SeaDawg

Thanks for that, Overland. I am sure the Cybertruck can work for me. Not necessarily for everyone, but for me: I can power it for free, or very little, on my home solar, for daily driving. Big bonus, there. I'd rather charge my truck, than give my excess power back to Duke Powe for cents on the dollar. I can supercharge at many places, along my accustomed routes, for a reasonable price. Far less than gas, even at today's low prices. Per mile. Even towing, figuring the dismal x results of 50 to 60 per cent of range. I'm sure, with the capacity of the truck, the range will be better, towing, than the model x , where even my little 2008 elite I behind an x approaches max. Elon Musk thought his design would be polarizing. I didn't think it would polarize our little tight knit group. Sorry for that, but I'm a renewable energy enthusiast, and an ev enthusiast. Sidebar: my great grandfather in southern Minnesota was a trailblazer, probably one of those guys others called crazy. He adored my tiny little Czech great grandmother, Fanny. Back in the day, there were no plans to electrify the farming township, so he built his own generator and battery house system, and he had the first electric house in the entire farming township, for Gg Fanny. (According to my dad.) Even after the REC brought electricity to the rural area, Great Grampa kept their lights on with his separate system, for another several years. Dad said it was because the house was wired for DC. I don't know for sure, as I never remember meeting them., even though they lived good long lives. Great grampa died when I was 3 , Fanny a few years later. Probably true. Great grampa also invented a chain drive gutter cleaning system for the dairy barns. Awesome for my dad. Mucking stalls was never a favorite job of his. Great grampa's partial fail? First guy in the community with an automobile to go to town, mostly to church. In the spring rains, the road out was a muddy mess, so gg Robert had to harness the horses to the Ford, and they dragged the car out. Small price to pay, dad said, for the great difference in other seasons. We all have differences, and different tolerances. I totally get that. I like to think that I'm channeling maybe a little bit of great grampa Robert. And, my dad, who drew outlines of regenerative braking, when I was young. Before dad's death, we had so many interesting conversations on evs. I wish he could see today's vehicles. He'd love the advances. Sherry Ps, yesterday my dad's birthday. This is all very meaningful to me.

Frankly, backofbeyond, I think your existing rig is perfect for your camping style. And, as I said before, I completely understand your opinion. The Tesla may be just as perfect for others, especially those who use the truck as a daily driver vehicle, and work truck, (like me) and want a capable tv for certain places and distances. We've all got a long wait to see how the Cybertruck towing range works out. I'm certainly hoping it's better than the model x, and it should be. I'm also thinking especially of a young couple I know, who wanted to buy an ev as their second car. They bought a half ton pickup, instead, to be able to tow their camper 50 to 150 miles, as often as possible, on weekend trips to state parks, to introduce their young kids to camping. They're working, so most camping trips are close to home, and limited to time off. Still, it's great that the little kids get to experience camping, and go on hikes, enjoy the great outdoors, and help mom and dad get a camping Thanksgiving dinner ready, without video games and xboxes. Proposed specs of even the middle Tesla truck would suit them fine, probably. We'll see. I'm personally truly amazed at the advances in charging capabilities, vehicle range, and electric motor efficiencies in the last decade. Extended range and higher motor efficiencies will be the key to many needs, perhaps even yours, someday. And, I do think ( and hope) "someday" will be in our lifetimes, if the technology continues to advance as rapidly as it has. Not "poo pooing" here, though I could be pipe dreaming. When I first test drove an ev that was actually available in Florida, it was a first gen Nissan Leaf. I couldn't wrap my head around a car that I couldn't drive to the airport and back without range anxiety, and, as much as I wanted an ev, I decided to wait. I still wouldn't want a leaf, even though the range is over 3 times the original 70 some miles, for other reasons. Mainly because I really like driving trucks and suvs. I like sitting up high, I like the power, I like to be able to tow something, even if it's just a boat to the ramp, or a small camper to North Carolina. Everyone has different ideas, opinions, needs and plans. It would be a really boring world if we all thought the same, wouldn't it? I finally finished the Christmas tree, so I am late in responding. Peace on earth. Sherry

Thank you.

