SeaDawg

I know this will be a serious disappointment, but the 1973 specs (with tow package) only allowed 100 lbs tongue weight, and an 800 lbs tow rating. 😅

I think it's in the plastic, but not sure. Houghton has always touted "high quality" plastic and uv resistance. Important to us in Florida, but even more so in Australia. We took it out of the box to check it out. Our old Dometic shroud is much thinner. And, the shroud is cracked in so many places that it's probably 20 per cent Eternabond tape, now. (Before anyone gets riled up, our unit is 13 years old, sits outside 24/7/365 , still works, and I could have bought a new shroud.) We really wanted the new unit for space considerations for the sidemount solar adjustment, increased efficiency, and the quiet.

Our Houghton 2801 (9500) arrived today, via FedEx freight. As AC units go, it's quite sleek. And, at the same time, seems to be pretty stoutly built.. Between removing the old Kingdome, and replacing the taller Dometic AC, we should pick up a few inches of height clearance. Our 9500 is cool only, (no heat) unlike Katanapilot's bigger 13500 unit. We were ok with that, as we needed the rooftop real estate for the bigger solar panels we added earlier, and room to adjust them. Everything is a tradeoff in replacing equipment. I doubt this will move off the bench this week. We have sailing plans this weekend. We'll see.

A question, Patriot. Is it easy to move the vanes of the blind without opening the door? You can reach the slider thru the little opening for the door handle in the screen door?

Looks great! I'm sure you will enjoy it!

The best boss I ever had shared this advice with me, "Talk to your people ever day. And listen. You can learn something every day, from anyone. The newest and least experienced guy in your group may just have a new insight or a great idea." I tried to follow that advice. And, I still do. Personally, I welcome the questions from new members, even if the question has been asked before. I don't mind looking up old threads, and adding links, either. Some people don't have the same skills, or time, that others do. I also very much appreciate the input from older members, who are so generous and kind with their responses, time, experience, and expertise. All if this is why, in my opinion, we have the best forum. It's welcoming, and interesting. And quite often fun. I will open a discussion on FAQ on the moderators' forum. Maybe a group of pinned topics could be helpful. We'll see. Sherry

Probably my smaller Elite, but I think the Elite II might require oxen. An Anderson yoke?

Hi, Fritz. I came across this blog post on diy window awnings using pvc pipe and big command hooks. https://wackypup.blogspot.com/2017/06/easy-pvc-awnings-for-your-camper-fully.html?m=1

It helps keep the door closed a lot more. Which helps to maintain a steady fridge temp, and also minimize ice /frost buildup. Traveling in cooler temps the cooler is in the truckbed. If it's hot out, in the backseat of the truck, and the dog has to share her lux space. Our friend has a 12v cooler. He keeps it on the backseat so he can plug it in. Those are nice, and maybe someday we'll get one.

Rideandfly, that is really helpful info. I don't think anyone has gone into so much detail before on lp use for the fridge.

I'm glad you have been successful with the dc, Maniac. That should be helpful to dewdev. You both have Elite IIs, right? We have half the battery power you have, in our Elites. Our battery tray in our 2008 is smaller, accommodating only two batteries.

I can't really comment on fridges in summer desert temps, as we try to avoid that scenario. We only tried running the older threeways a few times on dc. They were super greedy on power, rapidly runningdown the trailer batteries. Decided, for us, it was a really bad idea. Absorption fridges are generally considered most efficient on gas, then 110. Dc last, and least.. I don't honestly know anyone who runs on dc on a 3way, for long. I can see why you had to resort to it, if your fridge was pilot lit. That's a bummer.

Congratulations! @katanapilot Our unit was in Jacksonville, yesterday. I'm figuring tomorrow or Tuesday for delivery. One of our younger and stronger friends volunteered for this coming or next weekend install. (Getting 90 pounds off the roof can be tough.) Weather permitting. I'm looking forward to seeing the unit, in real life. I bought a leisure coach closed cell foam gasket. It's returnable. We'll see if we want to use it or not. It's a really nice, one piece seal, (no joints or seams) if anyone needs to replace an old gasket. Roughly $20. I'm really excited for you on the noise reduction. That's amazing. I'm also interested in the heat pump, and especially the separate dehumidifier setting. Again, congratulations. Ps, recpro has a 10 unit limit on orders. Guessing they don't want corporate bulk buys, yet.

