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Forgot to include the axle u-bolts. Use the same 3/4" deep socket as for the lug nuts. Dexter says 70 ft lb.

Don: Here’s a list of what you’ll need for each fastener. The coupler, spring shackles, and EZ-Flex pivot will require two wrenches. A socket on the torque wrench for the nuts, and some other type to apply opposing torque to the bolt heads so they don’t rotate. This is critical for tightening the shackles and EZ-Flex pivot. I’d recommend standard chrome (non-impact) 6 point sockets as specified for each fastener. Bulldog Coupler: 3/4” socket and a 3/4” combination wrench. OTT says 80 ft lb. Lug nuts: 3/4” DEEP socket with a short (3-6”) extension. Dexter says 90-120 ft lb. Spring shackles: 11/16” socket for nuts. Use a 13/16” socket with a breaker bar close to the same length as your torque wrench to hold the heads. You may need a deep socket to clear the grease fitting. Dexter says 30-50 ft lb. EZ-FLEX center pivot (assumes at least one wheel removed): 7/8” socket with the short extension for the nut. The same 13/16” wrench you used for the shackles to hold the bolt head. Dexter says 65-75 ft lb. The chain hardware, auto, big box home, or farm supply stores all carry decent quality tools at competitive prices.

My shocks are just over a year old, 6000 miles and two are blown. ;( I think this is the correct part. ... http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog/555001/# Can anyone confirm? The regular automotive Gas Magnum shocks have a lifetime warranty, any idea about these RV units? I have not yet called the Ollie factory. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71ITrU+GhyS.pdf Is there a better shock available? These not impressive, nor are they especially cheap ($38 at Amazon), Thanks. John Davies Spokane WA

Not much going on at the rally today so I thought I’d unplug the trailer and do a little experiment running the AC just to see how long the batteries would last. We don’t travel much in AC weather so this is really the first time I’ve had a good chance to test the limits of our system. I started at 10am with 100% charge. AC set at 72 and we’re in full sun with no clouds. 640 watts of solar and 400 amp hours of battery storage. I’ll plug back in when the batteries hit 20%. Any guesses as to when that will be?

