SeaDawg

Thanks for the memories, Overland. The original " can I tow with it thread" from 2008. Yes, we explored a wide variety of possible tow vehicles. And had a lot of laughs.

I test drove a Colorado last year, and was unimpressed. It lacked so many modern driver assist features, and although the seats were very comfortable, the cab finishes were meh, to me, compared to the Ford Ranger, which was much more like a downsized f150, details and features. The ride was definitely superior , IMO, in the Ranger. But, so was the price. I don't think that much has changed in Colorado features, but I could be wrong. It just seemed so basic to me. Sherry

Also, higher height of seat can leave short people like me dangling legs like Edith Ann on Laugh in.

We should probably start a new thread for your trailer. Question? What do you mean by standard fp mattress? Cushions? We've used the cushions for 12 plus years, with a topper. Great sleeping. I might be concerned about a "mattress" in our Elitr, as we have to access rear hatches under the bed from time to time. I think a full mattress would make it more difficult. Sherry

I'm pretty sure that the Zamp port does not have the same limitation as John's furrion port, as Zamp sells much larger suitcase solar products, as plug and play. Zamp's 230 watt suitcase solar has an integrated 15 amp controller. https://www.zampsolar.com/230watt-portable Does anyone know which brand port Oliver is installing these days? Sherry

Elite, or Elite II? Side dinette on our 2008 Elite I is 25 inches wide, a little over 6 ft long. Not really a great bed for a larger adult. Fine for a child or small adult. And, our dog really loves it! I don't know measurements on the bigger Elite II. Sherry

We'll be watching for you, too! Congrats.

Welcome aboard! I truly hope you enjoy your shorty as much as we have!

Those look great to me, for a few applications. They also sell in smaller quantities. Sherry

Every electric awning we've had on deliveries could open partially. And was adjustable for slant. That said, I'd prefer a manual awning. No power draw. For us

April and May tornadoes in the Midwest are something to consider. February? Not so much. Ice storms, maybe. At least, where I grew up, in upper Midwest. You can check the likelihood online. As a kid, I was in a couple big tornadoes in Northern Midwest. A bunch of smaller ones. As an adult,, ran ahead of a few, listening to the radio , and knowing where you are (county) is a good thing, if traveling in the midwest spring/early summer. Also, looking ahead and behind in the mirrors. Just in case. Today, you will likely get alerts on your phone. If you're in town, you'll hear the sirens. We didn't have that as as kids. We listened to the birds, and watched the sky.

Indeed.

That's a really good question. On the deliveries we've done, if there was a manual option, I didn't see it. No wand by the door.

The older Elites, like ours, have a Fantastic fan, but in the same spot. It works well to draw out cooking odors and moisture. We also prefer to cook outside. But,, sometimes, it's unavoidable. I much prefer turning the fan to high, than having a hood restricting my space. Sherry

They're home. Safe. And, we are entering a new era.

Congratulations to SpaceX and NASA. Our astronauts,Behnken and Hurley, are safely back on earth, after 64 days and the successful space station docking, stay, and return. I watched the first splash down in 45 years with, literally, tears in my eyes. Launched from Florida, splashed in the Gulf off Pensacola, I'm kind of Florida proud tonight, too. So many people worked so hard to make this happen. Sherry

No, we have never seriously thought about changing our 2008 to the bigger Elite II. And, definitely, would not think about the Escape. It's still a molded fiberglass hull, but that's about it for similarity. Boxy, Imo. One hull, not double. Brown woody interior so like so many other rvs. Steel frame vs aluminum. It just never appealed to us . They do have a really nice group of owners, and a nice forum. It's all about choices. If one rv worked for everyone, there wouldn't be so many choices.

We've used two different manual awnings on our trailer, and several electrical awnings on delivery rvs. I'm very happy with a manual awning on a smaller trailer. I will say, pushing a button is nice.

Not really. We store extra stuff in the big truck bed. Leave the back dinette set up as a bed, and have room for three large crates of coats, bedding, etc, under the bed. We often travel with some empty cupboards. And we are two. Plus one or two small dogs . It really depends on lifestyle, and, what you feel you have to have. Not as much roof space on the Elite. But, we'll have 400 watts (non factory) on the roof soon. We've had 200 for 12 years. Battery compartment is indeed smaller. But, we have room under the bed for extra lithium. Someday. . In the meantime, we've managed primarily without hookups for 12 plus years, with two group 27 agms. Upside? Wider selection of tow vehicles. Smaller footprint. Smaller campsites. 3 tires to maintain, instead of 5. No Anderson. The places we fit are tiny. And, we're really happy with that. If I were camping solo, the Elite would definitely be my choice. As a couple, I would truly love to have a bigger bed. But, that's ok. We camp shoulder seasons, for the most part. The warmth of the slightly smaller bed is often welcome. Height could be an issue, as the Elite allows less headroom. People of average height are ok, but over 6'1" or 6' 2" might have issues . The side dinette is small as an extra bed. 24 or 25 inches wide, by 6' long. That could also be an issue, as an extra bunk. Just my thoughts. There are a number of solo campers here with Elites. I hope they will see this thread, and chime in. Sherry

That switch cuts off most power, but not all. Some things are wired direct to the battery. My trailer is over a decade old. Pm Andrewk. My advice.

I totally get that. A long way to go for a few little holes. You might want to try a small tube of marine tex (Amazon and lots of other places) on the screw holes, and see what you think. Here's a good YouTube on repairing holes in a white hull with marine tex. Good luck. Like I said, worst that happens is you hate it, and sand it and do the tedious gel coat repair over the top. You still have to fill the hole. Or, take it to a boatyard. Just guessing there aren't many in Montana. Good luck! Sherry

Again, I would encourage you to speak with your own cpa. What you are discussing is quite possibly related to vacation homes that are rented part of the year. Sherry

If you decide on the agms, a smaller portable panel (25 watts) may be sufficient. maybe nothing beyond your existing panels. We park ours, in the winter months on the south side of our home, where it is shaded by two homes, 24 plus high, 20 feet apart,, and a row of tall Washingtonia palms planted in our neighbors side yard by the previous owner. Not a carport, but very shady. I check our agms every few weeks. Unless we leave something turned on, we don't have to plug in. But, we're in Florida. Sherry

Thanks, Dave. I see that 3m makes a couple different products, for different surfaces. This one, 6396, gets great reviews for plastic to trim, exactly what we're doing here. And, probably helpful for those having difficulty with ez rv gutter trim, too. I'll use that next time. Hopefully, it's another 12 years til I need it. I'm wondering if any of the auto parts stores sell it in smaller quantities? Sherry Yes, they do. $2.84 each at my advanced auto if purchased ahead on-line for pickup.

I tried steaming zoodles, but thought they got mushy. I like the texture better (more like al dente pasta) if I do a very quick saute in a little olive oil. When I process the zucchini, I twist over a bowl lined with a paper towel, so I can remove some of the moisture before cooking.