topgun2

For the past two years I've used a product called "automotive detailer" for the entire interior of the camper. It does not streak and leaves a very light smooth feel to everything while leaving no residue. You can get it at virtually any auto parts store or WalMart. For the first time, this year, I left anything in the Oliver that would not otherwise be harmed by heat/cold. Then, once I got this removed stuff into my workshop I proceeded to take the batteries out of everything. Just exactly why was I carrying 6 flashlights and four lanterns? Bill

Sherry - yes, you are correct - do not equalize AGM's Bradbev - Even though I have the older solar controller, it too has the automatic equalize function. However, I've been told that the 320 watts of solar simply do not have enough "juice" to perform the equalize function and when trying to use mine the voltage never gets above just over 14 volts. Thus the original question. Bill

Double post corrected - Bill

donbob3 - Since it has been 8 hours since you posted and no one with better knowledge of the subject has replied - and this includes just about everyone out there - I thought that I'd give you my 2 cents worth. I assume that you emptied your fresh water tank. If that assumption is correct then there should be a little water left in it plus a little bit of anti-freeze in it . This is normal and should not cause you any problems over the winter. I also assume that you drained your water heater and I'm assuming that your water heater is the Suburban as I'm not familiar with the tankless units. When you took out and then replaced the anode rod certainly you drained that water heater. Then the valve near the base of the water heater is the water heater by-pass valve. When you turned this it allows the anti-freeze to by-pass the empty water heater. If you didn't do this it would take an additional 6 gallons of anti-freeze just to fill the water heater alone. And, assuming that you did empty it there is little to nothing in there to freeze. Does that help you? Bill

http://olivertraveltrailers.com/search/open+family+letter/ I would like to remind everyone to either read or re-read the letter in the link above. Bill

Yes, its a three way. I have not experienced the same "problems" as Overland has - no pulsing of the lights at any time and I do not find the dimmer to be "super slow". With this dimmer one can press the "minus" button in order to get the lights to dim a single time and they will dim slightly. If you want to dim the light as far as they will go (about 20% of available light capacity) you simply hold down the "minus" button for several seconds and then the lights will go to that level. This dimmer also has an on/off switch - if you have the dimmer "off" then the other regular switches that everyone has will not work to turn the lights on. Also, when the dimmer switch is "off" it has one of those darn led lights that seem to be everywhere. Yes, it is a nice pleasing blue that tends to match the radio's blue lights, but, I simply do not like lights in general. I'm glad that I got a dimmer and this one certainly looks nice and matches the rest of the interior. However, at the end of the day it is simply a dimmer switch. I could have been happy with a simple dial/rotary switch that I'm sure would have cost a bunch less money. Certainly the hardest part to putting one of these in is found in drilling a hole big enough. With a simple rotary switch one could accomplish this with a drill bit versus the approximate 2"x 3" hole that had to be made for this dimmer. Bill

Mark - the actual dimmer switch that was installed for me by the guys at Oliver can be seen at: http://www.itc-rv.com/product/backlit-led-digital-dimmer/ Hope this helps. Bil

Mark - for what its worth - I got my dimmer installed well after taking delivery and I worked directly with the plant guys as opposed to the Sales office. If you are really interested in having Oliver do this for you, I'd give Jason Essary a call. Tell him that Tommy got this done for Bill Jones (me) on hull #117. Certainly it would be a bit cheaper to have this mod done during the build, but, if they are unwilling to get it done then I really don't think that installing a rheostat in the power line going to the lights would be all that difficult. Bill

I choose the pantry because I was not sure about the weather resistant properties of the display unit, it was easy to run the wires into the pantry, and with the pantry door closed one never sees the lights of the readout. Yet, the readout is easily seen by simply opening the pantry door. Given I mounted it as high as I could above the top shelf, there is no interference with any of the items stored there including cereal boxes. I think that mounting it anywhere on the interior of the camper where one is not able to close it behind a door or panel of some sort will make living/sleeping something akin to being in a cheap hotel with a neon sign right outside your room. Bill

Brad - I moved mine into the pantry. I put it as high as possible and in the center. Easy to get to and easy to see but the flashing of the screen is blocked by the pantry door when I don't need it. Bill

Mark - I've had zero (that I know of) stripped screws in my Oliver (hull #117). Certainly I realize that Hohenwald is a long way from Montana, but, I really do think that a visit to the factory would go a long way towards mitigating any doubts that you seem to be voicing here. Bill

