John Welte
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Posts posted by John Welte
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1 hour ago, Katjo said:
We get so many compliments on these solar lights, they are so realistic and bright!! We’ve had ours 2 years and they are still going strong!
Looks good. How big is the clam? Who makes it?
John
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34 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:
A bit of marinetex might fill the bit, and salvage your pride. A tiny chip isn't a big deal. We have a few. If the roving doesn't show, not a disaster. Seal it so the water doesn't intrude, if it's deep.
You can also open a ticket, and ask for a bit of perfect match gelcoat.
Years ago, our Subaru came with a little container of touch up paint. Does Oliver sell or provide a little touch up gel for those little chips.
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4 hours ago, Frank C said:
For reference, here’s a couple pics of what the outer Oliver hull fiberglass construction is like. I have this piece from a 2” diameter hole I cut in the lower hull for a modification I did. The total thickness in the area I cut through is about 1/4”. Some high stress areas are thicker with reinforcement in the fiberglass. The outer white gel coat layer is about 1/32” thick. A small pin head size ding is not a problem for an Ollie 🙂.
Frank, was that painful to cut into the Ollie? Thanks for the pictures. It looks well made.
John
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On 9/11/2022 at 12:36 PM, Jim and Frances said:
So true! We were back at the same part this weekend and had similar problems. I watched the voltage at two different sites wonder all over from 98 up to 130.VAC.
I spoke with three other campers to ask if they were having issues, they said not really - just their breakers inside their RVs were tripping. I asked if they were using a surge protector. They said, "What's that?" Oh dear. In fact, one sweet young couple was out for their first trip from the showroom and besides not knowing about a surge protector, they didn't even know to have a water hose to fill up their water tanks.
Anyway, I was able to capture screen shots of the Xantrex app showing the incoming grid voltage to show the the part rangers. Come to find out, the single transfer feeding the park (Sea Rim State Park, TX - right on the Gulf of Mexico), is on the ground and has been completely under water on several occasions. My hope is they get the local utility to get that pad transformer replaced asap given the damage it is likely causing to some of the ill informed campers.
As for is more really better, I think we are going to rely on the Progressive alone. It's easier at the power pole, less to cart around and works fine. I think it was a was a waste of money for me to get the Southwire given what comes standard on Oliver's today!
"As for is more really better, I think we are going to rely on the Progressive alone. It's easier at the power pole, less to cart around and works fine."
Jim,
What model Progressive? I believe the trailer has a Progressive surge protector. Are you referring to the trailer surge protector or some Progressive unit that you plug in at the pole?
John
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16 minutes ago, topgun2 said:
I always have 4 chocks with me.
While I use the Andersen leveling system if I need to level from side to side, I still have the extra set of chocks. This is in case I'm on what appears to be "level" ground or if I need to unhitch and leave the Ollie somewhere without regards to using it for sleeping. I feel a bit "safer" if all four wheels are chocked in some manner at all times while not hitched. I even get nervous when dropping off my Ollie at the Oliver Service Department - it is on a concrete drive and very level and none of the Olivers there are chocked. But, habit is a hard thing to deal with particularly when it comes to my baby.
While on the road I take two of the heavy rubber chocks (like THESE), my Andersens (like THESE), and a set of plastic chocks (like THESE). I virtually always use the rubber chocks but due to how heavy they are and the lack of use on the plastic ones I don't feel the need to always carry another set of the rubber ones. However, the rubber chocks will last much longer than the plastic ones.
Bill
p.s. in a pinch - don't forget about what resources that might be found around you - scrap pieces of wood, rocks, etc. can all be used as chocks
"I always have 4 chocks with me."
Good morning Bill, thanks for the message. I do have the two heavy rubber ones, but may pick up two more from Harbor Freight, as they're only $8 each. I have the Camco levelers which have a plastic chock for each leveler, but I like the rubber ones for peace of mind. I used four pieces of split logs for 20 years with my tent trailer!
