BackofBeyond
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Posts posted by BackofBeyond
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Wow - March 2022. Plenty of time to - plan.........
Glad you are on board -
Happy Trails -
RB
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18 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:
That generator is way to big and heavy. We recently bought a Westinghouse 2500 at Lowes. It runs our saws, charges batteries, and runs our ac. At around 600 normal price, it's a nice smaller unit, with plenty of features, inverter technology, and it only weighs 48 pounds, so I can lift it. Pull cord start, but pretty easy, and I have no difficulty starting it. (If you have the strength to lift it, you have the strength to start it.)
Our other generator is a Honda 1000. Very light, quiet, will charge the batteries. Won't run the microwave or a hairdryer or any tools.
Champion makes a nice generator around 2000 watts that would charge batteries and run the microwave, but probably not the ac.
Keep looking.
Yes. Thanks to the SeaDawg heads up - I too have a handy dandy Westinghouse 2500. It is a very good generator for the money. But honestly - I will probably never use it for its intended use - maybe very sporadically.
As for AGM's - I have had very good experience with ours in the Ollie and in previous RV's. A top flight LI install has been reported to run in excess of $8k - that buys a lot of AGM's. - As has been stated - it just depends on your use and needs. I am one of the few that pragmatically believe the LI systems are overkill for all but the most strident off roader/boondocker.
Our composting toilet has been very easy to use, no problems, and honestly much simpler to use than the old fill and dump, - but then - some are not comfortable with the process.
We use the Tire Tracker TT-500 TPMS - works as advertised, fairly accurate in the air pressure monitoring and take the temp readings with a grain of salt. Does what it supposed to do.
The Champion 4000 watt is a fine gen set - but more than you will want to tote around - at 80 + pounds- I would look in the 50 pound range - 2500 watts.
Internet is highly location dependent. With a decent signal - a phone based hotspot has been more than enough for us, as has been the Oliver supplied powered antenna for the TV/Radio systems.
Were it ME - planning a new purchase - I would not spend to much time worrying about this, that, or the other changes - get some time in your Oliver - you will find comfort spot.
Interesting thought - your idea - order the Oliver without the AC - and then call KatanaPilot - for the install of the better unit!!! Oh wait Olive is not in this mindset.......
Wishing you well in your outfitting.
RB
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The Oliver sign.
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I noticed a few good sized divots upon arrival to our western terminus - Deep enough to need some gel-coat touch -up. I'm not sure how well a wrap would protect - I saw one with the bed lining material - If I could do that in white - I would.
Perhaps a wrap would be good for the "aftermath" of many miles.
RB
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You thinking this:
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Wow - that is new to me! Lookslike they are installed upside down?????
I have no idea why you would purposely put holes in the top.
As mine leak fine with them exclusively in the bottom channel.
RB
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Dometic - we don't try hard, but we buy good companies: and turn them into poor companies. We set set the standard - as we own almost everything - the consumer is screwed - where you gonna go!
When electric powered flight becomes mainstream - they will put Dometic AC's on them to simulate jet engine noise, but will only operate - sporadically, instilling unneeded fear in the passengers.
Dometic. A company for all.
RB
Jet engine noise mechanic.
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14 minutes ago, poliver said:
---. The two year warranty will definitely help and I'm counting on legendary Oliver quality of the build. I'm hoping I can fix minor problems and thank you again for your reply.
Pennie
Pennie-
You should NOT have to make any repairs. but you will need to learn how to operate all the multiple systems, how they function, and any idiosyncrasies they may exhibit.
Unfortunately - Oliver is not immune to a few misses and their supplier base is the weak link.
Given this reality - you have an opportunity to exercise the Oliver - put it through its paces -during the time you have at pick-up.
Were it me - I would be fanatical during the orientation/delivery day - do not accept anything you do not understand, is a little iffy, or just plain not up to design standards.
Spend as much time going through the Oliver during the first few days - it is your time to ensure all works as it should - and if not- have Oliver repair.
Once your sure of the Oliver's up to snuff - go have fun.
If it breaks - Oliver is good at helping find a repair center.
Happy trails,
RB
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I'll be the devils advocate - I prefer open area below the tanks - keeps the trash flowing through, moisture dries quickly, and when secured properly doesn't move a bit.
After 20K miles my 30's are fine, and no problems.
to each - their own.
RB
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21 hours ago, poliver said:
Hi Mike and Carol! Really like your welcome and post. I just spent the past two hours talking to Saleswoman Anita at Oliver. She was marvelous!!! I got so much valuable information from her but what made our conversation so wonderful was her obviously caring personality and the love for her job and the company and it's products and service. During the past two months I've talked to a lot of people in her position in other companies who barely gave a d**n, no less offered me a bare skeleton of time or info. Anita knew from the get-go she didn't need to "sell" me on Oliver. It was obvious that I wanted one. We shared stories that ranged all over the map along with giving me pointers on the website about the videos and University. Thank you Anita!!!
