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MAX Burner

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Posts posted by MAX Burner

    Trip Planning - Wow to the Power of Wow

    in Campgrounds & Parks

    Posted

    @HDRider - No worries, brother!  There's a balance we use when planning for a long trip.  We nail down details for the big ticket locations (reservations, time spent there, etc.).  But....  we also leave enough time in between those "big tickets" to allow us to explore.  We've always thought of the travel plan as a "point of departure" should we need to change routes for any reason.  So, we use an "overall plan" such that we've got something to deviate from...

    We take our time when planning, but don't go too far down the rabbit hole -- it's more fun for us to approach planning that way.

    Be sure to keep us posted on your experiences with pictures...

    Cheers and definitely have FUN on your long OTT adventure!

    • Thanks 1
    • Like 4

    New axles may not fit all older sub-frames

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    19 hours ago, rideandfly said:

    it would be a special order with lead time of 3 to 3 1/2 weeks for $795 retail.

    FYI:  This is exactly what we learned from Dexter and OTT last May when we switched ours out.  Turned out that OTT had the correctly sized D52s in stock for our model year (luckily) so we didn't have to wait 3 - 4 weeks for the special order from Dexter.  The price was $825/ea from OTT but that included the Dexter 4-pack 1,750# which we didn't need.  

    Just as an interrogative comment:

    Since installing the Alcans in March, we've logged 6,750 miles on them and since upgrading from the D35s to D52s in May, we've logged 3,729 miles on the axles.  We've experience zero issues and frankly, cannot "feel" or observe any differences while under tow.  I "base-lined photographed" each of the aluminum angle cross members prior to installing the springs and have checked them several times since and haven't noted any cracked welds or other damage.  At the 5,000-mile point, we last checked the 3" x 9/16" U-bolt torque - all good.  Granted, we didn't wonder off on any long unimproved roads except for a few short jaunts into BLM and USFS campgrounds....  

    FWIW:  We'll continue to keep a weather-eye on the running gear (as we would anyway), but our peace of mind and overall confidence in Casablanca is significantly better than before making these improvements.

    Cheers, ALL!

    • Like 3

    Made in USA leaf springs

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    @John Dorrer - John; that's correct.  You'll need to examine your Dexter D35 axles and determine if you've got 2-1/2" or the 3" diameter units.  I believe most Olivers were initially configured with the 3" diameter D35's, but Dexter makes both sizes.  

    Lew or Mike at Alcan will sell you the appropriate U-bolts for your axles with your leaf spring order.  Note that U-bolts are a one-time use item, so you shouldn't re-use your current U-bolts/nuts/washers.  Also, the new Alcan-made U-bolt kits arrive unpainted, it would be a good time to clean off the machining oil and hit them with a good oil-based product such as Rust-Oleum to slow down the accumulation of oxidation on them.  Plus, it will make those nice Alcan 5-packs and running gear look "all new and shiny."

    Keep us posted on your upgrade efforts!

    Cheers!

    • Like 3

    New axles may not fit all older sub-frames

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Just as an interrogative comment and question on the subject:

    New OTT owners may still have spring issues with 2024 model year and forward rigs even though the new OEM axles are D52s.  When we replaced our axles last May at Hohenwald, I noticed that our D52s were configured from Dexter with 1,750# 4-pack leaf springs.  Since we had already installed Alcan 5-packs a few weeks prior, the OEM Dexter 4-packs were not used and stayed in TN after our D52/Alcan installation.  

    @rideandfly - Bill, y'all seem fortunate to have your #75 rig come with the LE configuration running gear (D52s plus Dexter 5-packs)...  It's my understanding that there has yet to be a reported any 5-pack spring failures.

    My question is, why doesn't the factory order the same axle set configuration for both the LE and LE2?  Wouldn't this simplify supply from Dexter, inventory stocking, removing possible installation errors (as with 5k#/7.5k# Bulldog couplers), and ultimately do away with the 1,750# 4-packs which have a history of failing?

     

    • Like 5

    Where’s Ollie?

    in Campgrounds & Parks

    Posted

    Thanks for posting such great pix, Mike!

    Ouray, "The Little Switzerland of the Rockies", that place never gets old!  We've stayed in Ridgeway many times and love the scenery - be sure to drop into Telluride and have lunch at "Brown Dog Pizza", it shouldn't disappoint!

    Enjoy!

    • Like 5

    Victron MP2 with (2) Epoch 460ah batteries. DAY #1 Removal, rewiring, mounts, routing wires

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted

    On 7/11/2024 at 4:19 PM, rideadeuce said:

    I still have not worked out the kinks on my DC/DC charger setup, averaging 11-15 amps on the road. So nowhere near the potential of the 50amp charger.

    Just curious, what's your SOC when you're reading 11-15amps?   Your 50amp Victron charger may only allow lower charging amp at higher SOCs.

    FYI, we're getting 25-28amps with SOCs below 70% on the road.  As the SOC increases we're seeing 10-15amps (our's is a 30amp charger unit).

    • Like 1

    Victron Multiplus and MPII Feedback Request

    in Ollie Modifications

    Posted

    On 7/13/2024 at 6:38 PM, rideadeuce said:

    I might look at using Victron Lynx power distribution instead of DIY bus bars.

    We're definitely considering the Lynx PD unit as well for when we drop the hammer on upgrading to the MPII - its a very clean option as compared to our Blue Seas bus bar, IMO.

    • Like 3

    Broken leaf spring

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    @jdmmtx ; If you're still in need of replacement leaf springs, you're welcome to have my OEM 4-leaf springs - no longer needed because we replaced them last April using the Alcan 5-leaf spring packs that @Steph and Dud B mentioned above.

    Shoot me a PM with a shipping address and cover the shipping costs...  You can have 1 or all 4 of the springs.  They are in serviceable condition.

    Cheers,

    Art

    • Thanks 1
    • Like 5
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