Pat Maundrell
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Posts posted by Pat Maundrell
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On 3/11/2021 at 4:32 PM, SeaDawg said:
Have you checked the serial number cutoff? Will it work?
I can definitely see your reasoning, towing with an suv. I really dislike carrying fuel inside a vehicle. I hated that, too, on the few occasions we towed with our Volvo.
Somethings are unknown. As I've read, the genset doesn't give quite as much power on propane, so you may not be able to run ac. Especially at elevation.
We only carry a (now 13 year old) Honda 1000, to recharge batteries if weather is crummy, days on end. It's been awesome, for that. But won't run much, other than charging batteries.
Unfortunately, our EU2000i Generator is to old for a LPG Conversion! The S/N Cut-off is EAAJ2017305, higher you are OK, below a Kit is not available, our is EAAJ1225188.
I want a Conversion Kit that will let us run the Generator on both LPG/Gas. These are readily available. We plan on using our Honda Generator for RV (LPG) and around the house (Gas) applications.
BTW, we had "Buyer Remorse" when we bought this Generator about 15+ years ago, but since then I wouldn't want to be without it, they are fantastic! Our runs like new!
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On 4/19/2018 at 4:55 AM, Overland said:
The paper towel holder is this one. We really like it - it has a spring that keeps the roll from unrolling while traveling, which also gives it just enough tension to make it easy to rip of a sheet one handed.
The nets I'll need to take some photos of and post about. It's a simple mod that has really helped out day to day organization. We have them over the front door, over the beds, etc. I'll see if I can take some photos and maybe put them into the Snowball thread later today.
Great, I just ordered the Towel Holder, it looks fantastic.
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Good info, I will use it this weekend to remove one of the drawers to take it to the Container Store to get some Drawer accessories, Thanks.
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Any comments on the KTT Mattresses, Pro vs Cons?
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Good question! I'd like one too. I thought I saw an Oliver Video which showed a short 30 Amp Cord with the extra 30 Amp optional outlet, however I haven't been able to find it again.
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Okay we have to make a decision asap for our Twin Beds mattresses. Our beds only have the Stock Oliver cushions on now and we want to get the best mattresses possible. We are aware of the KTT and Southern Mattresses.
Please let us know your recommendations!!
Thanks, Pat
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We just pick up our 2019 Elite 2 and Towed it home with our 2015 Mercedes GL 450, equipped with 4 Wheel Air Suspension. Note, this vehicle is limited to 600 LBS of Tongue Weight.
I was apprehensive about Towing with this combination, primarily because I didn't have any experience with the Andersen Hitch characteristics and its ability to transfer enough Tongue Weight to the TV's Front Axles. Andersen has told me that their Hitch can transfer up tp 30% to the Front Axle of the TV. In preparation for the "Tow," I measured and marked, 34 inches up from the ground to a Mark, above each wheel on the fender, while the vehicle was unloaded! The plan was to then take new measurements once the Trailer was hooked up and compare the two measurements to determine what affect the Tongue Weight had. BTW, the empty TW was 480LBS, plus the 60 LBS of Hitch Weight, which is what Oliver told me to expect. Naturally, I expected the Rear End of the TV to be lower with the added weight! However, believe it or not there was hardly any Difference, maybe 1/8 - 1/4 across all 4 wheels! Apparently, the Andersen Hitch and the Air Suspension did their job exceptionally well.
Additionally, I set the "Ball Height" at the recommended 23.5 Inches, but this produced a slight "Nose Up" attitude of the trailer. I'll try to lower the Hitch's Head, one bolt hole and take another look. Finally, I calculated my fuel mileage at 13.5 MPG, while driving at 70 MPH on the interstate for 150 miles. At this point, I have to conclude that the combination of the GL 450 and the Oliver is going to be a good one!
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On 2/15/2021 at 1:18 PM, Go2mt said:
Thank you
I've got a 2019 Andersen Hitch complete with the Updated Head, $300.00 plus shipping, Call Pat 513 891 5112.
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These Window Awning are high on our priority list! They seem to not only be functional but also add a nice styling touch to the overall look of the trailer. We plan on using Window Awnings on both side windows as well as the Rear Window.
