Mainiac

We don't have it, and have never needed it yet. That said we do carry a 25' 30 amp extension cord, and have used it. We just boondocked for 4 days in amongst some really tall trees, ran the cpap, lights, pump, and dvd/tv, inverter and microwave. By 9:30 in the morning the sun had recharged our batteries. We have been in camping areas where some really annoying people have run generators all night. We had early on decided not to be one of those people. However, now some of these generators have become very quiet and lightweight. Here in the northern corner of the northeast ac is seldom needed. But there are a few days we would have used it lately. If we lived in a more southern clime we would be onboard and a port side awning too. Guess it all depends on where and when you will be using your unit. Bet it is more expensive to add after the build...

No hook ups, but wasn't a problem. They have a central bathhouse if needed. Had to add water to the tank and only found one faucet with a threaded hose connection, and that was at the dump station (it was marked potable water). Thankfully we had a little device called a "Bandit", which slides over a non threaded faucet and converts to hose thread. Next we need a 5 gallon collapsing bladder or jug. The one gallon took too many trips. Usually the place is full, but there were plenty of open sites during the week. Sandi marked the map for suitable sites...

The water (in the shallows) was almost 60. Not bad considering that a month ago it was just melted snow. North of us yesterday they set an all time record of 96 and our humidity is around 60. Funny that where the boat is, the Gulf of Maine is also almost 60 degrees. With all that is going on in the world, you never know what might happen next. Next there might even be women in space, ...oh wait... Never mind...!

We did our own graphic install on the front. No maintenance issues. I like the factory graphics on the sides because it helps with the question, " when did Casita start making a big trailer? ".

We spent 4_days here. So so quiet amongst the trees and mountains. 1000 foot elevation and New England's largest lake. The moose and deer seemed friendly too. Even with the tall trees the solar charged everything before 9:30...

I can think of several spots where something of that size could be mounted, depending on method of mounting. Oh never mind, forget I " mentioned" it.

We have the standard unit, 2017 hull #211. In a previous life we had owned a Scamp, and found that we seldom took it out of the bed configuration, being there is just the two of us. That being said, we were camping at a central spot and two other couples joined us with their SOBs (some other brand). As was typical we shared a 'potluck/buffet' evening meal, but as was also typical it started to rain. Guess which was the only unit that could seat six? True that those seated at the back couldn't get out quickly, but evidently they were comfortable. Two bottles of wine and 2 1/2 hours passed without complaints. And to reset to a bed was a 5 minute task. Normally we use a double opened sleeping bag as a base, and individual afghans as tops. That way we do not disturb the other if we have to slide out. Having the dinette convert for a grandchild guest is a bonus too.

The heat in the bathroom circulates a whole lot better with the door open. It is so tight for air flow in there that with the bathroom door closed the exhaust vent struggles for air unless the door or window are open. That is why we put an additional vent from the main cabin when using the dinette so we could close the door.

Personally we have never had a problem with the toilet/tank/disposal setup. Simple, easy, and relatively quick. If that portable tank is too heavy only fill it half full, or maybe get a smaller tank? You do know the handle is designed to slide over the trailer hitch, and be pulled by the tow vehicle? The law, at least in Maine, is those portable tanks are only to be used by those that have been instructed by the CG staff. Maybe the simple task, and the power of gravity, are not as obvious to all as one would think...

The unit was at a Rally. According to Phil's video it has 2 (maybe 3?) group 24 batteries. Supposedly they will run an ac for up to 4 hours, run time. The batteries supposedly will charge from flat to full charge, in 4 hours. (Said will release in a couple of weeks, as they are "fine tuning" the specs?).

We have had our radio out. The cover does 'pop' off relatively easy. Then 4 screws removed. Slides out easily. A lot easier to see what is going on in there as there is a maze of wires. My antenna was not plugged in all the way and was hard to see to insert correctly just through the port. Why do you feel speakers are not connected? Is it no sound from the TV? Or no sound from anything?

