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Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
jd1923 replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
The OP changed his mind on this criterion. Scotty can chime in again, but I believe it's because the benefits of less noise and greater Ah efficiency of the Chill Cube over the Dometic FreshJet. For me, I would not buy a Dometic RV A/C product again on principal, so I didn't! đ We have no plans for summer travel to the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Valley or anywhere else hot & humid anytime soon. However, we can assume when the cooling demands are high and high humidity is present, the Chill Cube like any A/C will produce an abundance of condensate. Yes, there is no drain for it, so if enough is produced to overfill the condensate wheel reservoir it should overflow. If there was a drain, or if one was added you would lose the efficiency in wetting/cooling the condenser by the water wheel. Why couldn't the condensate reservoir be tapped, condensate plumbed away? No condensate drip may be worth losing some efficiency, but many Forum members have expressed their unwillingness to modify new equipment. Comments like this were added to GJâs Houghton mod posts, "I shouldn't have to!" or âI can't for warranty reasons.â @Geronimo John this would NOT be you, as you have modified your Houghton A/C years ago in ways that were not easy to design nor execute! Condensate drain plumbing in the Oliver was designed to mate with the Dometic P2 and we've heard but not confirmed the FreshJet drain would mate as well. The picture shows the A/C opening of our Oliver. We could assume all OTT Dometic P2 installations to be similar. On the far right we see the 12 AWG yellow Romex to power the A/C. The other wiring with red butt connectors is the low voltage thermostat wiring and right in the middle is the condensate plumbing. There was also tubing connected there running from the rear of the p2 to this elbow fitting. If we had a condensate drip issue, I would pull the Chill Cube off the roof, drill and screw a tap somewhere in the condensate trough and run a flexible water line to the front left corner attached to this drain. In my thinking when something is needed, it's not can I do this, but how will I get it done! đ It shouldn't be too difficult and running the Chill Cube vs. a FreshJet would certainly be worth the effort. Why can't condensate plumbing be added to the Atmos/Tosot that several here have installed, or the Turbro/Pioneer inverter A/C, or the Houghton? https://www.amazon.com/Joyway-Brass-Fitting-Degree-Elbow/dp/B07CMRYL16/ Yeah, that's the way of our world. Last November, I worked a full exterior cosmetic restoration of our 10-year-old hull ending with ceramic coating. We don't travel near as much as Galileo, but since then we've gone on 10 short trips, 54 overnights (43 boondocking on dirt). See picture where the pavement ends and then another 24 miles to our campsite at Walnut Creek. I pressure-wash when we return from trips like this but don't ever truly wash her. I'm not using products or buffing wheels, not me. I do use a leaf-blower after pressure-washing! đ€Ł We're just going to get her dirty and bring 'er back for detailing every year or so. This reference makes sense to me, what's a little condensate drip for campers like us? -
Thanks for all the suggestions. I think that I'll use the "run it long to the TV bumper" approach - at least for now - to avoid adding any holes to the shiny new trailer.
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No need to imagine. My previous tow vehicle had an engine harness wiring that ran too close to an exhaust heat shield. At precisely 1,000 miles after warranty, the heat shield wore through the wiring harness and shorted out a fuel injector. Iâm just lucky it happened within easy motor club towing distance of a dealer. (âLuckyâ if you call having to change camping reservations at the last moment, rent a car, and fork over $500 for the repair.) Still, I guess I should count myself lucky that it happened in a city rather than the narrow, winding mountain roads I was driving with the trailer the week before. Anyway, it seems that just as with everything else, weâre often beta testers for the things we buy. If stuff holds together for the first couple of years, youâre basically in your own.
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Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
Galileo replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
Seems like areas that I just cleaned and waxed yesterday have water spots on them by morning. If I could only direct rain or tree debris⊠The video didnât mention if the ChillCube had a designated âoutletâ for condensate that doesnât get blown through the condenser coils. Does it just âoverflowâ when it reaches the top of a pan or channel, or is there a designated drain or even a handy barb or nipple one could slip a hose onto to direct the overflow someplace least harmful? -
Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
Galileo replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
I suppose if one stayed in one geographical and/or climatic region - you could worry about this or not. We find ourselves in pretty much every area. (the âtrying to towel offâ illustration is something weâve encountered far too often!) One can only assume (hope?) that the folks who designed, built, and teased this critter have taken varying climates where one might use A/C into account. -
Geronimo John started following Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
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Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
Geronimo John replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
I was lulled by an OTT owner that condensate over the side of our hull was no issue. I went with the Houghton (no internal drain or evaporative solution such as a water wheel). My hull is now stained by the condensate. SO, I fully agree that an internal drain or a water wheel what works in humid conditions is a must. GJ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CORRECTION: The quote above was not from RonBlink. Not sure why it was attrituted incorretly. Here is a copy of it: Sorry Ron! GJ -
Anybody having to deal with Social Security?
Shawna and Scott replied to Galileo's topic in General Discussion
I had to contact my US Congressman's office to get OPM to finally respond. Their recording just said go to website and hung up and website did not cover my needs. I emailed my Congressman and they next morning I had two emails from OPM wanting to know if they could help me. During my 35 years with the Treasury Dept we took Inquiries from Congressman very seriously. -
Anybody having to deal with Social Security?
