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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/769

We are currently on the road to the Maine Rally. I will be there in a few days and will get some pictures when we set up there.

Natural Bridge, VA might be a nice stop on your way north, too.

UPDATE: 5/30/24 I received the Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate recommended by Jason. Prior to fixing, I wiped the back of the inverter mounting board and the fiberglass wall with alcohol, removing construction dust. I mixed the 2-part and applied large dabs of epoxy to the back of the mounting board, and immediately pressed the board to the fiberglass wall. I wedged my MacGyver fix to keep the inverter tight to the fiberglass wall. I will keep the wedge in place until we get back from a short trip.

My wife bought a couple of these TMA vacuums a year ago and have been very pleased considering the cost, less than $40 each at the time (promotional deal). Although we have a Dyson in the house, I often grab this cheapo for a quick sweep of things. The other is dedicated to the OTT, stows in the closet standing on end and is lightweight. It’s simple but very effective in a daily clean of the floor; also has a few attachments for cleaning cushions and window seals.

Well, the bike rack is finally done. Finished wiring it up yesterday and it's lit up pretty well. I ended up using the 1Up license plate holder which has it's own light and added the Curt lights on the back to give it a little more. I couldn't decide if I wanted to splice them together and keep one plug connector so I used a splitter after coming out of the thru hull in case I need to replace one or the other down the road. It comes on and off easy so if I'm not hauling the bikes it's two simple disconnects and the four pins. I'll end up replacing a couple of pins with locks at some point. I can sit on the farthest out rack and it's definitely solid. My heaviest bike is an eMTB at 39 pounds so shouldn't be any issues! Test run to Copper Harbor next week!

I recently spent 12 days boondocking in the Kaibab NF, near Marble Canyon, overlooking the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. FS 611 (Forest Service Road) is a combination of washboard, loose rock over sand, and some pits, but slow and steady got me there — about 5 miles up FS611 there are a few dispersed camping sites that are spectacular.

I know there are a few Super Duty owners on here. So I decided to post this as it might generate some interest. After our trip I decided to change out the cabin filter on our TV. So I picked up (2) new filters from my local dealer and knocked it out with a little knowledge from YouTube University. Surprisingly with only 25k on the odo my filter overall looked pretty good, but still swapped it out. Two is one and one is none! I keep a decent supply of oil, air, and both fuel filters in my shop and always carry a few spares when we are traveling. Cabin filter PN# for 19 -22 YM.

This has the potential to be a disaster for Toyota, even worse than the 1st gen Tundra frame recalls. I know they'll make it right no matter what it takes but I see no other option than to drop the oil pan and pull the main bearing caps and inspect the bearings. Pretty sure the motor has to be pulled on these trucks to do this too.. Agree with you on the 5.7 V8. One of the best engines ever built, but even it had it's issues (valve springs) for the first couple of years it was out. I was planning on buying a new Tundra once the kinks were worked out, but looks like I'll have to wait a little longer than expected..

Was so disappointed Toyota dropped the bullet proof 5.7 V8. We loved our 14 Platinum CrewMax it was a great truck. We just needed a lot more cargo capacity when loaded up to travel safely and ready to camp. The negative press and stop sale stickers on the new 22/23 YM Tundras sitting on dealers lots impacted by this recall is not good. Only time will tell how this works out.

JD: Four considerations to ponder: . +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 48V vs. 12V EFFICENCY: Here is the Recpro graphic: 2400 watts vs. 2400 watts. Yep physics and math do not lie. Conclusion: Per their graphic, there is no efficiency improvement other than the efficiency of the cost of copper wiring. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COST: Here are the RecPro graphics for the 48V and 12V models: Conclusion: Why pay $950 more for a 48V for the same capacity? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AVAILABILITY: I would bet an Art beer that the availability of 12 volt parts is significantly greater than the 48 volt ones. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ OTT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPLEXITY: Setting up your batteries for 48V is easy. But also needing 12V for lights and other components will require at least a transformer. Changing all 12V electrical to 48V is next to impossible due to the scarcity of options for 48V components. Having a 12V system, and a 120V system and a 48V system will for sure complicate life as well. Conclusion: Lots of extra cost and headaches! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RECOMMENDATION: If you are buying a new Class A, sure 48V is a good thing to look into. But for anything smaller I just don't see the benefits out weighing the negatives. GJ

Found a Drag Race Car shop in Lincolnton, NC to weld Ollie's frame earlier this year. Found an engine builder, machine shop, with engine dynamometer (Dyno) this morning at Iron Station NC to do the machine shop work on Ollie's aluminum wheel mount. This area is close to Charlotte Speedway with many shops involved with NASCAR. The owner of this shop used to build race engines at Joe Gibbs Racing. He had a low boost/supercharged Marine engine on his Dyno this morning. Removed the aluminum wheel mount yesterday and the machine shop now has Ollie's wheel mount for modification.

