of this property. Wow!
We are trying to figure out what to do next.
I want to do the same thing for this 1974 property that I am doing for my 1976 GMC Motorhome,
 
Well the rear Advent Air conditioning unit is gone and there is a small 14” x 14” hole in the overhead. The old Advent air conditioning unit was 21 1/2” x 22 1/2” x 3 1/2” deep.
There is a nasty discolored patch in the overhead, 21 1/2” x 22 1/2” that looks nasty. I have ordered (2) Jensen 46VR 12v dc lat screen tv units that will lie up flat to the overhead on a 12” x 12” Vespa mount. The TV can drop down and rotate. The entire is 22” x 22 1/2” x 3 1/2”, so it will not take up the entire space.
I plan to fashion a sold cypress panel to match the cabinetry that hides the tv. I might add indirect edge LED lighting to illuminate indirectly illuminate the surrounding overhead and period a couple of adjustable recessed reading lights.
I will do the same thing forward in the salon where the forward air conditioning unit used to be.
And here is the 48v dc YMGI heat pump in the salon.
I think that the curvilinear surface of the YMGI mini split compliments the similar forms of the coach.
View attachment 8630
View attachment 8631
The overhead flat tv and enclosure will be much less bulky, so the and the space will seem much higher and more spacious.
The scissors couch will expand into a double bed and it is across from the dinette that also months into a double bed. I hope that I will be able to rotate both the passenger and driver seat around to make this a very spacious and cozy room.
On top of it all, the heating and air conditioning will be very quiet. In a pinch, I could even turn on the dashboard air conditioning without starting the engine.
I hope it will be a very pleasant and peaceful place, especially if we are boon docking in the wilderness.
How does one hide the refrigerant lines, electrical harness and the condensate drain when everything is so exposed?
Getting over the door with the smallest and least obvious device is a real challenge.
Over Door Utilities Enclosure 062323.jpg
In this photo, there are two white painted aluminum tubes with a “D” shaped cross section. In one pipe is the larger refrigerant line with insulation. In the other tube is the smaller line and the electrical power and control harnesses. Keeping the (2) refrigerant line separated eliminates the possibility of a thermal short circuit.
In this version, keeping the profile of the enclosure to an absolute minimum, there is no loss of head clearance when coming in or out of the door.
Over Door to YMGI Enclosure 062323.jpg
I think that the enclosure does even seem to be there at all.
The hanging wires are unused cables that will be eliminated.
Condensate Drain Enclosure to YMGI 062323.jpg
The condensate drain is hidden in the white pipe that looks something like a handicap handrail. Well it actual is just that being used for another purpose. If you think that it looks like it is not level, well you are correct. I had to make certain that the condensate drain would always drain naturally by gravity and not leak into the coach.
I have provided a hand sketch of the enclosure in an earlier post. In this case, I had to drop the two electrical meters to avoid conflict with the condensate drain. Gravity always overrules.
The condensate drain proceed down behind the backrest of the folding couch an through the lpg compartment below.
In addition, this was all accomplished without getting in the way of the mini blinds that were there before I bought the coach. The cypress (track) jambs that keep the blinds organized was not compromised.
The electrical meters are monitoring the two Sterling battery to battery chargers. One is for the 12v to 12v battery to battery charger. It provides the only source to charge the DieHard sealed lead acid battery that has a CCA of 800.
The second meter is for the 12v to 51.2v battery to battery charger that provides a way to charge the Lithionics LiPOe4 battery bank. The meters also allow to change
e settings and programing of the Sterling units remotely without opening up the compartment where the chargers reside.
These meters are also blue toothed so that operating conditions can be monitored on a cell phone, tablet or computer.
The screws indicate that all of the electrical and pumping components are accessible for servicing.
To the left of the corian enclosure, you can see the cloth tie back hanging for the drape that is stored against the enclosure. This is the drape that provides privacy for the entire windshield.
Overall, I think that is a very subdued and simple solution for a rather complicated problem.
 
