BackofBeyond
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Posts posted by BackofBeyond
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It must be me, but after one looks at payload limits, max tow limits, and the fact that all 1/2 tons - with any motor selection, towing 7500 lbs.+ - , on western US grades, all are running at or near the top levels of their capibilities. Sure there are some great selections out there, but after running the numbers, the 1/2 tons were too near the limits for comfort. Just the payload numbers alone was a issue for me. But then, I tend to go for long trips, take lots of toys, and misc. stuff to enjoy the trip. Minimalism is fine when I'm hiking, but not when I can glamp.
I have decided, with what time we have left, I'm not settling for it will do. But then I'm prolly in the minority here.
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My only regret - not having the opportunity to use my Ollie - MORE! . But that will come...…..
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We purchased a 2018 GMC SLT 4x4 ,Duramax, double cab, 6.5 bed, specifically to tow our Legacy Elite II. Having spent a lot of time running around the west, looking for snow melt rivers and creeks to paddle, I understand the need for a tow vehicle that can handle elevation - up and down- with decent payload and tow capacities.
So far I am extremely satisfied with the vehicle. It handles the EII as if it was not there, but the real value is how comfortable the there and back trip has become. Although its early, I am getting about 15mpg towing, and upwards of 20 unloaded. I debated for a long time, but my 1/2 ton older GMC just didn't have the motor for the hills, let alone mountain passes.
From my view, this truck is the perfect choice in this case. The latest version of Duramax is all new beginning in 2017 models, it puts out the ponies and torque to handle anything I'll need, now and later. I've added a Leer camper top, front and rear mud flaps, weather tech mats front and rear, and a HD rubber bed mat.
And, with the 2019's arriving, one can get a decent deal on a 2018, still $$$$$, but better deal than 3 months back.
Good luck, let me know if you need more info.
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So I'm sitting around recuperating from a shoulder surgery (I'm not good at resting) and as I look out my window, wistfully thinking about my Legacy EII, I started mentally designing a longer/larger Ollie. With all the owner input from this forum I would imagine O management would end up with a really desirable model - Legacy EIII....owners edition.
I'm thinking - add about 3-4 feet in length, and perhaps a foot to the width -Does fiberglass construction support this - I would think so- probably add several hundred LBS. Set a 6-6.5k dry weight target, perhaps a 8.5k max limit, keep it dual axle. As for details -well- I might do something with the wet bath - but I really don't mind the current set-up. One thing I would do - is redesign the sleeping arraignment. Offer one floorplan - a twin bed/convertible setup that allows for increase sleeping area - sideways or lengthwise-yet sets up very nicely for day use as a sitting/lounging/media area. Maybe increase counter length in the sink area - turn the cooktop 90 degrees. Otherwise, I'm in good staid with my Ollie. Sure there is a few things to think about - but I want to hear your input
What would you Ollie owners design. Given a blank slate - what would you add, subtract, or redesign.
Now - back to regular programming.
RB
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It was all fake, I tell you - the earth is flat - don't you know - The E clips was just another deceptive government scare tactic - be safe - wear your tin foil hats at all times. For the less skeptical among us, however, it was something worth watching here in Middle TN. Great pic Bill. John as usual, really enjoy your sources.
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Although it just one more thing to store and keep up with - Covers stop almost all the harmful effects of the Sun - I need to either make some - or purchase- As for the protectant - not sure its worth the effort- perhaps. I hope I have a different problem - excessive tire mileage- wear them out before the Sun can do its damage!
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I doubt I would purchase the powered awning - I just like the simplicity of the manual, the convection oven, not sure, we have yet to use the microwave we have, I think it works....
I must applaud Oliver - they seem to listen to the owners- just look at the year to year improvements.
Perhaps one they should think about - a twin bed conversion to bridge the gap - I am doing my own - a simple design, easy to deploy - and uses cushions supplied in the couch option. I like the twin bed floor plan - but adding a "bridge" to increase useable sleeping surface area is something that just enhances our Ollie experience.
