topgun2

With regards to the fridge sensors - There are a bunch of choices out there these days. But, since I'm not the brightest bulb and am generally interested in things other than what the temp is in my fridge/freezer, I simply found that I didn't (usually) even look at the readout to see what was going on in there. So, I bought one of THESE and set the alarm. Now, when I return to the Ollie from a long day of fishing or hiking or being on the road, the alarm makes me look at it. This functions two ways - 1 - if the temp is too low I can figure out why and (hopefully) fix that fast. And, 2 - if the temp is too high, I can adjust the controls in order to lower the temp thus saving either propane and/or battery. Bill

If you need it - see Mike's post above this one - then watch several of the YouTube video's out there referencing the Andersen. Also, know that it does get MUCH easier the more you work with it and understand what you should do in the varying situations. There are also a bunch of posts here on the Forum about working with the Andersen. Even though our Ollies do not sway and even if you don't think that you need the Andersen, please be aware that if you are towing with a 1/2 ton (or similar) vehicle the manufacturers of those vehicles call for a weight distribution hitch. Given that, if you decide to not use this Andersen then you will subject yourself to liability in the event of an accident where you are not using it. Once you know how to use the Andersen, it really isn't a big deal to hookup and detach (99% of the time). Invariably, that 1% happens when you are in a rush, its raining, its cold, you're not happy (for various reasons) and/or you are (or have to) hookup at an angle much different from the angle at which you unhooked. Take your time - it will get better. Bill p.s. put the info below as your signature and you will not have to do it again. Also, it will tend to get you better and quicker info if you need help in the future.

Please tell me that those valve stems don't have Mickey Mouse ears on them! 😂 Bill

Sure - but - I still don't know what a "parralax" is! And that door is still shaped oddly! 😁 Bill

I'd recommend the multiple sensors - or at least one that has the ability to add multiple sensors to it. And having humidity levels is important too. The first reason for this (for me at least) is that you want to know the temp and humidity level inside the main cabin. The second is that I want to know the temp and humidity outside so I know how to dress. I place two sensors outside for this purpose. If you are camped such that the front of the Ollie is facing the sun and place the sensor under the "dog house" then that sensor will tend to read too high due to the sun warming the front of the Ollie first. Therefore, I place the second sensor under the spare tire cover in the back which in this circumstance will tend to give me a more accurate reading. Next, if you are camping in cold conditions, it is helpful to know the temps in the basement area such that you can direct more heat down there to avoid frozen plumbing if necessary (as Mike points out above). An expandable system gives you the option of experimenting to see just how many sensors works for the camping that you normally do. Bill

The key to the install of this stuff is to clean, clean, clean prior to even thinking about applying the gutter material. Bill p.s. and a nice warm day doesn't hurt either - 80 degrees plus

Well - My guess is that as with the varying opinions that you observed on the web, you are more than likely to get a similar experience here. From what I recall, either Andersen or Ford recommend to NOT have the Ford anti-sway activated when towing with any anti-sway hitch. In the 50 to 60 thousand miles that I've towed my Ollie, it has never swayed - even a little. Shortly after purchasing my Oliver I took off the Andersen and went for a drive on the local interstate. I didn't get crazy - but - I tried to find out at what point the Ollie would sway. Short story is that I simply could not get it to sway - with or without the Ford anti-sway system activated. Well, the Andersen went back on, the Ford anti-sway went back on and I've never touched it since. I'd recommend that if you don't already understand exactly how each of these anti-say systems work, you take a look. Basically, the Ford uses its brakes when it detects sway while the Andersen uses friction inside the main housing to heat a material that expands causing more heat which causes more expansion thus exerting greater force being applied to the inside and the outside of the "shaft" that runs from the hitch ball down through the housing to the attachment point of the whaletail. Bill

Sure - Simply do a post listing what you want to give away and be sure to come back and let a moderator know that the things to be given away are now gone. That way we (the moderators ) can edit you original post such that people will know that these items are no longer available. Bill

Its not a bad idea to pay attention to both. After a period of time you will get used to your system and how it works under different weather and usage conditions. In turn, this will make you more attuned to what your electrical system is doing and/or should be doing. Thus, a quick glance at your monitors will either assure you or alert you to possible issues. Bill