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This is a rather long term project that I plan to undertake after I get the coach back to Palmetto, FL.
The existing awning is not a Zip Dee and is aged. According to the previous owner, one of the studs broke and he fashioned a repair. I have no idea how old it is, so it is probably overdue for replacement.
Since there is 1.47kw of solar panels due to be installed along with the massive on board LiPO4 28.68 kWh, can I do any better?
How about installing (2) new Zip Dee Relax 12v dc awning, almost full length on both sides and instead of using the normal slope, which is almost level, suppose they are tilted up. I found an awning fabric that reflects 71% of the and is yet translucent enough to provide light underneath.
When I mentioned using the 5V galvanized aluminum roofing surfaces on the roof of my house to reflect additional solar energy onto the roof mounted solar panels, the 5V roofing was LEED certified to reflect 2/3 (66.6%) of solar energy. This fabric is supposed to reflect 71%. Not bad for an awning!
In addition, there is now a massive shaded area.
I am considering of how to fashion an easy and rapid take down for sustained and/or sudden winds and downpour.
View attachment 8636
How about this design? I will have to adapt the Zip Dee to allow it to tilt up, rather than down and get Zip Dee to approve this design and use a fabric like the Serge Ferrari. I might have to provide them the fabric. This fabric is a well tested and used awning fabric..
The area of the defective surface is much greater than the area of the solar panels, so there is a chance to achieve a two or three times greater collection of solar energy.
I know that this is really very far out but I would really like to hear everyone's comments, even those that are negative. Earlier in this conversation I mentioned the design for using the reflective surfaces of my house to collect additional solar energy. I also mentioned the possibility of using my coach to forgo using roof mounted solar panels for the house and use my coach instead.
With the three 12v winches, I could probably adjust the angles of the awnings.
Using the coach's air suspension, we could probably play with the tie down tension by raising or lowering the coach.
There are plenty of awning tie down systems commercially available.
Wouldn't it be great to use our coaches in such a fashion!
Anybody want to work with me on this?
Zip Dee Slide Bar 062623.jpg
I thought that you might want to see how the Zip Dee Slide Bar functions. I raises the lower connection point for the Zip Dee awning support arm. This reduces the possible collision for someone walking out from under the awning when near the coach. In the case of the GMC Motorhome, I think that the arm support can only be raised as high as the belt line due the coach's bowed body profile. Any GMC Motorhome would probably benefit from this for a relatively minor expenditure.
In my case, it helps me raise the awning to a slope up rather than slope down position to help reflect solar rays on to the solar panels.
The arm already telescopes, so I am interested in how much more I can telescope the arm. Maybe I will have to devise a three part telescoping device to replace the standard two part telescoping device.
Zip Dee Slide Bar @ Beltline 062623.jpg
I think that I have under estimated the steeper angle that will result from using the Zip Dee Slide Bar to elevate the lower support point to the belt line. the slide bar will have to be positioned to avoid the amber side light and not also obstruct the LPG compartment door.
I think that you can get the idea of the benefit.
I this version, the awning is very nearly level at the lower mounting point. WIth no other modification, the awning would already be sloping considerably up.
Half way there.
 

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WakeSpeed+Lithionics+Balmar 48v Zach 031123.jpg
This is the diagram that was provided by WakeSpeed and Lithionics for my 51.2v dc battery system. Unfortunately, there were more than one issue with this diagram.
In the first place, Cliff did not see the sense of having two separate battery switches, one positive and one negative. I could not explain it either, but I told him to install it this way because I did not want to do anything that would void Lithionics warranty.
However, I have just learned this week that this arrangement is necessary because the Lithionics batteries are the only battery that has earned the UL certification. To install the UL certified battery in accordance with all UL requirements, the (2) battery switches must be installed.
I then discovered that there was another issue with this diagram. Just to make absolutely certain that the installation met all requirements, I decided to check the charging voltages and currents necessary to accommodate the Lithionics batteries. Another issue came up.

For the two batteries, Lithionics lists:
Nominal Voltage: 51.2 volts
Charge Voltage: 58.4 volts
Float Charge: 53.6 volts

Operating Volt Range: 46.4 volts to 53.6 volts

All of the battery switches indicated are limited to 48v dc, so there is an issue. I had to find two battery switches that will handle the voltages in this arrangement,

BlueSea does have a ML-Series Remote Battery Switch that will handle 0 volts to 64 volts.

On page #45 of the 2023 BlueSea Catalog states:

"ML-Series Solenoid & RBS Update
A number of ML-Series Solenoids and Remote Battery
Switches are now rated to 64V DC, making them
ideal for use in 36V DC and 48V DC nominally-rated
systems. The new 64V DC rating applies only to the
contact voltage, while maintaining the existing 12V DC
or 24V DC signal voltage, making them ideal for use in
multi-voltage systems like solar or golf-carts. The new
higher voltage rating was tested to 2,000 live-switching
cycles at maximum operating voltage per UL 1107
requirements."


