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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/16/2022 in all areas
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Based on the posting by @hobo, I contacted John Halter, Owner of Zarcor. We have scheduled installation of a Zarcor window on our 2022 LEII, Hull #990 in August 31. John is sending me paperwork for the free window and installation. Following the installation, I plan to post an update with photos, and possibly video of the installation. My thanks to @hobo for providing the information on this opportunity. Don4 points
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We chose tinted as it matches the rest of the Oliver windows. 👍🏻3 points
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Paul, I have done business and spoken with John when I installed my new tinted window and blind, he is a very nice guy and a straight shooter! 👍🏻 Some lucky owner is gonna enjoy their new window and blind! 👍🏻 Patriot3 points
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Congrats! We are also getting a 2023 LE II but it won't be ready until 3/8. We are about 2 hours from Hoenwald so if you need a place to overnight on your way back, let us know. We have 30 and 50 amp connections. Also, my wife if from Rexburg! Safe Travels! B&B3 points
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It’s a worthwhile upgrade. We’ve had ours for years and it still works like new. Mike2 points
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We're installing a tinted with white blinds. I'll let you know how it turns out.2 points
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SeaDawg - I agree with all you stated here. You must have been USN or just love boats. I was USAF and love planes (Airborne Communications). I love your use of interstitial, as part of my job in the AF, and my lifelong hobby, Amateur Radio, we have interstitial frequencies in the databases. I don't hear it often. I will certainly keep a back up heat source in colder months. We learned that lesson in our Airstream a few times - felt like winter survival training in an aircraft hull. Not a good way to go! Cheers, Brian2 points
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Long install post- I decided it was a gorgeous sunny North Carolina day and just a good day to install the new tinted glass and blind I ordered from Zarcor. I made this a stand alone post as this window install was a bit different from other installs I have read about here. It appears the Lippert now uses a sealant on the exterior window frame which adheres the frame to the door frame opening. They also use a similar sealant on the interior of the exterior frame, which holds the glass FIRMLY in place inside the window. I could not remove the old opaque glass from the old frame. I decided since this really appears to be a one time use sealant that purchasing a new exterior frame would be required. Reusing the old frame and compromised sealant was not an option for me. You will see where the sealant on the old frame came off after removal from the Ollie window door cut out or frame. Some of the old sealant came off on the old opaque window. I was glad I had purchased a new frame through Zarcor to do the install. The new frame was $28 plus shipping. Once I removed the old frame and opaque glass, the install was pretty straightforward. The new window frames use what appears to be a ratchet mechanism which once both frames are sealed together they lock into place. No more rope caulk or screws to tighten down when you sandwich the new window interior and exterior frames together. Zarcor sends (16) little plastic tabs (pics) that release the frames from each other. Without these tabs you cannot remove the frames. Below are a few photos to help describe the process. It’s not terribly difficult; just take your time and read the instructions. We are really happy with this mod and like the idea of seeing who is knock knock knocking on our Ollie’s door. $175.00 for this mod including shipping from Zarcor. The staff at Zarcor made this mod seamless by answering all questions I had before moving forward. Just really great folks to do business with in San Antonio,Texas. This is a fairly easy window mod and I would highly recommend it if you prefer being able to see who is knocking at your door. Take your time and remember be gentle as your working with plastic and glass. link - https://www.zarcor.com/rv_products/rv-door-window-kit/ (16) tabs provided by Zarcor to remove existing frame. You insert equally around slots on the exterior of the interior frame edge. You will see the slots. Ratchet mechanism that holds frames together. Likely to speed up window/door plant assembly production cut costs. After removing the interior frame, a thin bladed puddy knife can be used to separate seal. Old frame and compromised sealant - Another photo of old exterior frame after removal- Throughly clean off old sealant off door frame- Installed new frame, and tinted glass, my bride was a tremendous help with an extra set of hands 🙌 👍🏻. The blind install was again pretty straight forward and it works great! It attaches with several small Velcro tabs. The blind can be operated with the interior screen door closed, just slide screen door plastic opening for access. Finished exterior - we like the way this tinted window matches the rest of our glass. The contrast of the tint vs natural light -1 point
