DREAM BUILD: Airstream Lithium, Solar & Generator Install

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Take your best guess and enter to win two Battle Born GC2 Batteries! The winner announced in part 2 - next Sunday! 🔋 www.keepyourdaydream.com/lithium/ *Oh, and don't fall for scams. The winner will not be notified in the comments, social media or telegram, whatever that is 😂

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

Can I enter?

[@deanekonomou7641]

The same weight

[@Cwgrlk8SanDiego]

1,540lbs new tongue weight

[@willsmithp1]

1250

[@scottt4081]

1385

[@janemuir3546]

Ronnie and Vinny should be on Mike Rowe's podcast promoting skilled trades. They have so much knowledge, skill and talent. Amazing and fun to watch guys like those two.

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

I agree

[@mikesalois3028]

Charlie's squeeky toy at the 36:00 mark had me giggling, love that pup.

[@scott0551]

It caught my dog’s attention. He gave the ole head nod.

[@competitionkarting]

Your editing skills are just amazing. The ability to find old clips, cut them in, and balance the background music doesn't go unnoticed.

[@jamesharrington2385]

I agree. I've done editing work in the past for a TV station. And it is a lot of work to make it look so effortless. Great job guys! :)

[@JJ-Journeys]

Wow! That’s a dream build for sure. Ronnie is pretty amazing with his knowledge and know how. Love the way his Wife steps right up and knows what she’s doing too. Can wait to see the final product.

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

Tera is a great partner and always willing to fight in the trenches with me.

[@charlesfaulkingham5599]

Great to see a professional team working and in a clean and organized shop. Providing a quality product. Very educational with concise explanations. Thank you

[@jeffreyferguson83]

Ronnie and his wife are Amazing! I love how she got in there and helped. They really know their business! And he’s got a sense of Humor! Great Video

[@russellschafer6493]

You are going to love that generator. No more carburetor gunking up issues. No more worries about old gas in the lines. When it come to changing the oil, you will be surprised how clean the oil looks after several hours of usage.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

WOW, I'm so impressed with this Husband and Wife team !!! Knows his stuff, FANTASTIC SHOP!!! I don't have an airstream, but if I did I would go to them!! Great Job

[@richardsaha6807]

You have got to be kidding me! I have to wait a whole week to see the finished product!? You guys are torturing me! I love your show, can't get enough! You guys are a terrific team, keep up the great work! ✝️♥️

[@rlucerin28]

Thanks to this comment, I'll just fast forward to the end and wait for the next episode. Lol

[@jillfearing4610]

LOVE the episode. So fun to see Ronnie and Terra at work in their beautiful shop.

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

Thanks Jill!

[@sterlingwoodard6528]

Craft. This is the word that came to me after watching the past 2 episodes with Ronnie. Both KYD and NutsAndBolts exemplify what it means to have excellent craft in what they do. For KYD, it is the way you put together your videos, it truly is like watching a well-done series like we are accustomed to seeing on HGTV, etc. This no doubt helps the community as a whole. As for Ronnie Dennis, his knowledge base of Airstreams is like that of Vinnie, truly two people who really know their craft well. What a blessing to those of us in the Airstream community as many of us have experienced what poor craft looks like. I applaud you both for the time you put into those two videos, the work you did to your new-to-you trailer and just being an inspiration and encouragement to those of us in the trailer community.

[@seawolff33]

Wow that guy sure knows his stuff!

[@Daddio-et3lp]

As a master electrician, I wish I could have been there to see the entire layout and help with the installation! Thanks again for your ever uplifting videos

[@ladikmk]

I watched the whole thing because it's really fascinating to see how RV modifications are made. Hope you had a Happy Mother's Day Tricia and hope you're all well.

[@lynnpappas4049]

How awesome to watch someone who really knows their business and is the absolute epitome of professionalism. You can't help but think; if I had an Airstream this is the place I would not only want to, but have to go to for the best service around. It's a given. It's a rare thing in this day and age to feel good about going to a place to have work done on something. Nowadays your more likely to get scamed by people who don't know what their doing. Airstream Nuts and Bolts is a real blessing to the Airstream owners world.

[@shootermcgavin1554]

YES!! This is the video that we have all been waiting for.

[@aswinos6077]

Great video! We bought plugs for the holes in the stove top (where the burner grates were removed). We also use silicone post covers on the new grate to prevent it from scratching the stove top surface. The new cooktop was the best mod we made to our Globetrotter.

