New Member, New 202QBWE!

[MrKABC]

Hello all!

Greetings from CA! I am new to Keystone products, having moved from a Jayco Jay Flight 195RB last week to my second travel trailer, a 2022 Springdale 202QBWE. For you folks on the East Coast, that's 202RD to you!

This rig was a "leftover" 2022 and was still brand new. I did research the TT, and decided the "deal" price was more important to me than the 2023 things like the Girard tankless water heater, the ducted A/C (really wish I had that one) and the second sunroof over the queen bed.

Planned mods:

• Additional 2 x 200w solar panels to stock 200i Solarflex (in my garage!)
• Dual Battle Born GC2 100A LiPo Batteries (removed from my Jayco)
• Victron BMV 712 BT Battery Monitor
• Victron Multiplus 3000VA Inverter
• Victron 100/50 MPPT Solar Controller (already here!)
• Garnet See Level 709P3 tank monitor system
• RVLOVENT 14" rain sensing bathroom fan with remote
• Tireminder i10 RV TPMS system
• Goodyear Endurance tires to replace the OEM Chinese "Willpop" tires
• Furrion FOSO7TASF Rear Camera (removed from my Jayco)

I have a lot to do. I'm looking forward to tapping the knowledge here on this forum about Keystone/Springdale since I see listed on here that they are not too forthcoming with wiring diagrams, specifications, framing plans, etc.

I'd also like to learn more about the pitfalls as well - would love advice like "don't do that!" to save me some of the "learning challenges" I faced with my former Jayco. Time to get started!

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by MrKABC

Hello all!

Greetings from CA! I am new to Keystone products, having moved from a Jayco Jay Flight 195RB last week to my second travel trailer, a 2022 Springdale 202QBWE. For you folks on the East Coast, that's 202RD to you!

This rig was a "leftover" 2022 and was still brand new. I did research the TT, and decided the "deal" price was more important to me than the 2023 things like the Girard tankless water heater, the ducted A/C (really wish I had that one) and the second sunroof over the queen bed.

Planned mods:

• Additional 2 x 200w solar panels to stock 200i Solarflex (in my garage!)
• Dual Battle Born GC2 100A LiPo Batteries (removed from my Jayco)
• Victron BMV 712 BT Battery Monitor
• Victron Multiplus 3000VA Inverter
• Victron 100/50 MPPT Solar Controller (already here!)
• Garnet See Level 709P3 tank monitor system
• RVLOVENT 14" rain sensing bathroom fan with remote
• Tireminder i10 RV TPMS system
• Goodyear Endurance tires to replace the OEM Chinese "Willpop" tires
• Furrion FOSO7TASF Rear Camera (removed from my Jayco)

I have a lot to do. I'm looking forward to tapping the knowledge here on this forum about Keystone/Springdale since I see listed on here that they are not too forthcoming with wiring diagrams, specifications, framing plans, etc.

I'd also like to learn more about the pitfalls as well - would love advice like "don't do that!" to save me some of the "learning challenges" I faced with my former Jayco. Time to get started!

Put an ELECTRICAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM on the must have list. The EMS is worth its weight in gold if you plug your new camper into a pedestal with electrical issues and burn your electrical components as a result. The surge protector isn't really helpful in most cases as far as pedestal problems in campground go. Some folks also swear by use of a quality water pressure regulator.

[kevink707]

I'm curious why the Garnet See Level 709P3 tank monitor system. I'm relatively new to RVing (in the process of buying a 220BHWE) and trying to learn all of the good tricks.

[dutchmensport]

Congrats on getting your new camper! Sounds like know where you are heading, both with upgrades .... and camping! So,.... enjoy! again congrats! and happy camping!

[MrKABC]

Originally Posted by kevink707

I'm curious why the Garnet See Level 709P3 tank monitor system. I'm relatively new to RVing (in the process of buying a 220BHWE) and trying to learn all of the good tricks.

The Garnet See Level uses inductive strips on the exterior of your black, gray, and fresh water tanks rather than the easily fouled internal tank sensors to give you the capacity used. It also shows battery voltage, and can give propane tank readings if used with special tank types.

The readout is expressed as a percentage used rather than the lame row of LEDs "1/3, 2/3, 3/3" to tell you how much liquid is in the tank.

MUCH better way to go and uses your existing sensor wires, albeit with some modifications. I don't like the lame red LED color but that's just me. I installed one in my previous Jayco and will install another one here!

[chuckster57]

See level is IMHO about the best you can get. Standard in higher end motorhomes. I have installed 3 systems, easy to follow instructions.

[MrKABC]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Put an ELECTRICAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM on the must have list. The EMS is worth its weight in gold if you plug your new camper into a pedestal with electrical issues and burn your electrical components as a result. The surge protector isn't really helpful in most cases as far as pedestal problems in campground go. Some folks also swear by use of a quality water pressure regulator.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX9PXNR4...v_ov_lig_dp_it

How is this for an EMS? Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector 30 Amp with Electrical Management System, Portable, EMS-PT30X .

Thoughts? Recommendations?

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by MrKABC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX9PXNR4...v_ov_lig_dp_it

How is this for an EMS? Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector 30 Amp with Electrical Management System, Portable, EMS-PT30X .

Thoughts? Recommendations?

That is the one I use; I have a 30A camper. If you have a 50A camper, there is a similar 50A version. My EMS has saved the electrical equipment in my camper more than once. Campgrounds often don't take care of electrical outlets on pedestals very well. Campingworld.com has a better price:

https://www.campingworld.com/progres...8l-102484.html

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN.

[jimborokz]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

That is the one I use; I have a 30A camper. If you have a 50A camper, there is a similar 50A version. My EMS has saved the electrical equipment in my camper more than once. Campgrounds often don't take care of electrical outlets on pedestals very well. Campingworld.com has a better price:

https://www.campingworld.com/progres...8l-102484.html

I also agree with what George says. And it's not just a poorly maintained CG pedestal. I'm on a private site in GA and I know the pedestal is good because I own it, but our EMS has shut down maybe half a dozen times in the last 3 years due to low voltage coming from the power co.
Also, our water line runs uphill about 200 yards from the source of municipal water supply and the head pressure while running is about 40 psi, but when the faucet is shut off the pressure will build up to 100 psi. I use a quality regulator to protect the plumbing.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by jimborokz

I also agree with what George says. And it's not just a poorly maintained CG pedestal. I'm on a private site in GA and I know the pedestal is good because I own it, but our EMS has shut down maybe half a dozen times in the last 3 years due to low voltage coming from the power co.
Also, our water line runs uphill about 200 yards from the source of municipal water supply and the head pressure while running is about 40 psi, but when the faucet is shut off the pressure will build up to 100 psi. I use a quality regulator to protect the plumbing.

Sounds like you need to have a conversation with both of your utility providers.

[jimborokz]

Originally Posted by flybouy

Sounds like you need to have a conversation with both of your utility providers.

Yup, Georgia Power says this is a problem area and they are working to improve it.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by jimborokz

Yup, Georgia Power says this is a problem area and they are working to improve it.

When a utility company says they are making improvements, this is a code for your prices will soon be going up.

[flybouy]

Our electric company sent us an email last week about a " planned power outage" for our neighborhood. From 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday 8/22. Tuesday forecast, 98° with high humidity. Gotta wonder who the braintrust was that decided that this was a good time for this.

[MrKABC]

I live in CA, that should tell you all you need to know about our power companies!