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3 hours ago, FrankC said:
You are correct with your thinking. The horsepower and torque rating of your GL won’t be your issue. Your earlier post about the tongue weight limit and cargo limit look like they will be your issue. You’ll just have to pack really light for your trips if you only have 600 lbs tongue weight and 1,312 lbs cargo limit (minus the 600 lbs tongue weight). Also, does your GL have an integrated trailer brake controller? Or will you have to add one?
The GL is equipped with the Factory Tow Package that includes the Receive on the frame and the Wiring (pre wired under the dash) to install the Brake Controller, which I installed a few weeks ago.
Additionally, I've found that the initial Height set-up of the Andersen Hitch ball to be at the recommended 23 1/2 inches without the Air Suspension increased or the Rear Tire Pressure increased either. I expect the Height to increase to around 25 inches when the Air Suspension and Tire Pressure are set to Specification for Towing!
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On 2/22/2021 at 6:14 PM, topgun2 said:
You're probably not going to tow your Ollie up Pikes Peak. And, even if you were to tow it up to Cripple Creek - there's a decent campground in town - the nature of the roads up to that historic/gambling town would not allow for much speed anyway.
Yes, there are probably tow vehicles out there that will and do perform better in a fair number of situations, but, many times you simply got to dance with the one you're with. Just be extra careful not only with the ascents but certainly with those descents as well.
Bill
I guess my point in mentioning that our TV is Turbocharged is that it doesn't lose power at any altitude, Yellowstone for example is 7700 Feet, thats 24% less Horsepower/Torque!
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1. The Payload capacity of our GL 450 is 1312 Lbs, minus 600 lbs Tongue Weight, minus 60 lbs Andersen Hitch, Minus 450 lbs occupants = 202 lbs for miscellaneous stuff. I need to go on a Diet.
2. I've always wanted a Tongue Weight Scale so I actually know what the weights are.
3. As a retired Heavy Duty Truck Sales Engineer & Service Manager for 50 years, I can't stress the importance of proper Tongue Weight and Weight Distribution as it relates to the Safe Operation of a Vehicle/Travel Trailer combination!! Your TW should be within 10-15% of the Trailer's Weight! Anything above or below this can induce SWAY or other serious Handling and Mechanical problems!
4. It is my intention to set-up our TV/Trailer Combination by the "Book," while taking accurate measurements along the way to make sure I will be operating within all Specifications and Guidelines of my TV!
5. BTW, I have contacted Andersen Hitch today to ask them about their Weight Distribution Characteristics of their Hitch and they claim as much as 30% weight Transfer to the Front Axle of the Tow Vehicle, that means 180 lbs off the rear of the TV and on the Front Axle of the TV. When I take the actual measurements I hope I find that this is the case.
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On 2/11/2021 at 11:03 PM, AndrewK said:
Without a doubt, the sound was coming from the chain rubbing the inside of the square tube, on the chain brackets.
Andersen first sent me the updated ball assembly then then an undated triangle plate. I now have their newest versions of each and neither solved the problem
Andersen said this was not uncommon to have rubbing sounds , when extensions chains were used and to try grease. Grease worked for a few hundred miles and then the sound came back.
I called Andersen back and told them greasing the chains/brackets didn’t work and they suggested shimming between the bolt and the frame to cause the bracket to angle down. To put it more inline with the chain. Given the lack of space to shim and the fact the rubbing was mostly on the inside front edges of the brackets, I didn’t see how shimming would help.
I then flipped the chain brackets from hanging on the outside of the frame to hanging from the inside. This improved the relationship between the chain and the bracket and reduced the rubbing significantly.
The negative to flipping the brackets, is that they are a little further under the trailer and a little harder to get to but, the trade off is well worth it.When we roll into a campground, we no longer have have everyone stare at us because of the noise coming from the hitch.
Andrew
I have a used Andersen Hitch that I just installed the Updated Parts on. My Oliver Trailer is on Order. However, I did take the Chain Housing apart to inspect for any Rubbing Marks and none were found. I think I'll put Grease in that area as a Safe Guard.
