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herm

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Everything posted by herm

  1. Scubarx, I'd like to know more about your 2" receiver mod, because I'm also interested in adding this feature. It is fabricated from aluminum? Does it reduce your ground clearance? How exactly does it attach to the frame? I'm only looking for a single receiver, preferrably mounted on the centerline of the trailer. If anybody else has this option, I'd like to hear from you. Thanks.
  2. Bugeyedriver, Personally, I have no interest in cold weather camping, but Tigrrr brought up the statement about insulation and 4-season worthiness. For me, I winterize and park it from about end of Oct. to beginning of Apr., give or take. The good thing about the Oliver is, I should be fine just letting it sit outside during the off-season. I'm SOOO glad I won't have another rubber roof to worry about.
  3. I believe heated tanks (not just insulated tanks) would be necessary for true 4-season capability. The double hull design certainly provides some protection during shorter term cold snaps; however, I don't think I'd count on the heat loss from the interior shell to keep the plumbing above freezing when you're talking about long-term extreme cold conditions.
  4. Doug, thanks for the heads up on the solar option. If this means installing equipment now, I'm probably going to pass on this idea. I simply don't think I'll be able to get myself up to speed on the technology fast enough to make the right decisions. As long as I can run wire between the 2 fiberglass shells at a later time, I'm probably not going to bother with this right now. Coincidentally, I've also been working with Michelle, and she has also forwarded some of my questions to Robert. Your point is well taken that he is probably swamped with catching up from his absense, so I'm not going to push things. The anticipation is the most exciting part anyway, right?
  5. Bugeye, thanks for your suggestions. I'll have to ask the factory if there are add'l features/functions available only with the accessory thermostat. That would likely be the deciding factor. Regarding the tongue basket, I'm not too crazy about the idea of putting a lot of extra weight over the tongue, especially since nobody seems to be using weight-distributing hitches with these trailers. Alternatively, I'll probably just throw the generator in the TV and transport firewood and other items too filthy to put inside the Oliver on a cargo carrier at rear of the trailer, assuming the factory can provide a 2" receiver back there. Regarding 12V outlets, the new brochure states that the Elite comes with (3) of them, so I'm guessing that will suffice. However, I have yet to determine exactly where they are located, as well as the placement of the (4) 120V outlets. I'll be ironing out those details in the coming weeks, I'm sure.
  6. I was thinking the gas connection would be handy for fueling a portable BBQ or possibly a propane-converted generator some day. I was just trying to avoid buying those 1 lb. disposable bottles, but I suppose your idea is also a good solution. I like the idea of using composite LP cylinders too, including the ones on the trailer. Based on what you're saying, I'm not sure I'll get the add'l A/C thermostat. I thought it was a necessary item, and I have no problem using the controls on the unit. But, if it also controls the furnace (which I wasn't aware of), then maybe it's not such a bad idea. I guess I'll have to think about that one.
  7. Thanks, DougI. I'm not entirely new to RVing (just got rid of our 24' stick/tin trailer a year ago), but we always camped with electric hookup. So, I guess you could say we've been doing things the easy way. Sounds like I need to seriously consider ditching the standard charger if we want the freedom of running off of batteries and a generator. Being a sailor, I also understand the importance of maintaining/monitoring battery levels; however, I've never had to deal with things like satellite, TV, hair dryers, microwaves, etc. I guess you're allowed a few more luxuries in the RV world if you have the right equipment, and the consequences of draining the batteries are a little less severe.
  8. Speaking of chargers, does anyone know anything about the "45 amp charger w/ charge wizard" which comes standard on the Elite? Is that considered a smart charger? Will it work fine under both shower power and generator power? I wasn't previously even considering the inverter/charger option because I think I can get by with a cheap, portable inverter with a 12V plug...good enough for charging electronic devices. Other than a hairdryer, what types of things are people plugging in that require so much 120V wattage (and consequently a hard-wired inverter)?
  9. We just 'bit the bullet' last week, and are planning a late September pick-up of an Elite(much like DougI). Thanks to all who have contributed their expertise on this board. I am currently in the midst of trying to figure out what options to add/delete, and I thought I'd share where I'm at so far: -delete SAT antenna -add double-pane windows -add alum. spare wheel -add gas quick-connect -add A/C thermostat (though I'm wondering how the unit operates w/o one) -probably replace Dometic frig with larger Norcold frig -probably upgrade A/V & TV to AWM970 & JE1907DC (though I'm still not sure if that's good enough) -possibly add a 2" receiver for cargo carrier or bike rack (though I'm not sure if that's feasible given the bumper design) -possibly make it solar ready (wiring only?), since the roof space is there (though I have no intention of installing panels/controllers at the present time) If you think I'm overlooking something, please chime in. I should point out that most of our use will be at campgrounds with electricity, but I'd like to think we'll be more adventurous in the future...hence the decision to go with an Oliver.
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