Patriot
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Posts posted by Patriot
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1 hour ago, mountainoliver said:
Patriot, I’m curious? Your axle came with 1/2 inch U bolts? My 2017 came with 9/16 U bolts.
Does your trailer have 5200# axles? This Ubolt is what Dexter recommends for the larger 5200# axle.
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Having had our entire suspension upgraded to new 5200# axles and all new running gear last Oct by Oliver, I have opted to purchase and just carry a spare leaf pack and new Ubolt. We have a local Dexter shop and they had plenty of 4 leaf spring packs in stock. So for $61.76 I purchased a spare leaf pack.
I provided the tech with the SN’s of both my axles and requested a spec print or what I call a birth certificate my axles. This info goes into our travel binder. I would highly recommend getting this info from Dexter as it could come in handy while on the road.
Hopefully I will never need to replace a broken spring. But it’s not the end of the world if I do.
Only having 500 miles on my completely brand new 5200# suspension, and the low number of reported 4 leaf pack failures, and not wanting to ditch my 5 yr Dexter warranty by installing SOB, I opted to roll with this path forward. After my 5 yr Dexter warranty runs out I may opt to do something different. Maybe just add the Dexter 5 leaf pack for $279.80 plus tax and 4 new Ubolts. As far as I know there have not been any reported failures of the 5 leaf pack.
I do think the Alcan spring is likely a fine product and only time will tell with owner feedback.It’s just not how I am choosing to move forward at this time.
Cheers! And Go Camping! 😊
Patriot
This will pack up easily in my truck bed.
Torque specs provided by Dexter.
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18 hours ago, Geronimo John said:
Sherry:
In the military, and civilian life as well, when leadership does not keep their troops in the know; They begin to wander ever increasingly from the line of march. Ultimately the team will spiral down the drain tube of mission failure. From my perspective, that in the past has not ever been the OTT path.
Training of tech teams who will be "Authorized" to maintain OTT's is certainly something that must be done for the whole dealership concept to work. And there is no one better than the OTT Service Department to do so.
Is OTT obligated to tell us what their plans are. Of course not. But not doing so with respect to the changes being made is not logical. Why?
Good will is built over years and many thousands of encounters. It can be destroyed 1,000 times quicker than it can be re-built. It is the Service Department that IMO is primarily responsible for the huge Good Will that is demonstrated to the world many dozens of times a day. Hence, having the Technical Resources at the Mother Ship and this forum to help filter out the work load they see is imperative to the continued success and growth of OTT and their dealerships as well.
In some eyes, the Technical Advisory Role and Forum future are concerns by the owners that could continue to fester, or be put to rest in an excellent manner....It just takes communication.
GJ
GJ,
Very well stated. I received a call from Mike Sharpe last Friday. He did say that Oliver would continue to have a technical support staff that owners could call for troubleshooting.
- Patriot
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2 hours ago, Wandering Sagebrush said:
Art, I do the same… but they always loosen.
Locktite?
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25 minutes ago, aaronorange said:
Have you posted a list of authorized service centers? Been looking around online. It would be good to keep a list handy as we travel around the country. Thanks
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I am extremely disappointed to read this news for so many reasons. This has really caught us by surprise. 😕
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@Wandering Sagebrush It appears you own a Super Duty. I chose Lively Machine - https://www.livelymachine.com/custom crafted “ROCK STOPPERs” for our F350 Super Duty.
Here is why:
*Appearance
*Excellent Fit and finish
*Ease of install and removal
*Zero concerns with hardware loosening
*Custom direct fit into my existing OEM receiver sides.
*All aluminum and S/S hardware.
*Black powder coated aluminum tubing
*Anti sail weighted flaps.
*Most importantly excellent coverage and protection for the front of “XPLOR”.
Just another option.
Safe Rock Stopping Travels!
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Or maybe here. Viewer warning.
