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Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/24/2023 in all areas

  1. We never “plan” a trip. We know the endpoint and not much else. Never made reservations more than a few hours in advance and have never had a problem getting a spot. We don’t use any apps to find spots to camp. Just look on a paper map for a place to stop. We mostly boondock. We never have any problems finding water to fill the tank or a free dump site. I don’t like being tied to any schedules. Nearly two decades of school and four plus decades in the medical field gave me a lifetime’s worth of conformity. If I make plans, it feels like I’m being told what to do. I don’t like being told what to do, even if it’s myself doing the telling.
    9 points
  2. I would never leave on a trip without a paper atlas. And recently we’ve taken to stopping at the welcome centers when entering a new state and picking up their latest official state map. A large map gives you the option of seeing a Birdseye view and being able to “look down the road” further than you ever could with the tiny screen on your phone. Then we look at the GPS.
    7 points
  3. I requested that production swap the furnace & water heater locations because the furnace ducting was running right over the top of the water heater bypass valve. This made locating the valve difficult for new owners as well as having to move the duct aside with the potential to tear it. Hopefully this change has made it better for access and does not cause any issues. I have also requested the return air vents as well and they did start putting a return vent in the bath where the air can return below the dinette about a year ago. They are still working on getting one placed in the closet which should be one on the top & one on the bottom for better air circulation through that area. The return air vents is something that can be easily added on older models if you choose to.
    7 points
  4. I keep some Benchmade atlases as emergency backup, but no longer use paper maps normally. I am hooked on Pocket Earth Pro OFFLINE maps on my iPad Mini 6. It provides tons of situational awareness when zoomed out to say 20 miles, but you can bore down to great detail too. The Pro version adds Topo. This map is nor as good as some others for off road exploration, for that I prefer GAIA Premium, but it makes a GREAT paper atlas replacement. A great feature is the place names are not fixed fonts, you can specify SIZE and they are also dynamic - as you zoom in they get bigger and bigger until the scale changes, then they get small again, you can choose a zoom level that makes the small towns pop visually. Very neat! They have changed the pricing recently, see below. It is not quite as good on a small iPhone screen, but on larger devices it is terrific. Highly recommended! Sorry, no Android version yet. https://pocketearth.com/ John Davies Spokane WA
    6 points
  5. they make a new and improved portable version of the wall phone now
    6 points
  6. We always carry a Road Atlas and paper maps as a back up for use in combination with our Garmin 890 GPS. The paper maps can really come in handy on those roads less traveled. Lucky me, my bride and “navigator” is an excellent map reader. We dropped our land line and answering machine several years ago after retiring. Zero regrets as we really don’t miss any of the silly random political and marketing calls at especially dinner time or worse in the middle of the night. Only cell phones now. Patriot🇺🇸
    5 points
  7. Love all this comparing old ways with the new. I love my digital media and resources as much as anyone else, but we have always carried pertinent hard copies of maps for all our destinations. My wife as copilot always pulls out the paper maps to gain a mental picture of the route and what's around. Funny that the land line came up as we just got a new fiber optic data service connected all the way to the house. Very fast to say the least, but it included a land line if we wanted it, and we did. But the crazy part is we connected it to a 1970's Slim Line wall mount Bell Telephone in the kitchen. Looks like walking into my childhood when we come in the back door. Oh, and we get our television service via the good old aerial antenna on the roof of the house. 😆
    5 points
  8. I have to admit, I’m chuckling just a wee bit. Many years ago, more than I like to admit, I used a slide rule in college, maps when driving and, yes, I got up off the sofa to turn the channel or fix the rabbit ears on our black & white TV. While sailing, we used paper charts pre-GPS days, and still carried ‘em with the arrival of GPS, just in case. But since we started RVing last year, all maps have been recycled. We use iPad apps now. Gaia GPS is excellent. As is Avenza maps, where I can download the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer for any state we’re traveling through, and many state park maps, National park maps, motor vehicle use maps, state highway maps, etc are available, many are free and all in one handy place. No need to lug around and find storage space for big unwieldy maps. The neat thing about using a Delorme map on Avenza (or any digital map) is the GPS tells you where you are, and you can readily zoom in and out and look around. No need for cell or WiFi, these apps can use GPS alone. And Google maps can also be used with GPS only if you download map areas of interest. Other apps for camping planning and navigating are RV Life (yearly cost) and RV Parky (free). Come on guys, break the paper habit. Save a tree 🤣
    5 points
  9. The GPS only takes you where you asked it to take you. Looking at paper opens all kinds of possibilities. Paper first. GPS after you decide