I then have ordered two of these components and a separate 100 amp circuit breaker to handle the expected voltage and amperage.
This necessitated yet another redesign of the installation in the generator cVetical Alum Panel Elevation 062723.jpgompartment.
BMS+ML Series+Combiner 062623.jpg
Sometimes it is just exhausting to run into issue after issue whenever one seeks to incorporate innovations in a project. Yesterday and today I have been working overtime to get this installation just right. What you see above is the third arrangement designed during this period. There were issues with the information provided by the manufacturers was faulty. I am hoping that the image above has resolved everything, but you never know!
Generator Compartment Elevation 062723.jpg
 
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View attachment 8712
This is 11 Weber Road, West Orange, NJ. I designed and built this house in 1972-3. Since it was around the time that the GMC Motorhome first was designed and manufactured for the first time.
This house has been bank owned for the last 5 years or so. There was and auction about 21 months ago, but the sale never happened. I thought above buying it myself and fixing it, but it was just to far away.
It is heavily damaged from the roofing failure and severe water damage.
It is a passive solar house with redwood and brick exterior and the interior is mostly brick and rift cut white oak.
Check it out on Zillow.
I still have all of the original plans, specifications and correspondence in storage in Cliffwood, NJ>
I am looking for a savior and I will help. There is a former employee in New Brunswick, NJ that can help.
It is currently on the market for $355,100 and was last sold for $520,000 on 5/09/06 and the current property taxes are $20,930 based on an assessment of $645,300. The tax will be cut in half upon sale and tax appeal.
It is somewhere between a core and a useable coach. Fully restored, it isn probably worth between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000.
The redwood and white oak is painted. The brick walls and pavers are fine. The original copper roofing is gone.
In that tube next to the entrance door is a custom white oak circular stair with a circular domed skylight above, taking up all of the ceiling space.
View attachment 8714
You should look at the 3D/Visual as it is a video walk through and for the opening bid, you can see that this is well work it. By the way, in the bathroom with a white and avacoa green toilet, the green on was original there was a green bidet there originally.
View attachment 8715
View attachment 8716
View attachment 8717
As you can see the unground is just huge.
A GMC Motorhome might just fit in the upper corner where it says workshop as long as everything is off the roof. Maybe the Birchaven.
It is much larger than the 3,177 sf listed. I think that is only the upper floor.
Zoom in with Goggle Earth and look at the street views.
All of the original plumbing fixture and kitchen appliances are still there. It is something like a barn find.
If you are not interested, do you know anyone who might be.
I apologize if I offended you by posting this. I am just desperate in finding a way to save it!
What I am trying to do for the designers of the GMC Motorhome, I am trying to find someone to do that for me.

I have just found it at auction with an opening bid of $250,000.
Single Family auction West Orange,NJ - 11-Weber-RoadWest Orange-NJ-07052,90016120355. Hubzu.com

I won’t speak of it again. If you want to talk about it email me at sailor13@aol.com.

And now back to the other things I want to tell you about my GMC Motorhome project. I know that you think that I might be running out of things, but there is really so much more that I want to tell you.
That takes me back to my architecture-school days, right down to the clerestories, curved retaining walls, and the use of extra-heavy Helvetica Presstype.

For me, though, I ran out of that talent in a hurry and made the wise switch to engineering when my design-lab profs complained of "not being able to relate to it, maaaaan." Yes, our junior-level lab was a semi-underground house specifically designed for high thermal mass and low consumption.

Our current house was built in '79-80 with similar concepts, but a water-sourced heat pump needed more water than the well could flow and the system was abandoned. Some big insulation mistakes in this house, though.