I am nearing the end of buying the must haves which is good because we're 27 days from pick up. TPMS was the first purchase. What do you use at the power pole? I know the trailer has a surge protector, but some people use a meter to check the outlet while others use a surge protector at the pole that also checks for proper wiring and current. TIA.
John
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4 hours ago, Rivernerd said:
Since we have a long, multi-day trip home to Idaho after we take delivery on November 10, I purchased (at John Davies' suggestion) a Safe Jack 6-ton RV Jack. It includes extenders that should enable it to reach the jacking points on the 2022 Elite II, from the ground. The kit includes a u-shaped frame adapter that I hope will fit the Elite II frame and enable a more secure connection with the trailer.
Not cheap, but worth the peace of mind to me.
I also have a set of the Camco Large Stabilizing Jack Pads, to provide a solid base for the Safe Jack, if needed.
If I have to change a tire, I plan chock the wheels on the side opposite the flat, jack up the side with the flat using the Safe Jack on a Stabilizing Jack Pad, then lower the stabilizers to provide additional support and stability.
"If I have to change a tire, I plan chock the wheels on the side opposite the flat, jack up the side with the flat using the Safe Jack on a Stabilizing Jack Pad, then lower the stabilizers to provide additional support and stability."
I bought the Camco levelers today and also two heavy duty solid rubber chocks. The guy at the RV parts store said that once I have the tires in the levelers on the low side and chocked with the Camco leveler and chock, that I won't need to buy two more heavy duty rubber chocks for the low side. What are you bringing in the chock department?
John
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1 hour ago, SteveCr said:
LE2 2022 Hull 806 here,
I utilize a HFreight ramp I already had on hand....it works great to lift either tire off the ground. It has 6.5" of lift and is as simple as it looks.
I use the ramp to take tires off when I grease the zerks. I hope I never have to use it on the side of the road, but I have complete confidence if I need to do so.
Steve, how much does it weigh? Do you bring it on the road?
John
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32 minutes ago, ScubaRx said:
I never buy anything that I don’t absolutely, positively think that I MAY use one of these days.
I am focusing on safety and trailer protection. There's always the must haves and the wants. TPMS was expensive but I felt it was a necessity. That's my approach. The forum has been great for ideas of those must haves.
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10 minutes ago, topgun2 said:
Just goes to show how lazy I really am! My six inch by 11 inch wood blocks are either placed on their sides (6 inches) on on their ends (11 inches) depending on how much room I have. Certainly as Mike points out - the less you have to extend the on-board jacks , the better - whether that be for leveling or for changing a tire.
Bill
Bill, I ordered the Camco stacking jack stands as it seems it makes more sense to not extend the stabilizer jacks so far for reasons of less wear and distance to the ground. Not so much flex pressure on the mount. My wife is rolling her eyes when another box is delivered to the house. It's all necessary though. TPMS, water pressure gauge, Proven lock, surge protection, etc.
John
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2 minutes ago, topgun2 said:
Depending on the situation - a single Andersen leveler may or may not be enough to get that tire off the ground. Therefore, Frank C's suggestion of carrying some form of "blocks"* (certainly these can be "lego" style that JD mentions)** in order to take lateral "pressure" off the onboard jack is worth considering. Also, as per Frank C - keep the Ollie attached to your tow vehicle and clock the opposite side. Try to find as level a spot to do the repair as possible - most roads and their shoulders are sloped such that if the flat tire is on the curbside it will require you to lift more weight than necessary.
Finally, if there is any doubt then call for help. The couple of hours that you might save by doing the job yourself is simply not worth the possible negative outcomes.
Bill
*I carry both wood blocks and lego style blocks. The wood blocks can be had free either around your own workshop or by "scrounging".
** note - these lego style blocks can also be used for help in leveling the tongue when the throw of that jack is simply not long enough to get your Ollie level from front to back. Or when the Andersen's need a bit of extra help. Or when your outside grill can't find a level spot. Or when .....
