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I replaced four 6V Trojans with two 12V 230Ah LiTime LFPs, a 158 lb. reduction in weight and double the usable amp hours. This was the cheaper alternative of the two options @jd1923 mentioned. Also shown is a Victron SmartShunt to the left and an ANL fuse holder to the right.

I purchased the SL Mini after following Patriots exellent write up & review started back in July. I purchased in December when they offered a discount that seems pretty often. I am a newbie. and learning so much about camping with the Oliver. My wife still works fulltime remotley. So I wanted SL so we could still get away some and still meet her work obligations and seemed the MIni would meet the need. I want to do alot of Boondocking once I get up to speed (With the help of the Oliver family) Things I have learned by only one 12day trip to South Fla. The Mini worked great but only had minimal tree coverage at the campsite that has been stated affects coverage. Some have shown trees with small opening to sky and still worked though not optimal as no obstructions. I left it hooked up 24/7 to a adjustable extention pole I had at home temporarly mounted to the front bumper and no major thunderstorms. (Thanks again to Snackchasher Tacky flag pole article). I bought an adapter attached to the mini that attached to the pole. (Just experimenting with different ways for fun and used other mounts near the ground.) all worked fine. The speeds do go up and down I guess to the way the satalites cross the sky but never interupted abilty to work or have internet acess. It was also used for You Tube TV no issues. I tested its connectivity all the way back to home in NE Ga from South Fla sitting on Truck dash ( I know not optimal just experimitng) even after being off interstate going backroads still kept connectivity everytime I would test speeds though they would go up and down. Im sure it would drop off here and there. The pricing and pausing was always a grey area and never could get exactly how it worked. What I have experienced is this. You get roam $50 for 50GB with option to pay per GB after that or $165 Unlimited after day and half needed more GB as Patriot also expericed. I elected Unlimited after it turned me off. Whenever you purchase your data that is your aniversiry date each month. You can pause at anytime but it will continue to work until end of your month you pay in advance. You only get prorated when you turn back on for that next month not when you turned off. (Say if your date is the 1st and you turn back on the 15 your prorated for days left in that month only theres no rollover and will continue until end of the month or date originally signed up. Hope this helps some thinking of purchasing SL its a gamechanger in connectivity everywhere as long you can get some open sky more the better of course. It gets even better with Mods by Snackchaser(12v hookup) and others which save battery power or longer runs from camper or signal strength if needed by using the 12 cord or the ethernent and remote router if needed. I will leave that discussion to them Snackchaser JD1923 and many others which are wizards with there knowledge in this area.

I assume in 2018 model, your xantrex is the INVERTER only function, and for 12V charging you're using the internal progressive dynamics charger (under the dinette seat). Some folks with the Progressive Dynamics charger see a jumper switch for charging lithium. The issue with that setting is it's not the "best" way to charge lithiums as it's simply a constant 14.6V voltage...not a ramped profile. The WIZ setting is a PROFILE for AGM or LEAD Acid. The LI Setting is just 14.6V (no ramp/no profile). Some battery manufacturers (including Lithionics) won't warrant their battery in presence of the constant 14.6V no profile setting. Whichever battery manufacturer you select, LI Time, Epoch, etc....be sure to check what they need as a charging profile. If a constant 14.6V works for them, then you might be able to a drop in maintaining your existing Inverter and existing charging system. I know that battle born did warranty their batteries with the Progressive Dynamics chargers. Also, there are new "Lithium compatible" plug in boards for progressive dynamics that now offer a lithium profile wizard. So just upgrading the charging board in your Progressive Dynamics energy center is a possibility. In our case (2019 model) we swapped out the Xantrex 2000W Inverter (only) for a newer Xantrex 2000 inverter charger before installing new Lithiums. My full upgrade article is here. This may be too much of an effort for what you want to accomplish. https://4-ever-hitched.com/ggs-blog/f/lithium-battery-upgrade?blogcategory=Electrical+Upgrades

Had that happen once...the cause was the exterior faucets were on (but the nozzle off) causing internal mixing of hot/cold water. The time I had winterized I forgot to turn off both the hot and cold taps. I didn't know they were on because the nozzle was clicked off. Once I made sure both hot and cold taps we're OFF, the unit heated right up. Craig

Gary, I have not heard of anybody buying this brand on this forum. Epoch and LiTime are go-to brands. LiTime is also on Amazon. Found these listed on Amazon and these are LiFePO4 batteries. Besides battery replacement, you may need batteries cables or new ends/lugs. You would also need to reprogram your solar charger and perhaps replace the main charger connected to shore power, given age of hull could be an inexpensive Progressive Dynamics charger. If instead your Xantrex is an inverter/charger then program that instead. it is a bit of Work. OTT would charge a lot for this. Given your FL location you likely have many solar companies in the neighborhood who could do this work. Easy would be to replace with same size and quantity AGM batteries, nothing else required, but we are all moving to liFePO4 batteries!