Rick "now teaches people to design systems they can maintain and operate because few of them have the expertise or the resources to pursue the state of the art like this" Denney
 
OK, I have a question that maybe one of you can answer for me. My VIN is TZE166V191718. That means that it is a 1976 GMC Motorhome that was #1,718 in production. However, I have not yet found any plans with the LPG tank forward under a settee on the passenger side. In fact, I have not found any other coach with any kind of a third compartment between the passenger side front wheel well and the entrance door.
You can see the door hanging open a bit right in front of the door and step.
IMG_1421.jpeg
IMG_1203.jpeg
IMG_0986.jpeg
This is the LPG tank installation. The YMGI condensate drain is going to be installed to the right in this compartment and the two exhaust pipes are coming out under the compartment.
Anybody seen an arrangement like this?
It is sort of driving me crazy not knowing where this coach came from and are there any other ones like her? I guess that it not a standard GMC interior, but what is it?
 
View attachment 8933
This is the diagram that was provided by WakeSpeed and Lithionics for my 51.2v dc battery system. Unfortunately, there were more than one issue with this diagram.
In the first place, Cliff did not see the sense of having two separate battery switches, one positive and one negative. I could not explain it either, but I told him to install it this way because I did not want to do anything that would void Lithionics warranty.
However, I have just learned this week that this arrangement is necessary because the Lithionics batteries are the only battery that has earned the UL certification. To install the UL certified battery in accordance with all UL requirements, the (2) battery switches must be installed.
I then discovered that there was another issue with this diagram. Just to make absolutely certain that the installation met all requirements, I decided to check the charging voltages and currents necessary to accommodate the Lithionics batteries. Another issue came up.

For the two batteries, Lithionics lists:
Nominal Voltage: 51.2 volts
Charge Voltage: 58.4 volts
Float Charge: 53.6 volts

Operating Volt Range: 46.4 volts to 53.6 volts

All of the battery switches indicated are limited to 48v dc, so there is an issue. I had to find two battery switches that will handle the voltages in this arrangement,

BlueSea does have a ML-Series Remote Battery Switch that will handle 0 volts to 64 volts.

On page #45 of the 2023 BlueSea Catalog states:

"ML-Series Solenoid & RBS Update
A number of ML-Series Solenoids and Remote Battery
Switches are now rated to 64V DC, making them
ideal for use in 36V DC and 48V DC nominally-rated
systems. The new 64V DC rating applies only to the
contact voltage, while maintaining the existing 12V DC
or 24V DC signal voltage, making them ideal for use in
multi-voltage systems like solar or golf-carts. The new
higher voltage rating was tested to 2,000 live-switching
cycles at maximum operating voltage per UL 1107
requirements."


I then have ordered two of these components and a separate 100 amp circuit breaker to handle the expected voltage and amperage.
This necessitated yet another redesign of the installation in the generator cView attachment 8972ompartment.
View attachment 8934
Sometimes it is just exhausting to run into issue after issue whenever one seeks to incorporate innovations in a project. Yesterday and today I have been working overtime to get this installation just right. What you see above is the third arrangement designed during this period. There were issues with the information provided by the manufacturers was faulty. I am hoping that the image above has resolved everything, but you never know!
View attachment 8973
There is an update:

The BlueSea ST Blade Fuse Block - 6 Independent Circuits w/ Cover (#5035) and Blade Fuses are rated for a maximum of 32 volt dc.. They cannot handle the maximum charging voltage of 58.4 vdc for the Lithionics 51.2 vdc batteries.
I am planning to replace these components with Autimation Systems Interconnect NDB2 Standard UL 1077 Circuit Breakers that are rated for 60 vdc. I plan to use a 1 amp breaker in place of the 3 amp breaker and a 4 amp breaker in place of the 15 amp breaker. 3 amp and 15 amp fuse/breakers are WakeSpeed's recommendations for a 12v installation. I am awaiting their agreement to use the ASI fast breakers.
Generator Compartment  070623.jpg
 
Anybody seen an arrangement like this?
It is sort of driving me crazy not knowing where this coach came from and are there any other ones like her? I guess that it not a standard GMC interior, but what is it?
Hi Terry,
I have seen some Royale's that have the propane tank where yours is located, but the door is typically different. Based on your VIN, your coach is definitely not a Royale. Here are a few downloaded pics of random Royale's with the propane tank located where yours is located. Perhaps a previous owner put the LP tank there, inspired by a Royale.

