Kung Fu Chicken’s Adventures
April 2, 2022
I’m sure most would think this would be a blog about photography, motorcycles, or something remotely connected. Well, kinda sorta. It is those things that led us to this point. That point being RV owners.
As we were in the process of deciding what RV we wanted to live and work out of at Motorcycle races and vacations, we landed on the brand spanking new Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX. A new “cutting edge” travel trailer that can be self sufficient for up to a claimed 5 days. The down side being that it’s so new that the info about said energy efficient trailer is rather limited. So it truly is more learn as you go vs go to YouTube or Google and see what others have to say.
So, wanting to help out those who have or are considering buying the FLX and being as I’m such a wonderful person (some may disagree but hey, this is my blog), I wanted to put our learnings out there for others to glean from. So I will post our trials and errors in addition to what we have in the way of hard info. Fortunately for us, our dealer (http://www.funtimecampers.com) has done a great job reaching out to Winnebago to get us as much info as possible. I’m a technical person so I want technical info so I can properly troubleshoot issues and better understand what I’m working with.
With that being said, here’s the info I have so far and the links to more info from the various component/systyem manufacturers. Granted, this came from Winnebago and then to me in Feb of 2022 so it’s only accurate as of that time… and with all the sourcing issues?
Hope it helps,
SpeedBump
FLX Component Summary
Makes/Models
Battery: Lithionics GTX12V320A
Inverter: Xantrex XC3000 Pro
Solar Panel: GoPower GP-PV-190M
Solar Charge Controller: GoPower GP-RVC-MPPT-30
Water Heater: Truma AquaGo Comfort
Furnace: Truma VarioHeat Comfort
Air Conditioner: Truma Aventa Eco
Shower: AquaView ShowerMiser
Electrical Specs
Battery
Nominal Capacity: 320 A
Nominal Voltage: 12.8 Volts
Composition: LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
Inverter
Output Frequency: 60 Hz
Output Voltage: 120 VAC
Output Power Limit: 3000 Watts
Float Charge Voltage: 13.4 Volts
Absorption Charge Voltage: 14.4 Volts
Charge Current: 150 Amps
AC Input Breaker: 30 Amps
Solar Panel
Rated DC Voltage: 20.4 Volts
Output Power: 190 Watts/EA
Panel Type: Monocrystalline
Solar Charge Controller
Charge Type: MPPT
Charge Current: 30 Amps
Key Features
Battery
UL1973 listed battery when using DC Circuit Breaker
Safest battery on the market, can be stored in residential spaces
Internal Battery Management System and Automatic Heat Pad
Built in NeverDie feature shuts down the battery @10% SOC to prevent failure
Bluetooth app enabled
Inverter
Continuous Pure Sine Wave power
Built in Automatic Transfer Switch for bypassing AC to Inverted power
Bluetooth app enabled
Solar Charge Controller
Built in electronic fault, self-detecting features using LED indicator to display faults
Current-limited charge and temperature sensors to protect the battery when charging
Bluetooth app enabled
Surge Protection up to 6000W for 5 seconds
Water Heater
High Efficiency, LP-only
On-demand with .35gal temperature stabilizing tank
Integrated into CP Plus display panel
Furnace
High Efficiency, LP only
Temperature sensor controlled
Integrated into CP Plus display panel
Air Conditioner
High Efficiency, 110V only
Direct dump system but very quiet on all fan modes
Integrated into CP Plus display panel
Includes remote control
Showermiser
Saves water by cycling into fresh tank
Color changing tube as temperature indicator
FAQ
Q: Can I change my battery out for a standard car battery?
A: No, this system is designed and setup for a LiFePO4 lithium battery and changing to any other type of battery could damage your unit.
Q: Why can’t I adjust all my inverter’s charge settings?
A: Certain settings have been locked by Winnebago to ensure customers don’t accidently make a change that could damage their unit. If you need to make a setting change that has been locked, then please contact Xantrex customer service.
Q: Why isn’t my inverter working when I press the ON button on the remote panel?
A: Sometimes the communication between the inverter and the remote gets broken. To fix it, press the power button on the inverter that is next to the display screen and make sure it is in the ON position.
Q: Why does the inverter beep when going from shore power to inverted power?
A: The inverter has an audible alarm that notifies the consumer that there are loads connected and drawing power from the unit.
Q: Will my battery charge from the 7-way while driving?
A: No, the 7-way will provide auxiliary power to the unit to power clearance lights, but it does not charge the battery. Lithium batteries cannot accept the charge coming from a standard tow vehicle battery, but your unit’s battery will charge from the solar panels while in transit.
Lithionic’s Info- A source for great info on the Lithionic’s battery. The FAQ’s & Tech Documents are a great source of info.
https://lithionicsbattery.com/support/
XANTREX- For all things Inverter
https://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inverter-Chargers/Freedom%20XC/20200415_FREEDOMXCPRO_Datasheet.pdf
GP Solar Power Controller- Making sense of solar
https://support.gpelectric.com/kb/section/58/
https://support.gpelectric.com/kb/article/395-gprvcr-quick-start-guide/
Truma- No one likes it too hot or too cold
http://trumanorthamericauqe5ebmeur.devcloud.acquia-sites.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/truma-watersystems-aquago-installation-operating-us-en.pdf
http://truma.net/air-conditioning-systems/truma-aventa-eco
http://truma.net/heating-systems/truma-varioheat-comfort