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Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/09/2023 in all areas

  1. I have had a few questions regarding 4-Season camping with the Oliver and wanted to make a post so it would be available for everyone. What is 4-Season camping? It simply means that the Oliver is capable of being used through all 4-seasons. It does not mean that it will necessarily have no freeze issues in certain areas during certain climates. This is no different than a house. Here in Tennessee we recently saw sub-zero temperatures and many people had their water lines freeze and burst causing lots of damage. Does that mean that their house is not capable of being used during the winter? No, it simply means that in certain temperatures you may need to make arrangements to combat the temperature. In the past I have had my water lines freeze that were located on an exterior wall of my house so this time when they said we would see sub-zero temperatures I placed a space heater on that wall area to help keep it warmer and the next morning I had no freeze damage. Below is an average winter temperature for the United States however this is just an average and when temperatures go below the average especially when going into the low single digits or below zero, whether in a camper or a house you may have to perform steps to ensure freeze damage does not occur.
    6 points
  2. I really enjoyed living in Utah for a dozen years. With our Ollie's camping there is MUCH more enjoyable. But do take note of the temperature history for the time and area you are planning on visiting. GJ
    4 points
  3. The vent covers Oliver is installing with the new Truma Varioheat furnaces are called "Lamella." One of the louvers on the Lamella furnace supply vent cover below the galley sink in our Hull #1291 broke on our way home from Hohenwald to Idaho. See photo below. I recently submitted a warranty service ticket to Oliver, and received a prompt response. I was advised that Oliver had to order a replacement vent cover from Truma, then forward it on to me. I received the replacement Lamella vent cover yesterday. I applaud Oliver for their prompt, and effective warranty response. When removing the original vent cover as gently as I could with a plastic pry bar today, it broke in more than one place. See photo below. The replacement vent cover was easy to install; it just clips in. After inspection, I concluded that the original Lamella vent covers are quite thin, and made from brittle plastic. One light bump with a shoe toe is enough to break a louver. But, they are easy to replace, and inexpensive to purchase. Once the Oliver warranty expires, the Lamella covers can be purchased directly from Truma for $3.47 each, plus shipping: https://shop.truma.net/collections/home/products/lamella?variant=39711296880734 We are pleased with the performance of the Truma Varioheat furnace. Although I would recommend to Truma that a more robust, and pliable, plastic be used to make the Lamella vent covers, occasional replacement is a reasonable price to pay for the improved heating system performance provided by the Varioheat.
    4 points
  4. Interesting suggestion. I just installed three of the 4" Valterra vents as return air vents in Hull #1291. I agree that they are "tough as nails and very nice looking." 2" to 4" adapters are readily available, for well under $20. https://www.amazon.com/Woodstock-D4250-4-Inch-2-Inch-Reducer/dp/B00AX5I9DM I have no idea what increasing vent size from 2" to 4' would do to the dynamic balance of the heating system. But for now, given the ease and relatively low cost of swapping out the Lamella vent covers, I am inclined to see how they hold up over years of use, then decide if it is worth investing the time and $$$ required to make the switch to the 4" Valterra vent covers. Also, I would not be surprised if, after Truma gets lots of failures like ours, better quality Lamella vent covers become available in the near future. Thanks for the idea!
    4 points
  5. Can you open up the holes to 4” and use transition adapters on the ducts? The Valterra registers are great, tough as nails and very nice looking. I just installed two extra ones as furnace air returns and will replace a couple of older stainless vents that did not turn out well. I whacked off half of the extension and also drilled a bunch of holes around the perimeter, so gear cannot accidentally shut off the flow (completely). They fit snugly in a four inch hole. .. Valterra A10-3345VP Rotating Heating and A/C Register John Davies Spokane WA
    3 points
  6. Wow! That is very different from the brackets installed in our Hull #1291. Ours are steel, not aluminum, and appear to me to be robotically welded angle "iron" (steel). See photo below. Given the significance of the difference, and the impact on jack stability, maybe this last part should be broken off into its own thread. Maybe "Aluminum vs. Steel Jack Brackets"?
