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Travel Summary #3 -- Day-8: Yesterday, Thursday 20JUN, Casablanca got a rest at the campground near West Yellowstone, and D, the Knuckleheads, and I hit the northern high-country of YNP. Absolutely spectacular in all regards - first it actually topped our tour of Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful areas from the day prior (Wednesday), next the WX was phenomenal (no wind, blue skies, low-mid 60's), and tons of wildlife! (FYI: We crossed over the Continental Divide three times from the park's south entrance on Wednesday, the highest was 8,300+ feet MSL.) Following the Madison River into the park from West Yellowstone, we took the Norris cut-off at the 14-mile mark. D captured this snap of a nice 5x5 in velvet at a turn-out enroute: We stopped uncountable times as we made our way to Canyon Village, managing to get several interesting shots: The Knuckleheads liked their "pee/poop-walk" near Canyon Village and saw several new furry pals. From a safe distance, we observed a black bear and her cubs - then later a griz... Going further north into the high-country alpine area the views were spectacular. Roads were very well maintained in this region and traffic was light even though its high/peak season. We suspect most sightseers like the southern region for the lake, geysers, and Old F. We pressed-on driving on Yellowstone's Grand Loop Road (again, stopping countless times) for about another 36 miles over Dunraven Pass (8,859') past Tower Falls to Mammoth Hot Springs for another break for the boys. Enroute, we were able to grab this shot of D pointing at a massive bull buff about 150 yards away: All in all, this 137-mile loop was one of the best sightseeing excursions we've made in the Tundra. Yesterday, we topped just north of 1,150 so far since leaving home. Our lifetime-military National Park pass really came in handy so far on this adventure as we'll have visited 5 NPs before returning to NM. Today, we head off for Bear Lake which straddles eastern-most border of both ID and UT - making way for Moab (again!) by Thursday next week... More later, folks! Cheers! A & D

Siding and trim work is done, doors are in, windows are in, garage doors/openers have been delivered and will be installed next week. Then, final grading and the asphalt people do their thing! Coming together!

For those interested, a short interim travel summary: So, we departed NM mid-morning, last Friday for Moab, UT. High winds and rain from Farmington to Shiprock slowed us way down, but the TV/Casablanca performed wonderfully. Moab and Arches were fantastic and we'll be staying there a few days on our return leg next week. We initially planned to spend about 5 or 6 days in Rock Springs, WY for an annual "Escapade Rally" -- but changed our minds after 2 nights there. Decided that the time away from home would be better spent exploring around the Tetons and Yellowstone. Dumping holding tanks and topping off fresh while the Knuckleheads wait for D to return... So we "pulled-chocks" yesterday AM and headed north on the US 191 (one of our most fav US HWYs) - stopped for a great lunch at a Brewery in Pinedale, WY. Smoked brisket nachos - OMG! Made our way to Jackson winding our way northbound on the beautiful US-19 following the Windriver Range and eventually the Hoback River into Jackson. The snow-capped Windriver Range in the distance below... Hoback River alongside the 191 - no wind and temps in mid-60s all day long: Harvest Hosted at the Jackson Hole Still Works - met some phenomenal young men that owned the distillery and they provided an interesting/educational tour of their very modern facility here. Our "boondock" location at the HH venue in Jackson, can you find Magnus below?: It's off to Coulter Lake, Teton NP this morning then up to Yellowstone this afternoon... More later... Cheers, All! A & D

I had written Kevin at SDG a question re the fan modes on the Atmos. He did not answer after being responsive before. Resent the message this morning, was hoping to get written reply I could share but he called me instead. Bottom line, the Atmos runs the fan like the Houghton, meaning whether in cooling or heat pump (all) modes, the fan is always running. Then said he had no feedback on humidity build-up, but the opposite as compared to Dometic and other products. Said because condensate is not collected, but released on the roof, humidity is not created. I would say take his last comment as sales speak! I replied that I was less worried about humidity living in the SW but did not want an AC unit to run all night for no good reason. I don't want to hear it, even a quiet fan, no interest here in white noise! Also, why run the fan all night as a drain on the battery when not needed. We know the furnace fan uses a bit of AHs. There were comments on the Sprinter forum re the heat pump would come on when it got cold later overnight. One mentioned having only one set temp for heating and cooling. Others wrote that didn't make sense, but there was no conclusion. Kevin mentioned the heat pump coming on too. I forgot to ask about two set temps, like for example set at 75 for cooling and 65 degrees for heating. In between these numbers and I want the HVAC system off, no sound, no current usage! It appears regardless of a Houghton, Atmos or other choices, a relay must be installed to turn fan off with compressor may be needed for some. The only good thing about the Dometic Penguin is that in AUTO the fan will stop at set temp. The other option is to click the remote to OFF position at some point when in bed at night.

