rideandfly

We do not have factory roof mounted solar panels on Ollie. For now we have one Renogy 100W suitcase panel that will charge up to 6 amps in full sun. We use the Renogy Voyager waterproof 20 amp Solar controller mounted in Ollie's battery box. We also use a Furrion solar port mounted on Ollie, but it's only rated for 10 amps. Have our solar panel cables in three sections adding up to 35 feet of 10/2 cable, when used through Furrion port on Ollie probably total of 40 feet of 10/2 cable between the solar panel and controller with up to 6 amps of charging in full sun from a 100W panel. When we leave the campsite with solar panel out, use a padlocked bicycle type security cable on the panel connected to Ollie or something else in the campsite. In the future may add two Solar Panels (up to 150W total) on the swing up doors on Diamondback cover on the pickup bed. Will probably install a solar port on Ollie's LP Gas bottle enclosure or front of Ollie running cables through Ollie to existing 20W Solar controller in the battery box. When we do this modification will add one more BattleBorn 100AH lithium battery, too. This modification will allow charging on the road as previously mentioned. Will install solar panels on Diamondback cover secured with locknuts/bolts & padlocks, but will still be easy to remove for storage when not on camping trips.

David, Great shots, looks like a fine place for a camping adventure!

Wow! Bet you will need to look behind the Tundra to be sure you're towing Ollie! Looking forward to your report!

I'm sure the 2022 will be nice, but don't know how many $. What kind of power increase do you expect after Supercharger installation on the 5.7L?

We have a 2.4L 5 speed manual 2003 Tacoma with over 180,000 miles and running strong. The 2003 year had frame corrosion problems, but we purchased it new for $12,500 and it's never been on snow or road chemicals, so it does not have any frame issues. Have smaller utility trailers we're always hauling mulch, stone, and helping family members to move. It will be very interesting to see the next generation 2022 Tundra. Reported to have a 400+HP Turbo V-6. Will see....

Early in my career on the railroad, used to operate heavy track equipment. When we were working and traveling, used to see some of the most beautiful scenery from the rail. Have not been through this tunnel, but traveling through mountain tunnels, next to rivers, and over high bridges, were absolutely beautiful! Nice shots!!!!!!!!!!

Andrew, Thanks for posting this video. Great information!

Enjoy watching and listening to Videos at "Norman's Rare Guitars".

Made a VIN metal plate for another trailer using an aluminum plate and square punch. If I do it again, will buy one on Ebay. Found a company on Ebay that engraves VIN and number plates. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SILVER-VIN-Plate-with-Engraving-included-Free-Shipping/353075613328?hash=item5234f24e90:g:MfUAAOSwHv1evAbs https://www.ebay.com/itm/SILVER-CAR-Serial-Number-VIN-Plate-with-Engraving-included-Free-Shipping/362993462629?hash=item548418ad65:g:MvEAAOSwQXdevAf9

dewdev, We use Meguiar's Flagship marine wax for cleaning and waxing. It will remove some stains/spots and make new spots & stains where waxed easy to remove. We had some water spots that could not removed by waxing. Called Meguiar's and they recommended using their #67 one step compound, then using their Flagship marine wax. This process took care of the spots. We purchased Ollie used and now looks better than when purchased.

John, Looking forward to being able to monitor the BattleBorn with a tablet in the TV and campsite, that's the only device we use that is Bluetooth capable. Good advice about how to connect shunt to battery, was wondering about that and I do have a battery master switch installed. Thanks,

Took your advice and ordered a Victron shunt this morning. We use a tablet with Bluetooth when camping, so should work well monitoring battery, too. https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/smart-battery-shunt Thanks,

On the day I retired, this song replayed over and over in my mind for several hours. 🙂

Imelda, Used to us a Bowtie TV antenna mounted on an old camera tripod that worked well. If you look closely, tied a weight on the tripod to keep the rig from blowing over during windy conditions. It stored easily with folding tripod legs. Handy for local TV reception. Edit: Use two Bowtie antennas for local TV reception at home receiving about 40 channels 20 miles from Charlotte NC:

