Leaderboard

I reset the inverter first and got it working properly with the remote before installing the firmware, although it probably doesn't matter since you have to power cycle the inverter as part of the upgrade process anyhow. I just haven't been able to figure out why the "power" button on the inverter works sometimes and not others and I suspected the remote [20] error may have had something to do with it so I did a hard reset first. During the firmware upgrade itself, I was able to use the power button on the inverter to do the power cycle since I had done the hard reset first. 👍 You actually don't need to see the panel on the inverter to do the upgrade. The USB port (and two other ports) are right below those two white power cords coming out of the back of the unit (and so blocked from view). I did stick my head in there with a flashlight to "find" the USB. The flashing lights indicating the firmware is updating are also right under the port, and you just plug in the USB with the firmware on it, the inverter recognizes the firmware and downloads it, then you power cycle and it's done. You can then check the firmware version on the remote after upgrading - since it will be working for a change! 🙂 The duct is a modification I made to get some ducted warm air from the furnace to the street side. I have some holes in the ducts to warm some of the components that need to be warmed on that side in the winter - you can see one of the holes on top of the duct where the cell foam matting ends. The hole looks like it's an accident because I hacked it in there with a screwdriver, but it's on purpose to shoot warm air up towards the battery compartment. 😄

A link to andrewk's original post:

This dimension will be the same for all Tow & Stow models regardless of shank size or drop length. WIth the shank installed in the drop position, the highest bracket position is equivalent to a zero rise. Therefore, the height of the ball above the shank will be 2-1/2" for the 2" ball or 2-3/4" for the 2-5/16. Somebody with a digital caliper can make a liar out of me.

I suggest you contact OTT service by updating your service ticket on this issue and just ask for the instructions and the software. They were in the middle of testing the software and then the big storms hit and they haven't been able to get back into work and finish, but they have sent it to at least me and @Mcbvia email - maybe others. I have had it installed for a day now and fingers crossed - no [20] error code yet. 🙂

At least a few people in Texas are really glad they got the new F150 with onboard power. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2021/02/18/texas-power-outage-storm-blackout-ford-f-150-generator/6797103002/

Photos, as promised The embroidered dish towels were my evening projects; I had fun with these. The brightly colored table cloth is from our camper van The final photo is looking into the cabin from outside. I love the navy Gorilla door mat. It picks up water and debris off incoming shoes (mostly the husband's as I can't convert him to "no shoes"). It easily shakes out and is machine washable. The back is non-slip. 24" x 17" is the perfect size for inside the door. It can also be placed in front of the shower door for a bath mat. https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grip-Original-Chenille-Absorbent/dp/B07FPD51XC?th=1 Edit: now I'm working on a small rug knit from Pendleton selvedge ends. Not sure I'll have enough material to make it very big.

There are a lot of charming places in Florida that are not on the coast, or at least not the sand beaches that everyone thinks of when they hear the word, "Florida. " We have a real fondness for some of the sleepier, old Florida towns, like Homosassa. (Home to one of the most "interesting " restaurants, the Freezer Tiki bar, literally in an old seafood freezer, on the river. Everything is cash only, ordered at the window, and served in paper or takeout boxes, but you'll enjoy some if the best shrimp anywhere. Really. Their smoked fishspread comes with a sleeve of definitely "not" fancy saltines.

We've camped less in Florida than many other states, unfortunately. Winter season is camper repair and upgrade season, and sailing time. In the summer, we usually head north with the Ollie. The Florida state parks we've visited have been lovely, like Wekiwa Springs and Blue Springs, but often difficult to get a reservation. Should be easier in April and May, when the manatees are no longer hanging out in the springs . We've not camped there, but our daughter enjoyed camping at Rainbow springs State Park. Many counties also have some very nice campgrounds. Pinellas county has Ft. DeSoto, which has beautiful, treed waterfront sites, but is often booked, and has really gone up in price in past years. Pasco County's Withlacoochee River has been upgraded over the years. (Used to be $5 a night, now around $25.) Not far off i75, it's a beautiful park, with nice walking trails. We haven't been there in several years, but the Mexican restaurant in San Antonio was really good. (Pancho's Villa) In the early Oliver days, we once had a mini rally there, with 4 Ollies. (Doesn't sound like many, but there were probably only 25 on the road then. 😀) Good luck. It should be a fun trip, and I'll look forward to your reports.

