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Everything posted by SeaDawg
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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.
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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.
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POLL: Balance your trailer tires.
SeaDawg replied to John E Davies's topic in Mechanical & Technical Tips
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.
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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?
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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.
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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/
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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.
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Thanks, Andrewk, for the current info. So many things change, over time.
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Question about no-microwave option on the smaller Oliver.
SeaDawg replied to cbrucecampbell's topic in General Discussion
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. -
POLL: Balance your trailer tires.
SeaDawg replied to John E Davies's topic in Mechanical & Technical Tips
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. -
Question about no-microwave option on the smaller Oliver.
SeaDawg replied to cbrucecampbell's topic in General Discussion
@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
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Question about no-microwave option on the smaller Oliver.
SeaDawg replied to cbrucecampbell's topic in General Discussion
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. -
It's mounted on a velcro strip. You can easily remove it.
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A link to andrewk's original post:
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Yes, and it is covered in the same fabric as your cushions. Most of us call it the head bump cushion.
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I don't know if you have power to see the forum, but I, and many of us, have been thinking of you,,and hope you are doing ok .
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At least a few people in Texas are really glad they got the new F150 with onboard power. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2021/02/18/texas-power-outage-storm-blackout-ford-f-150-generator/6797103002/
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There are a lot of charming places in Florida that are not on the coast, or at least not the sand beaches that everyone thinks of when they hear the word, "Florida. " We have a real fondness for some of the sleepier, old Florida towns, like Homosassa. (Home to one of the most "interesting " restaurants, the Freezer Tiki bar, literally in an old seafood freezer, on the river. Everything is cash only, ordered at the window, and served in paper or takeout boxes, but you'll enjoy some if the best shrimp anywhere. Really. Their smoked fishspread comes with a sleeve of definitely "not" fancy saltines.
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We've camped less in Florida than many other states, unfortunately. Winter season is camper repair and upgrade season, and sailing time. In the summer, we usually head north with the Ollie. The Florida state parks we've visited have been lovely, like Wekiwa Springs and Blue Springs, but often difficult to get a reservation. Should be easier in April and May, when the manatees are no longer hanging out in the springs . We've not camped there, but our daughter enjoyed camping at Rainbow springs State Park. Many counties also have some very nice campgrounds. Pinellas county has Ft. DeSoto, which has beautiful, treed waterfront sites, but is often booked, and has really gone up in price in past years. Pasco County's Withlacoochee River has been upgraded over the years. (Used to be $5 a night, now around $25.) Not far off i75, it's a beautiful park, with nice walking trails. We haven't been there in several years, but the Mexican restaurant in San Antonio was really good. (Pancho's Villa) In the early Oliver days, we once had a mini rally there, with 4 Ollies. (Doesn't sound like many, but there were probably only 25 on the road then. 😀) Good luck. It should be a fun trip, and I'll look forward to your reports.
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Relocate the furnace inlet grill and block off that opening?
SeaDawg replied to John E Davies's topic in Ollie Modifications
Yes, I should have added the words "for the combustion chamber." That's why a furnace is safer to run than an unvented portable heater, that uses the air inside the trailer for combustion, and exhausts to the inside. -
Relocate the furnace inlet grill and block off that opening?
SeaDawg replied to John E Davies's topic in Ollie Modifications
I'm not an hvac contractor, nor expert, but that really, really seems excessive in a small trailer. To me. I've always liked the idea of an adjustable butterfly vent, for those of you with the luxury of a bath duct. We don't have one. I leave the bath door propped open a bit, in cold weather, just to circulate warm air from the main cabin. In your shoes, I'd really like to see a manufacturer schematic, before I started making holes in my trailer, imo. Rv furnaces draw fresh from the outside, and exhaust to the outside. I'm not really sure the "return" grate idea is so solid, in rv furnaces. That said, I have a non-ducted, 2008 furnace, that still heats my trailer, and functions well. -
Susan, your situation is obviously different. Are you still showing a code 20? If not, if it reappears, try to record what happened just before . Anything you can document will help , I suspect. I haven't found this issue elsewhere, but most of the other forums I participate in are sailing forums.