    5 points
  10. I pulled my old 3 way fridge out yesterday and was so disgusted, that I decided to bite the bullet and upgrade. Here is a good description of the unit, https://reparadise.co/product/isotherm-cruise-130-elegance/?attribute_power=AC%2FDC&attribute_fridge-finish=Black Isotherm home page with manuals. https://www.indelwebastomarine.com/us/products/product/show/cruise-130/ I would appreciate any detailed closeups from current owners of the installation, and alsoany from those who have fitted one into an older hull. Can we keep this thread as a general discussion of this model? I will post a separate How To thread when I am done. Thanks John Davies Spokane WA EDIT 05/12/23: some other related threads from this forum: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/9172-isotherm-shelves-fix/ https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/9168-how-to-install-an-isotherm-cruise-130-2-way-refrigerator-in-an-le2/ https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/9169-how-to-isotherm-intelligent-control-for-cruise-130-refrigerator/
    4 points
  11. According to NBC News the latest craze is paper maps. AAA are evidently printing more than they have in a long time. Interesting that the increase in demand is from the younger generations. I know I like my Garmin for turn by turn directions, but nothing replaces my Gazetteer or Road Atlas. Especially for planning purposes. Especially nice to find interesting side trips out around the boring interstates...
    4 points
  12. We almost always plan our trips (unless we travel with Tali and Steve!!). We like to go to Arizona in January and if you want to get into one of the state parks or regional parks there you have to make reservations a year in advance. We also like to go to Colorado in June and July (son and family live in Durango) and the situation is the same. Other than that, we have done trips on the fly and found spots in popular places (Glacier, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and others) same day. Since we mostly do public campgrounds (state parks, regional and municipal parks, COE, USFS, BLM, etc) we use Ultimate Public Campground App. It’s no longer supported or updated but it still works well. You can get the same information from Allstays or Campendium. I’ve looked at RV Wizard but never used it. Mike
    4 points
  13. I still have my slide rule. I still like paper maps. I also like my iPhone with all the nifty apps for camping and traveling. Like Steve, we pick up maps at welcome centers too! Mike
    4 points
  14. Jason, Thank you for the update and clarification! It is always good to hear explanations concerning changes to Oliver Travel Trailer production from the service department. Mossey
    4 points
  15. 30 years of land navigation in the army, usually with at 1:50,000 folded map sheet, trained my brain to be comfortable with a paper map. I like my GPS’s for turn by turn directions, but we also carry a big atlas with us for planning and exploring alternate routes. Mike
    4 points
  16. Sometimes with interesting results!! We were using a Garmin to get to Twin Falls, Idaho a few years back, and it tried taking us across the service road across the Snake River at Shoshone Falls! But 1), it isn't public, and 2), it doesn't go all the way across! But the interesting part was that we ended up going across BLM land on the north side, where Evel Knievel was supposed to land on his ill-fated rocket bike. You can see the launch ramp across the river. We still have a land line, answering machine, film camera, mechanical typewriter, car with a carburetor and manual shift, and probably some 8-track tapes stuck in a box somewhere. 🤪
    3 points
  17. My hopefully final follow up is first week of February. In my case it was up and down displaced. Orthopedic surgeon is a sports med specialist, she said “if you were one of my 15 year olds I would just put it back in place and tape it really well and put you in a tight sling. However, in case you did not realize it, you are not 15.” My answer - “Correct - reverse those numbers and keep going north.” I just figure that with the titanium plate and screws I finally have some value 🤣
    3 points
  18. Yes, we seriously still have a true landline and Panasonic phones..lol We love our landline, we use it the same way as you do “the solicitor line”! We have caller ID so screening is a breeze!🤣
    3 points
  19. I always have this in the truck with us. It has come on handy in areas without cellular, and where the Garmin shows blank spaces. Currently at 18 Gazetteers. It holds five, along with a few folding maps, a notepad, and a couple pencils.
    3 points
  20. We've been watching the wireless home internet for some time. In December, one of the biggest, Ver****n offered $25 a month, plus taxes, for ten years, and showed service in our area, with a 14 day free "look." We bit. So far, so good. Upload and download have been as good or better than our previous wired connection, and may prove to be more reliable in storms. We'll see. Good enough that I canceled the much more expensive wired connection, and ordered one for our daughter and my sister. We did re- install a repeater in the garage for all the devices down there (phyn plumbing alert, garage door wifi control, house battery, etc.) Good news, only one repeater needed now, when we had several in the house before. We run everything off the device that I call the cube, including TV streaming, and all the computers and devices. Bonus of 5g, when I have a phone that can use it . We'll see how it works in the long run. We have no tv cable connection anymore. Local channels on antenna, everything else is streamed. (Cut that cord several years ago.)