Two out of the way, and interesting state parks: Oleno SP. ..a CCC training camp, 6000 acre town that was abandoned when the trains went to that new swamp called Miami. The other is Kissimmee Prairie SP. Well known to astronomy buffs, as there is minimum light pollution. The stars and the Milky Way jump off the sky. Even the park has red filters on bath house lights to preserve night vision. Deer, gators, trails, stables. Eleven miles in on dirt roads. No plastic faces or neon..love it..

We have placed our order for a new Trailer and are now in the phase of not only selecting the Options we want but also thinking on how to decorate the inside to personalize the trailer. I think we already have most of the RV stuff from older Trailers/MHs. We are retired Sailors so we decided on a Nautical Theme, which should fit the Oliver extremely well! Many of our old Sailboats had white Gelcoat and Stainless Steel\Hardware with Teak Trim which we found really complimented each other. The question is how to accomplish the objectives you want. Note, hopefully everything can be done without permanently damaging the trailer, i.e. drill into the fiberglass etc, this way it can be change back to suit someone else's taste. In our case, we plan on using Dark Blue fabric on the Dinette seats, (custom upholstery Job) with Gray Piping along with Dark Blue Bedding. We have 2 ZipDee Chairs for the outside, of course Dark Blue. Interior accessories include separate 3-4 inch Chrome Gauges Set, Temperature/Barometer/Clock, mounting location TBD, but probably on the Attic Door. The Bathroom Door Mirror will be covered with a thin White Formica (double taped on), and have a 12-15 inch round Marine Port Hole Mirror adhered to the outside of the door. Fortunately we still have the Marine Silverware and Dinnerware from the sailboat. Now for the Teak Trim, with a little luck I'll be able to make custom Teak CounterTops along with the Nightstand. The Dinette Table will be Teak with a Compass Rose Inlay in the center. The Shower will have the Teak Grate. We like the idea of the Lagun Table between the beds, Of course Teak Top. I am curious what others have done to customize their Trailers. Pat & Molly

Fritz - You might want to take a look at THIS YouTube post. There are a number of additional reviews besides this one on YouTube. Bill p.s. I do not recall anyone posting here on the Oliver Forum about these things.

Thanks, I've been "Banging my Head" over this.

Not to worry no political talk here. It did give me a great Idea. We are always traveling out of Florida to different destinations. Why not travel Florida? Going to try to travel down the west coast around the Everglades to the keys back up the East coast hopefully zigzag East to West trying to use back roads. While heading north then west around to the pan handle then home. It may take some time, there are a lot of new Harvest Host sites just added to Florida, most of them are Winery’s and Distillery’s. 😳 Any one who has traveled Florida I like to hear some of your favorite destinations Campgrounds, State parks, attractions etc. I’ll make a list of your suggestions and try to do most of them hopefully. It will be much appreciated. Thanks

I am probably preaching to the choir, but I will mention it anyway. Be really careful about where you take your trailer, if you haven’t already been there before, use the Google Earth or Maps satellite view to check out the parking. My favorite Discount Tire store is quite old and small, and would be a pure nightmare to pull an Ollie into. It has a very tight dead end parking lot, extra storage in the way of half a dozen 40 foot shipping containers, and the single driveway enters a very busy four lane road. John Davies Spokane WA

Ray - When I had metal stems and my TPMS installed I simply towed my Ollie over to a local tire shop and they did all the work from there. If you go this route - just make sure that they jack up your Ollie exactly where you tell them to jack it up and certainly NOT under/right on the axles. Bill

At 6' 5", I found the cushion useless and removed it. (We think it looks a lot better too!) I have only hit my head on the way into the trailer and I hit the part of the door frame that faces down. I have never hit the interior or exterior face frames. Andrew

Well - with most of local business shut down for the day, and Ollie in his winter cover - we made Lemonade out of lemons - err, umm a snow couple out of the white stuff. About 3 inches, temps warming up, we will be back to normal by Monday. In the meantime - enjoy and be safe. The bounds couple in white. RB

I received this from a friend who lives in Nevada. Struck my fun bone thought you all might enjoy.

