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I wanted to let everybody know that Anita has had an accident inside her home. She fell while descending a flight of stairs to her basement and has sustained a hip fracture. She endured a 10 hour procedure to remove hardware placed during a (years ago) surgery after car accident before her hip could be repaired. She states she is currently in a lot of pain. I know she is facing months of rehab and recovery. She is hopeful she will be well enough and her doctors will allow her to come to Guntersville in May. Please keep Anita in your thoughts and prayers as she works her way through this difficult time.

One thing to consider: If you’re getting the new 13500 BTU Truma Aventa AC on your Oliver, it will require a 3000 watt generator to run it.

If you use a generator to supplement your solar you can use your trailer power cord just like if you are on shore power. You might need a simple 30a to 15a adapter, depending on the generator. I had a Champion that had a 30a RV plug on the front. My current generator does not. Your solar connection is entirely different than a power connection plus you don’t need anything other than what is on the side of your trailer. We’ve done a fair amount of camping and have rarely needed to use our generator to charge. A few occasions during extremely overcast weather and cold nights caused our batteries to run down to the point I pulled out the generator. If there is any amount of sun and you aren’t in the shade you’ll find you solar will keep up just fine. Lithium batteries allow you to more of the amp hours than traditional batteries do. If you get a generator just ensure it’s a quiet inverter generator. Nothing is more annoying that campers with open frame contractor generators polluting the air with lots of noise. Mike

We finally got out for a couple of days and camped at an airport about 30 miles from home. Its free and was fun to get out for the first time this season. Can you believe it his 93 Degrees in MA in April. The trailer hit 96 degrees inside but it cooled down at night and was a good time eating peanuts and looking at the stars.

1/2" Hexagonal...

It looks like the mystery of my hot brake drums on one side has been solved. Last fall I learned that the tires we received from the factory at delivery last summer contained balance beads. This is relevant because the first thing I did when we got the trailer home that summer was take it to a tire shop to have metal valve stems installed. I also had the wheels spin balanced for good measure. A little research revealed that tires containing balance beads will not spin balance correctly. It'll look right on the machine, but not be correctly balanced when the beads shift on the road. Maybe that was why both clockwise-rotating tires were running hot... Before putting the trailer to bed last winter I removed all the stick-on and clip-on weights installed by the tire shop. We just returned from our first trip of the season, 2300 miles. Whereas the right wheels were running 60 degrees hotter than the left before (per IR measurement of the drums), I saw no more then 10 degrees difference between any two wheels on this trip. I think the problem is solved. (I will, however, continue to monitor wheel temps going forward in case there was residual damage to tires or bearings.)

I was looking for a way to prevent a road bump from releasing the TV from its horizontal stowed position. I know some have put pieces of pool noodle between the TV and the underside of the "attic" cabinet, but I didn't like the way that pressed on the plastic back of the TV. I wanted something that would fit against the metal bracket instead. I came up with this: It's a section of large pool noodle, slit lengthwise twice, with that section removed to make a large "C" shape. The "C" then clips around the bracket attached to the back of the TV and wedges between that bracket and the underside of the "attic" above. This way, all the pressure is on the metal mount, not on the TV, and it still prevents the mount from bouncing up and releasing on a rough road.

That must be why you need a hex wrench!

A 5/16" bolt has a head that is 1/2". Clamp it up in a pair of vice grips and use the bolt head to tighten the water connection. Personally, I bought the hex drives. I've used them on other peoples trailers.

There will be trips where something falls off, loosens up, breaks off, wears out, etc. With some camping experience these events will seem routine, you’ll pull out a tool and make an adjustment, reattach something, tighten something else, etc, etc. On the city water connection, if I remember it takes a half inch Allen wrench that inserts into the fixture to tighten it up. It’s a larger Allen wrench than comes in sets, I think I got mine on Amazon for less that $10. Happy 2023 camping! Mike

Look into your fresh and city water connectors (where the water goes in). You’ll see it’s 1/2” square. You just stick your Allen wrench in there and tighten (righty tighty).

I bought one from Amazon.

