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Showing content with the highest reputation on 05/28/2024 in all areas
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We don't use our AC very often, but when we do it would be nice if it didn't scare the dog and stess-out the cat. I didn't want to buy one of the newer (quieter) models just yet, so I looked into how I could insulate the stock Dometic unit better and achieve a noticeable reduction in noise. It took a 3-step approach, but I got it down to 65dB which is a significant reduction from the 75+dB level before. I took the attached dB reading in the center of our LE2 right under the front of the AC unit. I have attached photos of the 3 items that I added; (1) dense foam insulation to fill the hollow area to the rear of the return air intake vents between the roof-top unit and the ceiling panel, (2) I added a .4" layer of stick-on foam insulation over the very thin layer that came on the inside of the ceiling panel along with another piece of dense foam between the the center sliding vent cover (which is right below the fan motor) and the added layer of foam insulation (I did this so the cool air would be directed out the 2 side vents, and the front and rear vents instead), and (3) I installed an AC compressor noise reduction blanket. We are very happy with results!!! Joe/7693 points
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@Imelda, yes @Geronimo John is certainly correct in running the microwave on a 2KW inverter. Our setup is similar to yours. I run our inverter day-and-night, for many needs. Use the microwave to reheat coffee in the morning, leftovers for lunch, etc. The TV is often running, laptop chargers, etc. Chris runs an electric tea kettle and a blow-dryer occasionally. Many of these are 1100-1500 watts each, so you can only run one at a time. We travel mainly in the sunny SW, so usually we're good on batteries. But if a cloudy day is in the forecast, I'll still run the microwave for 30 secs or more, but we will forgo the electric tea kettle for one on the LP stovetop. You could run two such appliances with a 3KW inverter at the same time. But the main reason to upgrade to a 3KW Inverter is to run your AC unit. Some cool in the afternoons when boondocking is what we truly want, eventually. But again, it comes down to available battery capacity. LI is not a straightforward battery swap, but not very difficult. There are charger settings to change and likely some new cabling. You'll want to add a shunt and perhaps a display or other options. GJ also mentioned Battleborn 100AH batteries. They run a little about $900 each, call it $3,000 +/- taxed and shipped, for three units totaling 300AH (I believe 4 will not fit). There are better options. Why replace relatively new batteries, ours are 450AH lead-acid, 225AH usable, for 300AH LiFePO4? Not a large enough bump for the money. I believe OTT uses Lithioncs brand in their Lithium Pro Package, which states 390AH. Though I could not find a 390AH Lithionics model shopping online. Many online sellers list their 320AH battery at a whopping $4,500, more like $5K OTD. Perhaps top-of-the-line but one of the most expensive LI batteries. There are better options out there today, unless $$$$ is not an issue. I learned of Epoch batteries last fall on this forum. They are priced to sell with good reports. In fact, this model is soooo HOT at $1,399 it is often out-of-stock: 12V 460Ah Heated & Bluetooth LiFePO4 Battery - Epoch Essentials (epochbatteries.com) That's 460AH which would double your capacity in one battery. Some do prefer redundancy if one fails, but I would take that risk. Mike @rideadeuce went with TWO 460AH Epoch batteries, amazing! A more expensive, but still competitively priced, model including "Victron Comms." I don't believe you need this feature as a Victron shunt would be enough for me. This model is $1,999 list and during last year Black Friday sale it was 15% off! I almost pulled the trigger. Maybe next year, LI prices have come down every year. He went this route to fit two batteries side-by-side for 920AH total. The first model I mentioned I believe fits in the battery tray (you know measure twice, ...) but you can only fit one in the bay since it is wider (one would be enough for most campers). The Victron Comms model is narrower, yet taller, so Mike removed the sliding battery tray to accommodate. A crazy amount of stored power for a small TT, a creative plan and sound installation. Check it out: Victron MP2 with (2) Epoch 460ah batteries. DAY #1 Removal, rewiring, mounts, routing wires - Ollie Modifications - Oliver Owner Forums (olivertraveltrailers.com) I suggest reading several more posts here, do other online research, give it a lot of thought, ask more questions and "patience grasshopper!" These batteries should last 10 years and if you add a 3KW inverter and perhaps other options (checkout the Victron product line) it becomes a large investment. You want to make the right choices, so that it works for your needs many years. Hope this helps! 🙂3 points
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Maybe all the LE2s with 2” bulldog couplers, we have the 2 5/16” bulldog coupler.3 points
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I've been a member watching from the sideline since February 21, 2018. Now, retirement is a week away and we pickup unit #1525 June 8th--EXCITED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!! Delivery photos coming soon.2 points
