John Welte
-
Posts
626 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
3
Posts posted by John Welte
-
-
2 hours ago, Steph and Dud B said:
Hi, Mike. We spent a lot of time on this forum, first deciding if we wanted to buy an Oliver, then learning all the particulars so we were well prepared and equipped when we took delivery.
One note: the online search function here is terrible. We use Google and start the search phrase with "Oliver trailers" followed by whatever we're looking for.
Have fun browsing.
I wondered if I was doing my searches wrong as I think it's terrible too.
John
-
1
-
1
-
-
27 minutes ago, John E Davies said:
Thanks for posting, the charts are educational. Garmin offers the option of cancelling your subscription at any time, and restarting it again without any extra fees. That can save a considerable amount of money in your “off” season. But I have resisted the temptation to do this, simply because so many places I drive have poor or no cell signal. The inReach is always very close by, in my bugout backpack. Just in case I crash or have a medical emergency, or I encounter somebody else who is in distress. Because it isn’t just for back country hikers.
Sat comm, don’t leave home without it!
John Davies
Spokane WA
John, that looks very useful especially out west where we both live.
John
-
1
-
-
Congratulations! We pick up 1290 in four days.
-
6
-
-
2 hours ago, Steph and Dud B said:
Just added Reflectix to my basement and outside shower doors. Battery door next.
How was it attached? Looks like a great job!
-
2
-
-
23 hours ago, topgun2 said:
LoriL -
Great for you guys and for your Oliver! Glad to hear that it was a good time and that Oliver Service helped you when needed. THAT sure is one heck of a campsite.
I'm guessing that you didn't have much (as in none) of a problem with bugs - mosquitos have always been a big problem for me in that area 😬.
Great pics too! Thanks for sharing.
Bill
"I'm guessing that you didn't have much (as in none) of a problem with bugs - mosquitos have always been a big problem for me in that area 😬."
Easy to spot the mosquitoes at that time of the year with their parkas on. They fly slower too. Great time to camp. 😂
-
1
-
3
-
-
41 minutes ago, topgun2 said:
John -
HERE is a link to the replacement jack cover I recently bought. There are a bunch of them out there to chose from.
Bill
Bill, do you put the pig tail up under that cover too? I see some recommend putting a grease of some type on the plug to keep moisture out of it too.
John
-
32 minutes ago, Patriot said:
We turn on our Norcold refrigerator on 8 hrs before loading it up with food and set it on the #9 highest setting. It’s ice cold when we load it and it keeps the food cold until we return home. The freezer also keeps food really frozen as well, no complaints here and see no need for a fan. Having 30 amp shore power here at home really helps with systems check and trip prep. 😊
-Patriot
"Having 30 amp shore power here at home really helps with systems check and trip prep. 😊"
I am planning on putting a 30 amp power source near the outside of the garage so I can plug in. We pick up in a week. Do you keep yours plugged in all the time? I would not have the fridge on, but I can see having power to keep a dehumidifier plugged in.
John
-
1
-
-
1 hour ago, Mike and Carol said:
Like others, we got a cord holder that mounts to the front jack post. It covers the openings when the plug is seated. Then, we cover the whole thing with a heavy duty cover that goes over the top of the jack and extends down past the plug holder. Keeps it nice a dry. Mike
Mike, do you have a picture of that? I haven't bought a front jack post cover yet.
John
-
3 hours ago, topgun2 said:
I'm thinking that THIS is what he is talking about.
Bill
Thanks Bill.
-
1 hour ago, Santa Cruz Lisa said:
Hello,
I want give everyone one who posts on this forum a BIG THANK YOU. We picked up Ms Ollie in July, traveled hill and dale from Tennessee to New York, Canada, Michigan and back home to California. A lot of states and miles behind us. Every little post has helped in a huge productive way .... and it is all inspirational when maybe you are having a less than perfect day.
So, with this said. I do have a question about the curbside awning. We were told at pick up not to use the awning in the rain. It is made for sunshade and not rain protection. Big disappointment. It would be wonderful to sit out on a warm rainy evening under the protection of little awning right next to Ms Ollie.
My question is, how do Oliver owners use their awnings? We have not used it in the rain because we were told not to. You cannot use it in any sort of wind because it retracts with the slightest wind gust. So we it gets used very little.
other little questions:
would like to change my graphics. I don't know where my head was at when I decided on green and gold. I took off the rear decal easily and now I'm thinking of taking off the front and maybe be brave to do the same on the sides. Does anyone have experience in replacing the graphics? I am assuming I could order a new set from the factory that actually matches the tow vehicle. Replacing them is certainly low priority especially when learning to use all the systems. but my poor choice bugs me every time I look at the trailer.
Another sideline. Months ago I asked for opinions of compost toilet v traditional flush/black holding tank. We opted for the traditional flush system and have NOT regretted it for a second. Oh, we did purchase a new holding tank connection cap that extends out and easier to twist (thanks to forum suggestions). The location of the hose in the bumper is great, but getting to the hose connection was frustrating.
