bugeyedriver

Phil, Well done! A picture is worth a thousand words . . . Oscar & I are looking forward to seeing you guys at Lake Mathis this weekend for some campfire campin'!

Lou, 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 thr "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.

Chuck, I'll be SURE to have some in the fridge on my first trip southeast after retirement just for you, my friend.

Rick, I asked for a downsized A/C unit to be put on my trailer for the purpose of being able to run it with the Honda EU2000i generator. Calculating the cubic feet to be cooled, and checking several air conditioner specialist web sites, I figure the 9200 BTU output of my Coleman unit will do just fine given the dual fiberglass walls, Lizard Skin insulation and double pane windows. (The standard A/C puts out 13,500 BTUs) I use a thermostat to regulate the A/C. The couple of times I've used the generator with it, it did just fine. You could hear the generator go out of its eco mode and rev up the rpms. It handled the current requirement OK. I don't think I'll be running the microwave at the same time but don't forsee that as a problem since the microwave will be a rather short use item. Pete

Tumbleweed, Cooking takes on many textures, of appliances, ingredients, techniques . . . it's the outcome that's important but the journey can be fun as well. About dissing the lowly crockpot - NOT SO FAST MOOSEBREATH! There is an excellent cookbook for the smaller crockpot that specializes in fine cuisine for 2 people . It is "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Two: For the Small Slow Cooker" by Beth Hensburger. (At Amazon.com for around 10 bucks) "This downsized appliance for the single person or the childless couple allows the cook to prepare a meal in the morning, head off to a job, and still have a hot meal virtually ready when the workday has ended. Hensperger demonstrates this diminutive cooker's versatility with a collection of recipes that fit in with today's changing tastes in food. Chilis and soups show off the slow cooker's obvious virtues. In addition to beef- and pork-based stews and braises, plenty of turkey and chicken recipes appeal to devotees of lower-fat cooking. Polenta and risotto enhance the usual pasta dishes." Using this book, with minimal prep, you can go off on your wanderings all day long and return to a scrumptious meal later on in the day. Try it, you just might make a skeptic a convert!

Rick, The 400# was with a Honda 2000, full of gas, strapped down, cabled down for security. All of this was inside a custom built aluminum box Oliver made for my trailer. The weight out on the front of the tongue was appx 75#. The tongue has thres available placements, I had mine on the middle one. By pulling it out to the longest setting, the tongue weight went down 20# to 380. I now have the aluminum box loaded with firewood and will carry the generator in the bed of my 4 door Tacoma. (Keeps the wood out of the truckbed) Tongue weight capacity on this Tacoma w/ towing pkg is 650#. Pete

Rick, I had my tongue weight measured at the Bluebonnet Casita Rally and came up with 400 lbs with the tongue out on the 2nd notch. A full configuration description can be found on the Extendable Tongue Explanation topic on pg 2 of the board index. If you get a chance to meet Mountainborn, I'd take it. He seems to be about the most knowledgeable character out there about using this trailer in the deep outback environment. If you're lucky, he may introduce you to the art of jug fishing! Pete

Robin, Gotcha! Then here are the items you've mentioned I find that I really appreciate having and wouldn't want to be without: Fan-Tastic Vent: This thing is amazing! You can blow air in or suck air out on three different settings, thermostatically controlled - if it starts raining while the vent is open, it senses the moisture, closes the vent, turns off the fan, when its moisture sensor dries, it opens the vent and restarts the fan! Doesn't get much easier than that. Double Pane Windows: The trailer is so well insulated with the double walls of fiberglass , I thought it would be a shame to feel a lot of heat coming in in the summer or cold creeping in in the winter. There is a lot of window space in the trailer so this effect could be significant. Day-Night Shades: Even with double pane windows, a bit of radiant heat comes through with bright sunlight, putting up the day shade allows you to still see out and drops the incoming radiant energy to zip. At night, you need something to provide privacy and the pull-down night shades do the trick very well. )These are both encased in a window treatment that surrounds the windows and ther is no flapping of blinds or difficulty with curtains that don't quite close together.) Monitoring System: Tells you your battery charge; fresh water / grey water / black water levels. All of these give you an idea of how long your endurance is and if you need to modify your energy and water consumptions to extend your trip as planned. Over time this information will give you longer time out relaxing in your trailer and you won't have any "surprises". Upgraded shocks: I went for the 4" lift and the upgraded shocks. Not that I intend to go offroading, but as protection. I was glad I had them just yesterday! On the way back from the campsite I encountered a jackknifed 18wheeler blocking the road. The only way to get through was OFFROAD down an incline and up one on the other side. I was glad for the upgraded suspension at that moment. Haven't really needed the wash station yet, but when the time comes . . . Hope this helped, feel free to call if you'd like.

