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The hardest part of this job was finding the correct part so that you do not have to drill new holes. Make sure to get one that is 5 1/2 in wide NOT 5 1/4 which most are. The one I found is from eTrailer and it is made in the USA even better. After butyl tape cures for a few days, I will put down some marine caulk. https://www.etrailer.com/RV_Vents_and_Fans/LaSalle_Bristol/34474558.html Best, Mike

There are many stories here on the Forum that show the generosity and kindness that is shown when one Ollie owner helps another. However, during the Rally there were a number of angels among us that deserve a special mention. First - while I do not have all the names of all the people involved with the team led by Steve Landrum (ScubaRx) and Mike Mossey (Mossemi) who replaced the bushings on Coy's trailer, all those that were involved deserve a big pat on the back. Those people were there from 1pm until after 8pm getting that job done - even through a sudden t-storm. Nice job guys (and lady)! And, this brings us to the second set of angels. As that storm suddenly hit (high wind and heavy rain), Krunch Mossey was at their Ollie down by the lake. Unfortunately, as the wind and rain hit she was unable to retract the awning that had been left out and that awning was just about to sail away. At this point the 4 guys from CGI Detailing (Colin, Gavin, Gauge and Denver) just happened to be cruising by and saw that Krunch was in trouble. They immediately hopped out of the truck and saved that awning. Getting back in the truck (soaking wet) they proceeded to drive around the camping area looking for others that just might need help. They found two more campers - one holding down a Clam shelter while the other was trying to save the awning on their Casita. Again, these four hard working guys came to the rescue. Those of us that have used the services of CGI Detailing already know what fine hard working men the guys are. Certainly they deserve a big pat on the back from all of us for helping while fellow members of the RV community were in trouble. Thanks to all those involved in the above situations. Your selfless actions are appreciated by us all! Bill

Used through bolts, lock nuts, and backing plate when installing the Furrion 10A solar port. Later modified the 10A Furrion Port to install a 20A Zamp port in the existing Furrion port, working great, too.

Good call, @jd1923 ! Here's some random OTT Rally snaps from my iPhone: Little white eggs - everywhere! Entrance/exit sign for the LGSP... Welcome to our world, these are two really tired rally go-ers! So "tough" being in the pack... Site A-06, Casablanca LGSP Lodge swimming pool - very convenient We kept Steve Morris' roster (as seen on the folding table) close-hauled to keep up with the face/name recognition drill - it was an awesome tool for us... Typical chow being prepped for an early morning meal... Getting ready to pack up for the run down to Laurel, Miss. on Sunday... What a great rally it was - especially meeting all the cool Oliver owners from places way far away! We look forward to seeing others' photos of the rally, too! Cheers!

It's the screws that cause cracking, not the drilling of holes when properly done. In this case, the holes were in play and the fixture was set up with holes. So, Mike pretty much needed to use the holes. However, use of SS bolts, nylock nuts and washers on the inside would likely reduce further cracking.

Our 23 day 2024 “Lake Hopping Tour” - It started on the coast of SC and then onto Lake Santee SP for a few days. We left Santee SP and booked a lake front site on Lake Hartwell in Gawwwga. After enjoying a few nights at Lake Hartwell we motored over to Lake Guntersville and really enjoyed a great time at the Rally. Time seemed to go by so quickly. It was so good to see old friends and make quite a few new friends. We hope everyone got home or to their next destination CG safely. Cheers from Blueberry Hill! 🫐 IMG_1049.mov My bride & amazing navigator. We enjoyed a nice campfire just about every night.

I purchased the upgraded fan when a post came up last year. I will install it this summer with VHB with no rain guard as well. I learned the benefits of VHB in 2019 when installing a complete solar/inverter system in our Bigfoot Class-C. I doubled the solar mounts to be certain of strength (likely not necessary). Most roof-top items in the pic were installed by me, solar, new AC, Dish, 2 fantastic fans (old ones had manual cranks) and new fridge vent cap (everything white in color). I did the Dish first and regrettably used screws on that install. Each solar mount has 1x3" VHB 4950 and not one screw. The bigfoot has a fiberglass roof too and don't gunk up your install thinking you need Dicor on top for absolutely no reason, yuck hate the stuff. VHB is UV and weather resistant and remember there are no hole in the fiberglass, no way to leak rainwater. Five years later, the new owner has no complaints and I believe 3M states VHB has an expected 20-year life.

