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Ronbrink

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Everything posted by Ronbrink

  1. My OTT came equipped with individual shackles, but an upgrade to grade 8 chain is something to consider, as well as extra length to further attachment. That said, it was an easy task to upgrade my SoloSkiff trailer with 3/8” Pewag square security chain, so it’s only fair that the Oliver gets equal treatment!
  2. Spiral wrap hose protector, 3/4” ID for use on dual cable, .67” OD on single cable. Also used remnant sections to wrap propane hoses as routed along and over the frame up to the tank hoses. Unfortunately, the larger size in ‘black’ is currently unavailable on Amazon. I’ve used this type protector for decades on other trailers, as well as boats and Jeeps, and find this particular brand to be high quality and heavy duty.
  3. Nice install! For general information to those that may not be aware, Anderson has an Environmental Boot that can be used at the bumper mount, as well as the DC-DC cable connect on the OTT; this ensures a waterproof connection when in use, and protection from dirt and moisture when disconnected.
  4. It may be prudent for Oliver to address the issue in the forum’s News & Announcements for good measure, as well!
  5. I will preface the following by thanking Mike and Carol for a segue into the issue of bedding variables. Hopefully it will be helpful to some or at least entertaining to others. We make our twin beds in such a way that eases this somewhat difficult task and doubles the layers of cover to better dial in personal comfort; works great for our ‘he’s hot’-‘she’s cold’ dilemma! It all starts with proper planning and prep, mostly done in the convenience of home when the bedding laundry from a trip is being done; sheets, pillowcases/shams, blankets and throws. I’ve grown accustomed to that ‘fresh’ scent opposed to the ‘seasoned’ smell of my old camping/hunting bedroll, but I’ve digressed! Once laundered, the fitted bottom sheets are folded in the usual awkward manner; however the flat sheets are each folded in half lengthwise, laid out (as if on the Oliver twin) to initially fold the bottom up and over to the desired bed length (foot of bed where tucked in to wherever you like the sheet top to be when made), then subsequent folds of the remaining in smaller lengths to complete the process for stowage; the blankets are folded in much the same manner, but rather than a half fold allow the top portion a bit more width for aisle overhang (more on this later). Along with folded pillowcases/shams, throws and pillows, all is zippered up in a clear bag and placed in the Oliver for future use. If a second set of sheets were used on a trip, they are folded in the same manner, but stowed at the closet upper shelf until next needed. We rarely completely make the beds prior to departure, but at minimum the fitted sheets are installed to protect the mattresses in transit. ‘Bed Scrunchies’ are your friend, especially if one uses standard twin sheets rather than the custom ones that better fit the curved mattress corner. ‘Why all the hoopla?’ you may be thinking, well let me explain! When it comes time to make the beds, your uniquely folded flat sheets are laid out ‘head to toe’ with the ‘lengthwise’ fold against the fiberglass wall, and if done properly that ‘initial’ fold you made will be at the foot of the bed. Now simply take that generous length of folded sheet and lift the mattress enough to tuck it into place; do the same with the blanket. Voila, the sheet and blanket ends are firmly anchored and the bed is almost made, less the pillows and optional throw, if desired. ‘Now wait a minute, what’s the big deal?’ you may be thinking, well let me explain! Traditionally, RV bed covers are tucked in at the bottom (easy), as well as along the wall (not so easy). A standard twin sheet/blanket is way too wide for the Oliver’s bed size, thus resulting in unruly bulk, and a lot of reaching, bending and tugging to tuck the excess away in good order. Many resort to altering bedding or making do with non-standard sizes, and I get it. However, I’m a simple man (my wife is laughing), but innovative! I now have two layers of sheets and two layers of blanket to crawl under, allowing me to peel off consecutive layers, as necessary. But there’s more! The crux of the matter is the simplicity and ease of effort in straightening the bed covers, whether during the night after getting up or just in and out of bed in the morning, and of course making it up for the day. ‘How is that?’ you may be thinking, well let me explain! If laying or sitting in bed, by grabbing and aligning the top corners of the sheet while slightly lifting and pulling, they will self-make; the blanket can then be done is like fashion. Because each are snuggly tucked and anchored, you can pull as taut as you like for the desired result. Making up the bed is just as easy, only from a standing position and in a jiffy! The proof is in the pudding!
