Leaderboard
Popular Content
Showing content with the highest reputation on 11/15/2020 in all areas
-
So, new update. I woke this morning to the battery monitor telling me that I was at 78%, but the voltage was 13.1, which for lithium’s is about 40%. Worse, when I turned the inverter on to make coffee, the voltage dropped to 12.5. Not great, but it dawned on me that all this behavior would make sense if I actually had only 200 Ah of batteries rather than 400. Could two of my batteries have died? I called Battleborn. Admirably, even though I got a recording and they’re closed for the weekend, someone called me right back. Their thought was that one or two of the batteries had gotten stuck in protection mode and needed to be ‘woken up’. Great, sort of - it’s a solution but it required unhooking all four batteries, testing them separately, and ‘waking them’ by hooking the bad ones to the truck via jumper cables and charging each one separately for thirty minutes. I carry a jump pack rather than cables but we found an auto zone on our route and got some heavy gauge ones. But when we got to our campsite, disconnected the battery cables and checked the voltages of the batteries individually, none of them were in protection mode (less than 1 volt). But two did read 12.9 volts (~20%) vs 13.3 on the other two (90%). Another call to Battleborn. The working theory now is that those two batteries had floated off sync with the other two somehow, likely due to my fault. The Battleborn rep asked me how I had the battery bank wired, specifically if I had both + and - leads to the trailer connected to the same battery or to the first and last. I had them both on the same one. He told me that when they’re wired that way, the battery monitor is only getting its info on charge state from a single battery rather than the entire bank, and that can allow the other three to drift out of sync. And since the voltages on lithiums are so constant, a small drift can have big consequences. In my case, he suspected that two of the batteries had gotten so far out of sync that they were no longer contributing. He recommended rewiring them and giving the bank an overnight charge, then see where we stood. So that’s where we are. Figuratively - literally we’re at the Joshua Tree KOA charging up. Fingers crossed. If the rewiring and recharging doesn’t work this time then I think the answer is that those two batteries have bad cells or something.3 points
-
3 points
-
I've not spent as much time at altitude as you but I've spent several days and nights in that same range and neither the Dometic fridge nor the Suburban furnace in my van have failed to work. I had some issues with the igniter on the fridge (it's fully manual - a piezo button, and I've had some intermittent problems with it at lower elevation too, which I have easily solved by lighting the pilot with a "wand" style lighter, so I don't know if there was any contribution from elevation though this was particularly common up at ~8-9K at Bryce).2 points
-
Great suggestions John, I have not wrapped a toilet seat in Saran Wrap since pulling a trick on a few friends many many years ago.😂 I will spare the details. Well I did get tossed into a pool full clothes as payback. 😂 Those teenage years were fun. A beverage and campfire story for sure. Thanks for the suggestions!2 points
-
I have the both the Honda eu2000i and the Champion dual fuel 3400. I purchased the latter to have the TT-30 outlet, the extra power, and to not have to carry gasoline in the back of the TV as it will be run on LP. The Champion has a handle to allow it to be maneuvered in the back of our RAM 1500 TV. I have sufficient hose to allow me to connect to the RV QC outlets. It will meet my needs for power on ECO, but I usually don't need to run the A/C. I did have purchase the low pressure regulator for the Champion, but have the option of using the provided high pressure regulator if I use this at home during a power outage where I would connect it to a propane tank directly. It has a battery starter, but I have started it manually before it it works like it would with gas as the choke is still in play.2 points
-
For what its worth to you - every summer for the past 15 years I've spent the better part of two months at altitudes ranging between 8-10 thousand feet. To date, both in the Oliver and other campers, I've never had a problem with any of my stock propane appliances. Perhaps I've just been lucky. Bill2 points
-
