Metalian Maxi super thread

[pfgrobler]

Afternoon all,

I'm about to embark on the Metalian Maxi route too and should be placing the deposit down in the next week to 10 days (ish).

What have people done in terms of inverter upgrades (to say...2000w +) and going down the lipo route? I've got all Victron Energy gear in my LC200

Cheers- Adam

I don't have a inverter but running 2000w inverter will draw 166a and you might need to think about how you charge it as well.

Most lithium can charge at 0.5 - 1c so 50-100a for a 100ah battery the HCDP panel is 15 or 20a if you plan to use lots of power higher charge rate might be useful. Especially if you go over 100ah.

[adashoe]

I don't have a inverter but running 2000w inverter will draw 166a and you might need to think about how you charge it as well.

Most lithium can charge at 0.5 - 1c so 50-100a for a 100ah battery the HCDP panel is 15 or 20a if you plan to use lots of power higher charge rate might be useful. Especially if you go over 100ah.

I would probably got for 2 x 100Ah victron batteries with either the 30A DCDC charger or a 50A Buckboost from Victron. I currently have the 30A DCDC charger in my LC but that'll be charging the 100ah battery in the back of the LC

[CeeZee]

Well, after eyeballing this Super Thread for 4 years, and almost buying an eye watering new Maxi, I found one before Dec. Much thanks to Henk to check it out for me, help with negotiations, and getting ready in time for Dec holidays. Did 4 camps Dec, as per advice from many of you, to first see how it works and not. As many has said, this peace of kit really solid. Looking at old caravans a lot of people are camping with, this stainless boxes are going too leave a legacy behind far longer than it's creator is going to be around. Okay, okay.... Not implying anything here. I know we are living in sensitive times.

Camping all my live, being a ground dweller, it is really nice sleaping on a more-than-proper camping bed. A list of really nice features, luxuries, etc, makes one enjoy your camping so much more, not that being a ground dweller takes away from the camping experience. It's all still camping.

A few fixes done, some more to do, some long term alterations, and hopefully, a lot of camping.

I'm sure Heinz creation is going to part of our family live for a good few and precious years.

Looking forward to the rest of this yourmey!

[CeeZee]

Ok. On our way out this weekend I stopped at the weigh bridge at the rubbish dump. Loaded for a weekend, full water, and a lot of empty space for post-lockdown juice. Hooked to the FSP it came in at 1200kgs, and 1300kgs unhooked.

What is more of a 'concern' was the FSP at 2700kgs. It's a 2l Amarok. Got a drawer system, which was not fully loaded. SWAMBO and kids in, but not me and the dog. He was not invited this weekend. Empty roof rack. Now I see how easy it is to overload. Had the weight conversation a lot at camp with friends towing caravans, and they avoid the bridge like the plague. They all assume they are overloaded. Now I know.

So, on another topic.... awnings. Setting up and down camp remains, well, not the highlight of a camp. I like the new Metalian tent and awning. As for the fridge not opening, I have added a 1.2m drawer runner to mine. I think I need about 12cm to clear it. Does some of you guys clear the awning post with large fridges?

Regarding 3rd party awnings, how do you tention the awning on the rear where the wing folds open? I've seen an Alu Cab one with an upright post attached to the roof rack. But that was not a normal trailer tent. I like the Bundutech one, and could use it with my old tent maybe (by choice) . Not sure. Also, does anybody have a Bundutech with the new awning mechanism?

Any advice or ideas on a awning would be welcome.

CZ

[pieter_fourie]

Hi , can only comment on the fridge issue. You need longer slides. In fact it should come from the factory like that. It makes no sense to pay all that money for a fridge not to fully open. Anyway. Longer slides will solve this problem

[CeeZee]

Pieter, how long is your fridge slide. Do have a 1m or 1.2m?

Also, how do you like the Metalian awning? (Making an assumption here you have one.) And the tent setup, is it acceptable?

Thanks.

[pieter_fourie]

Hi

I am waiting for the longer slides. Had to order. No stock in SA. Not sure of the length but slightly longer. I need like 2cm

I have the Metalian tent and awning. I thing as a combo it is one of the best i have seen. I also have the added room and all integrate perfectly. The awning is great and in my opinion over engineered. Easy to setup and very sturdy.

[CeeZee]

2cm? Wow. Most of use need a lot more than 2cm!

Ja, the tent and awning looks the business. Little concerned at the water drop angle. But it seldom pours down in WC I guess. I believe they might raise it a bit, but Heinz can comment here. Still expensive, but all the parts adds up, I guess.

You can't some time do a setup video? Can't seem to find one online. From park to beer.

CZ

[pieter_fourie]

Sent you a PM

[Heinz Modricky]

2cm? Wow. Most of use need a lot more than 2cm!

Ja, the tent and awning looks the business. Little concerned at the water drop angle. But it seldom pours down in WC I guess. I believe they might raise it a bit, but Heinz can comment here. Still expensive, but all the parts adds up, I guess.

You can't some time do a setup video? Can't seem to find one online. From park to beer.

CZ

https://www.facebook.com/Metalian4x4...02137467031914 Hope this helps. It sounds pricey, until you look at a hardshell RTT that now sells well into 30k. There's a lot of fabric and work in a Metalian tent. The mattress is proper 4 inch multi layered, all poly cotton canvas and reflective flysheet, solid throughout.

[Honey Badger]

Busy updating our motor/trailer insurance policy. It struck me that while vehicles have documented retail/market values this is not so for our Metalian Maxi. The insurer we are with just accepts value I give them.

What do you guys do re off-road trailer insurance, more specifically how do you set a value for the trailer?

[Bartman71]

I'm insured with Discovery and furnish them with a replacement quote annually.. my broker had a fight with them to agree that if it gets written off it will be replaced.

Busy updating our motor/trailer insurance policy. It struck me that while vehicles have documented retail/market values this is not so for our Metalian Maxi. The insurer we are with just accepts value I give them.

What do you guys do re off-road trailer insurance, more specifically how do you set a value for the trailer?