SeaDawg

Cast iron goes in our truck bed when we travel.

We've built a couple garages, with hopes of accommodating our Elite I, along with other vehicles and trailers. If 15 x 15 x 30 is what your restrictions allow, go for it. If you can go at least 16 wide, I'd do it. An extra foot gives room for shelves, and a workbench on rollers. And, all that other "stuff". If you have room, at least go longer and wider,, for resale, if you ever decide to move. 30' length won't accommodate most class c's or a's. Our pole barn garage is 32 x 36, still short, but we needed room to swing the truck, and have a significant probably 3' incline, in the path. That's a factor, too. We have a 14' high door, so no factor for entry, but arse end of truck is high for "short me" to unload, unless we are well inside, because of the inclined apron, on rainy days. Still, it holds three workbenches, the Elite, two utility trailers, two or three atvs, and the truck, as necessary. And, various "necessary " shelving, genset, weedeaters, etc, etc. But, it's a jigsaw/chiclets game of maneuvers. If all you need is a shelter for your Ollie, you are good to go. Room for a slim rolling scaffold on each side. Remember that you need extra height for the garage door opener, and ratlines/overhead beams.

We routinely replace trailer tires at five years. Maybe a waste, maybe good insurance. We run st tires.

If I were going to make a portable solar farm (Great idea for us boondockers), and I were using flex panels, I'd think I'd want a ground cloth (clean tarp) underneath, to alleviate scouring on the bottom side of the panels. Just my opinion.

This one? I don't necessarily trust his reviews, as I do those of Will Prowse, as he heavily advertises his products reviewed.

This is one from bougerv. Interesting size. 14" x 85" Ps, gj, I saw that video, bullerholes, but can't remember if it was here. I'll find it, if I can.

There have been a number of "walkable" flex panels, marketed to the boat market, where deck space is often the best spot for sun. Haven't seen any great reviews, though. (Even though on deck were usually wearing dedicated/aka no grit caught in soles, or barefoot.) I think newPowa was one of them tested by a well known sailing youtube couple. I'll see what I can find, gj.

We use a bedrug liner in the Ram (fastens with velcro/hook and loop) , a two step Rubbermaid lightweight foldable ladder, and an extendable boat hook. You could also purchase containers with wheels, to make it a bit easier.

Great questions , for Truma owners.

Our Elite weighs in , ready to camp, at 3960 pounds. About 400 on the tongue. We've had three sets of st tires,all of which we've replaced as "timed out" Duros,maxxis, which we loved, now, a regional brand, recommended by our local tire guy. We run 55 to 60 cold. Could run lower, but we have no issues with earthquake shaking the interior,,and a little higher pressure than necessary eliminates, in our minds,,some tire roll. We buy high speed rated st tires, as we don't love the slow lane, if we MUST drive the interstate,

@Mike and Carol, wish I could see one in person. Thanks for the info. I have a reservation for one, as many here know, but I'm probably 250, 000 tp 300, 000 down the list. Rumor has it that Tesla will be asking for a stronger financial commitment in the near future,and I'm not ready for that til I see one. If it's way bigger than an f150, it won't fit in my garage slot, and I'll stay with my smaller 2005 Silverado for some years more. (I'm not fond of driving huge trucks, anymore, anyway. Did that, and done.Drove big box trucks with my dad, when i was young,,and towed a lot of big trailers. ) My truck is mostly local driving, rarely leaves the four county area. We don't need it for towing, but we don't typically buy anything that can't at least tow our elite locally. We have two trucks, and an ev, so no worries, there. For a little bit more info on the unusual "planar" design, note that the cybertruck uses a special, proprietary alloy. Makes it "bulletproof," and probably impervious to door dings and shopping cart dingss in parking lots, as well. 😄 But,,what about repair costs if in an accident? IDK. Our tesla hasn't cost us anything but tires, and a replacement 12v accessory battery, in the time we've owned it. Great vehicle for commuting/around town_shorter trips. We charge on solar at home, and free charging at superchargers. Longest trip has probably been 700 miles each way. Long trips require more stops, which my knees and back (and our dog) like, but time is surely a factor. If we take the Teala on a trip, wr add 25 to 30 per cent more time. PS most new Tesla stations have added a station or two to accommodate towing a trailer. Older stations, not. https://www.worldautosteel.org/why-steel/steel-muscle-in-new-vehicles/tesla-cybertruck/

The instructional video on the permit site is pretty good, actually. Good information. Since I'm not going camping in California anytime soon, I didn't complete the app to see if you had to even check a box to say you'd watched it. If it saves one devastating, probably worth the free application. Awareness is everything. Ps, I don't know the stats on careless camper fires. We all know there are many other causes.