What Geronimo John said, plus at 5 years, you've gotten probably all the life you will get from briteway batteries. Time to make a plan to replace.

It is not that it will cost you "at least $50". I have had months where I activated late in the cycle and only paid $40. But you always pay for the reminder of the billing cycle,e even if you only activate for 4 days. Nope, streaming TV/Movies goes through it fast. An HD movie/TV that is 2 hours long will average about 6GB of data. So, do that every day for 6 days, and you will use up about 70GB of data.

If you can get the old batteries out of the Oliver - then - you can certainly get the new lithiums back into the Oliver. One of the nice advantages to lithiums is that they weigh much less than a conventional battery of the same size. Bill

thanks JD. I follow a LOT of your posts and know you have been there and done that.

You have this wrong based on how I read this. Yes, you can pause your service, but that does not mean you can pick it back up and use the rest of your 50GB plan 2 months later. You will be charged a pro-rated amount for the rest of the month (based on the first activation) when you activate the plan again. So if you first activated on the 10th of the month and deactivated at the end of your 30 days and then two months later activated starting on the 20th of the month, your billing would be pro-rated based on a 30-day billing cycle that begins on the 10th.) So you can't make your $50 and 50GB stretch out over 2,3 or 4 months. It is easy to activate and deactivate. We have even forgotten to activate our plan until we got to the campsite where we had no cell coverage. You can fire up the Startlink and use limited connectivity to activate your plan on the spot and with in a few mins, your plan is active, and you have full connectivity.

We replaced our 4 AGM 6V batteries with two Battle Born 12V 100aH lithiums in 2020. We had the configuration for over a year with no issues, we’re about 50% dry camping. We did add a third Battle Born when they went on sale. 300aH of lithium has been plenty. Mike

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) starter batteries usually employ maintenance-free designs. But FLA deep cycle batteries require regular maintenance to each of their cells. The plug you are showing typically serves as a vent path. They are not intended for service, but on many battery's they can be removed for adding DI as you suggested. The question is does this vent provide a pathway that DI will flow equally to all the individual cells? Regardless, doing so can be very dangerous. A small droplet of sulfuric acid splashed out of the battery can easily blind and/or disfigure. Personally IF it were mine, I would not even consider trying to refill these batteries. Just not worth the risk. Especially since they are 5 years old. Bad news you need new batteries. Good news is you need new batteries, and it is a perfect time to upgrade to Lithium. See JD's and several other posts on DIY battery upgrades. Good luck, GJ

With the 15% off sale that just started on Epoc lithium batteries, I'm considering upgrading my AGMs in my 2020 LEII now rather than waiting on their inevitible decline. I'm not an engineer or and electrician so I'd like to follow the "keep it simple" principle and do it myself. I know there have been several threads here about lithium upgrades and most seem to be extensive with new Victron equipment. It seems I could keep all of my current system and simply replace the batteries and reprogram my inverter and solar charger...I think... I have the Xantrex Freedom XC 2000W and Zamp ZS-30A solar controller I'm considering either a single 460aH V2 or two of the 300aH Essential batteries from Epoch. So can I ask the advice of the incredible brain-trust here --? I think 460aH seems enough for what we do but would the two 300aH be worth the extra cost and still be easy to install/manage without additional equipment? I don't have a battery disconnect switch in my 2020 LEII so the built-in on/off switch on the 460aH battery is appealing and I wouldn't need a smart shunt...is that correct? The 460aH V2 battery comes with a nice wired remote state-of-charge display monitor. Has anyone installed this in your Oliver and where/how did you do it? Any other considerations or modifications that I would/should consider still under the "keep it simple" principle? Appologize for yet another lithium upgrade post - but I thought this may be valuable to many other owners with aging AGMs like me. Thanks in advance for your advice!

I believe I will purchase the $50 plan for local trips, a week or less. Understand we have an unlimited T-Mobile Business data plan 4-5G cell with Pepwave router and Parsec Husky antenna that works well by itself on most days, not at the bottom of a canyon! 🤣 We watch news channels and YouTube videos. We're not the download the 2-hr 4K high-rez movie types. Twice a year we go on trips 3-4 weeks. This May-June we're going for 5-6 weeks. Then the unlimited plan makes the best sense for sure. Ordered our Mini from The Depot yesterday and it will be here tomorrow. Ordered the cabling I need coming by Friday. I will go with the company @Patriot suggested - TYA, the Striker Mount with polycarbonate shield, magnet mounts, carry handle and the front rock/bug deflector, since mainly we will have our mounted top of tow vehicle. I have my shopping cart full. They sent me a reminder but I'm waiting a few days in hope they send me a promo code. This cart adds up to a bit of $$$! They say Starlink works up to 100 MPH on the road (cool, but we'll keep it under 70). It's going to be fun!

