bugeyedriver

If you have retired your Ollie for the winter season and it is plugged in and you don't plan on using it until Spring, I would tend to let it stay and melt away when the temperature rises. If you want to use the panels for electrical production for your batteries or intend to do some winter camping, that's something else. The panels should be strong enough to withstand the snow. After all, they are installed on rooftops all over the country. Although they are silicone there is a bit of elasticity in them that aids in resilience against inclement weather conditions. Snow also cleans your panels. I have 43 panels on my roof and after a recent 2' snowfall melted away the panels were sparkling clean. Here's a good read on the subject https://energy.gov/eere/articles/let-it-snow-how-solar-panels-can-thrive-winter-weather

MY Tacoma has produced flawlessly for 235,ooo miles and still runs like a Swiss watch after towing The Wonder Egg for 112,000 miles. Since I tend to travel to far away places, I did not want to roll the dice much longer and potentially be stranded in the wilderness, so I though I'd retire my good steed and purchase a newer one. I chose the 5.0L V8 F150 for its potential longevity. I was not too sure about the F150 turbo boosted engines for extended mileage or the 3.5L engines found int the newer Tacos.

Sure looked pretty at my place the morning after the dusting.

It turns the water pump on or off, like the switch in the galley. Note - if you flip the outside water pump switch and do not return it to the original position, your inside galley water pump switch operation will be reversed. To use either of these switches, the water pump must be enabled on the master panel, just inside the door.

"We live in a rain forest" Ever consider moving? Just Kidding!!!! OK, your weep holes are clear, that's good. When was the last time (when it wasn't raining buckets outside) you slid your windows open wide and used compressed air and tweezers to blow out / pick out the seeds, pine needles, dirt, etc from your rubberized channel the window slides on? I neglected this many years ago and was confounded as to why the water would slide over the bottom railing. Well, the water did not have a clear pathway to get to the weepholes outside that I had already cleared with compressed air ... Duh! No problems since. On the other hand - I have no answer to the water coming in from the top. Hmmmmmmmmmmm . . . . . . ..

In my 2008 Ollie . . . pre super-de-duper latest technology insulation type, I added two 110 outlets between the shells and plugged in a couple of low wattage bilge heaters. When the air temp between the shells dips below 40 they come on until the intra-shell space reaches 50 degrees. Of course, this requires hookups to accomplish. We first leearned of this vulnerability when Mountainborn and Technomadia were caught in a tundra like blizzard and they both experienced problems near the outside shower area. Initally, I only had one bilge heater. But after getting stuck in a minus 6 degree wind chill for three days and having my water pump freeze (pre super-de-duper insulation) I added another heater between the shells on the curb side. Now I can tough it through the deep freeze as I plan which direction th roll outta there to a warmer place.

If you landed your helicopter longitudinally on your RV, with the tail boom hanging out the back, and then tied down the blades so they would not rotate, you could drive to your next destination and then go exploring with your own private air surveillance toy. Sweeeeeeeet

When my original vent cap became brittle from UV exposure, I replaced it with a cool looking one I saw on an Escape. It's the "360 Siphon RV Vent Cap" from Camping World. It uses the Bernoulli Principle, from fluid physics that says "a region of fast flowing fluid exerts lower pressure on its surroundings than a region of slow flowing fluid." This cap has no moving parts to develop noise issues. It works regardless of the direction the wind is blowing due to the convex shape on the underside of the top piece which causes the low pressure to develop. Before having it put on, I sprayed it with Krylon plastic paint for protection from UV damage. It required a bit of sculpting with the sealant due to the curvature of the Elite's roof on the curbside near the cap.

On my trip to Newfoundland this summer, I found the portable induction stove very handy to help with quick breakfasts outside and searing steaks in the evening after they rested in the sous-vide bath for an hour and a half to a perfect temperature of 129 degrees. It comes with a convenient canvas carrying bag and hides unobtrusively in the closet when not in use. If you must have consistent low temps for your recipes, Christmas is right around the corner, and a Vollrath would fit nicely down the chimney. Just saying . . .

The Wonder Egg, Ollie #14, single axle with a spring over axle high lift is set up as follows: 16" wheels tire outer diameter 28" Trailer level to ground, the distance from the ground to the top INSIDE of the Bulldog (Where the ball touches) is 21.5" Loaded tongue weight 360 lbs Taco for TV with Roadmaster Suspension Assist springs attached results in about a 3" drop when trailer is attached. Hitch has a 3" rise, resulting in the top of the ball being at 24.5" With my spring-over-axle setup, my hitch height might vary from a newer single axle Elite. Getting 360 lbs worth of friends to hop on the end of your TV is a good idea to see how much you might settle. Thanks for your pictures, Dave. Any more recent Elite I owners out there with a tape measure care to chime in? ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Although my Taco has 233,000 miles on it, the leaf springs are newly replaced due to a Toyota TSB. I replaced the shocks at the same time. It has always had a "soft" rear end that liked to sag under weight. The Roadmaster Suspension Assist springs have greatly enhanced the ride while towing (and not towing) and the sag has been reduced from its original drop. Whatever your TV, check the anticipated drop under load and buy your hitch accordingly.

