Sprinter Vital System Monitoring using ScanGauge III

My UltraGauge monitor lost many of its gauges after the MB Approved Emission Modification. I did like the UltraGauge when it was working, but UltraGauge support is almost nonexistent and there is no current firmware update to fix the issue, so...I jumped over to Linear Logic and got their new ScanGauge III.

NOTE: My 2011 Roadtrek Agile was built on a 2010 Freightliner Sprinter chassis with an OM642 3.0 L 6-cylinder engine. AEM (Approved Emission Modification) was performed at the MB dealership, and a new updated ECU was installed.

Macerator Emergency Extension Hose

 

I always keep a macerator hose extension on hand in case the sewer connection required extra reach. Although it is uncommon for campgrounds to place sewer connections far back from camp sites, I have seen it on occasions.

The Thetford Sanicon 21-ft Retracting Hose is ideal for extending the reach of your macerator hose; it is also available in a shorter 10-foot version. The 28-footer costs around $81 and the 10-footer costs around $38. I made my own extension using a Flexible PVC flat hose with a Polyester sleeve, similar to a fireman's hose, for a more compact and less expensive alternative.

Simple Fix: Sliding Door Closing When Parked on an Incline

The sliding door in an Agile only opens halfway, latching onto a clevis pin in the middle of the lower sliding door tract. Over time, the latching mechanism wears out and becomes easily unlatched, causing the door to slam shut; this usually occurs when the van is parked on an incline with the nose down. When the sliding door is latched open, a small door movement can cause the clevis pin to wiggle/rotate, resulting in accidental unlatching.

Sprinter Maintenance: One-man Brake Fluid Flush

The MB Sprinter owner's manual suggests changing the brake fluid every two years. The brake fluid flush is easier than you think with the right tool.

Parts purchased from Amazon

Orion Motor Tech Brake Pressure Bleeder, European Brake Bleeder with Hand Pump, 2.5L Pressure Brake Bleeder with Hose and European Adapter

Genuine Mercedes DOT 4+ Brake Fluid (Needs 2 quarts)

Roadtrek Sprinter Eclipse Head Unit Upgrade to 10-inch QLED screen Atoto S8 Premium (2nd Gen)

Our 11-year-old Eclipse AVN4430 head unit with TomTom navigation maps is now woefully outdated. I won't miss its small, difficult-to-read screen or any of the other quirks that came with it. Enter the Atoto Android head units, which are rapidly gaining popularity. Their premium, ultra, and ultra plus models boast a QLED display that remains easily readable even in bright sunlight. Opting for the larger 10-inch Atoto S8 Premium model was a no-brainer for me, especially considering its affordability compared to other high-end units with similar specs.

Installing an On-Board Air Compressor (Maxi Trac)

Finding the right RV compressor can be challenging, especially if you want one that can inflate RV tires to a high pressure. Many RVers highly recommend the Viair RV compressor. Off-roaders and overlanders choose the ARB CKMTA12 On-Board Twin High Performance Air Compressor because it is a quick and dependable inflator, but it is pricey.

I'm looking for a low-cost, high-output, high-pressure compressor capable of quickly inflating RV tires, air mattresses, and inflatable toys (kayaks, SUPs, and so on). Our 120-volt portable compressor inflates one SUP in about 20 minutes, which is excruciatingly slow. The Napa Maxi-Trac air inflator is getting a lot of buzz in the DIY community, so I took the plunge and ordered one. With a 20% OFF coupon, it cost me slightly more than $100.

Renogy DC-to-DC Battery Charger Installation

The Renogy 40-Amp DC-to-DC battery charger had been on my Amazon wishlist for a while, and it was on sale during the holidays, so I bought one. I was planning on getting it anyway for our upcoming Lithium battery upgrade (coming soon). A DC-to-DC charger is required to limit the current draw from the alternator, particularly with Lithium batteries, which can draw a large amount of current from the alternator while charging.

According to Mercedes Body and Equipment Guidelines for 2018 Sprinter and older, it states that the maximum charging current for the auxiliary batteries should not exceed 40-Amps. For now, our current AGM coach batteries will benefit from the DC-to-DC charger as it will receive a proper 3-stage charging (bulk, absorb, float) while driving or idling.