We just ordered and received this dehumidifier. Haven't had a chance to test it out, as our Oliver has not been delivered yet (but soon - very soon!). I might try it in my potting shed at home and see how it performs. While researching humidity control, I did not know there are different types of dehumidifiers: some designed for controlling humidity while the trailer is in storage and others (more efficient?) for use while the trailer is occupied - the reason being that there is more excess humidity created when live bodies are involved. Thus, square footage is not the only consideration. Since we are more concerned about condensation at night, when the temperature drops, the trailer is receiving less ventilation, and we are sleeping in a more enclosed environment, we opted for the "dessicant" type. Maybe someone can explain the differences in the types. I will report the findings on my potting shed test. The square footage is similar to the Elite II and it is insulated, though not as well as the Oliver.2 points
-
SherMica.....I sold my 2019 LE1 a few months ago (loved it, LE2 on order). As far as I know, nothing has changed with the layout except some installed component brands such as the awning,TV, cell booster, wheel style, etc. Your Sales rep can confirm. See the following link for pics of my 2019 LE1: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0K5oqs3qGxxgV52 points
-
With regards to delivery day - Jason Essary (Service Manager) is a good person to know. If you give him and his staff enough warning and enough details as to what you want, I'm sure that he will do everything in his power to make it happen for you. Bill2 points
-
I have been working on a Drop-Leaf design for another customer that would increase the size of the pantry countertop for serving and fold down for storage when not in use. Something similar could be done for the front edge of the dinette. I will post pictures once I have a prototype of the pantry drop-leaf.2 points
-
The Facebook group was definitely promoted a few times here when it was first started, but was met with pretty much the same responses as above. Personally, I think Facebook is the worst thing about the internet. It’s essentially anti-internet in both its conception and implementation. Further, their resistance to policing disinformation, collection and selling of personal data, and inherent involvement in related political issues makes them in my mind something to actively oppose. Likewise, I see no benefit to a similar competitor other than the possibility that it might drain some of facebook’s appeal and power.2 points
-
I don't see the value. Another place to look?? Really. I agree Farcebook needs competition, but I would rather the FB group all come to this platform, I won't go into the FB, Google, and other platforms, but as has been stated - you are the product, at least here, we have some semblance of service - from a customer perspective. I appreciate the effort - I don't need another place to scan - Me - no MeWe. Update - I changed my mind - checked out and joined MEWE - out of curiosity and being fed up with FB.2 points
-
We spent four days there in mid September, the trailing end of the busy season. I don’t know much about the West Glacier part, we rushed through it on our way home. There are tons of activities if you like go-carts, zip lines and trinkets. It is just like Gatlinburg TN without Dolly Land. If you are headed east, it’s a great place to stock up on supplies and do laundry since things will get VERY bare in that direction. US 2 over Marias Pass is an easy, pretty drive along the Flathead River. There is a rest stop at the top with an OK view of the south end of the Park. Also a NFS campground (Summit, 12 sites) which is spread out but has minimal sun and no views. Elevation is right at a mile up so it may be windy and chilly. Once you start descending the east slope the dense trees go away and the terrain opens up. There is much less rainfall there. The Burlington Northern main line follows US 2 for many miles, be aware of this when camping and try to pick a spot a mile or two north or south and well away from any crossings. It is very busy hauling freight and coal. Amtrak has two stops, one in West Glacier and one in East Glacier. The East Glacier stop is a short walk from the huge, cool old hotel, so it is busy with visitors, many from other countries. There are mouldering 1930s cottages and tourist shops along the park road road for a mile or so, but nothing really worth a visit. There is gas outside ALL the entrances on this side, but prices will be 30 to 40 cents higher. Browning is the only “big” town (with 1026 souls). The Blackfeet Reservation dominates the entire area. Be very aware of their laws about firearms. If you have any, they must be empty and secured completely out of reach. NO concealed or open carry! Browning itself has cheap gas, a grocery store, post office and a few odd shops, and a museum, but other than despair nothing is present. It is known to be a rough town and you probably wouldn’t want to go bar-hopping there. Expect a lot of visible poverty and a few street beggars. The Museum of the Plains Indians is interesting if you like that sort of stuff. I found myself bored silly, but Jac liked it a lot. The Cenex north of town has a prominent sign posted "No Sticky-Fingers Allowed", with a long list of Blackfeet folks who were banned. The