Russell
 

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As I have already mentioned earlier, I only have one functioning eye, the left one and I have written about the Tadi Brothers cameras and monitors to provide vehicular surveillance to keep my family safe. I have also been working on a custom pair of glasses to increase my visual range.
I am on about the 12th version of the experimental pair of eyeglasses.
According to statistics, about 3.4 of 100 of men and 3.2 of 100 women only have a single functional eye. Therefore, it is likely that one of you may be so afflicted.
Research conducted by Dr. Peli at Harvard Medical did some research to determine how much more likely a person with a single functional eye would be to have a vehicular or pedestrian accident. The result is that such an individual is 35% more likely to have an accident.
This is Dr. Peli’s solution for a special pair of glasses to increase the field of vision. It requires substantial training over a few months but it is commercially available.View attachment 8765
Research conducted by Dr. Peli at Harvard Medical did some research to determine how much more likely a person with a single functional eye would be to have a vehicular or pedestrian accident. The result is that such an individual is 35% more likely to have an accident.
This is Dr. Peli’s solution for a special pair of glasses to increase the field of vision. It requires substantial training over a few months but it is commercially available.
While the Peli glasses do work, there are two shadow images superimposed over and under the normal view ahead everyone sees. It is somewhat confusing. You can see videos about the effect of these glasses.
I decided to develop my own pair of glasses that would be more effective, less costly and less obvious.
View attachment 8766

This is about version number 9 of my glasses. I think that it is less obvious because the device is over the nose and not in front of the good eye. There are no lenses in the glass frame, so the prisms are much more obvious than if there were actual prescription glass in the frame.
However, I am pleased to advise you that these glasses are far more effective than the Peli glasses. I am driving in my Ford C-Max and there is a small visual window in the upper right corner of the left frame. It is sort of a window in window effect that we sometimes use on our tv's to watch two programs at the same time.
However, in this case, for the first time since I started driving at the age of 17, I can see the passenger side mirror without turning my head. To me, that is startling!
The last time I was at Cliff's to meet my new engine, I sat behind the steering wheel to test the glasses. I already have told you that I cannot see windshield center mullion, rear view mirror or passenger side mirror without turning my head all the way to the right.
Ureaka With these experimental glasses I can see the passenger side mirror and most of the window by the passenger seat without turning my head at all.
I do have to dig my head a bit. I need a small eye movement to focus on the right side vision but I do not lose sight of what is directly in front of me.
I am becoming much more aware of how vulnerable I have been for nearly all my life. I now know somewhat of what you can see and what I cannot, until now. My God!
Cliff told me that even with his functional two eye, he has to turn his head to see the passenger side mirror, How about you?
It is 68 years since I lost vision in my right eye on 9/9/55. This is so intoxicating!
Are any of you afflicted as I am? Contact me. I would like to help you.
We are extremely vulnerable to a front collision in a GMC Motorhome. Owners have died this way! There is no auto braking, auto alarm, three point safety belts, air bags , collision alarms, shock adsorbing telescoping steering wheels, collision force adsorbing front body, engine, etc. to protect us. There is also fire. Most owners do consider a powerful frontal collision fatal.
Accident avoidance is essential
Visual Range Diagram 070923.jpg
This is an analysis of the the loss of sight in one eye. Since I only have a functional left eye, one can determine the impact of the reduce visual area. It doesn't look so bad at first, but put an eye patch on your right eye, sit behind the wheel of your GMC and see if you are willing to drive it.
Just how much of that lost vision can I get with the new glasses. I am having trouble determining how much more I have gotten in the prism's window.
Since I am a belt and suspenders type of guy, I am not depending on the original Tadi installation, which is an improvement. My glasses also also help, but not yet perfected. I have also just purchased a Tadi 3D system that I will install after I get the coach back home. From the vide, it looks awesome.
 
Hi Terry,
I have seen some Royale's that have the propane tank where yours is located, but the door is typically different. Based on your VIN, your coach is definitely not a Royale. Here are a few downloaded pics of random Royale's with the propane tank located where yours is located. Perhaps a previous owner put the LP tank there, inspired by a Royale.

Russell
Thank you Russel.
Cliff has confirmed that my coach is definitely an Eleganza II. He has seen many Royales and seen the lp in this location. However, he has never seen another installation like mine. He thinks that it is a one off
 
View attachment 8933
This is the diagram that was provided by WakeSpeed and Lithionics for my 51.2v dc battery system. Unfortunately, there were more than one issue with this diagram.
In the first place, Cliff did not see the sense of having two separate battery switches, one positive and one negative. I could not explain it either, but I told him to install it this way because I did not want to do anything that would void Lithionics warranty.
However, I have just learned this week that this arrangement is necessary because the Lithionics batteries are the only battery that has earned the UL certification. To install the UL certified battery in accordance with all UL requirements, the (2) battery switches must be installed.
I then discovered that there was another issue with this diagram. Just to make absolutely certain that the installation met all requirements, I decided to check the charging voltages and currents necessary to accommodate the Lithionics batteries. Another issue came up.