It's just a matter of time.
Fun facts: I own a 2018 Chevy Colorado Redline V6, 4x4 with their factory installed towing package. So far, I haven't seen my towing truck mentioned in various posts here but it is rated at a 7,000# towing capacity (which I don't want to go near).
Curb weight: 4,340#s
GVWR: 6,200#s
GAWR: 6,700#s
GCWR: 12,000#s
Tongue Weight: 500#s
All of this puts me at the LE rather than the LEII as I can't afford two new vehicles and I really like my truck. It only has 16,500 miles on it mostly due to Covid and sheltering in place for the last 16 months. I know, I could sell/trade it in a heartbeat these days but I really do like the way it handles.
As a sprightly late 60's woman, I'm so ready for this.
Thank you again Mike, Carol, John, Seadog, and Cindy!
Pennie
Pennie-Welcome to the forum!
Your Colorado would be a fine TV for the smaller Elite. You didn't mention the payload capacity - so be aware of your limits. I believe your truck is the perfect size for the smaller Oliver. Especially as a single traveler.
We are two and a dog - and find the EII plenty large enough, and actually believe the smaller Oliver would work for us - so a sprightly person would do well in the E-I.
Happy trails.
RB
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A few things to consider:
What was the voltage displayed on the progressive readout before the unit cycled the fan, during the fan, and when the compressor tried to cycle.
Do you have the easy start?
RB
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46 minutes ago, Mike and Carol said:
I can vouch for this. 6 years ago I was concerned with towing specs and did not consider payload. It’s a truck, right? Throw a bunch of stuff in the back and go. Once you add the tongue weight, people weight, stuff in the cab and stuff in the bed (including caps or covers) it doesn’t matter how much you can tow if you’re at or over your weight limit. My 2500 diesel does tow better than my Tacoma did, but it’s the payload capacity that is the big difference. Mike
Yes - there is a long string of posts indicating same. I can't come close to my payload max - I don't own enough stuff.🤣
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Right out of home. We supplement as needed. For long term travel we end up with almost everything from home
We will frequent the local farmers markets and such. .
RB
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UPDATE-
Ok - I fixed my POS Dometic AC fan noise.
The squirrel fan that feeds the interior had come loose on its shaft - allowing it to slide back and forth to scrape against the housing shroud - The tick tic is the fan. An allen set screw had loosened up just enough to allow the fan to slide.
You need to remove the top side cover 4 Philips screws - then the insulated cover, it slides up, - then the plastic cover, 6 hex head screws. There are also some plastic tabs that need to be unclipped. The fan shaft will slide back and forth some - but the fan should be tight to the shaft - it should sit flush with the end of the shaft.
You do not need to remove the interior cover.
All ok now - jet engine dB's aside.
RB
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10 hours ago, csevel said:
I've worked for a solid week on various issues/mods and am trying to learn all the systems in my new to me LE2. I seem to keep coming across problems! Besides the city water slowly filling my fresh water tank, I've finally managed to get the fresh water outlet unplugged with two rounds of bleach solution, one round of vinegar and some compressed air! My trailer sat for awhile so I understood that algae/mold clogged the drain and pump prefilter. I'm a little miffed that the fresh outlet is so small, that it takes forever to drain and there's no way to clean it! On my Casita, I installed a top marine deck plate so I could scrub it out! I had a party when I finally got this thing flowing.
But here's my next irritation! Now...unfortunately, the rain for the last two days has somehow soaked both mattresses & brand new bedding in the rear! I've thoroughly pipe cleaned all the weep holes days before this rain came... I did this with my Casita so I know to do it.. As I lay here I'm watching water come down from the rear window and cross over the silver belly band trim and on to the other streetside bed! I went up on the ladder and the rear brake light doesn't seem to have a break in the caulking. There's no leak I can see from the inside of the rear cupboard either! What the heck? This wasn't a cheap investment...I'm getting frustrated...whats it gonna be next? I never had this many issues so close together in 10 years of owning my Casita..and I also bought it used!
Help me out here folks! I'm getting discouraged. Even the Penguin air conditioner sounds like a jet engine..is it really always going to be this LOUD?
There just shouldn't be this many issues with a four year old trailer of this caliber!
The new to you Oliver- is not new - and seems to have been mothballed incorrectly.
I too have had issues - with our 2018- but overall I have gotten to the bottom of them all.