"*I carry both wood blocks and lego style blocks. The wood blocks can be had free either around your own workshop or by "scrounging". "
Bill, thanks for the suggestion of the Lego style blocks. I gave my cube bag that had about 10 of those 1 inch blocks to the new owner of the pop up tent trailer that we sold in July. Maybe I will buy again. Good suggestions.
John,
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1 hour ago, Frank C said:
I carry a large scissor jack (a military surplus HUMVEE jack with frame adapter, referenced in the other thread link that John posted above) and some pieces of 4”x4” lumber for raising the trailer for tire changes and wheel bearing maintenance. I lift the trailer with the scissor jack and then put the stabilizer down as a safety backup just in case. Tire chocks on the trailer wheels on the opposite side, and the trailer still hitched to my truck, so the trailer won’t shift at all while lifting. This setup has worked well and is very stable and safe when I have to work on the trailer. I prefer overkill when it comes to safety 🙂. And I don’t trust just using the stabilizers only to lift the trailer for tire changes after seeing how small the welds are on the stabilizer mounting brackets.
"I carry a large scissor jack (a military surplus HUMVEE jack with frame adapter,"
Frank, is the frame adapter something specific to the Ollie frame? I wonder why these trailers don't have disc brakes (just a side note). Maybe no trailers do. 🤔. Thanks for the picture.
John, T-28 days to delivery day
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8 minutes ago, John E Davies said:
You need to have blocks, either wood or the yellow Camco lego style, You can raise one side up with the stabilizer enough for the tire to rotate and block the underside of the axle on that side if you feel like it. I don’t ever bother unless I am about to crawl underneath the trailer. I really doubt that your truck jack has enough lift without using blocks under it. FYI:
https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/6549-recommend-a-heavy-duty-mechanical-scissor-jack/
John Davies
Spokane WA
Thanks John, you and others on the forum have been great with advice for this soon to be Ollie owner. T- 29 days
John
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Hi all, do I need to bring a jack along for the unlikely, but still possible, flat tire. My 2017 Ford Expedition has a jack. As I understand it, the stabilizer legs aren't meant for lifting the trailer, but only to stabilize it. I assume on a 2022 LE2 if I was to ride one tire up on an Andersen leveler that the other tire would remain on the ground. I am getting a few items in preparation for pick up in less than a month. I did buy a Proven Lock, yoke and Abus lock because I don't want to have this trailer stolen!
John
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3 hours ago, John E Davies said:
Class 3 (28 mph pedal assist), big battery for serious hill climbing and good range, big dual piston brakes for going back down, belt drive, internal wide ratio gearless hub. Built in the Netherlands. This bike is beautifully engineered and an absolute delight. It’s hers but she lets me ride it sometimes. 😬 I have peripheral neuropathy, so this lets me ride when a regular bike is just too difficult.
https://www.gazellebikes.com/en-us/gazelle-ultimate-c380plus-hmb
The rack is custom, with a 1-Up Super Duty single tray. The bike is loaded as I type, and ready to go, I am headed to Heyburn State Park ID to ride parts of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, which is dead flat, paved and has stunning scenery.
John Davies
Spokane WA
Great looking bike and rack. I haven't bought a rack yet, but I do have the Oliver bike rack mount ordered. Less than a month to go now.
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On 10/8/2022 at 7:59 AM, John E Davies said:
A lot of EVs were flooded in Florida and are now catching fire due to internal salt water corrosion….. those conflagrations are super difficult to extinguish, and very bad news if they happen to be inside a building at the time. The same is probably happening with all those recently acquired ebikes, though I haven’t read any stories yet. But an ebike battery exploded in a NYC apartment killing some people not too long ago. The problem with the cheap models is that they use crappy batteries and chargers, unlike the ones from Bosch or Yamaha.
