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I have highlighted two words above for clarification. Both of the above statements could be misconstrued by a new owner. YES you can operate an electrical circuit "just" below the circuit breaker rating, and do so for some period of time. But a soon as we use the word continuous, we evoke the NEC requirement that the circuit be de-rated. There are several interpretations out there, but most would agree with the NEC that a 20 amp circuit shall not be continuously loaded to 15 or 16 amps MAX. Likewise for the 30 amp single phase 120V circuit you must not continuously load it to over about 24 or so amps. Yes there is some wiggle room in the interpretations, but all of them are well below the full circuit breaker rating for continuous use. Doing so over time can will to bad words or worse. Please keep this in mind when loading your circuits to their their breaker rating. GJ

This morning I was stopped in a parking lot in Lake Havasu City, AZ, while sitting in my truck with my trailer in tow, planning my route and drinking coffee when a woman sporting a big smile approached. We have all had this happen before so I rolled down the window and prepared to start answering questions about Oliver Travel Trailers. Not this time. The woman introduced herself and I was caught a bit off guard as I knew there would not be yet another request for me to show the inside of my messy trailer. Her name was Evon Oliver. She asked my hull number then the discussion quickly turned to Family, growing up in Michigan and things to do while in Lake Havasu City. What a wonderful surprise this morning talking to a delightful Lady.

The boys and I had our 2nd "Oliver Sighting" today on DAY-11 of this trip... It was Hull #148 from FL, the TV was not present so it's unknown who the owner is. Spotted this very nice looking rig in the Dome Rock Camping Area just west of Quartzsite.

I made a post earlier today about Quartzite. I forgot about this thread and the "Fiberglass Gathering." It is the week of this event that we will be passing through. I still work parttime and with work and other plans two nights starting on Tuesday, Feb 6th is our plan. We'll be in Yuma before and White Tank afterwards. We've driven through Quartzite many times on I-10 and Hwy 95, but never spent an overnight at the snowbird RV capital. Perhaps we will just head to Dome Rock at this time. Now we have a target location, unless some of you have a better spot. Thanks

Lucky you Jason. I keep having to run water through the faucets to purge air, throwing a W27 code (air in lines) till I go through a gallon or two. I catch that water in containers and put it to use so not a waste.

We were having to drain the Truma on our rig when on the road cause of the Anti Freeze issue. Was a bit of a wrestle to work the air out of the system when adding water after getting off the road. This last time had me having to re-initialize (reset) the Truma yet another time to reintroduce the board to the water heater. Who knows why but this time the display panel recognized not just the water heater but, magically, the Anti Freeze unit as well. Won't be testing to see if it works till we leave this ski resort but fingers crossed. ^ times' the charm.

Last June we stopped for lunch at Petoskey Brewery in Petosley, MI. After lunch we were sitting in the truck with our Oliver in tow and a young lady knocked on the window. She introduced herself, as Ciera, Evon's granddaughter, and the granddaughter of the late Jim Oliver. She is working for I believe her uncle, Scott Oliver in his modular home construction headquartered in Linden, TN.

When I bicycled across the USA it was always nice to get to the western edge of a time zone as the sun went down later there. It makes a later sunrise, but a later sunset was a nice tradeoff. John

Understood, my wife always cringes when I say “you know, I was just thinking”!

I sat through a RV Electricity presentation by Mike Sokol at the 2024 Florida Super Show last Wednesday. He recommended the Smart Plug and gave it a very positive review. Mossey

Unfortunately I don’t. The rails came off pretty easy, just drilled out the rivets. The nightstand is held down with four angle brackets and some caulk. Easy mod overall. john

I think it will work as long as it clamps the wheel above the axle line and where the wheel starts to curve back toward the bike. I will also use velcro straps. I think it will work.