We have the basement door, and a factory vent + access door on the curb side in our 2019. Another option that seems pretty good are the electric valves a few folks have installed so they can easily winterize/draw water in the boon docking port/etc...

Hope this puts an end to this annoyance so we can all get on to enjoying our Olivers.

Hi @Ray and Susan Huff, you don't have to disconnect the batteries - use the relay cutoff located under the street side bed - nearest the pantry. There are two in there and you want the one that is mounted directly under the pantry. Here's a picture looking down the basement from the rear to the front on the street side. I've circled the breaker that is in between the batteries and the inverter. This is the one that you want to "trip" by pushing the top red square button. When you do that the bar on the side will come out - the picture shows the bar on mine "tripped". Do this and also cut off shore power. Then reset this breaker by pushing that bar on the side back in and turn on shore power if you want - then see if you have reset your remote. Sorry for confusion!!

I don't know if you have power to see the forum, but I, and many of us, have been thinking of you,,and hope you are doing ok .

I'll second that on Blue Springs. For 15 years in a row, I camped at Blue Springs during Daytona Bike Week. Even if you are not going to camp here it is worth a stop for either the manatees or simply the varied assortment of fish that hang out between the Springs and the St. John's River. Bill

I was on the phone with Xantrex tech support for well over an hour yesterday. Jason had contacted them and they asked to speak directly to me since there were many questions about my configuration, what buttons I had pushed, what load I was running for the test.... etc. In summary, here's what I found (I relayed everything to Jason): 1. The tech thinks the [20] error code that I can create every time by throwing the breaker between the inverter and the batteries is normal (sort of). He thinks that by having the battery "ripped" out from it's control causes a normal loss of communication for a split second. He says the remote should recover - but it doesn't so the bug here may be recovering from the disconnect error - not the error itself. Only time and maybe further testing by OTT and Xantrex will tell if this is really true. I'm skeptical because I can recreate the [20] error so easily and consistently with or without the new firmware. 2. I have the new firmware (1.06) installed that is supposed to fix the [20] error code, which comes up in many different scenarios where it should not (according to Xantrex). The hope is that the [20] error won't be coming up for reasons other than the hard disconnect described above. Again, OTT is testing and time will tell. 3. I told him that even when the battery is disconnected, the inverter still pretends it's there and says it's 100% full. He said that the inverter is still "seeing" the 1 foot or so of thick copper that connects to the breaker switch. It's sending a charge down that line and getting back "full" 3.7 volts from the wire. So the "phantom" battery may not be a problem but it still seems strange to me that the inverter doesn't know the battery is really not there anymore. 4. I asked if there's any way he knows of to "stop" and "start" charging programmatically. He said no and asked why I wanted to stop charging before the battery bank was full. As soon as I mentioned Lithium he said it makes sense and several other Xantrex customers with Lithiums have asked about more control over charging. So at least Xantrex is aware that chargers may need to become more advanced with the Lithiums taking the market. 5. I explained the software "workaround" I accidently discovered - using the charger ignition control setting (accessed via the main screen, remote screen or bluetooth app) to stop and start the charger. He pulled up his documentation to read about what the setting actually does. He actually said it's an "ingenious" way to use that software function and won't hurt a thing. All it's doing is turning the charger on and off via the firmware. We don't use that setting for what it's really intended for, which is to only charge the battery in a truck / ambulance / RV van when the engine / alternator is running. 6. After upgrading the firmware and starting to use the software switch to control the charger, I have put my inverter / charger through the wringer. I cannot / have not been able to recreate the [20] error. That certainly doesn't mean it's fixed, but I won't be seeing that error any longer because I threw the breaker. I'm hoping OTT and Xantrex can figure out the rest and make the appropriate recommendations. I think everyone is wondering by now if I have a life - yes I do - and I'm going camping in GA and SC all next week so I won't be bugging everyone on the forum. 😄

