topgun2

I hate to admit it now - but - I was one of those that thought I could not live without a dry bath. During fairly early discussions with Anita (Oliver Sales) I told her of my concern in this regard. Without missing a beat, she explained to me the relative value of the real estate (i.e. square footage) of the dry bath versus the wet bath. Indeed, Oliver could convert the closet into a dry bath, but what is the value of that closet versus the relatively small amount of time that one actually spends in the bath every day, she said. Having an undergraduate degree in economics this spoke straight to my understanding of the "economics" of the situation and the rest is history. And, as with most things, Anita was right - at least for me. Bill

And - what's "wrong" with "rat fur"? Back in the day when I was first looking at molded fiberglass, I took a look at a Casita. I was fairly impressed with the "oak" cabinet doors until I looked a bit more closely and saw that they were actually "press board" with a decal oak cover. Then I looked at the rat fur, then I looked at the frame, then I looked at the "holes" in the shell that were used to secure the "furniture inside, then I took a look at .....

In case you missed it. Bill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1-Il-AaOC4

Other than adding a device to change 120 volts to 12 volts, as far as I know you will have to put the (or at least one 12 volt battery back into the Ollie in order to get 12 volts to the water pump (or anything else that runs off 12 volts for that matter). As long as it is charged up, basically any old 12 volt battery will work for your purpose. I always have one or two 12 volt AGM batteries laying around in order to use with a small trolling motor I have. This would be more than adequate to power that water pump. Unfortunately, you are in Pittsburgh and I'm in the mountains of western North Carolina. Good luck! Bill

I don't know if I'm in the minority or not - but - I happen to like the rear jack switches located on the front of my Ollie. Unlike Mike, I found the bubble level that is on the top of the front jack to be virtually useless. So, I installed three small bubble levels on or near the front of the Ollie. All three are right at the "belly" line where the top and bottom shells are joined. The first one is just above the front jack, the second is basically under the bath window and the third near the front door. These levels are much more accurate and sensitive than the one on the front jack and can be observed with a simple step in one direction or the other. I also didn't hurt that they were very inexpensive and are attached with exterior double sided tape. Finally, even though I very seldom use the rear jacks, when I do I use 6x6 blocks under those jacks. This makes positioning easy (in most cases) with one quick look to make sure that the jack and block are properly aliened. Perhaps, the "perfect solution would be to have three way switches so that these switches could be placed in BOTH the front and the rear which would allow for the use in either location depending on the situation. Having thought about this solution, I'm marginally surprised that ScubaRx has not done this type of mod (note that if you ever get a chance to see ALL of the switches that he and Tali have in their Ollie, you will see what I mean here). Bill

MAX - please do not be a stranger (well, at least any "stranger" than you already are 😇). I'm sure that you didn't let the pups go with that fine Ollie of yours! DAVID - you've got a really nice Oliver there. We'd be happy to help in any way we can. Bill

Tony - I agree - this should not be a difficult mod. However, I do not recall any post from the past that talked about actually doing this. Good luck. Bill

I believe that there are simply way too many factors that should be considered for just about anyone to give you any kind of reasonable answer to your question. Wind, certainty of weather forecast, your own risk tolerance, how much time will you spend in the camper, is it sunny out and will you be camped in the sun, how much access will you really need to those water related items that are located towards the outer hull (i.e. outside shower, black tank flush, city and fresh water tank inputs), etc., etc.. Even though there are a number of posts right here on the Forum from owners that have experienced conditions similar to what you are anticipating, there are virtually never two that are exactly alike. For what its worth, I tend to be a bit more cautious in regards to situations like this. But, I'm from a backpacking background and many time travel alone. It is a bit easier only having to take care of one human versus two (or more). A couple of milk jugs filled with water and another one or two for drinking/cooking/bathing and I'm set. That sure beats virtually any time wasted on worrying about exactly what the temps are going to do and/or repairing damage caused by a frozen pipe. Having said this, I'd guess that you will be OK - particularly if you have the ability to make sure that some "heated" air gets to the rear drivers side and under the forward dinette seat of the Ollie. Obviously this is easy to do with the dinette seat but if someone is sleeping on the driver's side bed, it might take a bit of good positioning of a fan or small heater in order to assuage your worries. Bill

THAT makes sense! How else would you route it given that it most likely was shipped from Idaho?🤪 Bill

T & R - No doubt - get the upgraded Andersen (assuming that you can afford it). In my experience, it is night and day better than the old system they had and you will not have to deal with that terrible noise from hades ever again. Bill p.s. thanks for the update on pricing!

