topgun2

OK, time for that short term review on the KAITO Voyager Pro KA600L. The radio was about the size I expected - 4 1/2 inches tall, 5 1/2 inches long, 2 3/4 inches thick but it was a bit lighter than expected at 1 pound 2 oz. The lightness is probably part of the reason that my initial impression was that the radio is fairly cheaply constructed - certainly not made for "rugged" use like just pitching it into the back of the truck. I'm guessing that things would break if it is subjected to even relatively minor falls from a counter. However, one of the first things I did to it was to apply heavy duty "3M" Velcro to its bottom so that it will normally ride near the rear window on top of the night stand. But, with the Velcro I will be able to remove it to take outside if desired. Other than the fact that I think that the humidistat reads a touch too low, all the other functions work remarkably well. The thermometer is spot on, tuning is easy (either on automatic or via manual input) and the sound output is OK given the size of the speaker. I'll have to assume that the NOAA weather alert function works since the controls did what they were supposed to do but during the time that I tested it no alerts were issued. The radio comes with a short USB cord and my plan is to use this to power the radio from the USB port that I had installed in the rear of the nightstand. I charged up the battery and let the radio play all day. At the end of the day the battery charge indicator on the screen only showed a minor use of power. So, bottom line is that I'm happy. Given all of the things it can do this radio seems to be a bargain as opposed to the other brands I looked at. Bill

I remember wading through all the options when ordering Twist and thinking about all of the electronic gear - particularly the solar. I looked at the external surge protectors primarily because they are a bunch cheaper. But, then I thought about those rainy nights after a long day of travel when, knowing me, I would either not remember or simply chose to take the chance and not use that external job. That is when I decided that camping should be relaxing and fun without having to worry about anything more than necessary. So, it was the built in on board surge protector for me and I'm really glad that I made that choice. Yes, expensive, but not near as expensive as the cost of all that unprotected stuff because I was too lazy or dumb or ? to use the portable job. Bill

From my standpoint I believe that situations like this are one of if not the most important benefits of this Forum. Many people have said that our camping trailers are essentially a house on wheels. I agree, but, I didn't receive an owner's manual with any of the houses that I've bought over the years. And, I certainly don't expect to find all the answers to all possible questions in virtually any manual. Being of a certain age, I find it comforting and perhaps easier to have a "real" piece of paper in my hands where I can make notes, dog ear pages of interest and easily flip to where I think I'd like to be next. I also happen to like the portability and compactness of electronic media. But, I also know that I have a bunch of people here on the Forum that are more than willing to help, when and if I ever need it. Bill

If your time is short - just tell them and I'm sure that they will give you the quick version. Virtually all of the ordering can be done via email. If you are not sure about fabric or fiber-granite choices just ask for samples of the ones you like and decide later. On the other hand, if you have a bunch of time - take your time. EXCITING! Have fun with the whole process and take pictures and notes. Bill

Sure do wish I could join all of you in Quartzsite this year - hopefully I will be able to make the journey in 2019. However, for all of us that are stuck in this record cold here in the East, how about a bunch of pictures! Be safe out there on the roads! Bill

Sort of back to the subject line - I went to the RV and Camping show in Greenville, South Carolina today. There were a ton of RV's there and quite a number of motor homes. Not one molded fiberglass camper. Honestly, I did try to find something, anything that had what one might even call a decent build quality. It should come as no surprise - I didn't find a thing (with the possible exception of one motor home costing in the 1/2 million range). In fact, there were a fair number of these things that makes me wonder just how on earth the dealer will ever sell something where the cabinet drawers are already falling out, the doors and drawers either don't close or are not level and even the exterior seams are not fully caulked. However, there sure was a bunch of people that genuinely seemed excited about these hunks of junk. Go figure! Bill

May the new year bring everyone peace, joy, and many safe, enjoyable journeys in their Oliver. Bill

Everyone should note that until the site is "fixed" you will also not see the pop-up message that you have a new "private message". It appears that you still will get email notification if you get a new private message through. To check to see if you have a private message - click on "Forums" above and then click on "My Profile". Finally click on "Messages". Bill

This coming summer I'm planning on fly fishing Idaho for the first time. As a general comment, I try to stay away from "famous" streams as I find them to usually be over-rated and crowded. Small streams are great and even better if no other humans are seen during the day. My current plan is to start in early July with streams that feed the Palisades Reservoir just west of Alpine, WY (eastern Idaho), then continue north/northwest hitting Big Elk and Rainey creeks. I'll then get on highway 26 and in Idaho Falls take route 20 and 93 through the towns of Arco and Mackay (Big Lost River). Then over to just north of Ketchum for the north fork of the Big Wood river. Next would be Stanley and Lowman, Idaho for Marsh Creek and Deadwood River. Down to Boise to visit friends for a few days and then head due north to eventually get to the Selway and Lochsa Rivers and Kelley Creek. By this time it should be mid to late August and time to head home to North Carolina via Missoula, MT and Interstate 90. Any suggestions on other streams to fish, little towns to visit, places to boondock that are near my route, sites to see, restaurants to not be missed, grocery stores, laundrys, etc. would be most appreciated. Bill

