Hymer Aktiv... our first RV!

[rjb66]

Originally Posted by Navanod

Ha... I almost waited for you to come out to talk... but changed my mind because I didn't want to be that guy! Are you in the Beaverton area? I'm close to that Fred Meyer.

Yep, right over in the Tanasbourne area. Just got back from the coast today, so glad the silver color hid all the dirt/dust. Although it didn't help my parking ability at all apparently! I'm used to driving a little sports car, so this is a beast for me.

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by Navanod

Yeah... I pushed those as well. I knew they were a reset button, but not the circuit breaker. It does nothing.

The fact that you smelled burnt electronics pretty much indicates the inverter is toast...

[Navanod]

Originally Posted by rjb66

Yep, right over in the Tanasbourne area. Just got back from the coast today, so glad the silver color hid all the dirt/dust. Although it didn't help my parking ability at all apparently! I'm used to driving a little sports car, so this is a beast for me.

Nice, I'm right by Nike. Yeah, Silver would be nice with the dirt/dust. Also like the plastic bumpers vs. painted. Might have to check with Blue Dog in ordering a replacement? I agree with the size as well. The backup camera is a must with these. I would love to see yours in person to compare them.

[Navanod]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

The fact that you smelled burnt electronics pretty much indicates the inverter is toast...

Yeah, my thoughts as well.

[cruising7388]

Originally Posted by rjb66

Microwave works except for heat. Clock, timer, and rotation all works (which we tested at pickup - should have done a heat test I guess).

Inverter started making noise while sitting parked after a couple hours. Makes the noise immediately when I turn switch on, both at the inverter itself and on the control panel switch.

I found a pdf of using the voltstart online and followed the instructions. The switch doesn't light up, and once I have engine started it doesn't switch off (tried a few times, each time it ran over an hour before I called it quits). Talked to Hymer rep and he stated that light should indeed come on at switch if it's working. If you (or anyone) has other instructions, I'd be glad to give them a shot.

And yeah, I agree best get it all knocked out if possible at once (at least the mechanicals. The shelves, etc. I can live with awhile). We're trying to coordinate any fixes with the Portland (Gresham) branch, as it's 2 hours closer than driving to Redmond. We'll see how it all pans out. Hopefully in a month or so I'll be singing the praises of both dealer and manufacturer!

The microwave failure was probably right out of the box. Maybe a bad start button or a defective klystron. Roadtrek will probably try to steer you to the OEM. Tell them it didn't fail - it never worked in the first place and they should deal with the manufacturer on your behalf rather than necessitating you to tangle with them.

After looking at the pix provided by Navanod, it looks like my conjecture that RT used the same inverter throughout their production is not correct because the installation in our 210PC doesn't faintly resemble this.

Re the Voltstart situation. Whether or not the subsequential activation instructions are employed, the Voltstart switch itself should light up when punched. At least it does on ours. If the switch is bad, no subsequent entries will have any effect. Unlike most tests done during dealer prep, a Voltstart test requires a fairly long observation period and my guess is that most dealers skip it.

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by cruising7388

After looking at the pix provided by Navanod, it looks like my conjecture that RT used the same inverter throughout their production is not correct because the installation in our 210PC doesn't faintly resemble this.

This is the Roadtrek/Aims/PowerStar inverter, in various wattages, that has been standard in Roadtrek vans for awhile now. This installation is a little different with the shroud installed on the right side covering the large cables connecting the inverter to the battery bank. What type of inverter do you have?

[booster]

I just looked at the Roadtrek site, and they list the stock inverter charger at 45 amps, so it is likely the same Tripplite they have used for years. Pretty durable, but a smallish MSW inverter at 700 watts and not a great charging profile.

[cruising7388]

Originally Posted by booster

I just looked at the Roadtrek site, and they list the stock inverter charger at 45 amps, so it is likely the same Tripplite they have used for years. Pretty durable, but a smallish MSW inverter at 700 watts and not a great charging profile.

What you get at this point is all over the place. With just a couple of 6V AGMs it's 750. Some Zions at 2000 and some 210/CS models have 2500.

