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I joined this thread Nov 2019 looking for a solution to protect our trailer's fiberglass from rock chips/pitting. We have remained fustrated for a solution that met our needs. John Davies rock stompers were more than we want futz with while hitching/unhitching and bugeyed driver's Vortex appeared to be very good but very expensive based on his report and was available only 800 miles from my home. Six years later, even more frustrated dealing with rock pitting our fiberglass. I called the Vortex company and asked if they had experienced dealers near me. I was given two options: one in Sacramento and the other in Redmond Ore (near Bend). Both within a 5-6 hour drive. I spoke with Calvin, the owner of Interstate Coatings and Linings of Redmond Oregon. Clavin was very knowlgable and gained my confidences to spray our trailer with Vortex + an automotive UV stabilizer color match paint. Having solved finding an experienced Vortex services within shouting distances of home, price was the next Hurdle. Interstate Coating's quoted fee was $10 per sq foot + $65 per hour for disassembly / re-assembly of the propane nose and various hardware. One week later the job was done. The total cost was $695. We are pleased with the work and color match. We are ready put the Vortex to the test. Calvin and Alex (shop manager) are good guys and offer a what we think is a great service/product that let us roam the outback gravel roads stress free. We will let you know how Vortex preforms for gravel protection. For now we are happy campers. Thank you Bugeyeddriver for taking the time on the phone and sharing your experience with Vortex. You gave us the confidences to go forward with the Vortex process.

…speaking of coatings, the CGI guys (Gavin and Colin) did a renew on our ceramic coating this week. Looks better than new (except for the chips on the lower front)!

The new rule isn't retroactive, it only applies to new RVs.

Not being a theory guy, can somebody give a real example of this? (an Energized Ground) Maybe Geoff? Also, I’ve never heard of retroactive code enforcement. My home was to code in 1980, not today! And unless I file permitting to remodel something it can exist as built grand-fathered.

Good for you! My shopping cart is $1,202 (AZ sales tax is higher). Didn’t pull the trigger yet… Thanksgiving will be here soon enough! 😂

Got one on the way, and it was free shipping too!. Only bad part is I now have to wait until I get my Ollie back over Thanksgiving to install it.

I chatted, then emailed with Turbro Customer Service. They were quite responsive, with same-day replies. I tried to get them to price-match the white one to the price on the black model, but to NO-avail! They were nice about it though. They have a "12th Anniversary" sale with a day counter, now showing 14 days ('til Sunday Nov 2nd?). The $400-off promo could end at anytime, but is likely part of their anniversary sale.

Now it's just getting too hard not to buy one. I think I'm going to be extra nice to the wife today! Obviously the tariffs haven't affected the pricing on these. I wonder if they shipped a large amount prior to them hitting and now they're trying to liquidate them? Or maybe a new model getting ready to be released?

Although fiberglass is not conductive, the frame, bumpers and hitch are! It's possible for a trained person with the right equipment to check if the neutral is bonded at the pedestal. But there is no quick test plug-in device. It has long been the case that the neutral must be bonded to ground only at the main service. However, there are probably tens of millions of sub panels that are incorrectly grounded. But there are also many other improper wiring issues that are even more significant hazards. There is an old electrician's saying about apprentices, handyman's, and DIY'ers; "They know enough to be dangerous." Just be wary of armchair advice, it's what they don't know that will get you! Cheers! Geoff

It seems to me this is another advantage for fiberglass trailers, like our Olivers vs. aluminum, like Airstream. Although the aluminum chassis in an Oliver is a good conductor, the fiberglass "skin" is not. Does anyone know if 30A receptacle testers presently on the market will detect bonded neutral and ground connectors at an RV pedestal? If not, I expect the code change will prompt market introduction soon.

https://rvelectricity.substack.com/p/gmi-grounding-monitor-interrupter

Here's a more detailed explanation courtesy of AI- Bonding the ground and neutral together at an RV pedestal creates a secondary neutral-ground bonding point, which violates the National Electrical Code (NEC) and RVIA building codes that require only one bonding point in a distributed electrical system. This single, primary bonding point must be located at the main service panel, such as the campground's incoming service panel. When the ground and neutral are bonded at the pedestal, it establishes an additional connection between the neutral and ground conductors, which can lead to several hazardous conditions. If the neutral conductor fails (e.g., due to a loose connection, corrosion, or damage), the current from the load will seek an alternative return path. With a secondary bonding point at the pedestal, this current can flow through the grounding conductors, including the equipment grounding conductor (EGC) and the RV chassis. This causes the safety ground, which should normally carry no current under normal conditions, to become energized and carry the full load current. This condition is dangerous because it can result in a "hot skin" on the RV, meaning the metal frame and any connected appliances become energized at 120 volts. If the ground conductor also fails in this scenario, the risk of electric shock increases significantly. A person touching the RV while standing on the ground could receive a severe or fatal shock due to the energized chassis. Furthermore, this secondary bonding can cause ground loop currents, which may induce hum or buzz in audio systems and can trip GFCI outlets even with minimal load current. In summary, bonding the ground and neutral at an RV pedestal creates a dangerous condition by allowing fault current to flow through the safety ground, potentially energizing the RV chassis and creating a serious shock hazard. This is why the bonding must be performed only at the main service panel and not at the pedestal or within the RV itself.

I have these 3000 thermal windows in my 2020 escape. I really like the looks of these but i have had a few issues. I had one fog and was replace under the one-year warranty. last fall stopped at rest area, and one was gone. after doing some research I found that this is common problem. If a stone hits the edge of the glass the window will shatter. I ended up putting a rubber door guard around each window to prevent that from happening again. This year's trip I noticed one was full of water and had to be replaced. Escape has stopped using them and replaced them with acrylic windows. so now you can choose of sliders or acrylic. I wish Oliver would offer a choice. I really like the build Quilty of the Oliver and I just don't think this window is up to their standards. VID20250830072731.mp4

Having remembered instructions included with a backpacking personal water filter I have, I asked "Google AI" the following question: "do camping water filters need anything between uses?" And the reply was: "Yes, camping water filters need cleaning and drying between uses to prevent bacteria and algae growth. After each trip, you should flush the filter with clean water and allow it to dry completely before storing it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed bag. For long-term storage, some manufacturers recommend a more thorough cleaning with a diluted bleach solution or sanitization, and it's always best to follow the specific instructions for your filter model. " Certainly makes sense to me. Bill

A Watchdog with EPO will shut off the power if the ground is missing, Not sure about the Progressive units that come in Oliver's, though.. Edit- according to AI the Progressive EMS does cut off power when the ground is missing. Would still check the owners manual to be sure.

I made this fitting for quick campground connections. It should work well.

The Turbro Greenland now has a $400 promo code. This brings the model down to $1,099! If you select the model with the black outside cover, it's priced $100 lower! Total price comes to $999! How would a black one look up top? Too bad the white one isn't priced the same! 🤣