With the virus concerns normal Clorox might be in short supply, in some places. I was in a small hardware store today and noticed Clorox on the shelf. Of course I grabbed a bottle, as I wanted fresh to sanitize the water system for Spring wake-up in the Oliver. However there was an indication for caution. The brand label was right, but the background was slightly greener than normal. Also was an addition on the label saying NEW and and a saying "long-lasting fragrance". In SMALL PRINT, on the back, it clearly states, "Not for sanitation or disinfection. To sanitize and disinfect, use 'Clorox'® Regular -Bleach. The Regular will have a label on it stating 5.5% or 6% Sodium Hypocloride. If there is not a percent stated, or it list a fragrance probably not the one you want. Also have heard the splash proof one is also NOT the one you want. Also if you know how to read date codes, get the freshest you can find. Evidently as it gets older, it will start to degrade... Woo Hoo..we got a reservation today for Lily Bay State Park, on Moosehead Lake. Normally booked within hours of opening. Limited to instate residents, and those that have quarantined in state for 14 days. Not ideal, but a start...

We took our unit to a local dealership, that we know and trust. An independent family owned dealership, 'Call of the Wild RV', in Oxford, Maine took care of our unit, inspected our axles for a potential recall, and billed the manufacturer direct. Smiles, handshakes and great service...doesn't get much better than that...

They don't need a 60% MU, a 20% would more than cover cost. The value of branded merchandise, in building a brand, is so invaluable. Ever go to a trade show? All the vendors give away branded merchandise. Keys chains, little flashlights or tools that become daily brand reminders. Look what branded merchandise did for football teams, or car and truck logos. Ever see a green and yellow John Deere hat? Branded tee shirts, vest, hats and coffee cups, running around in almost every camping area in America, would be cheaper than any print ad that somebody might look at for 10 seconds. The merchandise would re-enforce us all as Brand Ambassador s... A branded vest would need a pocket on the inside for a pen and referral cards!

Or, maybe?, they could 'license' an embroidery/print shop to online supply any need or want??

We had a Bigfoot owner, traveling through, that wanted to look at our Oliver. He seemed impressed and you could tell they were ready for a change. If course when they offered us a chance to look at theirs, we jumped at the chance. The initial reactions were that it seemed claustrophobic, dark, with a choppy floor plan, and the table was like my mother's old shakey ironing board. It took three people to help get him turned around and backed up. Made me truly appreciate our wireless camera, that had let us back down a narrow mountain road, after rain had washed out the road ahead...

The Oliver fits all our needs, but guess that is why we bought i. Solar keeps us powered, propane keeps us warm, high ground clearance keeps us out of most trouble spots.

took a while for the vidieo to download. I blow the lines out twice. Add antifreeze after draining the water heater and putting it on bypass. I use the hand pump to put antifreeze into those two fittings, after winterizing the rest. Also pump the black tank flush valve. I have seen an Oliver tech change out one of those fittings in about ten minutes at the 2019 Rally. I don't know the year or fittings, of the Oliver, as they have changed some over the years...

Understood. Was the leak a fitting? A cracked pipe? Two cracked pipes? What exactly was leaking?

What, or where, was the leak? What was leaking? A broken fitting? A broken pipe?

Don't forget the super glue. Vets, and some docs, are sealing and closing wounds with super glue. It works well and doesnt take up any room. Would even fit in the pocket while out for a run...

Not helpful?

Back in the day we always used to carry disposable gloves. Guess we have to consider it again, along with face masks. We kept a pair of gloves in a 35mm film canister attached to the zipper of the coat. Canisters are gone, but could use a pill bottle. Seems like the better prepared you are, the less likely you are to use it. Hope this is the case here.

Not sure you might need such an expensive kit, unless you have the training to use? At Sportsman Guide you can get some military surplus kits that are relatively extensive, there is usually even surgical kits. We carry a small kit in the cabinet, plus a kit in the truck. Plus a small bottle of Peroxide. We have added EMT scissors and a curved tip pair to the kit. Tweezers were added, along with Kling. One later addition has been finger/thumb bandages. Again, get a kit, see what it has and then adapt to your needs, expertise, and destination.

Personally I would leave everything empty. Algae blooms are hard to remove. When getting ready to winterize I blow everything out, at least twice. Then we put in the antifreeze. Come time to come out of hibernation, we then flush twice, and then sanitize. We also might sanitize again mid season, especially if we might have picked up some "funky" water some place. Have never had seals or washers dry out, as they don't use fiber or leather anymore, usually a composition of nylon and SS combos. Before this self imposed "Social Distancing" I was accused of having to much free time. It is true and terrible now...