rideandfly

Agree with SeaDawg, don't be too hard on yourself. When we were teenagers, we plugged a home trailer into electric power before putting water in the hot water heater. The hot water heater element got so hot, it deformed & electrified most metal parts on the trailer, making it a shocking experience to touch the trailer. To this day I remember that when ever working with electric hot water heaters. 🙂

Only ran AC with ECO mode off so far, it’s just my preference. Never tried to run AC with ECO mode on. Purchased and installed the MicroAir EZ start worked fine with the 2000 Honda. When charging battery through Progressive converter or anything else, run gen-set in ECO mode. Purchased the gen-set for camping, ended up using it more for other non-camping uses. Very handy and the older I get really appreciate a lightweight gen-set of at least 2000W. It has 1600W continuous rating that runs an airplane engine preheater easily.

We’re using a EU2000i to run our Dometic 13.5K AC with MicroAir EZ start up to 5,000msl so far, no issues.

Not exactly wildlife, Butterfly House visit at Mackinac Island MI

Davy Crockett SP TN:

We were driving out of Many Glacier National Park MT when we saw Mama Bear eating berries while JR was climbing a tree. The photo of Mama Bear did not turn out to well through the windshield. We did not stop because we were too close.

Hunting Island SP SC:

Hunting Island SP SC:

Big Horn Sheep Ram, Badlands SD:

9MM wrench works on the zerk fitting with 1/4” threads.

Sully, Congrats on your new Ollie. Please post photos of the rig, if you have them. Great fuel economy with the Q7, too.

Mossey, Initially wondered why there were more than two wires on the switch you pushed out of the panel. Understand after your explanation of amber lights. Our 2015 LE2 has two conductors per switch per porch light. Don’t believe Oliver had a standard LE2 wiring harness until later, after a discussion with the service department a few years ago. #75 LE2

You’re right, always need to be looking at the numbers. The above weight is with empty black, grey, and fresh water tanks with full 6 gallon hot water heater tank. In the winter when we have a empty hot water heater Ollie’s weight is around 4900 pounds. 9% to 11% tongue weight is for conventional trailer towing.

Yep, it’s light. We have small propane bottles and the Toyota Operator’s Manual’s tongue weight range for 2022 Tundra is 9% to 11% of the trailer’s weight. Our ready to camp weight is around 4950 pounds with 480 pound tongue weight, between 9% & 10%.

Great description, photos, and information for airbag options! If I remember correctly, 20 PSI worked well for our 2016 Tundra/Ollie rig. We have an actual tongue weight of 480 pounds.

John, Discount Tire replaced our Ollie tires about 1 1/2 years ago with Cooper LT tires. Sounds like a possible policy change.

Thanks for the report. Enjoyed our visit there a few years ago. Need to plan another visit! 🙂

First time charging with two solar panels connected in series using a MPPT controller. Using a 12' section of 10/2 cable during this test. Have a total of 36' of cable (three 12' sections) to connect panels in series while charging. Had to set the Renogy controller for Lithium battery charging profile, but the controller automatically identified the 12V battery. Saw up to 41.5V from both panels when connected in series. Testing on 6/2 with battery door vents sealed, charging with one 100W solar panel, outside air temperature 87F and inside battery cabinet 32C or 90F. Will continue monitoring battery cabinet temps while solar charging this season:

Tested the new MPPT solar controller with two 100W Renogy Suitcase solar panels. Charged at 12.6 Amps, the 100AH BattleBorn Lithium 12V battery charged quickly this afternoon. 🙂

Like my old 2003 Toyota pickup, it's simple and durable. Thanks!

Yep, I'm the same way, easier to pack. The older I get the more I don't like picking up heavy stuff if I can avoid it.

Yep, Walmart is where the white plastic board the solar charger & Victron Shunt were mounted on (Cutting Board) and silicon lid were both purchased.

My experimenting has been east of the Mississippi with the 2022 Tundra so far. Very interested to learn how the Tundra’s twin turbo V-6 performs up to 10,000 msl. Look forward to hearing about that! With a 5% grade found 6th gear and 55mph to work, if I remember correctly rpm was around 2150. Passing some 18 wheel trucks. Towed Ollie up 7% & 8% grades so far. Like to experiment with different rpm/gear settings for different % grades. Never try to maintain speed limit while towing up grades. Just find a rpm/gear combination up to maximum torque rpm. Don’t want to overheat drivetrain components by keeping up with automobile traffic towing up grades. Found it took too much throttle management seeking the highest gear causing transmission hunting instead of going with a little higher rpm lower gear combination up to maximum torque rpm of 2400. Believe the new Hybrid Tundra is a towing beast up grades, but have not driven one, yet! 🙂

John, All of my testing was under 65MPH towing Ollie. When we pass through WY, will bump it up to 8th gear. Initially had to work hard with throttle control using 7th, 8th, & 9th not using cruise control. Found using 7th gear @ 2150 RPM & 61MPH with cruise control on was a more pleasant ride with better average MPG in TN & NC hill country.

John, Tried tape & neoprene plugs, the tape did not stick well on the door interior surface or seal well. Neoprene plugs did not install easily. Silicone plugs seal nicely and easy to install & remove. Are you working on your suitcase solar panel installation?