John Dorrer
-
Posts
781 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
6
Posts posted by John Dorrer
-
-
34 minutes ago, Snackchaser said:
Hi Mark,
There could be a number of reasons why the 25 amp Inverter breaker is tripping. However, assuming that the Air Conditioning and Charger are otherwise working fine, then the most likely reasons are the inverter settings, the breaker, or the generator.
It’s helpful to understand that all AC loads (except the refrigerator) pass-through the inverter, and it automatically prioritizes current to the AC loads over charging. So when the 20 amp Air Conditioner is passing through, it throttles down the charger amps to prevent overcurrent. The inverter charge current demand is highest when the battery is discharged, so it might just be overworking the inverter enough to trip the breaker’s thermo element when running the Air Conditioner with a discharged battery. If the battery is not fully discharged, and it’s still tripping, then read on.
BTW, if the inverter is turned-on while using shore or generator power, it only means that it will automatically transfer to battery power if shore power fails. Also, the generator neutral bonding will not impact the current or breaker, but it’s required by code.
I have 4 troubleshooting suggestions. Items 3 and 4 will require some experimentation with the inverter settings and this is best done using the Xantrex phone app. These settings will not harm anything, but they will reduce inverter output to match the capacity of your generator.
- It’s a low probability that the 25 amp breaker is bad, but it is a possibility because the inverter should warn you and shut down when it nears it maximum output… before the breaker trips. A quick assessment can be made without an amp meter. If it’s tripping instantly, it means the magnetic short circuit trip function is probably bad and the breaker should be replaced. If it trips’s after some time, and it can easily re-set after cooldown, then it’s tripping on the thermo function and it’s probably okay.
- The generator is big enough to handle your loads, but it could be that the regulator is not working properly. Verify that it’s increasing RPMs when the load increases. You can also check the input voltage on the Xantrex display, it should be close to 120 volts.
- The inverter’s charger current setting is too high (Setting 24.) The default setting is 150 amps, but it’s not an amp to amp conversion. I’d set it to 30 amps and if the breaker no longer trips, then dial it up in 20 amp increments until you find a trip-less value. I had to change this setting on my inverter because it was drawing more current than my 2000 watt generator could supply, and I was getting low voltage brown outs. It would have probably tripped the breaker eventually, but the generator tripped first. I think I finally set it to 60 amps.
- The inverter’s AC input breaker setting is too high (Setting 28.) This impacts the load prioritization ratio. The default setting is 50 amps so you can start by setting it to 25 amps to see if that works. If so, then dial it up in 5 amp increments until you find a value below the breaker trip value.
Note: I’d change settings 24 and 28 at the same time, then dial them up until you find a an acceptable value where the breaker does not trip.
I hope that helps! Cheers, Geoff
I tried to help on Mark's Facebook post. I think your explanation is correct. I was trying to figure out why he has the inverter on. Using shore power at the power post or a generator the inverter shouldn't be on. I was getting hung up on this.
I have charged our 2022 LE, Lithium & Solar without changing any settings. I have also run the AC without making any adjustments. When I use the generator it is being run on fuel. He is running his on LP.
-
2
-
On 6/7/2025 at 5:47 PM, Geronimo John said:
This thread is a follow-up thread of John & Debbie's 3500 pound vs. 5200 pound axles on a LE2. In this thread my intent is to discuss the type of lubrication system/processes that Dexter offers in axles for out OTT's.
Old school is the tried and proven manual annual cleaning and greasing of axle bearings with a seal replacement. Yes an annual PITA.
Then Dexter began making their EZ-Lube and NevRLube axle lubrication systems. They apparently have stopped offering the old school design. So if you want a new axle it will be EZ or NevRLube designs.
With many owners choosing to retrofit their Ollies with the 5200's, it was stated that there have been zero failures of the new NevRLube axles. This simply is not an informed statement. There has not been a lot of knowledge in our area, but for other trailer designs the NevRLube' S were a disaster.
Both designs have their challenges. Here are some opinions from outside our egg shell:
https://www.gdrvowners.com/forum/operation/suspension-amp-brakes/95041-dexter-nev-r-lube/page2
So what are your thoughts as they apply to our OTT's specifically?
GJ
We have the upgraded 5200 lb. axel and Never Lube on our 2022 and so far so good
-
6
-
-
6 minutes ago, Cort said:
I don't know if this referred to me or someone else. In my case the Oliver I ended up buying did not have rust issues and the roads I was driving on were not washboard with deep chuck holes - just very rocky. I guess you can break these springs in many different ways.
I was replying to richdev🙃
-
6 minutes ago, Geronimo John said:
Did you drop Ollie and drive up into Needles? It's AMAZING!