Yep, the problem has been reported to Jason. With the holidays I'm guessing that it will be the middle of next week before we are fully back up and running as usual. Bill

Canoe12 - I too was a bit curious concerning the "oven" but I re-read that article and it specifically says "dutch oven". Angela - drop a private message to Jason Wamsley here on the Forum with your email address and I'm sure that he will get a copy to you. Mike & Carol - I agree - no matter how hard I ever tried I simply do not have the ability to put words together so well. First the Christmas and then the New Year's commentary - I just can't wait to read about Valentine's Day and/or Easter. Bill

Canoe12 - WOW! Seems strange that just a "slight incline" would shift a 1/3 full gas tank enough to get that much gas away from the fuel pickup. Sure would be nice to know exactly where the fuel pickup is located. Certainly during the winter months I keep all my vehicle tanks at least above 1/2 full. But, I do understand where a situation could arise where one would be at 1/3 and certainly you would think that would be enough to at least start the vehicle. As you say - better to know it now. Bill p.s. thanks for reminding me to not complain when our temp is in the low 40's and yours is 12.

hellsbay - yes, simply use the "winterization" procedure to bring water into your system, but do not turn the water heater by-pass valve. Note that you will have to flush the water heater after treatment with the vinegar and in doing so you will also flush the other water lines as well. Bill

If you follow the procedure listed in a couple of posts here on the Forum you should be able to get the TV sound through the stereo speakers - good luck. Unfortunately, I have seldom used the Bluetooth functions on mine, so, I am not of much help there. Bill

In case you missed my comment above - have you tried T-Oliver's suggestion (see about 4 posts above). Bill

Do the other functions of the Furrion work properly without Bluetooth on?

ccarole - sorry, I thought that you simply didn't know where your pantry was. Yes, "prowatt" is your inverter. By pressing in (and holding for two to five seconds) the little black button on the panel labeled prowatt you should be able to turn off your inverter. Note T-Oliver's suggestion above - hope it helps you. Bill edit - re your "bonus" question - as long as you have your inverter (prowatt) turned on (and your batteries are OK) you should have power at the 110 outlets in your Oliver. Obviously, when you turn the inverter off you will no longer have power at your 110 outlets. When you are plugged into "shore power" there is no need to have your inverter on since the shore power will be providing 110 to these outlets automatically.

Bikechuck - Thought that you were only asking about the king bed in that it is the only one (besides the dinette) that can be taken up and down. I have the twin bed model and I think I was told that it is the most popular. Since I travel alone about 80 % of the time, I have the street side made similar to a couch. Of course, the back cushions can be removed and it is then a standard single bed while the curb side has a regular bed mattress on it. We really like having the "nightstand" and not having to climb over each other or disturb each other in the middle of the night while making trip(s) to the bath. We have found that this bedding arrangement does not get in the way when amorous intentions come calling. With the one side being set up like a couch, we had reading lights installed near the pantry and in the rear street side corner. This way, we both can sit on the couch in the evening and read. Bill

Carole - the pantry for the Elite II is located on the street side between the bed area and the dinette. The battery compartment (only accessible from the exterior) is directly beneath it. Does this help? Bill

Twist & Grumble - Glad to hear that the three of you are doing well. There is a section over on the main Forum page for Campgrounds and Parks. Reviews and pictures are always welcome. I have never experienced the Christmas holidays in a warm climate so I would think that it would be a bit strange. However, as I type this I am thinking about that dirty car in the garage that should be washed today. A temperature higher than 47 degrees sure would be welcome in getting that chore done! Bill and Twist (the Oliver not the person ;)

Chuck - if you PM me with your email address I will send a copy to you. Bill

Bikechuck - Just in case Reed & Karen don't see this until after Christmas - I believe that they leave their bed in the down position all the time unless they happen to be having people "in" for dinner or cards. Bill

Ray & Betty Jo - In case you haven't come across it in wandering through the past posts here on the Forum, you might be interested in the "open letter" from the Oliver's dated June 9, 2017 - just enter "Oliver open letter" in the search box. Bill

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the "family" on the internet from the mountains of North Carolina. Bill

Rummy - as a general comment the lead acid are less expensive and for the same battery size will have more amp hours. However, in the case of the Trojans that Oliver uses, the lead acid batteries have 50 (as a group of 4) more amp hours that the AGM's. But since one should not deplete the lead acid's below 50% the actual additional amp hours is only 25. If you chose the lead acids AND the Trojan watering system then the cost of this combination is fairly close to that of the AGM's. On the plus side for the AGM's is that they can be oriented in something less than a straight up and down plane since they are sealed while the lead acid's will leak if you do that. Bill