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Showing content with the highest reputation on 03/10/2021 in Posts
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Has anyone tried this approach?
4 points -
This option only cost me a firearm cable lock and 5 minutes to drill (2) holes. I agree $84 is a lot for the TorkLift tank lock. Just a thought.
3 points
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I thought one difference is how the Batteries get charged and what "unit" in the Oliver is doing the charging: In our case: 2019 EII Hull 505 2019 EII has a 2000 W inverter....but that inverter doesn't have a DC charging output. DC Battery charging is taken care of by the Progressive Dynamics, PD4000 Energy Center embedded DC Charger. (It's a 45Amp DC charger for both AGM or Lithium, with a jumper to set it to either "Lead Acid" or "Lithium" chemistries which will be good when I upgrade from AGM to Li. When in the LI setting, the DC charger outputs 14.6V for Lithium.) Newer Olivers with factory installed Lithium Packages are using the XC Pro 3000 inverter which ALSO has a much heftier "DC Charging Unit inside". (In other words, they aren't using the DC charger within the PD energy center, instead they use the DC Charger within the XC Pro 3000.) See the table below excerpted from the XC Pro Spec Sheets - 150 Amps will help charge a Lithium Battery much faster. Also the programmable voltage level will help users set it specific to the Li battery installed. ELECTRICAL SPECS - BATTERY CHARGER FREEDOM XC PRO 2000 FREEDOM XC PRO 3000 Min Battery Voltage for Charging 0.0 Vdc 0.0 Vdc Max DC Output Voltage 18.0 Vdc (custom battery type) 18.0 Vdc (custom battery type) Selectable DC Output Current User Selectable: 5 - 100 A User Selectable: 5 - 150 A Full Load Max AC Input Current 24 Arms 25 Arms Max DC Charge Current 100A 150A3 points
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While growing up with our kids we enjoyed attending concerts, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Rod Steward, Edgar Winter, and Fleetwod Mac. Even attended a Steam concert, hearing them play Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye. Still like these group's music. Also like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Chet Atkins. Lately enjoy listening to classical Italian like "Parla Piu Piano" and also songs like the Wilson's Sister's "Stairway to Heaven".3 points
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After years of talking about it, we are finally ready to head north, depending on whether or not Canada opens up her borders to US visitors. We plan to spend four weeks on the road and more or less haul @ss up there just after Labor Day, 2000 miles/ 40 hours from Spokane WA to Tok, AK ... And then drive these Alaska routes as shown by the arrows. Weather permitting, we can hang out a few days here and there to wait for photo opportunities (no rain, sun breaks). Drive the Denali Hwy (gravel) westbound, to see Mount Denali in all its glory, plus elk, caribou, birds, etc. My wife is eager to do nature, northern lights, and time lapse photography. The caribou hunting season will be over by August, so hopefully there will be no crowds of hunters along that road. YouTube Denali Hwy and Denali NP Then to Denali NP for a few days, loop south and back east to visit the Kennecott Copper Mine via the McCarthy Road (more gravel - we would like to park the trailer for that section) and then to Valdez. YouTube McCarthy, Kennecott Mine, fast forward to 9:00 minutes, very cool Then back up to Tok and turn right for Canada. That south central AK loop with side trips will be about 1400 miles. Then slowly work our way home through BC and Alberta by the eastern route, hopefully missing the crowds at Jasper and Banff, and any early snow in the passes. We might detour to Prince Rupert going north, if the weather is good, we do want to see the ocean, but I am guessing Valdez will provide better views and whales and such.... We have no desire to deal with crowds, cruise ships, helicopter flights, tour buses or Anchorage. We want dark skies, star gazing, northern lights, solitude and wildlife. No hookups needed, nor do we even need established campgrounds. DNR ones are fine (Geezer Pass). Any and all advice about places to see and stay will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John Davies Spokane WA
2 points
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You will have a wonderful time! I have always gone up the Eastern route and back down on the Cassiar but the reverse would work just as well. Up until about 10 - 15 years ago, you could pretty well kiss off your windshield but now the route is virtually all paved (with the exception of the Denali Highway). On our last trip, during the summer of 2018, we found the roads to be in very good shape and experienced few rock dings on the front of our RV, an Aliner. When we go up again in two years we will probably put a temporary gravel shield on the front of our new Ollie 2 but otherwise am not too concerned about it. A bigger concern is the presence of an endless stream of frost heaves and the occasional, trailer-swallowing pothole. Dampening the porposing brought on by frost heaves is a good argument for the Anderson system. I have seen a number of trailers with broken axels and frames on the loop. Do take your camera, fishing pole and, most importantly, lots of time. Six weeks to two months will allow you to only hit the high spots and I guarantee you will be mumbling to yourself "if only I had more time" as you pass countless lakes, rivers and incredible views. Lots of campgrounds and boondocking available. Don't over-do the Bearanoia thing. Bear spray is no problem to take into Canada and a rifle or shotgun easily transported with proper paperwork. Don't even think about a handgun. The real danger is other tourists looking at the scenery instead of the road - that and drunken locals. A couple of extra gas cans makes a lot of sense and a 12V tire pump & plug repair kit can't hurt. Start with good rubber and you will be fine ... the Canadian and Alaskan road systems are pretty civilized these days. On our last trip we threw a couple kayaks on top of the pickup and were really thankful we did. Do have a great time and let us know how it goes.2 points
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Decided to install the BuiltRight mounting bracket on our F250 dash today so we could mount our 890RV gps. We decided to go with a little different approach on mounting location after mocking up a few different locations. We settled on dead center. Surprisingly there is no line of sight hinderance for me in this location due to the cab height. The screen is very accessible and we are really happy with the location. After a drive around our neighborhood and secondary roads I can report a solid mount and no screen bounce. Still have room for the Ollie rear view cam on the w/s. vid- A few photos....