    2 points
  21. Patriot, we just left the mother ship with our Truma retrofit on our 2022 Elite II :)
    2 points
  22. Well, I threw in the towel, I can’t fight it any more. I just ordered a new Isotherm fridge, free shipping to my local West Marine store. Truck freight is brutal for these units…. I would like to see some install pics, but that will be a new thread. John Davies Spokane WA
    2 points
  23. We wished we had a good Oklahoma road atlas last November when Google Maps took us on a wild goose chase, on gravel roads, trying to find a Harvest Host site outside Oklahoma City. We now plan to buy a good paper road atlas, so we can double-check questionable Google Maps instructions.
    2 points
  24. I heard from Oliver Service, he was zero help. He suggested a https://www.amazon.com/Norcold-621156BW-Trailer-Appliances-Service/dp/B004A32GMI?th=1 which is 4 inches too tall. But he was polite about it. John Davies Spokane WA
    2 points
  25. I expect your "really long and hard" search covered this possibility, so you are likely aware that the 2022 Elite II models include a frame for the lower fridge access hole that is screwed to the hull. See photo below. The OD of the "screw-in" frame is 24 1/4" W x 16 3/8" H. The ID of the resulting hole is 21"W x 13 1/8" H. Oliver may still have some of those screw-in frames in stock, with corresponding vent covers. While such a screw-in frame might provide sufficient additional structural integrity to enable you to expand your access hole even further than the "2" toward the front 1" toward the top" you specified above, it appears it is too big to "nicely" fit your 2017 hull contour. But, I thought it best to provide the photo, with measurements, so you can decide for yourself whether the screw-in frame might enable you to cut your hull above the contour line while still preserving an acceptable fit. Good luck!
    2 points
  26. Jason said: "I requested that"... and told us why. It's nice to know that the Oliver staff pays attention to us! THANK YOU! Charlie
    2 points
  27. I have used paper maps to save me many a mile of useless travel "suggested" by the electronic device. It was especially nice that time in the mountains when the Garmin didn't know the rain had totally washed out the road. (Backing down the mile and a half to a barely adequate turnaround was fun too). The paper map probably saved us 40 miles of so from the "suggested" alternative...
    2 points
  28. Oliver had both models in Brandon, Florida last week, so my wife and I scheduled to see them. Oh, yeah, nice!!!! Now I want one--now its just timing! Question. In planning trips, I saw RV Wizard searching internet. Is this a good way to plan? Any others better? Thanks for info. Future Oliver owner☺️ Dwain
    2 points
  29. DunnYet, Thanks for posting your update even though you never found out exactly what the cause of your issue was. It’s good to hear Truma did take care of you and that their customer service was great and as you say they were willing to get involved. 👍🏻 Patriot🇺🇸
    2 points
  30. I still have a couple of slide rules from college. I’m gonna bring them with me when we stop by your house to drop off the alligators you need. And, I need a refresher course on how to use the slide rule.
    2 points
  31. Never came back and posted the results of our service to the thread. When we got home I called Truma, and they had us take our trailer to a local RV center that is a certified dealer. After consultation between the tech on site and Truma, they decided to replace the entire unit. There was never a really clear diagnosis, and Truma had the original shipped back to their engineering group for analysis. Unfortunately, a series of miscues and a novice service advisor made the replacement process take about three months. 😞 Ultimately we have a brand new unit, the warranty has been restarted, and Hull 1030 “Reset” has hot water again. One note when doing this type of replacement - make sure if you have the winter kit you assure that the kit is transferred to the new unit. In our case the tech shipped it back with the old unit - since the instructions said “ship all parts back.” After some back and forth Truma sent a brand new one which was easy to install. So - in the end I don’t feel like I can enlighten the group as to what the problem was, since the RV Tech and Truma really did not have anything definitive. In my limited experience that says “logic board” but it could be anything. I will say that the Truma customer service was great - very open and communicative and willing to get involved with the dealer when things bogged down.