We found that the 22" was too large/heavy for just the two of us and downsized to the 17" which we much prefer. We don't use the cover but do store it in a Blackstone bag, which we have found is pretty good quality and keeps the grill surface in good shape (assuming it was cleaned/oiled prior to storage). We use a basting cover stored in the trailer when we need it. We also use Flame King refillable propane bottles which I really like. Note - we have to store the grease catch can separately - can't figure a way to fit it into the grill bag.

I have both a goal zero 500 Li and a Ecoflow River Pro. Both work well but I use the Ecoflow more than the Goal Zero as it charges faster and is easier to charge with my flexible solar panel which uses mc4 connectors vs. Goal Zero which requires an adapter. I wouldnt camp without one as it allows you to take power easily with you for running small appliances, light strings, compressor fridge and 12v/110v things into the wild and when not near the truck or trailer.

The grease tray comes off. You should get the cover. It keeps the griddle clean We also have the carry case and the Blackstone quick connect.

Travel Summary #2 - DAY-7 We enjoyed a wonderful ride yesterday driving northbound on US-191 from Jackson, WY to West Yellowstone. Decided to spend most of the day in the Teton's before entering YNP from the south along the J.D. Rockefeller Memorial Hwy. We stopped at a lookout point near the Jenny Lake Lodge for brunch in Casablanca -- fantastic! Room with a view: The marina at Jenny Lake: We managed to get in a nice 5+ mile hike in with the Knuckleheads along the lake before heading out to West Yellowstone for the night. We hit Old Faithful in time to view an eruption which has been happening roughly every 90 minutes for centuries. Checked into a campground near and just south of West Yellowstone for a couple nights. Had a wonderful dinner here last night with the "boys"... We plan to Explor ( @Patriot take note!) the northern sector of the NP today... More to come for those interested... Cheers! A & D (Magnus and Oscar, too! WOOF!)

At the 2024 Rally, Jason mentioned regularly checking the water pump filter. While in the area for fridge outlet electrical issue I just posted, I did remove it and found plastic probably form winterizing or sanitizing.

My neighbor is having the mini installed on a few months. We'll see what he says. I agree with Mike, it's all Magic.

I live in Bozeman, just north of YNP by about 90 miles and yes we have had an abnormally cooler than normal spring and heading into summer season. Rain, wind, and even some snow of late. However this is supposed to change in a day or two with temps heading into the 90 range. Mid to low 70's today with light wind. Mostly 70's to low 80's next week or so. No fires… yet. Glacier NP received 10 inches of snow a day or so ago at upper elevations and around Logan Pass.

This does work as far as bumper clearing the receiver and now you have easy access to the spare.

Love the "Winds" Never get tired of that place but it's a b*tch getting in there if you ever decide to. Sounds like you're right down the road from us here in the Bozone. Happy Trails and camping.

On my 17” I store the grease catch under the griddle when traveling.

Bottom line… it’s very complicated, bordering on magic.

Agree, you need to cover it when not in use to keep it clean.

Our 17" Blackstone measures approx 22x19" with the lid and without the drip tray.

I’m thinking of purchasing a small power station (Jackery/Goal Zero…) to power my Engel refrigerator and as a backup for power outages here at the Fort. The Engel could be used under the canopy in the back of either truck, or in the ATC Cougar. Thoughts? Also posted on Wander the West…

We have a Jackery explorer 1000 and plan to use it with our Truma portable refrigerator along with running some items during any power outages we might have at home. I have yet to use it camping but it has been handy around the farm.

You bet GJ - seriously MIT type multi discipline scholars making it happen. All the science, tech, engineering and math is blazing a lightening path forward. It’s hard to get one’s mind wrapped around just the problem solving that had to be completed along the way.

Wow that's STEM at work for sure. Riveting video. thanks for sharing. Watched very second. Thank for sharing! GJ GJ

If you are back in Moab on your return, try out desert bistro. It’s one of our favorite restaurants. Your pics are great and your trip sounds awesome!

How does “Dishy Mcflatface” aka Starlink actually work? I found this video absolutely fascinating to watch.

@Half Fast Hugo Thanks Hugo for the fine-print details, any future info anyone gleans would also be appreciated. I agree with @Geronimo John it maybe awhile before this mini becomes available in an RV/camping/travel package. I will be really interested if and when it does. I do like what the future mounting possibilities could be with this mini dish.