2019

This was 2014

Backof beyond, I can certainly understand that opinion. The plains and lightly populated areas of the west, especially, are currently bereft of charging capability. Where I live, and places we often travel to, are really not that much of a challenge. Since we will likely remain a two tow vehicle family, we have the option of the dino fuel. Also, for what it's worth, heres a 2014 map of Tesla superchargers. Followed by a 2019. Red is active, grey is in development. Five years ago, I might also have thought it would be impossible to drive across the country in an electric car, much less camp with an electric pickup. Now, I know it will be possible, in many instances, before either of us are dust. Elon put his money where his mouth is. To benefit many.

To anser John's question about pull throughs, I've only seen one that might work, in the Victor NY mall. A lane by the last stall could possibly allow you to charge, without taking up other spaces. Or machinations of dropping the trailer. Or doing a right angle to charge the truck, end spot, trailer attached, blocking no one, at one if the newer stations with power posts out front. Then again, I've only seen 20 charger stations, or so. The newer stations I've seen at Wawa gas stations all have an end charger, with the power post out in front, instead of the usual backin, where you could likely charge without dropping the trailer. Might be an awkward position, but it could work. I think. Some of the older stations near us would be awkward. Particularly, Savannah airport. But with good range, maybe I could skip it, or charge in jax, from Ocala, going on to Kingsland, Ga . Not familiar with Jacksonville, haven't personally seen it. But probably will by the time my truck is ready. As far as security, most of the Superchargers are at well lit malls, hotel lots, and in my area, popping up at 24 hr wawa gas stations. The Kingsland station is at the welcome center, and shares the lot with the police station. I certainly feel secure, there. The downside to traveling at night, as we often do, is no services at malls. The upside is, there's usually a whole row of empty chargers. Sarasota supercharger has over twenty stations. At a mall. Not much open after 9, but there is a gas station in walking distance. It's a learning curve. For sure. And whatda, i totally agree on fuel cost savings.

Like Dethleffs e.Home Coco concept trailer, shown last year in Dusseldorf. Just a concept for now, I think. But a slick idea. https://gearjunkie.com/dethleffs-e-home-coco-rv-trailer-electric-motor

Happy Thanksgiving!

Since I'm so far down the list, and Tesla release dates are usually late, I'd say 2023 rally would be a better bet. 🙃

Hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving, too! 🦃🦃🦃

Yup. I'm in. Sometime in 2022, I'll let you know how it works.

Well, I think your camping neighbor should not have been surprised, honestly. There were many publicized tests of the x, towing, from early on . Unless, of course, your neighbors were very, very early adopters. The x is an suv, but also kind of a crossover, imo. It's cool, love the falcon wing doors and interior space. Like many suv/ crossover vehicles, it can tow, but at a premium. With a tow capacity of just under 5k, with 20 inch wheels, the x would be close to maxxed out by a 22 ft airstream, loaded for camping. I would have expected somewhere around the range they reported, with an airstream. Guess your neighbors didn't. That's unfortunate. With the extended range of the Tesla pickup truck, i think most folks (maybe or maybe not big time boondocking folks) could easily manage charger to charger. Unless they're in the Dakotas. Even the Electrify America VW dieselgate network seems to be ignoring the plains, sadly. Too bad, because it's beautiful country. Franky, I like a lot about the Tesla pickup. My Silverado rarely leaves the county. It's 15 years old soon, and, even though it runs great, and looks great, it's rear wheel drive, unlike the Tesla. And old school safety features on my Silverado. I think the Tesla would give us another tv, and a solar powered around town/ county vehicle , since I can charge at home for free on solar. I actually went through the link at launch to sign up, but it was crashed. Now, I won't be first, or probably 250,000th in line, but I can live with that . I can wait. Btw, Teslas can charge on their proprietary network, or any other network, with the appropriate adapters, even home outlets. EV chargers are everywhere, if you look for them. Try the plugshare app, and look around . Sherry

