WOW! NASAGUY Stays Off-Grid for 10 days with Rockwood 2205S

Properly set up, the Rockwood Mini-lite is the perfect "Escape-pod". With the right solar and lithium batteries, and use of Propane instead of new DC frig, it runs off-grid for 10 days straight. NASAGUY shows you some tricks to keep cool in the summer, and how to properly configure the Rockwood 2205S from options to color schemes.
NOTE: To upgrade the WFCO Converter to Lithium requires replacing the bottom section (the charger) to the part: WF-8955-LIS-MBA ( I don't think the MBA part is relevant). The key is to match up the amperage with the unit you have. So if you have a 55 amp charger, make sure to order the 8955 with the 55 amp charger. There is a switch which allows you to change from Lithium to Lead Acid on this board. The unit which all the dealers I know install is not appropriate for lithium so make sure if you're upgrading to make sure they use this part. Note that many of the newer units are probably coming with the lithium charger included, so check to see if it has a lithium charging profile.
parts.unitedrv.com/products/w...
The battery I used is a 206 AMP HOUR Lithium battery, and is one single battery which costs around the same as one of the typical batteries. It works extremely well. It does not quite fit in a regular battery box, but I left it looking "messy" so that no one would know it was a unique set up.
It is a SOK unit: Here is a link (I don't make money off this, but found it on sale).
shopsolarkits.com/products/so...{campaign}&US_5206884221068_34335187501196&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dGChIrh9wIVNAytBh2vRAp4EAQYASABEgK5IvD_BwE

[@Raven5763]

Thanks for the review, i am really considering rhis model. We used to boondock a lot with our last trailer. We took a 1000 watt generator and would run it between 4-6 pm. We took showers, made dinner and washed dishes during this time and never ran out of power.

[@user-kq9zq2ls8i]

Hey! Great review. My wife and I have had a cherokee rv for 10 years now,...got it new....its been great. We were shopping last weeking and loved the Mini. This video backs up everything we were thinking and feeling....next spring we'll be trading in. Thanks again.

[@Erin-Thor]

The little plastic holder in that weird pull out shelf/drawer is for your dishwashing sponges, vegetable brushes or whatever else you want to stick there. The plastic prevents water damage to your cabinets. :)

[@oldkoot5828]

Thanks for the tip on the rear camera.

[@cbro777]

Excellent video sir. Great information and tips.

[@UGPVlogsLA]

Love it! Color choice is perfect 👍

[@nasaguy373]

It is very peaceful. I used that "hard to believe" Anderson Hitch (weighs 1/2 the weight of conventional weight distributing hitches, and it worked so well even in high winds. Feels like you're driving a truck without the trailer behind you. Yes, love the color. D

[@michaelwatts8155]

We have almost the exact rig on order - enjoyed your video!

[@MichalskiChristopher]

what option(s) did you spec your's out with?

[@jlantz3691]

Great video. We pick our 2205S up on Monday, and yes, Chocolate/Newport Ash! Quick request: could you post a picture or link to your outside window treatments. Can't quite visualize it. Thanks.

[@nasaguy373]

Sure. I will shortly.

[@sgardner4156]

Lol "As Josh says" nice call out! Good info, thank you!

[@nasaguy373]

The charger replacement is a WFCO WF8955 LIS. You swap out the standard one with this unit which fits perfectly. You have to reconnect all wires, but the cool part is it provides a switch to change from lithium to lead acid if you end up using lead acid batteries.

[@allan6021]

If you’re going to retain the charger way back there, which is as far away from the batteries as possible on this model, you should upgrade to larger wire between the charger and the batteries because you’ll lose a fair bit of voltage over that distance. The factory probably uses 8 AWG but I’d replace it with at least 4 AWG. Otherwise, you can mount an aftermarket lithium-compatible charger up in the pass through and power it by running some Romex from the converter breaker in the power center up to a dedicated receptacle in the pass through.