RVBella, Life is to short and there are no guarantees for tomorrow. I hear you saying DH has health concerns and you're not sure how long you may be able to travel. My humble advice, given these facts, would be to "go for the whole enchilada." Live life abundantly and joyously, you won't regret it. (I've pm'd you my # . . . call me if you'd like and we could discuss this further)

Springtime in Texas . . . time to stop & smell the flowers. Earthdancer, something you said about making u-turns to go back and get a "can't pass it up" picture took hold of me today as I was returning to home from Inks Lake State Park. I Just HAD to do it ... ps BuffaloBob, If I could reach deep enough into the grinning car's mouth to grab its tongue, I could tell you.

Inks Lake State Park photos are up at http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com Note the alternate use for the generator basket . . . firewood!

Lisa & Chuck, If all you "twosomes" would stop doing the cha-cha and having pillow fights in the walkway you wouldn't be knocking those buttons. Oscar & I have no trouble at all.

Oscar & I shall be enjoying the great Texas outdoors at the Inks Lake State Park on the Colorado River in Burnet, TX 19-21 Apr. Come August 1st, we will be permanent retirees and shall really hit the road! So far we plan to learn how to fly fish with some friends in Colorado late September and will be at the Matagorda Madness rally in December. Lots of dates to fill in in between those two! Wherever we go - you'll find us on the blog - chillin'

Tom wins the humor award!!!!!!!!!!!

(1) We understand from the Oliver brochure that we received at an RV show that the Oliver comes with three 110-volt outlets and one 12-volt outlet. Is 110-volt current supplied to the 110-volt outlets at all times or just when the trailer is hooked up to shore power or to a generator? From what I understand, this would require a built-in current inverter to provide 110-volt AC from the 12-volt DC of the batteries. Does the Oliver come with an inverter? If not, have you added one, in order to use the 110-volt outlets? If you desire additional points for power, Oliver will accommodate. I have five 110v ac outlets (4 inside, 1 outside) and five 12v dc outlets (4 inside, 1 outside) Without shore power connected to the trailer you will only have dc power available from the battery(s) unless you opted for the add-on inverter, which will then power up your 110 outlets. I use the Coleman 2000w Power Inverter which turns battery 12v into 120v ac. Just because you have ac available, don’t think it’s an endless pit of power . . . the percentage of the drain on the batteries depends on the overall energy storage capacity of the battery selection you made. Also, initial start load may be higher than running load and you inverter will shut off if you exceed its capabilities. Multiply: AMPS X 120 (AC voltage) = WATTS Your battery pack can be replenished through solar power, from your TV’s alternator as you move along down the road, from a portable generator, or from plugging into shore power. (2) Does the Sound and Video package (LCD TV, DVD/CD player, AM/FM radio, etc.) run on 110-volt AC or on 12-volt DC? 12v dc (3) Additional 12-volt outlets are available as an option. Would you find that useful? I added one near the galley for my coffee maker, one under the small dinette, and one in the main walkway just before the full sized bed on the passenger side. They are not that expensive an add-on and the convenience factor is well worth it. (4) Does the "convection oven/microwave" described in the Oliver brochure require shore power or generator power? If so, how many watts does it draw? Does convection operation require more power than microwave itself? If so, how much? An correctly sized generator or shore power will be required unless you've got one heckuva humongous battery/inverter setup. They call it a Microwave Oven & Grill – It will brown your food as you microwave it, or you can grill thinner slices of meat such as steaks, chops, kebabs, sausage, pieces of chicken or sandwiches. (Not useful for a whole chicken or the Thanksgiving Turkey!) Manual says Microwave/Grill output power is 1000w. Doesn’t show consumption – you may not be able to simultaneously run you’re a/C and this at the same time without shore power or one very stout generator. (5) Similarly, the 13.5 KBTU A/C unit would seem to require quite a lot of power to start. Have you run it with a generator? In particular, have you used the Yamaha EF2400iS successfully? Don’t know, I downsized my A/C unit to the Coleman 9200 btu unit. I uses 900-1100 watts for cooling and max cooling draws 8.0 amps. I run it easily with my Honda 2000w generator. Given the insulation of the Oliver and the relatively small cubic feet to cool I believe it will be up to the task. “Doing the numbers” I will not try the A/C and microwave at the same time without shore power. If I need to use the microwave, I’ll power down the A/C for those few minutes . . . (6) I understand that a "generator quick connect" may be available for the Oliver as an option. Can you tell me what that is and what the advantage would be in having one? The quick connect is a connection on the tongue where you can keep a power cord going from your generator . . . it is pre-wired into the trailers electrical system with all of the safety bells & whistles in place. If shore power quits, simply hit the start button on your generator and your powered up without the having to move cables in the rain or the middle of the night. LP Gas System: (7) I understand that 30-pound LP tanks and regulators are available as an upgrade. That sounds like it would allow one to go for quite a while longer without having to get a refill. Would there be any downside? The reason I ask that is that sometimes I have found that something that seems like it could only be for the better may present problems that would not be considered until they actually show up. Downside – heavier to lift to take for refilling / more weight on the tongue (mine is still very respectable for my TV) / you lose a small bit of empty space you might have used to place hoses & such. Upside – more flexibility for boondocking - the equivalent of adding a third 20 lb bottle! more time between refills to work on you upper body strength to get ready for the refill lift . . . (8) I understand that there is a "gas line quick connect" available as an option. Can you tell me what this is and what the advantage would be in having one? It runs from the trailer’s propane tanks to the rear bumper and is accessible on the street side by folding down the bumper. With the right hose connection from your grill you can connect directly to your on board propane source . . . gives you lotsa gas and precludes you from having to purchase and lug extra propane tanks for grilling. Phew! I see Mountainborn just posted his answers. I'll send this one anyway and let his response do the last two about towing . . . Steve, feel free to call me tonight if this has spurred on additional questions. CarolAnn . . . As I was getting ready to enter this new world of Rving, I went to the local big-box book store and picked up “Rving Basics” by Bill & Jan Moeller ISBN 0-07-042779-8. I have found it most useful – it covers systems / towing / campsites & hookups / and a myriad of other things. I take it with me for reference.

