Jump to content

Jack Mayer

Validated Members
  • Posts

    4,202
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Jack Mayer

  1. Thanks Derek. I've always enjoyed my discussions with you, both on and off the forum. And I remember the "old" days well. I even remember your "newsletter"/website. I've been on this forum since 1999, so have seen a few people come and go.
  2. Merry Christmas from VA, where is is a balmy 70* today. Unbelievable, but I'm not complaining.
  3. Thanks Kirk. I'm still around but have not been frequenting these forums. Mainly because I get grief from some people if I post anything related to trucks. Since we now own a company that builds them, some people seem to feel that any mention of a truck from me means I'm posting commercial things. So I simply don't come here much any more. Chad certainly is able to answer any solar and electrical issues. And if you want a quality solar design and install he is one of the first places I'd go. Other than myself, of course
  4. I'm a little confused as to what you want to do. Do you want a general use inverter that is not used often, but is available for things (like) your microwave? Or do you truly want a dedicated inverter to the fridge? In either case you will have to have a means to charge the battery bank, so you need an inverter charger - or a separate charger. On trucks - that have essentially the same needs - we use a Kisae Abso 2000 watt pure inverter/charger with a transfer switch. It has direct wire capability, and a display panel that is able to be mounted remotely. It is well priced and pretty good quality. I've been using these for many years as the "reduced cost" inverter. It is not as good as a Victron, Outback, Magnum, etc but the reduced price makes it attractive, as does the feature set. They are well built and I doubt there are any more issues with them than any other line. I've probably installed 50+ of these over the years with no issues. Here is the one we use. LINK
  5. I just drove 4 days in the motorhome from SE Kansas to the Lynchburg VA area. In the MH we generally set the cruise at 62 and just let it go. That keeps me out of the packs and is fairly relaxing. In the truck (the new one we had), it liked to run at 67mph and got reasonable mileage there. Of course it was designed for that. It was pulling 1150 rpm and was within the peak torque area. So it depends on what you have, as Randy said....
  6. Randy, my inverter of choice these days for a budget friendly, but with advanced technology/features, is the Kisea Abso 2000 PSW. Under (or at) $500. Just FYI. LINK It has a removable/relocatable faceplate and is direct wire. Really works well for the trucks, and is what we install. It may be a little high for a "true" bargain hunter....but falls into the category of "you get what you pay for". 😀
  7. Jack Mayer

    My Bed design

    You will want to tap the wet tank. As someone said, put a valve at the tank in case you have issues. I'd use 1/2" DOT airline, but that is just me. Hose will work but it won't be as good and likely will cost more, unless you have some sitting around. You will like the Raptor - that is what we use on our beds after trying most of the other brands. You are finding out what we face daily - Massive price increases in steel and other components. We try to keep our prices under control, but it is difficult with things going up so fast.
  8. Mark, it can definately be done, but some custom work will be involved. I don't think a standard receiver framework could be fit.
  9. The best reason to insure as commercial - depending on your circumstances - is to avoid restrictions in use. You also get base liability of $1M, but there are other ways to handle that.
  10. It would be very difficult to properly support a receiver given the layout of the bed elements. It could be done, but some mods would be required.
  11. All of the modern fully automated transmissions work acceptably well. Some are more refined than others, with (arguably) the IShift being the most refined. I think I've driven every one of them except the newest model year PACCAR MX version. They all work fine. I like the shifter on the column that both FL and PACCAR do. It is very convenient and very intuitive. The dash shifter on the Volvo is OK, and is easy to use, but not as easy as the column shifters. Any shifter seat mounted is last on my personal list. It is simply in the way, and unnecessary. In RV use you will RARELY use the shifter after starting - virtually never. So the utility of it on the seat-side is questionable in my mind. But that is a personal preference as much as anything.
  12. Come on guys, it is not hard to drill a few holes in the frame..... You don't need thousands of holes to mount an ET.
  13. Jack Mayer

    Big 5er

    WHAT!? No way. You need to come, Danielle and Keyah will miss you.
  14. Let me know if that system is reliable in use. I've used literally dozens of wireless over the years and none of them were reliable on our rigs. For a combination of reasons, including the metal back walls we have on our trucks, and the smart cars/toys we carry (big chunks of metal). We have a very, very different usage environment than pickups and motorhomes. I'm always looking for a reliable wireless solution. Just have not found one yet.
  15. I messaged you on Facebook. I cannot really participate here since I have a business that sells hitches.
  16. I'm in Woodland Park a lot in the summer. Danielle spends the summer there. You need to stop in when you can....
  17. A motor vehicle is not commercial simply because it is over 26K lbs. Owned by a company or not. To be commercial it must be used "in commerce". For example, truckers use their trucks for vacation purposes or other private uses. They are not "in commerce". You just have to be clear about what you are doing. Consult an EXPERIENCED CPA.
  18. Jack Mayer

    BlueFire scanner

    Scrap, that is the plug in the new trucks that you show above. The Direclink plugs into it and seems to work fine. Should it not be using it?
  19. Jack Mayer

    BlueFire scanner

    What about the 16-pin ports??
  20. Rogers hitch setup is pretty nifty, and does not look too hard to replicate.
  21. Jack Mayer

    BlueFire scanner

    Which model do you have? Got an Amazon link? Thanks for the report.
  22. I've said this before but I'll repeat it since it keeps coming up. There is no issue driving a 453 up the ramps if you do it RIGHT. You won't burn up the clutch. But you do have to do it correctly.Ride the clutch a lot, like I see many, MANY people doing and you will have issues. You can modify the 453 to add the extra tow hook position in the rear if you wish. Our shop does it, or if you are a good welder you can DIY. Get the extra "bung" at a scrap yard - About $50 with shipping. You could also fabricate a receiver hitch. Also, despite what Internet experts claim, the 453 can be flat towed if you follow the Mercedes towing procedure precisely. I have thousands of miles on my 453 being towed behind our motorhome. Again, do it wrong and you will have issues.
×
×
  • Create New...