names were astonishing but I didn’t feel it would be OK to take a picture…. https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indian-names/blackfoot-names.htm ... Two Medicine is a wonderful place, we spent four nights there. It is right under the craggy peaks and the boat launch/ day use area is a good spot for time lapse video of glorious sunrises. It can be ferociously windy and camping is limited now, but if you can snag a spot it would be better than St Mary. There were no generators allowed in that section in season, but they may have relaxed that rule when it went Primitive. Running Eagle Falls and Nature Trail is a delight, with short and easy access from the entry road. The camp store is closed this time of year. Bears are around, the rangers had to chase a sow and her two cubs from the campground by firing a rifle several times. Even when walking park roads you each need to ALWAYS carry bear spray and keep your heads swiveling! Narrow brushy trails are nerve wracking, keep talking or clap your hands loudly to alert any big predators to your presence. You can buy spray in the Apgar and St Mary gift shops. US 89 is the main RV route north from Browning to St Mary and Going to the Sun Road. At Kiowa Junction there is major MAJOR construction and the entire highway should be avoided They are ripping out the hillsides and rerouting and recontouring the road bed. Expect 30 minute delays, pilot cars and one way traffic. It is NOT a place to take a trailer. It might be OK on a dry day without the Ollie. MT 49 goes from East Glacier to Kiowa. The south part is fine as far as the turnoff to Two Medicine. Further north it is Not Recommended For Trailers. It is fun in a truck - the roadbed is heaved, repaired, potholed, washed out and extremely undulating. To get from East Glacier up to St Mary, go into Browning, gas up at the big Cenex a mile north of town, and take MT 464 as a 70 mph bypass. It is straight and smooth with some great views of the Park mountains from the higher hills. Watch out for free range horses on the reservation, especially just north of Browning. You may see them grazing on the shoulder! The Blackfeet love horses but some owners don’t care if they lose one to a collision… St Mary park entrance is busy with tour and shuttle buses. There is adequate RV parking. Since the GTTS road closed for construction on the west side of Logan Pass (September 16), it may be worse. It’s now the only way to access the high country near the Pass.If you want to hike up there, take the shuttle and don’t even think about parking your truck up there. There are several short hikes to viewing areas along the road that are worth visiting. Sunrift Gorge is gorgeous. Parking lower down should not be a problem. St Mary Campground is just OK, it has plenty of room for an Ollie and adequate sun exposure, but it has no views. One section is prone to flooding. It may be posted Hard Sided Campers Only due to problem bears. This is the best choice to stay on the east side of the Park, unless you luck out and find an open spot that is large enough in one of the other smaller campgrounds. I suggest that you stay here two nights. Explore the second day and keep an eye out fo rougher camping options that would be closer to the scenery. You can always claim a spot and leave a small tent or chairs there, and go get your Ollie that day to shift it. Many Glacier is drop dead beautiful, but crazy busy with back-country hikers. It allows low elevation access to a bunch of spectacular trails.The road in is very nasty, potholed and uneven. It is a disgrace for a national park. Parking will be very tough around the trailhead and hotel. You can go past that turnoff and find a spot along the road and walk back.The hotel has a nice affordable restaurant with stellar views out the back windows. The campground there is very tight and heavily treed and not a good spot for an Ollie. Plus it will probably be full of hikers and their tents. Waterton Lakes National Park - we did not go there since we could not do a Canadian border crossing, but it would be an excellent day visit. It’s about 30 minutes north of the Many Glacier entrance on a very twisty road. RV camping outside the Park - practically none. The Blackfeet do not seem to care to exploit tourist dollars. Most of the small towns outside The Res have an RV camp of some sort. Choteau to the south is a neat, prosperous town (it’s the county seat) with a nice little city campground and a $5 dump/ potable water station. Cell signal is spotty at best, you will be able to connect at the entrances and in the bigger towns, but forget about it completely once you are inside the Park. The campground hosts post weather reports in the busy season, that may not be an option this time of year. On a hike you should always carry enough clothes for unexpected rain or cold, and carry basic survival stuff in case you get stranded. A satellite communicator like an inReach provides great peace of mind and a limited degree of two-way communication. A big handgun is OK in the Park if you are legal in MT to carry one, but it is a crime to actually fire it inside there. It cannot be carried inside any Federal facility like a visitor center, so if you are using the shuttle system it probably has to stay at the trailer…. I am still working on organizing pics, I will post some later. John Davies Spokane WA1 point