I am very leery of all my lithium batteries, I keep them isolated in the garage as best I can. I think my wife’s new Bosch ebike battery is going to stay in the house over the winter, but I am going to keep it inside a ceramic pot. …. https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/fireproof-battery-bag.27254/
John Davies
Spokane WA
"I think my wife’s new Bosch ebike battery is going to stay in the house over the winter"
John what kind of ebike and do you put it on the bike rack behind your Ollie?
John
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16 hours ago, SeaDawg said:
Yes, our interstates can use work in many places. My husband and I always laugh when we cross into South Carolina from Georgia on I95. We can literally feel the difference, immediately. And, the lanes squeeze down from three to two.
That said, we put up with a number of years of "Bob's barricades " and slowdowns in Georgia, as the roads were being improved.
We discovered some nice byways that didn't take much more time. And took us past cotton fields, pine forests, and through delightful small towns. And, slower speeds saved a bit of fuel. Found some good BBQ. It's all good.
When you have the time, take the back roads.
We will be driving home to Oregon from Hohenwald in about 5 weeks. I ordered AAA TripTiks for a direct route and a southern route avoiding big cities. I have no desire to drive straight through Memphis or other large cities towing our Ollie.
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On 1/21/2020 at 5:30 AM, Frank C said:
I have the Proven lock, and I'm using it now since our Elite II is sitting in the yard in winter storage. A very heavy duty lock, and it's a very HEAVY lock. You'll be shocked at how much it weighs, but it's probably the best solution for securing the Bulldog coupler. It is a little awkward to get it installed and get the lock attached, especially if your hitch is sitting low to the ground after you level your trailer. But it's definitely a very secure lock for the Bulldog hitch. Note though that you will need another hitch lock to use while you're actually towing. I have this collar style for the Bulldog and use a disc lock with it while towing.
"The Collar" Trailer Hitch Lock for Bulldog-style Couplers (Including the RAM)
I just bought both locks that you wrote about. I pick up the trailer in a month. Thanks for your recommendation. I do have a stainless steel locking pin to attach the hitch to the tv. I hope that's all I need. Proven sells a pin too, but I am not sure how much better it is than mine.
John
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2 hours ago, SeaDawg said:
This is probably what you're looking for:
Thanks SeaDawg. That was the video.
John
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On 9/20/2022 at 9:57 AM, Mike and Carol said:
Are there any factory equipped Truma Olivers out there yet? Would like to hear how it performs. The Houghton gets good reviews. Mike
Mike, we pick up on November 7 and chose the Truma. It was more expensive, but from what I read in the forum, most people don't like the Dometic. Oliver did a video comparing the two a couple months ago with decibel ratings. I don't know if there have been many installed yet. I don't know how the Truma compares to the Houghton.
John
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1 hour ago, John E Davies said:
FYI … https://carbuzz.com/news/ford-accused-of-using-cheap-steel-on-super-duty-trucks
John Davies
Spokane WA
I wonder how across the board this is. If they indeed made super duty trucks less safe to save a few cents, then maybe they did this to all models. My pet peeve is corporate greed that for some corporations knows no limits.
John
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5 hours ago, Kirk Peterson said:
We are scheduled for December 5th. We will drive out in a couple of days, spend a couple of days near Hohenwald, and then start working our way back to Idaho; probably via New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
Kirk
Kirk, did you choose the Truma a/c? We did. It's more $ but I hope it's worth the extra. That was quite the decision process as every decision was more $.
John
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Welcome to the family. I am confident that the company can sort it out for you.
John
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3 hours ago, Kirk Peterson said:
Hi Lisa,
Welcome and congratulations! We have about 2 months to go before we finally get to pick up our Oliver.
Kirk
Kirk,
When is your delivery day? Ours is November 7.
John
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2 hours ago, ScubaRx said:
$100 or $150 per hour.
That's on par with everyone it seems. We had to use a mediator on a family lawsuit with my wife's family and he charged $500/hour. Mediation took about 10 hours!
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DC Television
in General Discussion
Posted
Hi all, I read about a DC TV being available for RV's. I thought the TV in the Oliver ran off AC. Can anyone here confirm? TIA.
John