Henry's Blog

[Rok_Dr]

You c

You can always fit a cheap BLE battery monitor to both batteries and take a closer look at what is going on. I have some screen captures from the BLE in my review of the rooftop solar panel here.

On my car, the BLE battery monitors and the Grenadiers SOC are broadly similar - both are estimating SOC anyway. I use the amps being charged to give me a good idea of where the SOC really is, 1 amp strongly suggests the batteries are close to 100% SOC (assuming the battery is working properly).

Thanks Michael

Yes getting some monitoring fitted is on my radar.... along with some sump guards, x-spec window mounts etc and getting my tax return in . I may go upmarket with Victron or Redarc shunts, only because I have their products and apps installed. Battery was tested as OK so my thinking is its either lazy alternator or more likely the BMW module has been programmed for city use.

My battery SOC generally hovers around the 80% mark. never above 82 unless I use an external charger and even then , only high 80s for a while.
I was reassured by this recent forum post:
"Maintaining the battery at approximately 80% SOC is by design. It's not a fault.
I discussed this with a senior BMW tech recently and he confirmed this is how BMW manage their batteries to reduce fuel consumption and extend battery life. In newer BMWs the target SOC is configurable to allow for the owner's usage pattern. For a city driver the alternator can be set to charge more aggressively during short trips and maintain the battery charge and ensure vehicle operation at the expense of higher fuel consumption.
This intelligent battery management is why we're seeing fluctuations in the charge rates during a drive cycle. Setting aside that there has been some reports of faulty batteries, my suggestion to the forum is to understand this is normal operation so stop fixating on less than 100% battery SOC."

Thanks Tazzieman

In my digging around the internet and forum that's my understanding as well, which is why I'm not too stressed and around 80% SOC may also extend battery life. But I would like to know why some cars like the loan vehicle I had, charge to 99% with higher amps coming from the alternator than a lot of our cars. Also it would be nice for the battery to fully charge so I have an extra 20-25 amp/hrs capacity when off grid. Still with a jump starter and a solar panel the worst that can happen is being parked up for an hour or so to recharge.

Finally talking with Paul Hennig last week he alluded to a forthcoming TSB that could also address this variability.

Cheers
Steve

 

[OzyGrenie]

Roof Bars

For many years I’ve used Rhino HD square bars and as a result have a reasonable investment in fittings for them. While the INEOS Rhino roof bars are very well made and good value, the bar profile is different and they are only presently available in pairs.

Following on from the posts of @jb_hamon (eg https://www.theineosforum.com/threads/roof-racks-head-up-displays-and-dash-cams-etc-any-after-market-accessory.12410499/post-1333199557), I’ve fitted 3 1800mm HD Square Rhino bars. You could get away with 1650mm bars, but it would be tight. I already had 2 sets of RL210 legs fitted with S2 retaining straps (to suit a 70 series land cruiser) and purchased a third set of RL210DS8 legs (for a Landrover Defender) which had S8 retaining straps that are a slightly different profile and a couple of mm longer reach under the gutter. I couldn’t get the S8 straps as a spare part for my old feet, but the roof rack sales guy suggested buying a set of S5 straps used on a GU Patrol which have a significantly greater reach under the gutter. Unfortunately they only come in sets of 4 so had to buy 2 sets. Pic following illustrates the difference in reach.

View attachment 7843114

View attachment 7843115
S5 strap fitted

I’ve mounted the bars to the gutters, between and to the front and rear of the grab handles. I’m finding little or no gutter flex when I hang my 90kg off the bars in these positions. Since I’m not going to be carrying heavy loads on the roof, I’m not going to fit any further bracing or supports to the legs at this point in time.


View attachment 7843116View attachment 7843117

Cheers
Steve

You do realise that gutters are the weakest mounting point of the entire roof being pressed metal. Therefore they do not provide the 150kg dynamic roof capacity, most assume.

Once again, the majority of most roof rack systems do not consider or cater for the Grenadiers 'flat roof' with 4x longitudinal rubber mounts and, more importantly, ignore the roof framing structure providing the load capacity.

Leitner Designs and Black Sheep have started to respond in their product line.

 

[MrMike]

You do realise that gutters are the weakest mounting point of the entire roof being pressed metal. Therefore they do not provide the 150kg dynamic roof capacity, most assume.

Once again, the majority of most roof rack systems do not consider or cater for the Grenadiers 'flat roof' with 4x longitudinal rubber mounts and, more importantly, ignore the roof framing structure providing the load capacity.

Leitner Designs and Black Sheep have started to respond in their product line.