Last night I heard the fridge gas ignitor kick in, which shouldn't happen because we're on shore power and the fridge was on Auto. This morning I went looking for the 120v fridge plug and didn't find it behind the kitchen drawers. It's actually under the drawers in our 2022, away from the water hose, so that's a design improvement. The fridge was plugged in. (There was even a big ziptie to hold the plug in, but nobody at the factory bothered to actually connect that.) My multimeter said the outlet was dead. Tracked the wire back to a junction box on the water heater and found this inside: Best guess from looking at it is that the fridge wire (top in photo) pulled partially out of the splice connector and overheated. There's no strain relief entering the j-box. I was lucky enough to find another splice connector lying in the bottom of the hull (dropped at factory) so I cut off the burnt wires, restripped them, and used the "spare" connector to reconnect them. Then I tied the two Romex cables together with a zip tie just outside the j-box to add some strain relief for the connectors. Seems to be OK now.

Romex is household electrical cable, usually white or whitish gray, that contains 3 wires: black, white, bare. Yes, 3 connectors: hot (black wires), neutral (white), ground (bare). They splice the feed line, water heater, and fridge lines together. I put a bend in both Romex just before the connectors and tied the Romex together before the bend with zip ties. This was to prevent cable movement from pulling directly on the connectors. Everything in the junction box. The box is what prevented a possible fire. Electrical tape.

Not what I was hoping to hear. We live in a rural area and have been using a line of sight solution where a Cooperative put dishes on cell towers. They installed one on my barn and works very well, only $60 a month, unlimited and I see speeds in the 80-90 GB down and 8-10DB up. Hate to have to use at home to make use of the mini.

@MAX Burner You guys are knocking it out of the park!!! Does it get any better? Awesome photos and yes I will continue to follow! Great job Art and D!! 👍🏻🇺🇸👍🏻 XPLOR On!!!

We have the Goal Zero 400 Lithium Power Pack. It is my home back-up to run my CPAP if there is an outage. I take it on every camping trip. I will use it to power our top loading fridge if we don't have shore power at night, and then recharge while driving.

Now after reading Steph & Dud's post and fix, I'm surprised Oliver didn't have an immediate answer, since Steph & Dud shared the info on the burnt connector previously. In any event the issue was solved.

Scary scenario. From what I gather, the man reached under his Anderson leveler to pull it out and the truck/trailer rolled a bit, probably from the play present with the parking pins in an automatic transmission (I know my truck can move an inch or two before the parking pins engage.) This is why you never put your fingers underneath anything that could take a load (tires, jacks, cribbing, etc.). Also why I always walk back to the cab of my truck to verify it's in Park and the brake is set before I lift the trailer off the ball or pull any chocks. In addition, I double check the chocks and leave the safety chains on when I lift the trailer off the ball. I did have a truck/trailer combination start to roll on me once because I forgot to put it in Park. We also once had a "toad" car behind a neighbor's motorhome roll across the road and hit our trailer when they forgot to put it in park before unhitching. Large vehicles moving unexpectedly is very scary. https://blog.campingworld.com/lifestyle-activities/you-need-to-hear-this-story-before-you-go-boondocking-all-alone/

Here are pictures of the two air vents in my 2008 Elite. You can see one is located on the wall as you exit the trailer, and the other is in the galley area, on the wall to the left of the sink. They provide passive venting from the rear of the space containing the oven. Not sure of a source for the vents, but you get the idea and should be able to find something similar. If you are particularly handy and inspired, consider a tiny switch activated fan mounted behind one of the vents which could turn it from a passive to an active heat protection. Good luck! Be sure to post pictures of your finished project.

Additional Mini details: Mini Roam Service Plan. The Mini Roam Plan allows you to access Services at any destination where Starlink provides active coverage and is designed for low demand, portable, land-based use, such as camping or nomadic living. You must have an active Residential or Mobile Service Plan ("Primary Plan") in order to purchase a Mini Roam Services Plan. If you cancel your Primary Plan, your Mini Roam Plan will also be cancelled. Mini Roam Services allow you to access Services only at land-based destinations within the continent that you receive Residential Services. Mini Roam Services cannot be used on the ocean or in-motion. Mini Roam Services cannot be paused. If you use Mini Roam Services for more than two months in a country that is different than your Primary Plan Service address, Starlink may suspend your Mini Roam Services. Starlink may immediately suspend your Services if your new location is not in an authorized territory (marked “Available or Waitlist”) on the Starlink map: www.starlink.com/map. Mini Roam Service charges will be ongoing until you terminate your Primary Plan Services or your Mini Roam Services via your Starlink account. The Mini Roam Service Plan assigns a set amount of “Mobile” data to customers each month, as described in the Fair Use Policy. Mobile data that is assigned to Mini Roam users is always deprioritized as compared to other Starlink Service Plans, resulting in degraded Service and slower speeds in congested areas and during peak hours. Unused Mobile data does not rollover to the next month. If you have exhausted your Mobile data in a given month, you are able to purchase additional Mobile data. Customers who exhaust and have not purchased additional Mobile data will be unable to connect to the internet except to access their Starlink account on www.starlink.com, where additional Mobile data can be purchased, so that you may reconnect to the internet. You may not transfer the Kit assigned to your Mini Roam Plan to another customer or account at any time. If you cancel your Mini Roam Services and wish to reactivate, Starlink may require you to switch to the Regional Plan described in Section 5.1(a).