Our color scheme revolves around navy blue cotton "bedspreads" purchased from Ikea. The story behind these is: As a teenager, I spent summers with Dad on his houseboat. The sleeping area had two bunks, one on each side of the center aisle. The bunks had royal blue rib cord spreads. Ever since we have had twin bed RVs I've been looking for similar heavy rib-cord spreads like we had on the houseboat. Finally found them (IKEA "Indira")! I intended to use rugs from our camper van, but they were small 1'8" x 27" (four of them). I really like the bright colors, but I found it kept tripping over the edges. Then I found the same rug in a 2' x 8' runner; perfect size for the floor from the galley to the bathroom door. Will use one of the smaller rugs between the beds. We like throw pillows for lounging on the beds and for use on the dinette. Found two square and two oblong that round out our eclectic look. For accessories, I have a lot of red for contrast. Will get some interior pictures and share later.

Jason sent me this same version, U3 v1.06. Something isn't adding up here. This firmware is from 8 months ago and from what I can tell most of us having this issue have just picked up our Ollie's recently and have the 3000 inverter (lithium package). I was working directly with Xantrex technical support about a month ago on a different problem and mentioned this [20] error code many of us were seeing. I was told at the time that they were aware of the issue and were testing a fix that required a complete re-flash of the software (not just a firmware update), and that it could only be done at a certified Xantrex service center. The tech didn't even mention trying v1.06 to try and resolve the [20] error and it was certainly available at the time. I put the new firmware on yesterday - it was simple and only took a few minutes. I didn't think it worked it was so simple and quick, but my Xantrex is indeed now running U3 1.06. It has not fixed the problem on my inverter. I can recreate the [20] error every time by cutting the connection (using the relay) between the Xantrex and the battery while on shore power. I do this often because I don't want the Xantrex keeping my Lithiums topped off and the only way to stop the Xantrex from charging the batteries while on shore power is hard disconnect. I can also "fix" the [20] error by cycling the shore power AFTER the battery is already cut off from the inverter. The remote works fine until I connect and subsequently disconnect the battery again. I don't think Xantrex expected their customers to be continuously connecting and disconnecting the batteries in order to manage the SoC, but you pretty much have to if you own Lithiums since the inverter is set up by default to always top off the batteries and keep them there. I know these Lithium vendors say don't worry about it - our BMS protects the battery... but that's a marketing response. All research points to the fact that temperature and SoC are the two critical factors in Lithium longevity. Temperature does more damage to the Lithiums when they are in a full SoC as well - so why keep them at 100% when on shore power? I'll try and figure out what the serial number on my remote is and share it with OTT, but I suspect this firmware has nothing to do with our [20] error code. In the meantime, if anyone with the Lithium package has a chance, it would be interesting to see if anyone else can recreate the [20] error consistently with the sequence I described above... or, if there are any other sequences that cause the problem?

A couple of days ago I finally received a replacement extension cable and 5 new fuses. Even though I've got a fair amount of THESE, I didn't have any of the 1/2 amp fast blow fuses that Garmin uses. Again I went down to the workshop in order to "bench test" just to make sure that all worked as it should. Unfortunately, when I plugged in the "new" second extension cable it worked at first but the signal would be lost thereby cutting out the picture on the Garmin 890. Also, unfortunately I do not have the equipment, time nor patience to accurately test for the appropriate power that is or is not being transmitted through some 16 feet of total cable. However, since this unit only takes a 1/2 amp fuse and the specifications provided by Garmin show that the camera plus transmitter have a total current usage of only 150 mA at 12 Vdc, I seriously suspect that the reason for the outage is due to voltage drop. So, my current plan is to mount the camera in the usual place above the Oliver third light on the roof. Then I will drill a hole and feed the camera cable into the attic, run the cable over into the curbside cubbies and then towards the kitchen cubbies via the single extension cable and WiFi transmitter. Once out of cable I will get power from the "camera" switch by the door that I had installed during my build that also powers the camera I have in my spare tire cover. The WiFi transmitter will be secured to the top of the inside of the kitchen cubbie. Given that Garmin claims WiFi transmission of at least 45 feet, there should be little problem. But, if there is an issue I'll simply move the transmitter to a spot where I can get through the "foil" insulation. Pictures will be posted when I actually do the install which will not be until the weather gets a bit warmer (not that I'm complaining about the high temp of 48 degrees we had today while much of the nation is well below that). Bill