Leaks - can be tough - it is a process that requires systematic trial and error. My windows leaked - but it was really just a design issue - I make sure the channels are clear, have put the gutters over them - and the best corrective action - I enlarged the weep holes to about twice the original size. I am now pretty much leak free - other than direct higher pressure spray - spray hose or wind driven rain. I regularly check the dreaded rear light and after a good wash - for any moisture in under around the cushions and such. I am good to go for last year or so. While you are searching - put some thirsty towels under the windows - helps with discovery - and such.
As for you water inlet and flow complaints - mine work very well - I must assume yours are just restricted due to prior ownership letting bad water sit for to long - although I just don't understand how that would happen with normal h2o. I am not certain just bleach is the answer.
As for the AC - it sucks - as does mine. Dometic is slang for POS. The only solution is replacement with the newer designs.
Yes the cost seems to imply perfection - but as we have all found - that is a pipe dream.
A perfect Casita - to me- well - nevermind.
Good luck learning about YOUR Oliver- they all seem to have their own personalities.
RB
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Spending a week or two in Northern AZ - nice temps but dry as heck. Really good to be off the road - seems the "getting there" as easy as it is - is getting harder - or I'm just getting cranky!😖
Every trip we have taken since delivery day 2018 - we have folks who are interested in Ollie. 4 out of 5 stops we gave tours of our twin bed - solar Ollie. It never gets old - the comments on clean design and thoughtful construction.
Happy trails all!
RB
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For my money JD hit it squarely on the head - emergency should be the only reason to get agitated. - What your in a hurry to go sit in your flipping camp chair? please.
But - todays cultural norms lead to very different expectations - me, me, me ,me.....
Somewhere in Idaho- a very curvy and tight CG, a fellow in a very large MH was stopped squarely in the middle of the one way road. I waited a few minutes, nothing, I got out asked what was issue - MH would not start. I couldn't help, so my only recourse, back up to somewhere I could turn Ollie and me around. Getting upset had no benefits. Another time in Glacier - as I pulled up, and backed in to a site -- that the guy behind me thought was " a not gonna happen" - I nailed it first try (whew) he gave me a ovation. and they all went on their way. I am sure they were all groaning at first glimpse.
Cindy and I continue to improve in the backing and parking phase - sometimes it is great sometimes it is not. We do our best - and try to give others the benefit of the doubt .
I have a phrase for the impatient - but it is not for this forum.
As Tony Horton says - do your best - forget the rest.
RB
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Soooooo, last night of the first part of the trip. Gonna stay the night in an old junk yard. Route 66 Junkyard Brewery Grants NM. It is a harvest host stop. Have some brews and stay in the lot that was the junk yard. It is a different kind of place🙃
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Ditto. Just gave up.
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Dark horse podcast. Mostly - some kayak ww stuff. Nerdly yes.🤪
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2 hours ago, GAP said:
We have an E2, hull # 701.picked up in mid December. Just trying our air conditioner for the first real test. As soon as it started up, we could hear what sounded like the impeller was in contact with something that caused a loud noise. Seems like the blades are still turning but contacting something they are not supposed to be hitting. I looked at the AC material supplied by Oliver but there is no model ID info. I tried to call the company directly but their initial phone message stated that customers needing tech support need to have the model and serial number.
- does anyone know where to find that information?
- has anyone had a similar issue and, if so, how did you deal with it?
We are happy to open the housing to see what there is to see. Hopefully an easy fix but not sure whether to lift the shroud from the top of the camper or if there is a way to see the guts from inside.
Birds and insects love making a home in the housing. Hope that is the case.
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And mine just started making noise
Dang it. Domestic is horrible. I'd bet it doesn't have 30 hours run time.
I'll get up there and look next week 😡
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5 hours ago, topgun2 said:
BoB -
Exactly why do you keep picking the lower of the two numbers?😁
Is traffic EVER not weird?🙄
Ok i had to pick one of the highest $$ today. As everyone was hi priced today.
As an aside -since I was a little pup I have had memories of a place called "Clines Corners". I once had a CC pocket knife - long ago lost. So for some reason I seem to stop in on my westward trekking. It is nothing special. But we stop. Go figure 🤔
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I will add- until last month I didn't have any vehicle charge going through to the Oliver. The fuse was bad and I didn't know until I installed a DC plug in the bed area for my ARB. So I ran around on just solar charges all last summer- if not for ever. Never had an issue. yes it charged when on shore power. So I reckon it ain't all that bad if disconnected
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Elite2 2021 vs 2022
in General Discussion
Posted
Saving $$ is always good. I can't see any reason a 2022 is all that better than the 2021.
RB