[cruising7388]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

This is the Roadtrek/Aims/PowerStar inverter, in various wattages, that has been standard in Roadtrek vans for awhile now. This installation is a little different with the shroud installed on the right side covering the large cables connecting the inverter to the battery bank. What type of inverter do you have?

Thanks for jogging my memory. The 2500 inverter I looked at on a on a 2016 210pc build was labeled AIMS. It's control panel also said AIMS and had a three position switch that included a sleep/wakeup power saver mode. But the one delivered on our 2017 does not have an AIMS logo. Although it looks physically identical, it's got a Roadtrek label and the AIMS inscription on the control panel was deleted in addition to eliminating the power saving mode on the panel because (reported to me by a dealer) of user complaints that it had some adverse effect on the microwave oven clock.

In response to an inquiry regarding the label change, RT said that they went to a proprietary design to meet their standards. As Booster wryly points out, they never indicated whether their new standard was higher or lower, i.e, was it directed toward better performance, or increased profit?

That said, it's run the AC off the grid for considerable periods without any complaint.

[ClassB4Me]

Originally Posted by rjb66

Aye...she is pretty isn't she? You didn't want a microwave, power, or voltstart with that did ya? Was getting some stuff to make it a bit more livable, then ran over to Craft Pourhouse next door to drown my sorrows (and use their outlets...)

Looks great and the size is perfect. What's your plan on how you intend to use it? have a dealer recommendation?

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by cruising7388

Thanks for jogging my memory. The 2500 inverter I looked at on a on a 2016 210pc build was labeled AIMS. It's control panel also said AIMS and had a three position switch that included a sleep/wakeup power saver mode. But the one delivered on our 2017 does not have an AIMS logo. Although it looks physically identical, it's got a Roadtrek label and the AIMS inscription on the control panel was deleted in addition to eliminating the power saving mode on the panel because (reported to me by a dealer) of user complaints that it had some adverse effect on the microwave oven clock.

In response to an inquiry regarding the label change, RT said that they went to a proprietary design to meet their standards. As Booster wryly points out, they never indicated whether their new standard was higher or lower, i.e, was it directed toward better performance, or increased profit?

That said, it's run the AC off the grid for considerable periods without any complaint.

It is an upgrade in power and in that it is a pure sine wave inverter. Not too many reported failures but it is not as rugged as the Tripp-Lite in terms of the the actual build quality. Seems to have worked reasonably the last few years. Not clear what changes were made for Roadtrek except removing the problematic power saver mode. It does have a high parasitic load when not in use compared to higher quality inverters.

[eric1514]

Originally Posted by ClassB4Me

Looks great and the size is perfect. What's your plan on how you intend to use it? have a dealer recommendation?

Have you been reading this thread?

[booster]

Originally Posted by gregmchugh

It is an upgrade in power and in that it is a pure sine wave inverter. Not too many reported failures but it is not as rugged as the Tripp-Lite in terms of the the actual build quality. Seems to have worked reasonably the last few years. Not clear what changes were made for Roadtrek except removing the problematic power saver mode. It does have a high parasitic load when not in use compared to higher quality inverters.

Removing the power saver is a definite downside. How do they control the unit? Can the inverter be shut off separately from the charger? There is no need to have high parasitic these days, beyond maybe 1.5 amps, which is still more than most of us would leave on all the time. But, of course, when you have 5 amps per ecotrek module, what's another 1.5 amps??

[gregmchugh]

Originally Posted by booster

Removing the power saver is a definite downside. How do they control the unit? Can the inverter be shut off separately from the charger? There is no need to have high parasitic these days, beyond maybe 1.5 amps, which is still more than most of us would leave on all the time. But, of course, when you have 5 amps per ecotrek module, what's another 1.5 amps??

The powersaver mode was an issue, I believe, due to having the microwave parasitic load triggering the inverter to power on so it had no benefit.

All the functions on this inverter only operate when it is turned on with the wall switch: inverter, shore charger, shore power pass through. It's all or nothing.

