SeaDawg

We've been using a loctite marine product, with good results, for a number of years.

With all new changes, and methods, there is definitely a risk. My experience with the Oliver family is that those risks are weighed carefully, and thoroughly. I was not excited, initially, about the new dealer plan, but I see it as a way forward for growth, and extended service, throughout the US, for them, and all of us.

Oliver cental is going to be open for pickup, from my understanding. I worked in a dealership network, in a different industry. To gain extended support (service in wide flung locations), some things must change. Heart doesn't. As #12, our factory pickup was actually within the factory. We had no factory service department til years later. But, we always had support. I'm counting on that.

When we bought our 2008, there was no Oliver Setvice department. We took a fly, anyway, after literally looking at hundreds of trailers, dozens of brands, for our "last" trailet. It has grown to be the best of the best. Jason and crew aren't going anywhere, they're instead expanding the knowledge base to the hand-picked, quality, small dealers. And,expanding the radius, for now, so people can get quality service much closer to home than Hohenwald. Imo. That training takes time, and face to face. Support will always be there. Even during the hiatus, we always got support. This is not your average company. Heart is there.

Split this, at thread starters request, to keep on topic. More great photos and comments welcome, here.

Congratulations! Nothing like a baby, as my mother in law always said. Enjoy your new family miracle!

Your profile shows a 2017. Even so, I'd open a service ticket. Those cracks look like the door was let go in wind, and stressed, to me. White duct tape will seal it for now. I'd guess a new door is in order. Imo.

We'll see. With our minimalist style, I'm still unsure if our plans will include lithium. We're installing it on the boat, but unsure about the trailer. Because, we're not sure we need it. We'll see.

We drilled smaller diameter pilot holes, as we always do. You can try the blue tape thing, I guess, though we've never done it. Pilot, followed by bigger hole. If you use butyl, all the holes will self seal. (We sealed old holes with epoxy) I know it's intimidating at first. But, it's not that bad. I'd guess total install time was two hours, or less. One on roof, one inside. We did "build up" a bit with butyl tape, if I remember correctly, for the slight incline, front to back of the hull.. Love the light. Also, make sure you read instructions for drainage hole placement.

Not a very warm winter here, but better than some regions. No snow, anyway! 😅

I think it's, the same, or a little better. The pull handle is inset further than our original ventline. That said, our ventline was a 2008. And, our Maxx dome install was probably 4 years ago . We do so love the overhead light. My husband is just under 6'. For reference. It's been all good.

It's not a big deal. We did this years ago. It's a terrific upgrade. Just do it. You'll be very happy. So nice to have an overhead light in the bath. We used butyl tape. Drilled small pilot holes. Once you've drilled a few, not so scary. Read the whole thread. Lots of great advice, from a number of installs.

I think it took us about three hours, to do all the windows, back over a decade ago. Fastest on a warm day. We've replaced a couple over the years. 20 minutes for one. Well worth the time.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/airstream-ranch

Scandvik catalog link. The one in above photo is likely the first, upper left. Our now 16 year old scandvik faucets in our trailer are still going strong, as are the 15 year old replacements we put in the boat. I like their quality. Good luck. https://www.scandvik.com/index.cfm?method=products_Category&catID=325

Back in the day,,several couples full timed in elites. Many of us still spend three to six months in our earlier elites, each year. Will you have a "base"? Tow vehicle? Pets?

Tito's! Always in the cupboard.

I think the coupler incident was a manufacturers problem Probably a one off, as said before. Hopefully However, everyone in that time period should check stamping.

Us, too. 40+ year old fiberglass boat. Built the house to 100+ year standards. We won't be around to see that, but, hey, maybe our daughter will enjoy it. My truck is 18 years young. Love it, every day.

They don't have to. So, why should they? I'd say, 2026 or better, before that happens, if ever.

That's our thought. We've talked about it, many times. Over the past 16 seasons, how would one of the others fared? Rubber roofs, interior rot, leaks, etc. I'm good with what I own, 16 seasons in. It was expensive, yes. The longevity, yes. Problem free? What? A few. Nothing major. In it for the long run.

Good for you that rooftop solar does the job. It does for us, most of the time. If we park in shade, or a string of bad solar days, we too have had the Coleman 100 watt panels (cheap at $1 watt) from Costco for many years. They work. The chintzy pwm controller onboard ours was not great. We rewired to send to our onboard controller. More complicated, more engineering required, but better connection, and less loss over distance. Portable solar is used by many here, either as primary, or secondary source. As secondary, most controllers play well with portable panels. Even if directly connected to battery, as I'm only guessing you do.Its not always evident which panels are supplying power, depending on your electronics. Simple truth is, batteries get charged, charging stops when necessary, and, done. We have solar on our house, boat, and trailer. Eay, quiet, and free. The coleman/costco panels aren't too heavy for me to deploy and move around, but aren't terribly efficient. They often do the "job." There are other much more efficient panels out there, now, with lighter weight, but, like you, we rarely use them,unless camped for a period of time, and, hey, we already own them. Right? Were I buying today, it wouldn't be the colemans. It is a great starter unit. Just big, and awkward to store, and carry, in my opinion. Vs power production. Not really meant for long distances of thin wire, beyond the short cable provided, in original oem package, imo. Back in the day, it was a great value. Today, I'd look for better production vs bulk_weight value. And, since most Ollie owners opt for a good sized solar package, it's a tradeoff. There are many suitcase solar packages ready or adaptable, or, made by ownet,that offer better bang for the buck, if needed.

Might be a y, not easy to tell from photo, but y capacity is still only 3600. The stout electric motors can surely pull more, but at what long and short range expense. Def not an x, based on door handle configuration. Not a safe combo for that big airstream, imo. We have a hitch on our tesla x, but choose not to tow. We have two perfectly capable trucks. Predictable. Battery chemistry continues to evolve. We'll all see what the future brings, if we're lucky enough to live so long.

Yup. For us, luxury is dry, warm, stuff that works. Easy tow. Easy entrance to campsites that sunblockers can't use. I never thought if our trailer as lux, til this conversation, but it truly is, for us. Loving my 2008.

2008. Times change, equipment changes. My guess is, a one off error We'll see.