topgun2

jd1923 - I just sent rich.dev a PM and didn't receive the message you stated above. Therefore, I doubt that your "issue" is due to a "system problem". If I get something back different, I'll let you know. Bill

There are a number of factors that determine state of charge, life of an AGM battery(s), charging an AGM battery(s), etc.. HERE is a discussion of these factors. In any case it appears that you have seriously discharged your battery(s) multiple times to levels that are very low - well beyond 50% of capacity. Hopefully you will be able to bring them back to life but it appears to me that you will be very lucky to do that. In addition to investigating your batteries, I would also make sure that your charger is operating properly to include being set at the proper charge rates. Good luck! Bill

Joe & Janet - A few more quick thoughts since you are "first timers" - 1 - bring a camera. You will not remember all of the things you see. A picture will help several months down the road to jog your memory of that mod you thought was interesting. 2 - bring a notebook for many of the same reasons you bring a camera. 3 - bring good walking shoes. I think that you will find that one of the better benefits of attending the Rally is meeting and talking to other owners. This is best done by simply grabbing that camera and notebook and going for a walk. 4 - bring a bike. For many of the same reasons as #3 above. Also, depending on where you are camped, a bike can make quick work of getting down to the vendor area, the Beach Pavilion, camp store/check-in or simply to another campsite. A bike certainly isn't necessary but it can save some walking/driving. Unless you are an exceptional biker - don't even think about biking up to the Lodge for presentations and seminars. The hill is fairly steep. 5 - be mindful of wildlife. Early in the morning and at dusk the deer really do come out and they are not afraid of humans and vehicles. Also, particularly if you are camped up near the road note that there have been reports of snakes seeking the warmth of the asphalt. I've never noticed a poisonous snake but a bite is a bite - just keep an eye out if you tend to walk around after sunset. There really aren't many but --- 6 - be sure to save some time to relax. Usually I get back home from the Rally really tired. The State Park is really pretty - be sure to schedule watching the sunset from up at the Lodge deck or from down by the water. If you see a group around a campfire or even someone simply relaxing outside their Ollie, grab a chair and ask to join them. 7 - never leave your Ollie with the awning deployed. A few years ago a sudden storm came up and at least four Ollies had the awning destroyed. Even last year a sudden storm nearly claimed an awning or two. 8 - with reference to #3 above - Do not be afraid to approach people or simply knock on a door. Most of us love to talk about these trailers and are more than happy to show you what we mods have done. 9 - if you have (business) cards bring them. This will save you a bunch of time giving out this information if you chose to do so. 10 - don't worry about what to bring. We are all camping! Attire for the opening meeting will range from shorts and t-shirts to business slacks and collared shirt. Most will have nice jeans and a golf type polo or shirt. Always bring a sweater or light jacket when going up to the Lodge - there ae times when the air conditioning can be a bit cool. In this same vein a hat and sun glasses are always a good idea when going down near the lake. For supplies - there are a couple of grocery stores in Guntersville to include a nice Publix. There are also hardware stores and the like. There are a number of nice casual restaurants in town too. 11 - finally, as with virtually all things, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations, to borrow just about anything, advice on how to fix just about all things related to your Oliver, etc.. There will be plenty of owners in attendance that will be more than willing to help with just about anything you might need. Bill

Mostly this depends on where and/or how you like to camp. Due to a storm several years ago, the sites closer to the water tend to not be as shady as those further away from the water. Also, the "vendor" area, the "beach pavilion" (where in year's past a number of presentations have been made/held) and dog park are located closer to the end of the campground where the camp office/store is located. Many of the sites that one might consider "better" have already been reserved. However, as a general comment - most of the sites are decent and it is generally a very good campground. If you have specific needs be sure to mention that to the park personnel when you make your reservation. Bill p.s. there are a number of YouTube videos that show both the park and the campground like THIS and THIS and THIS. Also, see THIS video by one of our own members/owners which was filmed at last year's Rally.

Does that also mean that it is "5 o'clock somewhere"? 😎 Bill

Absolutely agree - that is a good deal. Unfortunately, there are no Nexair stores near Asheville, NC. Perhaps other "gas distributers" similar to NexAir also would do this kind of swap. Yes, there are facilities that will/can recertify older tanks. I've been told that our local propane dealer will do this but since my original tanks do not expire until later this year, I'll wait until then to investigate further. I really would prefer to keep my original tank versus either exchanging them or buying new ones. Bill

I didn't know that you could "swap out" 30# tanks - I've never seen that available at any of the usual places. The only situation that I'm aware of - other than places that are rather remote - is in Vail Valley, CO. All of the former "refill" places in that rather large area from approximately Frisco, CO all the way over to Glenwood Springs, CO were forced to close. Therefore, if you are in dire need of propane and you are in that area, your only choice is to swap 20# tanks. Another situation where "dire need" might come into play would be if you run out of propane and it is after "normal" business hours when most (if not all) propane refill places are closed but gas stations, grocery stores, etc. are still open. Obviously, the best practice is to NOT run out of propane in the first place. Bill

If you are looking for the "solar tracker thread" - it has been split to a thread titled "Solar Tracker Module" which can be found HERE Bill p.s. thanks to both Max Burner and rich.dev for getting us moving on the split to the thread.

Please note that second section of the sentence in the first quote above. Not only does one have to "watch out what you're trading for" but with all of the vendors of those "swapped out tanks" you do not actually get a full tank as you would if you simply have your own tank(s) refilled. However, again, "if you are in dire need of propane ...." Bill

Looks like things have warmed up a little bit!

No problem - I'll work on that later today. Bill edit: Mission accomplished - new thread established. And, thanks to both Max Burner and rich.dev for getting us moving on getting this thread split from the original thread.

Certainly no question on this one IF you do a bunch of winter camping and (for whatever reasons) don't mind the extra weight and size. In addition, the 20 pounders can be simply "swapped" out at gas stations, grocery stores, hardware stores, etc. if you are in dire need of propane and there isn't a refill station either open or nearby. Bill

Coy Gayle (a member of the Forum - "hardrock") is the person to contact. Bill

Steve - Some of us (still) refuse to join Facebook. Can you give us an idea of what you're referencing there? Thanks! Bill

Congratulations on the "semi-retirement" - the only thing better is the "full-retirement"! The rest of your post is above my pay grade but it sounds like ya did good. Bill