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Boonter Jeff

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Posts posted by Boonter Jeff

    Sequoia Tow Vehicle report

    in Towing an Oliver

    Posted

    I was thinking of vehicle compromise where you could haul some grandkids one weekend and pull your trailer the next.  Good points above though.  Probably our Tundra with the maxi cab is still our best option.  I guess Grandpa could just stealth ride in the back on a sleeping bag with the dog.

    • Haha 1

    Uneven Brakes

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    There was a lot of “stuff” around my brake issues.  The main controller issue originally was that only the manual override was working not the brake pedal.  Another cheap Curt controller and the brake pedal was working but the “boost” was high.  I assure you that adjustments were attempted but the solution was the Prodigy controller, as recommended by Oliver.   Yes there is only one wire coming for brakes but then the passenger side splits off.

     

    We bypassed the wires in the axle tube and replaced with new wires on the outside.  Not sure what they looked like but knew there was potential for problem.  Obvious problems by the brake connections.  There’s some pictures somewhere.  Part of our confusion was that the resistance, amps draw, and operation of all four brakes seemed okay superficially but still not working right.

    • Like 1

    Uneven Brakes

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Update on brake problem.  Welll it was a multifaceted problem.  Unfortunately I turned our Ollie and Tundra over to a shop which was incapable of actually fixing the problems.  They had them for five weeks.  They gave it back to me twice as “fixed” and I made it almost two miles before the drivers side brakes started locking up, didn’t look back.  They did get the drums turned.  Actual problems were: 1. Bad Curt controller - friend and I replaced with Toyota specific wire harness and Prodigy 3 controller.  2.  multiple wire issues where wire had been pinched between frame and hub tube, also some bad (shorting) connectors, mostly affecting passenger side brakes - solution, did some of our own cleanup and then  took the rig up to All Wheel RV in Redding, CA (5 hours away) where they patiently went through and cleaned up electrical.  3. Still problem with rear passenger side brake not working, the old mechanic said alright let’s swap drums cross way and see what happens, problem stayed with brake.  Inspection revealed that the brake was only making minimal contact, so replace that one plate (brake), after several test rides with shop owner and adjustments all brakes are working.  After almost 3 months finally have our new Oliver available for trips.  Very frustrating, and definitely a learning experience.  I would fault Oliver in the electrical work done around the brakes and brake lights.  Dexter on that crappy brake shoe.  A lot of people are saying that quality control, in general, went way down during Covid.  I should mention that the “All Wheel” boys liked how heavy duty the axle, brakes, and tires were on the Oliver.  They pointed out a much larger trailer and said that I had the same brakes that the big one had.  He also said that even without 4 perfectly braking wheels, we had a lot of stopping power.   Which was reassuring.  I’m going to send some of the costs off to Jason and we’ll see what happens.  Can’t say enough good things about All Wheel RV.  They will let you trailer camp in their yard too.

    • Thanks 2
    • Like 4

    Water pump weirdness

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    We had several loose water connections.  Having the pump running unnecessarily or low water pressure gave them away.  Not too happy about that.  Much bigger unresolved problem with brake system.  Our only nearby RV place is slammed and we are still waiting to find out what it is.  It could be a combo of our controller on the truck not working, and an electrical problem on one side of the trailer.  Already missed one planned trip.  

    • Sad 1

    Uneven Brakes

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Pulling a service ticket is probably a good next step.  It puts the kibosh on our immediate plans to head north.  I also have no idea where I would take the trailer, I’ve lost faith in our local RV place.  I’m going to try for the second time to get the right controller to plug into our Tundra (Justin at Oliver thought this might be the problem).  Just to make things interesting we live on the top of a very steep hill.  The whole thing is keeping me pretty anxious.  I am grateful for this forum and help I’ve gotten here.  Of course one of the big pluses of buying a new Oliver with self adjusting brakes and 100,000 mile bearings was to minimize stress and hassle 🤨

    • Like 2
    • Wow 1

    Uneven Brakes

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Adjusting the controller didn’t seem to change much-one side was still braking much more aggressively.  However, I am picking up a new controller to see if that helps and, per my friend’s suggestion, am taking the drums in to get turned or at least checked.  Everything else seems to be working correctly and all the brakes are getting the same voltage.  I will give the Oliver service center a call tomorrow morning.  

    • Like 3

    Uneven Brakes

    in Mechanical & Technical Tips

    Posted

    Hi All, we picked up our Elite II last fall and probably put about 5000 miles on it then parked it undercover for the last 6 months.  Now I’m finding that the two driver side tires will brake to the point of locking up before the passenger side does anything.  Actually the driver side will drag for awhile before releasing.  My mechanic friend  backed off the brake adjustment (after moving the arm up) to the point where the automatic tightening would start if he went any farther.  He’s coming back up but happy for any input.

    Jeff

    What’s the right speed to tow?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    When we go 60 mph, I can relax and don’t have to worry about getting around trucks, etc. very much.  They go around me.  The difference between a hazard coming at me at 60 vs. 70 is pretty dramatic.  Sometimes I’ll be in a hurry and go 65 mph but If I want an enjoyable and safe trip, 60 is a good number for us.  Also, in California, the speed limit when your towing, is actually 55 mph.

    • Like 2

    Ollie in the Wild!

    in Campgrounds & Parks

    Posted

    We will have the same truck and trailer combination.  I couldn’t quite make out if you had the Anderson sway hitch or not.  Curious because we’re getting one but had mixed feelings about it.  Looks like you are living the good life!

    • Like 1

    Towing with vehicles that really don't do the job safely

    in Towing an Oliver

    Posted

    Since Tundras are being discussed, I thought I’d put my two centavos in.  We have a 2008 with the 5.7l engine and tow package.  I got it to pull a boat which probably weighed 8000 pounds or so including trailer.  The boat was wider and longer then the Ollie II.  The truck never cracked a sweat though I didn’t enjoy pulling something that big, hopping curbs in filling stations, etc.  With our current trailer - Casita 17, I can almost forget its back there.  We have hull 1227 coming in August and I intend to start out with the Tundra.  I’ve owned Fords, Chevies, and Dodge pickup/service trucks.  The Tundra has been, hands down, the most reliable and comfortable truck that I’ve owned.   We do spend a lot of time out here in the West with mountain passes, etc. and we are getting the Anderson sway hitch.  I am a cautious driver and go slow.  That being said if the truck doesn’t seem to be a good fit, we’ll do something different but I hope to get a few more years out of it 🙂. After all I’m 68 and the boss hasn’t traded me in, yet.

    • Like 8
    • Haha 2

    Balch Park, CA

    in Campgrounds & Parks

    Posted

    Lived in California for 60 years and never heard of that park.  Not so good with So Cal.  Looks like a winner.  After all these years I should be able to tell the difference between a coast redwood and an inland redwood (sempervirens vs gigante).  Was that a picture of an indian grinding hole?

    • Like 1
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