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I was talking to John (owner of ZARCOR) today with a technical question and he advised me they are looking for someone in the Dallas, TX area with a late model (2021 or newer) Oliver Elite so they can install and film one of their very nice door replacement windows. They will provide the parts and labor free-of-charge for use of the trailer to do the installation video. Here's an opportunity for a free upgraded window and your trailer will be a star. Call John at ZARCOR and tell him I sent you over. Paul1 point
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I assume you mean one that inflates as well as has a gauge….. you are correct, most are garbage. You have to pay for a decent one. I have had this for four years and it has been great. Highly recommended, if mine broke or disappeared I would buy another one without hesitation. These inflators are bulky and not great for travel, mine hangs from a hook on the wall directly over my shop air compressor. I carry a cheaper analog gauge when on the road, to use with my Smittybilt high volume (almost 6 cfm) low pressure compressor. Astro Pneumatic Tool 3018 3.5" Digital Tire Inflator with Hose I have a couple of other Astro tools, they seem to be a good combination of value and quality. John Davies Spokane WA1 point
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I think tinted would best match the other windows.1 point
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It takes a few full charge cycles to get the cells to balance, they talk about this in the Lithionics manual, have you been following their guidelines? How many cycles (charged to 100%) have yours had since you got the trailer? I have Battle Borns, and they only balance (between batteries and between cells) when they are at 100% state of charge and they sit for a while. I think that is typical for this type of cell. John Davies Spokane WA1 point
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This will definitely be my next minor upgrade. Looking forward to seeing outside the door window. Now do I choose clear or tinted? I’m thinking tinted with white blinds. Is there a one way mirror glass available?1 point
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I personally think you will find the Oliver MUCH easier to heat than the Airstream. Even our first edition #12, 2008 (with its wimpier insulation) is easier to heat than any other rv we've ever used. Never had an Airstream. Never really wanted to live in that (lovely) tin can, though we looked at them, several times. Beautiful, but not for us. Not USN. That'd be my husband. I'm tbe apprentice. Yes, we do love (and still own) multiple boats. That's a big part of why we know fiberglass is the way to go. Sailboat will be 50 in a four or five years. Power/ski boat is over 25. Various small craft, dinghy, kayaks, etc. in the garage or side yard. We take care of our stuff, and it takes care of us. I guess that's our mantra. Deferred maintenance kills stuff. House, trailer, boats. The Oliver is the least problematic, in our group of possessions, actually. I truly hope you can take the time to enjoy your Ollie as much as we have. We have such great memories. And, more to come. And, thank you for your service, USAF.1 point
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Yes, it would. The US version of the truma water heater doesn't run on electricity, either. I wouldn't hold my breath, honestly. I'd just buy a nice marine rated electric portable heater, or a Vornado. Something at least ul rated. If it gets close to freezing, you still need to run the furnace, to keep the interstitial spaces between the hulls warm . Or, if you usually camp with electricity, install one or two good marine bilge heaters. I am very excited about the vario heat, however. I've had it on my eventual upgrade list since it was introduced in the USA, and I talked for 45 minutes with the service manager in Lakeland. Quieter. More efficient. More controls. Sleep mode. Integrates with the truma backbone for thermostatic controls. It's more expensive than our previous furnaces, but quite probably worth it.1 point
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I think you made a good decision. I would wait for the 2023 as well just for the quieter AC alone, that will be worth it. Several other upgrades look pretty enticing as well. Looking forward to your first impressions posts next year.1 point
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That is the standard 2023 furnace. Also, only in Europe (right now), there is an option for supplemental electric heat. I got really excited about it and and learned they have two levels of electric heat (like a hair dryer) that you can use either or both with or without propane. Oh well, maybe one day it will come here and can be added later. It would be nice if we were at a campground with hookups and didn't want to use propane. Brian1 point
