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Ronbrink

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Everything posted by Ronbrink

  1. I find the Lagun most useful as a bed table, especially in the morning to accommodate an iPad and coffee while sitting up against the rear wall, as well as the evening in similar manner. I can also use it at the other end when watching TV. Of course the table serves other purposes, as you mention, and thus its’ versatility and usefulness justifies leaving it up full time. Currently in the process of mounting a second for the wife’s bed.
  2. Got it, I totally misunderstood your situation. Good that you have the level issue figured out!
  3. Not only overcomming the “complexity of these units”, but it can be a real chore loading and unloading the TV and Oliver prior to and on return when traveling; as well as setting up and stricking camp, especially after an extended stay. I will share a saying that makes it worth the effort: ‘You work for your pleasure when you RV’! And I will add, as you well know by now, memories are made with each ‘Oliventure’!
  4. Had the same scenario last June when I went on my first ‘solo’ trip to Davis Mountains SP in West Texas. I purchased the inReach Explorer+ and the SAR insurance plan they offer. The Service Plan I got can be suspended and reactivated as a cost savings measure. I was able to let my wife know I was okay when out on the trails or biking AND if something were to happen to me that Search And Rescue (SAR) was a push of a button away!
  5. That is a great idea! Mine is currently located in the battery compartment and constantly ON.
  6. I find this procedure quite useful. I have managed to get cell service, although limited at times, in areas said to have “no cell service” for calls and text messaging, but sending photos was sporadic. In doing so my phone’s ‘personal hotspot’ provided internet access.
  7. You really should consider getting a hitch that will level the Oliver when under tow. The optimum ball height should be 23.5” from what I recall. There are many riser type adjustable hitches available, check out etrailer.com then do a price comparison/Amazon availability search.
  8. I get it, happens often in the house when the smoke detector batteries are low. I always know when I’m in trouble when called out by my birth name, followed by “you can’t hear that?”. Okay, it’s just a high pitched chirp, but the hearing ain’t what it used to be! Thanks for the p.s.; regardless of how annoying the situation, the threat assessment is paramount to one’s safety and well-being.
  9. I got this for the hitch ball, gonna give it a try on the steps! Amazon purchase, per product info: “Say goodbye to white and black grease stains. This multi-use, non-melting, waterproof grease is fortified with PTFE, the ultimate in nonstick technology.” I’m also a fan of their Silicone Paste dielectric grease.
  10. Try OdoBan, I use it to eliminate lingering fish odors in my skiff.
  11. Thanks for he heads up, need to check the date on our 2020 OLEll, 579!
  12. When replacing the stock grease zerks on the Dexter Axle suspension with angled zerks, I found some to be SAE and others metric. A return trip to Grainger’s got it done!
  13. . My TST repeater install, inside the battery box with direct connection to the batteries. No connectivity issues for three years, other than from weak monitor batteries which are easy to replace. I also have monitors on the TV. The ‘early warning’ a TPMS provides is most definitely a preventative measure to lessen the occurrence of a blowout or other catastrophic situation.
  14. You may have been disappointed with the initial end results, but I see a huge benefit with this mod when it comes to cleaning and maintenance matters. I can see where having the trailer positioned in alignment with the rising and setting sun would probably give the results you are seeking. Good luck with your endeavor!
  15. The brake assembly shown on the right is definitely a ‘left-hand’ Dexter Nev-R-Adjust. It will be interesting to see if the corresponding assembly on the curb side is the same, other than being the ‘right-hand’ equivalent. If so, it is possible you have two different axles. Perhaps one was a replacement as you speculate; hard to believe Oliver would mix-and-match axles. Here’s a pic of my curb side; you can see the adjustment cable to the left of the spindle (right-hand version), whereas yours is to the right (left-hand version). You might want to check if your axles still have the manufacturer’s sticker(s). I removed these from one axle for preservation sake. As a side note, to quote John E Davies “Be very sure to lube all the many moving parts of the brakes after a deep clean, they will not work properly otherwise.”, this is what I use.
  16. Your pic got me to think’n, mine are different so did some research. I have the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric brake setup, 2020 OLEll, 579.
  17. I was confused when reading that the ‘quieter’ a/c replacements draw 10 amps compared to the stock Dometic Penguin ll at 16 amps. I too have a 100+ amp DC draw on battery and understand now that the 10 and 16 values cited are AC amps, thus resolving the confusion. It’s also worth noting the aforementioned 100+ amp DC draw is with the compressor running, otherwise the draw is in the 30+ amp range. Also, when the 20 amp DC/DC charger is activated my draw values drop accordingly. I recently completed my transfer switch install with the information you provided and all is good running the a/c on batteries now. Thanks for the assistance, much appreciated!
