[Generators]

Jeff,

 

Best thing to do is call easy-Start and give them the details of what you want to do. Can’t remember his name, but one of the engineers from easy-Start was at the rally in Guntersville and he really knows his stuff. He installed a bunch of then there and all went well.

 

Remember too, that all engines lose about 3% of their power per 1000 ft elevation. It’s something else to factor in. Running the genny at 5,000 ft will mean about 15% less output than at sea level. There may be a further loss of power due to running it on propane. Tell them how high you want to be able to camp and run the AC, which genny you have, that it runs on propane and the AC model you have. They’ll give you the right answer and help figure out how to get it installed. It seems he was doing them in about 1/2 hour plus some programming. The hardest part was getting up on the roof and opening up the AC. Then it was a simple matter of sticking on the controller (literally, it’s a sticky back box) and plugging it in. Then he and the owner would test it out. The easy-Start learns about the load over about 5 starts. I talked to him at length and watched the power draw on his meter, but I did not get one.

 

While matching the starting load to the generator, the Easy-Start delivers a lower peek load over a longer time time and watches the motor RPM while doing it to be sure the motor is coming up to speed. This allows a smaller generator to start a larger Load,

 

I’ve recently started charging my trailer batteries with jumper cables from the truck when we are out for some days without a shore tie. I also have a 3000 watt inverter that I am thinking of installing. It can handle about 6000 watts of starting current. So, I’m thinking that I could run the AC off the inverter and charge the batteries from the truck while doing it. The truck alternator puts out somewhere around 180 amps which is over 2000 watts. This way I would not have to carry the generator at all, or fuel for it.

 

I recently got a flat tire about 80 miles from the nearest services and simply connected the inverter to my truck battery. Then I was able to run my compressor and fill it back up after I plugged it. So why not just connect the inverter and use the truck as my shore tie? Plug the trailer into the truck inverter and act like I’m plugged into shore power. This may work fine and I plan to test it on out next trip comming up this weekend. It would simply mean idling the truck instead of running a generator. No significant altitude power loss, no extra fuel to carry, no generator to carry and probably less noise as the truck is quieter than the generator and a much more relaxing sound. If there is any extra power available, it will charge the batteries some in the process.

 

I’ll let you know how the test goes.

 

BTW, if you decide to add a quick disconnect, look at my thread: “modifications to hull 92″ and see how I did it on mine. It was very simple and done up at the bottles. No drilling or long hoses. I added a shut off in front of it too, in case the quick fitting starts to leak. Then th ehose is connected through an 8” deck plate in front of th epropan cover. Love it! I have 30 feet of hose to run the outside stove over at the picnic table or run the propane fire pit up to 30 feet away from the trailer.

 

I like the concept of using the TV for a battery charger, but  I have been told that batteries need two stages of charging to remain healthy...Bulk, then float.  This is dealt with when using a smart charger.  Do you connect the jumper cables straight to the batteries or is there a method of connecting to the converter charger.  In my case I have a Magnum Hybrid inverter with built in charging.  The Magnum will not accept 12volts for charging, so I would need a separate inverter to charge from the TV.

 

Please post your details as to brand, connections, etc.

 

from your Avatar you must be a wolf advocate.  If you are ever in NW Florida visit the Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Chipley, FL.  A great organization with 30 wolves living in a semi wild environment.

[2018 Rally]

I just cancelled our reservation for site D8 if anyone is looking for a spot. We will miss all our Oliver buds but I just had shoulder surgery and don't think I will be up to camping activities.

 

David and carol Kemp

[Anyone Ever Towed With a Van?]

The is a full timing Airstream couple that tows a 30 footer with a van.  They have been out West extensively.  You can look them up and reach out to them for experiences.  #lessjunkmorejourney is their blog.

 

 

 

 

[Equalize?]

I have a combo of two AGMs and two T105s.  After almost 18 months the Specific gravity in the Trojans was in the “fair” region so I decided to equalize the Trojans.  I disconnected the AGMs from my inverter charger and selected the “equalize”option.  I was plugged into shore power at the time.  The voltage meter immediately jumped to 15.1 and I could hear the batteries bubbling.  After four hours the charger went back to float.  A re checked the specific gravity and all cells are now in the green zone so it looks like the equalizer did its job.