2 points
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Thanks - great photos. They'll be a useful reference for you later. Some comments: First thought is that the trailers are being delivered much cleaner than they used to be, which is great to see. Some of the wiring still looks like a mess, but I'm glad to see that they're using lever nut style connectors now, which should make repairs, diagnosis, and upgrades easier. I hate that they're still using gorilla tape to hold down wiring. And they're not zip tying the ends of their wire wrap to prevent it from coming off. I still see *sharp* screw ends poking inside the hull near wiring. The new batteries are pretty cool. It looks like they're doing a good job with the new insulation, cutting it tightly around obstacles and taping the seams.2 points
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I traveled in that direction a few years back and it was very memorable. Just a few miles northeast of Jasper, there is a free "overflow" RV parking which has adequate bathroom facilities available. There is plenty of room to spread out and social distance, as you desire. I see you are considering HWY 40 between Hinton and Grand Prairie. During our trip, there was horrendous construction going on to widen the road. It was a two lane highway and there were no shoulders, instead, the pavement abruptly ended and there was a 3 ft vertical drop into mud. Oh, and the potholes were big enough to swallow a VW Bug. Hopefully it has been completed, but if you determine work is still ongoing, it may be safer to go a bit out of your way to avoid it. You will enjoy the Denali Highway. I did it in two days and stayed overnight boondocking at a pull-off. Suggest you pull off early because they are well sought after. About your routing, have you given thought to heading up to Dawson and taking the Top of the World Highway from Dawson, Yukon to Chicken, Alaska? That was a very memorable portion of our trip. If you go that way, after "seeing" Dawson, take the ferry across the river and stay at the campground on the west side of the Yukon River. That way you can get on the road earlier, not needing to wait your turn for the ferry crossing. Don't go on either the Top of the World or Denali highways during or immediately after strong rains! Be sure to count all of the bears and Moose and give us a count upon your return. ENJOY!2 points
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We do fine on the 2000 watt - really don't use it much - but it comes in handy. I have had several - very good units. Put them in my van builds. Microwave - I could do with out. My wife says otherwise. If we have used it 10 times in 2 years I would be surprised. Oliver has completely redesigned the systems since our 2018. The Xantrex does double duty today verses ours. It is a cleaner setup, but I prefer the setup of our Ollie. Popcorn - well very rarely. I would rather have the cubby hole. RB2 points
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I was amazed to need Bear spray while walking in Valdez - seems bears like civilization, but do not care for regulations. While in Denali - We had a bear incident happen the day before we set out on a long hike. Seems a large one had assaulted (new wave speak) a couple - on same trail we were headed to - and closed it for a week - for the second time. So we went to the dog kennels and had a great time talking and discovering . Previously in the trip - a similar situation near Glacier - only the biker was "terminated" by a bear - on a trail we were planned to hike. However - we managed to get in several hikes n bikes. I didn't carry - only had spray - as Canada is tough on guns, However, Alaska is very gun friendly, Native AK's usually had appropriate firearms while out in nature. I did borrow something from my son - who resides in North Pole - while in AK. Did not do the Kennecott tour - should have - will next time. We tried to never take the same roads twice - where possible. Most roads were decent - well that was - now - 5 years ago this summer - but the sections of mud and gravel - under construction - were brutal. Large caravans formed, oncoming traffic threw up glass cracking stones, and your own contrails were similar. If we go back - Oliver will be well covered in its front sections. Frost and freeze heaves will sneak up on you - beware - if there is a cone in the road - slow..... Being self - contained will make the trip much easier - and less selective on the where to stay issue. Happy Trails.2 points
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I have had the new firmware on my 3000W XC Pro for a little over 3 weeks now and I started using the software cutoff I discovered rather than the physical cutoff relay to disconnect the battery from the inverter (to stop charging). Haven't seen the [20] error code since. Maybe it's fixed. I haven't heard back from OTT on their test results with the firmware though and they haven't closed my ticket yet so maybe they know something I don't.2 points
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John - Take a lot of pictures and post them here for us dreamers.2 points
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Having spent about a month and a week running around BC, Yukon, and AK in 2016 - being in a hurry is not advisable. There is just to much cool stuff to do, see, experience, and catching the Great One - without cloud cover may take time. We didn't have Ollie then. I will tell you - put something on the front surfaces for protection - regardless of the stone stomper - you have been warned. Sept is a little late - but you know what your doing. In Canada - in the outback - BC/Yukon - consider 1/2 tank of fuel as empty - you never know if the next planned fuel source is open. Crowds were not an issue - Denali will need a rez - well in Sept ?? not sure. Great hiking - Bears are and were an issue - we had to change plans a few times........ carry bear spray and a 44 mag. Valdez was a cool place, Homer, a little less - fishing was good for my wife. We did a week on the Talkeetna river - WW trip through the gorge - flew in on a puddle jumper - landed on a sandbar- was really out there. We used 'The Milepost" guide - lot of info - you will just have to pare down what you want to see. When we do this again - n the Ollie - we will spend much more time in BC and Yukon. RB2 points