Wow you are of of the VERY few that are actually seeing 30 amps from the 30 amp model. I hope you will be at the rally so I can your setup. Good job. GJ

Thanks JD

Back in 2020 Battleborn was a favored alternative. They have good product quality and many loyal followers. Over the last few years, they market their quality position hard but have not reduced prices relative to other manufacturers. Want an inexpensive solution, what Ron showed above is great (nice installation also)! The 460AH of LiTime batteries should cost about $900 about the list price of only one 100AH Battleborn. If I remember correctly, Bill @topgun2 did a similar install more recently. A 300AH Epoch Essential battery lists for $999 (sorry last week it pwas 15% OFF). On sale, you'd need to spend $2,250 in Battleborn batteries (and a lot more space) to get the same 300AH. https://battlebornbatteries.com/shop/applications/towable-rv/

Thanks Zodd. It appears you can pause but each activation costs at least $50 for one month service. This makes more sense than what I had written which would be too good a deal! I found this on Starlink.com: https://www.starlink.com/support/article/37bb3b47-9525-7224-5f0a-6d016ce26975

Great info Ron. Thanks

Thanks for the update. Will look for the sale.

Good point. Thanks

Hi Gary, I would also add that you'd probably be better off buying 2 batteries instead of 4. Less complexity with cabling/connections and larger batteries usually have a better BMS.

Sparse cell coverage was my primary reason for buying Starlink last year. I wanted to be able to contact someone if I needed help, and I found a lot of areas without any cell coverage, even within 5 miles of nice sized towns in Utah. It was great for security, but expensive considering I don't watch television or stream videos or anything; I used it for checking email, making phone calls and communications via Winlink (digital ham radio software). At the time, the 'standard' size was the only option. I developed my own method of 'stowing' the unit when under way -- securing the router and loosely coiled cables in a med sized plastic case with a lid, and tucking the dishy under the comforter on my bed. Never had an issue with it moving around under towing. I never left it outdoors if I wasn't there. I used the 'cord out the window' method to deploy it, choosing the best window location for access to open northern skyline. Once you use it a few times, you will know what clearances you need from trees and other potential blockage that could interrupt your signal (and it doesn't like any blockage in the signal). Since I want it for security, I never paused (you pause for a month at a time). I'm looking forward to the better price point of the mini for my camping, and probably leaving the standard with my brother -- he can use it for internet if systems are taken out by a hurricane or other issues. EDIT: Here is the link to the Starlink Resellers -- a lot more than I expected. https://www.starlink.com/support/article/9b7746f8-e2ee-0fd4-7ffb-3bbe0ab35cbc

I mentioned this portable mount/protective case early on in this thread. After using it last fall on our 48 day trip out west we were really glad to have it. Besides being built to withstand storage travel and use, it gives a little added weight for stability which was welcome and important on windy days. In our field use, we never found a reason to secure the Mini in one location such as a roof top of a TV or the Oliver. For best satellite connectivity you must have clear northern exposure with little to no obstructions. Some campsites you get lucky and can deploy on a table while others your usually deploying on the ground. We prefer no trees especially sappy pine trees. The optional handle to carry the Mini was a good addition and adds an anchor point if we needed to secure it on a picnic table on windy days with a small bungee cord. When does the wind and dust not blow out west? 😄 Camp On! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 https://www.strikerfab.com/products/starlink-mini-mount-for-overlanding-van-rv-boat-sxs-starlink-mounting-options A Frosty 30 degree morning while camped at Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone.

I believe it's in the engine compartment. We'll soon see. It's pretty unique. If you want to stop and charge, it's a phev. (Plug in hybrid). But, if you want to make tracks, and the distance, the pentastar solely charges the battery. Contractors can use the battety on-site, vs bring in generator. The battery isn't huge. So, daily driver, purely electric. Towing over distance, definitely need the big gasser pentastar to charge the battery. I'd say for now, possibly best of both worlds. Still reliant on fossil fuel for long distance, but at least only one drive train to maintain. The reliable pentastar is pretty much tried and true, though not as an onboard generator. The power of rhe electric motors is impressive. It's a compromise, but, probably a good one in today's world.

Open the drain while driving to your destination. But why does your fresh water tank have any water in it if it’s supposed to be winterized?

