JdFinley.com

Fulltime RV Living Adventures

Programming Solar Charge Controller for Lithium

I have a Morningstar TS-MPPT-60 solar charge controller and an LFMP Lithium battery bank. This charge controller has a series of DIP switches that allow for various pre-configured charge settings. However; none of them are appropriate for a Lithium battery (the correct absorption and float voltages) so one must configure the system “manually.” Thankfully, that… [Read More]

Backup Video Camera Update

Now that I have a few miles with the eRaptor backup video camera system, I thought I should provide an update. As I mentioned several weeks ago (here), my backup camera was a four camera eRaptor kit from Amazon. Two of the cameras are squarish forward/backward type cameras and two are more aerodynamic and intended… [Read More]

Installing a Lithium Battery Bank

Missy’s Lithium (LFMP) battery bank (introduced here) is completely computer controlled. Installing it is more complicated than hooking up the positive and negative battery terminals.  That said; the fantastic storage capacity is worth the effort! The first thing I had to do was figure out where I wanted it located. I’m not super happy with… [Read More]

So Many TV Options

I’m afraid I waste more time in front of the TV than I would like. Late in the day, it is nice to just vegetate for a bit. That said, the time I spend in front of the TV is far, far less than the national average and I refuse to spend time watching the modern… [Read More]

Solar Charging System for Missy

I LOVE solar power!! I think I’ve mentioned that before. 🙂 It is amazing to me that such a small investment can provide such huge returns. For a few thousand dollars, the sun provides all of the electricity that I need to live in very normal fashion while sitting in the middle of nowhere. JBAM… [Read More]

Lithium Battery (LFMP) for Missy

I have made the leap to a Lithium battery for my RV house electrical system. To be precise, a Lithium Iron Manganese Phosphate (LiFeMnPO4) battery, or simply LFMP. This is a 400Ah, 24 volt – 10.24 kWh – battery. That roughly equates to a 1400Ah lead-acid battery bank. LOTSA LITHIUM JUICE!! Why? There are many… [Read More]

Backup Video Camera

I finally got the rear looking backup video camera mounted. I’ve been putting this off cause I hate drilling holes in the outside skin but the time had come. Oh, the other issue is that large air “tunnel” that goes down the center of the wall (on the inside). I feared gaining access behind that…. [Read More]

How NOT to go Refrigerator Shopping

I have some friends with that have one of those refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom that opens as a huge drawer. I fell in love with it. So, when it came time to look for a refrigerator, I looked at those. A quick run thru the refrigerator section at Lowes/Home Depot is not… [Read More]

24 Volt Battery??

Why a 24 volt (DC) house battery bank? Good question. This is an oft debated subject in the RV and boat worlds. Most automobiles, RV’s and motorcycles all have a 12 volt DC (direct current) electrical system. Houses, on the other hand, used 120 volt AC (alternating current) – but I’m not talking about the… [Read More]