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While working on my travel plans for 2025 I found that Garmin had an update for my 890. In addition, they have an update for "Garmin Express". Both of these updates took longer than usual. Initially I was simply using WiFi to perform the map update but since that seemed to be taking longer I switched to using the Garmin Express. The update to Garmin Express took about 10 minutes and the maps update (still going on as I type this) is forecast to take about an hour and 10 minutes. Bill

Our EII Hull 505- 2019 had been having some weird intermittent USB action on the street side of the trailer. When I checked for continuity across the 20A 12V Fuse (Street Side) in the rear attic it showed all OK. I removed the 4 screws that hold in the radio, pulled it out and checked the voltage on the connectors for the USB plug leads and read 2V. I went back, pulled the fuse and measured a resistance that was pretty high and noticed discoloration in the fuse body... It turns out that fuse has partially blown. I replaced the fuse and measured voltage at 13.4V and when the power and ground reinstalled the USB ports came alive. Upon re-installation of the radio I noticed the bottom right of 4 screws was not actually going into any fiberglass. The hole cutout for the radio wasn't a clean rectangle and that bottom right screw is floating in air. I'll be trying to find some c-clips to use as a backer for that screw. Craig - Hull 505 2019 EII

Thanks Bill, done! The RV890 has served us well!

John, Have not had to pay for updates on our Garmin Nuvi or RV-780 GPS units. Updating our Garmin RV-780 right now with Garmin Express.

I have found Micro-Air support to be very helpful. Mossey

Update: I was able to work directly with Lippert to order a "door core" which is just the door including the window. (The door frame, hinges, and threshold all stay in place, and only the door core is replaced.) The factory wanted $1600.00+ taxes for the replacement, and direct order cost is $676.21. ($1k savings) The installation is like replacing a pre-hung door so I feel confident I can do this repair at home. Hope this helps anyone else who requires a door repair. Be careful to look at how your door hinges are attached as they have changed from older models to newer models. When I do the replacement I'll repost with photos. Lippert Part Order Detail: For Hull 505 (2019 Model Year) Lippert Custom Part : V001045386 -CORE R 24 X 64.5 RH WH 8211PW ISPL GCR A3HV STDWWOB W/SCN $411.95 + to my location shipping $264.26 = Total $676.21 Lead time is 5-10 business days for production + transit. Shipping is calculated specific to end location at the time of ordering. To place an order please call 432-Lippert (432) 547-7378 The installation instructions they sent for removal of the door core: ccd-0006252.pdf

Mike - pm sent.

We have the Mopeka rings (that we purchased when we purchased our tank sensors) and I will never have propane tanks again without them!

Camping in Wyoming, I met Rob & Amy, co-owners of BABCOCK METALS, of Talmage, UT. Rob is a world class welder / fabricator who does work on major industrial products and household furnishings. He also loves the challenge of creating custom designed solutions for customers' unique needs . . . such as an elegant and strong 2" receiver hitch for the back of my Ollie which allows unhindered access to the sewer hose inside the rear bumper and removal of the spare tire cover. Let me show you his creation . . . It started with two machined stainless steel brackets for the exterior of the frame, cut to permit the bumper to swing down without interference. The brackets each had three holes to accommodate a 5/8 inch hardened grade 8 bolts. Inside the frame, he added six solid blocks of aluminum which had also been drilled for the 5/8 inch grade 8 bolts. Using stainless steel curved tubing with a 2 inch ID, Rob measured the angles required to ensure clearance would permit access to the rear bumper compartment and spare tire. Finally, he made a 2" receiver, curved exactly for welding onto the stainless steel pipe. His artistry at welding is evident in the finished product. After applying a brushed finish to the exterior of the hitch, Rob installed it onto The Wonder Egg. The hitch fits the rear portion of the frame perfectly and each of the six grade 8, hardened steel bolts was snugged down with 200 ft lbs of torque. I feel very confident in the ability of this custom hitch to do the job. If you ever think that you may be traveling near eastern Utah and are in search for a hitch solution for your Ollie, contact Babcock Metals (678.480.0204) and I bet they could create just what your are looking for.

Great info, thank you for doing the leg work for us! Just over $400 takes this effort into the affordability range for many owners. Even the shipping to Washington from Indiana was reasonable. Likely a lot more than most of us would need. Looking forward to your DIY install. GJ

What a valuable link, I like being able to see reviews. A very intuitive site. Thanks!

Yep - me too. I recently had occasion to use iOverlander app in the 890 for something other than finding boondocking spots. My source of potable water near Buffalo, WY was closed and in the search for a replacement I took a look at iOverlander "services". There were several water sources listed there and that led me to taking a look at https://ioverlander.com/ . On the website they not only list locations (via icons on a map), but, if you click on an icon you will get additional information from people that have used or stayed at that very spot. Bill

Alternatively, Oliver uses the Original Lagun table support, visit lagunusa.com for more information.

@jd1923 https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=KqHtldqkm2A5cwtmJiZvF9 this might help.

We have Garmin in Kenwood receivers in two of our vehicles. I’ve been getting update warnings and have to figure out how to do so. Hope I don’t have to pay a license fee.

Right that, a sofa/couch compromise! If my KTTs ever become too firm for my ‘old’ bones, I’ll try a memory foam topper for a softer comfort level. To your point about being thick (8”) and heavy latex, I stand them on edge to cover with the bottom sheet and install Bed Scrunchies, as well as accessing the hatch areas.

I have been using rings similar to these for a few years now on my 30# tanks and they have held up really well. I cut a patterned piece of thin rubber for the LP tank floor and between the rings and the rubber I have no metal to metal contact or rust issues on the bottom edge of the tank ring or the tank platform. So far all good!

We are cruising out of Jacksonville. This past January, we made arrangements with Retro Reno there in Jacksonville to work with CGI as a spot to do our ceramic coating and they'd told us to stop in if we passed that way again. So we contacted them late this summer to see if we could rent a spot. Since we were last there, they've become Escape and Casita dealers, and built a new shop, so I was concerned that they might not have room. Daniel called me, looked at their schedule, and said they would have room for us. He also offered to have us camp there the night before departure, and he will drive us to and from the ship port to avoid parking at the dock. All at a price I was comfortable with, and only a bit more than the RV/oversized spots at the port. I was dreading leaving the trailer at the port with the e-bikes on the back and valuables inside! So this was a huge relief for us.

Here is a gaggle of Christmas gifts to peruse as advertised by KYD aka Mark and Trish.

@Ronbrink's post about propane tank cover (really nice price on his cover BTW) got me to thinking about a recent purchase I did. A couple of years ago I refinished the tray that holds my Ollie's propane tanks and while I was at it I cut a plastic liner so that the metal bottom on the tanks would not "damage" my nicely repainted tray. Mission accomplished! However, the propane tanks still left a rust ring on the plastic.😟 So, I recently purchased a set of THESE (rubber protective rings) for the bottom of the tanks. I've not received them yet but at that price I was willing to take a chance. Bill