For the two batteries, Lithionics lists:
Nominal Voltage: 51.2 volts
Charge Voltage: 58.4 volts
Float Charge: 53.6 volts

Operating Volt Range: 46.4 volts to 53.6 volts

All of the battery switches indicated are limited to 48v dc, so there is an issue. I had to find two battery switches that will handle the voltages in this arrangement,

BlueSea does have a ML-Series Remote Battery Switch that will handle 0 volts to 64 volts.

On page #45 of the 2023 BlueSea Catalog states:

"ML-Series Solenoid & RBS Update
A number of ML-Series Solenoids and Remote Battery
Switches are now rated to 64V DC, making them
ideal for use in 36V DC and 48V DC nominally-rated
systems. The new 64V DC rating applies only to the
contact voltage, while maintaining the existing 12V DC
or 24V DC signal voltage, making them ideal for use in
multi-voltage systems like solar or golf-carts. The new
higher voltage rating was tested to 2,000 live-switching
cycles at maximum operating voltage per UL 1107
requirements."


I then have ordered two of these components and a separate 100 amp circuit breaker to handle the expected voltage and amperage.
This necessitated yet another redesign of the installation in the generator cView attachment 8972ompartment.
View attachment 8934
Sometimes it is just exhausting to run into issue after issue whenever one seeks to incorporate innovations in a project. Yesterday and today I have been working overtime to get this installation just right. What you see above is the third arrangement designed during this period. There were issues with the information provided by the manufacturers was faulty. I am hoping that the image above has resolved everything, but you never know!
View attachment 8973
OK!


WakeSpeed and Lithionics have been totally opaque in the use of their products when it comes to the wiring of their products in a 48v - 51.2v systems. The WakeSpeed produced diagram only applies to a 12v installation. There is no applicable diagram for a 48v-51,2v system.
All of the Balmar alternators do require a 12v dc field current to regulate their products. It states that if you use their Max Charge MC-620 to regulate their 48v alternators you have to provide an independent 12v dc connection to power the regulator. WakeSpeed is silent on the issue.
It has been almost a year trying to resolve this issue! I am still waiting to a response to my email sent today.
I propose to provide a separate dedicated 12v dc feed to the WS500 through a 15 amp circuit breaker, rather than connecting it to the busbar shown on the diagram. It will be at 51.2v to 58.4 v.
Separately, the harness wire shown connected to the positive busbar through a 3 amp fuse will be connected through a 1 amp, 60v capacity breaker. This is a sensor wire but needs a smaller fuse/breaker due the higher voltage. Watts are volts times amps and watts are the king. 3 amps @ 12v = 0.75 amps @ 48v.
I have requested certification from WakeSpeed, Lithionics and Balmar that this variation does not void their warranties.
 
View attachment 8933
This is the diagram that was provided by WakeSpeed and Lithionics for my 51.2v dc battery system. Unfortunately, there were more than one issue with this diagram.
In the first place, Cliff did not see the sense of having two separate battery switches, one positive and one negative. I could not explain it either, but I told him to install it this way because I did not want to do anything that would void Lithionics warranty.
However, I have just learned this week that this arrangement is necessary because the Lithionics batteries are the only battery that has earned the UL certification. To install the UL certified battery in accordance with all UL requirements, the (2) battery switches must be installed.
I then discovered that there was another issue with this diagram. Just to make absolutely certain that the installation met all requirements, I decided to check the charging voltages and currents necessary to accommodate the Lithionics batteries. Another issue came up.

For the two batteries, Lithionics lists:
Nominal Voltage: 51.2 volts
Charge Voltage: 58.4 volts
Float Charge: 53.6 volts

Operating Volt Range: 46.4 volts to 53.6 volts

All of the battery switches indicated are limited to 48v dc, so there is an issue. I had to find two battery switches that will handle the voltages in this arrangement,

BlueSea does have a ML-Series Remote Battery Switch that will handle 0 volts to 64 volts.