-
We have been using a Pro Breeze 150 SF (1200 CF) dehumidifier in our Ollie plugged into shore power while in storage here at our home. We emptied this dehumidifier every 5 days. It just was not enough machine to get the RH down to a target range of below 50%. This smaller unit has struggled to bring the RH down to 68%. So we ordered the next size larger 250 SF (2200 CF) and are going to give it a try. Hopefully this new unit will drop the RH to less than 50%. We monitor internal temp and RH humidity remotely from our home with a remote weather station - channel 1 & 2. Channels 3 under curbside bed and 4 is located in the battery compartment. Is anyone else using a dehumidifier while their Ollie is stored? Care to share what your using?1 point
-
Larger Dinette Table Having a properly sized dinette table contributes significantly to the pleasures of life in an Ollie. That’s how Sheila and I feel after I modified our dinette table to add 4 1/4 inches to the table’s length. What a difference a small amount of additional space makes. We find it more comfortable, now have room for morning computers and coffee, and indoor dinners are more gracious. Also, I can now put both elbows on the table if I want to. We have had a desire for a larger dinette table ever since we picked up our Ollie (hull 217) and got some experience under our belts. We camp as a couple, never set up the third bunk, and don’t like having a table that is too small because of the bunk design issue. Oliver wasn’t interested in making a larger table when I broached the subject. Why mess with a successful product? But hunkering down to avoid corona virus gave me some extra time, and I used it to modify my existing table to see if I was on the right track. I worked up a design that used material from my leftovers bin, and which would allow me to undo the mod if it didn’t pan out. Unless you are really looking for it, the additional table length is not readily apparent. Aesthetically everything still looks proportional. The added length doesn’t interfere with the refrigerator door, and there is plenty of room to move about. While the pictures below show what I did, this isn’t really a how-to-do-it report. My goal is to stimulate Oliver. My hope is that the powers-that-be at Oliver will order a mock-up of a table like mine to be made, sit at it, and confirm for themselves how much nicer it is. It is my hope Oliver will then authorize a supplemental mold for laying up the larger table, offer it as an option to new buyers, and make it available for purchase by existing owners. I would be one. If you think you might like a larger dinette table too, please tell me in a comment to this string. I would like to ascertain if there is actually any demand for this, and if so, report same to Oliver. And if you are so inclined, please contact Oliver directly as well. Best regards, John Shkor SailorAshore1 point
-
Hi everyone, We have been receiving a lot of Display Name Change requests recently and in response to that some changes have been made. From now on all members can change their Display Names after 30 days from their registration date. This change can be made 1 time every 30 days. You can make the changes in your Profile when editing it. Thanks everyone!1 point
-
I ordered a janome today, with a walking foot. Adding to the collection . I also okayed a new saw for Paul. Adding to his collection. Lol1 point
-
1 point
-
Yes, those compressors are heavy. JD - I too would like to see the person that threw Patriot in the pool. I've had the pleasure of meeting Patriot and his lovely wife and he is not a small guy by ANY means. And, he's in pretty good shape too. Bill1 point
-
LOL, wrap the toilet and place an old rag on top, to indicate.... “Do NOT use!” I for one would not mind hearing the story about how you ended up in the pool..... John Davies Spokane WA1 point
-
I vote for the little guy - the smile gives it personality. Who cares how it works 😁. Bill1 point
-
Ray, Thank you. We will be installing it this morning and giving it a try. I would like to drop the RH to less than 50%. **Edit with a few photos - just installed the GE unit, it’s hefty in weight - box says 33#. Instructions say to set the unit to lower H to 45-50% during first 24 hrs of operation, done. My only concern will be to ensure it does not dry out our sink, shower traps and toilet from antifreeze too quickly. We’ll monitor this for a week and see how it does. A pic showing the size comparison to the Pro Breeze. This Tuesday & Wednesday we may dip down to a freeze point, so I will need to keep an eye on the dehumidifier so that it does not freeze up. A work in progress. -David Readings after plugging in the GE - so we’ll watch progress.1 point
