bugeyedriver

Sherry & Paul, Your solar set-up looks simply awesome! I think you are the only Oliver with both the King Dome & Solar . . . looking very much like a George-Jetson vehicle. I think you should rename it "The Space Egg" Have fun "solaring"

Helo Mark, Welcome to the forum! If you've perused the forum, you likely saw my postings about the solar system I chose for the Wonder Egg. At the time I was looking for solar, I was not well versed on the topic. (I believe Technomadia [Chris] is the most technically savvy around these parts.) I used the resources of the internet to get informed and decided to go with a complete package from AM solar, Inc. I selected the 100 watt system that can be found at: http://www.amsolar.com/sunrunner100-22.html. My theory was to go with a ready proven system that had been on the market already. Since then, Oliver travel Trailers has worked with the AM Solar folks and they have combined two 100W panels into a small package which several new Oliver owners have opted for on their trailers. Technomadia's are side-by-side centered on the top and I think Seadawg is about to get two connected long-wise to the right side of the trailer's hump. It will overhang the awning housing a few inches but will not interfere with its operation. This configuration can be done with the King-Dome in place. Right now the brackets allow for either left/right tilt or for/aft tilt. But if it was reeeallly necessary I bet the Oliver wizards could do whatever magic you'd prefer. As you know, you won't be running the a/c or microwave effectively only powering the batteries with solar. I've kept my Fantastic Vent running a month, in Texas, with only solar power charging the batteries. It runs them down a bit at night, but by the end of the day, they are back up to 14.7 Volts, ready for the darkness. While panels on long extension cords may let you park in the shade and get maximum power, the simplicity of the system permanently mounted works for me so far. even while in a shady spot or under cloudy conditions i am charging the batteries a small bit at a time. With the 100W panel, i get 5 to 6 amps per hour loaded into the batteries on a sunny day under full exposure with no tilt in use. Good luck on your quest for a trailer, if you chose Oliver, you'll surely be one HAPPY CAMPER!

After being in the drought in Texas, Oscar thought the two days of rain and wind were something to behold! He liked it so much, we thought we'e chase the moisture as it slides up into the Carolinas. (Gluttons for punishment) We're in McRae, Ga at a great state park heading up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yesiree, I'm getting used to this.

BuffaloBob, Robert, Friend . . . I understand your needs to concentrate on your primary job, helping Oliver Travel Trailers deliver a world class, modern, efficient trailer for a lifetime of use to its customers. There aren't 35 hours in a day and you can only be one place at a time. You are invaluable to the company and shall help it succeed. Don't worry about the forum. The enthusiastic bunch of moderators you've put in place shall keep it informative, light, and a fun place for people to spend time with and learn about this wonderful new fiberglass marvel. Happy trails . . . Pete

V6 2008 Tacoma 2WD - 6500lb tow rating - 17.5 mpg towing (@ 55-60mph, level terrain) I selected 2WD to save weight and improve mileage - don't plan on much back country / off road activity (or climbing up a steeeeep mountain to watch the sunrise . . . )

DougI, Can't answer for Technomadia's time as he blasted throughout the factory floor that night on a golf cart, but I can say the accommodations out on the Trace are wonderful, with water and electricity provided. You won't need any black water flush until you're further along on your adventure, anyway.

DougI, I understand your thoughts on the propane, but as I recall from the delivery of my Wonder Egg, Oliver is not technically set up for the storage / OSHA requirements / Tennessee propane service permits / etc. They have been busy concentrating on the production process of the "Worlds Finest Fiberglass RV" (IMHO ) They also find it instructive for a portion of us who have not dealt with the propane tanks to get a practical example of the fill process. It goes along with their philosophy of a great shake-down overnighter with on the Natchez Trace. Actually, the time involved to accomplish the fill is about 10-15 minutes and does not detract from the pick up experience. They are starting to run an electrical hookup the the delivery trailers in order to enable the refrigerator to cool down by pick up time. This enables customers to load their food items directly, without worries about temperatures.

