Ron and Phyllis

BILL REED I AM NOT THAT FAR FROM YOU (GREENEVILLE TN "THE SOUTH"), BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING THAT THESE KNOWLEDGABLE WELL MEANING FOLKS RECOMMEND, YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THIS AND DO MORE SPECIFIC SEARCHING IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO. Having been faced with these tiny black spots first over 40 years ago and 20 years later around a log home, office building, and new home that I mulched around heavily, I suspect instead of mold spores, that these are from Artillary Fungus, but yes are spores. A common culprit is from wood mulch. The fungi shoot their sports toward "shiny" objects like light colored cars, white guttering and siding when the sun shines on them. It is brown or black and tarlike. Look up this fungus and see ways to remove, but my experience was that it usually leaves a lighter, less noticable, but still a spot remains underneath when you dissolve the tar spot. Lots of this info on a search. This doesn't help your specific problem, but in my case, it all stopped when I switched from wood to leaf mulch. I did find some simple, but not easy ways to remove the tar spots, but the longer they're on, the more permanent the spot damage underneath. I found no other way than to work in small segments. You can improve the appearance overall that's acceptable from a "normal" distance. If you find, a more recent, widespread easier and more effective cure, I would love to hear it, as my research is dated. Pardon if you've already discovered this. Ron

It is consolation and I know you're right for all the reasons I've heard others discuss here concerning rising costs of fiberglass, everything, etc.

Thank you Bill & Galway Girl, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. I agree, I would not think of waiting, but how about hearing from someone with an Elite I with fewer batteries. Dumb questions, sorry, but can the Elite I have more than 2 batteries? is the battery container on the Elite II larger than the Elite I? I hear Elite II owners talk of 3 and 4. If needed I was considering adding 1 or 2 maybe in the aluminum box on tonque.

Not the Elite II, but the Elite is being redesigned and the website says no orders are being taken for the 2023 Elite while they are being redesigned.

I've searched and have seen a few comments from people using some portable solar panels. Most comments from folks about the function of their rooftop OTT panels seem to live in areas like the West and Mid West where shade in not as much of an issue. Most of our no hookup camping is in the East TN, western VA, and Western NC mountains. Would someone please comment about how their OTT installed rooftop solar functions for them using it with this type camping. I am aware of the reduction in charging, but I would love to hear from someone who has experienced the systems use in my kind of camping. I must finalize my options by May 15th. I posted earlier that OTT is switching to Newpowa panels and to a Victron MPPT controller but they won't say when other than this year. I've asked them if I can get the Victron as it is more efficient, especially in shady/cloudy conditions. They haven't replied yet. We ordered in October and have really looked forward to getting our Elite in August. I know they must redesign, but it's a little disappointing to know I'm spending this much now on a trailer that is being redesigned next year. Any consoling will be appreciated. Thanks, Ron

The OTT rep is not saying, yet, just the brand change is all she gave me.

I am trying to finalize my solar options before a May 15th deadline. I've asked OTT for several pricing options not listed. They are now planning to Victron MPPT controllers and to Newpowa panels instead of Zamp but will not tell me when they will switch but it will be this year 2022. Ron

I understand, I also use the EEZTIRE with it's windshield suction mount. I just sent you a message.

I agree with topgun2, I've used the EezTire E518 TPMS now for about 2 years. Sits in the cup holder just fine and the Ascent has soo many cup holders, but I can understand why one might want to make it more OEM.

Great!

This is perfect. The info on the hitch setup and the Weigh Safe Ball with integratred scale is particularly helpful. My Ascent is the Premium Trim level but all the other Ascent details are the same as you describe. I am now much more confident in it's use. Thanks! Ron

I would love to see how you mounted the controller. I am using a Tekonsha Primus IQ that I used on the Outback. I removed it when my daughter got it and mounted it to the door of the fuse box because it was so easy. It works well with the Aliner and is out of the way for me and not very noticeable but I would consider another, OEM looking, location. Looking forward to seeing your pictures. I can definitely live with that towing MPG. I'll be interested to know sometime your, "loaded for camping" tongue weight. That was always an issue I had with the Outback due to it's light tongue weight limit. I had to be conscious of my loading, not that I ever noticed anything unusual, but it was always something I had to really watch for my own piece of mind. I plan to weigh everything on a CAT scale after we get the Oliver home. Thanks Ron

Thank you Mike. I've enjoyed your and Carol's comments. I just got a Clam like the one you all showed. I had considered it for a long time but her recommendation sold me. I appreciate your effort. Yes, August is right around the corner and will give me enough time to finish the addition on my metal building for the new Ollie's bedroom.

Congradulations DunnYet from the mountains of East Tennessee! I am thrilled to see your post, in fact, it's caused me to make my first. We are new to the Forum and live in Greeneville TN. Our Elite I will, hopefully, arrive 11 August having ordered it in Sept. I also planned to tow with a Subaru Ascent, a 2021. Our hills up here in East TN, SW VA, and Western NC where we camp most, are quite a bit steeper than those Tennessee hills you towed your Ollie over, but I feel so much better reading about your experience. To be honest most posts are from Elite II owners as they appear to be in the majority. You are the first, I have found towing an Elite I with an Ascent. The only Forum comments I have been able to find seemed to be second hand info from no one who actually used the Ascent but, referenced someone towing a boat trailer, I think. I have to admit, they were negative on the Ascent. I was worried I might have to give up the Subie, I just bought in September, having reluctantly passed down an Outback to my daughter. We have towed an Aliner A-frame pop up with the Outback for 4 years and I just didn't want a large tow vehicle if possible. My calculations and what I could find online all looked like the Elite I was well within the Ascents capabilities and properly loaded that it would safely tow the Elite I and with descent gas mileage. Still, I was preparing myself for possible disappointment. Thank you again for the post and I look forward to more! Ron