On page #45 of the 2023 BlueSea Catalog states:

"ML-Series Solenoid & RBS Update
A number of ML-Series Solenoids and Remote Battery
Switches are now rated to 64V DC, making them
ideal for use in 36V DC and 48V DC nominally-rated
systems. The new 64V DC rating applies only to the
contact voltage, while maintaining the existing 12V DC
or 24V DC signal voltage, making them ideal for use in
multi-voltage systems like solar or golf-carts. The new
higher voltage rating was tested to 2,000 live-switching
cycles at maximum operating voltage per UL 1107
requirements."


I then have ordered two of these components and a separate 100 amp circuit breaker to handle the expected voltage and amperage.
This necessitated yet another redesign of the installation in the generator cView attachment 8972ompartment.
View attachment 8934
Sometimes it is just exhausting to run into issue after issue whenever one seeks to incorporate innovations in a project. Yesterday and today I have been working overtime to get this installation just right. What you see above is the third arrangement designed during this period. There were issues with the information provided by the manufacturers was faulty. I am hoping that the image above has resolved everything, but you never know!
View attachment 8973
Well, the last couple of months has been very challenging. After an awful lot of discussion with Rick (OffGrid+WakeSpeed), Reuben (lithionics) and Zac (VanLife), I have come to the realization that none of the distributers had much information or understanding of 48v or 51.2v installations. It took an awful lot of drilling down, research and planning to get to design that would very likely work.
In the first place, almost all of the BlueSea products are limited to a voltage of 24v or 32v. The battery switches, busbars, fuses, breakers, etc. could not handle 48v, battery voltage of 51,2v or the bulk charging voltage of 58.4v.
Also, the UL certification of the Litthionics batteries required additional design adjustments to meet the Underwritter's Laboratory wiring requirements. One obvious addition was that UL required (2) battery switches (both positive and negative) rather than the single positive battery switch normally installed. There were others.
51.2v WakeSpeed+Lithionic+Balmar 071223.jpg
In this revised design, There are different battery switches, fuses, breakers and wiring. An additional 12v power source is indicated to provide opening power to the WakeSpedd alternator regulator. It was also difficult to find a 100 amp, 60vdc fuse.
With the higher voltages, currents in the wires were reduced to about 25% of that would have been experienced at 12v.
51.2v Generator Compartment Elevations 071223.jpg
51.2v BMS+Batteries+Combiner 071223.jpg
I also added (2) green LED indicator lights that can handle the increased voltages.
51.2v Mock Up Photo w: Comments 071223.jpg
Upon the advise of Rich, Reuben and Zach, I have advised Cliff to install the system as redesigned. Some of the different components will be delivered before Sunday so Cliff can begin the installation. I have also resized all of the wiring to work with the increased voltages.
Then we will start up the 455 and see if the system works properly.
It appears that we are on a very lightly traveled road and there is little experience in dealing with these voltages. Cross your fingers!

If the systems functions properly, the next step is to switch out the existing engine and install the new COOP Drew Koba 455 and test again.
As soon as the dashboard is reassembled and the driver and passenger seats are init will be time for the first road test. Maybe that will happen before August.
 

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That will be an amazing system once it is finished. I hope to see it in person someday soon. Did you have to order custom brackets for the Balmar alternator for the 455?

Russell
 
That will be an amazing system once it is finished. I hope to see it in person someday soon. Did you have to order custom brackets for the Balmar alternator for the 455?

Russell
Russel:

On page 3, I indicated that I needed to use the March Racing dual serpentine belt system instead of the CVF serpentine system that the GMC COOP was promoting and installing. I am replacing the 455 driven air conditioning compressor with a second 48v Balmar alternator.

On the bottom of page 6 is a photo of the first mock up on one of Cliff’s old 455 engine blocks. It immediately became apparent that I had miscalculated about how to fasten the grey Balmar 48v, 60 amp (2,880 watt) alternator. It would have fit into the “C” shaped polished aluminum March bracket just above and slightly to the right of it. However, I had not counted on the large radiator cooling hose emerging from the new water pump just above the drive shaft dual pulley. Cliff had to fashion a new custom black bracket that supports the lower bolt to the intended fastening position.

It would have been much neater and more compact if I had been able to get it into the proposed location. I was worried that this arrangement would not fit into the engine compartment, but it did.

