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JRK

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Everything posted by JRK

  1. I have been looking for an alternative to the original Oliver box that likes to mash my bumper - my fault as I turned to sharp. This just might be it. Looks good.
  2. I can't find the location where to update signature. I haven't used it for nearly 2 years. getting old.

    1. topgun2

      topgun2

      left click on your avatar (at the upper left of this page)

      left click on "account settings"

      left click on "signature" (located on left side of screen)

      Change what you desire

      left click on "save"

  3. Well, I am almost afraid to take my trailer out. I did cancel the last trip because of issues with the trailer on the prior trip. Still have not resolved multiple issues. It has been one consistent problem, usually minor, but annoying. Tired of the drawers not staying closed, and ripping out wood as they fall out, city water connection failure causing leaks, continued electrical issues and no schematic to help trace potential problems-no power to water pump and inverter not functioning - does not power up, rear Oliver light having intermittent power/lighting - flashing on and off while driving, shower hose kinking and too short causing restriction of water flow, what feels like poor insulation - too cold and too hot inside and more. My traveling companion, my girlfriend, wants me to sell it. She has been on three trips, and is fed up.
  4. Interesting discussion. I have a similar, but not the same? problem with a 2021 Legacy I (single axle). I was doing everything just fine when my water pump switch would not light when turned on - no power for the water pump. Yes, it was working fine. A few hours later, there was no power to the inverter? - the inverter would not function. Electrically, I was dead if no shore power. Shore power worked fine. I will attempt the hard reboot and see what happens. Not sure about the water pump issue. It shouldn't be wired from the inverter, but then where is a schematic to verify? As far as water, my female hose connection, the one on the trailer, has failed. The rotating, swivel connection is leaking profusely. I will need to remove the fitting/hose connection and replace it. So I had no water unless I didn't mind sending a steady stream of water into the ground at the campsite, and boondocking was not working well as the water pump was not working. John
  5. Got a call from Oliver yesterday. There are also 15 and 20 pound latches. The drawer by itself is 7 pounds (I weighed it today), so just a few items in the drawer puts it over 10 pounds. Oliver said that there are issues with the drawer latches allowing the drawers to open. They are looking into the problem. John
  6. I was at the museum before today - Thursday? of this week. It was interesting - I mentioned to my daughter in a phone call I think that there are many museums where hobbyists started a museum to make their hobby a 501c3 - There was nothing that I would consider special - the usual WWI and II vehicles, with a few later vintage VietNam and mid-east vehicles. A friend collects similar vehicles. He has about 30 in his yard/storage building. Same vehicles. If you have a few extra hours and are driving along I80, and like such stuff, it is worth the stop. In Boulder Wy tonight, on my way to several days in Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. If you want a Harvest Host spot, and like whiskey (or just a distillery) stop by Pine Bluffs Distilling in Pine Bluffs, WY. They have plenty of space - as many people as can fit - they list 10 spots, but they could hold 20 or more and still have space. Friendly, family run business. 14 year old daughter was washing glasses and supporting mom the bartender.
  7. And I am 6' tall. Sit on the toilet when I take a shower, but I have replaced the provided hose with one that works. The provided hose is a ....... It is plastic, and kinks when pulled out far enought to use as a shower hose. I replaced it with a solid wall hose, stainless steel mesh, added a few inches (8) and it works fine. Oliver is being responsive to problems and issues. There are many, but we need to let corporate know what they are so the problems can be fixed. If LEII and solo, I would get one twin bed and use the other as a sofa. I can stand up easily within the main trailer.
