2 Dead Relion's - Here's how that happens

[RonRM]

@Mark54 - I'd bet a $.05 you will find the awning controller under the cover in the wardrobe closet. I've seen a picture somewhere where someone was looking for the vent check valve and the controller was hanging in the space. Mine is next to the regulator under the pass headrest.

@MCP - yeah, even though I can retire any day; that's why I keep working so I don't have to 'hear about' every stupid thing I buy. I have made a deal with the DW, I only buy stuff if I've sold something of equal value (for instance I'm trying to unload a 24hp Briggs lawn tractor engine with 1hour on it--for my next purchase)...unless she wants it; then it goes on the Amazon Visa so I can accumulate points to buy more stuff with points (that she can't complain about). I have a strategy!

I'm so happy she likes the trailer idea, especially since we would like to take the bikes (I have a trike and a long recumbent and she has a ebike). Good to hear they tow well.

I keep thinking I need all this stuff with me. I'm used to being able to pack tons of stuff in my Bounder, then pack even more in the Jeep we tow. I'm trying to be a minimalist - I totally suck at it though.

Nonetheless, I need options as we travel in the Tellaro for a couple of different reasons...Remote boon docking (typically dark sky stuff), between Vrbo's or AirBnB's, long weekends - typically state parks or boon docking. It's the grab and go vehicle, just depends on where and what I need to grab.

ron.

 

[Mark54]

@Mark54 - I'd bet a $.05 you will find the awning controller under the cover in the wardrobe closet. I've seen a picture somewhere where someone was looking for the vent check valve and the controller was hanging in the space. Mine is next to the regulator under the pass headrest.

@MCP - yeah, even though I can retire any day; that's why I keep working so I don't have to 'hear about' every stupid thing I buy. I have made a deal with the DW, I only buy stuff if I've sold something of equal value (for instance I'm trying to unload a 24hp Briggs lawn tractor engine with 1hour on it--for my next purchase)...unless she wants it; then it goes on the Amazon Visa so I can accumulate points to buy more stuff with points (that she can't complain about). I have a strategy!

I'm so happy she likes the trailer idea, especially since we would like to take the bikes (I have a trike and a long recumbent and she has a ebike). Good to hear they tow well.

I keep thinking I need all this stuff with me. I'm used to being able to pack tons of stuff in my Bounder, then pack even more in the Jeep we tow. I'm trying to be a minimalist - I totally suck at it though.

Nonetheless, I need options as we travel in the Tellaro for a couple of different reasons...Remote boon docking (typically dark sky stuff), between Vrbo's or AirBnB's, long weekends - typically state parks or boon docking. It's the grab and go vehicle, just depends on where and what I need to grab.

ron.

Aha!
That is one spot I have not removed yet! Bottom drawer is atop a panel- so I'll lower my phone for a pic if it isn't easily removed. I had the back of the closet off and insulated with Havelock wool, and have adjustable shelving in the closet I added almost immediatley. Closet back is now 1/4" PVC screwed in and removable instead of being 1/8" plywood stapled in place. Masternode there, but no Thule controller...

So if that goes bad.... I bet they did that so dealer can charge one arm and one leg to replace.
Having a class B will teach one important thing- water conservation! Also minimalism, but that has no ecological impact...

With 7200Wh battery, I can boon/moochdock for days w/o power. 380W solar helps too.

I carry 5 each unnerwears, T's and sox. A nice shirt, sun shirt, and sweatshirt. Jacket and raincoat up front and a ballcap. Fridge is full and we have a Dometic 24Qt cooler set at 10°F for our prepared or frozen dinners as we are vegetarian. Challenging in midwest if you go out, and can hear gallows being built if I order anything sans meat...

 

[MCP-THOR]

Aha!
That is one spot I have not removed yet! Bottom drawer is atop a panel- so I'll lower my phone for a pic if it isn't easily removed. I had the back of the closet off and insulated with Havelock wool, and have adjustable shelving in the closet I added almost immediatley. Closet back is now 1/4" PVC screwed in and removable instead of being 1/8" plywood stapled in place. Masternode there, but no Thule controller...

So if that goes bad.... I bet they did that so dealer can charge one arm and one leg to replace.
Having a class B will teach one important thing- water conservation! Also minimalism, but that has no ecological impact...

With 7200Wh battery, I can boon/moochdock for days w/o power. 380W solar helps too.

