Community Forums

srh · 04-12-2013, 05:54 PM

Hello,
I just got my new to me 05 Essex and am trying to learn about it. Have a couple of questions:
1. Does shore power charge the chassis batteries?
2. Does it have a surge protector?
3. Has anyone re-carpeted/tiled/done hardwood the living room area? Would like to know where/cost, etc.

Thanks,

Steve Ownby · 04-12-2013, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srh

Hello,
I just got my new to me 05 Essex and am trying to learn about it. Have a couple of questions:
1. Does shore power charge the chassis batteries?
2. Does it have a surge protector?
3. Has anyone re-carpeted/tiled/done hardwood the living room area? Would like to know where/cost, etc.

Thanks,

Not as Essex owner but I can weigh in on the flooring. We had our complete floor replaced from the firewall to the bedroom step up. Master Tech RV in Elkhart, IN did the work and I recommend them with no reservations. The workmanship is excellent and they are very professional and helpful. We stayed in the coach all but 3 nights during the process. We've lived with the new floor for 2 years now and love it.

Call for Jack Harris at: 574-320-0163.

tom chelbana · 04-12-2013, 07:03 PM

SRH We have an 04 Essex and yes both chassis and coach batteries should be charging when engine running, shore power with inveter/converter on and generator on.
Our Essex didn't come with a surge protector and we add on which was hard wired in electric service compartment. We love our Essex and Do think you will too. Tom

"007" · 04-12-2013, 07:11 PM

Congratulations on your new to you ESSEX as said by Tom your BIRD System will maintain all your batteries.
you need to take a look at

QT's 1 & 2 plus the new # 3.
Allot of your questions will be answered there.
You could possibly have a surge protector if installed by previous owner you need to check your incoming 50 amp service line and see if you may have one of these types.
As far as new carpet take a look at this.
Or do it yourself.
All this information is in the QT's links.
Here is a Owners Guide for your 05 Essex.
After all this you can go to the COM_NET2 link and with your coach build # or your Vin# use instructions in link and find out all that was put in your coach.
Good luck with your coach and we will be here for any more questions.

srh · 04-12-2013, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007";1529277]Congratulations on your new to you ESSEX as said by Tom [URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/does-the-b-i-r-d-charge-chassis-batteries-79681-3.html#post801364

your BIRD System[/URL] will maintain all your batteries.
you need to take a look at QT's 1 & 2 plus the new # 3.
Allot of your questions will be answered there.
You could possibly have a surge protector if installed by previous owner you need to check your incoming 50 amp service line and see if you may have one of these types.
As far as new carpet take a look at this.
Or do it yourself.
All this information is in the QT's links.
Here is a Owners Guide for your 05 Essex.

I very much appreciate the "welcome" and the helpful suggestions, from all, and the links. Now, I have some ideas as to what BIRD is and does. Related to, comes another question to mind, that is what is the best way to maintain the batteries (both house and chassis) by using shore power all the time or a trickle charger, like Battery Minder, when the coach is in storage?
Regards to All!

"007" · 04-12-2013, 10:28 PM

No trickle charger on your coach, BIRD does it all if you have shore line plugged into a 110 outlet will charge house first than your chassis batteries.
While your driving coach works in reverse from your alternator.
You have some reading to do.

smlranger · 04-13-2013, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srh

Hello,
I just got my new to me 05 Essex and am trying to learn about it. Have a couple of questions:
1. Does shore power charge the chassis batteries?
2. Does it have a surge protector?
3. Has anyone re-carpeted/tiled/done hardwood the living room area? Would like to know where/cost, etc.

Thanks,

Not to hijack this thread, but we have also added a 2005 Essex 4103 to our list of coaches for consideration. DW loves the floor plan/decor but I am wary of the 500ISM's thirst for fuel.

Have you driven your new-to-you coach enough to determine you actual fuel mileage?

PM me if you don't want to clog this thread. Thanks.

"007" · 04-13-2013, 07:23 AM

Please place your answer here we do not know maybe someone else is watching but doesn't want to post we have many viewers in the background.

srh · 04-13-2013, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger

Not to hijack this thread, but we have also added a 2005 Essex 4103 to our list of coaches for consideration. DW loves the floor plan/decor but I am wary of the 500ISM's thirst for fuel.

Have you driven your new-to-you coach enough to determine you actual fuel mileage?

PM me if you don't want to clog this thread. Thanks.

I drove it for the first time around 1,400 mi. Because of its bigger engine it takes off almost like a car. Using the system computer, it showed 6.2 mpg - I was getting around 7 on my 07 Tiffin Bus that had 400 HP Cummins. Believe me, the 500 ISM on the K2 Spartan chassis drives a lot nicer than the Bus. Furthermore, it has a much nicer and comfortable interior. The mileage sacrifice, in my view, is definitely worth it. Let me know if you have further questions.
Good Luck With Search and Selection!

srh · 04-13-2013, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007"

No trickle charger on your coach, BIRD does it all if you have shore line plugged into a 110 outlet will charge house first than your chassis batteries.
While your driving coach works in reverse from your alternator.
You have some reading to do.

Thank you for your insight. So, when storing the coach, do you leave it plugged in to shore power all the time, or periodically? If periodically, how often and for how long?

Regards,

"007" · 04-13-2013, 11:46 AM

My coach sits in the driveway next to house and has been plugged in all winter.
My house are AGM's and I have the original chassis battery from 03.
Coach sits there since OCT last year and just took it to NH. to get a manifold job done and coach started right up without hesitation, sure felt good back in the seat.
I would run Gen every month plus the AC's to make them happy but the coach just slept thru it all.

andyt2 · 04-14-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger

Not to hijack this thread, but we have also added a 2005 Essex 4103 to our list of coaches for consideration. DW loves the floor plan/decor but I am wary of the 500ISM's thirst for fuel.

Have you driven your new-to-you coach enough to determine you actual fuel mileage?

PM me if you don't want to clog this thread. Thanks.

We purchased our 05 Essex in Nov of 2011, it has the 500 Cummins.
It was getting 6.2 miles to the gal (running genset and towing), then the fuel milage went down to 5.7 mpg. When I took it in for my 10,000 mile, they found that the EGR tubes were clogged and the EGR valve was stuck open, which they fixed and replaced. The last time we checked it was back up to 6.2 mpg, but that was on a tank that was half bad EGR and half new EGR.

As far as the Essex, it is our first Rv, so we can't really compare from ownership, but it is a fine ride and has quality workmanship.

Good luck to everyone with their 05's.