Here's my research from last night, I am not an electronic tech or engineer. We camp the majority of time with shore power and occasionally on the Blue Ridge Parkway without shore power using a 100W suitcase solar panel and 2000W gen-set for power. We do not have factory installed solar panel charging system on hull #75 LE2. Asked BattleBorn last night about charging with the new Progressive Dynamics PD4045LICSV (Lithium) charging section I installed yesterday in Ollie's PD 4045 converter and possible damage to the TV charging system while charging the new BattleBorn 100AH LifePO4 lithium battery in Ollie. Here's BattleBorn's reply to my question last night: "Yes, you can charge our battery with the PD4045LICSV. You can also charge the battery using the seven pin connection via the seven pin connection with no issues. The length of the cable is so long and the size is so small that you will see about a 5-10 amp charge being delivered to the battery." https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/progressive-dynamics-45-amp-replacement-converter-section-for-pd4045li-lithium-series-electronic-power-center/ Progressive Dynamics PD4045 operators manual for charging Lithium LifePO4 batteries with BMS system from "General Operation" section: "The optional OUTPUT MODE SWITCH sets the converter output to either a constant 14.6VDC with the Charge Wizard® disabled (switch in ‘LI’ position) or a nominal 13.6VDC with full Charge Wizard® function (switch in ‘LA’ position). ‘LI’ mode is intended for use with lithium batteries with a BMS requiring a constant converter output. ‘LA’ mode is intended for use with lead/acid batteries where the Charge Wizard®will optimize battery charging." "PD4045/60L‐ The full rated load is available for load, battery charging or both. When functioning as a regulated battery charger the converter has a nominal voltage output of 14.6 VDC. The system is designed to sense voltage on the battery and will taper the charging current as the battery becomes charged."\ https://www.progressivedyn.com/wp-content/uploads/Support/manuals/110145-English.pdf PD4045 while installing Lithium charging section yesterday: Replaced two 12V AGM group 27 batteries with one BattleBorn 100AH LifePO4 lithium battery yesterday. Mounted the Renogy Voyager 20A solar charger with LifePO4 charge profile setting in the battery compartment with one BattelBorn battery. Seen up to 6 amps of charging current with 35' of 10/2 cable between the 100W Renogy suitcase solar panel and charge controller using a 10A Furrion solar port on Ollie.

Craig, Your research is very interesting and appreciated! Thanks,

Replaced two Group 27 100AH 12V AGM batteries with one 100AH BattleBorn Lithium yesterday. Installing a PDI board with Lithium setting and changing Renogy solar charging profile to Lithium today. We only have a 100W suitcase Renogy Solar Panel. Believe I have the same question, if I don't charge with the TV, will the rest of the set up work without issues? Thanks,

Alison Krauss & Union Station:

Smart kids! Happy Easter everyone!

Like the idea using a cover! Checked out their website and they also have additional colors. https://www.vanmadegear.com/product/roofvent/

David, Like the idea of the silicone protective top rung cover. 👍

Skalywag & I were in communication with PMs before his installation using Dexter K71-358-00 kit. This Etrailer link also has center to center distances of links in the specs: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter-Axle/K71-358-00.html

We use TeleSteps ladder, too:

Run Ollie's Dometic 13.5K AC with a 2000W Honda gen-set that puts out 1600W continuous with the Micro-Air 364 Easy Start unit installed. Used this gen-set/AC combination up to 3700 feet above sea level without issues, have not needed Gen-Set/AC above that elevation, normally have shore power during most camping trips. Used same Gen-Set to operate the Suburban 6 gallon electric water heater at 5000 feet above sea level without issues. Installed a Micro Air 364 on Ollie's Dometic 13.5K AC following their installation instructions, may have emailed their service representative during the afternoon installation. https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners Here's Micro Air's RV installation video: Here's Micro Air's service/sales representative installing a 364 Easy Start during an Oliver Rally:

They are not optional, only available aftermarket!