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hobo

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Posts posted by hobo

  1. I owned a DiamondBack for several years on my Dodge and was fairly satisfied with it.  Fairly watertight.  Unlike my Bakflip which leaks like a sieve.

    Downside with the DiamondBack is the center panel.  It prevents large items being put into the bed unless you unclamp and remove the whole thing which is somewhat cumbersome and time consuming.  Also, a lot of "stuff" on the underside which gets in the way of loads.

    The ultimate hard lid is the Renegade.  When I finally get rid of my BakFlip (which came from the factory on my truck), that's what I'm going to put on it.  Expensive!

    • Like 1
  2. 6 minutes ago, ScubaRx said:

    I mounted my signal booster inside the bathroom vanity attached to the front wall. I drew power from the switch that turns the camera on. 
     

    Our new truck monitors the trailer tires as well as its own so I removed it all and sold it to a new owner

    Steve,

    How did you tie into the camera power?  Also, inside the "vanity"?  Is this the overhead cabinet above the toilet or behind the towel bar below the  sink?

    Thanks, 

     

    • Like 2
  3. Related/Unrelated:  I would STRONGLY encourage anyone with a transfer switch (box under rear dinette seat) to occasionally (maybe annually) open it up and check the tightness of all the connections.  (BTW: ONLY APPLICABLE TO TRAILERS THAT HAVE THE OPTIONAL 30 AMP RV RECEPTACLE ON THE FRONT). These connections within the plastic box, if loose, can and will cause extreme heat and potential fire hazard.  I speak from experience.  BEFORE DOING THIS; DISCONNECT ALL SHORE POWER!

    • Like 4
  4. Having done a lot of research, I chose the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 over either of the Hondas (2-2200 watt or their 3000 watt).

    The Predator 3500 can run everything without hesitation.  The Predator can also be companioned with another 3500 if ever needed (at home for instance) whereby the Honda 3000 cannot be companioned.  The price of the Predator is about 1/3 of the Honda and has proven to be extremely reliable and extremely quiet.  OK, the cons:  It is heavy (about 100 lbs so we leave it in the basket (which I modified).  The Honda has a three year warranty whereby the Predator only has a one year warranty but an additional year can be purchased (fairly cheaply) which provides a new replacement unit if ever required.  If you do a YouTube search you can find truckers who have used the Predators behind their cabs in very harsh conditions for many, many hours and have had really good luck with them.  There are a few things that I would do with a Predator right away though.  Change the oil at about 5 hours, and then again at about 10 hours. After that, change as recommended.  I also replaced the dipstick plug with a magnetic one (about $10 on Amazon).  Finally, get rid of the cheap chinese spark plug and replace with a high quality plug (NGK for instance).  

    Not sure about the current Predator 3500 but mine doesn't have a fuel gauge.  If I can find a kit to convert, I will.  In the meantime, I'm going to fill it up and run the trailer with AC on this summer to see how long a tank of fuel actually lasts.  The manual says up to 11 hours but I don't trust that.  I'll report back.

    • Thanks 1
    • Like 1
  5. For those less industrious, "GO-STIK" products makes a single (4') aluminum towel bar that attaches with suction cups.  Major difference is that the GO-STIK only has a single bar vice triple. The GO-STIK product is obviously more expensive.  I have the GO-STIK myself and it suits my needs but I do like the OPs design.

    Another note:  Make sure you avoid putting the suction cups on any graphics.

     

    • Thanks 2
    • Like 4
  6. On 4/30/2022 at 5:51 PM, Patriot said:

    Last May Oliver service replaced our awning seal under warranty and they also drilled out our awning brackets so they drain properly and they now do. The new awning seal was installed just low enough that there is no longer an issue with water puddling and water drains off as it should.
    When washing the roof of our Oliver I did not see any water puddling along the awning seal or brackets as it just drains off the rear of the trailer as designed. When I wash and detail our Ollie I usually have it a little nose high to facilitate water draining off the roof area. The water also drains off when the Ollie is level.

    I am fine with how the new seal works now. Regular washing keeps the seal and roof area nice and clean. 

     

    At the rally last month, I noted the demo trailer had the weather stripping applied about 4 or 5 inches below the brackets vice right up against them.  It looked really nice and you can see where the collected water and debris issue is mitigated.  I got the product information from them and will be ordering the same weather stripping to replace on both awnings on my 2018.  Always hated the stained, brown water running down the corners.  I didn't see any other trailers modified the way but I liked what I saw.

    • Like 5
  7. Ironic that you bring this up at this time.  A couple of weeks ago we were camping in the mountains of VA with some friends and enjoyed a really nice fire each day as did several folks in the near vicinity.  One evening, the wind picked up tremendously while I was laying in bed and I started to wonder about all the hot coals from all the campfires being blown about.  That got me to thinking about the chance of a fire breaking out in the surrounding forested areas.  I was pondering the need for an immediate escape plan.  Nothing came of the wind but the potential is always there in every camping situation that an emergency departure might become a reality.  To that end, we're going to develop and execute a quick escape procedure.  

     

    • Like 4
  8. In a previous life, I transported very sensitive materials all around the world for a federal agency and never have I seen packaging as "bomb proof" as Foy's.

    I recently opened a drawer assembly he sent us and it probably took longer for me to unpackage the drawer parts than it did for him to actually produce the packaged items.

    Unbelievable.

    You know before you even get to the actual contents that this is going to be a quality product.

    Thanks Foy.

     

     

    • Thanks 1
    • Like 8
  9. I do the cleaning of our composting toilet and have never seen any evidence of urine getting mixed in with the compost.  Neither my wife nor I seem to have an aiming issue.

