The immutable march of time stops for nobody. We feel that march right now. We are so close, but a few issues remain unresolved, the converter and inverter issues being primary among them.
As to the converter, I ran the lithium batteries down to nearly empty (10.2v) in an attempt to force the new converter’s auto-detect feature to change over to lithium. At first, I thought it had worked because the smart panel shows a max charge of 14.4v, but the charger itself continues to charge only to the mid 13s. I’ve since then done some googling, and apparently this model converter has a poor reputation. WFCO Auto-Detect Converter Does Not Auto-Detect | DIY Solar Power Forum (diysolarforum.com)
This is mildly frustrating because I actually ordered the version with a hard switch to convert to lithium, but they presumptuously sent me the auto-detect version, likely thinking they were doing me a favor. They were wrong. I’ll have to try draining the batteries even further, which I prefer to avoid, but which appears necessary.
In other news, we’ve started “Tetris-ing” the truck, and the early results are quite positive. We got both bikes – Micki’s Lectric XP3.0 and my traditional road bike – into the back seat area of the truck, with enough room on the passenger side to keep one seat down for the dogs’ new travel bed arrangement.
We also managed to pack the following into the bed so far: 2 inflatable paddleboards, generator, gas can, 3 chairs, air compressor, tire chains and tire socks, two collapsible water bottles, a table, a ladder, the WeBoost mast, a pop-up bug screen shelter, and the Starlink storage tote.
With all that, it appears we still have ample remaining space for the Blackstone grill and other miscellaneous items. Fingers crossed.
We are spending this weekend in Cannon Beach for the Oregon Airstream Club’s winter gathering lovingly entitled the “Leak Test” rally. This will be our final opportunity to test systems, refine processes, and itemize remaining tasks.
We will do our best to check each box before departure day – two weeks from today – but we realize that 100% preparedness is likely impossible. Time cares not. Departure day will arrive, and we will depart, only later to discover the extent of our unpreparedness. That is part of the adventure.
Mouse House Adventures 
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