You can see the problem in a much clearer way at the top of page 7. Dam that hose!

On the bottom of page 8 you can see what a tight fit it was to install it on the existing 455 in the coach. It fit ok and Cliff got all the belts and pulleys aligned.

Once the the 48v alternator is up and running, everything comes out and the Drew Koba COOP 455 goes in and the pulleys, belts, alternators will be mounted for the third and final time.

Alternator and Generator Capacities:
Onan 4000w @ 12v 4000w
Onan 6000w @ 12v 6000w
Delco Alternator 60 amp @ 12v 720w
Delco Alternator 100 amp @ 12v 1200w

Balmar Alternator 160 amp @ 12v 1440w
Balmar Alternator 60 amp @ 48v 2880w
Total Balmar 4320w

Solar Collection Capacity: 1470w
Solar & Balmar Alternators 5790w

Even without the impact of the much larger battery capacity, these numbers certainly provide a rather compelling argument for the elimination of a generator.
 
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@sailor man , Where did you go?

Anyone know what happened to Sailor Man? He was a prolific poster on this build thread which I loved to read. Last posting July 15/23 and profile shows his last time logged into the Forum was August 10/23.

Hope everything is well with him!
 
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The original furnace, unused for decades was still in the coach. I removed and trashed it.

The only heat in the coach was one resistant electrical coil in the 15,000 btu Advent. The newer 12,000 btu Advent had no heat.

Both of them will be trashed.

I am installing (2) YMGI 86 12,000 btu solar ready Mini-split heat pumps. There is no backup resistance heat.
Working outdoor temperature ranges are: Heating: 15°F - 75°F
Cooling 23F - 104°F

Each unit provides 12,000 btu cooling and 13,000 btu heating.

So there will be a total of 26,000 btu of heating in the coach, using battery power almost all of the time.

Since the dashboard air conditioning system is being converted to 12v dc, the 455 does not have to run. The new electric spiral compressor has a maximum rating of 16,000 btu, but I don't expect to use all of it.

Therefore the total cooling & Heating capacity from batteries is:
Cooling Heating
Electric Dashboard AC: 16,000 btu
Salon YMGI 86: 12,000 btu 13,000 btu
Bedroom YMGI 86: 12,000 btu 13,000 btu
Total Capacity 40,000 btu 26,000 btu

I hope I have answered your question.

With the 1,320w of solar panels on the roof, the effective SEER of these units approaches 33 . The Advent rooftops, like all the other ones has a SEER pf 5.5-7, when new. Of course, in the real world, they are much worse causing the gasoline guzzling Onan 6000 labor to run the roof top air conditioners. No wonder gasoline mpg is so bad.

The original furnace, unused for decades was still in the coach. I removed and trashed it.

The only heat in the coach was one resistant electrical coil in the 15,000 btu Advent. The newer 12,000 btu Advent had no heat.

Both of them will be trashed.

I am installing (2) YMGI 86 12,000 btu solar ready Mini-split heat pumps. There is no backup resistance heat.
Working outdoor temperature ranges are: Heating: 15°F - 75°F
Cooling 23F - 104°F

Each unit provides 12,000 btu cooling and 13,000 btu heating.

So there will be a total of 26,000 btu of heating in the coach, using battery power almost all of the time.

Since the dashboard air conditioning system is being converted to 12v dc, the 455 does not have to run. The new electric spiral compressor has a maximum rating of 16,000 btu, but I don't expect to use all of it.

Therefore the total cooling & Heating capacity from batteries is:
Cooling Heating
Electric Dashboard AC: 16,000 btu
Salon YMGI 86: 12,000 btu 13,000 btu
Bedroom YMGI 86: 12,000 btu 13,000 btu
Total Capacity 40,000 btu 26,000 btu

I hope I have answered your question.

With the 1,320w of solar panels on the roof, the effective SEER of these units approaches 33 . The Advent rooftops, like all the other ones has a SEER pf 5.5-7, when new. Of course, in the real world, they are much worse causing the gasoline guzzling Onan 6000 labor to run the roof top air conditioners. No wonder gasoline mpg is so bad.
I have a similar electric power setup but installed a diesel heater as a hope-never-have-to-use backup.
The package is very complete with fuel tank, pump and even a remote control for under $200. Deleted the CO2 making generator so if the 5KwHr battery gets depleted, I still have heat.
 
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