When I see pics like this, it's such a shame. OTT should REALLY start using adhesives or VHB tape on so many parts attached the fiberglass hulls, both inner and outer. Look at the cracking at EVERY hole. There is a little stress on this terminal when plugging and unplugging, and it's not weight bearing. Same goes for interior switch panels and truly dozens of items. We would be able to replace parts and upgrade without concern of screw hole alignment. Many of you fear drilling into your Olivers. OTT should have more concern re this matter.

Absolutely beautiful reflection in the 3rd shot!!!!!!!!

We decided to RO2N in Laurel, MS... Very "green" here compared to what we're used to in the SW! Headed to Dallas in the morning... Safe travels, All!

Finally, got around to switching out old Zamp solar SAE plug that used reverse polarity. Switched to industry standard polarity so I don't have to use a polarity reversal adapter to recharge house batteries with Goal Zero panels. Plus the cap had broken off and I already had an open sealant tube from other projects. Best, Mike

I have to agree most things can be attached with proper prep using VHB tape, especially on fiberglass, it is a perfect medium for VHB tape. I was actually going to use it to attach the rain guard on the new Maxx-Air fan but decided not to use the guard at all. My two 90 watt panels I installed up top are held in place by VHB only. I did use some backup attachment screws for the wiring mounted on the aluminum solar panel frame. It's been 4-5 years and everrything has held up great. AmSolar.com swears by it, says they have never had a panel come off that was installed correctly. One does hate to drill into the beautiful, waterproof fiberglass unnecessarily, maybe with time, more and more people will ask for VHB tape's use. The drive for its use also needs to come from the manufactures of 3rd party items to make them more conducive to VHB tape installation. This is I am sure is not a priority for them but it sure would be nice for us. https://amsolar.com/shop/mounting-accessories/#

Good morning Kevin. I would be happy to help you. I ordered my LE ll with the composting toilet and after six months decided I would rather have a flusher and converted to the factory toilet myself. If you’ll give me a call. I can offer some guidance. John Burton 480-390-6996

Wow - looks like you all had a great time!!! Thanks so much for the pictures. We look forward to making it next year, the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise!

I fully expected to comply! Last year I only took a handful and told myself to do better this year. I had four cameras with me (including my phone), but other that the above sunset photos and a few at Cathedral Caverns, I didn’t take a single photograph. Oh, except of @mossemi’s plumbing, but nobody wants to se that! 😜 Maybe next year…

Naturally batteries included.

Morning coffee = camping lifeblood, for many of us... brain food.

We’re overnighting at Lake Catherine State Park near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Like most Arkansas state parks this one is nice. There are wooded camp sites and sites right on the lake. It’s 12 miles off of I-30, we’ve stopped here several times when we’re headed east or on our way home.