[@ito2791]

I do not own, nor have I ever owned any type of camper, but I’ve admired them, as well as the van life and conversion videos. Always heard Airstream was at or near the top for the list of some of the best campers. Having said that, this video was not only enlightening, but also enjoyable and easy to watch. I won’t be buying a camper in the near future, but nevertheless appreciated watching and learning more from you. Thanks for sharing!

[@akneemoose3383]

Those two are like watching dancing with the stars engineering. Airstream Ballet baby ❤

[@kathyadams3366]

What a great friend you have in Ronny and his wife! So knowledgeable. Even though I didn’t understand half of what he said he sure looked like he knew what he was doing..lol! I can’t wait to hear what all this would actually cost without the free products and installation. It’s absolutely incredible upgrades!

[@roybrochu5409]

Thanks Marc. This two part series is outstanding. Well thought out and explained. Can’t wait for part 2. Obviously cost is a determining factor, but all of these modifications are a plus for any Airstream owner.

[@ramonapuckett3059]

I usually don’t watch your upgrade videos but I got to tell y’all, this one was pretty darn informative, interesting and fun! And I might have actually learned something! Who knew?! Can’t wait to watch next week’s episode ❤

[@airstreamer]

Great upgrades, look forward to part 2. So glad Charlie is enjoying his flamingo squeaky toy🥰 -Michelle

[@JoeGM24]

Love the way you all joke around with each other! Haha Makes for great entertainment, while gaining a lot of knowledge. :)

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

Marc is a funny guy 😂

[@fraziere]

Ronnie is amazing. I love the knowledge drop, the skillful work. Thank you for showcasing his expertise!

[@DigitalBarbell]

The only bad part of this episode was when it ended! Can't wait for part two! Good work y'all.

[@theathjr]

This is definitely high caliber ultra quality craftsmanship in this upgrade video. Props to Airstream Nuts & Bolts. Wow.

[@thebrickland3738]

Thanks for sharing- this guy, Ronnie, knows what he is doing and seems like he loves doing it too!

[@egraham9049]

So lucky to have Ronnie work on my trailer! Great work and great folks!

[@lancewulfers2502]

Glad you are finally getting the trailer lifted. We are thinking about doing a lift on our Wildwood TT.

[@charliebrown8278]

“It’s the right thing to do”. Oh how I wish I heard those words more often. Good for you for sticking with the company that provides something we see less and less of, these days. Good customer service. Thanks for the extra long peloton workout today. I didn’t start this until 45 minutes into my ride. I got a bonus 45 minutes today!❤

[@KeepYourDaydream]

I watch YT on the bike trainer too.

[@brettanderson132]

That was some quality editing, especially the intercutting of the shop vacuuming.

[@wandrousvindella716]

Fun video ! My fav Airstream "driver" Ronnie Dennis and his "pit crew" with KYD ~

[@Perry3377]

Excellent craftsmen make it look easy... Great job!

[@billerwin1390]

WOW so much, so Professional. THANK YOU ALL

[@matthewwilson1017]

wow. that shop is awesome. I bet it's SUPER exciting to get all those mods in one stop.

[@roryoconnell7759]

Great video. Really enjoyed the inside look at the work. You can tell they care about their work and really know their stuff.

[@donitaarender7839]

Love the New Build! Y'all really make someone want an Airstream 😊. Looking forward to next video

[@planetim]

Thanks for those of us who love the geeky stuff. I have Battleborn batteries in my travel trailer. It gets stored outdoors in the South Dakota winter and they are always ready to go come camping season.

[@jgardne1]

I'm watching that strap installation. It's a good idea to put some bracing down there, but it appears like the straps are even giving way from the weight. Have folks considered going with 1" angle aluminum for the strapping material? The aluminum should be plenty durable to weather, and the angle would give a lot more strength to prevent the bulging when covering the span between the forward and rear axles.

[@deltabravo1257]

9:40 The Dexter Torsion axle lift spacer kit is awesome. I've installed them on two of my cargo trailers. Somewhere buried in my channel is a video on how to install it.

[@john0119]

A New meaning to "Keep Your Daydream" This will be so Awesome! Enjoy and Lock it up Good (Hitch,ect.) 👍🕊

[@Freynightwalker]

Wow, just great info, we do not have an airstream but still very useful. Thank you.

[@kirstenveneziano1205]

Such a great video that the 45 minutes just flew by! The new stove grates are fantastic!! I was surprised at how flimsy the OEM skylights are, so significant upgrade there. I'm looking forward to next week's video.