I just don't know... there's something cool-looking about having matching OTT/TV tires!

de nada

I hope that you thoroughly enjoy the delivery experience tomorrow, and that everything is perfect for you! I look forward to reading how your trip goes and your initial thoughts. If anything like ours, you're going to be thrilled! Have fun!

Our favorite campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway do not have electricity. We do not have factory solar on our LE2. We have two 100W suitcase panels that work fine with a single 100AH BattleBorn lithium battery along with an onboard Progressive Lithium charger. In the summer when camping in the shade, we use our Honda 2000W gen-set with a 1600W continuous rating, if our solar panel cable is not long enough to set panels in the sun. Have to be sure not to exceed the gen-set continuous rating while running appliances continuously. Really like this lightweight size of gen-set for camping without shore power and use locally when 125V is not available. Some folks here have larger gen-sets mounted on their Ollie in front of the doghouse. We also have a 3 way Dometic refrigerator running on LP gas when without shore power. Normally we use about 25% to 30% of the Lithium battery capacity for a 24 hour period, taking about an hour to recharge the battery with gen-set for another 24 hours using a 15A cord with 30A adapter for Ollie's shore power inlet. We do not have an inverter to run 125V appliances when without shore power. We also have a Victron Bluetooth shunt to monitor battery discharge and gen-set charging.

Yes, many people only use a small generator to charge their batteries. I use the OTT 30 amp power cord plugged into the generator. I bought a 30 amp to 15 amp converter plug as the generator only had 15 amp receptacles. You will also need a ground plug that is connected into one of the other generator receptacle to get the power into the OTT. I do not have Lithium batteries so I do not know what the minimum size generator you will need to charge the batteries. Someone else on the forum could give you that advice, or you could call OTT and tell them you only want a generator sized to charge the batteries. The external solar panel connection is only for remote solar panels. That connection goes directly to the batteries. The solar panel and batteries are both DC power. The generator puts out AC power through a DC to AC converter (I believe) in the OTT to charge the batteries.

Next, and hopefully last update... After looking on the internet most of the weekend, I just made a few phone calls and found the t105s at a Battery dealer about an hour from the house (Lenoir, NC). Their price was unbeatable, $171 per battery with turning in the old 105's. I was expecting them to be scarce, and at a much higher price. It does pay to be patient... Incidentally, I did find them on the Walmart website; however at about twice the price, but guaranteed delivery in three days. That may work in an emergency. Joe

Mike: OTT did indicate that the battery management system and the DC to Dc charger were only a option but not necessary. Also the fuse panel was suggested to be replaced only if the person was gong to run their AC off the lithium batteries. Please let me know what Jason has to say.

If you haven't already done so, consider putting an IR temp gauge on your list of Ollie items to bring along - so you can check tire and drum temps along the way.... just say'n. A TPMS is another consideration, unless you've already got one.

You are experienced campers, with previous trailers, so you know the drill I know you had the dexter recall. Don't remember what else. Enjoy the 2023 season! Looking forward to your photos.

We're so sorry to hear about Anita. Would also like to know how to send her well wishes. Anita will be in our prayers for a speedy recovery.

Hmmmm… that’s interesting advice from OTT service. I replaced my AGM’s a couple years ago with lithiums. Kept my 2000 watt Xantrex inverter (if that is what they are referring to), kept my cabling, didn’t add a battery management system (just reprogrammed my Blue Sky controller), kept my fuse panel and didn’t add a DC to DC charger. The only new component beside the batteries was a new charger (PD4045, less than $150) that has the lithium option. We did change some cables, but only to clean up the battery compartment. Existing cables were reused. I’ll talk to Jason at the rally, upgrading to lithiums should be fairly straightforward with the cost being the batteries and the PD4045 charger panel that fits in the fuse box. Mike Edit: we did add a surge protector on the Maxxfan circuit to prevent any surge to the fan.

Like THIS After I purchased mine I have not had the need to use it even once - nice insurance though. Bill

Lithium batteries cost more but are lighter then lead acid batteries. To change to lithium batteries, you would need to replace your existing 2000 watt battery charger with something like a Xantran Freedom XC 3000 watt inverter-charger, upgrade your battery cable wiring, add a battery management system, and potentially other devices like a DC to DC charger so your TV can charge the batteries while traveling. If you wanted to run your AC off the lithium batteries you would need to replace your fuse panel. This information is from a discussion I had with OTT service. If you want to stay with lead acid batteries, then I recommend Trojan ACM batteries. The ACM batteries are a sealed battery so you do not have to add water.