Thanks!
"Oh, we did purchase a new holding tank connection cap that extends out and easier to twist (thanks to forum suggestions)."
What does that look like? It sounds useful.
John
-
1 hour ago, Katjo said:
You can adjust the sensitivity of the wind sensor on your awning.
We use our awning when it’s a light rain so I can keep the window open on that side, we just don’t put it all the way.That's how I plan to use it. The key is light rain. I verified with Oliver if it could be used in light rain and they said yes.
John
-
1
-
3
-
-
13 minutes ago, Ollie-Haus said:
Didn't want to confuse the folks that have responded to my introduction, here's an update to my introduction. BTW I decided to change my profile name to Ollie-Haus to more personalize the Oliver connection and include a fitting part of our last name. Chris and Stacie (Woods) Neuhaus from Greenfield, Indiana. We've lived in Indiana for all of our 30 years of marriage and I've lived within 50miles of Indianapolis my entire life. Stacie has traveled the world, so to speak, in her pre-married years and I've pretty much kept it state side.
We've always dreamed of exploring America together and prefer the back road method of eating local and getting to know the locals at the same time. We love what I would call the national attractions like everybody else, but really do enjoy the lessor known out of the way gems that can be discovered on the back roads.
I'm a tradesman by career, I've worked as a certified welder, sheet metal fabricator, Machinist, Draftsman, and general machine repairman for over 40 years, including several years as a front line supervisor. I started out when I was 15 working in a vet clinic and quarter horse farm until I was 24 years old. I've also dabbled extensively in electrical work, auto repair, carpentry and wood working my whole life. Needless to say I am a little handy with stuff and a diehard do-it-yourselfer.
Stacie ("WoodsHaus" on the forum) has worked most of her carrier in purchasing/procurement and retired about 5 years ago. Today she's an avid gardener, food preserver and connoisseur of the kitchen. She also is an avid crafter.
Our dogs are my passion these days. I guess some of us always need something to nurture and care for. My experience in the vet clinic solidified me as a lover of horses and dogs, the latter being much easier to own and travel with. We have at the time two crazy Border Terriers (profile page background). Smaller dogs with very large hearts and desire to go places. They are very well mannered and don't make too much fuss except when we arrive and they have been at home alone. They love all people and do well out and about in public.
We aren't as physically agile as we once were but are doing our best to stay fit and active as we enter into our retirement years. Hopefully traveling and exploring will be conducive to maintaining and strengthening our well being in the process.
Well, nough said for now. The bigger connections will take place in person over the next few years.
"Well, nough said for now. The bigger connections will take place in person over the next few years."
Welcome to the forum. It's a great group that can answer any questions you might have. I have found the members here to be very helpful.
John
-
3
-
-
11 hours ago, John E Davies said:
You could compare it to several others and sort of average the values, see if yours is close. Take it to a lab that offers calibration services. A professional tester is tens of thousands of dollars. When I was an A&P tech we built a primitive one that worked fine, a steel framework with a shaft in the center (with a 1/2” square drive on one end) on roller bearings, and a long arm on back horizontal to the floor. We could hang weights on the arm at different locations, we used barbell and dumbbell weights because they stack, are cheap and have the numbers easily visible. For example, for 100 ft pounds you might stack one 50 pound weight 2 feet out from the centerline. If your tool reads 95, you make a chart with the “error correction” showing that it reads 5 low at that value, and just dial it to that. Normally you would get five or six different values for one wrench, and have all that on your chart. It is simple physics.
As I said before, few people ever get them calibrated. Or you could buy one of these:
https://www.protorquetools.com/torque-calibration-systems/cdi-calibration-systems/
John Davies
Spokane WA
"As I said before, few people ever get them calibrated. Or you could buy one of these:
https://www.protorquetools.com/torque-calibration-systems/cdi-calibration-systems/"
Mine looks like the one in this thread with the nut on the end of the handle and the spin dial. It's supposed to be accurate to +/- 4%. That's good enough for me. When you buy that torque wrench calibration machine for $107k let us all know so we can calibrate our wrenches. If it's not too much problem you could bring it to a rally. TIA
John
-
3
-
2
-
-
On 4/30/2022 at 8:32 AM, John E Davies said:
When I trained as an A&P tech, the instructor in the How To Use Tools class demonstrated the need to always use a torque wrench. He had a big plate with a bunch of different sized bolts threaded into it. There was a chart with the recommended torque value. He had each of us tighten them by hand with a breaker bar to what we "thought" was the right amount, followed up by a torque wrench. 75% of the guys failed miserably, a couple were pretty close. NONE out of the 20 guys got them all exactly right.