For anyone interested in the Atmos 4.4. This is a installation PDF with nice pics of first installation at SDG factory. ATMOS 4.4 Dreiha Atmos 4-4 AC Installation.pdf $1350 shipped, good support through SDG $1150 local pickup Another label, same unit as far as I can tell. TOSOT TST-RV-GC15K-User_manual_230707.pdf 15% off coupon: SMERMM15 $1,212.74 shipped, unsure about support Not sure if the units use same APP for WIFI but is available for both. From what I understand, you will need to wire a thermostat where the old Dometic thermostat is for furnace control. @jd1923 got a quote for this through SDG for about $50. T-stat for controlling furnace. Still waiting to hear about compatibility or need for Micro-Air Easy Touch wifi thermostat (what I am currently using and love). But if the App works great, who cares. If you do use the WIFI thermostat that SDG/Atmos offers it is IR connected and needs direct line of site to unit for it to work. Best, Mike

****** If I could have found the Knob and Lock Washer, I would not have needed to fabricate something that will stay secure. Time will tell. Some unlucky vehicle may find the Knob stuck into their tire, remove it, and build an Oliver Elite II. ??? "For the want of a knob, the Oliver was lost."

We have Tent Camped, Airstream OTG Camped and Oliver Elite II OTG Camped. As we aged... so has the camping comforts. Tent camping required that the Tow Vehicle is loaded with 'Travel Trailer' optional appliances. Ice chest, propane cook top, top tent cover for insulation and temperature control. Open and close flap door, vents with screens, pad for 'comfort' on lumpy ground. Ahhhhfully... awful when raining. Travel Trailers. No furniture needed to become a Home on Wheels with a new view anytime, anywhere and sometimes any season. Better than a Mobile Home as it has a home decor screwed to the floor, walls and ceiling. If used for Camping you would need... to secure the home decor to the floor, walls and ceiling. Move... repeat. Move again, sell and step up to a Travel Trailer. For any travel, anywhere, all weather conditions and even Seasons... an Oliver is #1. Airstream is up there, but size of being smaller has big benefits. Both have suspensions. Oliver's are superior with Leaf Springs. Airstreams are a bit more complicated to describe. Do not ride in an Airstream while moving. My wife did... she compared it to pulling a Tent across a field. I did not ask to find out myself. I am a Neanderthal. Neither of us have opted to ride a mile or so in a moving Oliver. Some say there are Laws against such foolish attempts of thrill seekers. I have been tempted, but use to get motion sickness as a youth. To the displeasure of parents and siblings... Pass the bag, please. I never evolved from a Neanderthal to a modern Human Bean, yet. A University education did not help, either. But... my wife is 100% Human Bean and a positive influence over my flint knapped tools. Oliver Elite II is better than Tent Camping, a bit better than an Airstream, when not moving, and insulated to adapt to Sea Level Florida to 12,000 feet in Cedar Breaks, Utah. Both the Airstream and Olivers beat tent camping. Although it takes just as much time to pack up the tent and 'stuff needed' into the back of a pickup with cab. Those who are having a hard time deciding to move from Tent Camping to a Travel Trailer... should stay home. Even better if it is a Cave with live bats. I evolved. Bats hang from the cave ceiling and drop guano upon you. The tent is a bit better, but insects move in, when you are outside on your folding chairs before the wind blows them into the woods. An Oliver Elite... with a view without Human Beans... is wonderful. Folding chairs for outside... not a bad idea either. OK. I had my two cups of coffee, at home, and day dreaming about getting back into the Oliver to live in comfort with no distractions. I add some photographs of what HAPPY OTG CAMPERS look like. Ahhhhh. See you soon? I hope. Tossed in a photograph of a motorcycle camper that spend a day with us. Now... this guy can camp. Two Human Beans that find the outdoors... refreshing. Try it some day. Get that Oliver while you are still moving, few aches and pains... and optimistic. After a week... you may never go back home. Nobody will miss you. They are too busy mowing the lawn and pulling weeds.