Steve, terrible news! I hope they can get her back to where she was. We will certainly keep her in our prayers. I hope we see her at the rally. Mike

Cooper AT3’s on trailer and truck:

John, I already installed Firestone airbags per your instructions. In an effort to reduce overland gear weight, I removed the 270 awning (54LBS). Remember, I have deleted the second & third row seats which offsets the ARB drawers. I will delete (for this trip) my foldable e-bike which sits behind the driver. So in essence I have only the armored belly & roof rack. also took your advice on tire size. LT285/60R18 ...General Grabber A/TX Needless to say, I will not have a need for my roof mounted overland gear, extra water, no genny, etc. The 30LB propane tanks will add an extra empty wt of 12LBS but as a general rule only half full, offsetting 10 of the 12 LBS. I wanted the extra capacity to feed my propane fire pit for extended boondocking. For some strange reason I ordered the front rack, which will be empty. The BIG QUESTION.... WILL SHE FLOAT?? Solid fiberglass construction...reminds me of my boat. I will be returning home around May 1st...maximum flood conditions. I want to avoid the Denver/ Eisenhower Tunnel climb. Going north via Poudre Canyon or to IH80 via Laramie/Walton or Cresent/Craig are flood prone areas. Craig is already flooded. The southern route via New Mexico/ Moab may be my only option. Long route with many possible wash out areas. Should be fun. Just kidding about the boat. Cheers, Steve

Mine had cracked, and judging by the pink discoloration, the cracking was probably due to the winterizing anti-freeze. I couldn’t find just the clear bowl/screen part available as a replacement so I just ordered the entire assembly that John linked above, and swapped out the bowl/screen. When you do replace the bowl, make sure that the O-ring is in place and properly seated when you install the new bowl, otherwise air can get sucked in and prevent the pump from priming.

Complete strainers are cheap and easy to find. SHURFLO (255-313) 1/2" Twist-On Pipe Strainer I read an article that some RV antifreeze brands can affect and crack the plastic housing, you might think about changing brands or researching that topic John Davies Spokane WA

I checked my original Michelin tires on my 2016 EII hull 128 yesterday prior to a trip and found tread separation on one tire. I bought Discount Tire certificates when I acquired the trailer so one tire on the new set was free. Michelin no longer makes the model of original tire, but there is another. See photos.

I’ve removed my cables, black and gray, several times over the years to clean and lubricate. Loosen the set screw and pull it out, stick it back in and tighten. I don’t know why your gate would be stuck so soon. There are lubricants you can put down the drain for the gate. I wouldn’t use Dawn - besides suds in the tank, it might remove any lubricant you have/had on the gate assembly. With the gate open, you should be able to squirt some lube around the edges and on the gate itself. Mike

I use this Thetford drain valve lubricant in both the black and gray tanks to lubricate the valves. So far no stuck valves. https://a.co/d/4RTsboO

I fixed it. I loosened the Allen set screw and was able to get the wire past the housing end and back into the push/pull rod. How do I lubricate that gray water blade to prevent it from seizing up. I put some Dawn into the tank so maybe that helped. John

Awesome plan, @HDRider! Happy wife - happy life, right? We cruised from our casa in NM to Key West several years ago with our rig - May timeframe. Enjoyed the beaches along the panhandle from P-cola to Apalachicola. KW was incredible. Welcome aboard and enjoy your trip in your new Oliver! (PS, I'm thinking there's quite a few of us out there in Ollie world that also ride bikes... just say'n. Maybe a topic for the forum?)