I carry 5 each unnerwears, T's and sox. A nice shirt, sun shirt, and sweatshirt. Jacket and raincoat up front and a ballcap. Fridge is full and we have a Dometic 24Qt cooler set at 10°F for our prepared or frozen dinners as we are vegetarian. Challenging in midwest if you go out, and can hear gallows being built if I order anything sans meat...

Mark, if you haven't located your awning controller yet, FWIW mine is located behind drawers below sink. My layout is a 20k so it's different than yours. Our galley is along passenger side and I believe yours is probably a bunk. My shunt and other electrical stuff is behind the microwave. So looking at passenger side from left to right it is sink/awning control below, cooktop/microwave/shunt and voltage regulator below, and then wardrobe with masternode panel and solar controller behind. I know pics would help but this is the only handy one.

So bottom line is I'm wondering if your awning control is hidden away under the passenger side bunk.

Mike

 

[Mark54]

Mark, if you haven't located your awning controller yet, FWIW mine is located behind drawers below sink. My layout is a 20k so it's different than yours. Our galley is along passenger side and I believe yours is probably a bunk. My shunt and other electrical stuff is behind the microwave. So looking at passenger side from left to right it is sink/awning control below, cooktop/microwave/shunt and voltage regulator below, and then wardrobe with masternode panel and solar controller behind. I know pics would help but this is the only handy one.

So bottom line is I'm wondering if your awning control is hidden away under the passenger side bunk.

Mike

One place I have not looked in my 20L, is under a plywood deck, just below the wardrobe drawers in the rear bath area...(as suggested by RonRM) def. not in the sink cabinet as that is up front, left side away from all the electrics... thanks tho!
Update: that plywood piece is the ceiling piece for the storage compartment below- nothing there. I bet they put it behind a cabinet, or could be behind the fibreglass just below the Masternode- gloves next and replace that glass with havelock wool! Awful stuff they used.

 

[RonRM]

Oh...sorry didn't explain it well. Not under the 'closet floor'...up on the left corner, behind the plastic cover that covers the sewer vent pipe.

I saw a pic, where someone was replacing the vent check valve, and that's where they found the controller

rm

 

[Mark54]

Oh...sorry didn't explain it well. Not under the 'closet floor'...up on the left corner, behind the plastic cover that covers the sewer vent pipe.

I saw a pic, where someone was replacing the vent check valve, and that's where they found the controller

rm

Nope- not there either... still looking. I had the entire closet rear wall off and nothing- will look under fibreglass below masternode when it stops raining....

 

[RonRM]

The controller is connected to the BMPro master node.

Maybe follow the wiring from the A1 connector (A1.1/A1.2 - brown/gray wiring)

I put a bore scope up in the headliner, found the wires for the winegard, now just have to find where they come down and connect...the hunt is on.

I can now report, that after swapping out the batteries, rewiring the regulator power, adding in a couple of switches (refrig, combimaster - already had one on the shut/display powerline) and a fuse block for the 4 fuses connected to the coach 12V cut-out, breakers on incoming solar, outgoing charge to lithiums, outgoing charge to chassis (and running #6 cable from solar to chassis batteries) everything is working perfectly again...and now that the combi and fridge is shutdown - amp draw is very low powering -- wifi hotspot, couple of wifi cams, balmar display and the winegard (only a matter of time b4 I'll have a switch on it) is about .8amps with no sun.

I'm finally going to get to installing the 2nd solar panel soon.

Side awning tent came, super easy to setup - stake the corners, blow it up and connect it to the coach awning. Takes about 10mins. Pics as soon as the rain stops.


ron

 

[Mark54]

The controller is connected to the BMPro master node.

Maybe follow the wiring from the A1 connector (A1.1/A1.2 - brown/gray wiring)

I put a bore scope up in the headliner, found the wires for the winegard, now just have to find where they come down and connect...the hunt is on.

I can now report, that after swapping out the batteries, rewiring the regulator power, adding in a couple of switches (refrig, combimaster - already had one on the shut/display powerline) and a fuse block for the 4 fuses connected to the coach 12V cut-out, breakers on incoming solar, outgoing charge to lithiums, outgoing charge to chassis (and running #6 cable from solar to chassis batteries) everything is working perfectly again...and now that the combi and fridge is shutdown - amp draw is very low powering -- wifi hotspot, couple of wifi cams, balmar display and the winegard (only a matter of time b4 I'll have a switch on it) is about .8amps with no sun.