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neutral ground bonding plug.
This topic comes up more than it should. Seems a simple highlighted sentence in the Owners Manual -in a prominent spot - or in the Progressive Owners Manual would be a good idea. Or perhaps mentioned in the delivery discussion.
The EMS unit does a good job, but can be complicated, every O owner should read the manual thoroughly.
As a side note - I was impressed with the many additional adapter hardware included in the purchase - and have been further impressed with my Ollie each time I use it.
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Other than the Oliver suggested product - does anyone have experience with a good, tried and tested marine wax? I know from my experience, what works very well on modern automotive finishes - my marine knowledge is , well nonexistent.
Thanks in Advance
RB
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I am surprised a remote monitor has anything to do with the performance of the unit. I would think disconnecting the monitor would not affect the unit. Looks like I need to read the documentation. That's kind of like saying the remote start on the Xantrex inverter, if disconnected prevents the Xantrex from powering up from the faceplate switch.
Taking the remote out of the picture - should clear up the issue - if that is the fault - Before I read the manual - I'm betting there is something else happening, probably a grounding/neutral connection problem. Bad grounds cause electronic circuits to do weird things. But I've been wrong before.
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Feel free to contact me directly for any future trips, be glad to provide an on the ground report. Hope this helps, but probably not too encouraging.
Given the current situation out west, it helps to have someone "on the ground" to provide accurate info. If plans work out, we will be heading that way next spring - end of May through end of July. The last time we out that way, it was dry, but the fires were not much of an issue. We want to spend more time in the Montana/Idaho area this time. BC and the Yukon were just lovely, looks like it isn't right now.
I'm not sure what the answer is on these fires - lots of opinions- global warming/climate change or not.
RB
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I sent you an email yesterday. I would love to purchase one. ThanksRB
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Welcome Dave,
After having gone full circle, (several laps) around the RV universe, I ended up with an Oliver. It fits our needs, is robust, well built, thoughtfully engineered, and assembled by an organization of great and caring people. I don't say this lightly, it was proven to me. I encourage you to visit the factory, talk to the folks on the assembly line, and question everything about the Ollie. You may not buy one for some reason, but you will be impressed.
The people on this forum will try to answer all your questions, honestly, and love to talk about their Oliver TT. Wonderful people.
As for our choice, our past involved lots of back country, rivers and creeks, places off the beaten path, and we don't like excessive planning - i.e. reservations, and we wanted an RV that could function as a basecamp for fulfilling our wandering needs. The Legacy Elite II does that and also provides some luxury - the sort of comfort we once never thought was needed...… but old age well, it does make one softer, um, no - wiser.
Good luck on your search, if you are ever in our part of the world, come on by, we would love to show you our Oliver.
RB
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Not to be a smart ***, but as I try to go places where cell signals don't, I don't rely on them for weather - over time... especially in higher altitudes. Sure I'll look at the long range forecasts, but I often try to be prepared for whatever the season will throw at me. If there is something looming, I adjust appropriately, however, I must admit - I've never wondered about air quality. When we go out for a day long hike - I take the appropriate stuff, - just in case. If we are out for weeks - we just deal with what the day brings. Grin and bear it.
Course - I've been know to paddle whitewater while its freezing water on the paddle shaft, and icicles are forming on the rock ledges - and it was winter - sure it was gonna be cold, I was looking for the sun to come out, and if it did - mo better.
I love what technology, the WWW, and all these cool apps do for us, but to be honest, I don't rely on technology to keep me safe when I'm out side, well anywhere really. I'm convinced, Mother Nature goes out of her way to piss me off, so I just grin back, cuss a little, ok a lot, and go on.
By the way, John, you do post lots of really good information - please keep them coming.
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I contacted the park people, and a guy came by on a golf cart. He seemed pissed off at me. “I just rewired all of these last month.” He checked it with a multimeter, and said “it is fine” and quickly left. I checked it again, and it still showed the same problem.DavidS - It is unfortunate this happened, the situation had/has the capability to cause personal harm. I would guess the "guy" simply verified voltage, and blew you and the problem off. He should have been fired. It would take very little effort to correct the problem. The liability he assumed was much larger than he ever dreamed. Say Matteo would have been harmed, and later looked for compensation. Well ,we all know how that works out.
