Mike and Carol

I’m probably a minority here, but I like my bubble level. It’s used everytime we set up. Generally accurate although it does take adjusting every so often. I haven’t gone for some of the electronic/automatic upgrades (digital door lock, motorized black/gray tank gates, auto levelers, etc). I like simplicity. It’s instructive to remember how Oliver Travel Trailers began. Jim and John traveled around in their Casita(s) for their fiberglass businesses. When it came time to get a new Casita they decided they could make their own. They did, and sometime around 2007 the Elite I was born. They were not RV industry experts, just experienced RVers who used their fiberglass experience to create a new travel trailer. The mechanical parts (electricity, plumbing, etc) have evolved over time with the early trailers not being very standardized. When I look at the newer models compared to those built when ours was, they’ve come a long way and have continued to refine and make improvements. Those of us with 2015/16/17 trailers don’t have that benefit of lessons learned over the years but we still have a solid trailer. Our trailer is 10 years old, just over 110,000 miles and can/does pass for a new trailer (thanks CGI guys). All systems work fine and reliability over the last 6 or 7 years has been outstanding. Mike

Here’s an improvised cover that anyone can make when out on the road….

I will check the temps of my positive terminals right before I swap them out with new batteries. Not sure having them “on” during the trip from storage to our driveway will show much. My new batteries have shipped and they will be installed before our next trip. I’m just not comfortable with the overheating/fire risk to keep using them. Mike

I’ve ordered my new Epoch 300aH batteries. When we, @mountainoliver and I, did my upgrade from AGM’s to the Battle Borns, we also recabled everything so that like John, I have one red cable and one black cable in the battery box. My Battle Borns are just over 5 years old. I’ll keep them for a while as this Dragon Fly crisis progresses. Mike

Very nice!

We use ours for leveling all the time, have for the last 10 years. I’ve also used them to change tires. As Bill mentioned, this has been discussed a lot here, if you want more data do a search and you’ll find lots of opinions! Mike

I discussed this with Ken, I think this is what I will do too.

I watched Will’s latest video this morning. The news keeps getting more disappointing. I’m looking at replacements now, the BB’s have been fine so far but don’t want to wait for a failure before taking action.

We got our legos at Walmart. Probably similar to those above. We bought two sets of 10.

When we picked up in 2016 I was using a bunch of cut off ends of a 2X6 stacked on yellow plastic Camco pads. In 2017 I made some blocks with a rope handle out of those ends. In 2018 I quit using the yellow pads and just went with the big legos which offered more flexibility. I carry 4 wood blocks and 20 big Legos in the front basket along with locks, gloves, flashlight and four rubber wheel chocks.

I’ve never noticed a high=pitch sound from my regulator.

We enjoyed visiting Bisbee when we lived in nearby Sierra Vista. Tombstone, too. Those were good days. Mike

I remember when we lived in Hawaii the weather report was normally short and boringly the same. The exception was when Hurricane Iwa hit on Thanksgiving weekend in 1982. Power went out for 3 days. Carol had cooked our turkey the day before so we had neighbors over on Thanksgiving day to share our turkey. Mike

My 3 Battle Born batteries were installed in December 2020. No issues after lots of use. I’m sticking with them while keeping an eye on any heat or discoloration issues. Mike

Bad news continues….

We lived in Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca for many years. Almost retired there!

Great pics, Art. Wish we were there, looks like your weather is much better than ours is! Mike

We’re at 19 degrees this morning just north of San Antonio. A sheet of ice over everything. Most church services canceled this morning, local schools closed tomorrow. We should get up to high 20s today then back into the teens overnight. No power issues, nice fire in the fireplace, hot cup of coffee. It’s a nice way to be hunkered down! Mike

I use the front bubble level to get initial level information as I’m setting up. I follow up with a 12” torpedo level and then adjust my bubble level (if needed). It’s easy to adjust. I should probably look at attaching levels around the trailer, might save a little time during set up. Any recommendations? Mike

Four.

Great pics!! Lots of familiar faces, brings back memories of our many days at there.

Retirement was a great decision for us. If the finances are right and you want to get your Oliver on the road maybe there will be less “Erggg” in your decision making! Mike

We only recently upgraded our springs and we’ve been at 50psi in our tires for many years. I think the heavy AGMs and many miles is at the root of this issue. There are a number of rivets all around the box that were all popped/damaged/pulled out. It doesn’t seem that that could happen all at once, but probably happened over time and miles. Our lithium batteries, installed 4 years ago, are 1/3 to 1/4 the weight of the AGMs. The Oliver response to my trouble ticket was to check and send pictures of the brace inside the trailer. I did and the response was that I could probably use a good adhesive to repair it since the brace holding up the box looked good. I didn’t like that answer so I asked to be sent over to service for some advice. Mike S in service said they use rivets to repair and also inspect the support bracket. I’m debating whether to try this myself or just make a trip to TN. Unlike Galway Girl, my bracket only has one bolt and it is in an adjustable slot. Other side: It’s interesting that the box is leaning out from the trailer and the bolt is at the bottom of the slot. When I pull the battery tray out, the box moves out more but every so slightly, less than 1/16”. I would think that the sag would be the other way around, leaning into the trailer since the weight is over the support more than 99% of the time.

You used stainless steel rivets? Any adhesive? I need to gather the materials I’m going to need for this repair.

Familiar sight! Wish we were there. Enjoy!