Geronimo John

Well done! GJ

For out west the 9.5k BTU would not be my choice. Our 13K unit works like a charm. Has RecPro modified the design for new ones that have a remote Thermistor and compressor shut down when the fan shuts off? I heard that they may have a fix to use the existing drain, True? GJ

Is yours a Set 2 unit? If yes, did you do the two mods? thanks GJ

Glad you are making progress on the brake issue. Also glad you were not injured in doing so. As shown in your picture, you chose not to use your on-board jacks as safety fail safes. Yes they can get in the way, but having them down can save your life. GJ

I have extensive experienece with carbon fiber vs alloy aluminum for structural components under heavy load. Specifically in critical components such as hang glider frames. I have many times put my life on the line with them in that sport. They are strong and reliable... until they are not. When they fail, the consequences are generally been dire. This happened to two of my free flight friends. They died. The problem is that carbon fiber components are extremely difficult to inspect for tell-tale structural failure. With aluminum, for most spars, we see micro crazing then small cracks. They grow as the structural intregruity deteriorates. I no longer fly or use carbon fiber for life safety applications. The reason is that the inspection technology to ensure they are still safe to use is way way beyond what the average owner can do at home or in the field. GJ

Some would also say that the brakes will need inspection occasionally as well. GJ

The number is way north of double that. GJ

I give up GJ

Dexter..... LOL Sorry, I'm 4,000 miles from my OTT or I would mike them for you. Below is what AI says. I would assume that the brass ones I and others have used are the same ID/OD. Type: 4-leaf double eye spring Capacity: 2,400 lbs per spring (Some sources list slightly different capacities) Length (eye to eye): 25 1/4 inches Width: 1 3/4 inches Eye Diameter (with bushing): 9/16 inch Eye Diameter (without bushing): 11/16 inch Bushing Material: Nylon

JD and I actually see eye to eye on most topics. On the topic of this thread, we both agree it's run the course. We request you put this horse down. GJ and JD

Is the comparison of a 1750 pound bushing to that of a 3000 pound bushing logical?

I think it is about time to bring back the dead horse again. This thread is run it's course at 27 pages.

Oh Gotch you on one of those absolute words again JD. What I really would like to see is a lot more American Made stuff that we need. Even if it costs a bit more. It is the right thing to do.

And you are correct the cost of the Alcon's is beyond what they would do. Especially when they are married to Dexter. So I guess I should consider my wager won by default. Drats, the jig is up now! On the other hand, the spring failures have from my count always been with years and miles on then. Said differently the failures appear to be well out of OTT or Dexter warranty. So we could say bye-bye to the moon and all the MFG's would give us the same single finger salute. Oliver's window to step up and own the spring issue, as well as Dexter's was a long time ago legally for the majority of us. But their opportunity to "Do the Right Thing" never expires.... in my ole eyeballs anyway......But they could at least reimburse us for the cost of replacement 2400 pounder Dexter's.. Maybe even give us a OTT Towel to cry on for our labor for us DIYers. Ok silly says silly goes bye bye! LOL GJ

Are we are going to keep this thread alive, with near continuous advertisements for Alcan's? If so, for "equal time", there is the quite suitable 2400 pound Dexter PR4 exact fit set for the OE2's. Dexter PR4's with all new hardware and brass shackle inserts with shipping cost me $392 in April 2024. I would wager that these springs will end up being the OTT OEM spring for OE2's down the road. Not the Alcan's. Anybody want to wager on that? GJ

Let's consider the Ollie Frame as a loaded beam running to the hitch ball. The front jack is between the hitch ball and the back jacks. Raising the back jacks then shifts load to the front jack witch is retarded somewhat by the TV suspension. The higher you raise the back of the trailer, the more load the pivit point (Front jack) receives from the back jacks. But it also compresses the springs on the TV resulting in additional load as well. Can this place over 3,000 pounds of load? Not likely in my eyes, but is something to consider. So in addition to your well stated comments: I only lightly plant the front jack. Set the parking brake of the TV. Tie a red/pink flag to the steering wheel as a reminder NO GO. Collect up all copies of the TV key sets if others are around who may not be tuned in to the situtation. GJ

Wow. I guess my "Only Carry What I Use" philosophy would be lost awash in 6 jacks! LOL

First, most TV's come with a similar jack as shown below. If yours does not, then I would purchase something like the below. But for our use, I use the onboard OTT rear jack with a stack of dunnage. As do many other owners. And yes we know what OTT and the lawyers have to say about this practice. Regardless of what jack you use, only do so for service purposes on hard FLAT ground and please never put yourself in a position of getting crushed if it goes badly. GJ

The Flag, House and Ollie: Made in America! 🙂 GJ

Yep, me too. I felt the same way for sure on several threads during the past 8 years...... Despite another JD (John Davies) telling me in the most polite and kind way possible, that my 4.7L Sequoia was not "Ideal" for a 6,000 # Ollie in the mountains, I used it. Then one day after being passed by the US Olympic Cycling Team several times in an hour, my son said "Dad, you need a truck". BAM, like slam dunk reality check from a 15 year old.... We all see life through OUR rose colored glasses. But here my friends we can get the experiences of many great owners. And it may not jive with our experiences. But we all benefit from their inputs and then can decide, from an informed position, what is best for each of us based upon our circumstances. What is cool is that it did not take 25 PAGES of texts and thoughts to get here today. 🙂 GJ

Good suggestion! GJ

Our 2019 F-150 Crew Cab, 4x4 FX4 had the Anderson. Prior to our Alaska trip from TX, I added husky mud flaps, Bilstein 5100's on the rear. I thought that all would be perfect. I can attest that half way from the CONUS boarder to the Alaska border, I sincerely wished that : A. I had armored the front of our Ollie with yoga mats. B I had followed my brother's advice and gotten air bags. We mitigated the situation by traveling light and very carefully; and a lot slower that many others. One of which broke his trailer frame by speed on corduroy roads. That was my experience. I suspect that the majority of those that have made the trip would agree. My opinion is that most stock half tons need the above mods if boondocking or even if not bonding but plan on going to places like Canadian and Alaska roads. The 250/350 HD class: Yoga mats for sure and full on mud flaps for that trip and likely many here in CONUS as well. All would benefit from the wonderful 36 gallon fuel tank! ON THE OTHERHAND: If you are a RV Campground user and don't go off road or on fire roads, you likely can do just fine without such mods. Just take it easy. GJ

Actually I understand that the manufacturer of the AC was not making this great leap in progress, but instead it appears that the firm making the Cielo may have. Definitely need more info/study as to just what this marvel can do for which A/C units. GJ

Ron: Thanks for the PM. I did not even know what a Cielo was or even remotely how it works. But for $99 on amazon you have my attention for sure. Can you get into a bit more about this Cielo and it's capacities and how it works? It is a lot more than just a T-stat if it can IR itself into the mother board of the SOB A/C systems (Like the Houghton) and in effect have the board change how it runs the compressor and supply air fan... That would be off the charts beneficial to the non-modified Houghton owners and some other newer A/C units on the market as well! GJ

Finally, an RV A/C MFG who is listening AND understanding the need for a modern control system of RV AC's in a small space that operates in a very wide range of environmental stressors. They likely will in a few years be THE design standard for any A/C MFG that wants to remain in this business. I am thrilled. Hopefully the roll-out will produce a reliable track record and many happy campers! Thanks for being our pioneer on this unit.