    2 points
  32. It’s interesting to compare the frame and plumbing to an Ollie, no steel subframe, for example, and a lot less aluminum. Zodd, are those your pictures? What camera? They are very nice and very hi res. John Davies Spokane WA
    2 points
  33. We've used maps.me in several countries , on several continents . Gps based, no phone signal required. In Chile last year, downloaded maps from maps.me worked way better than Google maps . It's free, as well. Still had a paper backup. But that was much less useful than the app.
    2 points
  34. Do you seriously have a true landline? We've had voip for decades, which is what the cable vendors bundle here. I don't even know if a true wired landlines is still available here. We call the "landline" the solicitor line. We give out that # when someone requires a phone #. Everyone else calls our cells. Kind of miss those landline days, but I don't miss "dialup " speed. And yes, we carry atlases and paper maps, as well as two phones and a GPS.
    2 points
  35. Agreed. We carry this large format road atlas/national park guide. Using this in conjunction with the Google Maps app, Harvest Host app, etc. has been great for our trip planning.
    2 points
  36. Frankly, I think our bodies and senses often give us clues, if we don't ignore them. I used to climb chat mine towers, as a kid. Walk all over roofs, no matter how high. Enjoyed the view from many heights. Back in the day, I was the one in the bosun's chair, fixing lights or clearing a halyard, 55 to 65 feet above the water, on boats, swinging in the breeze, or kicking off the mast. Not anymore, though the view is amazing. Now, my sensors go off above six feet or so (my house ladder, in the cleaning closet.) I like scaffolding, and guard rails.
    2 points
  37. We've rented a lift in the past for tree work. Now, we just hire it done. And, recently installed gutter guards, to avoid those trips to the eaves. I don't want my husband up on those ladders either. Our shortest gutter is 15' above the ground. The other is around 30'. We do have scaffolding and ladders, and use them for some projects, but the older I get, the more I hate heights. When I was young, I was totally fearless. Not so much, these days. I still get up there, when absolutely necessary, but we have younger friends and family that are more sure-footed and stable who usually volunteer. (They don't want me to take another tumble, is my guess.)
    2 points
  38. I got a platform ladder specifically to get up top on the trailer. Three points of contact at all times and keep your belt buckle between the rails. And go slow. Or better yet.. don't go at all.
    2 points
  39. Share and Enjoy !Shares Utah is a beautiful state with incredible views, friendly people, and plenty of camping opportunities. It also has some of the most diverse terrains you can find anywhere in the United States. Whether you're looking to explore the red rocks and desert of Southern Utah or have a nice, relaxing camping trip near a beautiful lake, there really is something for everyone. We've compiled a list of some of our very favorite places to camp in Utah so you can find exactly what you're looking for to make your camping trip perfect. We'll share the campground locations, talk about the activities available, and share the best times of year to visit (spoiler alert – Utah is beautiful year-round and you can find great camping pretty much any time). If you're looking for the ultimate guide to Utah camping, you're in the right place! 1. Moab: Moab is a great place to camp in Utah due to its close proximity to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Moab offers a variety of camping options, including primitive and backcountry camping as well as RV and tent camping (Moab Valley RV Resort and Moab Under Canvas are two of our favorites). The stunning red rock formations and canyons make the area perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Moab can get pretty busy during the summer, so we would recommend going on weekdays or during the off-season if you can. 2. Zion National Park: Zion National Park is a must-visit for any outdoors enthusiast. With over 200 campsites ranging from primitive to RV sites, it's easy to find the perfect spot to pull up your trailer and have a great camping trip. With its beautiful sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and lush vegetation, Zion provides an ideal backdrop for camping, hiking, biking, and exploring. Plus, it isn't too far from St. George, Utah if you want to make a fun stop there. 3. Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef National Park is an excellent destination for camping in Utah, and it's a favorite among campers with its dramatic canyons and red rock formations. The park offers both tent and RV camping sites with plenty of options for backcountry camping as well. 4. Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce Canyon National Park is another great spot in Utah when it comes to camping. Bryce Canyon is a must-see with its stunning natural beauty and spectacular views of the hoodoos and other rock formations. The park offers both tent and RV camping sites, as well as backcountry camping. 5. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a great destination for camping in Utah, especially if you and your family love boating and water activities. The area offers RV and tent sites, but if you're looking for something a little more comfortable, they also have cabins and lodges. 