0915 Departure from LGSP, enroute to Laurel, Miss.:

After detailed discussions with @Geronimo John regarding a DC-DC Charger installation, we finally got around to making it happen. There's a ton of posts on this mod/upgrade, so we're not going down the rabbit hole to the end - just saying that it's a worth while mod to consider. Essentially, our concern was the 12AWG DC circuit from the 7-pin connector supplying an inadequate DC current to the OTT while towing, especially during the hours of darkness when there's no solar input to the battery bank. So, we decided to go with the Victron 12/12 30amp Bluetooth unit to be compatible with our other Victron devices (Smart Shunt, MPPT Solar charger, and the Cerbo S-GX multiplexer). We decided to upgrade from the OTT factory PWM solar module controller to the Victron MPPT unit. We also added the 7" Victron Touch to monitor all our AC and DC input/output activity which has been a game changer for us. Here's a series of pix that may satisfy the curiosity of those interested in efficiently charging the battery bank. FYI: We've got 3x BB's and ran 1/0 cables from the TV's smart alternator to an Anderson plug installed at the hitch, then 4 AWG cables from the Anderson through a Blue Sea Cable Clam to the Victron DC-DC charger installed under the aft dinette seat. The cables were snaked from the forward bulkhead under the toilet to the forward dinette seat, under the dinette table, to the aft dinette seat area: Below shows the location for the Victron Cerbo S-GX Touch Screen... This is the location where we mounted the new Victron MPPT Smart Solar Charger, upper street side compartment where the old PWM solar charge controller was mounted: We mounted the Victron remote solar controller monitor to the right of the Touch Screen... Building the Anderson plug for the OTT with 4AWG cables... Below shows the Blue Seas Cable Clam hull penetration adjacent to the 7-pin cable... Victron DC-DC Charger mounted on the street side wheel well/aft dinette seat next to the Progressive surge protector... Note the 50amp breaker between DC-DC Charger and the battery bank. We installed another 50amp breaker between the TV alternator and the Anderson connection: Pulling 4AWG cables from the hull penetration under the head sink thru the front of the toilet and to the aft dinette seat area... Thanks to @ScubaRx - Steve gave a great suggestion for snaking wires through challenging areas using a stiff plastic strap for securing pallet loads... One and done. I'm going for a cold one...

What a wonderful evening! Thanks to everyone behind the scenes, and it was good to see new and old friends.

I've asked about this several times over the last several years. Asked the owner of our local Batteries Plus, are AGM batteries better for our trucks? The answer in the past and since is "Yes, better but not worth twice the money!" I've had AGM batteries in my motorcycles over 10 years now. The Dodge Ram Cummins always had two (2) Group 27 LA batteries. The last Dodge Cummins I had for 18 years had the same setup and twice I purchased the very reasonable Walmart EverStart batteries. Could have done the same this time for $150 ea. I searched for other batteries and the Odessey AGM came up $384 ea. Wow, like I said more $$$. In this case, should I pay $325 total with tax or $832. Go figure. Then I found a new style EverStart AGM from Walmart, however they did not have the Group 27 size in this model. I found the H7 size to be very close to the Group 27, about 1/4" longer and wider, yet a full inch shorter in height. I purchased two of these modern AGM batteries: EverStart Platinum AGM Automotive Battery, Group Size H7 / LN4 / 94R 12 Volt, 800 CCA 140 RC - Walmart.com They're made in South Korea, like that much better than China. South Korea manufacturing started earlier than China and is more mature in quality practices. Total OTD with tax $390 for two HD AGM truck batteries nice!

Agreed, the use of wood screws has cracked the fiberglass. It's very difficult with fiberglass to apply the right amount of torque to fasten and not overtighten. I would want to fill these cracked holes, to redrill cleanly or to use VHB afterwards depending. Does anybody know a good fill product for screw holes in fiberglass? Some kind of epoxy that plays well with fiberglass. @rideandfly's install is beautiful! OTT should consider this approach. However, there are times in installation work, where you do not have access to the back side to thread a nut.

I don't know about that "face" part but I really enjoyed our visit. Glad you didn't have to get wet/drowned in that storm.⛈️ Bill

Very clean aka Sano Bill! Nice work!

MS AI says the dimensions by model are as follows: (Suggest independent verification) GJ When I had to replace my OTT OEM toilet due to a 25 cent part breaking and no available parts, my research yielded the below info. I chose to go with the low profile elongated seat 321 Full Timer. Hope this is useful. GJ MODEL 311 Part Timer 320 Full Timer (Wrong P/N - My Error) 320 Full Timer 321 Full Timer E-Trailer # DOM67FR DOM87FR DOM87FR DOM99FR DESCRIPTION Low Profile Round Stand. Height Elongated Stand. Height Elongated Low Profile Elongated SOURCE: OEM PROVIDED May 2018 E-Trailer OR# 113709215 Shipped to Idaho, 83255 Dometic Warranty Replacement Need this model COLOR White White Same White STATUS Plastic Flush Rod Failed. Discarded in Idaho upon receipt of E-trailer replacement. Replacement toilet purchased. Flush ball seal not centered. Leaked water & sewer gas Still in original unopened box. DEPTH 19" 22" Same 22" HEIGHT 14.25" 19.25" TILT! Same 13.5 The 5" step between the toilet mounting surface and where you feet go is why just about all of us under seven feet tall need the low profile model. For more efficient printing, I have transformed the above into my DIY format. DIY - Dometic Toilet Replacement Specifications.docx

We replaced our 2019 EII standard toilet with a Dometic 311 (due to broken foot pedal.