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1. The Payload capacity of our GL 450 is 1312 Lbs, minus 600 lbs Tongue Weight, minus 50 lbs Andersen Hitch, Minus 450 lbs occupants = 212 lbs for miscellaneous stuff.
2. I've always wanted a Tongue Weight Scale so I understand exactly what is going on!
3. As a retired Heavy Duty Truck Sales Engineer & Service Manager for 50 years, I can't stress the importance of proper Tongue Weight and Weight Distribution as it relates to the Safe Operation of a Vehicle/Travel Trailer combination!! Your TW should be within 10-15% of the Trailer's Weight! Anything above or below this can induce SWAY and other serious Handling and Mechanical problems!
4. It is my intention to set-up our TV/Trailer Combination by the "Book," while taking accurate measurements along the way to make sure I will, be operating within all Specifications and Guidelines!
5. BTW, I have contacted Andersen Hitch to ask them about their Weight Distribution characteristics etc, I'll let you know.
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Very sorry for the late response!
My Tow Vehicle will be a 2015 Mercedes Benz GL450, with the Factory Tow Package. This vehicle is rated to Tow a trailer up to 7500 Lb, with a max Tongue Weight of 600lbs. According to Oliver, I should be within this "Ball Park." However, I will be very careful about adding Options that add weight to the front end etc. For example, we had originally planned on the Front Storage Basket and 30 lb Propane tanks. In an effort to give us a little safety cushion we have eliminated the Storage Basket, although we will still order the 30lbs tanks (for resale value) we plan on using them only half full to save weight! Additionally, we will have two Bikes (around 125 lbs) on a Bike Rack which will act to Counter Balance any weight on the front of the trailer, like the 50 lb Hitch weight.
I don't want to start a TV debate here, but the GL 450 has several characteristics that makes it an ideal choice for a Tow Vehicle. Many of these features produce incredible handling both Towing and under normal driving conditions. It also fits inside our Garage! Another benefit, that is often overlooked is the benefit of a Turbo Charged engines which the GL has. Generally speaking you will lose around 3% of Horse Power every 1000 feet of elevation. For example, Pikes Peak starts at 9,000 ft up to 14,000 ft. The V-6 engine in the GL has 362Hp, that equates to a 98-152 Horse Power Loss due to elevation alone.
The other aspect of evaluating a TV capabilities is how much Payload it can carry. Admittedly, after we deduct the Tongue and Occupant Weights we don't have a lot of reserve capacity left!
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The plan is to get as many projects done or at least well on the way, prior to Delivery.
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All excellent comments and good ideas!
Initially we are thinking of Sunbella's, Captain Dark Blue Navy with Gray Piping to reupholster the Dinette Seats and now the "Head Protector" over the Door, now that I know it is there.
Throw rugs sounds like good idea!
As for the Port Hole Mirror Idea on the Bath Room Door. We may be changing our initial idea from covering the Door Mirror with thin White Laminate and sticking the Mirror to it, to a little different approach. I am thinking of making a Flat Panel Door out of Teak with a 60 % bottom panel and a 40% top panel for the Mirror. The perimeter frame material around 1/2 inch thick and the panels 1/4 inch. All this stuck to the Mirror using Double Stick Tape and the Mirror screwed/taped to the panel.
We don't actually have our trailer yet so if anyone could provide us with the dimension that would be great to help us determine the proportions, especially the withd. Please email me so we can communicate better.
Thanks, Pat
patmaundrell7@gmail.com
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3 hours ago, SeaDawg said:
Yes, and it is covered in the same fabric as your cushions.
Most of us call it the head bump cushion.
Thanks, I've been "Banging my Head" over this.
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Easy question, I can't seem to find the answer anywhere.
Does Oliver (LE2) install an "Entry Door Head Pad, to prevent you from hitting your head on the Top of the Door Frame?
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We have our Oliver on Order so I can't actually see the Rear Bumper Storage but I know its dimensions 48" wide left to right, 20 1/2" front to rear, and is 6" high and have seen some pictures of it. I am thinking of utilizing this area for some extra CLEAN storage for our Zip Dee Chairs.
Their dimension are 24" wide, 23 1/4 long and with two of them stacked on top of each other are only 3 1/2 tall. As you can see I need another 2" front to rear for these Chairs to fit. Hopefully, I can make an adjustment somewhere to find the 2 extra inches.