  8. I am on a cross country trip, California to Maine and back - right now a 3 hour drive from Yellowstone/Grand Teton where I will be spending a week. I am towing an LEI - single axle - with a 2014 Tacoma, 4x4, heavy suspension/chassis, V6. I would not have enjoyed towing the larger LEII, if I could have done it. I feel comfortable with the Tacoma and LEI, but I am at the limit, I think. Did you know that Nebraska is not flat across I80? I am solo, a new widower. The LEI is doing fine for me on its first real trip. Have had a few problems, and honestly, am not overly impressed with the Oliver detail "finish" work. But having the rear dinette permanently made up as a bed, with about one-third used as clothes storage - I have too much stuff with me - has been fine. The counter top is small. I use the smaller dinette as a catchall for work (I am sort of working while traveling), makes food prep a bit of an experience, and with lots of rain in the northeast, doing so outside was not great. The motorized awning closes at the slightest wisp of a breeze automatically, so while under it in the rain, it likes to close. I would prefer a manual awning. I am able to cruise at about 70 mph, or so, if not too uphill. Getting about 12 mpg. Without towing, I am at 17mpg. I have 160,000 miles on the truck, also paid for, which is nice. But I will be looking at a new tow vehicle when I return. The weight of even the LEI is too much for the Tacoma, I feel. Of course I probably need to replace the shocks anyway, buy they have weakened while on the trip. The new Olivers are expensive, and with a new tow vehicle at $60,000+, I am wondering about the total cost. Maybe a used trailer would be more reasonable, but still the weight would suggest a new tow vehicle. I am looking at the Ford F150 hybrid, or possibly a used landcruiser. I plan on regular trips, so the Tacoma probably needs to be replaced. I have used zero oil on the trip, changed oil in Maine and will again next week. Always serviced with full synthetic changed at 5-6,000 miles, Mobil 1 or Castrol. Usually change it myself. Regular anticipated maintenance/wear on Tacoma. I find that I need to stop at 150-200 miles anyway, so getting gas at that range is no problem. I try to not let the tank go below 1/4. I would not have tried the LEII with the Tacoma, and find that the LEI is the limit. Oliver is a heavy trailer. I also find solo with the LEI is fine, but I would not want to have a guest over for the evening. John
  9. I just came from 2 weeks in Maine. Not sure about winters, but I fell in love with the state - Lubec was exceptional - as beautiful as Acadia, or more so, and no people, not commercial (yet). There are a few private campgrounds that had open spaces, and were quite enjoyable - Sunset View was one. Will be back. I went to an event at Thomas Beach - okay, but not my first choice. A bit different than the southern California coast where I live, but the cool summer water allowed for similar sea grasses and fish. John
  10. Thanks Mike, That is what I was looking for - I will find a more resistant pull for the middle drawer. Perfect answer. John
  11. And now the bottom drawer guides/glides have ripped out of their mount. When I opened the bottom drawer this evening, it fell into my hands. The left drawer glide remained attached to the "wood" that it was mounted to, but the "wood" fractured and pulled out. I will need to figure out a way to replace the wood so I can mount the drawer glide to it. I have been told that the problems with the Oliver are the same as with any RV - the appliances are the point of failure. BS. I have had no issues with the appliances, but the Oliver Corporate choices that have been made, the workmanship and the materials chosen for use, such as a sheet of veneer, 1/16" sheet of birch into which to mount the drawer glides, is rather disappointing. The road along I80 did not help, as it is extremely rough at 70 mph. I am exceptionally disappointed at the choices Oliver made and the workmanship that has been shown. There is no way this should have made it through the manufacturing process to use this light wood on which to mount the drawers. The drawer did not come loose, it did not fall out, but was held in place by the latch. When I pulled it open, the drawer glide had ripped out a piece of the wood to which it was mounted. Not sure how it did that, but it did. Multiple similar issues with other items - the choice of materials, such as a faucet hose that is plastic, allowing it to kink when there is a choice to use a stainless steel mesh hose that will not kink. Does not make sense to me to use obviously cheap, cost saving materials when we are supposed to have purchased a "luxury" trailer, as the advertising and sales people claim. My Coleman tent trailer didn't have as many similar issues. Frustrated this evening. John
