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I've been banned from shopping at one of out local Walmart's here in town. About 6 months ago I was in Walmart buying a large bag of Purina dog food for my beautiful Doberman, Reacher, which weighed 110 lbs. I was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. I wondered what she thought I had. So, because I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse, I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I explained to her that it was the Perfect Diet. Dog food is nutritionally complete and contains all the nutrients, protein, vitamins and minerals to adequately sustain a large carnivore for a lifetime. I added that the last time, it had worked really well and that I'd lost 50 pounds. Since I had gained back some weight lately, I had decided to give it another go. I told her the way that it works is, to load your jacket pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. Further, I told her that I knew I probably shouldn't do this, because the last time, I ended up in the hospital. I explained that I had awakened in the intensive care unit with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IV's in both arms. (I need to mention here that practically everyone in the checkout line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I had ended up in intensive care, because the dog food had poisoned me. I told her no, I had stopped to pee on a Fire Hydrant and a car hit me.

Just a brief hello as I prepare to be without power for about a month. Won't be able to participate in the forum as much, unless I manage from my phone. Black Hills SD, Devils Tower WY, Wapiti campground (west of Cody), West Yellowstone MT, and someplace in the Grand Tetons WY before turning south and east. Many heartfelt thanks to all the great members here for your help, encouragement and advice as I begin this next segment of the journey. I'm thrilled!

l had mine done in the summer of 2022. It was a bit early, but since I was going to Oliver for the AC retrofit I asked them about doing a touchup. So we did...significantly less expensive, but still a long day for them. Just wish I'd been able to do it after the AC install and maintenance. When I got home...1000 miles, I just needed to wash off the front of the trailer. Pretty awesome. Photos from their initial Texas trip...great guys, probably founding members of OCDs Anonymous. https://www.ralphmawyerphotography.com/Industry/CGI-Detailing Now to just finish my gallery of Gavin's competition roosters. 😉

In a nutshell - the CGI team is 3 or 4 young guys who wash, buff/prep, and apply 2 coats of ceramic coating resulting in a shiny white trailer. They did ours earlier this year. Ours was a 7 year old trailer, regularly washed and waxed and looked pretty good. However, it did not compare to what it looked like after they were done. Plus, once we arrived at the rally in May, they stopped by and gave us a good wash and a ceramic spray rejuvenation. They are a hard working team!

Congratulations on your troubleshooting success! Now a word of caution concerning the solar system. If the solar panels have light shining on them at all, they a capable of producing both voltage and amperage. So it was fortunate that the solar cutoff switch was in the off position when you disconnected the power cables from the panels to the charge controller or you would have been handling live cables. It is a good practice to cover the solar panels with anything that would block light from producing power when working on the solar system in the area between the panels and the cutoff switch. I use moving blankets, but cardboard or wood panels would also work. The solar system manufacturers usually have a sequence of steps to follow when connecting the components of the system, so the Zamp manual would be an excellent reference source and you can find it online at the Oliver University. Click here! Mossey

Four of the nicest , polite hard working young men you will ever meet. And, they do a good job of polishing and ceramic coating your Ollie - either at their shop in Murphreesboro, TN (just east of Nashville) or at your home. The ceramic coating not only makes the Oliver shine better than new but it makes cleaning the Ollie much easier too. I'm DONE with that twice a year wax job! Bill

Not Bill or John but here ya go! https://www.cgidetailing.com/about-us

The guys from CGI Detailing "camped" in our lower level last night for the first night of a trip around North Carolina. After a quick breakfast this morning we were out the door headed for the storage facility where I have to keep my Oliver. After a quick look and some elbow grease it was decided that Twist was back to looking as it should. The guys then headed off towards Charlotte but made a stop at Mount Mitchell (highest point in the east at 6684 feet) located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not only do these guys do good work, but, they also stand behind that work and they are fun to be around. Very much in what has become the "Oliver Tradition". My only regret is that I didn't have them do the ceramic coating sooner. Bill

If you get to Yellowstone and need a site with power there’s a nice Idaho state park just about 10 or 15 miles to the west. Ralph’s Lake State Park, W/E plus they have new shower buildings. I don’t think they take reservations, we had no problem getting in. It was only a 20 minute drive to Yellowstone.

Upon closer examination of your photo, I have circled something that puzzled me. If that is part of the rear jack mounting system, it appears the nut may be loose. If so, you need to check that out and tighten it.

