Tim got it done and so I went and got fresh food. Plus a mediocre rotisserie chicken. Now the Friday Old Oakland and Saturday on the north side of Lake Merit farmers markets have a rotisserie truck which consistently delivers the finest and is frankly sorely missed.

Tim passed on some good info on keeping everybody happily charged. Specifically,

• Don’t get below 11.5 for house
• Once at 11.8 start engine
• 12.6 is a fully charged battery w/o alternator
• When charging via alternator will range from 13.8 (when temps are warm) to 14.7 (when cold)

The solenoid lead to the house batteries is also where the wire to the interior electric stuff is. I didn’t know that would work; I’ve always treated wires as, well, directional. Looking back, I remember not asking a similar question (how does it work?) when the grid tied solar was installed.

The alternator was looked at because the color of the copper was suspiciously not as coppery colored. No issues; it is putting out 170 steady amps.

He used two voltmeters: some giant thing and a second whose leads could extend 30 feet.

The reason for the low starting voltage was a poor ground on the house battery. Since that battery is out of the mix not an issue.

He lives out there. Like miles on a county road and then more on as near a paved road in terms of ride quality as can be one of dirt and then further on what rattled the dopey spare tire loose again. It’s now inside and I have a recommended welder who made something for one of Tim’s friends who stopped by while the bus was being worked on. Wow, right?

🚌

My Tucson friend’s tip on where to fill up the water tank was very timely. It really was right there behind the Macdonalds like he said and thank goodness because I was empty. I simply screwed on a regular garden hose and la de da.