    2 points
  7. Hi there, I actually replaced mine the first week of ownership last month. I replaced with a Samsung QN32Q60AAFXZA 32 inch. It just fits, you may need to tinker with the vesa mount screws a bit, I had to trim two screws from my collection of misc screws in my garage to get it to work, the screws from the Visio TV to the mount will not fit right. From there you will need an hdmi extension cable, I found one on Amazon that was 6inches and it did the trick. You will need to adjust the mount bracket slightly lower and then tighten the screw locks on the bar as the last step so that the tv will not hit the shade but clear the upper cabinet. Took about 45 mins to do just to get the right screw fit.
    2 points
  8. This was my bathroom view last fall
    2 points
  9. Here are a couple of pictures of the brackets in question and the "spot" welds that obviously failed. Note that I do not believe any "recent" Oliver has this type of bracket. And, I'd still like to see pictures of the one(s) mentioned above that broke. Bill p.s. sorry for the thread hijack. If this goes much further I'll split this "bracket" portion off.
    2 points
  10. That is amazing! We had an outdoor cat, so all we'd find at our front door are dead birds, chipmunks, and rabbits... This Screech Owl tested out our old house, but didn't stay. At our backyard feeder We've had Green Herons nesting in a Linden tree for several years. These four fledglings were enjoying a day in the sun. One of a zillion photos from our western travels.
    2 points
  11. I agree, you should use your jacks and blocks. What I am addressing is an owner “stranded on the side of the road” because they don’t have jacks. 😳
    2 points
  12. I don’t want to hijack this thread, but…. A flat tire can be changed using the onboard jack. I have raised my trailer several times at Discount TIre for tire changes and balancing and while on the road when a grease cap came off. Oliver doesn’t recommended it anymore, but it was a selling point when I bought and picked up my trailer. Some even use the onboard jack to level the trailer with the wheels off the ground - not something I would ever do. But, for a temporary tire change on the side of the road I certainly would. Now, back to F150s and sudden loss of power. Mike
    1 point
  13. We are so fortunate the have trailers that help us get outside to see spectacular views and critters. But, occasionally, no trailer is required and nature comes to us to show its wonders. Bosker and I were inside, reading a good book when we heard a soft noise at the front door. Thinking it might have been a package drop off, I went to the door and opened the top half of my dutch door and found this newborn fawn hunkered down in the corner. Momma deer often find a safe place where their baby fawn can hide with its natural coloring or someplace hidden away from the eyes of predators, such as at Bosker's front door. Momma will sleep nearby or go out foraging until coming back to retrieve "Bambi". Nature is awesome. Show us your best wildlife photographs you've taken while traveling or at home.
    1 point
  14. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1311562709626880?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&mibextid=0NULKw
    1 point
  15. 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
  16. Thanks John - great reference. These are the guys I use: https://www.uscargocontrol.com Brian
    1 point
  17. https://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/ John Davies ex- A & P Spokane WA
    1 point
  18. They hung around for a few days feasting on the crab apple trees and creek bed . Kinda hard on the dog walks. Last week, I opened the front door at 9PM and looked up at mama three feet way. Sorry no pics....had to do laundry.