GJ
👍
-
26 minutes ago, jd1923 said:
LOVED the Black Hills! I must learn what makes the stone black. Need to make another trip here to get deeper into the hills. Rapid City though is certainly a tourist-trap but Mt. Rushmore makes it all worth it. What a wonderful celebration of America! Chris and I have wanted to come here all of our lives.
We had a great FS site booked just 10 minutes away, but it got into the 90s and needed electric to run the A/C. While eating donuts in our truck at Wall, I made a same-day reservation at Holy Smoke Resort just north of Keystone. It all worked out.
We waited 'til after 5PM due to the heat and then hiked the Presidential Trail. We really wanted to see the night ceremonies but during June they start late at 9PM. So we went to dinner at the Powder House Lodge and returned just before nine. It was great, Bison Filet for Chris and Bison Stew for me, yum!
Both the daylight and nighttime visits to Mt. Rushmore were something we will always remember. They ended with a salute to our Veterans, who were called on stage and the rest of us were clapping loudly, for a long, long time. Yes, thank you to our Vets! 😂
Wish we had done a night visit, but our stop was an in transit stop, and then onto the real tourist trap at Crazy Horse 🙃
-
1
-
-
I have 10 😊, plus the Ravelco security faub for our truck
-
1
-
-
I should have added, that the decision to go from 3500 axels to 5200 axels is a personal choice. Some owners have found out from Oliver that switch can't be made.
While the springs breaking have mostly been on older trailers, 2021 and older, I'm sure the 4-leaf spring will continue to have issues.
Dexter supplies most of the RV industry with their suspension system. Oliver could instruct Dexter to install 5-leaf springs. This would be a better option than the 4-leaf, but not close to the Alcan 5-leaf springs.
I have our springs and shocks checked professionally, every 3,000 miles, when my Zerks are greased.
With our 2022, am I playing Russian Roulette? That is a really good question. Many of you might say yes, but I think I'm watching things carefully.
At some point, I will make the switch to Alcan, and schedule a day to get it done in Grand junction.
Switching to Alcan, or other choices, are personal choices we all have to make.
-
2
-
-
12 hours ago, jd1923 said:
First off, my suggestion re part # SW4B was to buy what's available in 1-2 days to repair and get home. Not to buy a set of 4 by all means!
Though I agree with GJ and Ken that side-to-side motion and leaning up or downhill adds to stress, still it’s not like 70 MPH hitting a pothole, uneven RR tracks, etc. AND there should be enough engineering tolerance for ALL of these common environmental issues that are common in trailers!
I talked to Alcan today and will post that on the LONG thread where we’ve been discussing these frequent SW4B failures.
@John Dorrer please don't think this will not happen to the newer hulls. I believe it’s older hulls like ours where the steel was better 10 years ago.
Lance’s failed on a 2021 and Rich’s 2023 “are already showing signs of flattening!”
Mine still look perfectly arced, but either way a year ago I purchased a set of OEM SW4B springs for a roadside repair if necessary! And I carry a bottle jack, jack stand, 1/2” drive sockets, breaker bar with 30” extension, new u-bolts, etc! 🤣
Thanks, that is definitely in the back of my mind. At some point, and hopefully before ours fails, Alcan will get a visit from me.
-
1
-
-
20 hours ago, rich.dev said:
Oh my goodness, so sorry that you had to experience 2 leaf spring failures and a shock, that's just terrible! I know you're out of warranty, but Oliver should be made aware of this, way too many stock leaf spring failures on our Ollies!
@Mike and Carol and @jd1923 gave you some good advise, hopefully you will be back on the road soon!Please advise where this is so I can avoid it in my travels?
This has nothing really to do with Oliver. 3500 lb axels and 6 year old trailer. The main contributing cause for these 4 leaf failures, are living near the coast, driving on chemically treated roads, resulting in rusting.
The OP was clear on his driving on a washboard road with deep chuck holes. This is a sure way to have 4-leaf spring failure.
Starting in 2022 Oliver went to the 5200 lb axels. There have been few if any failures on the trailers from 2022 to present.
-
2
-
-
From our 3/10/2022 pick up through 2024, we have 275 nights in Jolli Olli
-
3
-
-
We try to stay off Indiana interstates, but unfortunately getting from point A to point B in Indiana, off interstate is not practical from a time standpoint.
Work is definitely needed. Indiana roads are no way as bad as many states we have traveled.
We make use of back roads when we can. I hate I-65, I-69 (North of Indy), and I-70. I-69 South of Indy is through farmland and not a heavy semi route.
-
5
-
-
4 hours ago, aaronorange said:
Thank you! Yes, I have triple checked all the connections for tightness. Including the post inside the inverter. I’m really puzzled as to reason why this keeps happening. Because of heat issues and potential fire I don’t want to just start changing parts. However if I get the okay from Oliver or Xantrex I will replace the Optifuse/breaker with a fuse. I would rather have it in the battery compartment for access. It’s always a pain to get under the bed to reset the Optifuse. Especially in the middle of the night.
