SeaDawg

A sidenote. Our microwave died from lack of use, since we have no inverter, and rarely have 120 hookups. Our cabinet revision is in the same thread. I'm very happy with it. Raspys mod is really good for folks who still want a microwave, but want extra storage. And, can live with a small microwave.

Near the bottom of this thread are two photos of Raspy's microwave cabinet. Very nice. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2335-cabinet-to-replace-microwave/page/2/

Ospreybob, do you have solar on your trailer? We don't have any trouble, on good days, keeping up with the dc compressor fridge traveling with 200 watts of solar. Rainy days, yes, but even then, I'm usually not down below 75 to 80 per cent on arrival, with my puny batteries, with just the dc fridge running all day, if we start pretty full. Depending on ambient temperature, our fridge seems to use 2.5 to 3.5 amps per hour. Startup cool down, of course, is more. I think the Novakool, which I'd love to have, uses a bit more, because of its size. Adding insulation to the cavity helps, of course. As does keeping the fridge at least 50 per cent full of cold food or liquids, as a cold sink. So, in my opinion, you may "want" a dc to dc charger, but you may not "need" it, depending on many factors. Everyone's needs are different.

Hi, Raspy! Great to see you here again. I see you occasionally on another forum, but I don't post there much... I've seen your videos for the new trailer online. Well done! Thanks for dropping by, and don't be a stranger. I still remember, and love the stainless countertop you did on hull 92. Don't know who is enjoying it now. They may not be active on the forum.

Several of us have done this. I'll look up some threads for you. I think the Novakool probably offers the biggest capacity for the existing cavity, but there are a lot if choices. In our smaller Elite, we installed the very reasonably priced Truckfrudge tf130 over three years ago, as it (barely) fit through our narrower opening between shower door and microwave cabinet. That opening is larger in the II, so you have more choices . I'd loved to have installed freezer and fridge drawers, but felt it was too pricey. The swap was pretty simple. (Our Dometic three-way no longer worked, and required replacement. ) I gained about. 5 cubic ft. Of refrigerator space, and a drawer beneath the fridge. With the Novakool, you'd gain over 1 cubic ft., as I recall. All the choices that I know of use the same Danfoss/Secop compressor. Since you have lithium, you shouldn't have any trouble running on battery. It's much more of a challenge for us, with only two 105 ah agm batteries, but we manage. Edited to add links.

Looks like a great little speaker. I like the idea of being able to move it around, from trailer to outside, to home when not camping. And, the ip67 rating and waterproof capability is super for outdoor use. Really nice to be able to charge wirelessly, or usb. I wonder if the builtin battery is replaceable? Thanks for the info, and the great reviews.

Pat, the box you showed looks really nice. Great to have the integrated lights. Is this the company you purchased yours from? https://www.stowaway2.com/hitch-cargo-boxes

@John & Nancy We've used a variety of methods for attaching things to the walls--suction cups, vhb tape, industrial velcro, command strips, and mechanical fasteners. I hung the towel holder on the underside of the cabinet for a few months with industrial velcro. After I was sure I liked it there, Paul lifted the mat on the bottom if the cabinet, drilled through, and fastened with small stainless bolts, washer, and nuts. Been there for over a decade now. The organizer baskets on the backslash walls are held with strong suction cups. The sink is ready for travel, holding tea kettle, coffee urn, and towel. You can see the edge of the towel holder to the right of the sink.

I'll bet they do! Like a tree house. I know you're all going to love this. Your grandkids are adorable.

So, pardon the questions.. Who did the conversions on your van? Tim Dahle on the 4 x 4? The poptop? Looks really nice. How do you like it?

Hi, and welcome. Pictures are not only allowed, but enjoyed. Looks like a great solution for camping with the grands. There's another owner towing with the nv, but I don't think the 3500. Enjoy your tour. Ask lots of questions there, and feel free to ask here, as well.

Agreed. Use the tent camper sink for dishwater, if one is available. Even if grey water dumping is allowed, running a longer hose, away from your campsite and your neighbors, is the right thing to do. I've personally seen some disgusting trails left behind at campsites where unknowing, or uncaring, campers let it go, probably just before they left. Stinky, attracts vermin and/or bears, and totally unnecessary. (Same type who leave unburned or unburnable trash in campfire rings, as well. 😒)

When you conserve fresh water, you also limit grey water . Overland started a great thread on limiting freshwater some time back. There are others on here, too. I'd also suggest, if you know you have more time than tankage, that you think about other measures. Think more like a tent camper to extend capabilities. For example, I routinely wash dishes only once a day, outside, using dish pans and about a quart of water. Shower at campground facilities, if they exist, or shower outside. Brush teeth and wash your face in the morning outside. (It keeps the bathroom cleaner, too.)

Especially the zamp. Really nice, and very efficient, but pricey. If somebody stole my old $100 Coleman panels, I wouldn't be too stressed. I'd be very stressed if I had a more expensive system. You already have ordered almost 4x the useable battery power that we have in our 2008 shorty. That can sustain you a long time, with conservation. Guessing you've quadrupled or better the available power from the normal single Casita group 27, so there's that to consider, too. (That can put a serious damper on boondocking.) It's a balance, and personal (and budget) choice as well. We're committed to making our own power, from renewable resources, as much as possible. We're also committed to conserving power and water, wherever we are, at home, or camping or sailing. If, however, you usually camp with hookups, and boondock three or four days at a time, you probably don't need rooftop solar.

Also, read this.. https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/how-much-solar-do-i-need-on-my-rv/ Not everyone depends on solar. It's our lifestyle choice, at home and on rhe road. Since you full time, it's a big decision.

I've never found it to be a big deal to just close up the trailer and drive. But then, we don't camp much out in the heat of the west. If we do go west, it's usually early spring, so not hot.

That depends on where you are camping. In the arid west, it's perfectly ok in many places, as long as you're dumping only "clean" grey, away from the site. In many places in the east, this could garner a heavy fine. Best to ask and know, ahead if time. Also, scrape and wipe dishes before washing, so you're not emptying food particles, wherever. Better for your tank drainage, better for everyone.

Btw, 3m UltraMarine is no longer available. We switched to Collinite paste wax. Also high quality, high percentage of carnuba.

Your photos are beautiful, as always. And I appreciate your thoughtful comments on your experiences.

I did that once accidentally (left the bath window open.) It created a bit of a suction effect, but I don't have any vents to/from the bathroom.

Only ask, because we camp in bear country a lot. I wouldn't argue, either. 😄

Have you thought about not running the fan, and just opening the bath window a bit, instead?

Landrover, is that one of the bear proof models? Looks pretty rugged. I've not seen those in person.

Johnwen, do you boondock much? Travel a lot? Camp normally with power? All these things contribute to the decision. Even if you have rooftop solar, you still need a separate controller for the suitcase solar, as the Oliver port (like those installed by virtually everyone) goes to a fused line to the batteries.

Having extras for the spares also means you can swap out a failed sensor and send it in for repair. Tst has always turned ours around in less than a week, but having a spare to use gives peace of mind during repair cycle.