Steve, I pm'd you my phone #s. Give me a call & I'd be glad to answer those for you. Pete

Here in the Texas Hill Country we have many dramatic dips in the roads that go through low water crossings of dry creeks. The gauges in these dips are to numerous to count already. I thought I'd better not add any more so I opted for the 15" Wheels, 4" lift, and upgraded 4-shock suspension. So far so good . . .

Ok, perhaps the power to weight ratio isn't optimum, but it made the car happy! For more on this odd-couple, go to: http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com

Well . . . there I was, waiting for Robert to gas up his car down the block and up pulls this SUV with the window rolled down and this exuberant woman assertively says "Sir, would you like to sell your OLIVER?" I initially thought . . . wait a minute! These YAHOOS are 1/2 mile from the Oliver Plant in Hohenwald, TN with Virginia license plates, they know what an Oliver is and have the audacity to ask to buy mine in a WW parking lot!? I did mention something about the recency of my purchase (meaning it's MINE and you can't have it) Before I could say "GO GIT YER OWN" Karen broke into a huge grin and said "Pete, its US, the Whaleys!" Hardeeharhar, well played Karen & Tom

Well I done went and did it . . . I got me one of them blogs! Actually, my sweet daughter-in-law, Thais, provided much assistance and encouragement to get it going (gotta LOVE her! ) Check it out and feel free to comment at: http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com/

CarolAnn, It was a pleasure showing you the "Wonder Egg". Don't worry about the name thing . . . its the curse of having two first names. I was in 4th grade with a Mark Peters and the teacher never did keep us straight. (Besides, after the "son" gaff it serves me right!) Don't worry about remembering all of the specific items I have in the Wonder Egg. Ask Robert Partee to send you a brochure with listing of the standard and optional items in the Legacy Elite. You'll find the lists extensive. Scope out the forums looking at mods people have made and if it is something you'd like that is not already available, ask Robert if they could do it for you . . . you'll likely hear "Why SURE, CarolAnn!" It may ratchet up the price but if you intend to full time you might as well make the castle just like you want it. Search out the best digital image you can, that you would want as your theme while rambling across this great country, and email it to Robert. He'll get it to his graphics shop and make you just the perfect mural. To me, CarolAnn, you appeared to be anything BUT a "clutsy female". You appeared to be someone with savvy and determination to move off in a new and exciting direction. I wish you the best of luck and perhaps our paths will cross again at another rally and you can proudly show me your new Oliver!

I will tomorrow when the LCRA office is open . . .

Phil, It was great meeting you & Denise at the Bluebonnet. I look forward t our future camp fire camping throughout the years. The rally was everything I thought it would be . . . friendly, open folks enjoying the outdoor and greeting all who passed by with invitations to sit and share good times. Oscar was thrilled to meet so many short 4 legged "people" and was in bu_ _ sniffing heaven! (Its a DOG thing!)

One nice looking rig . . . Camping on the Natches Trail, compliments of Oliver Travel Trailers, Inc. "Honor the Sacred" by Kathy Hatt Eggzactly Perfect One Happy Trailer One Happy Camper! Bugeyedriver & Meanderthal . . . Its a RALLY!!!

Chuck, Jerry and his cat-mobile have been by and his owners give you their warmest regards. Sometimes Jerry sits inside and other times he rides on top and seems to point out the direction to go! Jerry & Oscar get along well also . . .