All torque wrenches "should" be calibrated, especially after a hard drop onto concrete. Hardly any are. When we torqued a truly critical fastener like a wing attach bolt, we checked the wrench for accuracy directly before using it. And then a second tech would check your work. If you got caught repeatedly hand tightening, you got fired.... Where I am getting is, if there is a good amount of safety margin, no worries, you can get away with sloppy techniques. If the Oliver recommended value is also the published Dexter maximum for the stud, you are asking for a failure and a possible fatality accident. if one stud snaps, it also over-stresses all the others. imagine your 75 pound wheel and tire bouncing across the median at 60 mph into oncoming traffic, while your brake drum throws sparks on the road surface then shatters.
https://www.wikihow.com/Calibrate-a-Torque-Wrench
John Davies
Spokane WA
"All torque wrenches "should" be calibrated, especially after a hard drop onto concrete. Hardly any are."
John, my torque wrench is 20 years old and has the screw dial to go from 20-150 foot pounds. How do I make sure it's calibrated accurately? Thanks
John
-
52 minutes ago, bugeyedriver said:
Whatever torque you chose for your aluminum rims, be sure to re-torque them after 50 miles or so, to make sure a lug has not become loose.
We pick up in just a little over a week. I do have a torque wrench with me. What's the torque setting for the lug nuts? I see different numbers. Thanks.
John
-
1
-
-
Congratulations on your decision to buy. For us it was difficult to commit. My wife was hesitant to buy because they're expensive, but we did order an LE2 that we pick up in less than two weeks. Your time to pick up will go fast. Maybe we'll see you on the road.
John
-
5
-
-
28 minutes ago, topgun2 said:
I don't believe that those hubs are actually "ventilated". Its just the normal ridges around the outside that make it appear so in this picture.
Bill
That's my guess too.
-
1
-
-
2 hours ago, ShallowGal said:
Second time TPMS warned us of an impending flat.
Glad we had two axles allowing us to limp off interstate.
It was 100° in the shade.
Good reason right there to get port side awning.
Used stablizer to lift Ollie then added scissor jack.
Good Samaritan taught us trick to get [dang heavy] tire back on. (Sit on ground, cradle tire between thighs & lift. Hahaha- I'm envisioning myself splayed out on egg frying hot asphalt, trapped underneath tire.)
Chris
"Good reason right there to get port side awning."
We did order the street side awning for a variety of reasons. Picking up in three weeks. Hull number 1290 we're told.
John
-
4
-
-
1 hour ago, topgun2 said:
When I first got my Ollie I slept with my head at the nightstand (I'm 6', 165 pounds). But after a couple of night of my elbows hitting either the nightstand or the curved wall, I did a 180 and now sleep with feet at the nightstand. Much more room for the elbows.
If you are not convinced by the posts above or feel you need more information then you might want to PM (private message) Patriot since he is reasonably tall.
At 6' I can stand up straight in the shower - barely. Shortly after buying my Ollie I spend hours building a shower mat - similar to Foy's mat but not as nice as his. Unfortunately, I never thought about the reduction of vertical room and sure enough the day I finished and proudly took it out to the Ollie I realized that either I would now have to shower while bending over or give it away. Needless to say - it belongs to someone else now.😥
Bill
"When I first got my Ollie I slept with my head at the nightstand (I'm 6', 165 pounds). But after a couple of night of my elbows hitting either the nightstand or the curved wall, I did a 180 and now sleep with feet at the nightstand. Much more room for the elbows."
I plan to take the curb side bed as I sleep on my right side and putting my feet at the rear will work great. Having a night stand near my head is appealing, but for the reasons you mentioned, I will just use the stove area for my glasses.
John
-
1
-
-
8 hours ago, Mike and Carol said:
I’ve been using the 24/70 since 2016.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UMBM28/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought that lock too. Proven Locks also sells a locking hitch pin for $75 to secure the hitch to the receiver. I have a steel locking pin now, so not sure that I want to spend more. How do you secure the hitch to the tv? Proven Locks says their pin is more tamper proof.
John
-
1
-
-
On 10/6/2022 at 6:39 PM, Frank C said:
Top of the ball should be about 24” +/- 1/2” from the ground to calculate your hitch drop needed.
And for locking the Bulldog coupler while towing, most of us use this collar with a padlock.
"The Collar" Trailer Hitch Lock... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HL2NM0K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I bought that collar lock at your suggestion Frank. It's quite beefy, not as intimidating as the Proven lock which I also bought. I recommend both.
John
-
Congratulations! We will be hull #1290 picking up November 7.
-
4
-
-
6 minutes ago, bhncb said:
Oliver switched from a DC to an AC Visio beginning in 2020.
I thought that they were AC. I have been reading everything in the manuals.
-
2
-
-
17 minutes ago, topgun2 said:
The TV in the Oliver runs off DC - 12 volt.
Bill
So it's just the convection microwave and A/C that require AC?
New guy
in Introduce Yourself
Posted
Hi Mike, welcome to the forum. They're a great group of people with a wealth of information. Ask any question. Oliver University and videos are very helpful.
John