I was at the Texas rally last year and will be there this year as well. When we left last year we went to the factory to switch out our noisy Dometic A/C for the Truma. I asked the other Jason about my Optifuse issue and he said he had never heard of such a problem and had no solutions. We are headed to Murfreesboro for a ceramic coating this summer so maybe I will try stopping by Oliver.
Oliver is no longer using a breaker. They have switched to a large, more dependable fuse. Not sure what the cost would be to switch to the new system. Jason E. suggest I stick with the breaker. I'm going to watch things closely.
-
1
-
-
Great idea. I have to chuckle a bit. We went hard and heavy back in our truck camper days with probably 150-200 boondocking nights, many with remote places off shelf roads. Living in the Midwest doesn't afford a lot of boondocking opportunities.
Goals have changed. While I still love those opportunities, I don't know how often it will happen
Our upcoming PNW trip will have maybe 10 boondocking nights. I need to go back to day one and see where we are for nights.
-
1
-
-
What type of torque tool is good for the electronic connections in our Oliver. Product name and link would be appreciated.
Our nuts on the inverter breaker came loose 2 years after I replaced the breaker. This caused intermittent issues and resulted in the flat cable ends becoming pitted. I sprayed the ends with 2 coats of a conductivity product. After it dried I installed cables and nuts, and applied Locktite Green per Jason E. I tightened with a wrench.
I would have felt a lot better if I knew they were tightened correctly.
-
2
-
-
9 hours ago, aaronorange said:
I have the Xantrex 3000 in a 2022 E2 w/390ah Lithionics. The 300A Optifuse continues to trip. This happens when the battery charger is charging while on shore power. Or when I run the AC at around 1000 ish watts on the inverter, it will typically throw an error 20 in that case as well. It seems to do short runs on the microwave oven (1 to2 min ok, haven’t tested long run times). As far as the inverter charger setting Oliver requires the Charger Current set at 150A. If left at 150A it trips. If I set it at 90A it seems to hold.
We originally started with the Dometic A/C with soft start, same issue. Have since upgraded to the Truma A/C. Understand this doesn’t affect the charging side of the problem.
I did open a ticket right after I bought it. Oliver sent a new Opifuse saying it must have been bad. Opened a second ticket but the issue goes unresolved. Is it possible the replacement Optifuse is bad? Any ideas? Thanks!
On our 2022, it tripped day 2 after pick-up. Oliver told me how to reset it. 2 months later it happened again and Oliver sent a new one.
For 2 years no issues. I was having problems late in 2024, and Jason E. looked at it at the Texas Rally and it was in Oliver for service this past February. It was determined the inverter breaker was bad. Oliver switched to a new fuse system and didn't have any of the breakers and couldn't get one.
I replaced the breaker a month ago and even ordered a back-up.
When I went to remove the old breaker (all power off, solar, inverter breaker manually tripped and the 3 Lithonics batteries), I found the nuts on the breaker posts loose. I also found the flat cable ends pitted, apparently due to loose connections and apparent arching. I sprayed these ends with a conductivity product. When it dried I installed the cables using Locktite Green per Jason E.
This appears to be my issue for not checking all my electric connections annually. It is possible there was nothing wrong with the breaker, just a loose connections.
Since I bought a new one, I didn't want to take any chances.
I guess it is possible your replacement was bad. I would continue to work with Oliver. I would turn off everything and make sure the nuts are torqued properly. Did you use Locktite? Jason said Green was the best.
-
8 hours ago, jd1923 said:
Yes, it has been an amazing, yet awaking adventure! 🤣
So it's Sunday and we're in Central ND, and only 2-3 days out to Mt Rushmore SD, and I finally realized, "I'm friggin' crazy!" It's mid June and we're driving into the greatest tourist stop in the National Park system, OMG! We not only have no reservations, but been so busy in our day-to-day travels that we have no idea where to stay, or even what are the possible choices!
So first, I truly needed a strong drink to deal with this situation and promptly got on Campendium and Recreation.gov! I quickly found Horsethief Lake Campground, a primitive campsite only 15 min from Mt Rushmore. They had 3 sites open only on Thursday 6/19, so I booked one for the one night that was available!
Before getting there I figured we would boondock on the Badlands Wall and afterwards would head to Devils Tower. There is a FCFS primitive site very near there and most RV people gotta have hook-ups, but knowing so little I thought not to count on that. Then I booked 2 nights at Rueter Campground, and a nice drive through the Black Hills to get there.
This was done on Father's Day evening. In between I got calls from my step-son and later my son. After another drink, Chris made us a great grilled Walleye dinner, creamed broccoli and baked potato, nice!
It was finally time to enjoy the wonderful campsite we had booked for two nights, Beaver Creek Recreation Area just on the river from Linton North Dakota, life is good!