DougI, So you're getting solar too . . . great! I see you said "panels" - does that mean you'll be a 200 watter like Technomadia? ( I am sooo jealous ) One thing to consider on your XM radio is the potential of high voltage of the A/C unit messing up your radio's signal. I don't know that it would, but if the wiring is not shielded well, it could pose a problem if run near the A/C's motor. You should have plenty of room up front of the trailer with a clear view of the heavens that would enable you to run the cable away from any electrical interference. I know you don't want another hole, but am confident that if the factory does the installation, you'll have no problems. Just a thought . . .

Herm, Maintaining the appearance of our Ollies is important to all of us . . . good question. I think "to FLAP or not to FLAP" depends on your tow vehicle's presence of mud guards and the roads you are likely to encounter. I know Mountainborn and Butchterknife do some serious boondocking in the hinterlands and, as such, are more likely than not to encounter dirt and gravel roads. His Wrangler does not have any mud guards of its own, so adding the semi-trailer like flaps is a good thing for him at times.. In my case and experience, I tow with a Tacoma that already has some factory installed mud guards and the 2500 miles of traveling I've put on the Wonder Egg were on paved roads. (Except for about a 5 mile gravel road) So far I am ding free. Next week, Oscar & I shall head out on about a 4000 mile adventure which will predominantly be on paved roads. I'll check along the way and let you know if I see any problems. I'm hopeful that all will go well . . .

jam49, Now all you have to do is figure out how to survive between now and the time you pick up your wonderful new Ollie! Hang in there, you'll make it! I am sure it will be well worth waiting for and you will be soooooo happy! DougI, The furnace does have a "bit" of noise when it comes on . . . nothing you would not become attuned to over time though. If you will not be in the deep low temps for a long time, you may do well with a small electric heater plugged into your A/C near the closet and pointing towards the bed area. It worked great for me the first two nights on the Natchez Trace at 25 degrees each night. Not a sauna, but nice & cozy under the covers.

Alex, As I approached retirement and yearned for the open road, I too seriously explored the wonders of the Airstream Bambi. Then I discovered the Oliver and my comparative studies between the two began in earnest. What I discerned was a legacy company riding along on its former glory which was not responsive to its customers unique requests vs the Oliver family which has been in business for decades and was beginning to produce a new product line with superior quality and extreme customer satisfaction as a central theme. One company who's quality control was loosing its luster and another company wanting to put out a product that would meet or exceed expectations at every turn. Airstream would not even dream of wiring my trailer for solar, putting in a cell phone signal amplifier, moving the license plate to accommodate a "smiley face" of make a custom mural for the front, and wiring the trailer for ham radio, whereas Oliver had only one response to each and every request . . . "Why SURE, Pete!" I don't have a pole barn but I do live in a gated community across from the country club and I park the Wonder Egg proudly on my property, for all to see, and have given many tours for my interested neighbors who are very impressed with the Oliver quality and customer requested modifications. I find time working at the galley with the stove or sink is minimal. If I get into a complex meal requiring lots of chopping or mixing, I use the dinette table and a "toe hold' space is not required. I have no doubt if you'd like to change up some of the interior wall or ceiling "feel" it would be simple enough to put on a quality accent application of your choosing similar to how they made the mural for the front of my trailer. Good luck on the quest for your trailer. Whatever decision you make, may it give you many years of joy!

It's official . . . Time for a big road trip! Feel free to follow Oscar & I on the blog as we strike out on our adventure!

DougI, Oscar & I are looking forward to Matagorda and meeting lots of new friends. See you there! If not before . . .

Chris & Cherie, I know that today is going to be a very special and exciting time as you check out the Uber-Oliver at the factory and head out with your new home following close behind. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

We're heading out to your neck of the woods today! We'll be at Mustang Island State Park tonight & Saturday night. Come on out!

Oscar's not afraid of no alligators or HURRICANES! Check out: http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com/

Mountainborn, A new cell phone, great! I've always loved the photos you've shared that you took from your previous phone, but the hazy quality was frustrating. Does your new fangdangled phone take photos? Take a good'un and give us a look.