 

When I owned 64 Blue Sky told me 320watts of solar would not equalize batteries.  You may need to remove the batteries and take them to a facility with a high voltage charger.

[Sleep Apnea and CPAP/BiPAP use in an Oliver]

Oliver has dealt with CPAP many times.  They can add 12v and 120v outlets in the overheads with a hole to run the hose through the bottom of the cabinet. You will need to determine where your head will be.  We always slept with our pillows to the forward end.

 

when boondocking it is more efficient to run your machine on 12v because the inverter will consume a lot of battery just running itself.  If your CPAP does not have 12v buy a 150 watt plug in inverter from CPAP.com.  It will come with a cigarette lighter plug.  Way more efficient than the inverter.

 

I have several of these small inverters  for use in my Airstream.  CPAP, fans, TV, all run fine without cranking up my 3000 watt Magnum.

[Quartzsite, AZ Gathering - February 5-11, 2018]

Steve,

 

 

 

when end we traveled to Arizona last year I 10was just awful from New Orleans to Houston.  Teeth jarring.  I don’t know if makes sense for you but when I go west again I will take I 20and turn south near Dallas.

[Pop ups]

I will sell my Clam tent for $200.00. It is a 12x12 and includes 3 panels.  PM me if interested and I will bring it to the rally in May.

[Small ceramic heater question]

Check out the Delonghi oil filled radiator.  They seem to be a safer option for consistent steady heat.  We use one in our sunroom during cold snaps and it does a great job.

[Induction Pros and Cons]

When someone gave us a Nu Wave portable cook top as a Criistmas Gift I stuck it into a closet and labeled it gimmick because of the infomercial, but we actually needed an extra burner for a social event and darn but the thing really works well.  It is now a permanent fixture on Camping trips and beats hauling a Coleman grill around.  Most of our standard cookware works just fine with it and the Nu Wave is my go to for cooking outdoors.  I don’t worry too much about batteries ...between my 500 watts of PV and the Honda I can top off in a jiffy.

[Sorrow]

So sorry to hear this.  Robert was a great help to us when we bought #64.

[Solar Capacity - What is offered & needed]

I ordered my 2015 Elite II (now sold) without solar or inverter thinking I would DIY my own to save money.  It proved too large and technical a project for me so I left #64 with the factory to have the full monte installed.  They did a terrific job.  320 Watts, 2000 watt inverter, Blue sky, etc.  The system performed flawlessly.

 

September of 2016 we bought a 28' Airstream and sold the Ollie to snowlakemike.  The Airstream had no solar, little battery, nothing... so I hired my local solar company to install 500 watts of Renogy panels, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter with Blue Sky controller and IPN remote.  I added 2 Crown AGM batteries plus 2 Trojan wet cell batteries I had in reserve.  (Yes you can mix batteries.  Just don't cook the AGMs)  Again I am happy with my solar setup.

 

I say all this so you will know that I am a fan of solar, but if I had it to do again I would skip the panels and invest that money in some Lithium batteries .  I hear good things about the Battle Born brand..  My Honda 2000i running on propane, on Economy mode will fully charge my batteries in no time at all. It will also run my 15000 BTU AC with the Easy Start computer.  The Magnum inverter is also a smart charger and allows me to select the amount of charge amps it calls for.  I keep this at 30 when on shore power, but drop down to 7 for generator.  This places a very small load on the Honda while charging my batteries quickly and quietly.

 

The OP already has the Honda.  Try camping without solar for a while...you can always add the panels in the future.

 

By the way.  I have 5000 watts of PV on my home and sell about $100.00 a month to Gulf Power.  Solar does have its place.

[A (Group) of Olivers???]

How about a basket of olivers...as in eggs?

[2018 Rally]

We just booked D8 for the rally.  Maybe I will paint the Stream white so we fit in. LOL?

 

Seriously, we just want to hook up with some really great friends.  See you all there.

 

 

 

 

[Anyone Ever Towed With a Van?]

Check out two blogs for full timing Airstreamers towing with vans.

 

 

 

Less junk more journey

 

The More We Explore

[Hope for input from those with experience]

We moved from the Legacy Elite II to Airstream 28 and love the extra space.  If Ollie made a larger trailer that would be my preference because of lower maintenance, but alas they don't.  A good choice for now might be the Bigfoot.  Get inside a few trailers and imagine yourself living therefor a few weeks or months.