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While conducting a pre-trip inspection, I discovered the mounting board for the inverter had broken loose from the the adhesive bond to the wall The inverter was laying against the wheel well. All wiring appears to be fine. Ticket submitted to Oliver. Looks like and easy fix. Asked Oliver adhesive they used. My MacGyver fix was two 1-gallon tea bottles with a 2x4 to wedge it tight to the wall. Pictures attached. Any thoughts. Things happen🙃2 points
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The neutral bonding plug goes in one of the 15A standard "household" outlets on your generator and connects the ground lead (the round third prong on the plug) to the neutral lead (one of the flat prongs). Without going into details, this is the setup the EMS expects to see, but most portable generators are not set up that way. Hence the plug.2 points
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Oh and BTW, the NHTSA should have Bulldog Manufacturing run a recall too! They mislabeled a 5000 LB coupler with a 7000 LB label! Check page 4 of this thread. @Jason Foster asked for a better picture of the label, then I wrote a commentary re wrong labeling, Bulldog being at fault, not OTT.2 points
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Johnny and Juanita, congratulations on the retirement and welcome to the family! Our Oliver has provided some great memories as will yours. Hope to meet you out on the road or at a rally. Mike2 points
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Hi, and welcome to two venerable "clubs," the Oliver family, and the Every Day is Saturday Club. We've been lucky enough to enjoy 17 seasons in both. Here's to your adventures! 🍾2 points
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Congrats! and please stop being shy. Hope to meet you at a rally. We're one year in on a pre-owned and looking forward to meeting many members soon. Just an idea...2 points
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Congratulations on the retirement. It has been a great phase for the wife & I in this thing we call life.2 points
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Welcome - a bit late. You're going to love it. Safe travels and let us know if we can help you. Bill2 points
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Looks like this is related to the earlier report of a mislabeled Bulldog coupler failing: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V322000 Good that OTT is following through with this.1 point
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I am by no means an expert in this area but I understand that the bonded neutral plug is needed. I have one but have not used my generator yet to charge the batteries or run anything in the oliver. I copied this from a thread on this topic: https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-electricity-generator-neutral-bonding-basics/ Also found this in another thread: "Without a neutral/ground plug in an outlet on the generator, no electricity will pass through the EMS" Scott1 point
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Here is a link you can try - https://www.amazon.com/Southwire-Company-LLC-44400-Generator/dp/B07F4R7BDL/ref=sr_1_3_pp?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ze77urC3E0cv-Sgy2WBsnrvWHUzSct3XLNL2KRQJF5jRV26fObiFrn-fdZ9V6ncjRqGkCLXsrfyTmnKguORXLUfA_JKxet2ICSQxoPvuTc3hCJLLcKRzlYEC5-VZyzT798M5op3pqiInJ11dYfB8Euf6jd4m4F6Blflkk94yVnDsw4Qj1WLAR65hHtvwqhgli8Bs8EMxQE2wC4D8U5kgLaHkVl3BIzxZmMjQLqiyb4A.h0dBUVDPH0kSJAixrF7N_6HAJVNoU0KaEwuMFPX1d_Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=generator+bonding+plug&qid=1716918903&sr=8-3 This seemed to be one a few folks used when I did research on it back in 2022.1 point
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In the 5 pages of recall info OTT sent us, all it states is "Your unit must be inspected..." Everything else is about replacement and reimbursement. Manufactures are responsible to communicate recalls. Consumers are not legally bound to reply. I have received over 100 recalls through the year and everybody here has too. I have never replied to Dodge, Ford, Toyota or any other. I will call for a service appointment when service or replacement is required, but if not I merely file the paperwork in my file for that vehicle. I was about to do the same here, but since @Geronimo John found the NHTSA website and the "Customer Reply Card" I will reply as a courtesy to OTT. OTT will have hundreds that do not reply, for trailers sold, people thinking it's junk mail... The GOV will likely audit OTT later to see they have complied and their records of such responses. I plan to print the from, write "SELF" as the inspecting BUSINESS, attach the photo I took months ago when this subject came up on our forum, and mail it Attn: Regina OTT - task completed from my point of view.1 point
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As @jd1923 mentioned, there are charger settings that need to be changed on your Xantrex for lithium batteries. OTT could provide those for you. You might need to change the cabling to fit the new battery terminal locations. Our Lithionics report their SOC through a Bluetooth app, so we don't have a separate shunt, but they are expensive. As for running the A/C, we have the 3000W inverter and can do that for an hour or so and recover the charge the next day if it's sunny.1 point
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You're Welcome! The 15" Sendel S20 wheel and Goodyear Endurance ST225/75R/15 tire are coming from Discount Tire. They have the tire on hand, but the wheel will not arrive until 6/1. They will price match, so all I need to do is let them know who I can buy from at a lower price and they will match the price. 🙂1 point