I’ll pile on here, had my trailer done at their shop in July in Murfreesboro and hung out in Nashville for a couple days while they did the work. Everything is true, these guys are polite and hard working Americans who take great pride in their craft. Shop was immaculate. Washed the trailer this weekend and was amazed how easy the grime just rolled off the trailer. It’s like magic, super shine. It was expensive, but not that expensive to protect a $80k+ trailer IMO. Highly recommend.

I assume that you have a reservation at Wapiti and (as you may know) they do have a number of sites there that have power. There is another National Forest Service campground west of Wapiti - Rex Hale - that has 6 or 7 electric sites if you need them but they are usually reserved well in advance. If push comes to shove and you really need power (or dump or laundry, you can head back east a few miles to Yellowstone Valley Inn. My favorite campground in West Yellowstone is Baker's Hole - north of the town by about 2 miles (just beyond the airport). Site 50 or 51 will get you a wonderful view into Yellowstone National Park and stunning sunsets. There are also a few electric sites there but (again) they are usually reserved well in advance. The best laundry in West Yellowstone is "Little Ducklings" (520 Madison Ave). There are two grocery stores in town if you need to restock. Propane refills can be obtained at Westmart Building Center (100 S. Faithful Street - its an ACE Hardware store) or at the Mobil Gas station (11 Yellowstone Ave). If you do the research, there are a number of places to boondock near the Grand Tetons. One of my favorite places is a decommissioned National Forest Service camp called Box Creek. It is located approximately 10 miles east on Buffalo Valley Road. If you plan to fish, PM me for suggestions. Have a great trip! Bill

@rideandfly Party animals!😂

They were probably all just talking about it behind your back. 😉

We really like it, but don't forget to take a wastewater extension hose. Got to enjoy the Blue Supermoon too, with no light pollution.

They’ve come to Texas twice. They usually camp during their trips (tents). If I recall, they asked for a $200 deposit. There’s an expense to pack up and drive to another state. Sorry to hear there were so many cancelations.

The solid red thing with the "two red buttons" is just a insulated cover. The black unit to its right with one red button is one of the circuit breakers. If you push the red button it will go to the disconnected mode and the flag will pop out. One of the breakers will kill all the 12V power in the coach. Those three yellow things are 30 amp fuse holders, one for each of the jacks. Your front jack may have an additional holder at the jack, meaning that jack has two fuses to check if it quits working.

If I did not stress this before. Ensure you have a reliable torque wrench on your trips, one with a long handle for easy torquing. That way you can always ensure both the trailer and tow vehicle's lug nuts are as tight as you want them. I think in this group it sounds like we range from 90 to 110 ft lbs. Especially important: IF you decide to change out your lug nuts, take one good trip, say 1 hour or more, and check all lug nuts when you stop. I found one nut on the trailer that either came lose or I had missed on final inspection. Inspection of torque should like be done a few times until you KNOW the nuts stay where they should. We can't get too lazy here, but we will eventually. We're busy humans. Safety first!

Success!! Found the breaker in the 'attic' - the storage comp right next to the Zamp controller. It had flipped to 'Off". Turned to to "On" and the controller reset and said I'm solar charging!! Thanks for the help! Geoff IMG_5153.HEIC

I always have APRS running and monitor 146.52 with my FTM400 and can usually score some HF contacts using my FT 857D and an ATAS 120A screwdriver antenna. Sometime last year,ARRL put out a call for field day operation pictures. I obliged the request and totally forgot about the photograph, until I learned it would be the cover shot Serendipity happens

I'm a new owner of a 2021 LE 1, and very happy to have home after a 600 mile, 2 night, return drive from our seller's home in Illinois two days ago. I am going through the Oliver, trying to familiarize myself with a complex set of systems, and giving it a good cleaning along the way. There is a LOT to learn!! It seems like my solar panels are not working, and I could use some help. My Elite 1 has the solar pro package, factory installed: two AGM batteries (replaced early this year), 230 watt panels with the ZS 30A Zamp Solar controller, 2000 watt inverter, etc. The Zamp controller seems to work, showing the battery icon and the battery levels, but it does not show the square solar panel icon and the green solar charging light is not lit. I believe when I picked this up, the solar worked (though I am not sure - the walk-through was a bit overwhelming). Now it seems it does not. I read up a bit on the forums and then pulled the Zamp controller out and took my voltmeter and measured the two solar wires when I'd removed them from the controller. No voltage. The other two wires to the battery show 12.5+ volts. When I got the Oliver home, I power washed it, and took some time to power wash around the roof where there was a lot of dirt - behind the awning, around the mounting brackets and the AC unit, etc. Might I have got some water in the solar wire connections up there and shorted a fuse somewhere? Might there be another problem? I'd be glad for some help. This is my first post, but not the last. Sorry to make my introduction a request for some help!! Geoff Chapman