As an owner of one of the early "Stripper Pole" (woohoo!) high lift Ollies and someone who flew jets and helicopters for a living, I am very familiar with issues regarding center of gravity and dynamic rollover. With The Wonder Egg sitting high, the reason I always travel with a full fresh water tank is to keep the center of gravity as low as possible in order to improve stability during angular acceleration under windy conditions. I also moderate my speed under those conditions whenever possible. This has worked well for 112,000 miles (knock on wood). Given the extra 5 feet of length and additional height of fiberglass in the Elite II, combined with additional storage space at higher levels you will be catching more wind and can raise your center of gravity higher. I realize your stance is slightly wider but would want to know, engineering wise, what the implications of any lift would be. Perhaps you would be encroaching on an unsafe condition with an extreme lift to your trailers. While it might enhance off road travel, you need to consider all ramifications of such a modification. Be safe out there and have FUN.

I can also vouch for Boerne RV. They are located about 20 miles north of San Antonio, TX which is also a nice place to visit and see the sites. Over the last 9 years, they have helped me with The Wonder Egg (Elite I) and the work has been done professionally. They have experience with both the Elite I and Elite II. The owners, Ron & Debbie, are very personable and easy to work with. They can be reached at: 830-816-3883.

Early Oliver owners knew Robert well. His smile and personable approach helped us greatly as we went through the process of selecting and building our Olivers. Robert was more than a super salesman, he was a friend, and he shall be fondly remembered and missed. Godspeed, dear friend. Pete

I'm one person, with a small dog and although I use electric hookups quite a bit in my travels, whenever I boondock with my single 160W panel and 200 AH of battery storage capacity, I have never gone wanting for energy needs. For me, that includes the occasional use of the furnace and associated fan and my all important Keurig coffee maker in the morning X3. I always keep my Fantastic Vent on low for a good air exchange and my lights have been swapped to LEDs. I am usually back up to 100% by noon of the next day. For me, this system can go forever. (Caviats: No A/C or microwave usage)

Popcorn-Billy, Greetings and welcome to the forum. Thanks for coming out of Lurkerville and saying hello. As a fellow widower, old pilot, and recumbent bike owner, I think the Elite will suit your needs very well. A single axle Elite has been my wander-home 4 to 7 months a year for the last 9 years. Fully loaded with my camping goodies and a full tank of water, my 2008 Wonder Egg tips the scale at 3900 lbs. A 5000 lb tow weight capable vehicle will get you down the road, but may be working a bit harder in mountainous terrain. As an old pilot, I still adhere to the saying that "More is Better" . . . more runway in front of you, more air below you, and now, more towing capacity is nice to have. Good luck on your quest for your trailer. Pete

Aubrey, You Eagle drivers just can't stay out of afterburner, can you? Hog drivers don't have that problem. You're retired . . . relax! I have a cover over my fan and always have it pumping out air while traveling. I crack the side rear windows a smidgen to aid in the air exchange. Pete

Sherry, Yes, that is Lois' Casita. If I knew Aubrey was grabbing a photo, I would have waved. ps I have done a good amount of beer tasting with my flights in the past. Most memorable was at an Air Tattoo with Canadian fighter pilots.. Now those guys are crazy! They manage to combine gulping prodigious amounts of ale with the chewing and swallowing of whole, raw eggs. (It is an acquired taste, for sure) Pete Pete

I remember that formation! # 2 was unique, but fit in very well. (BTW, nice foto bomb by your finger, Aubrey)

Ollies, by Golly!

After several years of fighting the yellowing of the plastic frame by wiping it with acetone, I opted to have a replacement window installed. Edwin makes a door window with a white metal frame. It also has the feature of being able to slide the bottom half of the window up for ventillation, which comes in very handy. http://www.easyrvwindows.com/order-edwin.asp

Mine was removed several years ago . . . no regrets . . . wish I had done it sooner.

Bill - I drove up to Old Harry and tourists were asking just how old Harry was. Locals would say that Harry was very old, but not near as old as " this guy" and then they held up your picture! Ha

Brandi, It is nice to have an escape pod when you need one. Inks Lake is a nice distance north for you, and also a great campground. Is Texas allowing all evacuees to camp for free? I love the picture of your great dane inside JellyBean. Hope you can enjoy your adventure. Pete

I believe The Wonder Egg ( hull #14 ) is the first deep water Oliver. We are currently located in the I'sle de la Madeleine where Bosker and I will be exploring the wonderful French Quebec culture where the waters of the Northwest Atlantic mix with the waters flowing from the Great Lakes and St Lawrence River. An amazing journey . . .

Mike, Greetings from Nova Scotia. I just finished a month in Newfoundland and Labrador with my 18.5er and had a marvelous time with the Vikings, icebergs, whales and puffins. Do it now . . . Sell one of the homes and purchase your Ollie with cash from the proceeds. I have a similar background...flew all over, looking down on the land but never really "seeing" it. I retired at the first available moment and now cruise around at 60mph with my Oliver happily folowing behind ..... meeting folks from all walks of life, seeing and smelling the land, enjoying different cultures and cuisines, and being thankful for the opportunity to do so. I'd be glad to talk with you and show you how well an Ollie weathers the time and miles after I complete my five month wander this year. Send me a pm in the latter part of September and let's get together. Perhaps we can get Mike & Carol to show you their 23.5er at the same time. Pete