[@erickessler6094]

Great review, wonderful insights, and helpful education! With the honest N-S Queen, Recliner Sofa, and shower that I could fit at 6'+ 230lb ... I think it's Perfect! Did you order it with special option Axle? I love all the storage, kind of a double-edged sword... I wonder if you've weighed the beauty loaded? How is the tongue weight? Haha, I loved my RAM 1500 too. Only vehicle with convenience of RAM Box and Air Suspension! 😎 Cheers, Eric

[@rogern5368]

I saw someplace from a well known rep that if you add the tow platform hitch it voids the warranty ? Was an equalizer anti sway load leveling added ??? Didn’t see it in the video. Thanks for the great review. This is my choice for my next rv camper. Big stuff in a small package. Good catch on the spell check “Stabalizers” !!

[@mkroach59]

Can't say the same about the quality of mine, plastic fender wells were only attached with 3 screws leaving big gaps to the outdoors.

[@sgarza3329]

Adding to my comment. We have the Rockwood 2022 2104s

[@jerrytalley802]

What is the oldest one of these brands that you have owned? I like the looks, idea, but worry about delaminating, one guy had one sweating on the inside then it froze, mildewed, etc. I love the looks of these campers too.

[@kerifawcett7286]

Thanks for the great video. Picking up our 2205S in May. Wondering if you could elaborate on the battery connection issues you talked about with Lithium batteries. We will have the 380 watt Solar, Propane fridge and 2 100 ah Lithium batteries. Wondering about optimum set up?

[@nasaguy373]

Well the thing you have to confirm is that the wfco converter charger you have was built with rhe bottom section with a switch which allows you to change charge profiles from lead acid to lithium. If you purchased the unit and added lithium batteries but did not upgrade the bottom section of the wfco converter charger to the lithium upgrade, you're not charging your batteries to their fullest. The other little secret is you can add a 100 watt portable solar panel to the external solar port and get another 100 watts of solar. They are just starring to ship the units with lithium charging capability. You can contact wfco to see if you have the lithium charger built in. Make sense?

[@kerifawcett7286]

@@nasaguy373 yes, thank-you. We have purchased the WIFCO 8955LIS which is a Lithium battery switch for the WIFCo converter, so hopefully we will be able to charge batteries fully. Thanks so much!

[@oldkoot5828]

HOW often do you grease your wheel bearings?

[@sgarza3329]

Do you have a link for the window covers you installed and the link for the license plate camera. Just found this video. Great review.

[@nasaguy373]

The window covers I installed are custom made. The backup camera was from Costco, but here is the link: www.costco.com/type-s-add-on-hd-quick-connect-wireless-solar-backup-camera.product.100505008.html

[@oldkoot5828]

SO, How well does that 1500 tow? Seem a little on the edge.

[@barbaradowney4207]

Hey Nasaguy, just found this video...we have been researching travel trailers for a couple of years and thought we settled on an Ember once they introduced a dual axle...I belong to an Ember group and all reports of leaks are really concerning to me...they are a brand new company and these are the first units produced but we also have had our eye on Rockwoods...the aluminum stuff is called Reflectix and that little drawer in front of the sink is usually used for sponges, guess you don't wash many dishes :) We watched a video of a 2511S and really liked that floorplan, though it's around 2 feet longer than this one....water leaks scare me the most. How are the snaps for your window coverings attached to the trailer?

[@nasaguy373]

I've owned 4 Rockwoods in total (with my brother) and not one of them has ever seen the shop for anything believe it or not. It is always a good idea to wait. The Ember is so cool, but so many "cool" units develop a mystique around them, where no one actually tells the truth about the problems they are having. It gets kind of cult-like. Like Airstream: Cool trailer, but gets so small, so fast and the quality is simply not there anymore. The Window coverings are attached using standard marine-type snaps for bimini tops, and are screwed into the Azdel. They work very well.

[@saramarion4423]

Please provide the information about the Lithium charger that you would recommend! Very interested in which model you would not recommend and which one you think is more efficient for float charge.

[@nasaguy373]

The only true Lithuim charger is made by WFCO and simply replaces the bottom section of the converter with an upgrade which has a switch which allows you to set it to lithium or lead acid. I will try to find the part number but it is on wfcos site. I just emailed them. It is a simple replacement. I'm shocked that for years everyone has been installing the wrong charger.