Well, we’ve had many great week or weekend trips since getting our Ollie in Sep 2021 but we just returned home from our first two month traveling and fell in love with our Ollie all over again! What a wonderful way to go on adventures! Our first day was Wed April 10th and we arrived back this past Fri June 7th. Way too many photos to upload but will try to insert a few. Our stops included: 1) Keystone State Park, Sand Springs, OK - visiting family and grandkids. 2) Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas 3) Chupadero RV Park, San Antonio, NM. 4) Fool Hollow State Park, Show Low, AZ. 5) Lost Dutchman State Park, AZ. 6) White Tank Mountain Regional Park, AZ. 7) Dead Horse Ranch State Park, AZ. 8) Desert View Campground, South rim of Grand Canyon. 9) Mesa Verde RV Resort, CO. 10) Love’s RV Stop, Walsenburg, CO. 11) Historic Lake Scott State Park, KS. 12) Wilson State Park, KS. 13) Milford Lake State Park, KS. 14) Eisenhower State Park, KS. 15) Cracker Barrel, Independence, MO. 16) Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial State Park, Chesterfield, MO We set up camp, relaxed, looked at historical sites, biked, visited friends and relatives, and were wondering why we were ending it so soon. Our Ollie was a trooper through the mountains, we took Rte 60 through New Mexico and Arizona, and put some 3,800 miles on it during the two months. We stopped in Pie Town and of course bought an apple pie. We toured Sedona, Jerome, and rode the Verde Canyon Train. We camped on the edge of the Grand Canyon, toured through Mesa Verde, and even weathered tornado warnings in Kansas. Great trip! Wonderful memories made.

Looks like a great trip! We know many of those AZ and CO camping spots. Great pictures too. Mike

What a trip! Lots of memories for sure. Thanks for sharing.

Happy cats, happy humans, great trip! Nicely done. Now, where to next?

Looks like a great trip. Curious: where do you put the litter box?

Congrats on your successful trip and thanks for sharing the great photos. You both will look back and talk about your adventures and cherished memories together for years to come. Awesome and good on you!

You may want to plan a night or two in Ely, MN. There are some nice campgrounds around there and you can always visit the Wolf Center and the Bear Center. The Soudan Underground Mine tour will take you about a 1/2 mile down for a unique tour. You may want to stop in Duluth and tour the lake freighter, the William A. Irvin. We usually take our out of town guests there and they love it. Some awesome state parks for hiking are along the way up the shore. Happy to answer any questions you may have since it's our home turf. Lots of other great ideas already given as well.

Sadly, I'll not be going that far south - I'm staying in Wyoming again this year (mainly around the Cody area). Have fun though - the mountains are always a great place to be. Bill

Art, That sounds like a nice area. We totally loved our month in CO last year. If we head out west again this summer we’ll surely touch base. We need to get through our blueberry picking season and then we’ll be traveling again. A real pleasure meeting you and D at the rally. Thanks for the heads up! Dave

I can't speak for Norcold - but - I do believe that the fan(s) were OEM from Dometic back in the day. And, this is the reason that many of us had those fans at delivery. Either that or it was an option from Dometic that Oliver chose to install. Bill

Thank you Steph & Dud! I really appreciate posts like this one, because it gives me an opportunity to figure out a better solution before I experience a similar problem. I’m disappointed that it is necessary, but it comes with owning any RV (or boat), even an Oliver. John Davies mentioned the shortcomings of AC Romex and the residential junction boxes in a recent post. This prompted me to make a note on my task list to inspect all AC wiring that is accessible, and improve the installations if feasible. This post confirms that concern. I did a quick check on RV best practices and came up with a good article and reference to marine codes. 120V Wiring for Campers WHAT Type OF WIRE IS NEEDED FOR 120V OUTLETS In a Camper? ALL wire in a camper must be stranded wire. This includes circuits for 120V outlets. Wires in a camper must be stranded wire because solid core wire (like the Romex used in the walls of your house) will, when subjected to the vibrations of rattling down the road, will work harden and break over time. For this reason, solid core wire like Romex is EXPLICITLY forbidden in marine applications (boats) by ABYC E-11.

😮 That’s the connectors they use in the factory?? That can’t be to any kind of code. Yikes! Even wiring the simple AC electrical system I adde to my tiny squaredrop I used terminal blocks! Same with the DC side.