Many of us here were raised and trained to understand and control our campfires. Others, especially new campers cropping up with no training or understanding, not so much. This thread reminded me of our experience taking one of our nephews (age 14) on his first extended camping trip. I showed him how to start and build a safe campfire, with one match. We played with sticks, and magnifying glass as well. I also taught him how to correctly put out said fire, end of day. One night (perfect conditions scenario, it's our propery, and I take few risks) I showed him how to bank the fire, so we could make an easy start on breakfast, next morning. When we restarted that fire in the morning, with a half sheet of tabloid newspaper and a few twigs, I explained how campfires can unintentionally start wild fires, when folks unintentionally "bank" a fire by not extinguishing it properly,and leave it. He told me then, he'd never forget. I truly think he hasn't.

Thanks, @topgun2. I may look for a makita equivalent, as we carry makita batteries and drills, etc. Btw, I "think" this set, on sale at home depot, could fit your Ryobi, and give you the brush attachment. I'd definitely have to have a brush for the trailer, on whatever I buy next. I have a great battery shark cordless vacuum that I "could" take, but it's quite heavy when separated from the rolling base.

I don't think there's any "downside, " unless you get a better status as long term policy holder with your auto insurance. We have a wonderful homeowner's insurance agent, a different company for boats and vehicles, and good Sam's for the Ollie. Shop around. See what works best for you. The insurance on the Ollie ( non-motorized) is the least expensive policy of all the others, but you still want backing from a reputable company.

I agree. Many modern boats have enormous battery banks, and 24v systems. My friend still uses the Multiplus In most of his installs. It's bigger, and different electronics, but tried and true. I asked him about that, too. The mpII is indeed smaller, with some updated circuitry. And had grid-tie capabilities, from what (little) I understand. I'm following all of this with interest, as when the xantrex on our boat eventually goes the way of our old Heart interface, we'll likely replace with Victron: A) connectivity with other victron devices already installed, and with some of other brand devices on the boat. B) our skilled friend would help with the install. (Tie for first reason!) C) we have plenty of room. No logical space for either, in our Elite, nor do we need it. We're happy with present configuration.

We've got info going in two threads now on the Victron multiplus. I spoke with a friend Thursday night who is Victron trained, and designs Victron systems for boats. He always mounts his vertically, but said it was technically allowed to mount on its side, on a bulkhead. He adds little computer fans for exhaust in enclosed spaces. Now, you all have me curious, so I checked out the Victron site. https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2020/10/30/how-to-install-a-multiplus-inverter-charger/

A lot of deals have continued, of course. I'm almost done with my shopping, but our poor Ollie got nothing so far. I'm looking for a new handheld vacuum for the camper I loved my Dyson, but it bit the dust way too early. Any suggestions?

Our 2008 originally had a small convection microwave, with a round marine vent on each side of the cabinet. Since we rarely camp with power, it was pretty much a bread box. When it finally died, we converted the microwave cabinet space to a little "pantry." Do you actually use your microwave much? If not, you might be better off with a cabinet, and carry a small but effective toaster oven or air fryer that you could pull out and use on the counter. (A number of folks here have a small Breville. )

Tell me more, John?

I'm guessing Scubarx was only thinking about the monocoque fiberglass hull, and molded furniture and inner hull, not the non-structural drawer unit. The wood floors on some other brands of molded fiberglass trailers, and in Airstreams and other brands, and stick and staple framing, have of course been water and rot and separation issues for some owners of other brands. Those issues we'll never have to deal with, as Ollie owners. My 2008, like every other Oliver, has the beautifully constructed (but heavy) drawer unit, and a few bits of (usually laminated or encased) plywood where fiberglass or plastic is impractical. (I have the old school heavy tabletops, for example. There's a thin piece plywood under the fiberglass tabletop.) Lids for my storage compartments under the seats are plywood, with a laminate top. After seeing moisture damage in a bunch of used sob trailers, noting failure in spots everywhere from floors to cabinet doors in various units, we found the Oliver's monocoque construction, and extremely limited use of wood elsewhere (and only non-structural, protected areas) to be refreshing. And, 16 seasons in, no moisture issues with any of the drawer unit, nor any of the limited other bits of wood in my unit. Nor, of course, the fiberglass structure.

@Katjo shared this possible solution some time back. Not sure if she ever tried it, or not, with her folding bikes.

Pretty cool!

@Patriot, that is a great recommendation. Thank you for sharing your personal experience. They're just a little over an hour from our camping property in WNC! We've been through Lenoir, and it seems like a nice little city, with plenty of restaurants (especially great bbq), and plenty of nice (and pet-friendly) lodging. A short drive to Blowing Rock as well, and all it has to offer. This is a big win for those of us in the Carolinas. (Even us part-timers. 😀)

We can take that sailing conversation to private message. 😀