Hi, yes! Sorry I didn’t respond sooner. I was not aware of your query… So, I converted my [version 2] Starlink to run off 12 volt and without cutting or modifying cables using Yaosheng branded adapter found on Amazon: Injector with Comprehensive Protection for Standard Actuated Starlink. Additionally I am using my own tp-link router.Both the Starlink Dish and router are powered off 12 volt. I mounted everything inside and underneath the nightstand drawer. See photos attached. You won’t see the router here where I use it in the house when we’re not traveling.

If you are going to do that then you might want to think about the Davidson River Camp Ground near Brevard. The Davidson River is one of Trout Unlimited's top 100 trout stream in the country, there is Looking Glass Falls right on the highway (route 276), there is a decent BBQ joint and Brewery on that same road as you exit the National Forest heading south and there is all sorts of stuff in the small town of Brevard, NC. If you decide to stay at Mt. Pisgah then be sure to stop into the Pisgah Inn for a bite to eat- the pie is good as is the trout, pot pie and broasted chicken. If you are a beer fan then Oscar Blues is located in Brevard while Sierra Nevada is up the road towards Asheville (route 280) just west of the airport - lovely grounds and good brewery tour while Oscar Blues is a bit more laid back. If you are a water fall person then visit Dupont State Park south of Brevard. Bill p.s. If you are on the Blue Ridge Parkway and have the time, there is a parking area for "Looking Glass Rock" at mile post 417. Once you see the rock then turn around and cross the Parkway. You should easily find a trail which if you stay straight on this trail (i.e. do not turn onto any trail coming in from the left or the right) a short hike down hill will bring you to "Skinny Dip Falls". Don't ask how it got its name! 😁

Since I'm not going to replace my a/c until what I've got breaks, I have only scanned the posts above for general reference. Having said that - you two guys are amazing and I really do appreciate the thought and work that you are/have put(ting) into this project. Bill

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.

Found this while looking for a shower head replacement. Might come in handy. https://itcshopnow.com/products/fontana-exterior-shower-adapter-and-sprayer-holder

About this fit should be answered in the next few days via General Delivery!

The spray head and suction cup mount were here when we arrived in Nashville. Side note: Remembered @Snowball had a terrific suggesting for getting ride of the black streaks from the OEM exterior light gaskets. Terribly frustrating. But he suggested using Capt Tolley's creeping crack cure on the gaskets and it worked like a charm!!!! Not more black streaks, just make sure you clean up when applying (hard to get off gelcoat once dry). So the whole reason I replaced the shower head was the freeze got it and it had a hairline crack at the head. SO walking back into the garage I saw Capt. Tolley's sitting on the shelf. Decided to apply it to the old head and see if it works. I will let you know. I also have used it to seal a window that had starting to fog up. Worked great there too. Thanks Snowball, wonderful stuff! Best, Mike

In followup, I have completed the fabrication of the aluminum support for the Hughes Autoformers mounting bracket. I will provide further details upon final installation. The ell extension protruding out on the left of the support/bracket assembly will be permanently installed within the aft dinette seat hatch, affixed under the Automatic Transfer Relay mounted on top of the wheel well. Two rivet nuts in the vertical ell will enable removal of the support/bracket assembly, via thumb screws, once the Autoformer is removed from its’ bracket for maintenance/repair of any underlying or surrounding electrical components. Back view. Front view. Autoformer mount views. Area cleared for installation of support/bracket assembly and Autoformer over the grounding bus bar. Support/bracket assembly and mounted Autoformer view. Pending final installation will involve placement of spacers under the relay’s mounting tabs to raise it up and over the ell extension, which will be secured with screws to the existing white mounting board.

No indication of engine issues after 35,000 miles (knock on wood) - getting engine oil changed next week and will inquire at the Toyo service center regarding the recall.

@Just Joe - Great move, Joe! Will do something similar to our "After-burner Penguin" before our next trip. Thanks for posting your optimum results....