Two possible tongue in cheek answers: With my hearing that is a moot question! 🙂 My vision is far superior to my hearing. 🙂

Sure - but how will you know that the grease cap is off the hub if you can't hear it rattling around inside that "hubcap"?😁

Interesting to note the difference in the condition between the two hubs - one is fairly rusted while the other is not. I'd be sure to check both the brake pads and operation of those brakes - especially on the rear. Also interesting is the difference in the two grease caps on the hubs. By the look of the front cap it would appear that it is highly likely that the rear cap was lost while the front cap was installed in a reasonably brutal fashion. I'd replace that front cap soon. Nice job in getting that neglected running gear cleaned up - thanks for taking care of it. Bill

Paul Harvey mode on: “And now, for the rest of the story!” The inspiration for the came from a video by the “From She To Me” YouTube channel, which is the travels of a couple our age in their class B van. The voiceover for a recent trip was “Every one of our journeys begin with curiosity. What will we discover? What challenges might we encounter? What will be the lessons we learn?” I paused, replayed that scene, and paused again. Epiphany moment! I turned to Deb and asked how “Curiosity” sounds for a name for our new Oliver, and she was all for it. Then I looked at various images for graphics inspiration. I saw the corporate logo for Curiosity Software Ireland, and thought I’d fiddle with something along those lines. On a whim, I wrote to them asking permission to use their logo. Surprisingly, not only did they approve, but enthusiastically so, offering original graphics files and their endorsement. They plan to tell our story on their social media blog. Crazy how both events happened!! Serendipity! (which was my original thought for a name.)

Chris, Our sales rep coordinated closely with us on the details of delivery day. Yours should as well. As you get closer to your delivery day your sales rep will email you confirming your delivery date other details and and hopefully info on a reservations at DCSP. Oliver usually has a few campsites set aside at David Crocket SP solely for new owners. Hopefully they are still doing this but you may want to ask your sales rep and confirm. We took delivery June 16, 2020 and we stayed at DCSP. We enjoyed this park. I believe our first night at David Crockett was compliments of Oliver. You can add a few extra days on your dime. Think hard about staying a few extra days at DCSP (highly recommended) this will give you time to give your Ollie a really good systems shakedown, push every button! If you have any “shake down” issues you can head right back to Oliver Service and get them addressed before heading home or beyond. Your special day is right around the corner and approaching fast! The team at a Oliver will go to great strides to get you taken care of, that I can tell you. - David

Congratulations Steve and Deb! Now the fun begins in earnest. Sounds like you have a well thought out plan. That brings up a couple questions for me. We have a delivery date of April 18 based on the original invoice information. How accurate is that date and can we expect more of a window as far as pick up date? And with that question I wonder how late we can wait to make reservation at David Crocket not knowing the exact schedule at this point being three weeks out? Thanks for you help and most of all, enjoy and safe travels!

I also contacted Eric @ Cooper Tires with a request to provide load rating table. He sent me the attached. Note at 45 psi cold the LT rating equivalent to my Cooper Discoverer HT3 LT 225/75R/16 shows a max load rating of 1630 lbs per tire. In my case, this is more weight than I typically travel with. Cooper Contact Info: Eric Consumer Relations Specialist Cooper Tire and Rubber Company 1-800-854-6288 Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm EST

Thanks so much for that Steve. Our anticipation has been building and we are loaded and ready. Unfortunately an unanticipated tragedy has struck the family last week and just last evening we had to take my little brother off of life support. He became gravely ill without any indication early last week. He was experiencing multiple strokes and multiple organ failures within hours of developing a fever. He is only 56 years old and still has three teen girls at home. We had to wait for his four adult children to arrive to make the final decision. Ours is a hiccup in events, Larry's situation is much worse and the family really needs us for a while. We are now rescheduled to pick up the Oliver the week before the rally. To those that have known and been praying for our family, I can't thank you enough. Everyone is holding together considering the shock we are all experiencing right now. We are blessed to have caring friends that make a difference. Here's a toast to my little brother who's bigger than me, God's speed big guy until we meet again!🍻🙏🙏🙏 Oh and give dad a big bear hug for me. 😊

FYI...I am from rural Wisconsin and I own a traditional three generation family rifle. Numerous whitetail deer are shot on my property every year. However the gun topic and killing (even of children!) in this Country is out of control. A recreational travel trailer website should not include guns of any sort. I encourage the Moderators of the website not allow gun discussions on the site because even tho the narrative is not "political" the photos are with no words