Thanks @Geronimo John: We've got a fairly small house and the 12.5kW fits us perfectly. All our 120vAC demands are met with this unit. However, the cave isn't tied into the standby GENSET, that's why we'll be installing a standalone solar/battery bank back-up system this spring for the cave (what we do to keep our beer cold, right?). But this unit can run both LNG or LPG and it comes with the second set of jets to do just that. Real easy to switch over to the other type of gas.

I located the holes for the adjustments, thanks.

To clarify, there were a ton of benefits to that set of mods. Very worthwhile effort. It allowed me to camp in temps that were 15 degrees lower than the de-winterized trailer did when stock. Problem is, here in New England, the forecast can be for a low of 15 which may just as likely be actual temps of 25 as 5. Running the heat under the batteries was a huge gain. They were noticeably more efficient ( longer lasting) post mod. Before, we had a frustrating condensation problem on the curbside bed wall and window both of which was much less of an issue after. Last but not least, we had our dog's bed on the floor between our beds up against the nightstand. Long dog so long bed so the original heat vent would cook his little head. Wet dog smell does not need to be exposed to any unnecessary cooking.

Charley is the "Liver & White" Springer, from Texas Springers English Springer Spaniels in Aubrey, TX | TEXAS SPRINGERS He's going to be 10 years old this summer, and we got him as a pup when we lived in the Austin area (past homes in Georgetown and Lakeway, TX). Honestly, he doesn't care whether Dad does it right or not. Just can't wait to get out, sniff his new surroundings and lay on the camping mat to post guard! Poor guy has gotten older and with a torn left CCL and our new tall mattresses, he now has his own new doggie mattress situated between us on the floor. He whimpers looking up for 5-10 minutes and then lies down for the night. I have no idea how some of you share such little space with your dogs! He's also 65 LBS and were not lifting him anymore! More on our Burro Creek visit when I collect my thoughts and download a few pictures. Thanks to all who commented!

In 2018 or 2019 there was a group of us camping at Quartzsite. The Olivers drove down from Lake Havasu to join us with Jim’s personal Elite II. One evening we all decided to go out for dinner as a group. When “check” time came the waitress said it was all taken care of. There were at least 20 of us there, the Olivers are generous and kind. Mike