When we visited Devil's Tower, we got a site at the National Park Campground, very convenient.
-
1
-
1
-
-
58 minutes ago, BBandJ said:
Anyone replace their shower head / faucet in the 2020 LE II. Just looking to replace the wand not the cord or handle assembly. Thanks!
Yes. I believe there was a detailed thread on this. Try doing a search
-
1
-
-
5 hours ago, jd1923 said:
There was a little hiccup getting into the Sheyenne National Grassland. The last 3 miles were dirt and it had been raining everywhere. Given the condition it drove like a single-lane road. Then up ahead were train tracks with a hill to climb to get over them and strange thing was the dirt up at the tracks was muddy black dirt!
I was worried in getting over it and since we are running with a 2WD truck, I thought to get a little more speed leading up to it. Wow, first time towing the Oliver we fishtailed at the crest and when the truck went one way, the Oliver went the other. Since I was brought up driving in snow, I gently turned into the direction of the spin and after my heart moved up into my throat for a few seconds, all was good. Whew!
The first picture was taken the next morning going the opposite direction. It shows the mud that hit the Oliver, but look behind the Oliver to see the train tracks on the hill and the muddy section. Then look even more closely and you can see the tire skid marks made by the Oliver the evening before! Good thing on the way back it was a soft glide downhill over the tracks.
So we're driving an hour north to get to Fargo and as soon as we got on I-29N I said to Chris, "Try to find a truck wash." I was thinking the kind of place that has a tall booth and a pressure-washer, the DIY kind of wash. Turns out it wash a full-service truck wash. This is the best invention! I walked in first to see if they wouldn't mind washing our non-commercial vehicle. Then waited in line for 20 minutes with 18-wheelers fore and aft.
Not only the mud on the rear of the truck and the entire Oliver, but after 2400 miles on the road we had bug splatters all over both fronts. I paid to clean both TV and TT with an under-carriage wash. This was the absolute BEST $75 investment I've made for the Oliver! Works well in our budget vs. that $3K CGI detailing. Pics attached of Dirty Ollie and Happy Ollie! 🤣
Great idea👏👏
-
1
-
-
Sorry guys. I forgot to post back up
I replaced with the black and left an additional 3/4"-1" to push in. The cutters Patriot shared the link on were awesome.
I did the work prior to the Rally.
-
1
-
3
-
-
Got tired of paying for Garmin upgrades. Use my phone with Waze, Mapquest, or Google Maps.
Usually have Benchmark maps for specific states, but this fall trip would require purchasing 6, so with one time use not worth it
We have 2 Atlas's in the cab, and are more than comfortable with maps. We also pick up state maps from AAA. Never felt out of my comfort level.
-
3 hours ago, Dennis and Melissa said:
We already have most of our campground reservations (based on previous visits car camping). We also have a bunch of the now-required reservations for hiking and buses in CA (Lake Louise, etc.)
Just wondering if anyone has recent info on conditions or suggestions forBadlands NP (dry site) 8/17-21
Bismark restock 8/22
Theodore Roosevelt NP (dry site) 8/23-27
Great Falls restock 8/28
Glacier NP Two Medicine (dry site) 8/29-9/1
East Glacier KOA (hookups) 9/2-9/15
Waterton (hookups) 9/16-22
Tunnel Mountain, Banff (hookups) 9/23-10/6
Whistler, Jasper (hookups) 10/7-13All weather permitting, of course. If winter starts we plan to donate our reservations and head south. 🤪
We have a few family visits the set the course outbound, but no fixed return plans. Again, depending on weather, we may just make a bee line for FL or try our luck heading East on the trans canada highway. Both are VERY long, but we got nothing but time 😁
Nice Itinerary . I sure wouldn't pull out if it snows. Enjoy the White Stuff. You have the trailer for it 😊
-
1
-
1
-
-
53 minutes ago, HDRider said:
We are staying at KOA. I have relatives there and they have three days planned for us. Then we move west to Port Orchard, WA.
Picked up beer at the Kalispell brewery and camped at Whitefish State Park back in 2021. Last trip with our truck camper before getting Jolli Olli.
We will be at the KOA in Polson, MT on Flathead Lake at the end of August on our way to Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona.
-
2
-
-
5 hours ago, jd1923 said:
Happy 50th to Oliver friends John & Susan! 😂
Thank You. We had one heck of a dinner with family.
-
3
-
1
-
-
19 hours ago, HDRider said:
We sure had some wind getting here from Curt Gowdy State Park.
So far BB has been placid. We leave here in the morning heading to Kalispell, MT
Curt Gowdy is a nice park. Where in Kalispell are you going?
Charging on the generator
in Mechanical & Technical Tips
Posted
Mark, I think you got better recommendations here. Hopefully you get things sorted out.