If the gutters are not strong enough as you say, why then do IA supply a rack to fit with a 5 year warranty?
I'm sure the engineers who designed it would differ.
The gutters are folded pressed and bonded. The roof may be rated but to load the roof strip's which aren't securely fixed to the roof is a weak point in both designs for Australian conditions

 

[Rok_Dr]

You do realise that gutters are the weakest mounting point of the entire roof being pressed metal. Therefore they do not provide the 150kg dynamic roof capacity, most assume.

Once again, the majority of most roof rack systems do not consider or cater for the Grenadiers 'flat roof' with 4x longitudinal rubber mounts and, more importantly, ignore the roof framing structure providing the load capacity.

Leitner Designs and Black Sheep have started to respond in their product line.

X2 @MrMike's comments.

As noted the last paragraph on my original post as I don't carry heavy loads, these bars and the mountings are fit for my purposes plus in over 40 years I have never had any issues with gutter mounted roof bars on other vehicles. If I was permanently mounting a roof top tent or carrying heavy loads though I would go for a different option.

 

[Rok_Dr]

Helena Aurora Ranges Take 2

After being washed out in April I finally made it back to the ranges the other week leading a group from the local Land Rover club. No rain at all this time!. We stayed at a very basic camp ground (really just a cleared area) at the base of the range and also did day trips from there visiting the Mt Manning BIF Ranges to the north west and old Mt Dimer gold workings to the east.

The ranges are folded banded iron formations (BIF) that have been turned on their side and stand around 200m above the surrounding land surface. Besides being geologically interesting they have unique flora and fauna and are of great cultural significance to the traditional owners of the area, the Kalamaia.

The weather was pleasant and there were still some spring wild flowers, especially in areas which had been recently burnt. Except for the main entry track from Koolyanobbing the going was slow and average speeds were 25-50kph. Tracks were not difficult but in places were variably rutted, twisty and tight/vegetated. One group member staked a tyre on the edge of the tread which needed 4 plugs to seal.

Henry handled the trip easily. Locked the centre diff and dropped the tyre pressures slightly on the gravel and in tight sections used off road mode, mainly to stop the parking sensors chirping from bushes brushing the car. I carried 2 jerry cans of diesel on the camper trailer, which gave me just on 1000km range before needing to refuel. This included 500km towing. Towing economy was in the mid 15l/100km area, with the display showing 11-12l/100km pottering slowly along the tracks.

Other statistical trivia. Including a short evening shower and washing up, I found my water usage about 25L/day. Using 1, 225w solar panel I was able to power the camper for 3 days before the batteries (200 amp Hr Lithium) dropped to 35%. Using 2 panels charged the batteries to 100% by lunch time. The 95l Dometic Fridge freezer in the camper trailer is the main energy consumer. It draws around 5 amps when running.

Cheers
Steve

Camp area

View from the Helena Aurora Ranges

Tightly Folded BIF

Wild Flowers

Bungalbin is the aboriginal name for the Helena Aurora ranges

Mt Manning Range

Dimers Stone Hut

 

[Don Fraser]

Helena Aurora Ranges Take 2

After being washed out in April I finally made it back to the ranges the other week leading a group from the local Land Rover club. No rain at all this time!. We stayed at a very basic camp ground (really just a cleared area) at the base of the range and also did day trips from there visiting the Mt Manning BIF Ranges to the north west and old Mt Dimer gold workings to the east.

The ranges are folded banded iron formations (BIF) that have been turned on their side and stand around 200m above the surrounding land surface. Besides being geologically interesting they have unique flora and fauna and are of great cultural significance to the traditional owners of the area, the Kalamaia.

The weather was pleasant and there were still some spring wild flowers, especially in areas which had been recently burnt. Except for the main entry track from Koolyanobbing the going was slow and average speeds were 25-50kph. Tracks were not difficult but in places were variably rutted, twisty and tight/vegetated. One group member staked a tyre on the edge of the tread which needed 4 plugs to seal.

Henry handled the trip easily. Locked the centre diff and dropped the tyre pressures slightly on the gravel and in tight sections used off road mode, mainly to stop the parking sensors chirping from bushes brushing the car. I carried 2 jerry cans of diesel on the camper trailer, which gave me just on 1000km range before needing to refuel. This included 500km towing. Towing economy was in the mid 15l/100km area, with the display showing 11-12l/100km pottering slowly along the tracks.

Other statistical trivia. Including a short evening shower and washing up, I found my water usage about 25L/day. Using 1, 225w solar panel I was able to power the camper for 3 days before the batteries (200 amp Hr Lithium) dropped to 35%. Using 2 panels charged the batteries to 100% by lunch time. The 95l Dometic Fridge freezer in the camper trailer is the main energy consumer. It draws around 5 amps when running.

