topgun2

I agree with SeaDawg on this - for the cost of a battery it certainly is not worth anyone's life in those smoke detectors. Also, having a battery leak could cause the destruction of whatever device it was in - again not worth taking the chance. Yes, I know that today's batteries (at least good ones) tend to last much longer than they used to. However, it is simply not worth the risk of life or leakage or trying to remember when was the last time I changed those darn things. Therefore, I (like SeaDawg) remove all batteries at the end of each camping season and then replace them with new batteries at the beginning of the season. Bill

After 4 and a half years of using a re-purposed paper shredder bucket for a trashcan in my LEII I finally found a reasonable replacement. While the shredder bucket did the job of holding regular plastic bags as liners and was small enough to fit on the floor under the pantry without sticking out too far into the aisle, it certainly wasn't very stylish. While running errands after a doctors appointment in the big city of Asheville, NC today my wife and I stopped into a Big Lots store where I found this (see pics below): The dimensions are approximately 12.5 x 12.5 x 6.25 inches. It can be found at: https://www.biglots.com/product/clear-slim-2-4-gallon-wastebasket-with-flat-gray-base/p810428520 I did check Amazon when we got home and they only sell these in sets of 6 and even then they are $5 each and WalMart wants $10.32 for exactly the same thing. Bill

Whatda - Your comment about the frame welds brought back a memory - After having just purchased a new SOB travel trailer I passed through Hohenwald on my way out West for some fly fishing. At that time, the first stop on the plant tour was the frame jig where they weld up Oliver frames. I was so impressed with how those welds looked that I was ready to sign a contract right there. However, there was the not so small matter of that brand new camper sitting outside and a wife that I'm sure would not appreciate those welds as much as I did. At the end of the day though the "new" camper was sold for what I paid for it and the wife (finally) saw the quality of the Oliver. Now when I show my Ollie to interested parties I always have a clean piece of cardboard for them to kneel or lay on so that they can see those beautiful welds. Bill

Just before changing into my workout cloths and going downstairs to the home gym, some guy has to mention "weighing in" - bummer. However,with reference to the CalMark covers - just type Calmark into the search box at the top right of this page and have fun reading. And, there are even pics in some of those posts. I've used both CalMark and Adco covers over the years and firmly believe that the CalMark's are better. Both are made from the same "Sunbrella" material but the CalMark has three webbing straps that completely go around the Oliver (front, middle and rear) and it has both a cinch rope in the bottom hem and grommets in the bottom hem that the Adco doesn't have. Both companies have the measurements for the Oliver LEII (they probably have it for the LEI also). Both have an access door so you can get into the Ollie without taking the cover off. Bill

Nan - Type TPMS in the search box located in the upper right of this page and start reading. There are a number of fine systems on the market but reading what has been discussed before will help you in deciding which one is right for you. Bill

Nan - I think that virtually all of us can't wait to get back to camping. However, now is the perfect time for you to really continue that rehab. The rehab is almost as important as the operation(s). There are some really beautiful spots in Virginia and I don't just say that because I was born there. Bill

KenB - WOW! I sure do hope that you actually doing this because it certainly looks like work to me.

FrankC - After the install - how much did you have left over? Was the 18 feet you ordered the right amount? Bill

Ollie404 - If you intend to do the replacement of the valves yourself then it really wouldn't be any more difficult to move those valves. Both jobs require that you cut out the damaged valves. To move the valves all you have to do is add in a pex connector/union to the existing piece(s) of pex, run additional pex to where you wish the valve to be located and then insert the new valve. When you cut the old valve out it is more than likely that you will need to add in a short piece of new pex anyway unless there is enough slack in the existing line(s) so that you can simply put in the new valve. The most difficult part of this whole process is "clamping" these new pieces of pex pipe and fittings into place. Basically there are two methods of doing this. You can replicate the method that was used at the factory - pex bands - that are tightened with a special tool that can be a bit expensive or you can use "shark bite" style fittings that are simply Pushed onto the pex and/or fittings. These shark bites are expensive relative to the pex bands and there are reported cases of failure (read that leaks) if not installed properly or (possibly) due to vibration. For a one shot deal it is probably less expensive to go the shark bite route versus buying the special tool. On the other hand - if you can borrow that special tool then it will probably give you a more robust final job. Good luck! Bill p.s. there are a number of YouTube vids on both methods mentioned. If you do not feel comfortable then virtually any plumber can do the job.

Mirna - Certainly the Truma is nice and if you simply can not remember to keep the standard water heater turned off, the Truma will save you propane. It also has the benefit of "instant gratification" given the short time it takes to provide hot water. Some claim that the Truma also simplifies maintenance but that can be argued. If those features are important enough to you to spend the extra money that is asked for the Truma then you have your answer. However, on the rare occasion that either one of these heaters requires repair, the standard heater is generally less expensive to repair and parts tend to be more generally available. If you can remember to turn the heater on about ten minutes prior to needing the hot water AND turn it off after you have the hot water you need then the standard water heater is probably cheaper to run. And the standard water heater gives you the option to run on electric if you are plugged into shore power. Bill

It looks like Jason (Oliver Service Manager) and the video crew are back at it again with two new YouTube vids on De-Winterizing and Sanitizing the plumbing. They can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTKw-WOxFqs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZlm5Mfvodo Bill