Gliddenwoods replied to Galileo's topic in General Discussion
again ??????? - Yesterday
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Actually there is a way to easily remove and re-install those black tracks. Read my post above that describes I think well enough how to do this. Is it a PITA that any of us shouldn't have to do, yes, but once you do this a time or two it becomes fairly easy. Good that you figured out your leak. Your windows seem to be different than ours given your description of that stop bumper screw. Our windows have yet another type of rubber seal installed on the track that acts as a bumper when sliding the window open. I've said it before but it's worth repeating, imagine buying a new truck or auto and having to put up with this terrible flawed design of a window. And yet these are installed by the hundreds of thousands on US made RV's of all brands. All that out of the way the paracord is on an order of magnitude better at wicking water out of those weep holes compared to anything else I have tried other than the wet vacuum.
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Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
jd1923 replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
Yeah, thanks for the reminder. Or the condensate being blown through the condenser could help keep it clean. There are always two sides of an argument! đ€Ł I stopped worrying about that when we left the East. I remember coming out of the shower during summer months in IL, VA and/or FL. I would towel-off, a never-ending process with water being replaced with sweat. Here I barely towel-off, start getting dressed and by the time you're done dressing you're dry! đ I put tools, or scrub brushes or anything away wet. We don't worry about coasters under drinks on wood tables. Moisture vanishes and not much grows out here. On this point, when making choices for mods to our Olivers, personal camping style and climate where we camp truly matters. What works for one might not work as well for another. -
I think I mentioned that the actual channel on the back side of the shade is cracked and doesnât give the clip much to hold onto. Moving the clip to an untracked area helps - but once an area of the channel is cracked, itâs easy for the crack to spread to adjoining areas. So the clip needs to be moved more than one screw away on the window frame. I actually did try to bend the clip. Unfortunately, itâs pretty stout spring steel - so that didnât work. One of ours was actually broken and half missing upon delivery - probably from either attempts to re-form it, or just whacking the window shade too hard when it was initially installed. Not surprisingly, thatâs the shade with the cracked channel that likes to fall off.
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I believe there are 4 clips holding each blind. Bend them very slightly to tighten the hold on the shade! đ
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Galileo started following Furrion Chill Cube â Product Review and Installation and New Windows
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Amen to that! We have one that likes to fall off - but it gives my wife and I something to bet on at the end of each trip before we set up the trailer. âDo you think the window shade fell off?!â I find that the one prone to falling off has cracks in the channel in the back where it âsnapsâ over the U shaped metal clips. You may want to try moving the clips up different locations if you find yours are cracked as well. They are more than a bit clunky - so if/when they start to fall apart, Iâll certainly look for other options. Perhaps âold fashionedâ curtains have some merits after all. As for the windows themselves - Iâve just resigned myself to the fact that theyâre about useless if it rains - at all. I havenât delved into awnings or other devices to keep water from hitting the screens if the window is open. I also never leave the Girard awning extended when weâre gone, at night, if itâs windy, or in heavy rain. As @TimD discovered - the black, plastic inner âtrackâ or guide the windows slide on isnât (easily) removable from the frame. Iâm sure thereâs a way, but I havenât gotten that ambitious yet. It turns out our leak wasnât really due to fuel or clogged weep holes or drains. It was the screw that hold the window stop in place. The little plastic âfootâ that keeps the window from sliding too far open-forward. The knucklehead who decided it would be a good idea to drill a hole in the bottom of the window frame is OFF my Christmas list. Happily, some sealant on that screw seems to have remedied the leak.
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Bought skein of paracord today and confirm @DavePhelps suggestion this stuff works, way better than the pipe cleaners. Immediately it was obvious the cord was wicking water out of the weep holes. Very Effective solution. Thanks
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Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
Galileo replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
I think that was Mortonâs YouTube (the electrical engineer with the super in-depth testing of ducted and ductless models?) But yes, he mentioned because the condensate gets flung onto the evaporator coils to assist in the cooling that it might be more susceptible to collecting, dirt, dust, etc. That makes sense as a wet surface is a lot more likely to hold onto airborne stuff - pollen, etc. The added moisture would also allow stuff to grow. The height might make it easier, but the water there would work against that. I suppose as with most things, YMMV as to how often you need to clean the condenser coils, what method to use, and if youâd need something like a commercial coil cleaner. I had a home window unit that did something similar with a ring around the condenser coil fan that sat in a pool of condensate water. It was in humid Texas, so the water didnât evaporate that well, but did make sure that dust and pollen collected into a mud that required pretty aggressive cleaning. Once a season Iâd pull the whole unit out of the sleeve, put aluminum foil over the electronics, and take a pressure washer to the thing. I donât know how well that brushless DC motor that turns the condenser fan is sealed, or if any of those âmanyâ sensors will appreciate being sprayed with a stream of water. -
KenW joined the community
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Furrion Chill Cube â Product Review and Installation
jd1923 replied to jd1923's topic in Ollie Modifications
Yep, louder than the 2nd Gen Cummins on my Ram! đ€Ł So thankful it's gone! Chill Cube now has a heat pump version. One Forum member has showed it installed. Heat strips are like lead acid batteries; no manufacturer uses them anymore. That's everybody's first thought! I love a sleek 2-door hardtop sportscar, low profile like my '92 SC400! Low profile ON the roof means the air handler is protruding a few inches below the ceiling. Low profile means lower efficiency and more noise inside. -
Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
jd1923 replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
Why does this come up as an issue? Was something mentioned in the Morton's YouTube? @Geronimo John made a comment about this 6 months ago. I've had 5 different RV A/C models. To clean the condenser coils you always remove the cover and hose it clean. This one should be the same or easier because it's taller. -
Anybody having to deal with Social Security?