[@nasaguy373]

WF8955 LIS is the bottom section. It was made to simply replace the bottom charger section and has a switch to change from lithium to lead acid

[@saramarion4423]

@@nasaguy373 Thx a bunch! I'm looking to install Lithium next week and will go research this!

[@bradfallin2698]

Hi NASA Guy, I keep hearing from salesmen that you shouldn't sit in slides when they are pulled in but noticed you did. Have you seen any adverse results from that or are they just BSing me?

[@mb5ggX2SyFMM]

I too would love to know.

[@rntruthseeker61]

me too

[@fredrickriffel5845]

2022 Rockwood 2205s . Three trips out and the kitchen drawers are falling out. We are not pleased with the quality.

[@rntruthseeker61]

Outside window treatment link?

[@johnguz76]

Do you use sway bars?

[@jaycle71]

What type of heater were you using during extended boondocking?

[@nasaguy373]

I used a buddy propane heater. Hose went out the window and I had to set it to the lowest setting. Little buddy? The popular one.. around 100 bucks. I will try to post it.

[@richardkelly2047]

Wow. The 12 volt frig catch fire? I have 2. Neither one had started a fire. I think I’ve heard of propane frig actually killing people

[@oldkoot5828]

Yea, the propane idea is old technology. I would remove it.

[@mattciccio9301]

Hey Nasaguy, my parents are in the market for an RV and I think the rockwood series would be great for them. If you don’t mind me asking, Where did you purchase the 2205S and How much did you pay?

[@tommajor2940]

I bought mine last December at the peak of the insanity and paid $37,465. I figure that was probably on the high side but you couldn't find one of these for months before or after. I would think that if the dealership is fully stocked you might get it for under $34,000 (maybe), but that is really an un-informed guess on my part...

[@mb5ggX2SyFMM]

@@tommajor2940 Thank you. BTW, did you sit on the sofa while the slide was in?

[@bradharber5750]

I've heard that you aren't supposed to use whatever is on the slide while it's in because it could damage it. Is that not true for this model?

[@oldkoot5828]

Same here.

[@aronk7412]

Per Rockwood- do not use the slides when not extended. I was very disappointed to learn that. The slides are floating and not supported when slid in. Great video. We have a 2021 2608BS Ultralite which is just under 30 feet. We love it. Great quality so far

[@teresawommack5148]

Price?

[@1hotdogman]

What hitch do you use?

[@oldkoot5828]

Hotdog Goose Neck...just kidding. I have a Husky hitch and like it.

[@ziggypeace9933]

How much ?

[@oldkoot5828]

Geeeeezzzzz, NASA Guy. Come on man.

[@jhyetter8938]

It doesn’t look like you stayed in the trailer at all

[@slant36]

Where's the dining table?

[@nasaguy373]

There is a table stored in the front storage. Most don't use it but works inside or not. Not most elegant solution but ...

[@eandjbyrne5784]

We have the same model and we constantly use the table. When we are not eating, we push the table along the bottom of the bed. Before bed, we push the table in front of the recliners and put the decorative pillows on top of the table. For us, we love the table. I was worried about not liking the table, but use it non-stop. It’s even good for rolling out dough for pies.

[@NCICRESQ]

Where is the dinner table?

[@northlander4370]

i read somewhere that you shouldnt sit in the seats with the slide in ...

[@nasaguy373]

I will look into that. Good point and question. Most experts taut this as one of the best features but now I have to look into it. But, if you think of the physics of the slide when you are towing and hit bumps, the vector force downward on the seating area and slide has to far exceed the weight of a human but you may be right. Will research it.

[@anonymoususer6683]

@@nasaguy373 Josh made a video about that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6Wqln58a96oZ8k

[@oldkoot5828]

YES, that is what I understand too.