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I was not familiar with him until now, just checked him out on Youtube, his music is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Forgot to mention David Gilmour:2 points
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Do you like Ludovico Einaudi?2 points
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Mmmmmm, boomer music. 😂2 points
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Stevie and Slow hand....2 points
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My Sister and her husband - “In the Pines”2 points
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He was a legend...2 points
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I agree. And, once you've been there, your winter will probably be spent planning your next trip.1 point
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We went to Kennicott mine about six years ago. It's a very interesting tour. The old mine building is rickety, and lots of old staircases, and in a few places, ladders to climb or descend. The waiver we had to sign was 3 or 4 pages long. However, the main building will be closed this summer, according to the website, for much needed renovations. That's a shame. If you go, take the van ride from the little depot in McCarthy to the mine. We missed the jog to the right to catch the van, and wound up walking about five miles to the mine. We caught a van on the way back. Still, my friend's pedometer showed we walked about 10 miles that day. The McCarthy road is indeed pretty bad. It's narrow and rutted, and as part of it is an old railroad bed, our guide told us occasionally old spikes work there way to the surface. ( We took a van ride from Chitina, since we were driving someone else's brand new rv, with no spare.) There is a parking lot where you can park your vehicle, though, and walk across the bridge to town. I think you'd be wise to leave the Ollie in the rv park, in Chitina, for the day. The drive out to McCarthy from Chitina is about 2 hours, each way. We camped by the side of the road, next to one if the bridges coming into Chitina, but the rv park isn't expensive, has water and a dump station, and would be a more secure place for your trailer. It's a long day. You'll probably want to stay there the night before and after. There's a free "public" camping area closer to town, but it looked pretty dodgy. I wouldn't leave my trailer there, I don't think. We parked the rv for the day in the little city lot in Chitina, where the van picked us up.1 point
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Oh Yea!.... Nothing says long road trip like a little "Trombone choir"...😂...I'm Fired up now..ready to go!...Oh wait.. where's my vaccine?.. Man its been a long winter1 point
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I am going to water test it later today. I'm nervous. Fingers and toes crossed. 😏1 point
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Here’s some Brothers out of Australia.... Putting out some great blues1 point
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We would love to meetup in the hill country Cindy. We have some commitments in Sept and Oct. I haven't figured out how to respond on comments but Bill you are funny guy1 point
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Just saw Duane Betts and Devon Allman at the Ryman . Duane is his fathers clone lick for lick. It was a great concert.1 point
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The truck was a special order, so it will take at least 8 weeks to get it. Furthermore, my Ollie delivery is scheduled for December 2021. I am planning a trip to the Factory this Summer. I will report my mileage empty and towing after delivery. I just think that EGR, Particulate filters, def, regens, limping modes have killed the diesels by making them overly complex and very expensive to repair. On top of that, it is a 10k option, since I expect to drive less than 25,000 miles per year, I can’t justify it.1 point
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We’ve used the camco filter almost every time...it’ll be every time from now on. 🙂1 point
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I have a little of everything: the latest: Metamodern Sounds in Country Music - and And and1 point
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I could shut down the website with all of my music posts...1 point
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Dickey Betts really does a fine job in this acoustic version.1 point
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My wife and I spend many a night singing Marty Robbins songs by the campfire*, but apart from that, this playlist is as close as I get to country. *not in the least bit true.1 point
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That looks great, John. I'm glad you decided on the butyl. Now, we have three methods to compare.1 point
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the state of minnesota is developing a new campground on superiors north shore. please see link: Split Rock Lighthouse getting new 'drive-in' campground as area gets new mountain bike trails (msn.com) 10-q dan1 point
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I have seen some of that grayish paste too - when I changed out my bathroom faucet, which was only about a month after we got our Ollie. It's almost certainly lime / calcium but I couldn't figure out why I would have had so much after such a short period of time. I wish I would have tested it - if I see more I'll let it dry out and then put a drop of acid on it. If it is lime / calcium and it's getting into the plumbing and forming paste that fast, it may be time to add a portable water softener in addition to the Camco filter when going to a full hookup campground.1 point
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Hi @SeaDawg, I had originally planned on using 3M 4200 sealant for the top plate since it's "removable" but after thinking things over for a few days I had settled on butyl tape. I want to avoid silicone or anything "permanent" and difficult to clean off in the future should it be necessary. I hadn't considered a foam seal until I read your post. Did you choose foam over butyl originally because of the ease of installation / de-installation or performance? What brand of seal did you choose? Thanks in advance!!!1 point
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I received this from a friend who lives in Nevada. Struck my fun bone thought you all might enjoy.
