Renogy DC-to-DC Battery Charger Installation

The Renogy 40-Amp DC-to-DC battery charger had been on my Amazon wishlist for a while, and it was on sale during the holidays, so I bought one. I was planning on getting it anyway for our upcoming Lithium battery upgrade (coming soon). A DC-to-DC charger is required to limit the current draw from the alternator, particularly with Lithium batteries, which can draw a large amount of current from the alternator while charging.

According to Mercedes Body and Equipment Guidelines for 2018 Sprinter and older, it states that the maximum charging current for the auxiliary batteries should not exceed 40-Amps. For now, our current AGM coach batteries will benefit from the DC-to-DC charger as it will receive a proper 3-stage charging (bulk, absorb, float) while driving or idling. 

Motorized City Fresh Water Tank Fill Valve with Automatic Fresh Water Pump Control

Like many Roadtrek RV models, the RT Agile has two options in getting their fresh water tank filled, either via gravity fill port located on passenger side door B-pillar or via the city water hookup. I mostly use the city water connection just because it is on the same side where the macerator dump is, and most dump stations/ campgrounds are set up this way. 

Filling the fresh water tank via city water hookup involves few steps and this mod drastically shortens those steps. To fill the fresh water tank, all I have to do now is flip a switch then hookup the city water…and that’s it. No more walking around the RV, opening the sliding door, reaching and manually opening the fill valve, then doing same process in reverse once the tank gets full. 

How to beat the Sprinter blues "AdBlue"

There are many confusing info circulating the net about DEF fluids, brands to use, etc. Some Sprinter owners have been told by MB dealers to only use an MB branded DEF fluid "AdBlue" on their Sprinters or the DEF system could malfunction.

The truth is, if the DEF fluid is ISO-22241 certified then it is ok to use as per Sprinter operating manual. I've been using "BlueDEF" brand from my local auto parts store for many years without any problems. 

When my Sprinter NOx sensor went south a few years ago, MB dealer even tested the "BlueDEF" branded fluids in my tank and it passed to their standards, no surprise there. I'm not claiming I'm a DEF expert, just a user trying to save a buck from overpriced MB pee (ok, it's not actually a pee but rather it's a combination of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% urea.)

DIY Foldable/ Hinged Cornhole Board Game

Most of the commercially available Cornhole Board Games are bulky/heavy and takes a lots of storage space. Although Amazon sells lightweight ones like the PVC Framed Cornhole Set, the bags tends to bounce more on the fabric platforms. They also have a Foldable Aluminum Cornhole Board that weighs about 14.5-lbs. without the bags, but for $85 a set, I decide to make my own.

The DIY board is slightly smaller than a standard size board. Size when folded= 24"×15"×3.5". Unfolded=24"×30"×1.75". Board wt.=8.5 lbs. Bag wt.=1 lb. each.

Driver Operated AC/ Furnace Remote Thermostat Switch

We do use our rear Dometic AC quite often even while under way, but there are times I wish I can turn the AC on and off from the driver seat instead of yelling at the rear passengers to have them operate the Thermostat. I already have a remote generator start switch mounted on the overhead cab so adding a wired remote thermostat switch in that same location will give me total control from the driver seat. The added convenience of remotely shutting the AC and generator before pulling into a gas station, etc. is a much worth modification at least for our RV lifestyle. 

"Scooler", A Custom Built/ DIY Electric Riding Cooler

"Scooler" at the beach.

I need a new roto-molded cooler but I do not like the idea of manually hauling it around as they are heavy, so it got me thinking...why not make it a riding cooler? I later found out that you can actually buy one of these riding coolers; they’re not cheap though not to mention the inefficient coolers they use. Amazon sells the "Crazy Cooler" with 4-stroke 2HP engine.

Roadtrek Bedding Options

This is a widely discussed topic in RVing, many swear by RV Superbag which I also own. Things that I don’t like about the RV Superbag aside from being expensive, it does not have enough support/ cushion to smooth out the peaks and valleys of Roadtrek sofa bed cushions, it is also harder to get in and out of the bed when everything is zipped-up, and if you like tucking in under the blanket you’ll find it harder to do with the Superbag…unless you’re using the King size bag for yourself.

Dense foam and Memory foam toppers sure looks comfy, but if you plan of using the dinette every day, storing those bulky foams could be a problem in a small RV. I found this Hospitology Ultrasoft Gelled Filled Polyester Microfiber California King Mattress Pad on Amazon about 3 years ago and we've been using it since then along with our compressible Down camping blankets.

The Hospitology Mattress Pad is about 1” thick but a lot denser than Superbag cushion which helps even out the RT cushions making a softer and comfier bed to sleep in. It is a good compromise between comfort and storability. It is also easy to setup, just roll it out over the sofa bed and Voila, bed is done.

 Hospitology Ultrasoft Gelled Filled Polyester Microfiber California King Mattress Pad (72" x 84")

DIY Water Leak Alarm with Automatic Water Pump Disconnect Relay

The SHUREflo Accumulator in our Agile developed a small leak, and as usual, I forgot to switch off the water pump and it continued to cycle on and off while we were gone for a hike…luckily, it was a short hike and was immediately greeted by the blaring water leak alarm sound as soon as got into the van.

For the above reason, I decided to build a water leak alarm with automatic water pump disconnect relay. The idea is to disconnect the water pump when sensor senses water; additional wired sensors or maybe wireless sensors can be added later.

Things you need for this project (clicking on the links will take you to Amazon):
·        Rain sensor module with relay control
·        Automotive heavy duty 5-pin 40/30-amp relay
·        16 or 14- gauge wires
·        2-3 feet of smaller gauge wires for the sensor
·        12-volt Piezo Electronic Buzzer Alarm
·        Project enclosure
·        SPST switch
·        Cable gland (optional)