-
Here's the MeWe Bill of Rights: https://mewe.com/privacy#bill You own your personal information & content. It is explicitly not ours. You never receive targeted third-party advertisements or targeted third-party content. We think that's creepy. You have full control over your newsfeed and the order of how posts appear. We do not manipulate, filter, or change the order of your newsfeeds. Only you can do that. Permissions & privacy are your rights. You control them. You control who can access your content. You can opt out of our member directory to protect your privacy. We do not sell your personal information to anyone. Your face is your business. We do not use facial recognition technology. You have the right to delete your account and take your content with you at any time.1 point
-
1 point
-
I carry one (or a couple) of Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) battery backup units when I need to have some temporary 120V electricity for smaller devices when traveling / camping. I have a bunch of them around the house protecting sensitive electronics, so I can usually take one or two of them if I need to. The one I tend to carry with me most is a 1500VA / 900W APC UPS unit. Same concept at the Jackery although the Jackery is purpose built with handles, etc.1 point
-
Yes - strictly charging capacity / time. I suspect I "may" need extra charging capabilities on trips where I would be at 8-10K elevation and have to rely on electricity for heat, cooking, etc. due to propane challenges that can occur at these altitudes (gasoline for generators at these altitudes too perhaps?). I would have bought a bigger, single generator, but I want the ability to mix and match needs vs. the type of trip I'm taking as well as not wanting to deal with the weight of a single unit.1 point
-
I agree. The biggest downside to multiple methods of sharing with other Oliver owners, for me anyway, is trying to remember : did I see that on the FB group or was it the forum? I feel the Oliver Trailer Owners group admin does a great job of keeping members on task. However, you still have the FB platform to contend with.1 point
-
My guess is it's a height issue, restricting access to the emergency exit /rear window. The elite I has a few inches less interior height than a II. Pretty sure technomadia mounted a quite large monitor in the rear corner, back in the day. I'll poke around and see if I can find a photo.1 point
-
I wouldn't want to give it up, either, if I could find a way to make it work. We like our samsung curve tv. The slight curve should actually help, in a corner install. It will cover part of each of the adjoining windows.1 point
-
Just saw an Elite 1 today. The TV was in the corner as shown above. The Oliver is new, June 2020.1 point
-
I have the Champion 3400 watt duel fuel. There is a big difference in the wattage output when on propane, but my running watts are still ok for the ac on propane. Although it does run much quieter on propane maybe because of less wattage output.1 point
-
Hi GAP, I also have the Honda 2200 and I've had the Hutch mountain propane conversion kit for a while. I prefer propane (hope to not have to carry gasoline) and I will be testing this soon as we pick up our trailer this week. So if you are not in a huge hurry, stand by and I'll let you know if it works as soon as I have a warm enough day back home in NC to do some quick tests. We have the Lithium package which also included the soft start. I will likely buy the companion Honda down the road and convert that to propane as well. I eventually need 30 amps to charge the pair of Lithiums on days where solar can't keep up.1 point
-
I'm trying to get this information from my rep but the PD-5000 looks like a really safe bet to me: Image from the 2020 3D tour. You can see the logo with enough contrast. Only the PD-5000 has those features as far as I know. This is the first mention of the updated distribution panel that I've seen on the forums. Thanks for pointing out the change. I was really struggling to understand how they had the new units wired. There isn't much to go wrong in these panels at least.1 point
-
1 point
-
1 point
-
1 point
-
BTW this thread prompted me to join both the MeWe group and the FB group - I looked through some recent FB group threads and there are indeed moderators there and I didn't see any spam and not much in the way of drama - just one borderline interaction which a mod quickly tamped down.1 point
-
I agree. It actually irks me that the facebook group splits the community. The knowledge here is better than the sales team and the mods are top notch. I appreciate your enthusiasm but why fracture the community/knowledge base? If things like quality issues started to be censored here I'd support you 100% but for now, this place is pretty fantastic.1 point