I've been researching this topic since posting yesterday and I've got to correct something I posted (above). Relative humidity is sort of tricky to think about because, well, it's relative to temperature. The dew point is actually another key data point to look at as that represents the amount of water in the air (or space containing the air) independent of temperature. Relative Humidity is important because it tells you how close you are to the dew point - where condensation occurs (also called accidental dehumidification 🙂 ). Dew point is important because it tells you how much moisture is in the air. So, my statement above is not always true. You can actually pull colder, more relatively humid air into the cabin and reduce the overall humidity if the dew point outside is lower than the dew point inside (and you have access to dry heat)! It works because the cold air has less water content (lower dew point) even though the relative humidity is high - when you heat that fresh, cool, dryer air to your cabin temp, it actually has less relative humidity than the air it replaced. Confusing? I thought so. Sorry for my misleading statement.

This is the dehumidifier we purchased. It doesn't have a great capacity, but has an auto shut off. You can also hook up a drain hose (included) and drain into a larger container. It is very quiet, if you plan to run it while you are on board. It does have a heating element which seems to raise the temperature about 5 degrees.

I LOVE my Diamondback cover that is on my F150! Mine also has the crossbar in front and quite a few more tie downs on the exterior. A bit Expensive, but Oh, so goooood.

Perhaps another reason why the F150 has been and is the best selling truck. I've had two of these now and both were/are very nice. If I had the need and garage room I'd give serious consideration to a 3/4 ton though. Bill

We have an older F-350 (2013) with no in-dash navigation, just a regular satellite/am fm radio/CD player. We found a CD slot mount works well since the CD player is just below the dash. Had to purchase a 1"ball. I'll share a picture when I get the chance to take one. @topgun2 I knew, as soon as we paid full price for the 890, there would be a price drop! Couldn't wait, though as we needed it to get us to Hohenwald to pick up our Elite II. The Garmin worked great; did a great job of keeping us going the right direction. I do still need to practice some with the features as I know we aren't taking advantage of them all. One thing I can't seem to get is how to select an alternate route. Garmin seems to want to pick one with no options to redirect. Perhaps someone can clue me in as to how to do this. The only way I've had success is to break the trip up into small segments with destinations along the route we prefer.

Thanks for the complement. I am anal as can be, and I was a General Aviation A&P for twenty years before retiring early to raise my kids. I could build an airplane, I still have the tools, just not the inclination. I was told more than once when working to back off, I was too picky - “good enough is good enough”. I should have worked for a corporate outfit with bottomless finances, shinier jets and floors, and a higher service standard. Tell me, as an airplane pilot, who do you want working on it, Mr Anal or Mr Good Enough? LOL. What is funny is that my daughter, who has no tech background at all, snapped up an admin position at one of those places, a Spokane based aerial firefighting outfit. Have you ever considered flying tankers? John Davies Spokane WA

Update, I have used this system for two camping seasons without any issues. At first I was pretty paranoid about the hardware loosening from the often violent up and down motion at the rear of the trailer. I retorqued the bolts a couple of times, I got a little nut movement the first time, but never after that. I do check them annually, when I check stuff like the front jack attach nuts and the hitch and suspension bolts. Even when I forcibly backed the rack into the stone siding on my house, it did not budge. But the stonework sure did 🤭 Note to self: a trailer backup camera only works when you actually turn it ON! John Davies Spokane WA

After most of the 6” we got on Monday melted yesterday it has started again, big flakes. Might get another 6” today. Normal in a lot of places but record setting here in San Antonio!

A lack of semiconductors worldwide is affecting a wide swath of producers in many industries. Current lead times for parts can be as much as a year, bringing assembly lines to a halt. This is partially due to Covid's disruption of the workforce, combined with shortages of critical elements. We can expect a bumpy road in manufacturing for a while yet. https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/nissan-latest-suspend-production-due-semi-shortage

Unfortunately it looks like there are "ISSUES" out there in Ford truck land. Bill