    Let's for a moment suppose that a little urine does go into the compost;  so what?  There is no smell from the intended waste that normally goes into the compost pot, so why would I worry about a little urine getting in there too?

    We love the composting toilet.  No black water to have to deal with.

    When we get home from a trip, I simply run the grey water out on the ground from a ground pipe I installed in our storage barn. No muss, no fuss.

    Had to borrow a section of hose from a fellow camper one time to reach the drain pipe at our campsite.  He lent me a section of some of his blackwater hose.  DISGUSTING!!

    • Like 5
  10. On 3/3/2021 at 11:44 AM, fredmin said:

    Ended up ordering F-350 7.3 gas with 3.73 axle ratio, as there was a very small difference between 3/4 and 1 Ton truck.

    I know you're not picking up your Ollie until December, but in the meantime, how are you liking your F350 gasser?  That is exactly the combination I'm thinking of as a replacement for the Dodge 3500 Megacab diesel I just sold.

  11. On 3/11/2021 at 3:12 PM, SeaDawg said:

    Many if us use the Collar lock, towing or camped. Plus a ball lock while camped.

     

    Screenshot_20210311-151129_Chrome.jpg

    We use the collar lock shown above with an ABUS lock. https://www.taylorsecurity.com/abus-20/80-diskus-padlock/0021102/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx5vzoLC88AIVnP7jBx0i1QrmEAYYAyABEgJSgvD_BwE  

    The ABUS lock is German made and has been tested to be one of the very hardest/ most difficult locks to pick.  Other similar locks take only seconds to pick by someone who knows what they're doing.  I use an ABUS lock when it counts.

     

  12. Sounds like a line has completely severed.  I would start with the simple and look under the curb side bed for any obvious leak.  Odds are you only have one leak somewhere but it's enough to flood the basement where the scuppers are allowing it to release.

    I wouldn't panic.  

    Also, just curious as to whether you are using a pressure regulator on the incoming water?  

    Keep us informed.

     

    2 Hobos  (Paul)

    • Like 1
  13. 3 hours ago, mossemi said:

    I have 10 7" wire tethers that I saved from some shop lites that I used for a front access hatch lid tether.  I replaced one of the flange mounting screws with a nut, bolt and washer and I used a self tapping screw and washer on the lid.

    I brought them to the 2019 rally for a swap meet that I don’t think happened and they will be with me at the non-rally.

    Mossey16B708F7-9088-456E-94FC-B6F7BC516D83.thumb.jpeg.e30405543a3c18956e2ba3fe6bd227b1.jpeg

    I like your tether better than the ones I'm making.  If available, I might pick one up from you at the non-rally.  2 Hobos will be parked in row D.

  14. On 4/21/2021 at 10:59 AM, topgun2 said:

    While you're there and if you haven't done it already, you might want to consider making a "tether" for that cover so that you don't lose it.  There have been a number of these on the Forum over the years but they all use a thin rope or chain of some sort attached to the center of the cover via a small screw.  The other end is attached inside the "dog house" tank cover with another screw.  This prevents you from ever losing that cover.

    Bill

    p.s. (edit) see THIS thread for ideas

    Thanks Bill:  Good point.   In fact, I am working on tethering lots of things on "2 Hobos" as we speak.  Just yesterday, I tethered the lock pin for the hitch to the frame, I tethered the pins for my hydraulic jacks to the body of the jacks, and next is the access cover to the propane lid.  I'm working an issue with Mopeka (propane level sensors) right now so have the occasion to remove the cover multiple times.  I have one sensor that wants to read 7% (empty) about 90% of the time even after re-doing everything several times.

  15. On 4/21/2021 at 2:37 PM, TxTortoise said:

    I know Oliver is repackaging prior options as standard items now, but is there a list of functional changes by year. 
     

    I have the 2021 and 2022 price list  

    2021 to 2022 is packaged options and a new axle assembly

    Anything significant for these years?

    2019 - ?

     

    2020 - ?

     

    2021 - added Lithium option

    Just a little fly-in-the-ointment, please realize that at the end of a particular model year, as supplies run out of select items that are destined to be upgraded in the next year model, some of the next year upgrades may appear in the last few previous year models produced.  We have the last 2018 produced and I believe there are a couple of 2019 features included. These would generally be minor changes though.

    • Like 1
  16. 15 hours ago, Raspy said:

    Paul,

     

    Wow. That sounds great!  We have no ties in Virginia, but I want to see the Smithsonian and not sure yet how to make that work with a big truck and travel trailer.

    No idea of the timing yet either, but definitely later in the year.

    Thanks,   John

    1-13.jpeg

    Screen Shot 2021-02-25 at 8.05.55 AM.png

    John,

    If you drop anchor here in Berryville,  you can simply drive east of us for about 35-40 minutes and get on the metro rail system that will take you right into DC.  No traffic or parking worries.  For that matter, if we're around, I'd be glad to take you into the metro stop and pick you up whenever you got back.  You also need to visit the Smithsonian's Air and Space museum complex on the grounds of Dulles Airport.  IAD is a easy drive from here.  It's about 15 miles west of DC lodged between us and the District.  

    • Like 1
  17. Raspy,

    When you're in VA this fall, you're more than welcome to  drop anchor at our place in Berryville, VA (close to Winchester, VA right off of Interstate 81).  We have water and 30 AMP service available.  We're located on over 3 acres which borders two farms so you have lots of privacy.  Huge firepit too.  Would LOVE to see your rig.

    We have a 12 X 28 concrete pad in front of the barn where we store Hobo or you can park in the grass closer to the firepit if you want. 

    We'll be gone a good portion of September but the offer is good even if we're gone. Only six homes in the neighborhood and no one can even see you when you're on the property.  

    Hobo (Paul and Donna) Hull 414.

     

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