    1 point
  19. I would also like to see a photo of those welds, so I can compare it to what I have on our Hull #1291.
    1 point
  20. 1 point
  21. We had this guy camped out in front of our front door a while back. They basically live in our yard.
    1 point
  22. Hi Bill, Too bad engineers don't have to use the equipment they design. :) This is a bit off topic and I apologize but you mentioned it in your post. We swapped our AC out for the Truma...Oliver's service did it. As it was done less than a month ago, I don't know if it will keep up with the summer heat. I will tell you that I didn't realize the fan runs all the time in auto, the compressor just kicks in and out, but it's hardly noticeable. From what I understand the Houghtons do the same thing. I was told it was designed like that to keep the whole unit from cycling on and off, thus preventing unnecessary wear and tear on the unit. It is much quieter and I suggest you see it in action for yourself and determine if it's good or bad for you. For me...I think I would do it again given Dometic's disaster of A/C engineering. Here ends my rant! John
    1 point
  23. Frank - Could you post a picture of those welds? There was a time when two steel plates were welded together forming an "L" bracket. Unfortunately, there apparently were times when only "spot welds" were performed and the full welds were never completed on those brackets. If you suspect that you have any of these brackets you should take a picture of them and send it to Service. Bill
    1 point
  24. After seeing how tiny the welds are on the rear jack mounting brackets, I don’t trust them for anything other than leveling the trailer at a campsite. I know they are rated for 3,000 lbs each but I still prefer to use a very large heavy duty scissor jack (rated for 3 tons) to raise the trailer for tire and bearing work when I need the trailer completely off the ground. I do use the stabilizer as a backup. Sorry for hijacking the thread again. 🙂
    1 point
  25. I took advantage of the solar tax credit on my 2021 taxes. I used the total amount of the solar package option on my build sheet (solar panels, no inverter and standard Lead-acid batteries). I also purchased 3 BattleBorn 100AH batteries, and a 140W Zamp portable suitcase system. All were purchased in 2021, but not at the same time. Rather than use a tax professional, which I guessed might be reluctant to sign off on it, I tried Turbo Tax Deluxe, since my taxes are very simple. TT Deluxe returns are reviewed by a tax expert and they guarantee accuracy and will provide legal assistance if audited. Like John W. and others, I figured worse case, I pay it back. To my surprise, Turbo Tax walked me right through the credit with simple questions, which I answered honestly. I received the credit, and have not been audited. Just throwing this option out there for consideration.
    1 point
  26. "I'm going to file an amended tax return (using that form) and the very worse that could happen is it could be refused... but based on common sense (it's still makes a good argument) and with enough persons that have already successfully done so, I don't think our tax credit will be denied." Thanks Dave or Kimberly for your post. It makes sense to me that the whole amount could be used for the basis of claiming the 30%. The point about whether or not it would be excluded because the batteries CAN be charged via shore power and the converter shouldn't matter. What about people that only boondock and never plug in? I plan to claim the whole amount also. If the IRS says no, then I could appeal. Nothing to lose if I try, but if I don't, then I could be giving them $3000+ that they shouldn't have. John
    1 point
  27. 1 point
  28. You can’t see the trailer behind, as it is still in the parts bins in Hohenwald. 😉 @bugeyedriver older cousin; 1958 MGA 1500 Roadster
    1 point
  29. We have been to Zion NP and it’s an amazing place! Now we want to go back with our Oliver in tow! Thanks for the reminder and write up! Patriot🇺🇸
    1 point
  30. Some more pictures of the track mount that show a little more detail. Painted the track with white epoxy enamel since last pics and it now blends in much better. The locknuts in the front of the mount are only adjusted once when installing and the two knobs in the back are used to lock the mount in place while traveling and then left slightly loose while in use to allow the easy removal of the TV and access to emergency window. Used a 4" wide piece of white rubberized tape on the back of the mount to prevent marring of the track and add additional grip when traveling.
    1 point
  31. That's one way to keep burglars away.
    0 points
  32. Hey Gang.... Just wanted to put this out there. I have a 2016 F-150 as a TV for my LE2. At 50k miles I had a fault in the module that controlled the louvers for the turbo.... at 93k I had a fault in the hill control descent feature which turn out to be a bad electronic throttle body. Both times I got the flashing error with a bong bong bong warning and a complete loss of power. The power steering and brakes still worked but the only option was to coast to the side of the road and attempt a re-start. The 50k event happened when I was only about a half mile from home and was able to limp it home. The 93k event happened once then it was ok then again until a few thousand miles later... then finally it happened continually and I had it towed to a Ford dealership. Adding insult to injury, both Ford dealerships that I could get to were booked out weeks. So, I was without my truck for a solid month. Plus it was 2k the first time and 1400 just this week. Fortunately, this never happened while I was towing my Oliver. But it got me thinking.... How common is this in modern trucks? They are all controlled by computers. You never know when some module somewhere is going to go on the fritz and strand you. Hopefully never while you are on a trip, or while towing, especially up a mountain road with no shoulder. So why am I telling you all this...? Well, I would like to know if anyone has had a similar event with their TV.. or am I the only unlucky one. But also.... Not a bad idea to keep in mind that this can happen and you may have to get to the shoulder of the road on very short notice. At least if you are aware that this is a possibility, you might react quick enough to prevent getting stuck in the middle of a highway or in some other really bad place. It's fixed for now, and we are planning a spring trip to Canada.... Hopefully no more unpleasant surprises. Thanks for listening, Scotty
    0 points
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