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Everything posted by katanapilot
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SeeLevel sensors integrated with Victron system
katanapilot replied to rideadeuce's topic in Ollie Modifications
Thanks for the chart. That is the info I was looking for. As to the SeeLevel - I did purchase the new panel with the Cerbo connector. The panel did not work when connected to the existing Molex connector. Do you know if this panel gets its power from the Cerbo connector or the standard connector? -
Made in USA leaf springs
katanapilot replied to Mountainman198's topic in Mechanical & Technical Tips
I was going to ask the same thing. I’m pretty comfortable with a 4 leaf full length spring made with US steel and a 2000 lb rating. -
SeeLevel sensors integrated with Victron system
katanapilot replied to rideadeuce's topic in Ollie Modifications
Probably a bit unusual of a question, but - What configuration settings are used with 30lb propane tanks and Mopeka sensors for the Cerbo? Specifically, the tank capacity (7 or 8 gallons) and empty and full sensor reading height? I had guessed about 20 inches (50.8cm) for full height, but not sure that is correct. And did you have to rewire the connector to the SeeLevel when you replaced it with the newer panel? I tried the connector removed from the original SeeLevel and it did not work with the new panel. I'm not referring to the RJ-45 connector that goes to the Cerbo, but the original one that gets power and data from the fluid level sensors. -
Made in USA leaf springs
katanapilot replied to Mountainman198's topic in Mechanical & Technical Tips
I am ordering the 4 spring version of the ALCAN springs. Lew continues to recommend the 5 leaf (2700 pound rating) spring, but like GJ and others - I believe that is too stiff a spring for our Oliver. I plan to replace the shocks as well during the upgrade. -
Uh, maybe? My house is surrounded by a moat filled with hungry crocodiles and piranha plus a security system of flesh burning lasers with motion sensors. Inside is a herd of trained attack bunnies (ala Monty Python and the Holy Grail). Good catch, I didn’t even notice.
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Anyone have an update on how many burners have been replaced? Sure has been quiet. I never heard back from Truma on replacing the entire unit at my cost, nor have I heard anything from Oliver on parts availability. Disappointing on both fronts.
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Finally had time to get the replacement burner ends TIG welded and installed in the trailer. The welds are not pretty. It’s tough to weld thin, galvanized steel. The original burner was pristine looking and I crimped the ends of it without issue. I have no idea how long it will take for Oliver to get to me in the recall queue, but I’m very comfortable with the security of the burners.
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Made in USA leaf springs
katanapilot replied to Mountainman198's topic in Mechanical & Technical Tips
Has anyone been able to get leaf springs (like the ALCAN) in a slightly lower weight rating? I would like to do this modification, but like GJ, I am a little concerned about the additional stiffness of the ALCAN springs and the long term effects on the Oliver. I would prefer to do the ALCAN mod versus the PR4 Dexters, but I need to resolve my concerns first. -
Agreed. Even the hybrids (which were excluded from the current recall) are failing. Same engine, so it's not really a surprise. Really disappointing, as I was hoping this would be my next truck. Fortunately, the 5.7 V8 is hard to kill.
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I have not, but it sounds like I need to add this to the periodic maintenance inspection checklist!
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Don’t know if this is the issue, but not all Loctite products are suitable in high heat environments. Something like Loctite 246 might be a good choice. I don’t know if these burner screws get hot, but if they do - investigate the use of a medium or high strength thread locker designed for high heat conditions.
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4 down, 796 to go. Gonna be a long thread. Happy for you guys, but not happy overall.
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Victron Multiplus II 3000 - Installation Xantrax Removal
katanapilot replied to Ty J's topic in Ollie Modifications
Finally finished the Victron system retrofit. Everything seems to be working well and playing nicely with the other components. Haven't modified the truck yet with the DC cables to power the DC-DC charger, but no reason to think it won't work properly. Still a little programming to do to get all the settings and configuration correct. The Victron stuff is top notch and would be a good option for a premium package from Oliver. -
My daughter sent me these pictures today of an Oliver at her camping event and then following it part way back to Tucson.
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Glad to hear you had your AquaGo fixed per the recall. I expect the Oliver is doing all they can given the lack of parts availability from Truma. Yes, this is very frustrating for me not knowing when the parts will be available for our repairs. It would also be helpful to have a little more guidance from Oliver as to the risks involved with using a recalled AquaGo.