The accessories that Oliver provides (hoses, etc) will pretty much get you through an initial pick up trip. You are going to want to get some “just in case” items, so it doesn’t hurt to show up with those at pick up. Plug converters: I’ve got a 30a to 50a and have only used it a couple of times. I also have a 30a to 20a and use it when the trailer is in the storage area. External Surge Protection: If you have the built in you shouldn’t need an external. We don’t have the built in and I carry a Camco external. It has a 60 second delay when first plugged in to check the circuit and if it’s okay it passes electricity. If not it blinks yellow or red. Wheel chock or “X” blocks: We carry both. The chocks are good if the tires on on the ground. If I drive onto legos to level the chocks aren’t so good. I got a cheap “X” block that fits between the wheels and you turn a handle on top to tighten for the side that might be on legos. Extra 25′ potable water hose: I have a black collapsible hose that I use to flush the black tank. I think it expands to 50’. It’s also used with a nozzle for general clean up tasks. Extra 25′ water hose. We got an extra at Camping World. There have been a few sites that required two hoses to reach the water. One hose is enough for most sites. Extra 25′ 10 gauge extension cord. I carry one and have never used it in over 35K miles and 250 nights of camping. Jack stand blocks: which ones? We got the yellow Camco pads. I made some blocks out of 2X6’s and set them on the pads. We also use the yellow legos that we got at Walmart for leveling. External water filters. On this point, is there not one already in-line inside the trailer? In either case, do I need an external filter too and which one? I don’t think there is an internal filter. We use the blue or white filters that you can get at Walmart or Camping World. Hitch lock for BullDog 2 5/16″ coupler. Which one? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HL2NM0K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Extra grey water discharge hose: Yes/No? What if any accessories for discharge lines? We used the hoses that came with the trailer for black and gray discharge for over a year. Replaced them with Rinoflex and carry the old as back up. We also got a clear 90 degree fitting for the end that goes into the sewer so I can see what’s being dumped. For composting toilet: What kind of toilet paper? What kind of media and how much? We flush! Tool Kit: List of tools that are needed or desired. Is there a fairly comprehensive tool kit for RVers that already exists? Yes, there are a couple of tool list threads. Cookware: (Pots, Pans,etc. )Suggestions as to “what” and where to purchase RV specific items (also looking for good sources): We didn’t buy much, just repurposed extra stuff we had in the house. It depends on how you cook. Utensils: Spatulas, serving pieces,, forks, knives, spoons, etc. (also looking for good sources) (RV specific?). Mostly stuff we already had. Dishware: plates, bowls, glasses, cups, coffee mugs, serving items, etc. (also looking for good sources) (RV specific?): We have some Corelle dishes and some plastic cups, mugs, wine glasses. We also carry paper for those places that don’t have hookups. Napkin and paper towel holder/dispenser. Utensil and plate organizers: Dish soap and hand soap (storage). We use the pump dispensers. Paper towel dispenser: Type, location, how to attach? We found a cheap plastic one on Amazon and stuck it over the kitchen counter with On Command Tape. It’s been there over 2 years, no problems. Towels (bath and hand) RV unique? We bought some microfiber bath towels. They don’t take up much room and are functional. Just not as nice as a big fluffy cotton towel. Fitted linens sheets for the upgraded single bed mattresses available as an option from Oliver: We got regular twin sheets and just tuck them in. Also twin blankets and bed spreads. We’re on our second set. Inside entrance matt:(brand/size?) We have a 16X24 mat just inside the door. It has a grippy rubber bottom. We also use a runner between the beds we got at Walmart. Ground matt at exterior entrance to trailer: There’s a bunch to choose from at Amazon or Camping World. Extra matt for outside of bath area: (Yes/No?) (We’re getting the teak floor covering for bath and sink from Foy): We use a round bath rug that is in the bathroom when we’re not showering and then we set it outside the bathroom when we shower. Trash receptacle: We have a small plastic one with a lid that pops up. Plastic shopping bags fit it nicely. Not sure where it came from. Toiletry organization suggestions: Shampoo and soap bottles can fit in the area under the sink. We have a couple of low plastic boxes in the area above the toilet for other toiletries. Any kind of cabinet or closet organizers that are essential: Toasters: Cheap two hole toaster. Coffee maker: (We like GOOD coffee and grinder but want to know if there is something smaller for an RV): We carry a Nespresso Pixie and also a Melita pour over cone and a small electric grinder. When boondocking we heat water on the propane cook top and use the pour over into a thermos. When we have electricity we use the Nespresso. In general, I wouldn’t worry about getting too much stuff. We carry less now than we did the year we picked up. It’s easy enough to acquire things as you see the need, stores are everywhere. After you’re out a few times you’ll get a feel for what you need and don’t need. Mike

We do the following: Plug converters: 50 AMP to 30 AMP: 120 volt (house) to 30 AMP (any others??) -- I have a 30 to 15 converter, use a cheap voltage/continuity/phase/GFCI tester. I test every site before hook up, cheap peace of mind. No need for 50 to 3o in my mind External Surge Protection: (In addition to the built in one) Yes or No?? If yes, which one? ----No need in my mind. Wheel chock or “X” blocks: Which one? Both? How many of each? --- Doesn't hurt to have two, I use the Anderson block system and just use the smaller end as blocks. Probably make something a little better, probably out of wood. Extra 25′ potable water hose: (brand?) I have one, only because I had it already, and you get one with the Ollie purchase. Extra 25′ 10 gauge extension cord. - I have a nice orange 40 footer I Amazoned. Mainly for home use where I needed a longer cord. You may or may not use it, but for the $$ its good insurance. Jack stand blocks: which ones? I found a use for the pile of 2x10 cut-offs I had stacked in the back. I cut about 15 for blocking, store in the front tray. External water filters. On this point, is there not one already in-line inside the trailer? In either case, do I need an external filter too and which one? --- I use the Oliver supplied filter, pressure reducer, and hose. Hitch lock for BullDog 2 5/16″ coupler. Which one? --- For the $70K investment, I purchased and use the "Bull" by Gushill Industries - https://gushill.com/product/the-bull-bulldog-hitch-lock Extra grey water discharge hose: Yes/No? What if any accessories for discharge lines? ----- Nope For composting toilet: What kind of toilet paper? What kind of media and how much? ---- Regular, we put it in a trash bag, not the toilet Tool Kit: List of tools that are needed or desired. Is there a fairly comprehensive tool kit for RVers that already exists? ----- Several post on this, personal preference I would think. Mine seems to grow with each trip..... The rest - what pleases you. RB

