Boudicca908

Greetings All, I've been away from my computer and the forum for a few months, while soaking up the mild Florida winter sun and playing with amateur radio. This year I plan to bring my radio with me, so I hope I make contacts with some other Oliver hams out there. It looks like I'm seeing most of the usual suspects here in the forum -- just a couple of hours on here, and I'm already psyched up for the next camping adventure. I'm glad I spent time perusing the forum, too, because I learned something new, as usual! This year I'm heading back to the Rockies but I'm traveling through Texas to see family on the way. I'll be missing the Solar Eclipse party out there, but I'll be passing through a couple of weeks later. I'll keep my eyes peeled for Olivers on the road. All the Best!

Thanks for this post -- I had no idea about this issue. Fob pouches on order.

Sorry — I thought they were looking for the control to turn it on?

I’ve only been using a handheld, but I’m finally taking the plunge, ready to set up a robust station. I’m also studying — everything feels new, as I’ve been dormant for a couple of years. The goal is to make one station for field and home. I live in an HOA community, where outdoor antennas are verboten. So far, I’ve decided on the Yaesu FT-991A (HF VHF UHF) and I’m still researching other elements of the rig. I’ve been thinking about assembling my station in a go box (good for hurricane and any other emergency)… plus it would contain the station in a way that I could move it around, maybe even inside or outside the Oliver. I’m still in early stages of planning, so need to figure out how I will accommodate power, antenna connections, etc. I’m interested in seeing more photos of everyone’s rigs. My Chevy Silverado has a fiberglass cap on the bed. Can you post some photos of your truck antenna mount, and explain about the brass straps? Any suggestions and options to consider are appreciated. Even though I’m a General, I feel like a newbie operator — I am excited about finally getting experience with real equipment beyond the handy. Thanks in advance, 73 de KN4NBV

My trailer was also in the affected group. I don’t know exactly how the local shop implemented the fix, but I didn’t have any issues this summer, towing at least 8,000 miles. I ended my journey with service at OTT, and they rotated and balanced the tires, but now I wonder about this. I’ll have to check my records to see if they included detailed information about this.

Cort, Can you post a photo of the items on the forward side of your pantry? The manual includes everything possible — not always specific to your individual Oliver. Once I realized that, I went through my manual and put Xs on things that don’t apply, and stars on things that do apply to my unit.

My 2022 Oliver’s inverter is on the forward side of the pantry, not the aft side. I’m sorry I don’t have a better photo right now. It’s the lowest of 3 devices mounted to the right of the pantry. Those are (top to bottom) AquaGo WH control, SeaLevel control, and then the inverter.

That’s what mine does (2022 Elite 2).

I looked at the chemical composition of formaldehyde (and the EPA data sheet) and I don’t know enough about the chemistry to know its various forms. It could very well be that many product manufacturers have stopped using it, given its carcinogenic effects. It’s still used in a lot of things though (wood products, clothing, building materials, etc). One article actually reports on the use of desiccants to absorb and remove formaldehyde from the air — so it’s hard to say. Maybe just ignore my comment about it.

Since I’ve had bad reactions, I haven’t shopped these products in years. Maybe they have changed them, but I believe they still have the distinct odor of formaldehyde that I remember — as I encounter them on store shelves now and then.

Tell us more!

My morning caffeine ritual centers on making matcha lattes, but I used to drink coffee. Regardless of the flavor or equipment, I harbor my kit in a small rubber tub that stows immediately above the sink. My Matcha kit includes a ceramic bowl, a whisk and ceramic whisk stand, a sifter, a glass measuring cup and a few other things. I don’t like plastics — my dishes (Corelle large and small plates, large and small bowls) are nestled in a single stack next to this tub with a couple of napkins in between, and my double-walled insulated glassware are to the right of the dishes, wrapped in bubble wrap when I’m under way. I traveled nearly 10,000 miles this summer without any breakage.

Beware of potential ill effects from formaldehyde. Many people are fine with exposure, but others suffer greatly.

A new friend just introduced me to an app that boondockers might like (I will try to post a screenshot) — it’s pretty amazing. Detailed maps and you can click ANYWHERE on the map and it tells you who owns the land! OnX Offroad : Trail Maps and GPS

Critical Mass of Oliver Owners — that has a nice ring.

I’ve been wondering what that was! I couldn’t quite remember from the marathon “meet your Oliver” delivery.

Ahhh… I’m just now seeing this, and already south! Thank you for the offer! Tomorrow I plan to pull the bed off and see what’s what under there. I have a new alarm on order (not under warranty). And I found my Father’s multimeter — it’s pretty nice. Maybe fancier than necessary.

Replace? Or just reconnect?