Once you start watching the shredder it’s difficult to stop. 😊
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Now congrats on your second Oliver in the family! 😊
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1 hour ago, Townesw said:
If you see water dripping from this bolt under the front center of your trailer look for a leak under the bathroom sink
In my case it was a split in the sink tailpiece. The split was on the side not visible so I didn’t find it until I removed the tailpiece.
I couldn’t find this style of tailpiece at any of my local hardware places including Lowe’s because most tailpieces are made for sinks with built in overflows. I finally found a tailpiece that would work at a place that had an old supply of mobile home parts. It was plastic instead of metal but it worked great. I will order another tailpiece, either this one or a metal one, to put in my parts box.
I cannot understand why the factory puts that fixed caddy under the bathroom sink. Sure, it’s no problem to remove and replace, but the fiberglass won’t stand the removal and reinsertion of the screws many more times. And when you remove, replace, and recaulk the caddy you have to wait until the caulk cures enough before you can use the shower. I will be installing a marine deck hatch in its place.
Super helpful post!
Thank you!
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On 12/26/2022 at 4:20 PM, Patriot said:
Coming soon the HM LP conversion kit for the 3200.
https://www.hutchmountain.com/collections/propane-natural-gas-conversions/products/honda-eu3200i-propane-natural-gas-gasoline-generator-tri-fuel-kitUpdate -
Just spoke with Derek at HM he said they are still working on an LP conversion kit for the 3200i. Maybe 6 months out?
I am on the order list when they have the product ready to go.-
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12 hours ago, Tim and Christie said:
Patriot, have you located a magnetic oil cap for the Honda 3200 yet? I can't find one.
Tim,
I have not. If I locate one, I will post up!
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20 hours ago, Jim and Frances said:
What do you all do to cover your generators when you need to run them and it's poring rain outside? I've seen some "covers" at the Jungle Store - not sure about them.
@Jim and Frances
Great topic!
I carry a generator and use this gentent when needed. It’s completely a 💯 flawed thinking anyone can run a generator in wet rainy weather or worse a down pour and think you are not risking exposure to electrocution.
I have a genttent for my eu3200i which packs up neatly in its own case. Gentent has a size to accommodate most if not all small generators. I have found their products to be very well made and stellar customer service. These covers do allow the heat and exhaust to escape as well. I don’t think you would be disappointed with their products.
I always carry our Suitcase 3200i as I never know when I may need it. I like options! 😊Safe Travels and Safe Camping!
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We only color in the states we camped overnight in.😊
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On 2/12/2024 at 1:37 PM, John Dorrer said:
As far as push button starts, not sure whether Ravelco can install in these late model vehicles.
Yes, Ravelco can be installed on late model push button start Super Duty Trucks.
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10 hours ago, rideadeuce said:
For me and everyone who owns an OTT E2, the issue is the 2 in BD coupler comes in 5k and 7k versions. They look identical except for a small gusset at the neck welded internally. During the build of Hull 308, a 5k coupler was used on my E2 by mistake and it failed while on vacation with my family.
Again, they look identical but the rating is stamped on top of the ball end of the coupler. Everyone with an E2 needs to check theirs to make sure it is a 7k version and not a 5K.Best,
Mike
So a 5000# BD hitch was installed where a 7000# BD hitch should have been installed.
Sounds like the cause of failure/issue has been identified.
I have not heard or read where any 7000# BD hitch has failed on an Oliver LEll. That said, all owners would be wise to periodically inspect their hitches for proper the weight rating and serviceability especially if you purchased an older preowned Oliver.
Other than this I will continue towing with 💯 complete confidence in my present 7000# rated BD hitch. I feel sure Oliver will address this issue with any owners IF they have a 5000# BD on their LEll and make it right.Again, glad you and your family are safe.
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Welcome to the forum! Lots of info and owner knowledge and experience to learn from here.
If you have time take the Oliver factory tour.Patriot🇺🇸
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Mike,
Wow. First and foremost glad you and your family are ok. Seeing the failure of your BD hitch is scary and deeply concerning to say the least. Oliver Service and the manufacturer of the Bulldog hitch should be made aware of this failure as soon as possible. This failure could have resulted in a really bad accident in so many ways. As others have mentioned take lots of photos, as every picture tells a story.