6. Palisades State Park: Palisades State Park is a great place to camp. It's close to Manti so you'll have access to stores, but it's secluded enough that you'll feel like you're truly in the wilderness. The campground offers a variety of amenities including showers, flush toilets, a playground, a golf course, and a picnic area. There is also a large reservoir where guests can fish, swim, and hang out on the beach. With its stunning scenery and long list of activities, Palisades Campground is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip. 7. Pineview: Pineview Campground in Utah is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is located just outside of Ogden and has plenty of spots to park RVs. If you love fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities, Pineview is the perfect place to go. They also offer amenities including restrooms and showers. With its greenery, beautiful lake, and nearby mountains, Pineview is a great destination for anyone who loves being in nature. 8. Heber City: Heber City in Utah is another great place to camp. There are multiple campgrounds around the city, and it's perfect if you want to be in close proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. It's only minutes away from Park City, so you'll never run out of things to do. Visitors can take advantage of fishing, boating, and hiking activities since it is so close to various lakes and mountains. When to Visit The best time to camp in Utah varies depending on the camping experience you're looking for. Spring is a great time to camp in Utah, as the temperatures are mild and the snow has melted off most of the hiking trails. During the spring, you can explore the state’s stunning red-rock canyons and towering mountains without the extreme summer heat. Additionally, spring is a great time to camp in Utah for birdwatchers, as many species of birds are migrating. Summer can also be a great time to camp in Utah. Temperatures are warm and the days are long, allowing for a wide variety of outdoor activities. There are numerous lakes and rivers to explore and campgrounds in the high mountains. The national parks in Utah also offer plenty of camping opportunities, with a variety of trails, views, and wildlife. If you're camping in the summer, keep in mind that the sites fill up fast – you'll definitely want to book ahead of time. Autumn is another great time to camp in Utah. The temperatures are cool and the nights are crisp, making it a perfect time for campers to relax around a campfire. The changing colors of the trees and plants is a sight to behold. Additionally, the mountain air is usually free of the smoke and smog of nearby cities. Autumn camping in Utah is perfect for those who love the outdoors and want to enjoy the beauty of nature. Final Thoughts If you are planning to visit Utah to camp anytime soon, it truly is one of the best places you can go. Utah has something for everyone, and depending on what you’re looking for, you can plan an incredible trip. From red rocks and desert to beautiful forests and lakes, you’re sure to find the perfect camping spot for you and your family! Share and Enjoy !Shares The post Best Places to Camp in Utah appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article
    1 point
  40. If you happen to enter a state, where their welcome center is, you can usually get a great map too. A plus is a campground guide and sometimes forgotten points of interest. Unfortunately most of them now are off the Interstates, and we have a tendency to avoid them...
    1 point
  41. @John E Davies I don’t think the newer compressor fridges are going to draw that much. @SeaDawg has two AGM batteries and does just fine with the compressor. I run a Truma fridge in the back of my truck and it is powered by a second battery that is approximately 650aH (it is a 750 CCA) that gets charged by the alternators. I run that thing 24/7 on trips and it has never run the battery down. Take a look at the specs for the Isotherm Cruise 130 just for reference. Brian
    1 point
  42. Does anyone know the brand and model number of the new fridge? The new data is not available at the University, just this which is cool. They sure look like my “old” vents, they would make it easy to plug the no longer needed holes. Thanks. John Davies Spokane WA
    1 point
  43. I know it’s early, but this is my favorite for post of the year. It’ great to see the widespread participation. The history lessons are really just memories for a lot of us. Thanks Mainiac for getting the ball rolling! Mossey
    1 point
  44. RV Life Trip Wizard is good, IOO.
    1 point
  45. Rebecca “gifted” me a crew to put up the lights each year - for with I am very grateful. The 24 foot extension ladder is put well away.
    1 point
  46. I fear that’s correct. So we will be on the road forever (LOL).
    1 point
  47. Oops, I forgot the link. It looks like it is discontinued/out-of-stock, anyway. https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/collections/all/products/trip-planning-bag?variant=19020204867680
    1 point
  48. Oh my! So sorry to hear about your broken collar bone…ouch! I did have to chuckle at your second attempt success “taking a bow”!! Hope the road is smooth sailing for you from here on out and no more unplanned gymnastic dismounts off any ladder!
    1 point
  49. Glad you're back. But, you could have used all that "spare" time here getting ideas and planning your next adventures. Not to discourage you, but, I've found that getting the cover off is much easier than getting it on. Hopefully you will be fully recovered by the time you have to think about re-covering. Bill
    1 point
  50. There’s also the never lube hubs.
    1 point
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