Yesterday, we shared a Shell station in Burns, Oregon with an Oliver from Mendocino, California. We had a few minutes to chat, then back on the road. The was only our third sighting since buying our LE II. 😊

Thank you sir! As a recovering engineer I always try and have the same design requirements! They mentioned moving up the rally date which won't work for us, unfortunately. If they keep it the same, we're in. Safe travels!

We are moving to G. Much larger level grassy site, (we like gatherings with friends around campfires, evening shade, and a partial lake view.👍🏻

I'm with you on an Oliver not needing a 13.5k unit. We have a Coleman 9.2k which controls the heat and humidity here in Florida perfectly. My only issue is the age of our unit and that it lacks a heat pump and I want to change it out before we hit the road for an extended period of time in a couple of years. Looking at the 110 version of the 48v you linked to and it seems to check all the boxes. I know the Houghton's "issue" with the fan always running but hoping with a lower BTU unit that the compressor will run longer resulting in a lower amount of humidity in the cabin as well as on the evaporator coil so it won't be the issue it is on higher BTU units. Also, I think if you run the math that you won't be happy with the run time of that 48v unit on that 100ah battery. Maybe 1.5-2 hours?

Install was a breeze. I ended up with the EZ RV gutter approach as well. Will be doing the Thermistor relocation and fan control relay hacks this July. Will keep you posted. GJ

It’s not that close to Mt Pisgah but we have stayed at bear den twice and enjoyed it. It’s usually pretty cool in the elevations. https://spaciousskiescampgrounds.com/bear-den/ If you’re going to be on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I would very highly recommend visiting Mt Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain. https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-mitchell-state-park https://grandfather.com/ If you happen to be in the City of Asheville you may want to visit the historic Biltmore Hotel. Keep your head on a swivel in the City of Asheville as the city made the brilliant decision to defund their police force. 😏https://www.biltmore.com/stay/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdQBL5_9FOL0HJrzux7TRx8nOMzwinSWTOTqlNB0AkkTMA9vMgS5HCRoCF38QAvD_BwE

Problem is too many company policies are created by lawyers. OTT is likely worried some of us will load our trailer up to 10K LBS, so they likely factored in a 50% margin in their number. The rating on the tire is MAX. Tire companies do not suggest running at MAX unless you are running MAX weight. This chart is for the OEM tire brand/model and you can look for a Cooper table, but for the same size tire, Load Range E, they will all be about the same. Notice at 50 PSI on the table the rating is 2090 LBS. We have four (4) single tires (The rows marked "Dual" are for dually TVs and Class-C RVs). Four times 2090 = 8,360 LBS and nobody should load that much stuff into their Ollies! 65 PSI on these tires is for a dual-axle trailer with two 5200 LB axles. At 40 PSI, 4 of these tires will carry 4 x 1795 = 7180 LBS and the Oliver Elite II has a GTRW of 7,000 LBS. Therefore, if you are not exceeding the GTRW you can run as low as 40 PSI. Most of us add a little margin, but regardless of the OTT company position 60 PSI is WAY too much. In prepping for our last trip, when I check pressures, all 4 tires were between 46 and 48 PSI, so I made them all 46 and did not have to extend the air line from my compressor. The all had just the right amount of bulge at this pressure.

I’m thinking 🤔 mine will live in my camper shell full time. They’re designed for off-road duty for lifted trucks/Jeeps so it’s perfect for my GMC 2500 TV as a bonus. Cheap insurance. My Discount Tire Shop's floor jacks wouldn’t lift my Oliver and they wouldn’t use cribbing. I now have the ability.

The question will be if both the neutral grounding plug and your the 30A adapter will simultaneously fit the genny’s duplex receptacle.

Thank you for the welcomes. Here are a couple pics. First was when we got it home and second it’s a little shinier now after a good polishing. It was stored indoors by 2 previous owners so did not take much to bring out the shine. 2 mods on my list for down the road. Install solar. (All wiring was installed by OTT during build) and replace the Dometic AC.

April 30 start May 4 finish

Here's how the modified allen wrench fits in the top two allen head 1/2" bolts in the basement due to clearance issues between the inner hull & inner aluminum plate for removing elastic lock nuts that secure the aluminum wheel mount on the outer hull:

Yes, we have some redundancy built in to monitor TT temps in cabin and fridge. https://a.co/d/fDlGGL2 https://a.co/d/4mDqwXo To monitor your Victron system you will have to setup some kind of cellular/satellite modem/router. You probably already know that but it is very useful. I will also be able to monitor and make changes remotely to the Victron DC to DC charger. NEway, HA, too much tech!