[@zedhead2864]

Very commendable of you to stick with a company that you believe in. Battleborn has proven itself to be one of the better companies out there these days.

[@ranig2848]

Also free batteries, which helps… just sayin…

[@janawittrock8350]

This is random I know and we are newer to your channel!!! We love it and love traveling with you guys until we can get our own Airstream. We noticed in one of the episodes that you kept a guest book at your home. We have thought of Airbnb’ing our property in Naples, Fl. We are curious how that works for you and if you have a property management company that takes care of it for you. Thank you so much for your show and for sharing your lives with us. May God continue to bless you on your journeys.

[@jasonhatfield4747]

Important point at 41:30 about the battery disconnect switch that come with airstreams...it does not disconnect everything from the batteries. So if you store it with the batteries still connected and that switch in storage mode, you will come back to dead batteries. I learned that the hard way with my lithium batteries right after I bought them. I didn't physically disconnect them from the trailer before storing and when I found them a couple months later, they were at critically low voltages. Fortunately, they didn't seem to be damaged, though I suspect I lost a little bit of capacity as a result.

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

What a fantastic episode. I was gonna skip this but I got too curious and I am glad I am watching this. Nuts and Bolts peeps are so smart. They know "stuff". True professionals and yet, so personable. Very nice. I would love to know where you got the sky light windows and are they UV reducer with tint? Some tint make it so you don't squint but others also block UV heat.

[@JustinsOffGridAdventures]

I just ordered a Micro Air. Had no idea about it until the video. It's going to be a game changer for me out here in the wild. Keep up the great work.

[@rem32001]

Hey awesome video. Quick pro tip. Sikaflex requires Sika Primer to bare metal. And if there is paint, they have an activator. It makes a huge difference in the bonding. Without primer and proper prep (sanding and cleaning) it will release from the surface. Hope that info helps.

[@ramirogonzales776]

Wow they do know their stuff. Wish we could afford even a simple solar install. Heck just even lithium batteries would be awesome. You mentioned were going to go over total costs and hope compare total costs without getting any "free" equipment. Congrats on this so awesome build/upgrade to your AS..

[@xe9ys]

The highly anticipated video didn't disappoint. Looking forward to next week.

[@billmellinger1134]

Love that on board generator. It is a true dream build. Thats the only way I could afford it. In my dreams.

[@scottehrlich6653]

I highly recommend Battle Born batteries. I even use one on my bass fishing tournament kayak. Four years of flawless service.

[@Grevlain]

Hey oh - Orion XS 50amp DC to DC...you put in the new hotness! That thing is a YUGE improvement in technology.

[@dcross556]

Loved these videos and I learned so much! I feel even better that a lot of the stuff you put in to your rig were things I have already investigated and purchased.

[@calevel]

I support Battle Born ! Great CS and technology behind their Batteries. Loyal customer here too.

[@ts6141]

That couple is a hoot, solid team for sure!

[@sklargazer]

But how is their euchre game. LOL

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

@@sklargazer well played…..well played

[@PeterRobinson-xi8mj]

Good thing about mods is that it’s a to each their own type of thing and I enjoy looking at options for sure. For me, I like off board gear that I can leave behind when not needed such as a generator or easily replaced if it should malfunction. What you’ve done here is give folks an idea of what can be done and that’s very cool and I appreciate the content. Safe travels KYD and hope to see you on our Route 2 Adventure

[@1sheinz]

I know you have a BattleBorn sponsorship but for those that do not. EG4 has 5kw (400amp/hrs)of lithium phosphate for $1,200. Half price of BB And are a better battery for med and large bank as their bms communicates with each other and the whole system will not crash if there is a problem in one pac. So you still have power too see what's going on. Thanks for the Great detailed install video, I know it was a lot of work but was so informative. CHEERS AND SAFE TRAVELS Steve h.

[@roberteakin2538]

Excellent tutorial!!

[@wtalber]

Great video! Nice job, Ronnie. Only wish I had seen this before I installed my Multiplus II in my Classic 33. Took me several weeks longer. Beautiful shop!