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If the new foam is too stiff to squish/sort of fold at the sides a bit and stuff it in, use thin plastic, like a piece of dry cleaning bag, to make the foam slide easier. After inserting the foam, slide the plastic out. I wash the covers on my patio furniture once or twice a year. No issue. Do treat the zippers with a zipper lubricant/protector, especially of you live in a hot/humid climate. Makes them last longer/not stick. Oliver's upholster uses high quality thread and zippers. Really makes a difference in longevity. After fifteen seasons, trailer stored or used outside 24/7/365, I've only seen one tiny thread pop. I think that's pretty remarkable. (As you may have guessed, I've done a bit of upholstery in my life.)1 point
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Steve, We did not like the southern mattresses with spring coils that we purchased prior to picking up our Ollie. Way too many pressure points for our comfort level. We sold them to another Ollie owner with full disclosure of our intentions to replace with memory foam. We purchased a Casper 10” Element and now enjoy deep sleep on what we call our “my cloud” 😴😅. There are other much less expensive mattress options out there if you choose to get creative.1 point
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I'd agree, we don't get caught up in replacing "everything." But, if others want to, and feel more comfortable, I certanly won't criticize, either. Everyone has their personal comfort zone.. The brass vs plastic is a no big deal for me, either, as plastic fittings are often used in new construction. Just not within 18" of hot water... We've had exactly one fitting fail over 15 seasons, so I personally have no desire to invest the time and considerable money, til necessary. We don't even carry spares, as they're readily available in pretty much every hardware store, and we already know how to use them. But, then, we may apparently live on the edge.1 point
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The AC is a Truma Aventa on my build sheet, but digging through their websites you can find the Aventa both with and without a heat pump function. Looking in more detail, it appears the EU version is a heat pump but the US version (120V) does not show any heating function -- I stand corrected.1 point
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Yep, that’s the one Philip Andrews said came on the 2023 Truma option; the Truma VarioHeat and the Truma AquaGo. Not the Truma Combi. Before I bought the Land Cruiser, I was looking at flatbed truck campers. I found a few mentions that the separate units was a better more reliable and efficient option then the Combi. The Combi’s obviously advantage is size.1 point
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Our 2023 order has the Truma WH and AC. The model of the Truma AC is a heat pump so you can get some heat out of that and the unit still has a propane forced air heater. No idea on the brand of that, but its not combined with the Truma Water heater.1 point
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I can't find it now, but I asked this question on the Oliver Facebook group. Oliver sales employee Philip Andrews said that the water heater and furnace were Truma separates, not the Combi unit.1 point
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John Davis: FYI, Looking at the 2023 Build (rate) sheet under "Water Heater & AC Packages" it states the following options: Ssuburban Water Heater & Dometic AC - $0.00 increase or Suburban Water Heater & Dometic AC with Micro-Air Easy Start - $450.00 or Truma AquaGo On-Demand Water Heater & Truma Aventa AC - $3500.00 or Truma AquaGo On-Demand Water Heater & Truma Aventa AC & Electric Antifreeeze Kit - $3800.00 No Furnace combo model is listed. In the catalogue, it only lists LP Ducted Furnace, no brand is given. Maybe the web site gives more information1 point
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Are you positive that it is the water heater/ furnace combo model? Have you spoken to Oliver Sales about that? I sure hope so, I would be interested in a factory installed retrofit, because the old furnace is a true PITA to service, especially if there is a board failure. I am sure propane consumption will be stellar with the combo unit. And hopefully stellar maintenance access too, depending on where they choose to position it. And way way quieter. Any details will be very welcome! I agree with your decision to wait! Your drive home may be challenging, don’t rush if the weather turns bad. John Davies Spokane WA1 point
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While we were having our Ollie serviced this past June a salesman in the Oliver showroom mentioned to my wife and I that a new 2023 OLEll fully optioned is $107,000. Wowza!! It sure made us glad we purchased our 2020 when we did. -Patriot🇺🇸1 point
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Nice to see you going with the 2023, I would imagine there will be a sufficient price increase with those new items, but a less noisy A/C is worth it. trainman1 point