-
Also, a lot of people call any ultrafabric "ultraleather." Someone posted a photo awhile back of an Airstream with ultrafabric cushions in the color "salsa," which I am pretty sure is exclusive to brisa. (Just to confuse things more...)1 point
-
1 point
-
Too funny! Baxter State Park was the inspiration for our boy's name. I must warn you, when you are screaming his name (because he & his sister are playing tug-of-war with a possum) it sounds like you are saying something quite inappropriate.1 point
-
Doggy preparedness: 1. A dog first aid kit & book. 2. Skip getting a pretty rug for inside the door. Get two turf-like/shoe-scraper ones, one for outside & one for inside. Grass & sand will still get beyond them, but not as much. 3. Cordless stick vacuum. You don't want the little short ones because the exhaust sends into orbit what you're trying to suck up. 4. A broom with a small head. I found a great one at the dollar store. 5. These towels because, like our dogs, terry cloth never dries. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RSQH0N4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_nShgBHG4HMpAn 6. A way to restrain your pup while on the road. We use this harness & seatbelt thing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014IJNP3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PK3MFbZD2V7KW?psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D8XRNWR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mJ3MFbEC4DWCQ 7. We built a platform for the back seat of truck. It keeps dogs off upholstery, makes it easier for them to see out the windows, & provides extra storage underneath. 8. What seems like a lifetime supply of poo bags. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MBY2694/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_c82MFbK96X5RE?psc=1 9. A length of cotton rope & a couple carabiners to give you flexibility of where you tie up your furbaby & the ability to do it quickly. Those plastic coated wire lines are friction burning neck breakers.1 point
-
1 point
-
Susan, you might also check out this thread. There are a lot of good posts there about what people carry and how they store it all.1 point
-
Happy to see you joining the ownership family. We are are hosts that show our trailer (Hull 505- Galway Girl) and have some resources to share. We've had many questions during our pre-purchase visits so we've built a wish list for Oliver Owners in Amazon called the Oliver Trailer Outfitter. You can find the list on amazon at this link: http://a.co/2v3Fpz8 If you look at the little description box to the right and above each picture on the list, I describe specifics about the item with respect to our Oliver trailers. For example if you get the front basket accessory, consider using the 24 Gallon Rubbermaid Action Packer as it fits perfectly into that basket and can hold wheel chocks, and other hookup accessories. You can buy many of these items directly from Amazon, e-trailer, or through various brick and mortar stores like Walmart, Tractor Supply, Coastal, Ace HW, etc. If you want to see our BLOG for our journey to pickup our Hull 505 last August 2019...check that out here. https://4-ever-hitched.com/ Craig & Rose Short1 point
-
I'm loading up our trailer for the first trip of the season. This will be the twelfth season for the Target bathroom organizers that I use in the kitchen. Those suction cups have held up really well, but may have to replace the cups next year. We keep flashlights by the bed, and by the door, on velcro. Sherry1 point
-
In the spirit of keeping this thread going, here are a couple more random ideas I've found useful. We had remotes everywhere until I put this wasted horizontal surface to use! Velcro dots keep them in place when the tv is down. We're on the move quite a bit and at each new location I pick up as much info as I can to plan our time there. All that paper ended up stacked on the table. This simple little file holder mounted out of the way under the dinette table keeps the current info handy without clutter. It can also hold a charging laptop, again freeing up the table surface. When you're living in a small space little things like this can make a big difference?1 point
-
1 point
-
We've been full timing in our Oliver since Nov of 2017. Here are some pics of storage solutions that work for us. It took a while living in the Ollie to really determine how we would use the space so I would caution you to give yourself some time. [attachment file=0311191047.jpg] [attachment file=163145] [attachment file=163148]1 point
-
Kathi, if you look on Oliver University (the last menu item under Travel Trailers on the website) you’ll find several downloadable PDFs for various dimensions for your trailer. Here's a direct link to the main measurement index.1 point
-
Recent Achievements