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The 1304 number came from NHTSA site as the "potential number of units affected," not the number of dealers. Since our 2022 is #1150, and some others were delivered with 2 ⁵/¹⁶" couplers, it seems reasonable that 1304 is the number of LE2s manufactured with 2" Bulldog hitches between 2009 and 2024. I suspect(?) they want them all checked. The form posted by @Geronimo John seems to indicate they want the hitch inspected by a "service facility." I know ours is stamped 7000#. Next time I have it in the shop for something else, I'll have them sign the certificate, too. The recall won't matter unless I want to sell it later.1 point
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Talk of sealants always create quite a stir. Just go on any boating forum, look up sealants and stand back!! What I have used with success is this product: https://marineformula.com/products/marine-formula-10oz-aerosol Yes it's expensive, but I have been successful removing embedded silicone oils from the gelcoat with some wet sanding and a final polish. You will not sand through the gelcoat with 1200 grit paper! I would still do a reseal around the perimeter of your windows/fixtures as this is your first line of defense from water intrusion. It can be done well and look great. It just takes time, a good tape masking job, and an understanding of the ins and outs of the sealant you want to use. You don't know how good the butyl tape (if that is what was used) job was done under the windows during installation. So I would not take chances there. The pic of your window makes me cringe. Whoever did that really had no care for aesthetics or function. Use the Debond (there are also other products, but I haven't used them), a plastic razor to get the bulk of the old sealant off. Then go to the wet sand stage. Try to keep the Debond contained to the work area. Dribble a little on and start scraping. I just "resealed" my fender flares! Strictly an aesthetic decision! I think it looks much better. But certainly not necessary. Dave1 point
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I ordered a whole new set to Dexter HD bolts and plan to replace all the bolts and bushings. While I have the entire curbside of the trailer open for access, I will be repacking all the bearings too. I should receive the new sets of bolts later this week. My bushing on the EZ-Flex was about 40 percent gone after over 34K towing miles on our LEII.1 point
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First, my impression after reading your earlier comment was you intended on completely removing all sealant inside and outside. I read your comment twice and came to the same conclusion. Sealant provides a watertight seal to all joints and an estetically pleasing finish. Sealant at the windows is weatherproofing. Without sealing the windows you will have leaks everywhere. You asked why there was so much sealant in the bathroom. Our 2022 has a special plastic wall at the bathroom and closet. All panel joints are caulked to keep water in the bathroom and from leaking into the trailer. You asked why the wheel fenders are caulked. I actually don't understand your thoughts process. The sealant at the fenders is for aestetic purposes, and to keep spray confined. Sealant is a necessary component to every building, boat, trailer. As I have mentioned, my preferred sealant is polyurethane. Oliver doesn't do custom work. I get what they used, not what I want. It is what it is. For me a soft bristle tooth brush and soap cleans my sealant joints. I can promise you this, if you removed all the sealant and put your trailer up for sale, any smart person will walk so fast, and your chances of selling very remote. I would be worried about mold, because it will happen. I would worry about electronic components. Oliver would never sell or sign off on unfinished trailer. Never, ever would happen. This is my position on your posts.1 point
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For the most part - Jason (W) makes and/or posts these types of posts by copying them from other sources. Therefore, the specific brands, models, and other details contained in any specific post of this sort is not necessarily Oliver specific and are generally meant for "general" reminders or "general" information. In this specific example - we are being reminded to change the batteries in our installed safety devices - no matter which devices they really are. Bill1 point
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Short answer: Not really. Kindly create your signature block with your TV and Ollie hull number and I am sure many responses specific to your Hull will be forth coming. Expanding on the not really part: You'll need a shunt so as to monitor your SOC. Also a master cutoff switch as well. Suggest 350 amp BlueSeas. Likely some cable work would be beneficial. Many of use Battleborn 100 amp hour batteries. Mostly three of them. Others go with a higher dollar version and much higher capacity. To run AC, you'll want a 3,000 inverter with a second A/B Switch. All can be DIY if you have the tools and skills. I would recommend first searching for Lithium on the forum. There are a bunch of different ways to do it. GJ1 point
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I just received this in the mail a couple of days ago. Went out to check our Oliver bought in 2015 and as it turns out has aa 7000 lb rating not the 5000 lb. After 9 years of use looks like we were ok anyway.1 point
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Wow!!! is an understatement. Glad you both were able to safely depart that demolition derby. 💯 on point Art with having 360 awareness and both heads on a swivel. We prefer refueling at the large truck stops when we can. When parked to refuel my bride and navigator steps out and does a walk around of our rig every time we stop while I top off the diesel. This is just one of our best practices when we are rolling.1 point