OOPS! Mike also included a PDF with Norcold parts list in case anyone needs and/or wants it. See below - Bill PARTS LIST N412 for Norcold Fridge.pdf

OK - below is the text that I received back from Mike Sharpe. Certainly appreciate his quick response! Bill "Hey Bill, Those fridges were discontinued a while back so the parts for it may even be hard to find. However, the boards would be the parts that I would look for. Regards," Mike Sharpe OLIVER SERVICE AND PARTS

About 10 minutes ago I sent Mike Sharpe in Oliver Service an email requesting that he (or someone at Oliver) take a look at Service records on these Norcold fridges in order to see if there is any insight into possible repair parts that might be useful to stock. I'll post back here if Mike (or someone else at Oliver) has the time to do this for us. Bill

I just heard today that Norcold is entering bankruptcy and intends to liquidate all of its assets. Apparently the sale of these assets will not cover their remaining liabilities. If this can be confirmed and you have a Norcold fridge (or anything else for that matter) now just might be a good time to stock up on any spare parts you think you might need for the future. Bill

Perhaps this is a dumb comment - but I assume that you both cleaned the areas that the "spark" is likely to travel and that the distance between the burner and the electrode that gives off the spark is close - certainly within a 1/4 inch? Bill

Happy Veterans Day As a veteran myself I understand at least a bit of what fellow veterans gave to our country and I certainly thank them for the time and sacrifice they spent/gave on behalf of all of us. We should all give at least a few moments today to reflect on what time and sacrifice means to all of us. Bill

Can I be the "flag guy" for that drag race between you and Patriot? - Please!

Congrats!

Just to bring everyone up to date on this running subject - As per my posts in this thread from October 25, 26, and 28), I'm still working on getting answers from the "houses mouth" on the current status of these decals, digital artwork, etc.. And, as I also mentioned in these posts, this investigation just may take a bit of time due to the availability of staff and other duties that they may have. I will post when I have further information. Bill

T & R - Absolutely no reason to be hesitant replying to any question. Specifically, your response to the question asked is right on the mark. Indeed, there have been many discussions here on the Forum concerning this exact subject (and with other similar tow vehicles to the Colorado). The tow rating is not the only limiting factor on these "mid-sized trucks". Heck - even 1/2 ton trucks tend to run up against limitations due to payload capacity. Thanks for your reply. Bill

Sorry but I don't have one of those "fancy" things. But, I assume that you've submitted a Service ticket? Bill

I think that I might be of a little help here regarding the brackets that are used to bolt the jacks to the Oliver frames. Historically Oliver used two pieces of flat aluminum, welded together for these brackets. However, in 2016 there were a number of these brackets that were put into a jig, tack welded and then the operator went "out to lunch" so to speak. Next these tack welded only brackets were then installed all was good - UNTIL - one of them broke (I believe that this was on my brand new Ollie). At this point Oliver switched to brackets made of angle steel which required no welding. I was told that all potential owners of the effected trailers were notified and either parts were mailed to those that requested it or the Service area replaced the defective parts as requested. Apparently, there were owners that either were not notified or simply disregarded the notification by Oliver. Bill

I'm so sorry to hear that you feel this way and am sorry for the "problems" that you have had with your Ollie. My personal experience with both the Oliver Company and its travel trailer product has not been without "issues". But, those issues were either not Oliver's fault or were taken care of by Oliver with few (if any hassles). Just for my own frame of reference I took a look at the current warranty for Corvettes - it is three years for the fiberglass panels. This does not make your experience of having to deal with the crack in your Ollie, but, at least it is covered under a warranty that is a full two years longer than a Vette's. I also looked at the warranty on Bigfoots and found that it is either three years or five years depending on a number of things (so, it is unclear which it is and for what items). In any case, Bigfoot's warranty is no greater than Oliver's. Good luck with getting the crack repaired. I truly hope that this will be the beginning of a better relationship. Bill