For those campers that may not know about BLM LTVAs (Long-Term Visitor Area), they were established in 1983 on public lands managed by the BLM throughout the Sonoran Desert of southern AZ and CA. The LTVA program allows visitors to camp for as long as 7 months between 15SEP to 15APR. Special permits are purchased at BLM kiosks at the LTVAs. A 14-day permit is $40, 28-day permits are $80, while a 7-month permit is $180. Payment must be cash only - exact amount. Unfortunately, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, America the Beautiful, and military passes do not apply to LTVA permit fees. Campers who wish to stay on the desert outside of an LTVA may camp in one location on underdeveloped public lands for up to 14 days in any 28-day period at no charge. After 14 days, short-term campers must move to a new site outside of a 25-mile radius of their original campsite. Short-term camping in the Quartzsite area is limited, but there are 5 designated LTVAs here. The LTVAs have various levels of dry camping - some have vault toilets, some have showers, some have potable water. There are limited waste water dump sites. All have dumpsters for bagged garbage. Since only minimum facilities are available at most of the LTVAs, campers must have self-contained rigs. This means rigs that have permanently affixed wastewater holding tanks of 10-gallon minimum capacity. So, how is the Casa Blanca behaving on the LTVA? Well, "sort of" as expected, it's been performing famously here on our 4th day on at La Posa West, about a half-mile south of "The Q". My only issue was totally "self-induced". Arrived at La Posa Saturday mid-afternoon with 100% SOC from a combination of solar and DC/DC charging during a 2.5 hour enroute drive from PHX. After a good sleep on night-1, checked the SOC at around 0530 Sunday AM and found it at an unusually low level at 36%. Racking my mind trying to figure out what the heck was consuming all the power from the BBs overnight, it occurred to me to check the Dometic fridge status. Sure enough, it was in the "DC" mode... Can't believe it escaped my checklist item to switch to "GAS" mode on arrival day. Lesson learned, for sure - the DC mode is extremely inefficient in this model of Dometic fridge. Don't get me wrong, its a good mode to use when under tow as the 27-28A from the TV smart alternator can handle the load from the fridge and still charge the BBs. So, it took Sunday and Monday to get the SOC back up to 100%. No biggie - the Honda GENSET still never saw the light of day and stayed in the back of the TV. With 340W roof-mounted solar modules and the Renogy 200W portable module the BBs were receiving a max of 310W during those two recharge days. The BBs were got to 100% SOC by mid-afternoon yesterday. Winter being winter, obviously brings low sun angles and short days. Campers should consider this when boondocking during this time of year. Just because you may have 540W of "solar modules capacity" does not mean that's what you'll get. Our roof-mounted modules are flat, as we have yet to install legs to adjust them for a more optimum angle to the sun - so they're kicking out only about 190W at mid-day this time of year at this latitude. Interestingly, the Renogy portable module needed to be propped-up to a steeper position in the early morning hours to achieve optimum angle to the sun. By doing so we got an extra 1.3A: If it wasn't for the "wall-to-wall" sunshine conditions here at The Q during the past couple days, the Honda would have been called upon to top-off the BBs! Notwithstanding the fridge brain-fart, it was a good feeling to wake up this morning to a 93% SOC. The BBs are expected to be topped off by mid-morning, maybe even before the pot of Black Rifle is "Winchester." This morning's main drill was topping off the fresh water tank. After switching the valves to "Boondock" mode: 6 gallons of fresh water was pumped into Casa Blanca in less than 3 minutes time, taking the fresh tank from 50 to 75%: Now it's heading to Q to refill the container, less than a 5 minute drive from the campsite. But first - a quick egg scramble for breakfast.... More later!

An interesting map that shows power outages across the nation. As I type, Oregon leads the field because of ice and wind events in Western Oregon. North Carolina, you’re in second place. Click on your state to see the numbers. https://poweroutage.us

I just did a quick look through the Cerbo GX Manual: Cerbo GX Manual (victronenergy.com) I'm not certain, but if I owned this product I would read the Manual page for page. It mentions connection to the VE.Direct Dongle and it has VE.Direct 3 ports. Each Victron device has an IP and/or MAC address, so I believe they can be daisy-chain wired, one off the next one. But there are already 3 ports; 1) MPPT Solar, 2) SmartShunt, and 3) another VE.Direct device like their Dongle. I believe it states the Cerbo GX has built-in Wi-Fi and if it has Wi-Fi you do not need the Bluetooth Dongle, as Wi-Fi is a stronger connection and can be network based. This product is the brains of large VE systems and MUST have connectivity to their apps. You will be very likely to connect via Wi-Fi and see your battery status from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection, given you have a VPN you can login into remotely. I know enough to be dangerous here but take a look at page 87 of the manual (PDF page 93). They mention an offline connection which means direct w/o internet (w/o VRM their internet app). They also refer to a VRM and this is where you can check remotely via internet. You may need professional help in such a configuration. Perhaps VE has good tech support, so place a call for help to get your Cerbo GX configured effectively. One or more network connections are certainly available.

I got bored - had to do something...

Someone on the forum bought the rails, nightstand and the KTT mattresses. John

This looks like a good rack. However, to get it for two bikes, it will cost $1200 as opposed to $730 for the 1up. Is there more to this rack than meets the eye for it to be almost twice what the other one is?

I couldn't attach photos before. Here's what I have on the back of each bike. The first one has the plastic fenders, and the second aluminum. The third photo is from before I moved the clamp under the fender, and I used a portion of a pool noodle to help support the fender. I still permanently performed it. Hers snow more secure than mine. With the Magnum shown above, I'm not sure that you could get high enough on the tire for adequate downward force, nor does it look like there's enough room to slip the spindle underneath. Would probably gave to clamp from above with the foam roller like I did.