1 point
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Is the only option now the number of axles?1 point
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I've successfully replaced a broken Bathroom Door Mirror. It was pretty darn easy, however I'm going to provide step-by-step instructions below for anyone who has any concerns about how to do it one's self. Note: Be very careful handling glass! It's possible to get severe lacerations, if you're not reasonably careful. You may want to wear some light work gloves with silicone grippers on the fingers. Mirror has Safety Backing which is intended to keep broken mirror from having exposed sharp edges, but it's not perfect. 1) Order a new Safety Mirror w/Safety Backing in these dimensions 18.5" X 61" X 1/8" from your local glass store. I don't recommend picking it up until you have the broken one removed and can bring the Plastic Backing Board to provide added support for the new mirror when transporting it home. 2) Remove door from Ollie by unscrewing the 4 screws on the hinge side of the door inside the bathroom. When the last screw comes loose, be ready to carefully lift the entire door and hinge assembly from the fiberglass door opening. 3) Place the door on a open, flat surface. Begin by removing the 2 screws that hold the door handles to the frame, and set those aside. Next, remove the plastic door latch by removing it's screw, and set aside. Next, there are 4 screws, one per corner, that hold the aluminum frame together. It probably doesn't matter where you begin, but I started by removing the two screws on the long side opposite the hinge. Set screws aside, and begin to gently work the aluminum frame from the mirror, the 1/8" plastic backing, and the silicone seal that holds the mirror in the frame. Once off, set aside. Move to either the top or bottom frame piece, Loosen until free, the screws that stay connected to the hinged frame piece. Carefully remove top and bottom frame pieces. Finally, remove hinged side from mirror. Note: Be sure to notice how the one piece silicone seal is placed on the mirror edges. Notice how it fits on the corners. You'll want to duplicate that exactly with the new mirror, if you want it to go back together easily. 3) Remove Silicone Seal and set aside. Carefully remove Plastic Backing Board from 1/8" mirror. It was glued to the mirror, so it may take some gentle prying. Mine came off easily because the glue was no longer holding them together. 4) Take Plastic Backing Board to glass shop to glue or tape to new mirror before transporting. Make sure your vehicle has a flat space long enough to support entire mirror. It would be a bummer if you hit a bump and it broke before you got home. New mirror cost me $130 5) Begin reassembly by removing tape if it was used to keep backing board on mirror. Place Silicone Seal on new mirror exactly the way it was on the broken mirror. I recommend starting with the hinged side first. Very gently work the mirror, backing board and silicone seal into the hinged frame piece such that the top and bottom frame pieces will fit perfectly to the 45 degree angle cuts. This allows for perfect screw and threaded holes to align perfectly. 6) Gently press top/bottom frame pieces onto mirror/backing board/silicone seal such that they match perfectly with hinged piece. Screw the top and bottom screws from the hinged side into the top and bottom pieces. 7) Now install the other long frame piece until it matches perfectly with the top/bottom pieces. Once together, install the two screws you set aside. 8) Now you can reinstall it into the trailer. Simply lift into place such that frame holes align holes in fiberglass opening. Replace screws till tight. 9) Lastly, reinstall Aluminum handles and Plastic Latch. Voile! You have a new mirror which you will never allow to break again because you learned your lesson the first time, as I did LOL.1 point
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Nothing like, late at night, in the Ollie with the mirrored cabinet doors, turning off all the lights, with the exception of the inside courtesy and cabinet cabinet lights, with Miles and Coltrane . . .1 point
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Play me some mountain music, like grandma and grandpa used to play1 point
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