In other words - "get a bigger hammer OR do more drugs". 😇

I didn't get the cell phone booster because I rarely use a cell phone. I did get the WiFi booster thinking that I'd use it in commercial campgrounds but their signals are so variable that I really don't rely on it for that purpose. However, unexpectedly I do use it while on the road in that I can pull into a WalMart or McDonald's or virtually any fast food place and tap into their WiFi without even going into the store. I didn't get the 30 pound propane tanks because I do not do a bunch of winter camping and the 20 pounders are mush easier to get refilled or swapped/exchanged. I did get the solar package, inverter, etc. and they are wonderful giving me so many additional camping possibilities and choices. Finally, I did get the surge protector (now standard?) to protect all that electronic stuff inside. Bill p.s. Didn't get the electric switch for opening the shower backflow slide valve - I'm not so lazy or physically challenged that I can't bend over to open that valve. Didn't get the external propane quick connects since I do not use a propane stove outside - I prefer old fashion charcoal. Also didn't get the front basket - I probably regret that one - nor the front electrical connections since I don't use a generator. Note that the basket can be used for other things and that I why I miss it upon occasion.

Ouch! Was that sleep after all the cussing and fighting stopped 🤓?

GJ - Apparently you are not the only one that feels this way about the F150. It hasn't been #1 for 40 years without some reason or the other. I had never owned a Ford product prior to my first F150 in 2011 (and then my second in 2017). Actually I was a Toyota fan after a great experience with a Tacoma. But, finding that the Tundra interior was not to my liking and the dated mechanics I went looking at Dodges. While I understand that the current year's interiors are very nice, in 2017 I was not impressed and reviews of their transmissions were not glowing. I also briefly considered GM (1/2 ton) products and really liked the exterior but I remembered that when I see a truck coming toward me, for the past ten years or so, with one front light out it will be a GM product 9 times out of 10. If they can't fix that then what is the point? Anyway, as I've said many times before on this Forum - there really isn't a "bad" 1/2 ton truck on the market these days and I'm sure virtually any one of them will do the job (equipped properly of course) but I'm still very happy with my purchase of the F150, 3.5 ecoboost, FX4 with tow package. I have never had a hint of an issue on the flats, in the mountains, paved or unpaved roads. Certainly I agree with your (GJ's) grading. Bill

Interestingly, there is presently a "First Aid" discussion going on over on the FGRV Forum. If you are interested: https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f55/rv-first-aid-kit-s-91919.html Bill

I believe it was John Davies that did a post about first aid kits a number of months ago. Perhaps he will chime in on this topic. Back (way back) when I was a life guard I was jealous of the couple of other guards that got a chance to use their training for CPR. All I ever got was the chance to swim blankets out into the surf in order to provide a cover for those ladies that had lost their tops in the waves 😁. Bill

Mike is correct. However, I normally leave my fan on since it helps move the hot air generated by the fridge out from the rear of the fridge thus making the fridge more efficient. On my fan there is even a sensor that will automatically turn the fan on when the temperature behind the fridge gets above something in the 70's and turn it off when the temps go below that same figure. The main purpose of the switch is (obviously) to manually shut that fan off. Why would you shut it off then if it improves the efficiency? Well, the first time you are camped out in the middle of nowhere and all is quiet, you will realize that there is a motor running - that motor will be your fridge fan and it will drive you nuts - unless you are a very sound sleeper. Bill

Giddy - I'm sure that you are about to receive a bunch of differing opinions regarding your question. I really do not believe that there is a "bad" 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck out there and unless you plan on towing in the flat lands most of the time one of these trucks is probably what you will need. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Tundra. Yes, it is a bit "long in the tooth" regarding its engine and overall design, but, it is also very reliable. There are features of the current crop of Ford's, Chevies and Dodges that appeal more to some than others. In all cases the cost of these trucks can get rather high. As has been said before on this Forum - take a drive in all of them and choose the one that you like best. Bill

Very nicely done to all involved! Who do we have to bribe in order to see the out-takes and/or bloopers?

With the current state of things I would think that the automotive industry is going to try very hard to move product for at least the next 4 to 6 weeks. However, if assembly plants continue to shut down, that will limit the amount of new product on the market which might stabilize product prices or even increase them. Like you, I'd be playing a waiting game at present but I'd also be very prepared to make a move when the right deal came along. Bill

Forget all the other stuff - if it does the job AND she likes it - what else matters. Just be sure to not load up that nice Ollie any more than necessary. Bill

Until this afternoon I had delayed in canceling my May camping reservations at Guntersville State Park. I used the link provided by Jason Walmsley in the first post of this thread and filled out the simple form. Within five minutes I received a cancellation notice from the State Park and a credit to my credit card account for my original deposit. The entire process could not have been easier. Another BIG THANKS to Jason and Matt Duncan for making this so easy. If you have not taken care of this job previously, I'd strongly recommend getting it done very soon since the ability to get a refund might be adversely effected by the State Park policy on cancellations. Bill

Kgeb - The only "failure" I've had with my EZ gutters has been where the 3M tape actually loosened from the gutter - not the Oliver. To fix this I removed the tape from both the gutter (where it was still stuck) and from the Oliver. Then I cleaned both surfaces and applied a thin coating of "E6000" (available at WalMart, Amazon, etc.) to the back of the gutter and pressed it in place. I then used "painter's tape" to hold the gutter in place overnight. That was now over two years ago and the gutter has not failed again. Bill