As time allows, please keep us posted on any further details if and when you learn the possible cause of this failure.
Again, most importantly, so glad you and your family are safe.Patriot🇺🇸
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38 minutes ago, MAX Burner said:
Good discussions and points of view regarding this "OTT Spring Issue". What a great group!!!
Speaking with Mike, I asked about ALCAN's track record, and can confirm @Patriot's comment that indicated they've never had a set of springs returned. Don't think Dexter can make that claim. But that's not the only reason why we're upgrading our suspension with ALCAN 5-packs.
OBSERVATION: There may be a couple "OTT owner" camps here - there are those owners that purchased their rigs new from Oliver and those, like us, that bought used. Those buying new know exactly where their rigs have traveled, they know the level of maintenance performed over the years, and they know what's been broken, replaced, and upgraded.
OTOH, those owning 2nd/3rd-hand Olivers have absolutely no clue how their treasured rigs were treated by previous owners, at least we sure don't. That said, especially concerning running gear, we don't take any chances and err to the side of safety. Short of taking our springs to an NDA lab for analysis (not a cheap date, either) - we've decided to go with the ALCAN 5-pack upgrade for peace of mind.
For those that choose not to have their springs NDA-inspected, having a spare in the bottom of the tool box might be a prudent action, IMO.
Totally agree with @hobo's assessment - $'s well spent. 'Nuf said here....
Cheers!
All good points Max. Just maybe if Alcan gets more orders and sales on board of the Oliver 5 spring pack they will consider increasing their warranty past 90 days. 👍🏻😊
Based on the very low number of leaf spring failures a spare is likely the way forward for us. Especially that we recently had Oliver install the new 5200# never lube axles and all new shocks, springs and EZ flex installed last Oct.
The good news is the 2 owners I know of older OLE2s with original Oliver installed 5 leaf packs have never had a failure.
You gotta do you! 😊Cheers and Onward!
Patriot🇺🇸-
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On 1/3/2024 at 7:50 PM, Jps190 said:
I replaced the original zamp panels installed by Oliver. I used 1/8 inch thick aluminum angle. I used 1 1/2 inch for the cross bars that I mounted to the existing Oliver installed brackets. I framed the panels with 1 1/4 inch angle down both sides. This frame was then bolted to the 2 cross bars. I’ll grab a few more pics tomorrow.
Nice work John. 👍🏻
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Congratulations Doug and Jill on Hull# 1491. Enjoy your delivery day and wishing you all the best in your travels!
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8 hours ago, jd1923 said:
Not fair to compare a small custom shop to Dexter. The $670 total for 4 custom leaf springs and required hardware is extremely fair. They could charge $995 and provide for a warranty. They are likely a small family-owned business and cannot have 5-years of future liability.
Your choice 1) Alcan, 2) find another supplier, or 3) buy Dexter springs with 5-year coverage for China junk, that has a high likelihood of failure. Have any of you filed warranty claims on your broken springs? I prefer the promise of craftsmen, and the product looks great in the pics, more HD in all aspects. I'd rather go better quality, less cost and forfeit the warranty. But that's me; one who NEVER pays for extended warranties (a hugely profitable industry).
If they are not right, you'll know in 90 days. And from what has been written here re their exceptional CS, they would likely work with you if their work was determined to be at fault.
If anyone’s custom shop is that good there should be no reason why they can’t stand behind their product 💯% with a very solid 3-5 year warranty. Mike at Alcan told me he has been in business 40 years and they have never had a broken leaf spring returned.
A 90 day warranty is honestly laughable on custom suspension leaf springs costing over $700.00.
Agree with @CRM stand behind your product if it’s as good as stated. Gotta have some skin in the game and up the warranty.Just an observation.
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Made in USA leaf springs
in Mechanical & Technical Tips
Posted · Edited by Patriot
Ok, so as far as I know, you would keep your same size Ubolts unless you upgrade to the 5200# axles. The 5200# axles are larger in diameter.