Got down in there and looked at it - it is indeed one of two nuts that mount the rear street side jack. Both nuts are firmly tight. Thanks... Geoff

I put my multimeter on them before disconnecting and they showed 1 watt. After reading for a bit, I thought it was worth disconnecting the solars and measuring them again. 0 watts. Seems like the 1 watt was a bleed-through from the live 12 watt battery wires on the controller. I followed the same procedure with the battery wires as with the solars - two measurements. Along the way I discovered they were indeed live!! I taped them off before proceeding further! My trailer was not connected to shore power during any of this. Thanks for the warning, and the procedure on dealing with solar in any kind of light! And for the link to all the manuals. I had searched out about 1/3 of those manuals on the internet before I discovered that very helpful link at 'Oliver University'!! Geoff

Many of us know that CGI has completed at least one Texas trip. So, With the right number of appointments I would not be surprised at all that they would venture out to the West Coast. Having said this - it was very disappointing to hear that for the current North Carolina trip, CGI had several last minute cancellations (I think they told me the total cancellations were 7) and I do not believe that they required any sort of "down payment" when the appointments were set. Therefore, these young hard working guys are simply "out" that money. I encouraged them to reconsider their current policy of not requiring a down payment. Bill

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Explore the Types of RVs Campers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Here are a few popular types to consider: Tent Trailers: Also known as pop-up campers, these lightweight trailers are easy to tow and store. They offer the convenience of a compact trailer while providing ample sleeping space and basic amenities. Travel Trailers: Travel trailers offer many options, from small teardrop trailers to large RV-style models. They typically include living areas, sleeping quarters, kitchens, and bathrooms, making them suitable for extended trips. Truck Campers: Ideal for adventurous souls, truck campers attach to the bed of a pickup truck. They provide a compact and flexible living space, allowing off-road exploration and boondocking. Class B Motorhomes: Also known as campervans, these compact and versatile vehicles offer a combination of living and driving spaces. They are easy to maneuver and park, making them suitable for urban and outdoor adventures. Class C and Class A Motorhomes: These larger motorhomes provide the most spacious and luxurious camping experience. Class C motorhomes are built on a truck chassis, while Class A motorhomes resemble buses. They often include full kitchens, multiple sleeping areas, and slide-outs to expand the living space. Research and Compare Models With a clear idea of your needs, start researching different models within your chosen category. Consider construction quality, durability, fuel efficiency, and customer reviews. Look for reputable manufacturers and visit local dealerships to physically inspect the campers. Attend RV shows and join online forums to gain insights from experienced campers. Weigh the Pros and Cons of New vs. Used Campers Once you’ve narrowed your selection, decide whether you’ll purchase a new or used camper. New campers offer the advantage of warranty coverage and the latest features and designs. On the other hand, used trailers can be significantly more affordable, allowing you to save some money for additional accessories or upgrades. When buying a used camper, thoroughly inspect it for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or mechanical issues. Request maintenance records and history reports to ensure that it has been well-maintained. Have a professional mechanic or RV technician conduct a thorough inspection if possible. Customize Your Camper One of the joys of owning a camper is the ability to personalize it according to your preferences. Consider adding practical features such as solar panels, upgraded batteries, or backup cameras to enhance your camping experience. Additionally, make it cozy and livable by incorporating comfortable seating, colorful decorations, and functional storage solutions. Transform your camper into a home away from home. Learn the Basics of Camping Etiquette and Safety It would help if you familiarized yourself with camping etiquette and safety guidelines as a responsible camper. Respect campsite rules, ensure proper waste disposal, and be considerate of other campers. Familiarize yourself with safe towing and driving practices, and always keep a first aid kit and emergency supplies on hand. Embrace the ethos of leaving no trace and be mindful of your environmental impact. Plan Your First Adventure With your newly acquired camper, it’s time to plan your first adventure. Research destinations that align with your interests be national parks, scenic lakeshores, or picturesque campsites. Plot your route, pack the essentials, and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences and cherished memories. Owning a camper opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature at your own pace. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to choose, buy, and own the camper that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Embrace the freedom and adventure that awaits, and unfold the world of camper trailers today. Happy trails! The post Unfolding the World of Campers appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

I definitely agree with you Bill! We had ours done 15 months ago and will have our follow-up sometime early next year. The CGI team is top notch in my book and I'd recommend them to anyone. It's soooo nice not having to wax :) John

The breakers you are looking for should be under the aft dinette seat, probably mounted to the inside of the aisle wall.