First Spring trip. We went down with the kids to visit my nephew last night in Birmingham, AL. 3 hr drive. The Oliver is very well suited for city boondocking. We parked with no hookups at his apartment complex in a great spot that very few TT/TV combos could have reached. We had 100% batteries (920 Ah) when we arrived due to the solar and DC/DC charger working great finally. During the night, it dropped down into the low 40s. We had the heat set at 68 AUTO on the Atmos and I have to say between the quiet and new Tochta mattresses it was probably the most pleasant night I have spent in the Oliver. Comfortable and quiet. Great combination. When the heat pump was on it was pulling around 98 amps or 1300 W. Woke up with 77% battery left. I wanted to check out the propane use with the new (2) 30 lb aluminum tanks but will save it for another trip. BTW, filled them yesterday and only got 7.2 gallons in each before the safety pressure valve kicked in. I was hoping for 8 gallons. But they sure felt lighter and it we easier loading them into the new mounts. No rust to look at too! Also, another side note to any Tundra owners. The Dobinsons heavy duty leaf springs are a huge upgrade for pulling the Oliver. Pulled like it was riding on a cloud. Interestingly, the hitch tongue weight never read more than 450 lbs. Looking forward to annual glide coat application by CGI next month. Since my camper lives outside this has been a game changer for keeping it clean and shiny. Shoulders don't hurt so much. All good news this morning, after months of tinkering. Get out there! Mike

We have been thinking about the standard SL for our home…so thanks for this news. As for travel we really are happy with the Mini for so many reasons especially small size and portability.

Will Prowse posted a new video yesterday expressing disappointment in the newer v2 Epoch batteries. From his comments, the new firmware has some major issues. He failed the 48 v batteries, gave the 12v 460 a questionable pass, as it had the old firmware. We are quite happy with our original Epoch 460, installed some time back on the boat. So, I guess I'm saying I'd be cautious about the v2 12v, until such time as Will feels they've corrected the firmware issues. He is my go-to guru for solar and batteries. And, he's the reason we bought the earlier version 460 in the first place....

David, Sorry, I have been out of touch for a while, but your table is great and it's got me rethinking my set up. Did Foy end up making your table top ? And he used the same top material that's in your Ollie? Since I last posted, I made a small cabinet that I use primarily for my wife's clothes and as extra counterspace that I find handy. (for coffee maker, etc). As her caregiver, I usually overdo it on her things but having all her stuff easily accessible is helpful. Like a lot of people I also use the space under her bed to store my stuff. But after seeing your table, I think I want to consider your table setup and maybe use some removable storage under the table for her things. Wow so many thoughts. I would appreciate any of yours. I hope you enjoy your Elite as much as we do.

Everyone rolls a little differently. After well over 100K miles and 9 years our Oliver does just fine riding with a full FWT, haven’t noticed any disagreeable handling or behavior even when we also have some liquid in the other two tanks. I prefer the flexibility of having fresh water in any situation and sometimes you just can’t dump and so it is not something I’m concerned with. We’ve had to camp in areas we hadn’t planned with no water available. It’s nice to just turn on the tap and have water flow. YMMV. Mike

Thanks for your kind words @GaRambler, I hope to get to a rally and meet other Oli owners too!! You folks with the Starlink Mini may also be interested in this compact, self-contained Starlink power supply. It gives the Mini extra portability so you can take it to the campsite of an internet-needy friend, or hiking, or a remote picnic. It uses six common 18650 rechargeable batteries that will power the Mini for several hours. This DIY “StarSled Go” was cleverly designed by @Everlanders using a 3D-printed case and electronic components from AliExpress. It has a power switch, voltage meter, and built-in BMS/equalizing charger. The case can be printed for a couple of dollars’ worth of filament, and parts are so ridiculously cheap that I built extras for fun and gifts. Message me if you’re interested in one. Cheers, Geoff

I’ve attached photos showing how I mounted the EZ Reach table system. To do this, I used a 12" x 16" aluminum sheet and aluminum L brackets. Additionally, I attached an angled brace from the top of one of the L brackets to the aluminum frame supporting the heater. The setup is very sturdy, and we’re pleased with how it turned out. For the EZ Reach system, we selected a 16" arm and a 12" arm to achieve the level of articulation we needed. The table top was purchased from Oliver. Note: We always remove the table top from the system while traveling. Hope this information is helpful!

That’s the black box under the dinette. Open the door and make sure your fridge fuse is in the #1 position. I think I read where some trailers are set up different. Then pull the fuse that is used for the fridge. In my case it is the fuse in the first position.

Chinese circuit boards. Dinosaur is the best option. https://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/Circ_board_des.htm