It does go through a little bit of water to prime, but I don't really limit the amount of water I use. There is 30 in the holding tank, and I generally get more water wherever I am camping. This is a different story when dispersed. In that case, I put the extra water in gallon water jugs and keep for other things. I don't drink the water in the holding tank so it is just used to clean hands, dishes, operate the toilet and clean up at night. 30 gallons is more than enough for about 3 days.

Amazon of course! Mossey

Hey @jd1923: QuartzFest 2024 officially opens tomorrow, but early registration started today. They're expecting 800+ rigs from all over the US and Canada... Planning to depart mid-week and head back to my lovely bride who'll be just getting home from Chicago - everything regarding the return route, at this point is WX-dependent. It would be great to get some "dueling Oliver" pix, right? We'll keep you posted in any case... Cheers!

Excellent work John! Would you happen to have a picture of your work before the mattress was added? Rails off, showing your platform and how the nightstand was either cropped or removed. That would be a great addition to your post. Thanks

Whaaaat? Y’all about to get two weeks in the electric chair for blasphemy. 😇

Awesome! You now have more insight than most into what a wonderful family the Oliver's have. Serendipity happens.

In a pinch, I would have done the same! I didn’t opt for the QC ports, as a cost savings measure at purchase, but was aware that copper gas lines were installed ‘fore’ and ‘aft’ with Oliver builds. Early in ownership, I tapped into the ‘fore’ with a ‘T’ fitting for a regulated extension hose accessible via the screw port, and simply removed a fitted plug on the ‘aft’ line to add a QC valve. However, prior to converting to these convenience gas ports I camped a few times either using the 1# or 20# propane tank. BS supplied regulator in use with 20# tank. Tap into existing regulated line for ‘fore’ QC port. I didn’t want the QC port to exit underneath, as Oliver installs, but rather higher to save my back and other intended use. Short hose extension and QC valve connected to a 10’ extension hose for the ‘fore’ QC port. An elbow’s reach into the port to operate the valve. 10’ extension hose staged atop the tank of proximity to the screw port. The hose is simply routed out of the screw port and attached the another hose extension(s) for use with the BS or fire pit, as well as intended use with a small generator, as needed, positioned either on the trailer tongue or TV tailgate. ‘Aft’ installed QC valve once fitted plug was removed. Adapter for BS QC attachment. BS to the Oliver’s ‘aft’ QC port via a 15’ extension.

This link shows the Amazon price history for the Victron Smart Shunt. I'm not a math major but I don’t see a 30% inflation rate for this product. Mossey https://3cmls.co/US/B01CGFF8Q2

I didn’t know Gerard had a Florida branch or that it was closed down. The Fiamma company makes several different RV accessories including the awning on our 2017 LE2. The included link has information detailing a 2017 workplace shooting at their factory in Orlando, FL. Mossey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_factory_shooting

I have a front hitch on my Ranch Hand bumper. I tried mounting the bikes on it and they were way over the top of the hood obstructing my field of view. Another reason I won't mount in front, my bumper already sits 18 inches beyond the front of the truck, add a rack and two bikes and I've just extended the front of my TV farther forward than I am comfortable with. According to the NHTSA, in 2019 there were 2.8 million front collisions vs 1.5 million rear. That would mean I would double the risk of smashing my expensive bikes with it mounted in the front vs the back. Another issue would be bugs on my bikes. If I cover them, I will obstruct the air from entering the radiator. In Texas, that could be disastrous. Finally, it just looked ugly. 😛

Your TV is a F350 Diesel Lariat Tremor pulling a $100k trailer. They know.

PS: we have the composting toilet too, so black water is not an issue with us. a.