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Finally made it back to Tampa 🙂 73 nights, 13 states, 4 national parks, 3 state parks, a couple of KOAs, 2 siblings' driveways, and one highway rest stop. 5,000 miles on the new truck. 3,400 on hull MDIV. Changed the composting toilet twice. Greased the zerks once. Learned soooo much, saw many beautiful places and met loads of nice folks. Thanks to everyone for all the hand-holding and advice. Ollie gets a very well deserved bath tomorrow. Then we check out the storage facility. He might get to rest there for a few days before we get the energy to head to a beach or some place else close by. 😜1 point
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Welcome to the family! When you have questions, don't hesitate to ask them. Likely several other new owners have the same one. Lots of great owners will for sure give you the benefit of our lessons learned. Geronimo John1 point
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Breath things are afoot, retirement and delivery of your Olliver! Congratulations on both!1 point
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Johnny and Juanita, Congrats on retirement and your Ollie!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to seeing your Ollie photos!1 point
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Sure Rich, thanks for asking! We have not yet added Starlink because of the $2500 cost. We are very much parttime (90% home), but I rationalized the Pepwave and a T-Mobile Business account as a backup to my business as an online instructor in Project Management. When have Internet issues at home, just connect to the TV in the driveway and Wi-Fi! T-Mobile is the only carrier that provides 5G all the way up here at 5400 FT in little Prescott, AZ! This is the bundle I purchased: Speed Demon Mobile Internet Bundle – MobileMustHave.com and they have an option to add Starlink. It should be plug-n-play as @rideadeuce mentioned. Just plug it in the WAN port. I purchased their $49 configuration fee (strongly suggested), since I did not want to learn and do that work. All I did was install the hardware and answer a questionnaire (select Wi-Fi names, etc.) and it's good. Starlink setup would be included if bundled. I STRONGLY recommend installing in the TV, unless a pretty truck is important to you, or you trade them in often. You're not always at the campsite, but you are always in the TV, or it's parked by your Oliver. Not much room on the Ollie roof and no drilling into the Oliver. The fiberglass shell of the Ollie allows for strong Wi-Fi (AS TTs have to run a Wi-Fi access point due to the metal shell). Get the best, the PARSEC PRO antenna too. We camp in many canyons in the Rockies, that have no service (radio, TV or cell). Just drive our truck up to a ridge and we can use our computers. If you add Starlink this is a moot point, but I drive this truck down to the valley often w/o the Oliver, teach a class in Las Vegas for the week and the router goes where we go. Chris uses her laptop often while I'm driving. We've gotten anywhere from a low 20 Mbps download speeds out in the boonies (slow but can stream TV) to 860 Mpbs high speed where 5G is available! Here is the mod post I made a few months back:1 point
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We're all over the map on camp stoves... We're both pretty much "foodies" and love to cook. Volume and weight not being an issue we'd have our Weber grill, 22" BS, and the 10" Smithy dutch oven for full range of outdoor cooking options. Depending on the trip, we may take all 3 - this current trip, only the BS came along because I'm flying solo and I like the griddle for breakfast and dinner options. Here's a snap of last night's "BS Fest": Strip steak seared to med-rare, potatoes with rosemary and garlic.... What's not to like?1 point
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Yes, you need a bonding plug to get power from most generators into your trailer. That should solve your initial problem. I don't know if Hull 590 has an inverter. Most Olivers do. Do you have a black control panel labeled Xantrex in your trailer? Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Schneider-Electric-Solar-Inv-808-0817-01/dp/B0756BJQCN/ref=asc_df_B0756BJQCN/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312094677816&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10946446638069115879&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003252&hvtargid=pla-519123927354&psc=1 If so, you have an inverter. Instructions on its use are in Oliver University, linked from the main Oliver website. Basically, if you have no shore power, pushing the round silver button in activates the inverter and creates 120v power for your outlets, microwave, etc. from your batteries. The green LED next to the battery icon will indicate it's working. Note that this can consume a lot of battery power, especially running the microwave, so use it sparingly. The inverter does consume some power whenever it's on, even if there's nothing plugged into the outlets, so turn it off when not needed.1 point
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We picked up a Weber Traveler a few months back and have been very happy with it. Only downsides I've found so far is that the newer models are a real PITA to convert over to a quick connect and that it only has one burner control. Gets to 600 deg fairly quick which is something that my Weber Genesis has a hard time achieving.1 point
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