FYI 2024 Dutch Star

[Joe Hogan]

On the new Dutch Star with LiFePo battery option the Victron inverters and controls are installed

love nice surprises

 

[Rich W.]

I really like (prefer) Victron and the new GX stuff is very nice. Curious about your battery bank - the option list shows Li-ion? Also what inverter does it have? Looking forward to more pics and info.

 

[Joe Hogan]

I’ll get a pic of the power bay for you. I opted for 960 amp of Lithionics LiFePo batteries, 3 packs, 320 amp each. The standard LiFePo is two packs. This comes with two Victron inverters.
In my opinion it is the optimum setup. A bonus is it comes with Factory support .
The factory tech appears to know how this system works. He adjusted the voltage surge limit on the BMS today. Just some fine tuning.

 

[Neal]

 

[Joe Hogan]

 

[Rich W.]

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Wow! That will be a very enjoyable system.

 

[Neal]

It is great to see Newmar on the leading edge side of technology finally. Doing it right!

 

[Jim]

Nice upgrade, Joe!

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[Joe Hogan]

Since we’re here….

let there be light….

 

[Joe Hogan]

First drive. Very different experience than the CanyonStar. Comfort Drive on a short test drive really appears to be a great option. Smooths out the direction nicely helping reduce the tendency to over drive the coach.
Drive was a busy narrow bumpy two lane with good breeze from the right. 43’ feels much bigger than the 40‘ CanyonStar. You feel the mass of this vehicle. It will take some time to feel comfortable driving this vehicle.
Engine brake is very powerful. Played around with it for a while. Finally turned it off.
Start up and stop routine is a bit more complicated than the gasser. Everything is in slow motion. Air up takes some time, jack retraction takes time.
Starting to understand why the DPs idle so long to start the day.
it is a fun learning experience

 

[team bradfield]

based on past experience, I never turn my EB off. for Jack retraction DW turns the key to acc no need to listen to the alarm while idling, likewise while auto leveling, she does the inside work. Mine is at ride height in about 2 minutes, I don't idle long at all, mainly just to warm up
Enjoy the DSDP, I love mine, sure beats hooking/unhooking a 5th wheel

 

[purring along]

First drive. Very different experience than the CanyonStar. Comfort Drive on a short test drive really appears to be a great option. Smooths out the direction nicely helping reduce the tendency to over drive the coach.
Drive was a busy narrow bumpy two lane with good breeze from the right. 43’ feels much bigger than the 40‘ CanyonStar. You feel the mass of this vehicle. It will take some time to feel comfortable driving this vehicle.
Engine brake is very powerful. Played around with it for a while. Finally turned it off.
Start up and stop routine is a bit more complicated than the gasser. Everything is in slow motion. Air up takes some time, jack retraction takes time.
Starting to understand why the DPs idle so long to start the day.
it is a fun learning experience

Joe your bringing back memories of my first time in our dutch star, after previously owning a baystar for six years. In no time you will feel very comfortable behind the wheel.

 

[Rich W.]

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So Joe, is your house panel set up so the inverters supply everything including the air conditioners?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Only the front A/c is run by inverter power. Most everything else is operating.

 

[Rich W.]

Makes sense - nice system!

 

[JRS]

Joe, approximately 2yrs ago an experienced Diesel Mechanic said the worse thing you can do is to idle the new rigs and to try to keep the time limited. You might consider using the cruise control to fast idle (naturally after oil pressure build + 30 - 60 seconds) to air up in the morning. A neighbor with a 2019 DS suggested I do this while at factory pickup.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

Wow! So much cleaner and better than my 2023 New Aire factory lithium install. They have really steped up their game based on the photos. I am quite envious of your Victron inverters and GX display panel. Enjoy!!

I may have to remount my 3 way combiner more like yours one weekend. I am not happy about how mine blocks the back power distribution and fuse wall.

So how did they handle alternator charging? Still using a solenoid to combine the house and chassis battery circuits or Victron dc to dc charger(s)?

Best,
-Mark

 

[Joe Hogan]

Well we made it to the next stop. NIRVC Atlanta. This shake down run pointed up some additional issues plus RettroBands.
hopefully we get this set tomorrow

 

[GUS2000]

Congrats! we are on our shakedown drive in our 2024 DS4369 and the drive is really impressive!! we are about 2k miles into the initial trip and no issues to speak of!!