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I'm on my second summer in NC with the Houghton and I've used it a LOT. I regularly use our Ollie as a quiet place to relax year round even when at "home". I do agree with all of @katanapilot's reasons, pretty much in that order too. My wife and I both agree that it's easily the best "luxury" modification we have made to our Ollie (second would be installing a dedicated shower mixer with the High Sierra head). @connor77, I tried to sell the lightly used Dometic on Craig's list for about half of what it's worth (as suggested by @Trainmanabove). I only tried Craig's list as I didn't want to deal with shipping. Never had any interest or offers so I gave up after about a month. Still sitting in my garage today. No chance I'll ever reinstall it, so I may end up giving it away - I'll wait until you have sold yours though. 😉1 point
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Sorry, I missed this, there isn't a thread about it, as far as I know. It is just common sense that any "dead end" part that can potentially collect water, should have at least a couple of weep holes underneath to allow it to escape, one at each end of the bumper, for example. For the bike rack mount, the big cross beam has through holes in it, to attach the square receiver, and just like for the bumper, Oliver added pretty decorative end caps to the beam. The big mount holes will allow a little moisture to trickle out around the washers and nuts, but eventually those gaps will fill with dirt and corrosion. Did they add dedicated drain holes in the bottom? I dunno. Freezing is a concern, as is long term corrosion. If you see standing water on any part of your Ollie, you should take steps to stop it. Both of the entry steps, for example, hold water on top when stowed; you can drill some 1/8" holes in the low spots to eliminate that. The first Ollie awning support bracket was a simple L shape, that was fine though maybe prone to developing cracks at the bend. The first redesign of the bracket had a welded triangular gusset. It would stop any cracks but trapped water, and it is up on the roof where an owner couldn't see it. A second redesign had the triangle tip cut off, providing a channel for the water to go away on its own. I don't know if that part has further changed 😉 It is a sign that Oliver continually updates and refines stuff, based on owner experiences and feedback. It would be really nice if there were a webpage dedicated to keeping track of the evolutionary changes to various parts, to educate and to alert owners that they might have a problematic part. The Ollie Service Department knows all this, and can advise, but the information isn't available to owners, as far as I know... John Davies Spokane WA1 point
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We are big fans of our Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven at home. However, the size of this toaster oven precludes use in our 2022 LEII, Hull 990. We have the HighPointe EC028KD7 Convection Microwave in our LEII, which we have used a number of times since pickup in February, 2022. The convection feature works well as an alternative to a conventional oven, however, it cannot match a toaster oven for toasting bagels, bread and English muffins. Thus, I began the hunt for a small/compact toaster oven which would be used in the LEII. I searched reviews of toaster ovens recommended for RVs, on Google as well as Amazon, but all were too large, claiming capacity for 4 pieces of toast or 9 inch pizzas. Finally, I searched Amazon for a 2 slice toaster oven and the few results included this Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven. I ordered one which arrived a few days ago. We tested it by making several slices of toast and it did a commendable job. We have not yet tested it in our LEII, but I am confident it will provide the desired toaster oven functions. I may need to provide some heat protection for the fibergranite counters in our trailer. Below are photos showing how the Elite Gourmet toaster oven fits in an LEII. The first photo shows the toaster oven on the counter in front of the pantry, with clearance to open the pantry door. Side view on pantry counter Plugged into electrical outlet with 3 foot extension cord We purchased a pair of these 3 foot extension cords rated for 1625 watts, to power our coffee maker and other appliances with very short cords. Stored in the curb side overhead compartment The Elite Gourmet ETO236 is rated at 650 watts power consumption. I expect we can easily power this toaster oven from our lithium batteries for the 4-5 minutes required to prepare toast. Most toaster ovens require 1200-1500 watts. For $35 is looks like a good solution. Regards, Don1 point
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I thought I would bump this post since I was asked about the Zarcor window shade while at this years Rally by a few new owners. It’s a nice mod passed on to me by TopGun and naturally allows us to see who is knocking at the door. As mentioned we ordered tinted glass to match the Oliver tinted windows. A top five mod of ours. Hope this helps those that asked about it at the Rally. Happy Camping!1 point