  6. We both sleep with our heads at the rear, I like laying in bed and seeing more of the beautiful interior space I paid for! When sitting up with the bed and sham pillows at my back, I find the corner wall curvature very comfortable. As for the nightstand, items placed and/or being charged on this table are well within reach, and I really like having my iPhone handy, as well the clock display visible whether laying or sitting. We wouldn’t be able to use our Lagun tables in the same manner if our sleeping positions were reversed; they are placed above the foot of our beds at night to stage the sham pillows and extra bedding. Also, the window view from bed is generally better and more private due to the wall recess at the rear. This is what we are accustomed to and have found no reason to sleep any other way; admittedly, the elbow issue is ‘real’ and I completely understand other’s views regarding the matter, but for us the pros outweigh the cons. Lastly, when the beds are made-up, the overall look of the interior decor is so much more appealing!
  7. Wow, sounds like a very sophisticated setup! My Son has suggested I incorporate one of the Cerbo models to remedy a charging issue, and was wondering how else an install could be of benefit to the Oliver. Thanks for your reply, much appreciated!
  8. After initially reading of your issue and that of others, I invested in a gas leak detector to carry with and for home use, as well. Being a lifelong DIYer, I am heavily vested in tools and have no qualms fixing problems, and this device will be used to routinely sweep the Oliver to help ensure all is good with it. Thanks for the followup and good to know your issue has been resolved.
  9. Like many, I’ve always considered the dinette table to be too small, especially when laying out a ‘big camp meal’! I’ve seen several modifications over the years, mostly the beautiful wood creations of resort, but when the extra Lagun table came into play I just had to make use of it. That said, this may be an alternative use for owners that regret opting for the Lagun.
  10. The DC-DC should be mounted as close as possible to the batteries, at a location where there is sufficient room for proper ventilation. If proper ventilation is an issue due to the mounting location or size of the unit(s), then fans are often used. Although 2008RN made good use of valuable real estate at the rear wheel well below the street side bed, there is not much clearance between it and the hatch lid when closed. Knowing this, he took extra precaution in adding the fans to provide adequate ventilation to his superbly installed dual-unit setup. I my installation, 1/2” plywood was adhered to the fiberglass within the interior rear dinette seat hatch, just below the battery box enclosure (reflective insulation at upper righthand corner of pic). I have not experienced a heat issue with use of this 40A unit, even when traveling last summer to West Texas with daytime temps in excess of 110°.
  11. Very nice! I was hesitant to mix colors, but the Monte Blanc F/G actually enhanced the overall decor and blended well with the gray flooring in our Oliver.
  12. Warning, if ‘drilling’ screw holes in your beautiful fiberglass makes you squeamish, then I suggest you pass on this post! Since I couldn’t find another Lagun (a 1.5 year long search) to match the existing Fiber-Granite for ‘his’ and ‘hers’ twin bed tables, I ended up buying two from Oliver, in contrasting color, to achieve that goal. Hence, I wanted to somehow make use of the original Lagun tabletop, so came up with a plan for a couple of extensions. Since I had prior experience altering the nightstand tabletop, to add convenience electrical outlets and USB ports atop, I felt more confident in making further ‘cuts’. Yep, measure six times and cut once, all the while asking myself “should I really do this?”! Fortunately, all turned out well with no regrets. My plan involved using the existing pantry counter to extend the dinette table, then the Lagun to replace and extend the pantry counter. My target was to bump each out to align with the edge of the street side bed rail, a gain of 6.75” at the dinette and 5.5” at the pantry. Note that the dinette extension is recessed a bit due to difference in width, but okay with that since the seat backs needed the extra space for better fitment. A table saw was used to cut the pantry counter to size, a strip of 3M molding tape was used to bond the two segments, as well as self-tapping screws; 5 longer in the center, 3 shorter on each side of the joined segments. Note the use of multiple bit extenders to enable enough length for a straight screw set. The extended table was then checked with a straight edge and found to be perfectly flush! Yeah! Now for brackets to create an edge to fit in the existing thumbscrew wall mounts. I had a remnant of aluminum angle, which was cut in half, positioned and bonded to the extension segment with the aforementioned tape; perfect fitment. Because the table was extended further from the wall, the position of the support post changed accordingly. Final outcome. In cutting the Fiber-Granite, tape was used at the saw line to prevent the fiberglass from chipping; a file was then used to smooth the cut edges. For the ‘new’ pantry counter, 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener was used for a stronger and more secure attachment. Note that the Lagun was flipped in the ‘tape pic’ only to illustrate the finished cut; all sawing was done facedown. Final outcome. As mentioned, the previously altered nightstand tabletop with installed ‘desktop’ outlets for multiple AC and USB ports. In my year model, this tabletop was designed to lift up to access a tray, which could then be removed to gain further access to the drawer. An added convenience to owners that opted for the Lagun table, which restricted use of the drawer when mounted. Note the cut is barely visible, being that the wall segment was turned around so the finished edge would face forward.
