topgun2

B & B - Note that Patriot is presently on the road, so it might be a couple of days before he can get back to you. The BuiltRight platform for the Ford's is great. On my F-150 I did not use the backing plate (and I do not think that Patriot did either) and have had zero issues with vibration. I'm not sure if Patriot has his 890 mount connected directly to the BuiltRight or not (I think he does), but, I connected a 6 inch RAM arm to my 890 and then to a RAM ball mount on the BuiltRight. No vibration with this set-up. Also note that I removed the rubber tray liner in the area where the BuiltRight is installed. This way, in the event I replace the BuiltRight and/or sell the F-150 I can simply remove the BuiltRight from the tray and replace the rubber mat thus covering the holes. Bill

While we are on the subject - Note that there are currently both software and map updates available for the 890. There are also map updates available for most (if not all) other Garmin GPS units (like the 2797) Bill

Yes - unless you have something else plugged into one of the ac outlets.

That was quick - I simply Googled the question and here is the response: Wi-Fi capable Garmin devices support 2.4 GHz frequencies and cannot connect to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. For more details on Wi-Fi network compatibility and ... Sorry about that - I (obviously) simply assumed that 5 G was it. Bill

Time - out! I just rechecked my Garmin and it actually does not specifically tell me which of the two networks I'm connected to. More research is needed to make sure it is actually the 5G. I'll be back! Bill

The TV in the Oliver runs off DC - 12 volt. At least up to the 2020 models. Bill

Yes, it automatically connects to 5G but even though my router has both the slower and the faster networks, I only saved the faster (5G) to the Garmin. Therefore, the Garmin has no choice. Of course I could add another network (i.e. the slower one) but since I've had no issues I'll leave sleeping dogs lie. Bill p.s. perhaps you might try deleting and then reconnecting your networks to see if that helps?

WOW! One of my new favorites - not. Bill

What was that old saying? "You place your bets and you take your chances". Technology is always changing. It is likely that both charging and storage tech will continue to improve. But, I've read recently about difficulties with both the amount of lithium available and the ability to mine it. Will these conditions improve over the next year? How about over the next five years? And what about "new" storage tech that promises to totally change the way energy is stored in the first place? Perhaps better questions to ask would be along the lines of how long do you expect to keep your Oliver? What climates do you plan to use it in? What is the "payback" time on the lithiums versus the answers to the first question versus what the potential impact on resale value? Certainly not an easy thing to figure out! Good luck! Bill

My Garmin 890 is better in all respects as compared to any other GPS unit I've owned. This includes the GPS navigation system in my Ford F-150. Having said this - none of these units (in my experience) are perfect. Speed limit signs/zones are delayed or missed, wrong turns and/or directions are given and these units can be a bit slow when it seems that they are needed the most - heavy traffic and congested areas. School zones are missed, etc.. It really does help to: have a navigator who really knows how to use these devices. Knows or at least has a general idea of where you are going and the general direction you should be taking to get there. Has a "sense of direction" and can read a map - both digital and paper. These devices are "aids" but do not replace my responsibility for knowing where I'm going and what the conditions are in getting there. I can only wonder what that State Trooper would say when I'd tell them that my Garmin told me it was "x" speed limit when in reality the speed limit was "y"? Perhaps there is something wrong with your specific unit. Mine always connects to my 5G here at home. Bill

Note that the larger CLAM's such as the one in Katjo's video above will not fit in the closet of the Ollie. They must be stored either in the tow vehicle or someplace else in the Oliver (i.e. the aisle, the bath, the bed, etc.) The smaller version like THIS one will fit inside the Oliver closet (folded up of course). Bill

Even though Mainiac poked a bit of fun at himself in his original post above - this is no joke. Serious injury could result from this "anode plug" given the force behind it. As John Davies mentions above - bad things can (and do) happen, Bill

1st question - Just like any insurance the answer to you question depends on: a. can you afford to "self insure"? The word "afford" has several meanings here - obviously the money involved is one but what about peace of mind knowing that many "big" expenses will already be taken care of? b. what are the "odds" that you will actually need the insurance? Obviously, the odds are very good IF you ever have a claim, but, these same odds are very bad if you never have a claim. c. are you disciplined enough to "pay" yourself that $25 per month and put it into a "repair fund". And even if the answer is "yes" then will it be enough to cover the expense of what you might have to repair? Remember that you already have some insurance on a brand new Oliver. Certainly for at least the first year you will be paying that additional $25 per month for basically nothing given that the Oliver warranty covers everything. 2nd question - I do not "do" Facebook, so, I'm not the best person to ask. From what little I do know, at least one of the Facebook groups was formed in order to make it a bit easier to post pictures and since members of a group were more "centered on Facebook for other aspects of their lives, it was simply an easier platform for them (i.e. it avoided having to jump back and forth from one thing to another with different formats). Why there are two separate groups? I could guess but that would be of no use. Bill