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That is cool but the $24 price seems pretty extreme. Especially since they will just slip it into an envelope and put a stamp on it…. I would check with a local sign shop to see what they charge. My VIN sticker still looks like new, but it is fully protected by the Stone Stomper fabric, I had an aluminum utility trailer that was so badly gravel blasted that the tag was illegible. I ended up stamping the numbers into the tongue manually. That turned out well. The condition of the tongue was one reason I wanted the SS for “Mouse” to eliminate that cumulative erosion of the metal and the gelcoat.. John Davies Spokane WA1 point
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Your hull number will only be 3 or 4 digits long while your VIN number will be a bunch longer - for all Olivers no matter when they were built. The VIN numbers used to end with the last 3 or 4 digits being your hull number, but, that is no longer the case. Hopefully that clears up the confusion?🤔 Bill1 point
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Ah, that's why our Hull 45 doesn't have one. I guess I should get in contact with service and see if it's possible to purchase one.1 point
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Oliver is very protective of owner information. If a directory is to be created it would have to be a private endeavor. And even then I would not post a link to that info here. Owners are very proud of their Hull #'s. I think it's a great tradition and glad that Oliver came up with the plaque idea. We got ours (#145) at the 2019 rally and mounted it above the switches LH side of the entry.1 point
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Do any other manufacturers like Airstream do this? I was quite pleased when mine arrived a while ago. Thanks for the history lesson. I would like to see a company FAQ page with the full story of the early days, with comments like the one above. John Davies Spokane WA1 point
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I picked up 2-14-22. I didn't know anything about it until I was called on my way home from Hohenwald. Too far gone already, I had them mail it home to me.1 point
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It’s factory installed in the newer trailers. Just inside the door on left side wall, above the switches as @SeaDawgmounted hers. I regret I don’t have a pic of mine to show.1 point
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Well, I fixed it sort of. I decided to take the Q1200 apart. I removed the orifice, and reamed it out a little, with oxygen/acetylene clean out reamers. The orifice was a approx. .032 in and is now around .035" around a 20% area increase. I put it back on. No longer tops out at 200 degrees, but now hits 450 degrees, and on low is 350 degrees. I think that the real problem was that the orifice was being partially block by something. I am now running a little hot. Oops. I may see if I can find a replacement orifice and go back to the original size. I can at least grill.1 point
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I removed the regular from my Weber Q1200 last year. I added some fittings and bought a hose with a regulator to be able to connect it to a stand alone propane tank. We take this setup along when we travel as well as use it at home. Before I made these modifications, I had the same problems with low temperatures. Now, strangely I have the exact opposite problem. I can't get it to go below 350 degrees even on the lowest setting. I can easily get it to 600+ degrees on high. Consequently, I'm constantly having to open the lid to cool it down. I'd be interested to know if anyone has any solutions.1 point
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Looks like for $10 you could try the parts LCTraveler linked and thus likely isolate the problem a bit. If that helps then there’s something wrong with the Torjik or how you installed it. Did you try the grill before the conversion (ie with a connection to a regular tank fitting)? If not you could also put the regulator back on and try that to be sure the grill will get the heat you expect if the supply is sufficient1 point
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This is the torjik package, This only real difference is they use a 1/8 pipe nipple about 3 inches long, then they add the quick connect. The blue little disc clamps around the nipple and then attaches to the Weber sheet metal that use to hold the regulator. It really sturdies up all the fittings when you push the quick connect hose on. I did get ahold of Torjik, and they said it was most likely caused from poor quality quick connect on the trailer, too long of a pipe run on the trailer, or too low propane pressure in the trailer. I pointed out to them that the female connector was made by a high quality American company that is suppose to meet specs. and it is 4ft from the tanks. I has tested the fridge and the stove in the Oli and they seem to work fine.1 point
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Greetings from Washington state! Sorry to hear you are having trouble with the Weber. We picked up hull 836 on June 21st. We purchased a Weber Q2200 for the trip home and I purchased the below conversion kit and a 12’ hose which sounds about like what you did. The grill seems to work pretty much as I would have expected. It does sound like a low pressure problem you are having. Are your fittings installed like the picture below. The fittings replace the regulator. MENSI 1/8'' FNPT x 1/4'' Male Quick Connect Plug Propane Quick Disconnect Conversion Kit Adapter for Weber Q 1001 point