I don't recall the inverter parasitic load but it is pretty high. Look in that manual I linked to in an earlier post to get the number which varies with inverter wattage...

The Mastervolt 4000 watt inverter in our new vehicle has around 1 amp parasitic load as I recall from when I checked. We have 720 AH lithiums so not much concern about the parasitic inverter load. May just do what Davydd does and just leave the inverter on when in the vehicle. We plan to have satellite internet service and it includes the option for overnight download of streaming Netflix for later viewing so will leave inverter on overnight.

[4DMTNS]

Originally Posted by Navanod

Nice, I'm right by Nike. Yeah, Silver would be nice with the dirt/dust. Also like the plastic bumpers vs. painted. Might have to check with Blue Dog in ordering a replacement? I agree with the size as well. The backup camera is a must with these. I would love to see yours in person to compare them.

@rjb66 and @Novanod So, my dark grey Aktiv (no stripe) is enroute with an ETA to Blue Dog Gresham in the next three days. I'm near Golden Valley Brewery just off Hwy 26 ... lots of good parking. Shall we meet and greet?

Have you considered going to Johnson RV in Sandy (Roadtrek) for service? I'm thinking I may go there instead ...

[Navanod]

Originally Posted by 4DMTNS

@rjb66 and @Novanod So, my dark grey Aktiv (no stripe) is enroute with an ETA to Blue Dog Gresham in the next three days. I'm near Golden Valley Brewery just off Hwy 26 ... lots of good parking. Shall we meet and greet?

Have you considered going to Johnson RV in Sandy (Roadtrek) for service? I'm thinking I may go there instead ...

I'm up for a meet and greet!

I took Our Aktiv to Johnson RV for our last warranty claim. They are great! Problem is they are backed up with work. Next available appointment is end of June!
I'm not sure what I'm going to do!

[4DMTNS]

Call over to Bunchs RV & Boat Storage they have a name of a mobile repair service they recommend. Not sure how much, not sure if Hymer would cover/authorize it BUT it might be worth it to get back on the road. If the mobile service can identify what you need from Hymer and get it sent to you for them to install ... and quote you a price ... perhaps Hymer would authorize it.

[Navanod]

Originally Posted by 4DMTNS

@rjb66 and @Novanod So, my dark grey Aktiv (no stripe) is enroute with an ETA to Blue Dog Gresham in the next three days. I'm near Golden Valley Brewery just off Hwy 26 ... lots of good parking. Shall we meet and greet?

Have you considered going to Johnson RV in Sandy (Roadtrek) for service? I'm thinking I may go there instead ...

Originally Posted by 4DMTNS

Call over to Bunchs RV & Boat Storage they have a name of a mobile repair service they recommend. Not sure how much, not sure if Hymer would cover/authorize it BUT it might be worth it to get back on the road. If the mobile service can identify what you need from Hymer and get it sent to you for them to install ... and quote you a price ... perhaps Hymer would authorize it.

I just sent a message to Bunchs inquiring about the mobile service. I also have a email to Jim Hammill and Mike Snell at Erwin Hymer NA. We will see if I even get a response.

[ClassB4Me]

Originally Posted by eric1514

Have you been reading this thread?

The question was directed to new member rjb66 (who has all of 4 posts on the site) and just purchased a new Activ.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rjb66
Aye...she is pretty isn't she? You didn't want a microwave, power, or voltstart with that did ya? Was getting some stuff to make it a bit more livable, then ran over to Craft Pourhouse next door to drown my sorrows (and use their outlets...)

Looks great and the size is perfect. What's your plan on how you intend to use it? Have a dealer recommendation?

[eric1514]

Originally Posted by ClassB4Me

The question was directed to new member rjb66 (who has all of 4 posts on the site) and just purchased a new Activ.


Looks great and the size is perfect. What's your plan on how you intend to use it? Have a dealer recommendation?

You asked for a dealer recommendation as if you were interested in purchasing and I'm saying you've got to be some kind of masochist to be considering one of these. Here's what the OP has to say.

I wish we could survive a single trip without issue

But hey, it's your money.