CnC

I'd caution eliminating that factory return as it's placed in the area of least airflow resistance. Put another way, you are playing with more than just a simple sail switch - you're literally playing with fire as most Ollie owners do not have the proper equipment needed to measure the required furnace manufacturer's airflows and static pressures created by altering the factory inflow/outflows. Charlie

Note that lithium batteries are not all the same as their internal battery management systems ultimately dictate how they respond to being energized. Charlie.

There are basic rules that apply in almost all mechanical air movement (think physics.) You need more return air available than air supplied (think sizing of vents/ducts.) The further the return from the unit, the more resistance in that returning air (think restriction similar to water/hydraulic piping.) Supplied air that cannot return requires the unit to seek that missing air from elsewhere (shutting the bathroom door stops the bathroom circulation and if the bathroom vent/window is open it then requires the unit to suck air from around cabin windows, doors, weeps, etc.) And then the one that everyone is complaining about... "short cycling" refers to air that returns to the unit from a supply vent located too close to the return air - perhaps the simple solution to that is using a 12v fan on low to stir/mix the cabin air - that works. Charlie

As a retired forensic engineer who specialized in indoor air quality and ventilation for 40 years, I AGREE !!! Charlie

We purchased a three point (1000#) tongue weight dolly (manual) just to move Ollie II on level concrete-floored barn . It torqued and collapsed during first attempt to move the Ollie II over just two feet. Returned it! Charlie

Ours is always up when towing. It's never came down while towing.

Ours - over the stove - glows faintly when it's very, very dark. If you close your eyes, you can't see it! Charlie.

From their online manual: "If used in a wet bath environment, the Villa should be protected from directly getting wet as it contains an electric fan and high humidity will inhibit the drying of solid waste." Charlie.

And Arizona heat🔥 Charlie

Maybe the younger ones should pay attention to the mostly retired... I find the Ollie 2 a very good boondocker with great road clearance. Just saying... Charlie.

We bought a digital-powered pump from Harbor Freight (in lieu of installing a truck-mounted pump for our air bags). We set the PSI needed, push the button and it fills about 0.5 PSI beyond the setting so when you unclip the air hose it is at the right amount. Sure works well for us as we can use it anywhere - no long 12v cords - no long air hoses. Charlie.

Sleeping with my peripheral neuropathy affected feet near the battery vault, I use a rechargeable USB hand warmer (aka foot warmer) to take the chill off. It's kinda like bricks placed at the foot of the bed in days past - except it stays warm all night. Charlie.

I didn't see anyone address altitude, which has a very limiting effect on absorption units running LP. As a side... until my wife sees a compressor fridge with a freezer the size of the absorption unit in our 2020, she's just not interested in one as we prepare and shrink-wrap numerous frozen meals for trips. Charlie.

As a previous Airstream owner, I found more value in the Oliver. The $20k increase includes improvements and upgrades. But if price is a problem for you, there are used units available from time to time - just be aware that unlike other TTs they don't lose value very fast. Here's hoping all your retirement plans go as planned. Charlie

We've been HH members since early on. We don't think it's necessarily a bargain as we only use it a few times a year - BUT we have never been disappointed in our stays, which are mostly at wineries. Frankly it's great way to drink and NOT drive. We'd recommend them. Charlie.

We've always closed all openings when towing. Airflows over/around the towed Ollie can create all kinds of unwanted airflows from other places (window slider seals, drainage openings, black/grey tank vents, etc.) - JMO from a forensic engineer. Charlie.

Many of us (including me) left Airstream for Oliver superiority.

Dusk in the San Juan National Forest in Colorado last week. The string of lights are Jackery Camping Lights on low. They are 2.5 watts. Charlie.

Our Arizona to Colorado trip found us paying in the area of $4.50 for 85/87 last weekend. 🤑

Arron and Chris on the Irene Iron videos got a Ford Tremor to pull their heavy Outdoors RV. You might check out their experiences with it. As an FYI, we looked at their RV choice and veto'd it as the interior wasn't what we wanted. We liked the heavy frame and very large holding tanks designed for boondocking. But the interior was dark, dreary and cheap. The one we looked at was "ready" for delivery but there were screens in upside down, drawers with the wrong finish installed in the wrong place, an overhead light that wouldn't come on and moldings that were coming loose. Made me wonder why they had a 9 month backorder issue. Charlie.

I don't see where anyone mentioned filling the frige too full as to not allow the air to circulate well within. Charlie.

We use a foaming silicone spray for this and so many other things that needs a lub that doesn't pick up grit and grime. Charlie.

I think it is the reason it's not in the book, but frankly an addendium should be provided to the owner specific for their Hull. Charlie.

Consider taping the gel coat surface in the area of cutting. Charlie.

Be sure to check the dimensions and weight of portables. I have two 100's from GoalZero. They are heavy! Charlie.