topgun2

I can see why you moved on given the quality of the neighborhood! 😇

Another thing I learned from this project - trying to feed the string through those little holes in the shade material is something that only a seamstress could do. Therefore, before even starting - simply take about 3 inches of the string and let it soak for a couple of hours in some varnish. Then let it dry and you have a reasonably stiff end to the string that makes threading it much easier. Bill

I too had the intent to simply replace my aging Trojan T-105's with AGM batteries when the time came. But, back in December, 2023 I decided that I had trusted these Trojans for a total of 8 seasons and I simply wasn't about to press my luck any further. So, I started the process of looking for a new set of AGM's. In doing this I was looking at various YouTube videos for recommendations and ran into a Will Prowse review of Li Time lithium batteries. The price and features (capacity and low temp shut off for charging) plus a big thumbs up from Will Prowse caught my attention. After I subtracted my 8 percent military discount (5% for those that didn't serve) from the Holiday sales price plus free shipping and then added back in the price of upgrading my on board charger to one with lithium capabilities, I was basically right at break even versus the price of decent AGM batteries. This plus the 5 year guarantee and what has turned out to be good customer service and 10 plus years life and half the weight, I'm now in the crowd with lithium. My point is that we are now at the price point where lithium is (at least) a serious contender even if one doesn't consider things like weight and longevity. Bill

Promise not to laugh!😂 From my post of October, 2023 above I "finally" got a chance to get back to that shade on the floor of my workshop. No, I'm not completely finished yet - don't want to rush it - but I'm close. In fact, I'm close enough to to let everyone know that it takes between 14.5 and 15 feet of string to complete one side of the whole deal - that is either the night shade OR the day shade. Obviously, both sides would take double that or up to 30 feet of string! That amazed me - where in the world does all that string go? Bill

Does being there in spirit count?

HD - I don't really think that there is that much difference but - there is a 3.5 Ecoboost Ford engine and also a 2.7 Ecoboost Ford engine. I have the 3.5 job. Bill

John - Sorry that you can't make it this year! I don't remember what the cancellation policy is for the Park but certainly you will get most (if not all) your money back at this stage. It is very nice to you to allow a little time for another Forum member to get your spot - hopefully anyone whos needs a spot will get in touch with you shortly. Enjoy Vegas! Bill

Reminder! Please remember to be kind to the Park staff. We are a fairly large group and from time to time we (as a group) can place extra burdens on the staff. Please tell all workers "THANKS" for helping us and for letting us enjoy the fruits of their labors. A kind word or two will go a long way in letting us continue to enjoy this great setting. Bill

Hard to believe that they are cooler than Reacher!

Same

"Here's looking at you, kid." Bill

Dave - Sorry that none of your fellow Elite I owners have replied to your question. As we know, on the Elite II's those "covers" fit rather snugly. Perhaps a Service ticket asking this question would get you some valid information. Good luck! Bill

Another "arrow" to place in the quiver! While I use a Garmin Inreach mini that automatically transmits my GPS coordinates in the event of an emergency, I can see situations where the "what3words" system would/might come in handy. This is another good place to remind everyone about a presentation that was made a couple of years ago at the Oliver Owner's Rally. This presentation covered the type of information that each of us should have available in the event of an emergency. A copy of the information that would be helpful plus some other ideas can be found IN THIS THREAD. And, for those of us that keep this information with us - now is a good time of year to take a look at it to make sure that the data contained in it is still up to date. Bill

I know that the Oliver Service Department gets a bunch of praise, and, it is well deserved. Well, here is another bit of praise to add to the pile! Yesterday morning I "opened a service ticket" requesting an appointment for late August, 2024 and two night's camping at Oliver. Late yesterday afternoon I received two emails - one from Mike Sharpe and the other from the Service Departments automated reply to my service ticket. Both of these advised me that I was all set for the appointment and the camping at Oliver. Clean, efficient, easy and prompt. Just like all the other staff at Oliver - these people ROCK! Bill

Almost every time I read a thread here on the Forum or watch a video about these locks I consider "upgrading" my old fashion key jobs. But, then I see a story such as this about being "locked out" or worse - the lock simply will not operate and I try to remind myself of why I like to keep things "simple". Simple seems to fit well with my brain!🤪 Even though I still do the key thing the old fashion way, I do keep a set of keys in both the tow vehicle and the Oliver. Plus I have a couple of extra sets in the event I need to give a key to someone else that is going in a different direction than I am. Bill

"free" is good! Any pit toilets and/or potable water nearby?

It looks like it is a 2018 twin bed model. Bill

Did you get the discount?

A call would, at least, give you peace of mind regarding the discount. Bill

No problem - consider it done! Bill

You did and it was extremely helpful. Certainly I appreciate you for getting this done and available to all Rally goers. I can't tell you the amount of time it saved me during the Rally in finding people that I needed to see. Speaking of which - another note to first time attendees - make sure that you allow yourself a bit of "down time". Perhaps even plan it into your schedule. Simply - there is so much to do and so many people to see that things like eating, and sleeping can get placed on the back burner. Thanks again, Steve, for putting this list together! Bill

While I'm not personally worried about this, it should be noted that several years ago Oliver stopped providing a list due to security reasons. The thinking was that people with ill intent could use the list to find out that someone on that list was not at home. Bill

The Andersen ramps are great. But - you can certainly make the Andersen "Blocks" a bunch cheaper. Find or buy a treated 6x6 piece of lumber. Cut into a couple of pieces of between 10 and 11 inches. If you want to get fancy you can put a handle on them and give them a coat or two of sealer. Then, unlike the Andersen blocks you can use these on end for 10 to 11 inches (note that this is about the distance to the bottom of the jacks on level ground minus an inch or two) or you can lay these on their side for a 5 to 6 inch height. Keep your eye out for someone building a new house and/or deck. Many time this is the place where you can ask for "cut-offs" that are just the right size for your purpose. Bill p.s. another "benefit" is that if you ever drive off without them you don't have to beat yourself up over the cost of getting new ones.😃

Yep - this was my first thought too. However, only the Elite I's had what was known as the "stripper pole". Bill

I don't like crowds or even most of my family either!🤪