  18. Sounds like you’re gonna DIY the bearing overhaul! Did the same last May, went with the Timkens as well, from Summit Racing. The CRC degreaser and brake cleaners I used worked great along with a parts cleaning brush and drip pan. I also ordered a brass drift punch for use in driving out the races and the Red Line CV-2 grease that John E Davies highly recommends. I found placing paper towels under the spindle prior to installing the bearings useful in keeping grease off the underlying brake components. Since the wheels are off and grease likely leaked from the rear seals, take time to throughly cleanup residuals and wash the tires. If you haven’t done so already, now would be a good time the replace the grease zerks with the angled variety. Many install 90°, but I choose 45° from Grainger’s. Good luck with your endeavor!
  19. My auxiliary fridge/freezer setup may be of interest to some. THE UNIT: Dometic CFX 75DZW, acquired a month prior to delivery of our 2020 OLEll, #579, in January of that model year. It has not only served us well on all of our ‘Oliver Travels’, but also during extended home power outages due to ice storms and hurricane events. I generally stage it in the house on a cart to bring up to temp, then start loading a day or two prior to departure. The cart really makes it easy to transport outside to the TV. For added efficiency and protection, an insulated cover was installed, as well as a layer of Reflectix on the sides and top between the unit and outer cover. THE LIFT: Fully loaded, the Dometic is way too heavy to carry out and lift into the truck bed. I mentioned usefulness of the cart, but also have a hoist staged on the trailer tongue for this heavy lift, as well as others such as the 30# propane tanks, generators and ebikes. The hoist conveniently folds and travels in the truck bed when not in use. THE POWER: The unit operates with household current as needed, but when underway a 100ah lithium portable power station I built keeps it running for the most part. Occasionally in camp it does require a NOCO charge, but a 200W solar array atop the TV’s cap helps to maintain adequate power. However, as backup I have run it on the move utilizing AC from the trailer’s inverter via a short extension cord to a front-mounted outlet. I can also power it from an Anderson plug installed at the bumper to power a DC/DC charger in the trailer. As a side note, I converted my Viair to utilize the Anderson, as well. THE HAUL: The unit is transported at the tailgate for convenient access, next to the power station, and can easily be pulled out onto the tailgate with help of furniture carpet slides affixed to the bottom. I keep a dedicated neoprene mat across the top to further protect and insulate. The picture is a bit deceiving, I now position it with the freezer/compressor end facing rearward; there is about a four inch space for ventilation with the tailgate closed. THE STORAGE: I’m fortunate to have a storage facility nearby, which is a good thing since the HOA will not allow! I have a large platform cart where most everything that goes in the TV under cap is staged in readiness, including the Dometic. However, the portable power station resides in the TV along with a couple of NATO gas cans and other miscellaneous items. The generators are similarly stored.
  20. Good idea! I like nestling up in the dinette seat corner, but the window shade is not comfortable to lean against. Gonna look at the ‘white’ boat seat cushions for the fix. Thanks
  21. I have the BedRug bed liner and travel with a Dometic CFX 75DZ, really heavy when fully loaded. To ease moving it out to the tailgate for better access, when necessary, I installed large furniture slides for carpet at each corner and attached them with Velcro.
  22. I have a Renogy 20amp DC/DC charger installed in the Oliver under the rear dinette seat, near the battery bank. It was reconfigured for lithium following the battery swap, as well as the Xantrex 2000. The extent of my boondocking is mostly overnight stays while traveling, destinations generally CGs with hookups. In the event the battery bank becomes too depleted and insufficiently charged, I carry generators. In the past, the smaller generator was run from the tailgate for a/c, as necessary. As a contingency, I currently have a 200w solar array atop my TV for purpose of charging a 100ah lithium portable power station to run a Dometic CFX 75DZ cooler staged under cap in the truck bed. My intent is now to use that solar to supplement the Oliver’s house batteries if need be, whether driving are stationary. Given this information, please advise if you have any recommendations to help strengthen my ‘plan’, much appreciated!
  23. Stuff happens! Used the rear stabilizers to level my 2020 OLEll 579 once, ended up lifting all four tires off the ground. Didn’t know until the next day that both axles had dropped, yikes! Struggled for two hours in heat and humidity, but finally got it done. Random act of stupidity, lessons learned!
  24. Thanks Mary! I take it you never attempted to run the original Dometic a/c on lithium. I just upgraded to 460Ah/no solar, in my 2020 OLEll 579 with hopes of running the stock 11,000 btu Penguin ll for a couple of hours during rest stops and lunch breaks on the lithiums. Still have to do some rewiring to make it happen based on input from others that have done the same. My next project will be to upgrade the a/c to a quieter unit; I find the information you provided and resulting discussion about the Freshjet very inspirational. Again, thanks!
  25. Mary, I’m interested in knowing the total size of your lithium battery setup in Ah. Trying to equate the actual usage over the stated run time. Thanks
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