 

Check out RV rentals for units near you.  Staying overnight in a trailer will give you a good feel for what you need.

 

one thing about a Queen bed in a narrow trailer is that one person will have to crawl over the other for bathroom breaks.  A real pain.  If you choose the Ollie go for a twin bed model.

[ALASKA! Share your experiences & dreams]

Steve.  You got a new truck!  Like the diesel better than gas?  You could pull the Outlaw Oliver plus my rig too with that rig.

 

Congratulations.  Hello to Tali from Carol and me.

[Where will you be on 08/21/17, Total Eclipse?]

We will get only an 80 percent blockage but Fort Pickens National Seashore is where we will be.  Only 30 minutes from our home and we scored a site in A loop for two nights.

[Sleeping in Oliver]

Walmart and Amazon have excellent memory foam mattresses at reasonable prices.  We used eight inch mattresses in our Casita, Olllie, and now the Airstream.  For about $200 you can buy a couple of twin mattresses and use an electric knife to cut them to shape.

 

more comfortable than our $3,000 Tempurpedic we have at home.

[Historic Military Installations]

We visit anyone we get close to, Ft Davis in Texas a great stop when your near Big Bend NP and the Douglas Observatory and another is Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota when you visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Just a couple quick ones for the Post.First photo Davis second Abraham. Thanks Gary

I second the Fort Davis suggestion.  There is a terrific state park near that has excellent camping.  Davis Mountains state park.  Plus a terrific ice cream place in a caboose right across from the old fort.

[Oliver or Airstream?]

John,

 

I agree that Airstream's are over privpced, but IMHO so is Oliver.  I would not buy a new RV, or vehicle and that makes prices much more affordable.  I am interested to see if Oliver introduces a larger trailer.  26 feet and eight foot wide would be sweet and I for one will be a prospect...if the price is in line.

 

My AS is as boon dock ready as anything out there...except maybe an Earth Roamer.

 

Main thing is to find what you love, and love what you find.

[Oliver or Airstream?]

Both brands are industry leaders and I have owned both.  Presently own an Airstream and very happy with it.  The trailers are very different and it really comes down to your individual needs.

 

I give ease of maintenance to Oliver, but Airstream wins in the size and comfort area.  The Airstream is a foot wider which doesn't sound like a lot but it is huge in the use ability area.

 

Spend a lot of time inside both brands before you buy.  The good thing is that it is easy to re-sell either brand so if you find you bought the wrong one, just move on.

 

BTW.  The 2015 Legacy II for sale at $38,000 is a steal.

[Atwood A/C]

You won't regret going with the Atwood.  Remember that you need special wiring to connect it to your  thermostat to turn the fan on and off.  Otherwise the unit will run constantly.  This can wear on you after a few days.  I solved this with a separate Honeywell digital thermostat to control the Atwood.  Send the signal to a 30 amp relay and you control the Atwood the same as your AC at home.  Oliver should be able to do for you during the build.

 

when I bought my Airstream it came with a Dometic Brisk 15000 and I did the same mod with it.  Works great.

[Noisy AC]

Re:  Water draining down the side.  The water does leave a streak, but it is easily removed with some 3m compounding polish.  We sold 64 in September so perhaps Snowlakemike would like to comment on the water.

[Reed & Karen's Blog -]

It depends on which AC unit you have.  The Easy Start will certainly reduce the LRA but once the AC gets going the draw may be too much for a 2000 watt inverter.  I have the Magnum hybrid 3000 and it does fine.  My Dometic Briskair 15000 needs 150 amps of battery to run on low.  That's a huge drain and we only use the AC for short stops to keep the trailer cool for lunch,  or to pre cool as we approach a Campground with electricity.  The best unit for running on battery is the Atwood Air Command and when the Briskair fails I will replace with the Atwood.  When I had Ollie 64 I could run the Atwood 13500  all day on battery.

 

The most I have seen my solar produce is 25 Amps.  It takes a while to re charge those batteries.  Four Crown AGM six volt.

 

Wishing for Lithiums but they are spendy.

[Reed & Karen's Blog -]

Thanks Steve.  I did not know about Capps being 12Volt.  I am in the process of adding a few 12v outlets and plan to replicate your Ollie setup for the AS.  You are the in-o-va-tor.