We did the same. My local guy is honest. He stocks metal stems, but told me mine were fine to reinstall.

No, I am not recommending for your Ollie. But, I know some folks had trouble keeping their homes heated during this crazy winter storm. And, you might be looking at alternatives to electricity and gas to supply auxiliary or emergency heat. I stumbled on this today. 26 per cent tax credit, just like solar, through 2023, for high efficiency biomass heating, (75 per cent and above) including flues, installation fees, etc. The government website hasn't been updated yet, but I saw this on several sites, with links back to the code passed in December.

Propane use is also dependent on ambient temperature. The hotter it is outside, the harder your fridge works, burning propane to stay cold. The other thing I've found to be helpful in limiting propane consumption when boondocking is turning on the water heater only when we need hot water. I often do dishes outside, with a tea kettle of hot water, heated on the stove. And, one additional hint on loading the fridge. I found that loading too many heavy items (drinks, etc.) On the door could make the door seal poorly. You know the old dollar bill trick to check the seal, right?

With 30 gallon propane tanks, you're pretty much golden. In the summer, we're not running the furnace, and our 20 lb. tanks would last for three weeks to a month, when we had the three way fridge. (I don't cook a lot inside, especially in summer. Usually, just a pot or two of coffee, maybe pancakes or oatmeal, etc.) You can make your propane last longer, and your fridge stay cooler, by limiting how often you open the door. Keep things in designated spots, so you're not rummaging around. Don't block the "fins," or pack the fridge shelves so tight, that air can't circulate. A remote thermometer can help you monitor temp, so that you run it at the best setting. We also often use a cooler with ice for drinks and water bottles. As far as driving with the propane on , that's your decision. We're in the camp that did. Others will say it's dangerous, but I personally think that goes back to the days when the fridges ran on a manually lit pilot. Turn off at gas pumps and tunnels, of course. We were never successful running on 12v on the 3way, on a long day's drive.

Actually, some places in Florida do have lizard warnings when it gets very cold. The iguanas start falling from the trees. Since they revive when warmed, it's not recommended that the general public pick the up. Even with a lizard shovel. https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/look-out-below-falling-iguanas-in-south-florida-possible-as-temperatures-dip-nws-says/2373858/

I think the very best time to buy a travel trailer is when you have the time to use it. We never looked at our Ollie as a financial "investment, " but we do feel we've had a great return in memories and fun.

Thanks, Andrewk, for the current info. So many things change, over time.

Thanks. We mostly used items on hand, and a trip to IKEA. Their blum made hinges are awesome. We really find the cabinet to be an asset. Do realize, we didn't line ours, or build it out, other than the side plywood panels, so ours is a bit bigger than the factory cabinet.

My local guy is easy access, and no, I don't have to remove tires. Only my local Walmart asks me to do that. I'm only willing to do that for boat trailer tires, when rhe trailer is empty. Every place is different, so a good conversation ahead of time is important. And, scout ahead, as John suggested.

@LongStride, I think that's a good plan. In our older elite, the outlet was inside the microwave cavity, under the cabinet. But, I've seen other discussions indicating it has moved, over the years . When you get your trailer, it would be great if you would post current dimensions and outlet location.

I think I'd wait on making changes to the door assembly, til you have it in hand, honestly. The bath door is not likely to support the weight of dense teak, imo. It is made to support the glass mirror panel, and vibration of travel. But, it's not a heavy hinge assembly. At least, not in our 2008. Anything can be modified, but, I'd wait to see what you're working with, imo

I would check with my rep on current dimensions of the replacement box. It seems to change. Did Anita tell you if you could actually access the outlet above the cabinet, directly? In not trying to be contrary, just know that things have changed, from year to year.