We use suction cups for everything. Flag poles, trash, paper towels, etc. Just have to have clean surface. Though, I like your solution. M

Not always having good luck with suction-cup attachments, I went this route: JONKEAN White Handheld Shower Head Holder with 2 Hanger Hooks, Strong Adhesive Shower Head Holder, Adjustable Shower Wand Holder Wall Mount, Bathroom Waterproof Shower Handle Holder No Drill Need - Amazon.com The main plastic holder detaches and only a 1/4" thin clear piece left taped to the Oliver. During travel the holder fits nicely where the shower head is stored. I use it often!

That was my observation, as well! Should be easy enough to scrape off the beads, apply new adhesive, properly bed the adhesive onto the fiberglass, then secure in place as it cures. I state this more to the benefit of others that may not know how to DIY a fix.

Episode 9, part 2:

@Just Joe We chose not to continue with the noise level of the Demonic Penguin and moved on the Truma Aventa Retro fit professionally installed by Oliver. We could not be happier. With your handy work, hopefully now you can listen to music, talk on the phone and even watch a movie. Necessity is the mother of invention, nice work! 👍🏻

Battle Borns are a good option - made in USA in Reno, NV. They're an authorized Victron dealer. Excellent "over the phone" product support for integrating future Victron upgrades, in my experience.

Those of us in the West are surrounded by exactly the right type of rock to use in propane fire pits. Fresh from the volcano lava rocks are there for the picking. Alongside a central Oregon road I picked up a fire pit full of 2 - 2-1/2" lava rocks chosen for high density and low water content. Lava rock varies from extremely light to very dense ... some lava rocks float in water - you don't want that as the heavier rocks absorb and give off far more heat than the fluffy stuff. Avoid the immitation stuff that comes in some fire pits. Make sure your rock is from a genuine, certified volcano that has not been soaking in water recently. Porous rock filled with water can blow up in a surprising manner when put in a fire ... best to avoid that.

Welcome Craig and MaryLou! MAX Burner is so right about all the info found in this wonderful forum. Happy Trails, Wendy & John

Actually, I'd consider a Honda Trail 90 or 110 for that rack.... How cool would that be on the dirt with that insanely low gear? It's probably about the same weight as a couple Ebikes, right?

... @Half Fast Hugo - I'm thinking I could get my '85 Beemer on that bad boy and nary a wobble going down the roadway!

We started out with a Weber (unknown model) & in 2019, three months into our 1st big trip, we left it at a dumpster & bought the 17" Blackstone. The Weber was a chore to clean. The Blackstone is wonderfully versatile & much easier to clean. And, because Duke had been a good boy, Santa brought him a fiberglass propane tank.

I spoke with RecPro today about their 13.5K BTUH low profile units. Sadly, they have no engineering support what so ever. Could not answer any of my engineering questions: Did not know about our have any knowledge of use of Dometic Auxiliary Drain Kits as OTT uses. Did not know what kind of compressor they use. (Scroll, inverter, reciprocating or if it has a variable speed or step speed function. etc.) Did not know how the fans work (Multi-speed control, winding based speed-control or if they are just single speed.) They do have a wiring diagram though and it is provided with the unit. I asked if it was online and..... she did not know. So I changed my order and went with the 13.5K BTU unit. I think that if I use the OTT method of raising the A/C unit, that the Dometic Auxiliary Drain Kit may work on the Houghton units. Their bolt pattern is at 13.5. If our roof penetration is an actual 14" X 14", then I could run the drains together on the air return open duct to the existing 1/2" OTT through the wall drain line. This is still perking in my noodle. HOWEVER, one thing I did learn was that according to the RecPro Customer Service Contact (Sherrie), there have been two "Sets" of Houghton's. The first did NOT run the fan continuously. The Second Set does. She stated that the change was made by the Aussies and she did not know why. I stated that for at least 1/3 of US trailers it was a bad decision and certainly wasteful of energy.

Paid 155.00 last March through Wally World and quote today is 190.00.. Almost 22% increase in just over a year...

It's about the only trailer tire (ST) made in the USA! Put a set on my flatbed trailer 5 years ago. When I noticed the price today, I was like, What??? Just the cost of the today's economy. I'm going to have leave these on 10 years vs. 7! We only use it on slow roads around the county to haul dirt bikes, or an occasional trip to Lowes or Depot, low miles, keep them covered. Size on mine a little smaller. That would have been +$10 back then. Wow, by the time I need new ones they'll be $300 each!