Cheers
Steve

View attachment 7876374
View attachment 7876379
Camp area

View attachment 7876376
View from the Helena Aurora Ranges
View attachment 7876380

View attachment 7876381

View attachment 7876382
View attachment 7876378
Tightly Folded BIF

View attachment 7876383

Wild Flowers
View attachment 7876384

View attachment 7876385
Bungalbin is the aboriginal name for the Helena Aurora ranges

View attachment 7876388
Mt Manning Range

View attachment 7876389

View attachment 7876390
Dimers Stone Hut

View attachment 7876391

Great pics I would love to join in a future trip Don

 

[MrMike]

Helena Aurora Ranges Take 2

After being washed out in April I finally made it back to the ranges the other week leading a group from the local Land Rover club. No rain at all this time!. We stayed at a very basic camp ground (really just a cleared area) at the base of the range and also did day trips from there visiting the Mt Manning BIF Ranges to the north west and old Mt Dimer gold workings to the east.

The ranges are folded banded iron formations (BIF) that have been turned on their side and stand around 200m above the surrounding land surface. Besides being geologically interesting they have unique flora and fauna and are of great cultural significance to the traditional owners of the area, the Kalamaia.

The weather was pleasant and there were still some spring wild flowers, especially in areas which had been recently burnt. Except for the main entry track from Koolyanobbing the going was slow and average speeds were 25-50kph. Tracks were not difficult but in places were variably rutted, twisty and tight/vegetated. One group member staked a tyre on the edge of the tread which needed 4 plugs to seal.

Henry handled the trip easily. Locked the centre diff and dropped the tyre pressures slightly on the gravel and in tight sections used off road mode, mainly to stop the parking sensors chirping from bushes brushing the car. I carried 2 jerry cans of diesel on the camper trailer, which gave me just on 1000km range before needing to refuel. This included 500km towing. Towing economy was in the mid 15l/100km area, with the display showing 11-12l/100km pottering slowly along the tracks.

Other statistical trivia. Including a short evening shower and washing up, I found my water usage about 25L/day. Using 1, 225w solar panel I was able to power the camper for 3 days before the batteries (200 amp Hr Lithium) dropped to 35%. Using 2 panels charged the batteries to 100% by lunch time. The 95l Dometic Fridge freezer in the camper trailer is the main energy consumer. It draws around 5 amps when running.

Cheers
Steve

View attachment 7876374
View attachment 7876379
Camp area

View attachment 7876376
View from the Helena Aurora Ranges
View attachment 7876380

View attachment 7876381

View attachment 7876382
View attachment 7876378
Tightly Folded BIF

View attachment 7876383

Wild Flowers
View attachment 7876384

View attachment 7876385
Bungalbin is the aboriginal name for the Helena Aurora ranges

View attachment 7876388
Mt Manning Range

View attachment 7876389

View attachment 7876390
Dimers Stone Hut

View attachment 7876391

How were the flies? Very friendly no doubt, great part of WA out there

 

[Rok_Dr]

How were the flies? Very friendly no doubt, great part of WA out there

Ahh yes they were just a tad friendly!!

 

[Rok_Dr]

A couple of other comments and observations from the recent trip.

Battery Charging.
I’ve always been a bit concerned that Henry never seems to get above 80% charged in normal day to day driving. At the start of the trip he was at 74% SOC but by the end it was at 96%. Monitoring the SOC during the trip showed most of the gain was made during the few days pottering around the ranges. I didn’t have any loads running beyond charging the camper trailer house batteries while driving to/from the ranges. As others have noted on the forum while initially disconcerting the low SOC percentages in around town driving are normal behaviour, so I’m I’ll stop worrying and make a note regarding this in the next edition of the manual.

Off-Road Navigation.
This was the first real test of running off-line imagery through OsmAnd Maps on the centre display, as except for the lookouts at the top of the range we had no mobile coverage. As I noted in another thread (https://www.theineosforum.com/threads/custom-maps-and-images-in-carplay.12416451/) it’s a clunky process to get Google or Bing satellite imagery into a format that OsmAnd Maps can read, but it's possible. However be aware file sizes will exponentially grow as you increase your resolution. For an area of 15,000 sqkm (150x100km) at 2 m resolution I ended up with a 10gb tile file, which took a while to transfer to my iPhone. It worked nicely. OsmAnd Maps did drop out a few times, probably due to tripping up on rotating the image but it restarted cleanly.

I used the satellite imagery for detail navigation and the published 250K GA mapping on the iPad for a more regional view. The detail was useful where tracks had changed from the historical mapping.

Another chap in the group also has success with using Google Maps and saving the area for offline usage. It appears that Google have captured a lot of the tracks from the 250K GA mapping and he was able to navigate using the way-points I had provided him.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Rok_Dr]

Camp Light
An early Christmas present for Henry.

