kgibson4

Everyone starts out as a newbie. I'm still waiting to graduate to something else. The white and red wires on the far battery go to the solar charge controller. The white wire on the near battery is grounded to the vehicle frame. The remaining red wire goes to the vehicle alternator charging system but is disconnected. Our two 100 watt panels are more than enough to keep ahead of our 12 volt evaporative cooler which is our biggest power draw. We don't watch TV when camping or use a microwave either so we don't have normal power needs. I believe if you are going to use an inverter it should be wired directly to the batteries with much heavier wire than that used for the charging systems.

Not a problem. I started this thread because I wanted to help people get the right parts for their vehicle. If someone knows the proper bushings for the newer units, I hope they will post.

Getting the old bushings out was no problem. They push or pry out easily. The new bushings slide in easily also when lubed with the sticky grease that came with the set. No sleeves, only the shackle on the rear and a very specialized bolt on the front. I think I made more work for myself by doing one side at a time. Alignment of the bolt and shackle took some "gentle persuasion" with a come-along and jack. I also did not take the axle loose from the springs. On the front I found it easiest to put the inside half of the bushing in the spring, align with the spring mount. Put the outside half on the bolt and install the bolt. I'm sure this will all make more sense when you have yours apart.

I'm sure you are right. We don't have air springs but we do have extra leaves in the springs.

I think our issues with spring bushings are due to age rather than mileage. Like our tires, the rubber dries out and then deteriorates and then it wears. Our Odyssey has about 51k miles.

This week I changed out the bushings on our '87 Odyssey. Fancy, new, red polyurethane!! It was a chore but needed since the old rubber ones were worn to the point that the through-bolts were touching the spring eyes on most. After reading the experiences of others here and taking some measurements of the spring eyes, I did not order the 18-1002 kit specified on the Prothane site. Instead I ordered the 18-1001 kit in which all the bushings were the same size. Everything fit perfectly. Can't wait to try them out on the road! Tried to get pictures but the light had faded, so maybe tomorrow...

Thank you, sir.

I think Maineah may have thought the pictures of my battery setup were from the original poster.

When I put the solar panels on our '87 Odyssey, I needed space for two batteries and the existing battery compartment only had room for one. I utilized part of the storage space under one of the dinette seats. The tool box was $20 from Home Depot, (much less than battery boxes that I could find on line) and sits on the wheel well. Our local RV supply (Roadrunner) had the vent kit for about $8, if I remember correctly. The location is closer to the solar panels and controller than the existing compartment.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe Debbit's Sunrader is a 21'.

'87 Odyssey in Arizona just renewed for 1 year- $19.75 registration + $12.25 emissions test (Passed with flying colors).

And surprisingly, the 30 pound tanks that I have found are much more expensive than the 30 gallon tank cited! Go figure.

Anybody got pictures, stories, memories from this rally? We hope to attend next time.

Some people reading this thread may not realize that thread sealant is not the same as thread locker. Just wanted to point that out.

Grace Ann, Last May, Linda S had a smashed storage box from someone's mishap. Perhaps she still has it and would part with the lid? If not, and it it were up to me, I would probably fabricate something from plywood with hardwood edging that extended down. Then perhaps fiberglass and paint to protect from the elements.

Have you checked the battery to see if it will accept and hold a charge?

Kayakthecoast, I think you have your chains on inside-out. I believe the lugs on the cross-chains should face the pavement. At least, that's the way I learned it when I was raised in Wyoming, lo these many years ago...

OK, I just know what worked for me when I had the same problem as 82rader.

Linda, I think this is a newbie situation. Maybe Greg or somebody has to approve the poster's first few photos? I don't know (shrug).

Go to a post you have made with photos. There should be an "edit" button at the bottom. You should be able to do it there.

Below, in the reply area, click on "More reply options". Look below the reply window. What does it say next to the "Attach this file" button? When I first started posting here, it would say something about the max amount of data you have available. I got around it by deleting photos I had uploaded previously. Then I could load a few more photos. After a while, (couple of days?) the limit was magically lifted.

Amen!! And many thanks to Greg for working through the holidays so we could enjoy this fantastic site. I tip my glass to you, Greg.

Hallelujah! ( In 4-part harmony, of course!)

Thanks, Karin One can never have too many gift ideas around Christmas. This one is going in my "Gifts" folder.

Nice rig, but at $90,000+ it's a little out of my comfort zone.