Herm, Here's information from one of my old posts: "Currently, Oliver uses a product called "Lizard Skin" as an insulation protection for the trailer. The Lizard Skin is a product used in the automotive racing industry to keep the engine heat from the driver during long races and is applied to both shells. Don't know the "R" value. You can read about it at: http://www.lizardskin.com/ I feel that between the upgraded dual pane windows, double fiberglass shells and this high tech insulation sprayed on the inside, the Oliver is well insulated. My first night out was about +25F, I was cozy running a small electric heater on low. If you ever (gasp) had an accident that cracked the outside shell and water got inside, there are strategically placed weep holes to let the water out of the bottom. Having dead-air space between the shells is insulation also." They use the high tech Lizard skin on both shells. It gives double protection from heat or cold transfer. The spacing between the shells actually varies a bit due to the built in features of the Oliver which requires no rivets. Take a look at Technomadia's threads on his trailer being built and you can visualize how the shells fit together and interact for strength. There a few places there the shells actually touch in order to provide adhesive bonding and structural integrity. IMHO the double layer of Lizard Skin, two walls of quality fiberglass, and dead airspace is about as good as it gets. As you take out the storage area forms and peer into the bowels of the trailer, you can see tiny "weep holes" in the low spots that eliminates the potential of moisture becoming trapped inside and turning into a toxic ooze.

Herm, What temps and length of cold are you concerned about? One thought by Oliver is the holes in each storage compartment cover would facilitate a bit of heat transfer to the hold where the tanks are located.

Herm, Congratulations on biting the bullet and ordering an Elite. You'll LOVE it The Wonder Egg has the 9200 BTU Coleman Polar Cub A/C. I have two wall mounted thermostats located on the wall to the left of the galley. One for the furnace, and the other fot the A/C unit which also controls the heat strips on the A/C. They both work very well. If your A/C would have unit mounted controls, I'm sure there'd be a thermostatic control, but I'm not sure the fan would quit once the desired temp was reached, if you wanted to set it in that mode. (If anyond knows different, please chime in) Have you considered adding additonal 12V outlets for convenience? I have 3 extra and have used them all at times. Another option I find handy is the aluminum basket mounted in front electric jack. Ive'd used it for carrying a generator or strapping down some pre-cut, split firewood. Welcome to the Oliver family.

CarolAnn, If resources permit at some point, I don't see how you could go wrong by simply calling up the Oliver factory and saying "I'd like to buy an Oliver, please." Even without any further decisions on your part, Oliver would produce a wonderful, livable, durable home for you that is of impeccable quality. As far as the "thing-a-ma-jig" and selecting the latest whiz-bang gizmo on the market to incorporate into your new nest . . . leave those worries to other goofballs (such as myself) who enjoy the thrill of the gizmo world. Not having the latest far out flux-capacitor-powered-left-handed-whatcha-ma- call-it in your Egg Home won't lessen the high value and quality of your Oliver experience.

DougI, That may have been my post about the Wonder Egg's tongue weight measurement I had done at the Bluebonnet Casita Rally. My trailer is not standard and I was wanting to get an accurate tongue weight. Causes for a heavier weight for the Wonder Egg would be: Two thirty pound tanks instead of twenties. (You'd not only have the extra weight of the fuel, but of the metal in the larger tanks themselves - perhaps an extra 55 lbs overall) About 75 pounds or so of generator related equipment was mounted inside a custom made box mounted on the tongue, in front of the electric jack. So, the figure you have is not that far off for a "stock" unit.

The technician that installed my Tekonsha Prodigy break controller said it was the best on the market. I've appreciated it's simple, yet sensitive setting system. I also had it placed to the right of my steering wheel so Oscar can "whack it" with his paw if things should ever get out of hand.

I've used the Polar Cub 9200 at Lake Corpus Christi State Park on two different occasions . . . it works great! One of the sites put the trailer in the sun throughout the afternoon at 95 degrees. Inside temperature stayed at watever I wanted to set on the wall mounted thermostat. Couldn't make it too cool inside only because Oscar would have gotten a chill.

That's just a bit more information than I can take! I gotta go get a tissue and wipe my eyes . . . it's been a long time since I laughed so much I cried.