Category Archives: Camper Upgrades

Upgrading an RV Battery Bank with Lithium (LiFePo4) Batteries

Camper Upgrades, Solar, ,

I upgraded our travel trailer’s 225AH (amp hour) battery bank with a 300AH lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) battery. This post will share why I made this decision, what I have learned about lithium batteries, some challenges of installation (it wasn’t a simple battery replacement), the significant differences between lithium and flooded lead-acid batteries, and the changes one may have to make to their own systems to maximize their installation.

The conversation is about large batteries (capacity greater than 100 amp hours) that are appropriate for RV use.

Continue reading Upgrading an RV Battery Bank with Lithium (LiFePo4) Batteries →

Quick Tip: How to Adjust a Weight Distribution Hitch

Camper Upgrades, , ,
ProPride Weight Distribution Hitch
ProPride Weight Distribution Hitch
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch

Seems that a lot of folks struggle with how to adjust their weight distribution hitch, or they haven’t read their vehicle’s Owner’s Manual or their trailer hitch Instruction Manual.

Continue reading Quick Tip: How to Adjust a Weight Distribution Hitch →

Bargman Trailer Hitch Cable Routing

Camper Mods, Camper Upgrades, Ford F-250 Super Duty
ProPride trailer hitch and our 2013 Ford Expedition. I have shortened the safety chains since I took this picture.

In over 15,000 miles, I never had a problem with the Bargman cable that connected our Milan 26RLS travel trailer and our 2012 Ford Expedition, even though the socket on the Expedition was below the bumper. That changed a bit with our 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty, which has the connection socket above the bumper. The connection plug above the bumper is a huge advantage for easy access.

Back in August we were driving home with the trailer in tow and the dash had a message stating, “Trailer Disconnected,” or something similar. When I pulled over the cable was connected and secure, but I noticed it had been pinched and the rubber covering was cut along with a wire. I was able to quickly repair it and continue home. Continue reading Bargman Trailer Hitch Cable Routing →