topgun2

No rules against solar - portable or otherwise. Both noise and air pollution are reasons against generators. Bill

May 1st is getting close - time to start thinking about packing up that tow vehicle.

Several years ago (pre-Oliver) I was camped in Yellowstone National Park and was aware that YNP didn't allow generators in that campground. When my battery died I thought I would simply hook that battery up to the truck and charge it - no "generator" involved. Fairly quickly after getting everything hooked up, a Park Ranger came by and informed me that there was really no difference as far as he was concerned and I should stop using my "generator" immediately or risk a fine. Of course I didn't argue and can certainly see the logic. Unfortunately, taking the battery into either Cooke City or West Yellowstone to have it charged cost me about as much as it would have cost to simply replace the battery with a new one - ouch! And, all of this was caused by a blown fuse that cost less than a buck to replace. Bill

Ya got to do the math. How many amp hours out versus how many in. Obviously, four batteries give you virtually twice the useable amp hours as compared to only two batteries. So, if your math (or experience) shows that you tend to have to use your generator more than you (or your neighbors) would like and you only have two batteries, you should strongly consider getting two additional batteries. And the converse is also true. Of course there are also the additional weight and cost of the two additional batteries to consider. Finally, I believe that the standard batteries are 12 volt. Of course you could replace these with two six volt or simply get four of the six volt. Most studies suggest that the six volt batteries will last longer that the twelve volt ones due to a more robust construction of the plates inside the batteries. Cost, weight, convenience, longevity, and usage - simply too many variables for almost anyone to tell you what to do except for you. Bill

I've been a Good Sam Club member for almost 20 years mainly for the discount they give at Good Sam related commercial campgrounds. After being stiffed by AAA two times I switched to Good Sam's roadside assistance about six years ago. Of course, since the switch, I've not had to use them. However, any time I've had a question they have been quick to respond. The question as to are these extended warranties worth it depends on a bunch of factors. Most analyses that I've ever read claim that if you can afford to self insure you will be better off in the long run. However, if you are THAT person that happens to have a run of bad luck and happen to have purchased one of these insurance policies, you will sing their praises all day long. In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, "You've got to ask yourself a question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well do you ….?" Bill

Like Mike, my 2016 (hull #117) has that input on the street side near the bumper. I've only used it a couple of times for cable TV input at a commercial campground. Bill

Kayrae51 - Nice tow vehicle, but I just can't thank you enough for bringing back the memories of those Can-Am beasts. Unlimited horse power cars! The ground would shake when they started them up - and that was several hundred yards away! Mark Donahue and that Sunoco Porsche or UOP Shadows - WOW! Bill

mtkadan - Perhaps it was because of a late night last night, but, I'm having a bit of difficulty understanding exactly what you are asking. There have been a number of discussions on the Forum about using the black tank as a fresh water tank, joining the (unused) black tank and the fresh water tank but I don't recall any talk about joining the black and the grey tanks (if that is what you are suggesting). Bill

I wonder if they ask the bears if they have people spray? Bill

I've been back and forth across the border a number of times and have never been asked about propane tanks. Nor have I ever read anything about a problem - other than the usual stuff about tunnels. Bill

The bad news is that it sounds as if you are not still under any kind of warranty. The good news is that YOU can now be our internal GFCI Xantrex expert? Bill

Yes, the pop-up was originally used to prevent the dreaded grey tank back splash. But, it didn't actually work all that well so the manual shut off valve was added. Then the "power" switch was added as an option. Around the same time as the power switch, the pop-up drain was discontinued. As Overland says - the pop-up drain should not drain slowly (of course assuming that you have it in the up position when trying to drain the shower pan with the manual or power valve also in the open position). Bill

You should be OK running the air conditioner off the 15 amp house power if you are mindful of the cautions cited above. However, in addition to those cautions make sure that if you are using an extension cord it is heavy enough for the distance between your Oliver and the house. Certainly anything below 12 gauge (you can find this stamped on either the cord cover or the plug of the extension cord) would not be suitable for running the conditioner. Bill

So, how's that Oliver working out for you two? How about some pictures? Bill

I believe that Mike is correct. Even calling just might not result in a bunch of information in that it is rare for the sales staff to go over to the plant - they are simply too busy. If you are having severe anxiety issues you might try to bribe Phil (I'm thinking a promise of beer and or donuts here) but he is also a very busy person these days. Another avenue might be to monitor the forum being on the lookout for anyone that is either taking a tour or about to get delivery. If you were to send them a PM asking for help on pictures you might get some help. Good luck - it really wouldn't be long now until its your day. Bill

Both John and Overland are correct and there MIGHT be other things not wired through that (those) breakers (hint: look at your batteries and if there are any wires that are not really big ones - especially if these little wires are of a color other than red or black it is a good sign that something else is running directly off the batteries). For short term purposes this breaker can help but it is better to not use it as a longer term battery drain solution. In addition - remember that when "playing around" with things of an electrical nature you should make sure that you are NOT plugged into shore power or a generator and that your solar (if you have it) has been turned off. Bill

Sorry but I don't know nuffin about the Elite. But on the Elite two I would be looking for a black square with a red button in the center of it. When you push the red button a yellow flag will come out of the right side of the square. To re-set the breaker all you have to do is push the yellow flag back into the black square. Hopefully this helps you. Bill

OK, I can be talked into a G & T (too).

"Certainly I can remember something as simple as THAT!" Which is the reason I now carry 2 rugs for the bath floor so I can still have one to use while the other one is drying. Bill

I like the choice of beverage too!

One benefit of NOT having a front graphic is that it makes for easier cleaning - especially getting the bugs off. Bill

Now that you know about "open" and "close" all you have to remember is to actually "open" and "close" it. Don't ask me how I know this! Bill

A quick look resulted in one source saying that for a RAM 1500 a WDH was required while another source said that a WDH was recommended for trailer weights over 5,000 pounds. Bill

Trainman - I'd check both your owner's manual and look for any stickers on or under your hitch on that Ram. For most (if not all) 1/2 ton trucks it is a manufacturers' requirement that a weight distribution hitch be used if the hitch ball weight is 500 pounds or over. In the discussion above a point is made concerning of the differences between weight distribution and sway control. Shortly after bringing my Elite II home I went out without my Andersen WDH just to see what the trailer would do. I turned off my Ford anti-sway control too. Up to speeds of 65 mph I simply could not get the Oliver to sway. Mind you I didn't go crazy given that I was not on the road alone, but, I did really try to get it to sway. There was not one hint of sway. However, like it or not, the Andersen WDH is the only one that will easily work with the Oliver. And, it does not come without the built in anti-sway portion. Therefore, I really do not think that Oliver is trying to hide anything regarding the stability of the Oliver Travel Trailer - I believe it is simple - the Andersen is the only WDH that easily works with the Oliver Travel Trailer and since WDH are required for many vehicles it is the one they sell. Bill

Raspy - The simple bottom line regarding why a weight distribution hitch is "necessary" for the F-150 is not fear or sway or opinion. It is because Ford says that it is required if the hitch ball weight is over 500 pounds. Yes, one could chose to ignore Ford on this matter but then they would be risking their warranty and would risk possible liability issues in the event of an accident. In addition to these "benefits" I have noticed reduced porpoising when hitting bridge expansion joints and the like. I really do not find the Andersen to be a very big problem. Bill