The small 7.8" Stedi LED light bars have been on my radar for a while and I rather liked @Shopkeep's installation on the roof rails. https://www.theineosforum.com/threads/work-light-on-roof-grab-bar.12415826/post-1333288456. However I wanted a light with an external switch, so I didn’t have to be reaching into the car all the time and also, an Amber light to mitigate the bugs. While I was working out how to rig up a weatherproof switch and also waiting for Stedi to get the Amber light back in stock, they released a dual colour amber/white light with touch sensitive dimable switches for each colour. All problems solved so I quickly bought one along with the small bull bar clamps.

• Micro V2 Dual Colour Light: https://www.stedi.com.au/micro-v2-dual-colour-7-8-inch.html
• 22-30mm Small VICE Bull Bar Tube Clamps: https://www.stedi.com.au/vice-bull-bar-tube-clamps-mc.html

The light came with a DT plug, bare end pigtail. I connected a DTP connector on the bare ends to plug the light into the roof outlets. I ended up soldering the connector pins as the pigtail wires too thin to properly crimp and in the future, I may solder another pigtail into the pins to make a splitter if/when I buy another light. As noted by @Shopkeep, the supplied 10mm bolts are too short and the cup heads, too wide for the bracket slot. I found some M6, 16mm, socket head, cap bolts that fitted the slot neatly from my local bolt specialist.

For the install I used the supplied 25mm plastic spacers. Getting the bracket bolted on the handrail was a bit fiddly, but I found screwing the bottom side up first and then rotating the bracket downwards into position to do the top side worked nicely. With a bit of fiddling, I was also able to get the wiring and pigtail adaptor neatly tucked inside the roof connector box.

I’ve no complaints with the performance of the lights with both the amber and white settings giving plenty of light. Press on the relevant side touch point to switch on and hold to slowly dim or brighten.

White Setting

Amber Setting

Finally, a couple of fine print details I initially missed on the Stedi web site which may be useful if you are considering mounting the lights on other bar work. The 22-30mm small pipe bracket has a 6.5mm slot, whereas the larger versions are 8.5mm. The larger versions also have grub screws and bolts which replace the short bolts.

Cheers
Steve

 

[MrMike]

Camp Light
An early Christmas present for Henry.

The small 7.8" Stedi LED light bars have been on my radar for a while and I rather liked @Shopkeep's installation on the roof rails. https://www.theineosforum.com/threads/work-light-on-roof-grab-bar.12415826/post-1333288456. However I wanted a light with an external switch, so I didn’t have to be reaching into the car all the time and also, an Amber light to mitigate the bugs. While I was working out how to rig up a weatherproof switch and also waiting for Stedi to get the Amber light back in stock, they released a dual colour amber/white light with touch sensitive dimable switches for each colour. All problems solved so I quickly bought one along with the small bull bar clamps.

• Micro V2 Dual Colour Light: https://www.stedi.com.au/micro-v2-dual-colour-7-8-inch.html
• 22-30mm Small VICE Bull Bar Tube Clamps: https://www.stedi.com.au/vice-bull-bar-tube-clamps-mc.html

The light came with a DT plug, bare end pigtail. I connected a DTP connector on the bare ends to plug the light into the roof outlets. I ended up soldering the connector pins as the pigtail wires too thin to properly crimp and in the future, I may solder another pigtail into the pins to make a splitter if/when I buy another light. As noted by @Shopkeep, the supplied 10mm bolts are too short and the cup heads, too wide for the bracket slot. I found some M6, 16mm, socket head, cap bolts that fitted the slot neatly from my local bolt specialist.
View attachment 7880995

For the install I used the supplied 25mm plastic spacers. Getting the bracket bolted on the handrail was a bit fiddly, but I found screwing the bottom side up first and then rotating the bracket downwards into position to do the top side worked nicely. With a bit of fiddling, I was also able to get the wiring and pigtail adaptor neatly tucked inside the roof connector box.

View attachment 7880996

I’ve no complaints with the performance of the lights with both the amber and white settings giving plenty of light. Press on the relevant side touch point to switch on and hold to slowly dim or brighten.

White Setting
View attachment 7880997

Amber Setting
View attachment 7880998

Finally, a couple of fine print details I initially missed on the Stedi web site which may be useful if you are considering mounting the lights on other bar work. The 22-30mm small pipe bracket has a 6.5mm slot, whereas the larger versions are 8.5mm. The larger versions also have grub screws and bolts which replace the short bolts.

Cheers
Steve

I'd like the outputs wired to my aux battery, that way I can run those lights for some time and not worry about flattening the battery.

 

[Rok_Dr]

I'd like the outputs wired to my aux battery, that way I can run those lights for some time and not worry about flattening the battery.

They don't draw much power, 1.1 amps, with both colors on maximum, so it would take a while to draw a battery down to 50%. I'd be more worried about the draw of a fridge and other 12v appliances.

Cheers
Steve