[@11Bretired]

This is one of my favorite. I can’t wait for the second part

[@bruthayoshi2111]

Great video! Watched the whole thing even tho I don't have an airstream lmao. Just wanted to note that as an electrician his explanation about why you can use the OEM 8ga wires was only partially correct. There is no impedance in DC circuits. DC resistance does not decrease in proportion to voltage. Here's the technical explanation: V=IR (Volt=Amp•Resistance). Since resistance can never change, then V and I are inversely proportional. Since Mppt solar charging controllers are exponentially expensive as you go up in I, you instead increase V so you can push through more Watts with the same system. The amount of waste dissipated through your wires is calculated by W=I²R, meaning that if you dont configure the panels in 5s2p (5 series, 2 parallel) to make a 48v nominal system, you are dissipating 16x as much power over those 8ga wires, by running 4x the current through them! Long winded, but it's such a good video I felt it deserved some elaboration.

[@twalbers38]

You’re absolutely getting paid. Free product is payment. I do like your videos.

[@scott0551]

It is a trade off, they get a free or discounted product and the company is getting advertisement. So they aren’t really getting paid.

[@scottharris811]

@@scott0551 yes they are, if you do reviews and get free stuff, getting the stuff for free is getting paid

[@minding_our_gap]

Started watching thinking this will be way tech-ie and bot for me but man… did we enjoy this episode! Cant wait for part two!! 🎉

[@sklargazer]

What a fantastic episode! I have to admit, when I saw title of the episode, I hought, meh, too technical for me. But the way the episode was presented, it made i easy to follow. Fantastic job!! Really enjoyable.

[@ejs6010]

What a great discussion about all the upgrades and changes. Thank you!

[@LilyWasHereMB]

I did the same cooktop mod in my Sprinter. To reduce metal on metal wear, and noise but in the truck you don't hear it, may I suggest high temperature silicone nipples for the legs on the cast iron grates.

[@vgh332]

Yayyyy we get 45 minutes!!! SWEEEET

[@Livin_inRVA]

Great content as usual!! Looking forward to Part 2. Every Rv’er wishes they had a “Ronnie” in their life!!

[@janemuir3546]

Yes!!! And Vinnie in California.

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

@@janemuir3546 Definitely

[@marygrider5377]

A Ronnie and a Tara! She rocks!

[@conniewaite1371]

So educational! Love to see this on a you tube channel

[@deltabravo1257]

21:40 I spy an 0155-2449 Resonator / Muffler! They are awesome. I installed one on my 2500i inverter generator and did a before and after sound test video on my channel. It makes the exhaust note a lot less harsh. That video and all the others on the 2500i are in a play list. I was a BETA tester of the Onan Cummins inverter generator back in 2019. It's a very nice generator and so much quieter than the outgoing model it replaced. I actually prefer using it over my Honda EU2200i because the Onan is quieter.

[@NutChYi]

Shop, warehouse, clean and very beautiful, it is my dream and the cars are very, very, very beautiful.

[@NTM2009]

Cummins also rates their generators at running watts but they also own onan, so not surprising. 2500w, (even max rating) will run and start two 15k air conditioning units plus rest of both trailers not counting microwaves. Torsion axles are easy to lift, we did 3.5" lift on our 5th wheel in gravel driveway because grand design put wring axles in camper to start with. Had to put lift and proper axles in with 2 feet of snow in yard. For the water tanks, there are some that are designed to travel with liquid in the tanks. While what was installes on yours will help the best way to support them is with angle iron. The flat bar that was installed on yours bends where angle iron wont. Any battery is the same, once it's done/dead its done and time to replace. Even battleborn won't just give you a new battery cause it's tike to replace them. We ended up switching from them back to FLA because the lithium wouldn't last the night but with FLA we get almost the whole (24h) day.

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

The Airstream tank has a natural bow in the bottom to allow for a proper low point drain. It is not flat. Therefore the flat bar strap works better.

[@ShawnPatterson402]

very nice to follow this build. Will ultimately be more of a system then we need for our current use, but nonetheless I am very much enjoying seeing it put together and seeing what is possible as well. Great content. Keep up the superb work, and as always safe travels.....

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

This build is very much a study in what’s possible and not what’s feasible for most.

[@KevLaswiss-c4u]

Lots of great upgrades love the glass replacement skylights Mark, are you going to do Airstream Stainless Steel Upgrades Keep your Airstream shining replac all the plastic doors on the outside

[@ThisThatLittleFarm]

Great video to all!!!! Looking to do the same with my 30 foot office!!!

[@rickrichardson5329]

This episode was amazing I can't wait to see the next video.

[@richardroberts1090]

Excellent videos, What size wire did you connect the solar panels to the 8 awg? Are there 15-20 amp fuses per two panels?