I'm finally going to get to installing the 2nd solar panel soon.

Side awning tent came, super easy to setup - stake the corners, blow it up and connect it to the coach awning. Takes about 10mins. Pics as soon as the rain stops.


ron

We gotta meet someday... open invitation to come to VT for fall foliage!! I'll PM my contact info. Then we can play 'find the Thule controller'...

Anxious to see how you blew up your awning tent!!

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Update on previous posts regarding Sungoldpower inverter/charger:

There was NOTHING wrong with the inverter! It was TOTALLY operator error. When removing the inverter to install my additional battery, I must have accidentally moved the DIP switches (in a side recess). This prevented the charging function.

Sungoldpower customer service was EXCEPTIONAL. They responded next day with photos explaining how to troubleshoot. I had read some disparaging remarks on a few solar forums, but I must say... Sungoldpower set an example of how customer service is done.

They even said they would ship AT NO CHARGE any internal components I found to be faulty. Now THAT'S the way it's done!

Everything is reinstalled in the motorhome and works like a champ!

 

[RonRM]

We gotta meet someday... open invitation to come to VT for fall foliage!! I'll PM my contact info. Then we can play 'find the Thule controller'...

Anxious to see how you blew up your awning tent!!

Agreed...love to see VT.

Everybody needs one of these bore scope thingy's from Amazon -- this thing
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0791DG4FK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 works pretty good. I've found all kinds of stuff behind things with this.

The tent is easy, comes with a manual pump...ah, nope, that's getting tossed; bought a 12v electric, works great. There is only 1 tent pole for the overhang, everything else is kept up with air tubes. Way more solid that I envisioned, stood up without having to stake down anything other than the corners. Love the dog in the video...

 

[RonRM]

Update on previous posts regarding Sungoldpower inverter/charger:

There was NOTHING wrong with the inverter! It was TOTALLY operator error. When removing the inverter to install my additional battery, I must have accidentally moved the DIP switches (in a side recess). This prevented the charging function.

Sungoldpower customer service was EXCEPTIONAL. They responded next day with photos explaining how to troubleshoot. I had read some disparaging remarks on a few solar forums, but I must say... Sungoldpower set an example of how customer service is done.

They even said they would ship AT NO CHARGE any internal components I found to be faulty. Now THAT'S the way it's done!

Everything is reinstalled in the motorhome and works like a champ!

Cool...going directly to the manufacture is the way to go.

rm

 

[RonRM]

Well, just as I hit send on an email to see where my warrantee claim was in the process, the UPS people showed up with a box with 2 brand new Relion batteries.

Going direct to Relion with a warrantee claim, went as smooth as I hoped, and way smoother than I expected. Very pleasant surprise, 100% top notch very pleasant customer service and 100% did what they said they would do.

It's not that Thor didn't have an answer for a claim through them, they did. Their approach was take it to a dealer and they wouldn't budge even when I pleaded with them that I could do the work myself. They said I'd have to take the rig to the dealer and they would decide how to handle it. Yeah, that's a NO...as soon as I hear the word 'dealer'.

Glad I went direct to Relion.

Ron

 

[16ACE27]

Well, just as I hit send on an email to see where my warrantee claim was in the process, the UPS people showed up with a box with 2 brand new Relion batteries.

Going direct to Relion with a warrantee claim, went as smooth as I hoped, and way smoother than I expected. Very pleasant surprise, 100% top notch very pleasant customer service and 100% did what they said they would do.

It's not that Thor didn't have an answer for a claim through them, they did. Their approach was take it to a dealer and they wouldn't budge even when I pleaded with them that I could do the work myself. They said I'd have to take the rig to the dealer and they would decide how to handle it. Yeah, that's a NO...as soon as I hear the word 'dealer'.

Glad I went direct to Relion.

Ron

Thor (as wellas other RV manufacturers) should take notes.

 

[Mark54]

Well, just as I hit send on an email to see where my warrantee claim was in the process, the UPS people showed up with a box with 2 brand new Relion batteries.

Going direct to Relion with a warrantee claim, went as smooth as I hoped, and way smoother than I expected. Very pleasant surprise, 100% top notch very pleasant customer service and 100% did what they said they would do.