  12. I have the Elite I. Middle drawer is the largest drawer. It won't remain shut while driving. Is there a more secure locking system available? I have been traveling for 5 weeks. No real issues until 2 weeks into the trip I found the drawer had not only come open and had fallen onto the floor, but it had ripped loose the drawer slides from their "mounts" (#6 x 1/2" wood screws, two per slide). There isn't much wood thickness for the slide screws to purchase, but I used 4 screws per slide. The next day when the drawer fell out, the slides remained in place. I now use duct tape to keep the drawer in place while driving until I figure out how to keep the drawer locks functioning, or find decent drawer locks. I can feel the difference in the drawer locks - the 2 smaller drawers have a more secure lock when I push them in as compared to the middle drawer. It may have weakened, but not sure how? I don't have it overloaded, I think. LIghtweight pot and pan, miscellaneous stuff, a bottle or two, dishwashing liquid. Otherwise, no issues with the little Oliver, although I am anticipating door hinges to begin failing. Bathroom door has become somewhat tweaked. Joh
  13. Well, I am in the middle of my 7 week trek from California to Maine and back. I attached the inverter to a larger piece of marine grade plywood and used velcro-type fastener to attach this board to the inside of the seat enclosure. I have lost a drawer that won't stay closed - duct tape works well, but the inverter has remained affixed to its mount. No issues. John
  14. My mom used gasoline or paint thinner when we got home from the beach (1959-60), pre offshore drilling days along souther california beaches. Today I would use mineral spirits. Acetone is highly flammable.
  15. I began my first real trip last week towing my Elite I with my 2014 Tacoma 4x4, 3.6L V6, all stock. The truck has been at its limit, I think, going mostly along I40/Route 66. I am in Casey Illinois right now. There are 156,000 miles on my Tacoma. The 4Runner has the same engine, but is it a similar chassis? I mostly tow in 4th gear (the shift lever to the left when in D). Hills have been no real problem, although I do slow down a bit. The transmission is there for the correct gear, so downshifting to third and an rpm of 3,000-3,200 is appropriate, to me. I cruise at about 65-70 when allowed, rpm about 2,500. I do know that the trailer is there, which for me is okay. Handling is fine. No issues. Using the Tekonsha P3 brake controller that is plug and play. 10 minute installation. This is my first real trip, other than towing it home. Home was strictly on I40 - to Barstow, then to Los Angeles. This trip I have been on back roads, small highways and interstates. stayed in Branson, Mo for a few days - first time. I had the truck, so I am using it. When it turns about 200,000 miles I will probably get a new truck, which I am thinking about now. Not sure what to buy, or if I should think about an SUV-type vehicle, such as a LandCruiser, Tahoe or? I will replace the Tacoma with something that provides a bit more substance for towing, and a bit larger for my 6' height. The new Ford Hybrid looks enticing, although it is also a V-6. Gas mileage has been a dismal 12-13, although it is usually not too good at 18 mpg. I don't let the tank get below 1/4, so I am filling up about every 180 miles, which I am justifying as a good resting point. I am happy for "cheap" gas outside of California, where it is close to $5/gallon. My eastern plan is Brunswick, Maine, via Lake Erie. There will be hills along the way, and I may have to drop into 3rd gear a few times. That is okay. I don't see that as a strain on the engine when using the proper gearing. And the load is okay. I don't travel with a lot of stuff. If the Canadian border is open, I'll go home along the border, in Canada, just because, to the Dakotas.
  16. I picked up my Elite (I) March 17, 2021, hull #758. It does not have a continuouse chrome strip above the rear dinette. There is a tray/shelf that fits in that place, that is above the table, so the chrome strip is not there if you got the dinette option. I was told that if you got the permanent bed option, the chrome band would be continuous, and the brackets/thumb screws would not be there. I decided to get the dinette option, as I wanted the flexibility of using the dinette or the bed. I plan to leave the bed permanently made up for my upcoming, first, trip. I did remove the thumb screws. John
  17. Thanks, John, I did not know about Ultimate Campgrounds. I like it. Leaving on my first Oliver camping trip ever, and first non-tent camping in about 10 years, this coming Sunday the 27th. Heading to Thomas Pointe Beach Campground in Maine as the ultimate destination, July 9-11. Then return to California, getting home when I do. First time out on a trip while fully retired. Unfortunately, first trip as an adult without my wife. Might try to meet my middle daughter for a trail run/race on Mt. Rainier near the end of July. I will defintely make use of this app as well as Harvest Hosts. John