Lastly, I'll need to install a divider between the Chair side of the storage compartment and the Sewer drain side to keep things sanitary. If this is successful it will be of sufficient use!
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We have placed our order for a new Trailer and are now in the phase of not only selecting the Options we want but also thinking on how to decorate the inside to personalize the trailer. I think we already have most of the RV stuff from older Trailers/MHs.
We are retired Sailors so we decided on a Nautical Theme, which should fit the Oliver extremely well! Many of our old Sailboats had white Gelcoat and Stainless Steel\Hardware with Teak Trim which we found really complimented each other.
The question is how to accomplish the objectives you want. Note, hopefully everything can be done without permanently damaging the trailer, i.e. drill into the fiberglass etc, this way it can be change back to suit someone else's taste. In our case, we plan on using Dark Blue fabric on the Dinette seats, (custom upholstery Job) with Gray Piping along with Dark Blue Bedding. We have 2 ZipDee Chairs for the outside, of course Dark Blue. Interior accessories include separate 3-4 inch Chrome Gauges Set, Temperature/Barometer/Clock, mounting location TBD, but probably on the Attic Door. The Bathroom Door Mirror will be covered with a thin White Formica (double taped on), and have a 12-15 inch round Marine Port Hole Mirror adhered to the outside of the door. Fortunately we still have the Marine Silverware and Dinnerware from the sailboat. Now for the Teak Trim, with a little luck I'll be able to make custom Teak CounterTops along with the Nightstand. The Dinette Table will be Teak with a Compass Rose Inlay in the center. The Shower will have the Teak Grate. We like the idea of the Lagun Table between the beds, Of course Teak Top.
I am curious what others have done to customize their Trailers.
Pat & Molly
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We have placed our order for a new Trailer and are now in the phase of not only selecting the Options we want but also thinking on how to decorate the inside to personalize the trailer. I think we already have most of the RV stuff from older Trailers/MHs.
We are retired Sailors so we decided on a Nautical Theme, which should fit the Oliver extremely well! Many of our old Sailboats had white Gelcoat and Stainless Steel\Hardware with Teak Trim which we found really complimented each other.
The question is how to accomplish the objectives you want. Note, hopefully everything can be done without permanently damaging the trailer, i.e. drill into the fiberglass etc, this way it can be change back to suit someone else's taste. In our case, we plan on using Dark Blue fabric on the Dinette seats, (custom upholstery Job) with Gray Piping along with Dark Blue Bedding. We have 2 ZipDee Chairs for the outside, of course Dark Blue. Interior accessories include separate 3-4 inch Chrome Gauges Set, Temperature/Barometer/Clock, mounting location TBD, but probably on the Attic Door. The Bathroom Door Mirror will be covered with a thin White Formica (double taped on), and have a 12-15 inch round Marine Port Hole Mirror adhered to the outside of the door. Fortunately we still have the Marine Silverware and Dinnerware from the sailboat. Now for the Teak Trim, with a little luck I'll be able to make custom Teak CounterTops along with the Nightstand. The Dinette Table will be Teak with a Compass Rose Inlay in the center. The Shower will have the Teak Grate. We like the idea of the Lagun Table between the beds, Of course Teak Top.
I am curious what others have done to customize their Trailers.
Pat & Molly
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Great, thanks for all the great comments. We just place our Order for an Elite 2! Now the big problem, what Options to order?
Thanks Pat
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This sounds like us. We are retired Sailors also and now are in the process of Ordering an OTT.
I guess we will Sailing a "Land Yacht" now. I how Airstream doesn't mind the reference.
Pat & Molly
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Bike rack weight limits
in Mechanical & Technical Tips
Posted
I've heard both 100 Lbs and 150 Lbs, (never in print) this is the first time I've actually seen a Sticker indicating 100lbs!
It critical to consider any additional weight placed on the Rear End of a trailer and how it affects the overall handling of the TV & Trailer combination. To much weight can upset the stability of the Tow Combination and can induce TRAILER SWAY! On the other hand staying within the recommended limits can have a positive effect on the Tongue Weight.