topgun2

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

OK, Mike - you ought to know that a little too much hair spray is not good for you. I assume that Carol has counselled you on this? Bill

Don't see why not. Use the old proverb, "always give the man a chance to say no". Bill

Methane?

Are you sure it was the CO alarm? I've had the propane alarm go off for no apparent reason. Maybe your pup was having one hell of a party? Bill

However - I have the smaller (4 panel) version of the CLAM. While it will not fit over a picnic table, it does have enough room (barely) for four people and chairs. The main advantage though is the fact that it fits nicely in the closet of the Oliver. So, unless you are having a bunch of people over and/or want to have it over the picnic table you might want to consider this smaller version. Bill

I'm a bit confused (nothing new there) - I thought that the standard TV was already 1080 and on that small of a TV it is hardly noticeable versus a 720. I've not actually viewed one of those UHD 4K jobs but for the amount I watch TV while in the Oliver it really doesn't matter. Looks to me like Mike's splitter idea would solve the problem as long as resolution is not the main issue. Good luck in finding one - particularly a 12 volt if that is what you're after. Bill

Reed - If you look at the "poo" product Sherry mentions above, I don't believe it is meant to be used in the manner you're thinking (in the black tank). Basically it is similar to the stuff that is in the bottom of the plastic bags that both you and I have used. I understand that it is a bunch cheaper to buy this powder in bulk and use your own plastic bags, but I've never used it and given the number of times that I "go" this route it doesn't seem to be worth the bother to me. Bill

Carole, As outlined above, the simplest way to disconnect is to turn the red knob to off and "trip" (the little yellow flag should pop out) those two circuit breakers. However, if you are still concerned, disconnecting the batteries is not difficult. Open the battery compartment on the outside and slide out the battery tray. Since you have the solar option, I assume that you have four batteries in that compartment. On the front left battery you should see a rather large black cable attached to the front left terminal on that battery. Simply take that cable off the battery but make sure that it does NOT touch any other terminal or anything metal inside the battery compartment. When reattaching this cable you might hear or see a small spark - do not worry about this. Just make sure that the connection is tight and all wires are back into the same position they were in prior to disconnect (helps to take a picture so that you don't have to remember). Bill edit: When re-attaching the cable I'd do the re-attachment before resetting the circuit breakers and turning the red knob back to "on".

Sherry - when they are in season I'll try to remember to drop you a note. Sometimes those areas that are known to have these fireflys can be very crowded, but, I know of a place where you can have them all to yourself - as long as you don't tell anyone where it is. Bill

Having "missed" one of those little steps on stepping out of a truck several years ago, I can attest to the bigger is better thing. Broken ribs are not a bunch of fun. In my defense - it was dark, rainy and I was in a hurry, but, that didn't make the ribs feel any better. Bill

Mr. & Mrs. Big1 - Welcome! Every summer I go West for 6 to 10 weeks and I know that you will have a bunch of fun doing so with that new Oliver. Even the trip out and back is filled with so many things to see and do. Have fun planning over the winter and don't be afraid to ask questions here since many of the people here either live there or have a fair amount of experience in that area. Bill

Thought you were talking about rust on the wheels - not the frame. Bill

Spike and Randy - If you are REALLY into fireflys then you have just got to see the blue ones. Yes, blue instead of the normal green/yellow. Google it. Bill

Those don't look like heavy axles to me. Rust on the wheels of a Bigfoot? Is that a problem for them? Bill

John - down the drain with the grey. Never had a problem, but, as Sherry points out, I've never had below freezing temps for days on end either. Sherry - Since I put the water container on the toilet seat, I've not used them directly in the on-board toilet. I would have thought that the plastic bags were too deep but, of course, one could always simply fold the excess top of the bag over the top of the toilet. And, since Reed has actually done it this way without problems, it obviously works. Perhaps now I'll have to find a new place for my water container (or simply move it when nature calls). Note that these bags are not cheap, but, if used more than once they provide an easy way to take care of things while still leaving the camper protected. I also use these in the Summer while fishing out West. When boondocking I set up my shower tent for my solar shower and (like Reed) to keep the black tank from getting "over loaded" by simply using my "seat" and these bags in the shower tent. Bill

I've not had the chance (yet) to do a bunch of cold weather camping in Twist. However, the one trip that I did do last year, I left the Oliver winterized, heated water on the stove for bathing duties. I do not have a composting toilet, but I do have a collapsible "seat" that holds plastic bags. I purchased a product (https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Double-Doodie-Toilet/dp/B0024O0W94/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1509663133&sr=8-11&keywords=camping+toilet ) at either WalMart and/or Amazon that absorbs moisture and reduces odor. My Mr. Buddy heater takes care of just keeping the chill off when I don't want to run the full furnace. Finally, I use 8 gallon plastic water containers that I got from WalMart. I keep one in the bed of the truck 3/4 full and the other I keep inside the Oliver (on the toilet seat). Bill

WDW - Welcome to the family! Time to start planning those first few trips for Spring. Bill