Gregg - On your drive over to Hohenwald from Swananoa you will most likely take Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge - between Tennessee and NC. If you have never driven this section of road before (and even if you have) please be careful. Every year there are people killed here primarily due to large trucks turning over while taking the curves too fast. Try to never be along side one of these trucks while in a curve. Other than that, it is a beautiful stretch of road - at least for the passenger. Please say "hello" to the great people both in the sales office and the factory for me. Bill

Scotty - I agree with Gary & Jona. During the Winter it will help if you are camped in the sun - with the solar, with the heating of the Oliver, and with your own spirits. I really do like my Mr. Buddy and use it a fair amount when I'm not "plugged in". But, moisture can be a problem in that water vapor is a by-product of combustion with propane and since the Mr. Buddy is not vented to the outside like the on board furnace is, you get more moisture inside the camper than you would probably prefer. Yes, I keep the bath vent open and a window cracked, but the air still feels damp when using the Mr. Buddy for more than just quick warm-ups. Bill

John - I've had a black on with 4 tabs for over five years now (two of which have been on the Oliver) and no problems at all. However, I rarely take it off. Sorry, but I do not remember the brand - I think I got it at WalMark and if that was the case it is more than likely a Camco product. Bill

In certain situations the handle on the tailgate of my 2017 F-150 will touch the top of the "release" for the bulldog hitch. In turn, this will leave a mark on that handle - so - I glued a piece of foam on the top of the release. But, as Mr. hbay says - no real problems in opening the tailgate. However, I do not have the front basket and therefore am not sure if that just might get in the way, but, I doubt it. Bill

And, so, is there a problem? Bill

Problems are problems and "life happens" - particularly with all things man made, but, you just got to LOVE that bottom line. Bill

For those that have the Trojan T-105's: Does anyone ever really equalize these batteries? If yes, how? Thanks! Bill

Mike and Gerri - I hit the "thanks" button above not because I don't feel sorry for the situation you found yourselves in, but, because you recognized and appreciated the efforts put forth by Oliver to help you. Certainly this could not have been pleasant for the three of you. However, you still acknowledge the assistance that was given to you. Hopefully Oliver and the lock company will soon find a solution to what initially caused the problem. Bill

Ray & Betty Jo - When reviewing those lists, keep in mind that Oliver has made a number of items "standard" over the past two years that just may not be included on any of the lists you are looking at. Therefore, don't forget to add them. Also, note that at your delivery your Oliver delivery person(s) will also have a checklist which will (most likely) be different than yours AND there will be a bunch of stuff to go over all happening while you are so happy just to be getting your new Ollie. While this delivery process is usually very enjoyable it is also a bit overwhelming in that there is just sooo much stuff to go over. When its time - try to relax and enjoy the process, the work you are doing now will go a long way in helping you to do this. Bill

Ray & Betty Jo - Try typing "check list" into the search box. A member name Buzzy did one of these a couple of years ago and I know that John Davies has also done one. Both were fairly extensive. Bill p.s. in this search function you will also find check lists for all sorts of other things related to your new Ollie.

DavidS - Since these electric heaters "burn" a fair amount of energy I would assume that Mike didn't rely on the inverter and solar. I'd bet on the furnace and a good blanket. Of course, I also assume that he does have Carol with him (hee-hee). Bill

First, nice truck MrBig1. Certainly this puppy should do just about anything you will ever want it to do. Virtually all of the current trucks on the market are so very different from the ones we grew up with - quiet, comfortable and come with all the bells and whistles. I'm sure that you will have a great time with it AND the new Ollie. Second, I'm not sure that I really understand this issue regarding gas engines at altitude. OK, my 2017 has twin turbos which certainly force more air into the six cylinder engine, but, I have never had a single problem or noticed any difference in engine performance with either this engine or the same engine in my "old" 2011 truck. Therefore, can I assume that everyone is talking about n0n-turbo engines? If that is the case I still find it hard to believe that current engine management systems do not have the ability to adjust for the thinner air. Certainly today's diesels are very nice (particularly as compared to just a few years ago), but, they are still very expensive in the short run. Bill

Either that or cut back on the beans a bit.

geO - I'm guessing that you meant to say DO stake down the bottom. I've used both the stakes and the tethers on the sides out West in some fairly heavy winds and the CLAM has not moved an inch. Bill