So the Upgrades Starts Again

So the process of adding things to the RV begins again though at a much slower pace. I believe that one of the first things added before upgrading batteries, adding solar, etc. is a battery monitor. On the 5th wheel, I installed a Bogart Engineering Trimetric TM-2025RV. This time, I picked the Victron BMV-712 Smart. Basically, it has the same functionality and once you add the type and capacity of your battery bank, it'll show you remaining battery capacity as a percentage. Also, like the Trimetric, you install a 500 amp shunt in series with the negative battery cable so all current running from or to your battery can be measured. The new feature this adds is Bluetooth connectivity.  This means that I can leave the meter in the battery bay and not try to figure how and where to install it inside of the coach. Just use the handy-dandy phone app.

Since I will be making battery cables again starting with the cable for the shunt for the Victron battery monitor, I picked up a crimp tool. The capacity is 4/0 AWG which is what I would be running if I opted to install LiFePO4 batteries this time around. The existing battery compartment isn't heated so the coach batteries would need to be relocated. The rearmost compartment on the passenger side is where the existing Magnum 2KW inverter-charger is located. So large cables for some of these runs between compartments will be needed. The limit for the hammer-crimp tool is 2/0 AWG which is what I used in the 5th wheel. It turns out that this made-in-China hydraulic tool was pretty inexpensive and the only negative reviews were complaining that it was made in China. I will probably stop by ABS Alaska, a local solar store, for the welding cable, shrink tubing and terminals.

Another purchase is a tow dolly. According to Toyota, the Prius can't be flat towed. But if the front wheels are on a tow dolly, then no problem. This model made by Acme (yes the same brand that the coyote always purchased from on the Roadrunner cartoons) has disc brakes and is a surge brake system. No brake controller needed and no brake adjustments. There is also no kingpin pivot. You just need to ensure that the steering wheel isn't locked. Since the Prius does not have a locking steering wheel, the kingpin units are not recommended. I was going to contact the company for information on whether the Prius was going to clear the ramps then I noticed that they used a Prius in their how-to video.