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M380 (Unique Issues) If you have a unique issue with your M380 model coach and it can't be answered in one of the other forums here, then this is where you can list it.....list your M380 Parts here too. |
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#1
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Hello from Karen and Todd.
I thought I'd introduce ourselves. We're on the road right now, about 50 miles from home (CT). We're returning after flying down and picking up the coach in GA. We spent a year recovering and another year looking for a coach that would meet our needs before choosing the M380. Ah ... "recovering" you ask? Read below for the story of how we lost our 1973 classic Sportscoach. https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...d/28963598.cfm One major reason we chose the BB of this support forum. Thanks for the help we've received.
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Todd and Karen Pattist Rockfall, CT 2007 Double Slide M380 "Bertie" |
#2
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Glad you’re bringing your 1 of 2 2007 M380’s home, are you coming to WOG?
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Lance & Linda Hall 2004 M380 Body #234 "Smooth Ride" Full Timing with 2 cats 214-729-1384 |
#3
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Welcome aboard
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Mark & Ginger Lauss Yuma Arizona ![]() 1991 PT 40 Towed 1986 Suzuki Samurai OR 2014 Jeep jk Location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user1.cfm?user=259 |
#4
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Welcome - I'm new to M380 (3 months) after 8 years of bliss with my old PT36.
I read your link. Glad you survived! Life can change real fast. If you are in to dry camping (I surmised from your other screen name), you'll appreciate the homework Van did on his solar install and electric conversion. I also installed solar on my using Magnum Energy gear so everything is managed from their slick remote. You can find a link of the installs with a little poking around. Unlike Van, I kept the 620Ah lifeline house batteries as I still have the propane fridge / appliances. My system is scaled accordingly. Enjoy, Doug
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Doug W. Encinitas CA 2004 M380 |
#5
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(Any lithium battery suggestions are greatly appreciated. We need them soon.). We're thinking 500 to 600AH in 2 or 3 8D size replacements.
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Todd and Karen Pattist Rockfall, CT 2007 Double Slide M380 "Bertie" |
#6
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That sucks on the lifelines. seems like some dealers will say whatever they need to to keep money in their pocket.
Have you been following Badandy's PT modernization thread? If it was me, I'd hack some of the EV car batteries and assemble your own lithium bank. Too bad you have the brand new MS2812 (12V) inverter charger. Otherwise, you could install a 24V or 48V house battery bank with DC to DC converter to step down to 13.2V. I guess you could still swap the inverter probably for less than the difference in battery costs. I plan to go (or at least research heavily) this direction when my lifelines fail. Hopefully, that is quite a few years out, though.
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Doug W. Encinitas CA 2004 M380 |
#7
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Lance & Linda Hall 2004 M380 Body #234 "Smooth Ride" Full Timing with 2 cats 214-729-1384 |
#8
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Karen & Todd
That’s quite a story! Big guy upstairs was looking after you that day for sure. You should let your friends on RV.net know your status and that some RV sunshine is once again in your lives. We’re glad you chose a Wanderlodge. Everyday, BB owners appreciate how well they’re built and stories like yours highlight how important that is when disaster strikes. When choosing batteries, you may find the All-Electric M380 Conversion thread to be a good place to start. With prior experience converting a scooter to Lithiums, I REALLY wanted to go that route. For several reasons I didn’t and that thread covers why. However had this multi-part thread on Beginning From This Morning been out there, I might’ve taken their path. It’s one sweet system! You may find it interesting... All the best and safe travels! Sad pic of your baby reposted below for others:
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Van & Toni in TX & AZ 2004 M380 DS & 2013 Fiat 500 Pop Last edited by NoGas; 09-12-2018 at 02:46 AM. Reason: Added links |
#9
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I considered going 24 or 48 volt when I chose the inverter, but it just wasn't practical for us. The cost of a step down converter capable of handling all the 12v loads plus the efficiency losses in stepping down the voltage made it not worth the effort in our situation. It makes sense for those with a big solar array, but we may never go solar, and if we do, it will be a small system.
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Todd and Karen Pattist Rockfall, CT 2007 Double Slide M380 "Bertie" |
#10
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I may go that route, but time is a factor, EV car batteries are often just a lot of 18650s wired together, but you need to ruggedize the mounting system, then ensure massive discharge wiring and come up with a decent battery protection circuit. A lot of that is off the shelf for an EV battery, but they are no cheaper than RV batteries AFAICT. The popular DIY route is to buy a few million old computer batteries, which are available in bulk, then ID the good cells and rewire. I've got a battery tab spot welder I built for that job, but with so many jobs to do on the new coach, and time concerns, I'm leaning towards just buying a dropin 8D size lithium to fit the M380 battery box.
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Todd and Karen Pattist Rockfall, CT 2007 Double Slide M380 "Bertie" |
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