For those of you who might like to see a short version of the launch, the Verge did a five minute supercut version of the truck debut. It includes the sledge hammer to the body, the window glass fail, and Elon's "one more thing," the electric atv. Shows off the stowed integral ramp for those of us who sometimes haul an atv or a bike. https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/21/20975927/tesla-cybertruck-announcement-watch-live-stream-elon-musk-online-how-to-date-time Sherry

So, you can preorder a Tesla pickup truck, starting tonight . It's, of course, an unusual design. And, actually, somewhat affordable. Starts at 39,900, rear wheel drive, smaller 250 mile battery range. Top end, 500 mile range, almost 70k. I wish they'd done some towing testing. But, they did drag an f150 uphill, in a tug of war video . And, of course, killed it against a Porsche in performance off the line. Comes standard with air compressor, and 110 and 220 outlets. Stainless steel body. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-cybertruck-unveiled/ Sherry

Why not drove it around Iowa City? Our 4 x 4 ram, 2008, is Paul's daily driver. Not that big . Especially on the plains. Drive the heck out of it. Enjoy it. Sherry

Late fall, early spring, I'd wait for the melt. Winter season, I'd wait for the road crews, and leave after melt. I grew up in icy sothern Minnesota. And, I hate the ice. Every once in awhile, I still get caught. Like march, 2018, driving from CEDAR RAPIDS airport to Missouri. In a huge late spring snow drop, 25 trucks and cars in the ditch in 8 miles. Me, in a front wheel drive rental, white knuckled Florida girl, remembering the old rules, staying steady in the one sort of clean, plowed sometime ago lane., slushy but sort of clear, ice beneath the surface Watching people spin out ahead of me. Total yuk. Next day, after picking up my mom, back to CID airport, roads clear, sunny skies, but still overturned semis in the ditch from the day before. Grateful I had made it south some 20 miles to the end of the snow band. Now that I've lived in the south for almost 40 years, I love to see the snow in shoulder season. I also have the patience, and time, to let it melt. We've only towed our Elite I shorty in snow a few times. It towed admirably. We don't put it in our plans. Don't care to . Sherry

It's not easy, reworking a 40+ year old boat to bring it into the 2019 electronic world. But, it's really satisfying. Like our Oliver, the sailboat has a great hull and bones. It's worth the efforts.

AndrewK, looks like you have quite a bit of upgrade room. Good for you. Adding extra capability at the onset isn't nearly as costly as replacement, later, as weve found. Overland, we'd love, now, to have the Victron multi. But only a few years ago, we installed a new Xantrex charger/ inverter (which is a really nice piece of gear, and too expensive to abandon after only a few years.) to replace the old Heart that could no longer be repaired. I don't think we can find a way to allow it to communicate with the Victron. That would be easy, neat and tidy with the multi. 🙃 We were a couple years too early with upgrading the chart plotter/ helm display, also. New version would communicate through the backbone with the Victron equipment. Sigh. I do think the comm capabilities with Victron have great potential for us . Still on the fence on what to do with the trailer upgrades. We'd like to get the gear ordered by the end of the year. On a really positive note, a friend came over from the east coast to help pull wires and complete the install of the prewired bimini and its solar. We will still have to finish the controller, battery, and monitor wiring. But, we're on the easy side, now. At least, physically.