It's not that Thor didn't have an answer for a claim through them, they did. Their approach was take it to a dealer and they wouldn't budge even when I pleaded with them that I could do the work myself. They said I'd have to take the rig to the dealer and they would decide how to handle it. Yeah, that's a NO...as soon as I hear the word 'dealer'.

Glad I went direct to Relion.

Ron

ReLion cares about their reputation. Thor doesn't give a crap, and dealer cares even less- money's in hand and RV's off the lot.
Good job!!

 

[RSKDSK]

IMO, I'll stay with an old fashion generator and a couple of AGM's until the technology is sound.

 

[Campguy21]

IMO, I'll stay with an old fashion generator and a couple of AGM's until the technology is sound.

Totally agree! I know this is probably an "unpopular" post but have one of the last (2022) vans with an Onan 2800i and no way would trade for the UHG.
Ours does have the lithium batteries (200a/h) however and although not ideal especially in the winter have not had "major" problems with it.

Have considered upgrading to the Mercedes diesel because we are putting over 20000 miles per year on the van but it is challenging to find anything class B anymore with a generator. Promaster has been "ok" but some electrical issues and just hoping it will last given all the miles we are putting on it.

Whatever we replace it with, will definitely NOT be a Thor however given the terrible quality and customer service! It is not just about money savings either for Thor unless screw prices are an issue. I have replaced way too many very small screws when just using a larger screw would have worked without problems (blinds falling down etc).

 

[RonRM]

Certainly agree, lots of issues go away with a generator on board.

My Class A has one (with AGMs), and I use it all the time.

If the Thor engineers had designed the Relion system properly, there would be no issues.

It's not rocket surgery to design a reliable battery system, they just chose not.

I've had my eye on a portable generator. I think I can justify it in several situations, but not all the time. I'm kinda glad my rig came with the UHG, now that I think I have it configured in a way that is less likely to fail.

I'll hold off on the generator for now until I prove one way or another that I've improved the reliability of the batteries.



Ron

 

[RSKDSK]

When I bought my 2022 sanctuary my main criterial was not reliable system ... so yes I have a generator with 2 AGM's

 

[Wes847]

Indeed...you would certainly be at the mercy of the "expert" trouble shooting at the dealer, whenever they actually got around to working on the unit. Then have to argue for months with Thor warrantee for not only the batteries, but all the stuff the dealer broke while 'working' on the unit. And of course, wait for new devices to be shipped to the dealer, lost, shipped again.

I envy the folks with generators. Even though, I kinda like/understand the UHG thing, but what a crap design as it sits.

If I weren't so damn old, I'd start a mobile fix-it business in a heartbeat...I'd limit my work to 2020 and newer units. That would be a huge business.

rm

This is about to be me. I bought a brand new unit mainly because I'm not good at technical things and do not like doing repairs or dealing with things going wrong. I used to own an older class A that I was constantly working on. Luckily the electrical was not very complicated in a 2007 unit.

I thought paying all that extra $$$ for a new rig would prevent problems... So wrong.

I was parked at a campsite in Florida for about 3 weeks and when I unplugged to move, I was shocked to see the SOC was at 0% when I reached my destination after driving about 2hrs.

No positive amps showing on the display with the engine running or shore power plugged in. The coach lighting and electrical works as long as I'm plugged into shore power. But the system dies as soon as I unplug.

No idea what to do other than keep trying to get in touch with Thor. No luck yet even at that. Really just regretting my purchase of this defective RV and wish I could just return it.

 

[16ACE27]

This is about to be me. I bought a brand new unit mainly because I'm not good at technical things and do not like doing repairs or dealing with things going wrong. I used to own an older class A that I was constantly working on. Luckily the electrical was not very complicated in a 2007 unit.

I thought paying all that extra $$$ for a new rig would prevent problems... So wrong.

I was parked at a campsite in Florida for about 3 weeks and when I unplugged to move, I was shocked to see the SOC was at 0% when I reached my destination after driving about 2hrs.

No positive amps showing on the display with the engine running or shore power plugged in. The coach lighting and electrical works as long as I'm plugged into shore power. But the system dies as soon as I unplug.

No idea what to do other than keep trying to get in touch with Thor. No luck yet even at that. Really just regretting my purchase of this defective RV and wish I could just return it.

Sell the RV now.

Half of RV ownership is fixing things and modding things to make it better.

Most dead house battery stories are due to operator error.

What Year/Make/Model RV do you have? My crystal ball is kinda cloudy.