That is too much to pay for a RV Power Inlet - 30 Amp Twist Lock. Its being made from Stainless Steel that makes it so expensive. I really don't like purchasing from etrailer. If you get a defective part, you have to deal with the actual manufacturer of the part for exchange as they won't allow you to send it back to them. I always buy from Amazon. If there's a problem, they will always allow you to send it back.

Good point. I was writing for John Welte, who I know has a 2022 Elite II, because his is one Hull # before mine!

Try that photo again... Geoff

Good catch , @ScubaRx. 😀

They simply can't miss having fun going where their going. Unless, of course, they comes face to face with a griz!😒

Bet they would go if you could get 10 pre-paid reservations. 😉. We did discuss how they might do a fly-in, but the gear load is pretty extreme.

Bill, we're having our 2022 LE2 done by CGI almost one year from delivery day. We picked up on November 7, 2022 and CGI will do their coating on November 1 and 2. I currently have a coat of Rejex on it, which they said was ok to do. I am looking forward to seeing how it looks after they're done. John

We towed our LE2 for a few years with a 2016 SR5 5.7 4X4 Double Cab Tundra. Because of rear end sag with around 480lbs of Ollie’s tongue weight, installed a pair of Firestone airbags and inflated to around 20PSI while towing Ollie. The Tundra had plenty of power and stability towing Ollie out west. Only problem with Ollie connected, it was easy to reach the TV gross weight. Airbags do not increase TV gross weight. Here is a Motortrend article about towing a 7295 lb trailer that’s heavier than the LE2 gross weight with a 2016 TRD Pro Tundra. https://www.motortrend.com/features/1702-towing-with-a-2016-toyota-tundra-trd-pro/

That looks to be the correct part, but if you call the service department I'm sure they would gladly give you the part number and explain anything involved in the replacement process. They are very willing to help with information.

Ours is an SR5, without the TRD package. TRD is not a different Tundra trim level (like Limited or Platinum), but is an add-on to SR5, Limited, etc. trim levels sold for off-roading. The TRD add-ons include upgraded shocks, some extra skid plates and black wheels. I, too, will be interested to hear if some folks believe the TRD package makes it a better tow vehicle.

I had the same idea as we are Tmobile customers as well. You beat me to the experiment. I was just going to add an additional line to our 55+ plan for $35 a month and install the sim into the Cradlepoint. I guess I'll be monitoring your success or not. I know you can pass a sim from one phone to the next seamlessly, seems like it would work just fine but I'm not a cellular techy. Welcome to the forum BTW and please keep us posted with your results.

😁 That might help, but I think that acquiring Scotopic vision through the development of a human tapetum lucidum would probably be of greater benefit. 😁

I haven't found any breakers that look like the Ines you linked, Bill. I'll be keeping my eyes open. On the Solar Switch, I have no idea how it was turned to 'Off". And I had no idea that it was there! But nice to find it, and to have a day to dig through the systems of the Oliver. It is an impressive trailer, and we are looking forward to the trips ahead. Thanks, Geoff

Great - congrats! That red switch is not a breaker. It is your main on/off switch for the solar panels. The breakers I was referring to are usually black in color with a red button that look something like THIS. Note in the picture that one breaker has the "red" flag sticking out to the side while the other in the pic that flag is basically hidden. With these breakers, they are tripped when the red (or yellow) flag is out. Any idea of how you main solar switch got turned to the "off" position? This is not a bad thing - of course unless you didn't know that it was off and wanted it on. There can be times when you will want to turn that switch to the off position - like when you want to work on your batteries without any current coming to them. Glad you figured out your problem. Note that there are more similarities between the single and double axle Ollies than there are differences. They both use many of the same parts but those parts just might be in different locations. Bill

Ribs on the smoker. Last things to wrap up before Labor day cookout, listening to Michael Buble channel on Pandora. One of my favorite Andrea Bocelli duets just played: (music starts about a minute in)

I agree on the much quieter lower decibel rating of the Truma retro fit. It was a complete 💯 game changer for us. I also agree on the leverage having the Truma regrading resale value. It really nice being able to listen to music, talk on the phone and sleep without ear plugs. What’s wrong with a little peace and quiet in a $70-80k TT? 😄

If you like that one, here's another from a few months back. Stine wrote this, as she writes most of the group's songs:

Swedish blues, anyone? I grew up in the delta AND drove a Saab, so sounds good to me.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Tom Jones - 💣

More from Gladys And, for my husband And, it's so true.

Simple - unencumbered. One of the few new ish country artists I enjoy. RB