Understand that this chore is not really all that difficult. And, it is good to know how to do this job in the event you have problems while on the road. However, it is messy and requires attention to detail. Remember that mistakes can be very costly. Your "big question" relative to the brand of bearings really depends on a bunch of factors - how hard are you on your bearings (i.e. do you normally tow in high heat at high speed or in wet weather or in a salty climate or tend to perform maintenance on the bearings later versus sooner, or .....). Having said this - quality is generally a good thing, kind of like one of the reasons we all bought an Oliver in the first place. But, if you are gentle on your bearings, always perform maintenance at or ahead of time, etc. there is a case to be made for not throwing your money away just so you can say you have the best. Tools are a similar decision. Buy quality tools and they will last you a lifetime. However, if you will only plan to service your bearings once a year or so and do not plan on using the tools for any other purpose and only plan to keep your RV for another 10 to 20 years and usually keep your tools in good condition (i.e. don't leave them out in the rain, stress them beyond normal tolerances, don't use a screw driver as a chisel, etc.) , a case can be made that you are wasting your money by buying anything beyond what will give you service for that period of time. Bill

Don't know about "cost saving" but my 2016 hull #117 does not have this panel. 😥 Bill

Nice camp and pics - but - I just have to ask - what does the pup weigh? Bill

1st question - nope, you are good to go. Over time, dirt and grime will tend to collect in those chips and you might notice them more. 2nd question - Kind of like fixing paint chip on a car or truck. I've never been very good at it such that the "touch-up paint" doesn't show. One of the big problems in doing chip fix is getting the correct color - yes all Olivers are white but they are not all the same white. Or, you can wear those chips with pride. Kind of like a hard earned patina. 😉 Bill

SeaDawg is presently "on the road", so, it just might be awhile before she can reply. At this point - I'd re-read what JED, Frank C and MountainOliver had to say nd either call it a day or add that additional ground. Bill

Yes, unless they've changed it (I don't think they have), Oliver uses Progressive surge protection. Progressive also makes models that are external to the RV and some people have used these external protectors either because they do not have the internal one that Oliver now uses or because they believe having two will give them more protection. Bill

I really liked Hungry Mother when I stayed there a few years ago. If you've never done it are are a car/racing person at all then a short trip over to the Bristol Motor Speedway and a tour is very interesting and not very expensive. Bill

I do not remember what the price is but I think that Technorv.com has water pressure regulators on sale presently. Bill edit : HERE IT IS $23.99 It comes pre-set for 45 psi but it is adjustable up to 160 psi.

Certainly noting wrong with those split logs and the rubber chocks at HF do go on sale several times a year for under $6.00. A number of owners claim to always check the power pedestal prior to plugging in anything with at least one of THESE outlet testers or a multi-meter. But, I must confess, I do not. Perhaps this is being lazy but I believe that the Oliver surge/circuit protector will take care of me and the electronics in the Oliver. Also it is because I rarely am at a place where there are pedestals - I boondock most of the time. Bill

I always have 4 chocks with me. While I use the Andersen leveling system if I need to level from side to side, I still have the extra set of chocks. This is in case I'm on what appears to be "level" ground or if I need to unhitch and leave the Ollie somewhere without regards to using it for sleeping. I feel a bit "safer" if all four wheels are chocked in some manner at all times while not hitched. I even get nervous when dropping off my Ollie at the Oliver Service Department - it is on a concrete drive and very level and none of the Olivers there are chocked. But, habit is a hard thing to deal with particularly when it comes to my baby. While on the road I take two of the heavy rubber chocks (like THESE), my Andersens (like THESE), and a set of plastic chocks (like THESE). I virtually always use the rubber chocks but due to how heavy they are and the lack of use on the plastic ones I don't feel the need to always carry another set of the rubber ones. However, the rubber chocks will last much longer than the plastic ones. Bill p.s. in a pinch - don't forget about what resources that might be found around you - scrap pieces of wood, rocks, etc. can all be used as chocks

like your body - ouch! 😬

No trouble - glad you got the "issue" figured out. Many times "issues" can be solved in being able to see the forest for the trees or the trees for the forest. We get so involved in the bottom line problem that we simply do not step back and think through the events or systems that are involved and then take a step by step approach to get to the end. Certainly I'm as guilty of this as anyone! Bill