Thanks. I guess I need to study the manual again (and service videos and Oliver University) to figure out if there’s actually a switch; it would be very convenient if there is one. I’ll look at multimeters when I get home. I think I have one among my fathers toolboxes. Maybe it will suffice.

Can I remove and replace this RV Safe CO/LP Alarm without shocking myself, if I’m not connected to shore power? Or do I have to blanket and kill off my solar lithium batteries first (which I am loath to do)? OR — is there a switch to cut the battery power from everything during electrical maintenance? I’m going to have to replace my alarm. It’s gone off 8 times in 4 days. Apologies if this is answered in the thread. I’m working from my phone, and very tired.

There are a few spaces available here at Torreya State Park, NW of Tallahassee — if that’s any help. Nice hiking trails, bushes bordering many of the campsites. Clean shower facilities. Off the beaten path — yes. That’s probably why I ended up here, instead of a more central location.

Yes — you will want to check the torque after your initial 50 miles, and then at regular intervals. And more frequently whenever the wheels have been off. EXAMPLE: after leaving my service at OTT this morning, I checked dutifully at 50 miles and found several were just a wee bit loose. That’s normal. I think of my torque wrench as a necessary tool. Mine is a long handled hand wrench. Sorry I’m in transit and can’t give you an Amazon link for an example; maybe another member can give you options.

UPDATE: Three cheers to Oliver’s Service Department! My propane leak was a loose connection at the propane stove. They detected the leak, there was no debris or issues with flare, they simply had to tighten the connection. (That Riverside RV Service Center in Bismarck should be ashamed. I went all summer without using my propane because they didn’t detect the leak that I suggested was coming from the stove.) OTT also fixed damage I had, resulting from the handling at Riverside Service Center. And OTT also managed to squeeze me into their schedule for an annual maintenance. So hats off to Jason and the team!

Welcome to the family! I’m answering from the road, on my phone, so pardon my brevity: I own the 2022 Elite II, twin bed, upgraded mattress, solar (3 lithium batteries), composting toilet, convection microwave, the convenience power connection up front, and a front basket. I tow with a 2500 HD truck and a 2-5/16” hitch ball, so I didn’t need the Anderson hitch. I chose 20# propane tanks, after I learned what they weigh when full. I love everything about my Oliver; no regrets on any of my choices. If there’s an option for backup camera size, I’d recommend larger. TOYS & OTHER EQUIPMENT: I am shopping generators. During my first OTT plant tour yesterday, Josh mentioned a newer model Honda 3200i that is smaller (fits in basket) and DUEL FUEL. It sounds pretty decent. I haven’t researched it yet. I bought the “Sand Mat” and love how it lets dirt and sand pass through. Look for sales, or used on REI. It’s not light weight, but comes with a storage bag. I have several electric adapters: 50 to 30, 15 to 30, and I’ve needed both for various purposes. Torque Wrench is a must (mine is hand powered, easy to use and lives under my back seat in the truck.) You might need to buy the right size fitting. This summer I’ve added: COOKING: a Blackstone 17” propane griddle (great thread on this forum will give you lots of options and ideas); a third 20# propane tank in the back of my truck; a Duxtop electric Induction cooktop (has two model numbers on the box! BT-200DZ and 9610LS). COMFORT: a DREO space heater model DR-HSH004-G that can run at eco setting using the battery (I never leave it on, as I didn’t need it running all night, including during 20+ degree temps, as I had winterized my trailer.) MAINTENANCE: a grease gun with extra fittings (see Jason’s excellent service video on Oliver Travel Trailer YouTube channel plus forum threads on greasing Zerks); a small mirror on a handle, to see some of the zerks, and other equipment in small spaces; a Combustible Gas Detector. EDIT: I almost forgot to mention, I’m from SW Florida and I cannot store my trailer at home. I opted not to buy the cover, and I rent a covered space in a secure storage facility. It’s north and inland from where I live, and it was worth the expense, as my Oliver didn’t suffer from Hurricane Ian last year, and was protected from UV. I’ve been on the road since early July (and I’m not home yet). I’ve only needed to empty my compost solids twice.

I know I won’t be able to attend this year — and I’m sad to miss the opportunity to learn. I would like to see a Maintenance Schedule in a clear, short format (maybe I’ve missed it, somewhere?) that I can use to track as a To-Do list. EDIT: It would be nice to have a detailed explanation covering the lithium batteries for 1) how to “reset” to make sure the battery monitor is showing the correct percentage charge, and 2) how to adjust the components to use 110 outlets for charging. (I may not be describing this very well — I only know that several forum threads have touched on these). I second the points made above in multiple posts regarding Jason’s excellent How-To videos and explanations. His videos and seminars are great — clear and concise, easy to follow, giving me the confidence to learn new skills while caring for my Oliver.