This is our second year of striking out during the freezing season. After going through a similar discussion last year considering the risks of freezing and the associated subsequent potential grief verses the benefits of just staying winterized until reaching the non-freezing part of the country, we decided the stress wasn't worth the benefit of being de-winterized for the journey. That said... This year we de-winterized in southern Florida at which time we discovered a significant problem with our Truma Aqua go on-demand water heater, which, had we de-winterized before the trip, may have been discovered prior to leaving Colorado (although the problem may have occurred from the jostling during travel...so...who knows, in any event, the WH is now repaired and working as expected, we did however have to go over a week without using it) Bottom line, I don't think it's worth risking freezing one elbow or pipe etc. given the grief that would ensue after finding water dripping out from between the shells so we opt to use bottled water and only de-winterize once reaching warmer climates. The only exception for us is IF we plan to stay in a cold location long enough to justify de-winterizing for the stay (say a week or longer) and then re-winterize for the next leg of travel. That's a personal. The Ollie is fine to be de-winterized in the cold while being used and heated on site. It's questionable at best however to be going down the road in sub-freezing temps as to whether the furnace will be able to keep enough heat between the shells to prevent EVERY valve, elbow, connection, pipe etc from freezing. My Advice: Bottled water Scramble south ASAP If you need a shower before your arrival to warmth the added expense of a night in a motel will pale to the cost of fixing a frozen water line. Albertt

Tastes like chicken, right? My uncle tried to convince me of that....

I imagine that the “old adage “ still applies far from the ocean since it originated more or less in a desert region a long time ago. Matthew 16:2-3!

After several attacks on substations last year and considering our country’s electrical grid is ancient and not at all secure, we opted to have a 24KW Gen installed fueled by LNG last Jan. I really like being able to monitor Gen run times where ever I have cell service. Our installers did a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 job. https://neverdarkgenerators.com/ For times such as these we are soooooo glad we did. Patriot🇺🇸

I'll apologize for our cold weather during your visit. What cold weather? It’s 40 degrees warmer than at home! 😁 We went by MoJo’s today! We were at the Appleton Museum of Art. What a nice exhibit they have! I’m glad we didn’t do the boat ride today, as it was drizzling all afternoon. Current forecast for tomorrow is 70 and overcast, which will be better for underwater photos with fewer reflections. Maybe we’ll stop for dinner after. Thanks!

So, I decided to move to a location adjacent to where the annual QuartzFest HAM Radio "campout" will start on Saturday. It's about 4.5mi south of the RV Show at MM99 on the west side of HWY 95. It's on BLM land that is outside of LTVAs, so there's no fee. Much less crowded - at least for now, this event usually draws north of 800 HAM rigs from all over the US and Canada.

I did that as a kid! Don't remember exactly how old I was but I do remember that they had to restrain me from jumping in. I wanted to catch a couple of all those fish that I saw. 😃 Hope you have as much fun as I remember having. Bill

January 11-15 Deb and I were at the Eggs ‘n S’mores Rally near Live Oak, Florida, with 237 other fiberglass trailers. Then on the 15th we moved to Salt Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest. We’ll be here until the 20th. Tomorrow we’re taking a glass bottom boat tour at Silver Springs State Park.

The Quikrstuff Mach 2 is an awesome rack - double rack version for $1100, not bad...

Also look at the Quikrstuff Mach 2. Apparently Quikrstuff was formed by the original inventor of 1Up rack, and the Quikrstuff is a redesigned 1Up with a bunch of improvements. Here's a nice video comparing the 1Up with the Quikrstuff

DAY-5: Another beautiful Sun Rise at "The Q":

When your position is at the west-end of a given time zone, in this case only 25 miles east of PST, the sun comes up quite late in the AM. 0753, in fact: Nice having a room with a view (the not-so-Tactical OTT Operation Center): Cheers...

Sadly, though I indeed have the capacity to dive deep into the proverbial rabbit hole, I am entirely too lazy to dig to the depth of self harm. 😞

Solution found! A custom Oceanair Skyshade Cabinshade mounted to the screen door. It allows for full view and can be open/closed from inside. Andrew