My rving experience started with a 1976 or 77 class c. Belonged to my parents. Spent a long summer in Florida in it. It met my needs. My parents sold it later, as i was the only one in the family who used it much. It's another vehicle to maintain, even if you don't use it much. Since then, my husband and I have delivered a number of them to alaska, and rented class c's in other places. including New Zealand. Some of the pros are also cons. C's are wider, so more room, but trickier on narrow roads that we love and frequent. The Oliver follows the truck footprint. Class c is like a rolling billboard when you're struggling with a strong crosswind. High flat sides made for a miserable drive across the Dakotas for us one year in May. Truly miserable . Lousy gas milage, even if keeping it on the road isn't a struggle. But, pro, that height gives extra headroom for the overbunk. And headroom everywhere. Build quality. Even brand new, out of Elkhart, everything rattles. I carry bits of cardboard, foam, and a small toolkit to tighten and repositon misaligned hinges and latches . House battery compartment on the c's we've delivered is usually fairly open, under the step.. Collects dust, mud, and crap. Not great. Slides are nice, til they don't work, or because you can't go to bed because you can't open the slide in a beautiful, but tight space . No slides on the Olivers. No slide gap draft, no maintenance. The typical c roof is tpo or epdm rubber. Oliver is gelcoat fiberglass, solid, and not really susceptible to uv degradation. Yes, you'll need to reseal openings, but that's it, in an Oliver, beyond clean and wax. Parking. With the Oliver, We can drop the trailer, and explore in the 4x4 truck. Exploring is much, much more difficult in a class c, even a shorty. Or, impossible. We know. Been there. Bathroom. most class c have a separate shower, with, skylight. Great shower experience, for a few years. I've yet to see one that's properly caulked and waterproof. I'll take the smaller marine bath in my ollie any day . Class c, Exposed plumbing, low unprotected tanks. lack of insulation, leaky seals at slides, fabric bottom instead of mouse proof fiberglass, dust everywhere from little openings in the class c's, even without slides. Rattles drive me crazy. Stuff stored in the ollie probably rattles, but i can't hear it, because I am in the truck.😃. And, none of the above applies to my Ollie. Except a bit of dust through vents. We drive class c vehicles every year or two, delivering to Alaska.They're a great way to get from a to b, but I'd never buy one. A better comparison would be Ollie to class b+. Or class b. Done that, too. The one big thing i do love in every class c we've delivered is the oven. I personally really love that. Especially since I'm cooking in cold May in Canada, often .I do love oven dinners, and muffins and bread, when it's rainy/ sleeting or just crappy cold. I've learned to live without it, 12 years in our Oliver. I can adapt, for the solid trailer that I have loved for 12 years . That said, I'd challenge any class c to match the appearance and solid carriage of my Ollie, 12 years in . We have the original shorty, so a lot of people think it's too small. For us, it's perfect. Every rv lives big outside, which is where we live Sherry

Just an fyi. The Viking lithium jump pack that John bought is in Harbor Freight's Black Friday ad for $59, page 8. Nov. 29, 30, Dec 1. On the same page, their chunky rubber chocks (which I really like) are $5.99. Sherry

So, we have loved our support from Blue Sky energy, now owned by genasun. But, for the boat, we bought Victron, because of the much bigger panel installation (600 watts), expandability, and the higher water resistance of the Victron. On the Oliver, we're planning to upgrade our 200 watt rooftop solar to 380 or 400 watts, and portable solar to 200. And, maybe someday, expand. As solar improves, we can now almost double our 2008 productivity in just a slightly larger footprint than our original install, with a bit of fiddling with the brackets. The newer Blue Sky 3024i could probably do what we want, and we could keep the same pro remote monitor. Obviously, we have to upgrade our current Blue Sky controller, which has a max of 340 watts solar. Or, we could install the bigger Victron, and have the same, or similar, system in boat and trailer. For the boat, we have the 100/50 controller, bluetooth monitor, and the color control. Not quite yet installed, but waiting in the garage for the final hardtop bimini install . Hopefully, we'll be able to finish that soon. We're working on it . Both controllers seem to be compatible with a LifePo battery upgrade at some day in the future. For those of you who have Victron controllers, what's your feeling? I'm personally torn, because of the excellent support and service we've received from Blue Sky.

Congratulations on finding your dream trailer for your kind of "outback" camping . Also, glad you are not in Australia looking around right now. The wildfires are crazy dangerous. And it's only spring. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50365131 I'm worried for friends down under. It's going to be a tough summer in Oz.

We keep some fuses and switches. And a bearing kit. A few other bits and pieces. Other than that, my spare parts kit includes my credit card, cell phone, and amazon prime. And towing insurance card, which I have not used, thankfully, in twelve years . Sherry

Hull # 12 wasn't prewired, but that would have been unexpected in 2008. Pete was the pioneer, then technomadia. I guess, the question is, when did Oliver begin the free/gratuitous prewire? It's an awesome feature. Sherry