  13. I carry a small corded blower, not something used often so didn’t want to worry about having to keep a battery charged. Very useful for cleaning debris from pad and picnic table areas prior to camp setup, as well as tree debris off the Clam. If you have the means, it would be effective to clean the awning. Mine is stowed within easy reach when first rolling in camp.
  14. I checked on this switch, but my 2020 seems to have a different setup. Really posting to ask what is the purpose of the Cerbo GX in your application?
  15. Good call! I bought 50’ R/50’ B 4AWG for my initial single unit DC-DC 20A, subsequent 40A upgrade, install(s). The length was sufficient for my particular TV and unit install under the rear dinette hatch. Definitely 2AWG with two units.
  16. Me too, but I don’t have to like what falls out of them!
  17. It is my understanding that the ‘fuel level’ type gauges, not GasStop with a ‘pressure’ indicator gauge, was a culprit; faulty regulators can restrict flow, as well as the tank’s excess flow valve (EFV) and overfill protection device (OPD) valve if opened too fast.
  18. I have the EGO string trimmer, blower and lawnmower; will never go back to gas lawn equipment again! I find each to be of high quality, powerful and very durable.
  19. I’d take a snow day over an extreme heat/high humidity day anytime. That said and given the issue of “payback”, maybe I should go ahead and invest in a snowblower?
  20. Some interesting trivia: Last year not a single freeze temp here in Houston, and Texas had the hottest summer on record!
  21. So that’s what a snowblower looks like! (Native Texan)
  22. Bingo! With early detection of a fire the Element will likely suffice, but if a fire is more involved then another type of extinguisher would be required. I like the fact that the Element will not necessitate a HazMat cleanup following its’ use. I have firsthand knowledge of an incident wherein a fire extinguisher somehow accidentally discharged inside a vehicle and it had to salvaged due to the high expense of a cleanup.
  23. If it’s just leaves and/or twigs, the underside of the awning can be bumped from top to bottom to bounce them downslope and off. However, in regards to the other stuff, i.e. sap, pollen, insect/bird droppings, etc., that is my concern and reason why I try to avoid camping under trees. I use Google Earth in selecting available campsites to help evaluate the tree situation, among other things, but if tree cover cannot be avoided then I make it a practice to not deploy the awning. That said, I occasionally deploy the awning when washing the Oliver to cleanse it of dust and dirt that may have accumulated.
  24. It should be good once the ‘memory’ from being rolled up is lost as it warms up and flattens when completely relaxed. Could hasten the process by running the heater, but gonna let it sit a couple weeks first. I carried the dinette table out to the trailer and it stayed in place, even when mounting the table.
  25. Yep, those scratches and swirl marks happen. I plan to buff the fiber granite to restore them, a winter project for sure. This is what I bought. I have more surface area than most Olivers, so do your own measurements. The 2mm size is only available in larger sections, otherwise 1.5mm. Amazon purchase.
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