Plug converters: We've yet to run into a campsite that didn't have 30a service, though I guess there's one out there. External Surge Protection: If you have the built in then I wouldn't Wheel chock or “X” blocks: We tried the X-chocks and found them to be unreliable and a PITA to use. I prefer the cheapy hard rubber chocks, four of them. Extra 25′ potable water hose: Not necessary to spend extra on these, but they're nice. Jack stand blocks: I use the Camco legos. I should probably find something lighter and less bulky though. External water filters. We have this one but have yet to use it - I wouldn't call it essential, but their 'essential system' would be the one to get. Extra grey water discharge hose: We have a cheap 100' garden hose from Home Depot that I got because it was...grey. For composting toilet: We use regular TP - nothing you get will have time to degrade much all before you dump, so it's really just a question of bulk. We prefer peat over the coco, and just carry three or four gallon ziplocks of it in case we need to dump the toilet while travelling. Tool Kit: I think there are a few lists/threads on it if you search. I carry way too many, and then bring more just in case, so I'll limit my advice to just a decent screwdriver and wrench/socket sets, hex set, some vice grips/pliers, utility knife, etc. A rubber mallet is indispensable for knocking chocks out. A multimeter can be handy. Tire gauge. Gloves. A few repair items are good to have: gorilla tape, assorted zip ties, self fusing silicone tape, butyl tape, screen repair kit, fuses. Cookware: The Magma set is pricey but you won't regret it. Also, also, and also. Utensils: Most of the RV specific things we bought ended up getting quickly replaced by duplicates from our kitchen. For us, there's enough room in the drawers not to worry about space saving products. Here are a few things that we really do like though: tumble trivets, drying mat, wine crate, Dishware: We have these. Cute, but that's about all I can say for them. On my to do list is to find a way to safely carry real dishes. We also end up using paper plates more than we should. I spent a small fortune on Strahl glassware since I figured they're used in restaurants so they'd hold up, but after one trip they were cloudy and covered in scratches. You could probably run over them with a truck though and they'd survive. But we just bought a few of these to try and have high hopes. Utensil and plate organizers: These and these fit the drawers really well. Dish soap and hand soap: We just keep a small bottle of Dawn in the pantry. I'm used to one of these at home for hand soap, so I got one for the trailer. Paper towel dispenser: We love this one. Above the sink with screws and caulk. Inside entrance matt: This fits the space almost perfectly Ground matt at exterior entrance to trailer: This one does the job Extra matt for outside of bath area: Definitely needed - we have this one. Trash receptacle: We bought this but it's too big and we don't do a good job of separating the recyclables. But it does fit well under the dinette and travels well in the shower. We have a tiny little pedal bin from Ikea in the bath but they don't seem to make it anymore. Toiletry organization suggestions: We use these in the bath cabinet. Also these with the clear tops. Any kind of cabinet or closet organizers that are essential: We use these for clothes. If you can find the Rubbermaid bento boxes, the medium size works great in the upper cabinets. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they make them anymore. Toasters: The Breville Mini is one of the few (perhaps the only one?) that fits in the microwave cabinet Coffee maker: Join the dark side. I'm still shocked how good these are. It travels in the sink. Other stuff that we MUST HAVE at pickup??????? Patience.

John, that seems really unusual. I've got 12.5k on my trailer now, and it's seen it's share of rough roads, but the worst I can say about my shocks is that the front ones have a ton of road rash and corresponding rust starting to form on their front sides. No leaks at all.

John, I'll get out there and have a look at mine. Yikes! It may be time to upgrade to a KYB or Bistein model I bet you could cross reference at the parts store. BTW, how much tire pressure are you running. No flex in the tires puts more load on the shocks. I've been running 60 PSI, but the last trip I came home at about 45 psi. I went about 120 miles through Saline Valley on dirt, gravel, sand, rocks and washboard. Lowered the pressure to 25 as we started in and only filled them back up to 45 for the final leg home on the highway. Overall trip to the rally was a little over 6,000 miles.