  18. I was told this morning by Oliver service that the instructions I had been following as presented in the manual I was given March 17 at delivery for the Andersen Hitch are old and have been updated by Andersen. The correct manual coincides with the removal and connection method as presented at delivery. As an fyi, I asked about a connector that was displayed in my manual which is no longer used by Andersen. Without that inquiry, I would not have known that the manual delivered was not correct, and the procedure listed in the manual should not be used. I try to follow the RTFM principle, but when it is the wrong manual, it becomes disappointing. Has anyone found other manuals that might be out of date? https://www.mediafire.com/file/bx5xm3p7hie6515/3932_-_WD_Hitch_installation_manual_May_2021_Low_Res.pdf/file the correct Andersen manual. I was told that Oliver is going through the other manuals that are given out today to verify that they are current. The manuals are copied and placed in a bound book. Nice idea, and the manuals are in one place. Need the correct manuals, though. John
  19. Pennie, I am not trying to discourage your purchase, but I have had numerous issues with my LEI that I picked up three months ago that have absolutely nothing to do with the appliances or equipment. The problems are all due to lack of craftsmanship, poor quality control, and a problem at the installation of the equipment and appliances. Axle issues-installed incorrectly, inverter mounting issues, installation of blinds, installation of hoses and faucets, lack of support for the composting toilet, poor electrical connections, and more. I was rushed through delivery for a few reasons - one of which the regular delivery person didn't show up to work on my delivery date. Still, I wanted a trailer. I am content with the Oliver as the problems get solved - I have had no offers of taking the trailer to a local service center, only a discussion on how to do the repairs myself, except the axle, which I will probably return to Oliver on my next trip for a reweld job. A friend laughs at me for not buying an Escape, as he did, for about $15,000 less. He has had zero problems or issues in two years, and is comfortable going on beaches with it. My point - nothing is perfect. This is not a plug and play device, or even a quality car. I have driven nearly one million miles in four different cars (Toyotas and Fords) in the past few years, with not one mechanical or device failure. Just normal wear and tear. The Oliver will have failures, as any trailer will. The range appears to be flimsy. The door hinges will likely fail. The bathroom door is exceptionally lightweight and seems frail. I am concerned about the door lock assembly. The window blind clips fractured (two of them). If you can't or don't learn to do the basic work yourself, you will be spending time and money at dealerships. Learn what you can and practice the basics. And learn the few quirks and tricks, like tilting the nose up a bit to be able to drain the holding tanks. Most importantly, enjoy and have fun. Don't take the problems too seriously, if you are able. My perspective - my wife of 48 years died three weeks ago. This is just a trailer, meant to be used to enjoy life. John
  20. I will be at an event at Thomas Point Beach campground July 9-11, and staying a few extra days. First trip to Maine in 30 years. Looking forward to the trip, for the first time by myself. John
  21. You can get the upgrade to bluetooth. I had same question on my Elite I. I was told that the Elite II came with the bluetooth, but the Elite I did not. John
  22. When I was there for delivery, there were 19, all sold waiting for pickup. Mine was ready, on the lot, for more than 2 weeks prior to my delivery date.
  23. I get free wine from my wine wholesaler daughter, so, being cheap, don't usually buy wine. But HH is worth the membership fees. Do what you are comfortable doing to support host. I like cheese, so buy good bread and cheese, maybe some vinegar and olive oil or fresh produce. Second the Stanford museum. The admission sales person made sure I used my senior discount entry fee, $5, I signed a login sheet and that was it. Bought a space gift in the shop, but the kids running the place had no idea I was there for HH. There were several spaces in their parking lot that was also next to the municipal airport and housing tract access. There are many non-alcohol related locations
  24. I registered 2 weeks ago, new, in Ventura county at AAA. It took less than 30 minutes with a reservation, which was required for out of state, although California tax is pretty high (almost $5,000). For an out of state vehicle, I had to have the trailer VIN personally inspected by the AAA person. They need to see both VINs. The 2 labels were acceptable. Otherwise, would have had to take it to CHP. I stamped the vin in two locations on the frame after going to AAA My AAA did all, the registration, VIN verification and took my money. They reviewed the Oliver delivery paperwork, mainly the registration document. My AAA office, in Camarillo, has at least 5 people who handle DMV stuff i am sure an AAA in Redding would be able to handle it. Call if you need more help, 805 two one six, 2569 john
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