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I'll try to get that posted next week. Sorry, been busy with higher priorities. And yes, I think a TIG weld or even some high temperature metallic epoxy would do the job. https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-37901-Temperature-Resistant/dp/B01IBOBY74/ref=asc_df_B01IBOBY74?mcid=8379611e6f663b5f9dd162baf3db4633&hvocijid=6621279464323635468-B01IBOBY74-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6621279464323635468&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010892&hvtargid=pla-2281435178858&th=1
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Excellent question. 1. Primary concern was that repeated heat/cooling cycles on the burners had heat treated the burners and made the ends brittle. Crimping these burners might lead to cracks. Then the WH would be a brick until I could obtain and install a new burner. 2. Lacking a service/repair manual, I was a bit concerned about pulling the burner. I consider myself pretty handy, but I didn’t want to damage the WH by doing something stupid. Having a burner in my hands gave me more confidence in what would be needed to remove and replace said burner. 3. Given a very unknown lead time and lack of any real guidance from Oliver regarding the risks of operating a recalled AquaGo - I wanted to do something to reduce the risk. If they are only getting 15-20 burners per month (and OTT service was not even confident in that number) - the possibility of years before repair was unworkable for me.
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My comment was meant for another poster (not the OP). This poster, who fortunately for them had Oliver repair their recalled AquaGo - told the rest of us that were waiting for our repair - to "just hook up and go camping". I found that comment to be tone deaf (and still do). Fortunately for me, I was able to buy a new burner off eBay, crimp the uncrimped ends and check the torque on the fittings. Not everyone (and I suspect most of the effected 800) are able to do this, nor should they be expected to do so. I think using an unrepaired AquaGo is risky and so "just hook up and go camping" is not a practical answer for many.
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Question- do you have a front shore power outlet? If so, the transfer switch is probably wired to the two shore power outlets. Mine is, so it remained installed with the Victron. There was a good bit of rewiring on the AC lines required when I replaced the 2kw Xantrex with the 3kw Victron MP2. You can pass all the shore power through the Victron which was not possible with the Xantrex.
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Not entirely sure Truma is providing much support to Oliver for this recall. They seem to be fighting a "global" recall of the AquaGo and Oliver is the only one (so far) that has initiated a recall for these units. "I have not read or heard of any Oliver’s or other RVs equipped with the Truma Aqua Go burning down." Not yet, anyway...
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At 15-20 replacements per month, it could be three or more years. Hopefully, Truma will up their production rate for Oliver (not holding my breath) and/or there will be another terminating action on the recall versus complete burner replacement. As I was able to crimp the uncrimped ends of the replacement burner I bought, it seems like a similar action could be taken on in-service units to mitigate the risk of the burner tubes coming loose.
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All I know is there are 800 affected units from Oliver. Service told me they “might” get more than the 15-20 units per month that they had previously gotten from Truma. Others have posted that they believe Truma is in no hurry to supply Oliver with these parts as Truma did not believe a recall was warranted. I bought a new burner from an eBay seller and modified the burner ends to match the current build spec. I’ll install that and use it until Oliver gets to me in the recall queue. It’s a tough spot to be in as there is a risk of fire if you use your recalled AquaGo. Oliver has not been very informative as to whether or not you should or should not use a recalled unit. I suspect if they told us specifically not to use the water heater - there would be a lot of unhappy customers amongst the 800 or so - especially given the unknown lead time of parts availability and replacement.
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Yes. I have the Houghton/RecPro 13.5k heat pump which draws quite a bit less than the Dometic turbojet penguin. I want to add a soft start to the Houghton to reduce the inrush current. I have no idea yet how long the Houghton will run off the batteries, but it will start. My hope is it’s long enough to cool the trailer down at a lunch stop.
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I have not added up the total. I believe I am less than $5k all in. Many hours of my (unskilled) labor, though. This upgrade (just completed) included (3) BB 100ah batteries, all Victron components. MP2 inverter/charger, MPPT solar charger, Cerbo GX plus display, Lynx distributor (fused bus bar), Lynx smart shunt, VE Bus dongle, DC-DC charger - plus a lot of new/ cleaned up wiring. I rearranged the factory 120 volt wiring to have all power pass through the MP2 before going to the C/B panel. I can now run the air conditioner off the 3000 watt inverter. So far, everything tests good. Have a week of camping planned next week at SNF to really shake it down. Anyone in the Atlanta area needing a Xantrex 2K inverter/charger or a Zamp solar controller - let me know.
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5 year old trailers have a systems warranty? Didn’t know that!