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Patriot Nice work. Great pics. I plan on doing the same mod. I don’t like the idea not being able to see out the door. As a safety reminder I’m sure most know this. At night and you need to look outside if you hear a noise or someone is at your door. Always turn on your outside lights on, and leave all interior lights off. Any one who is outside will not be able to see you inside due to the tinted windows, turning on interior lights you be seen plain as day.1 point
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A hobby- We have owned our Traeger pellet smoker for over 5 yrs and have smoked baby back ribs, a few 9# briskets, chicken, trout, wings, plenty of wild game. Venison, wild turkey and bacon wrapped pecan smoked wild dove pictured, my wife’s favorite. We have been extremely happy with our Traeger and would not hesitate to replace it with another Traeger. I use apple, pecan, hickory and mesquite pellets depending on what I meat or game I am going to smoke. Ours is the Little Texas model, not for travel. We may consider a smaller Traeger scout grill or the Traeger ranger for travel. We really have enjoyed our Traeger. I also pecan smoke our own 12 hr marinated jerky. I need to determine if the scout or ranger is compact enough to carry in our TV- https://www.traegergrills.com/pellet-grills/portable/scout Edit 06/11/23 - we have owned our Traeger 8 yrs now. 👨🏼🍳1 point
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I can't speak to the Traegers. But I bought a Davy Crockett several years ago to use camping. It works great and is a good size to cook for up to four people. Or more. Brisket, ribs, steaks, tri tips, whole chickens, whatever. The WiFi controls make cooking a breeze. And I've heard that some competition folks would like to ban pellet grills because they make cooking too easy. I'm a long-time slow smoker, shoveling coals into my big grill at home. Like you, I wanted similar cooks on the road. Pellet grills fill the bill. The Davy Crocket, and other pellet grills, do not provide an overwhelming smoke flavor. Which is OK. But you can use a smoke tube to add more flavor. Or smoke for several hours at the 150-degree setting for more smoke flavor. I'll often do that with steaks, remove them, crank up the heat and put the steaks back on for reverse searing. Adding Grill Grates https://www.grillgrate.com puts great grill marks on the steaks or whatever. Plus they get hotter than the grill on the smoker. They make a sear station for the Davy Crockett. One downside for me with the Davy Crockett is the spring-like feet on the bottom. I carried it in my truck bed, and bumps on the road tended to make it tip and flop around. Also, I liked it so much I carried it to the back yard when not traveling. It's a long way, and that got old. Its shape is a little unwieldy. In November, I saw a smaller one that came out last year -- the Country Smoker Traveler. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VNN775P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's $200 at Amazon. When I bought it in November, is was $10 less. It's a lot smaller and way more portable than the Davy Crockett. It does not fit in the Oliver basement. It weighs 43 pounds and is a much more friendly size and shape to tote around. It does a good job, too, although it does not have WiFi and the grill is smaller than the Davy Crockett. But it's more than big enough for two people. I've cooked the same meats -- and vegetables -- on it as on the Davy Crockett, although a full-size brisket won't fit unless it's trimmed down. Plus the Grill Grates that fit the Davy Crockett also fit the Traveler. So now the Davy Crockett is set up in my backyard kitchen. And it has a big brother. I bought the Green Mountain Grills' Jim Bowie, their largest model. They must have an affinity to the Alamo. But, hey -- so do I. I live in San Antonio and know the Alamo's former historian/curator. And a Western artist who recently completed what may be the definitive painting of the battle. The Jim Bowie, which I use to feed crowds, replaced my big steel wood-fired grill, that after 25 years, finally rusted through in too many places to be able to control the heat properly. For pellet usage, the Jim Bowie goes through a lot. The Davy Crockett much less. The Traveler less than the Davy Crockett. I use the Davy Crockett often. Yesterday, I spatchcocked a chicken. Smoked it for about two hours and turned the temperature up to 250 until the chicken breast reached 165 degrees -- about an hour and a half more. It was juicy and delicious. BTW, when I cranked up the temperature, I was working in my office upstairs and changed the setting with the app on my phone. And it notified me when the internal temperature reached 165. I did that sort of thing while camping, too, as the Davy Crockett has its own WiFi. If you have a hotspot or WiFi at the campground, you can do that while out hiking or whatever. Sure beats shoveling coals. Let me know if you have any questions about these pellet grills.1 point
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