Topic: 2023 Unity MBL - Options (Read 2525 times) previous topic - next topic

Hi LTV owners - hope I'm posting this correctly.

I am soon to get my 2023 Unity MBL in the June timeframe.  I put in my options list but have a few that I am undecided and would like to get your feedback if you think they are worth it.

1.  Exterior Ladder Option (or should I just order a telescoping ladder)?
2.  External Macerator (in the MBL the toilet has a Macerator but would I also need an external one)?
3.  Lithium Batteries (should I splurge for this)?

Thanks for all your insights !!!

1. Exterior ladder is a good idea if you have solar panels so you can get on the roof to clean them.  but if you can store a telescoping ladder at home you do not need to get there often.  I do not have a garage so exterior is a good idea.
2. not sure how the hoses work if you do not have one in the service bay.  I really like the way the small macerator hose works and stores
3. The type of camping you might do or have been doing might make a difference.  I can do an overnight with less then 100Ah so not needed so  I have stayed with FLA batteries  which were over 5 yrs old-  I monitor the power using a Victron Shunt.  +80% of our campground stays have 30A power.  I have 200W of solar only.

The exterior ladder is quite expensive。 I have one but I have used a regular ladder on the side of my unit so I could reach my sat dish- set wrong at the factory。 SO I would say no.
Lithium batteries - I would go for them but I am 79 so I probably not get the use out of them。 If you are young, enough to get 5-7 years out of them - I would go for them. Also increase your solar.
I love my external macerator. It is my first one.

In my opinion, the biggest benefit of Lithium isn't longevity (with regard to battery replacement). It is the sustainability of the power draw and the ability to use nearly all of the battery capacity. After swapping to 2 Lithionics 130Ah (so 260Ah total) I was able to move my microwave over to run off the 2K inverter and make it usable during trips without running the generator. Also, peace-of-mind that I won't find my batteries flat if the RV is unattended or left with power draining utilities. FLA batteries should never be discharged below 50%.
BTW, when you order the Li batteries from LTV, they convert the microwave to run off inverter as part of the upgrade.
So Eric, I wouldn't make the decision to upgrade only based on how long you think you will keep the rig. Also consider the extra power and the fact that it unleashes almost 50% more capacity. On the other hand, Li batteries will not charge when they are below 32 F. They will deliver power but must be warmed  above 32F before they will accept the charge. Some lithiums have a built-in heated but mine don't. However the winters are pretty mild where I live.

Thanks all !!!

Ron - did you have Leisure install your Lithionics or did you do that after you got your Unity?  I'm toying with the idea of getting the standard batteries (AGM?), then changing over to Lithium batteries myself or at a shop that will do that.  Any thoughts?

I swapped them out myself almost 2 yrs ago. Since I kept my original 2Kw inverter, and the total combined AH was in the same ballpark, I didn't need to upgrade the battery cables. But I upgraded the B-2-B charger (that was basically just a relay connecting the house to starter batteries). This was an older design and it probably isn't necessary with a 2023 model. I think LTV now uses a Sterling b-2-b that supports lithium battery charging profile - but you'd need to set the profile to match your non-agm house batteries.

Great, thanks !!!

Best to confirm with LTV that a swap from lead acid to Lithium will not require an upgrade to the other parts of the electrical system.  and if they still offer FLA batteries might as well go with those instead of the expense of AGMs.  Adding water to the FLA takes a few minutes, +it does not need to be done often based on usage I have with mine.

On my 2018 twin bed, I recently upgraded to AGM batteries, same size as the originals, and then installed 400 watts of Renogy solar panels to charge them.  I am using a Victron mppt 100/30 solar controller.  It is blue tooth so I can use an app on my phone to keep track of the batteries.  I really like the Victron controller.

I had factory installed flexible panels, 200 Watts, so it was prewired for solar with 10 gage wire.  The last foot had an inline fuse and the wire size dropped to 14 gage so I replaced it with 10 gage.  I have heard stories of other builders putting flexible panels on the roof that fly off because they were not secure.  Not true in my case.  It took three hours to get the old panels off, and then another two hours to get the glue residue off the roof.  Now I understand why some owners just put the new panels over the top of the flexible panels.

There was no factory ladder so I bought the smallest aluminum extension ladder that I could find.  I think it is a 12 foot ladder.  Using the ladder to work from the side is often an advantage compared to climbing up the back and then crawling over all the stuff on the roof.  The disadvantage is that the aluminum ladder can slide left or right along the fiberglass roof, so I have to be careful.

I wanted a ladder with me when I travel so I found that the extension ladder fit fine in the cellar if I sawed off about a foot of it.  It lays flat and all the other stuff goes on top easily.  These ladders can be found anywhere.

Tim

I am thinking of a 2024.  The solar upgrade seems pricey.  It’s $3500 for 400 watts.  Anyone do it after market and any pros, cons to either? Price for after market?

It is pricey, four 100 watt panels about $400, better solar controller about $300.  Wiring is in place, miscl parts $100.  Do it yourself 0 labor, have done ?? $1000, and you may have better equipment.
I had 600 watts installed, plus some other work to correct wiring & breakers, cost $2400.

Do it yourself, victron and or least 600w total with 315 ah Li³ battery and you are set. Don't forget to add a larger invertor also so you can run your AC if you need to.