[@thx4nutin]

Talk about pure upgrade envy!! And WHYYYYYYYYY must you torture us by splitting it up into two parts?? I’m sure there are those like us who don’t care that the video was over 45 minutes. This was some great stuff! I didn’t see a link in the description for the new skylights though. We definitely wanna go that route too. Someday, we WILL be making the journey to visit Ronnie and Tara (sp?) so we can do some upgrades on our baby and be like KYD. Keep these videos coming. Love it! ❤ Btw, if you ever need a dog sitter for Charlie, we’d love to play with him! He’s too much. 😊

[@bobgutgsell1009]

Love the clean shop and all the fun you all are having. The Tech stuff is great information. But Charley is working way to hard!

[@deedeew4040]

I love your show! I am disappointed in how Air Streams are made nowadays. This man knows his stuff!

[@NEENEEx5]

We love our 2024 Globetrotter 30’RB. Maybe we are just lucky😊

[@davidoverholt251]

Great Show you Two!

[@lyndad1255]

I run a RV storage centre in Melbourne Australia. We use forklifts to move vehicle. Tight circle.

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

That’s why I love the tractor

[@AO-vn9xm]

Good morning, where ever you are. My wife and I have been enjoying your videos for many years and we own a 2021 GT FBQ. We have modified /upgraded our GT over the years and we just did the 3” lift and now working on the flagpole hitch with Starlink. We also changed to the cast iron grate and it’s amazing compared to the original design. However, you need to take out the rubber inserts from the original grate and install 1/4” stainless steel plugs that cover the holes or you will get food/liquid into the holes and will drain into the components. We like your mods/upgrades and looking forward to the rest of them and your 2024 adventures.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Noted. Thanks!

[@billhempel8667]

Thanks for the video our sky light just got broke from hail I ordered the skylight and the sealant you recommended but did he use self tapping screws also and how many?

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

No screws needed

[@billhempel8667]

@@airstreamnutsandbolts Thank you look forward to meeting you guys in the future great content. And don’t listen to the hater’s you and KYD deserve any free products you can get. I also purchased the just rite plunger can from your recommendation for work.

[@RamblinRoadies]

The ultimate KYD Dream Machine. 🤙🏻

[@DreamlinerAdventures]

Great episode, lots of good info. What skylight is that? We’ve got to change our out to! Thanks!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Link in desc. Great skylight. Easy mod

[@jeromehebert3184]

this was really cool

[@CaptTPT]

The side view of your trailer underneath looks like one of your axles is bent. Have you noticed that or was that distortion in the video?

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

That’s normal. The Dexter Torsion axles are bent in the middle.

[@ddollins1]

I must be missing something. How do you put straps across the water tank that hang from shackles bolted to the axles. When the axles move surely you don’t want your tank to move as well. Thanks Dale

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

Axles are Dexter Torsion axles and the main axle does not move only the torsion end moves.

[@fignewtongarage364]

@@airstreamnutsandbolts wow I thought the same thing how does that work lol That’s awesome.

[@jefferybartels6594]

Why not use the factory solar panels? Are the panels used that much better?

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

Much better form factor so we can get more up there.

[@jefferybartels6594]

@@airstreamnutsandbolts thanks so much for the answer. What kind did you use?

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

Newpowa 100W

[@jefferybartels6594]

@@airstreamnutsandbolts Thanks again, you are the best!

[@mbodette]

What Make and Model are the solar panels?

[@MrCarpediempilot]

Great review can’t wait for the next part.

[@robertbrasington4526]

Ronnie, when so many say not to lift the AS by the axle, can you explain why you feel it is a good practice? Thanks for the video and your excellent work.

[@airstreamnutsandbolts]

There is a very simple explanation, because of liability reasons and people not having the knowledge or proper equipment. The spot I use to lift the Airstream is the point where the axle bolts to the frame. This point is where all the weight of the trailer is carried by the axles. The average person should just use the jack points for simplicity sake. I use the points I use because the work I do requires it.

[@robertbrasington4526]

Ok. I get it. You put the jack stand on the second axle at the same point you lifted the other axle. It makes sense to me. Thanks again.​@airstreamnutsandbolts

[@e-square9976]

Nice job! Can you divulge what brand / model solar panels you went with? If disclose, I missed it. Thx.

[@Blindmman]

I watched it all and never saw what it would cost if I bought all of these mods myself.

[@RollingwiththeRoss]

Great mods, great video.

[@dr.deanbard4784]

We purchased the new Trade Wind Solar Lithium factory engineering complete and 3 inch lift. Look at the specifications. Great build and workmanship.