Galileo replied to Galileo's topic in General Discussion
My father was covered by RRB and never had an issue with them. Though they are still a bit of a âmonopolyâ as far as who administers benefits (much like TRS and others) they seem a lot more responsive to member needs than SSA. Certainly more competent and they donât (apparently) âloseâ your paperwork with the impunity that SSA does. Itâs pretty hard not to picture some resentful civil service employee just dumping his or her inbox into the trash on a Friday afternoon out of spite. Anybody can screw up once - but not being able to find a record of a request -twice- when sent with tracking? That takes effort. -
Anybody having to deal with Social Security?
Galileo replied to Galileo's topic in General Discussion
General Discussion Talk about anything and everything Oliver-related â and beyond! (this would be the âand beyond!â) -
Furrion Chill Cube â Product Review and Installation
Galileo replied to jd1923's topic in Ollie Modifications
I guess Iâll have to look into the lower-profile/heat pump variants that have been mentioned. Weâre still suffering with the original Dometic P2 jet engine sitting on the roof - which means we either endure noise or heat/humidity. A version with heat pump would be nice - but Iâd opt for the heat strips if that were the only option. Id prefer low-profile - but I donât know if 3â higher is gonna affect mileage that much - and pretty sure our storage unit has 12 or 14 foot high roll-up, so likely not a factor. Thanks for all the data and tips @jd1923 and others! I have a few months to sift through the data. I watched the (whole) video - so just whatâs changed since then is the big question. And yes - it seems that waiting a bit opens up more and better options! -
Seeking New Air Conditioner for Hull # 145
Galileo replied to ScottyGS's topic in Ollie Modifications
Thatâs a pretty compelling video and testing. andâŠ. You can get it through Walmart?! I think the concerns about the condenser coils collecting dirt are a bit of a concern. Otherwise - it sounds great. -
A lot of truth..
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Custom Mud Flaps for the Tow Vehicle and Oliver
taylor.coyote replied to jd1923's topic in Ollie Modifications
JD, thank you for the thoughtful reply. I do like your design. In 7 years of owning our trailer getting caught in the out-back Owyhee country in far south eastern Oregon has been a one-time event. In fact the mud/clay wrapped the tires and the truck tires were standing on an inch or two of mud/clay above the tred. The truck hardly would respond to turning the front wheel and would genneraly plow straight forward, eventually moving the direct they were turned. Fortunately we were traveling on a slight down slope most of the way to gravel topped roads. Even in 4 wheel drive, I don't think we would have enough traction to climb more than a modest grade. All this said, I think I will likely move forward with your design because the we avoid this kind these type of roads if rain is in the forecast. Regardless of the rig you are driving, these roads become virtually impassable when saturated. Side slopes are the killer. -
I would personally stay away from the pipe cleaners. My main worry is the wire core might rust and streak your trailer. Paracord for the win! Its kernmantle construction wicks water very well. Google it! It also has tons of uses around camp. I think most every hardware store carries some form of it. Get the 1/8" version. Paracord Planet is a good online resource, I think they have an Amazon store.... Dave
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Custom Mud Flaps for the Tow Vehicle and Oliver
jd1923 replied to jd1923's topic in Ollie Modifications
Taylor, I just measured it to answer your question. At the closest point, bottom of the L-bracket, the clearance measures 1 1/2". When you see 3-4" of caked mud, how much is actually above the tread? Most of it is in the treads and caked around the side. I've had my truck wheels caked up but not so much on the trailer. This doesn't worry me. And below the rubber/plastic flap material bends outwards while towing and no big deal if it got damaged. It's so easy and cheap to replace if need be. John E. Davies did an amazing amount of work to his "Mouse!" I studied most of his work 3 years ago when I first joined The Forum! In the case of mud flaps, I believe my design is superior for a couple reasons. The mud flap in his design is a full 6" further back. The 6" of open fiberglass will be hit extra hard since dirt and stones will hit the mud flap and bounce upwards due to the rotation of the tire. The open area will get chipped and be doubly hard to clean. And next mud episode; do you want your stabilizer jacks packed with mud or protected behind the mud flaps? We've had 49 overnights since this upgrade, on a bunch of short trips this year. They still look like new. I wouldn't change anything. Anybody who wants to copy my installation, send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll mail you a paper template to make cutting the mud flap material easy. Everything else you need is explained above in this thread!