The shape of the door has not changed - it must be whatever a "parallax" is 😁. And, the lines are still not insulated at Oliver. A number of owners (to include the provider of the pic) have insulated their lines like this. Bill

And - for those that live in hot/humid climates (i.e. Florida, Georgia, etc.) during as much as 3/4 of the year. Bill

This is entirely another and separate issue. These sensors will generally get you "in the ballpark", but, if you really want to know if you are on third base or over in right field you are probably not going to be happy with your readings.😢 Bill

All of this is a function of how cold and how high you have the temp set inside. I seldom use the heat because I do not camp much during the winter. However, during my two months fly fishing trips in the summer, I routinely only use one 20 pound tank every 6 to 8 weeks. Most of that is running the fridge and on rare occasion heating shower water. If you move the lever to point towards one or the other of your tanks and close the other tank, the "window" under the lever will tell you if you've got propane (green will show) or if you are empty (red will show). However, the key is to close the tank that you are not using. This prevents the valve from "automatically" switching from one tank to the other. Yes, the automatic feature will still try, but, since the second tank is closed, no propane will flow out of it until you open that tank's valve. When the tank in use finally runs out, the "window" should turn red. Simply move the lever towards the other tank and open that tank's valve (the window should turn green). If you do nothing - ie leave the lever pointed in either direction and leave both tank's valve open, the automatic valve will automatically switch to the tank with propane in it no matter which direction that lever is pointed. Therein lies the problem. Because at this point it is up to you to remember to check your tanks for how much propane is in them such that you don't totally run out without realizing it. Hope this helps! Bill

Yep - that is why I don't use the "automatic" feature often. However, if I know that I'm running low on that first tank and the weather is not (or predicted to not be) decent, then I'll place the lever in the automatic position. This is so that I will not have to get up in the middle of the night when its cold or raining in order to switch those tanks. Bill

And - you get cold until you feed that heater with more propane.😬 If you chose to NOT use the automatic feature on the propane valve then you will need to simply move the lever on the valve from the tank that is empty to the one that has propane in it - this is what I do. Then, the next time you are near a propane supplier - get that empty tank refilled! Bill

P.S. I know that I've said this before - but - If you like donuts - Donut Country, GPS - 35.86087, -86.39112 is pretty good. Bill

The last address I have for CGI and the place where they did my ceramic coating is: 1639 Richland Richardson Road, Murfreesboro, TN and the GPS coordinates for the property are : 35.85165, -86.28862 But, note that this exact GPS location is for the RV that is sitting on the property and it is located 75 yards or so to the west of the frontage road. On Google Maps the current satellite image does not show the building that is used for the majority of the work done during the coating - that building is now located to the west of the RV in what appears (on Google Maps) to be a plowed field. Again, make sure that this is the current location/address that the guys are using. Bill

Wow! Really? Can one of those tow one of those? (legally) Bill p.s. I know nothing about EV and/or Tesla's. But, it simply doesn't even look right.

And - while you are under there - it might be a good idea to put some insulation on those water lines. Insulation on the hot line will help keep the water hotter and insulation on the cold line ( and hot) will help prevent freezing of the lines in below 30 degree weather. Bill

Make sure that you get SPECIFIC instruction as to the location. They are not very far out of the center of Murfreesboro but they are on a rural road and it is fairly easy to miss the "entrance" into the property. A good look at Google maps with the Satellite view will help. Tell the guys "hi" for me and see ya at the Rally! Bill

I can't imagine what the first bath in 67 years must feel like - no wonder you like it.😂

Suction cups do tend to lose their suction over time - particularly with the wind and temp changes. So, unless you don't mind replacing a lost one every now and then, I'd remove it before you travel. Bill

It sort of looks like THIS one. But, take a look at Mossemi's comments in his post above dated June 28, 2022. Bill

Too late - this has already been done (multiple times). Bill

John - A call or email to CGI would not hurt. These guys are honest and will give you some hints that might make it easier for you to move forward. As you probably know - they do make "road trips". I don't think they have been to AZ (yet) but you never know. Good luck! Bill