[@nasaguy373]

OK, so I looked into this: The entire box is floating when pulled in, and you should not put pressure on the front edge. You're right that you should not use it, but in researching it, I also found out that the entire box bounces down the road while driving as well. The difference? The force is NOT on the front edge of the slide out (closet to the inside), and if you place supports under the front edge, there is a good chance you could sit in the seat without damaging anything. Regardless, I took your advice, and placed a chair in the RV which fits in front of the TV and still allows me to use the RV when closed up. I also got 6 door stops which provide support for the slide if I feel like sitting in it. Safest thing is to not use the slide out when in.

[@gino82524]

@@nasaguy373 It also depends on the weight on the slide. If you are a 180 lb solo camper it wouldn't be so damaging as if you were a couple of heavyweights. Right?? Especially if you're just sitting watching a movie.

[@northlander4370]

Painful one ...Schwintek ....lol! , also the thermostat is archaic !

[@nasaguy373]

Where do you see Schwintek? The thermostat is archaic. I added a Bluetooth one to it.

[@nasaguy373]

I replaced the Thermostat with that microair unit which can be controlled via wifi from anywhere. My close friend is an RV tech and says that the old unit I have is still the most reliable one they make. I prefer the high tech units myself, but understand his viewpoint.

[@northlander4370]

@@nasaguy373 starts with an "S" ...

[@daveshimmel7589]

Are you ready to sell it?

[@jessicahayden1415]

It's a sponge holder...😂

[@jean-yvesdore4312]

Wifi Ranger is worthless… because most of the campground’s wifi are very slow! Second, It is a shame that Rockwood still install this bad, very bad and unefficient Gopower PWM solar controller! I had to replaced it on my rig. Also what can you do with a 1000 w inverter? nothing! You need at least a 1500W to supply a 15 amp outlet! Apart from these, I like my MiniLite a lot after I replace these 3 items.

[@nasaguy373]

Agreed, except my Gopower system has worked extremely well. The issue with the 1000 watt inverter is that it is so inefficient and cheap. What did you replace your inverter with, and was it difficult to do? Needed a transfer switch etc? Actually there are so many great inverter/chargers out there. The marine world has many. I was surprised that the PWM controller recharged the 206AH battery by 1 every day in the winter. In other words, the Gopower did it's job just fine. Perhaps in worse weather conditions it would make a difference. I'm in Las Vegas so sun is plentiful. The platform itself? What is better?

[@jean-yvesdore4312]

@@nasaguy373 Hi, of course I leave just north of the Canadian border and I have a fridge with a 12 volts compressor. So, I replace the Gopower with a Victron MPPT and add 400 watts of pv. I replace the inverter with a Renogy 2000W, and installed an outside outlet to the side of the trailer, this one is hardwire to the Renogy. I don’t need a transfert switch, I just plug my trailer 30 amps cord to this dedicated outlet. Make sure to close the converter breaker while using the inverter this way. This way, I can use all the appliances, including the microwave and a toaster. I spent 10 days without hookup with minimal sun. But this is not enoufg to use the air conditionner. I replace the WFCO converter with a Lithium converter and it is fully charging my 200 ah LifePo4 batterie.

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@nasaguy373 Can you run the AC off of the batteries?

[@aldec4618]

The WiFi Ranger is great if you are “Mooch” docking at a friend or relative’s place. We jump onto their high speed WiFi and stream movies, etc.

[@jean-yvesdore4312]

@@Bronco2Cj Yes and no! with 2000 w inverter and adding a soft start to your ac, it can run but it will drain your batterie very fast.

[@oldkoot5828]

The sad thing about these campers is that they are not 4 seasons rated.

[@gr7485]

Four seasons where though? Spending four seasons in Florida is much different than four seasons in Montana.

[@oldkoot5828]

@@gr7485 Montana would be nice.

[@rogerspalding5673]

I'm always suspicious of anyone who boasts how smart they are because of a particular product purchase. Everything is so great. I'll bet his bowel movement this morning was great, too. If it's so wonderful, why is there carpeting on the slide?

[@oldkoot5828]

Yea,

[@bobkatc9368]

TV is too high!

[@oldkoot5828]

Yea, those cup holders stink.