After several months of agonizing, our Lil'Bigfoot connected successfully to our 2002 V70 Volvo, with all electronics talking to one another and no computers frying!
Volvo Steve initially ordered a European plug for us to install on the trailer. But after some discussion here, we realized this would limit our trailer to only one vehicle, so nixed that idea.
Then Volvo Steve said we could easily build an adapter from the European plug. He thought that Trailer Jason would know just what to do, so handed me the plug and off I went.
Trailer Jason said no... he would have to change out the European plug on the Volvo (gnashing of teeth). I was certain this wasn't necessary. This was on Monday before Labor Day, and we expected to have all installs complete and be ready to go on Friday.
I called Bob Miller, who was up volunteering on the fires in Washington, who graciously called me back and then called Jason to talk to him. Then Bob called ME back and said that I needed to order a new part (which he had recommended but I had missed). He gave me the name of the vendor; I called and ordered the part and asked for overnight shipping.
The part came on Wednesday. Steve looked at it and said, "well... this would work, but I really need to do this differently."
So we asked Trailer Jason to PLEASE finish his end of the job... new water pump, new water lines, 12v sockets, systems checks. He did that, and kindly delivered the trailer to Steve, since DH was at work and Volvo wasn't ready to tow yet. This was Thursday afternoon.
So Steve took the European trailer plug, tested all of its wires against the standard NA plug, so he could be CERTAIN everything worked as expected. (For instance, the PO told us he had added backup
lights. What circuit were they on?) This was after 5pm, with other customers in line wanting things done before the big weekend, and with the wife and the new baby waiting in the garage.
He ordered a standard converter from Napa, and on Friday built the plug from scratch.
I had expected to drive over to Big Lagoon on Thursday in order to score a great site... but as it was we weren't even able to pack and prepare the trailer before Thursday night and Friday am.
Along with all of his other pressing commitments, Steve managed to finish the plug and have it ready on Friday by 2pm.
Here he is, installing it while talking on the phone to another customer in need.
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Viola. It ALL WORKED.
Here is Volvo Steve with a well-earned bottle of champagne.
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Here is Ellpea's Lil'Bea in a lovely site at Big Lagoon:
I know. The campsite looks a little disorderly, but I was handling the setup by myself while the DH was out winning a first with his El Toro:
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Morning moon at Big Lagoon:
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[/IMG] (Taken Saturday morning from our bed while the DH was up making coffee.
Oh, BTW, Mr Minimalist (my hubby, not the Minimalist member here), who was SO against the idea of buying a FGRV and towing it with the Volvo, now LOVES the idea and also really likes the trailer.
Happy Ending!