I never assume wire color means anything - always verify - is there voltage present and how much. Black, red, blue, etc. are not always "hot, and white is not always neutral. I do the same with grounds, if you cannot read voltage to ground, you have no ground.
As far as what to do when you have an problem in a RV site - I let the park management know - if it is simple and fixable - quickly - fine, otherwise I move to a site that is safe and working correctly.
To be clear - I am not one that worries about much - I take a few seconds, plug in a tester, if ok, I hook up and go about my business. If not, I make changes, its simple really. Life is to short to argue with folks to lazy take care of their business. But this dude needs retraining at the minimum.
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John,
Great effort, it certainly captures historical information. I looked at them, but not in great detail, although I'm pretty, or was, decent with spreadsheets, and data bases, my problem is keeping them current. Past performance is, in this case, accurate for me on future performance!
So - I usually - no - always end up with pen and paper. I've done so with my new TV, and will do so with the Ollie. Simple to keep up, no electronics needed, and user friendly. Documentation on paper, works for me in this case. Yet I know I could do better.
Kudos for your checklists - we used them this weekend - keeps my wife happy knowing everything is in ready order and good for launch. Its the teacher in her, herding kids all day requires rigorous systems, validation, and record keeping. Me, I'm a little more relaxed here, she contends I just "wing it" but I know the value of documentation. I just do it in my head. So thanks again.
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I use the simple circuit tester to verify correct polarity. (Because I already had it) If somehow, the plug source was incorrectly wired, or has more than the required 120 volts, I don't believe you will get the correct indications. If I was to guess -excessive voltage will damage the tester. If it was wired incorrectly say 208/240 volts you will know it then. I use the progressive remote read out to verify voltages otherwise. I am as leery of high voltage as I am low voltage. RV park electric service design is not always as it should be...…..
On longer trips, where I will be far away from home, my tool box expands - I'll carry a handy dandy - economical digital multi meter - a Harbor Freight special. But at some point , the service power - its correct or not - find another spot that is. Twice -I've run across ones that were not.
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Strange, given that the voltage is the same, whether you use an adapter or not, as long as ground, neutral, and "hot" legs are connected correctly, the cord has no way of knowing what kind of connector your using, at any amperage. It should see 120 volts AC. I just checked mine, connected to the factory supplied Furrion cord, with an adaptor to a 15 amp rated extension cord (14 awg), and all is well, blue light as normal. (I use this set-up when not running AC, and to far from power source for current cord)
If yours is not blue, or red, I would suspect a faulty cord, but to be sure, you should verify voltage, polarity and grounding on your home power source.
KWRJRPE: You will invariably find that 25' of power cord is not enough - as such - a simple 30 amp cord, which contains at least 10 awg conductors, from 25' to 50' will suffice in most any situation. You can daisy chain them with the Furrion, but make sure your additional cord has the correct end connectors - in my situation I use the Furrion, and add the additional cord - with straight connectors, a twist lock will not fit the male connector on the Furrion. You can use whatever adaptors needed. 30 amp, 50, amp, 15 amp, or any 120 volt, correctly wired shore power receptacle will work - as long as you don't over load the circuit.
Additionally, - the progressive unit provides useful information if you pay attention. In addition to any fault codes, the unit displays voltage, amperage and hertz. All but the Hz can change as you add additional power draw, additional cord length, underrated cord ampacity (small household type ext. cord) Voltage will drop as the load goes up, if supply cord is overloaded, or length is excessive, and you can monitor amperages as different loads are added. i.e., AC unit.