It was an exceptional rally, many hours renewing acquaintances and making many new friends with so much in common. It's really hard to grasp how you can have so much in common with so many people from every part of the country. It's a special community indeed. Site G34 is already reserved for another great rally next year! BTW I only got a couple phone pictures, geeze what a slacker! I will do better from now on.

Bill thanks for letting us take shelter in your Oliver during the storm. Enjoyed the conversations and glad to finally put face to name. Scott

Really?

Agree, here’s to our morning ‘transfusion’ with a ‘dose’ of Oliver forum to boot!

Same here no issues.

A simple way to connect the new DC charging lead, using a standard (larger) lug, would be to merely double up on the battery lead on the far right in this picture. There are enough threads on the bolt, and you have a direct connection without going through the bus and any resistance it may cause.

I don't know enough to really answer your question but what the deciding factor for me was that Victron stated somewhere that the non-isolated version will work for most (99%) of applications. Maybe @MAX Burner will have some input after having had some experience using it.

Don't take me too seriously, just poured a cup myself! 🤣

Yes 3600 LB payload is certainly HD! The 2003 Ram 2500 I drove for years had 9000 GVRW and it weighed 7200 LBS empty, so half the payload. Very nice truck. You should just throw the Ollie in back! Small world, we owned a 2014 Passat TDI. Never towed with it, but loaded full we got 47 MPG highway when we moved from TX to S FL. We were moving, so Chris was driving that, and I was pulling an 18' cargo trailer with our Ram. I had literally every SF of the car packed. Loved that car, drove it hard for 4 years. Got 35 MPG commuting and I drove it heavy-footed to make time. VW bought it back in the TDI settlement, writing us a check for the amount we paid for it, taxed and titled.

That makes good sense and we sure walked by many hiking on our recent trip to SW Utah. It would take a while looking to find the right kind, all close in size to collect a good batch. The ones I purchased for about $20, must have been run a rock tumbler and sorted for size. You can see in the ad choice of size. They're all rounded nicely, no cracks and hard as can be, the size and almost the shape of small eggs. Though I'll say, I certainly appreciate a thrifty idea! Thanks.

'Ol Oscar wasn't amused by this sign - check it out... Knuckleheads, they are!

Or nothing at all. We don’t use any chemicals. No odors, we don’t put anything in the black tank other than poop and pee. You should never put tissue, wipes, feminine hygiene products or cigarette butts into the toilet system. When dumping, we flush the black tank 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Ten years in and never an issue.

Yes, sure do.

We use one pod and a capful of Calgon water softener. When it’s going to sit a month or two we also add some Happy Camper in both black and gray tanks with a gallon or so of water. No odors, no issues. Mike

Yosemite today: The pond near swinging bridge was dead calm.

Sounds like a great start! Is there a video or transcript of Rodney's opening remarks posted anywhere ... for those of us who could not attend the Rally?

…great opening ceremony talk by Rodney Lomax, excellent dinner company, awesome raffle prizes - all along with a beautiful sunset!!!🌆 Perfect way to start the Rally!

Okay, one exception to the missing part… Having burned the daylights out of it, I was reminded of my total fail with Jiffy Pop. I do miss being able to toss a bag of Orville Redenbacher into the microwave and have unburned popcorn. However, I did learn the secret to Jiffy Pop is to hold the pan about 2” above the flame.

We found an exquisite site on our way to Alabama! Curiosity is gently illuminated by the stars, err, sodium lamps, with the sound of a rushing stream in the background. I mean asphalt. Cracker Barrel in Cave City, Kentucky, at the entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park.