As an example - My home static voltage is 124 volts, 60 hertz. Using just the 25' , 30 amp cord with Ac on, I will see as high as 19 amp draw, voltage drop is negligible. Now as I moved the trailer to a spot 50' away I have to add a longer, smaller rated cord, a 12 awg heavy duty cord, with an adapter, connected to a different 20 amp household receptacle. My voltage dropped to 119, amperage was similar. To much voltage loss and you risk damaging your AC, and perhaps melting a plug end, cord or worse. I tried a longer - 14 awg cord, and my voltage went to 110 - not sufficient - I went to the heaver duty cord. (Yes, I have way to many electrical cords - from my construction days.)
For this reason, I usually verify voltage, and polarity when connecting to new power sources, and then take a look at the readings on the progressive, once the loads are added. For the most of the time there will not be an issue - but it takes just once - if not protected - as the progressive unit provides.
Sorry if this is TMI. or confusing.
RB
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Wow, you are fortunate, the Progressive Industries surge protector was worth its weight in gold. Glad to know it works as designed. Your experience, unfortunately, is not a one off, it happens more than folks expect. As has been stated, RV park power should not be trusted until proven correct. Not only incorrect construction, but low voltage will cause RV electrical system failure, not to mention personal harm in some situations.
I just completed my own home 30 AMP outside power enclosure. Many, many years ago, I made a living as an Electrician, and even with the training and experience you have as a professional, you always verify voltage, grounding, wire and plug amperage capacities, and in this case GFCI protection.
If you hire the work out, you must tell the installer it is 120 volt, 30 amp, single phase. John's diagram is a good reference, but not infallible - some people can screw up anything.
RB
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I finally got time to hitch up my EII to my new truck, and headed out to the local Cat Scale for a weigh in. It was about a 100 mile round trip, which quite nicely included 10 miles of I-24 through one of the worst thunderstorms I've had the pleasure of entertaining in some time. Winds were sideways to my direction, and rain hard enough that vision was extremely difficult above 20-30 mph. I must admit there was no discernable sway/shake, and the truck/trailer combo handled better than I had imagined. I have the Anderson hitch attached, although I initially purchased it due to my former truck's lower tow capacities. Not sure it makes much difference in the current set up, but the ride was very good overall at all speeds. Performance was also pleasing, with 65 mph very un-interesting, relaxing really, and getting up to Interstate speed took little effort. The Duramax is really impressive mated to the Allison transmission - Tow haul mode works very cool when off the throttle and coasting to slow.
For those so inclined, the certified Cat Scale numbers are as follows:
Steer axle: 4660lbs
Drive axle: 3960lbs
Trailer axle: 5200lbs
Gross weight: 13820lbs
The truck with full tank, no people, scales at approx. 7800 lbs. Trailer had a full fresh water tank, and I'm 190 or so.
Not sure what tongue weight is, but the bed barely moves when dropping the Ollie onto the ball.
The 2018 GMC 2500 4wd, crew cab max numbers are as follows - GCWR-25300, trailer - 13500, payload - 2226. For towing with this set up, the Ollie is not an issue - full or otherwise.
Hope some find this helpful, or at least interesting.
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For clarity - As long as your window and door screens are in good condition, "bugs" have but the vent tube to gain entrance - which is attached into the head fan/vent tube, and eventually into the head. A simple screen on the entrance is a simple mod. A bag has no effect on the bug issue as previously detailed.
I would suppose - if there are a few other entrances - entry would be possible - but not likely, as it is the "perfume" that attracts, and the vent area is concentrated.
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Welcome Popcorn Billy. The Oliver forum is filled with great information and wonderfully generous participants. You will be more than satisfied with the Oliver.
RB
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#359, delivered July 19, 2018. The Natures Head was fused at 2 amps. The fuse panel , however listed it as 1 amp. No issues so far. Will do the vent screen mod soon.
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No problem on 2018 GmC 2500
Who is towing with a Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax?
in Towing an Oliver
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Good for you, I did not purchase the ext warranty. As for the fuel mileage, beware of what the computer tells you. I figure mine at fuel ups, it is the absolute best way to get it correct. The computer has several settings, all of which use different data points. Also, when engine regen happens, fuel mileage goes south. Have fun.