Boudicca908

I thought about that -- it's so easy to see the flame -- but I also wondered if air could be trapped inside the lines at the fridge. I'm going to first try by relying on the lithium batteries for the ignition, and see if that works; then I'll hook up to the truck, if need be. Seems like once I get it running, it only takes a day ahead of the trip to get cold enough to transfer frozen and chilled foods. I'll readily admit that I feel timid about using the lithium and solar power system without enough knowledge and experience; an increase in that knowledge is what I hope to gain at the rally. I watched the panels to see what was happening as the batteries were charging, but I haven't tried boondocking yet. There is a LOT I have to test and learn about yet.

How does it ignite the flame without power? Maybe I'm not understanding the manual.... Hmmm. OH. So I see that I read from the wrong model paragraph, but still, this is strange, to me. From the manual: Operating the Ref Controls (N400 models) -- mine is "N412.3FUL" according to my delivery checklist... it doesn't have this paragraph that is under the .... (N510 models) -- "A 12 volt or DC power supply is necessary for the control functions of the refrigerator to operate. The refrigerator receives power from the 12 volt system of the vehicle; either an auxiliary battery, a converter, or the vehicle engine battery." HOWEVER, the N400 model instructions does read: "Start up - AC operation: Make sure 120 volts is available. Turn the selector switch to the AC position. Set the thermostat. Start up - DC operation (3-way model N400.3): Make sure that 12 volts DC is available. Turn the selector switch to DC position. Shut down: Turn the selector switch to the OFF position."

Thank you ScubaRx -- Yes, the Norcold runs on AC, propane and DC -- in that order, when set to "Auto". My delivery person recommended "Auto" and that is the only setting I've used so far. They also explained that the down-side of the Auto setting is that the panel doesn't indicate which system is actually being used at the time. I don't remember ever seeing a flame or flame indicator on the fridge; I don't even know where to look for it. Parts of the manual are for components that may be similar to, but are not exactly what was installed. I understand that this is due to issues with shortages and availability. I know the microwave is one that is different, but I have yet to systematically go through, mark up my manual, and hunt online for the missing component manuals. The Norcold manual states that the fridge needs DC power to start (to ignite the burner) in order to use the propane mode. It mentions the potential for air in the propane lines when it's been off or out of propane, and that this can create a fault code. They have suggested steps to work through bleeding the air, with cautions about fire and explosions if you hold the safety valve in too long (oh fun!) It states, "when a flame is present and the flame meter moves into the green area, wait about 5 seconds and release the safety valve." So if it's not working, I guess the flame meter won't move into the green area. Can you actually see the flame from the backside (outside) by removing the vent cover?

In preparation for the rally next week, I've been organizing things to take back to my Oliver -- gathering tools, etc, as well as revisiting manuals, checklists and thinking about what I need to do before travel. This will be my first trip since bringing my Oliver home from the factory. I've had the fridge off, and open to air circulation while stored this past month. Sadly, my Oliver is stored about 35 minutes away from home, and without shore power available. I can't seem to find any clue how long it takes the refrigerator to chill and the freezer to reach freezing. I looked through my manual, and the forum. A friend suggested that I just turn it on and let it use the solar power, but I wasn't sure about doing that without being close enough to monitor what it's doing. Also, the manual seems to indicate DC power is needed to turn the Norcold on -- is that best accomplished with the truck hooked up and running? I have everything turned off. Reading about other owners encountering problems I realized I had better at test the fridge sooner rather than later. Any incite is welcome.

I took delivery at the end of March and slowly made my way back to the Florida swamp. At the factory campground I was thankful to have some wonderful guidance and help from veteran owners who were there for service visits, and some of us met up again at other campgrounds in Tennessee. There were a few hiccups (yet to be addressed) and I'm still learning that I have a lot to learn about the systems, but it's all good. I really love my Oliver and I'm thrilled to begin new adventures. The rally is just around the corner!

I called ahead and my refrigerator was cold, as requested. It did seem odd that my Oliver was winterized and the delivery person told me it was "standard procedure" for it to be delivered that way. It meant that at the end of a long day, trying to set up for the first time, I was then faced with de-winterizing the trailer before I could settle down for the night. It was a lot to do, for a single person.

One nice park that comes to mind is Koreshan State Park. It's in the south part of Lee County. From there, you have easy access to head east to FGCU campus area via Alico Road (off US41).... I should also mention it's along a creek where you can canoe or kayak, and it is home to a unique historic site. Here is the link for reservations via the Florida SP system: https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/web/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx

I am looking forward to seeing everyone there -- the park office told me this morning there will be over 190 Olivers! What a great gathering!

Good advice! I visited this campground on my trip home from picking up my Oliver, and the park is huge.

You have options! Speak to your salesman about your build.

I'm packing the truck and heading north tomorrow -- I'm so excited I doubt I'll sleep a wink! Monday is delivery day, and I promise I'll post photos as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone on the forum for all the great information, interesting debate, and fun discussion! I'll be taking the slow road home (3 weeks) and hope to have shaken out the more obvious user error patterns by then. Beyond that, I'm looking forward to meeting some of you at the Rally coming up. WooHoo!!!!

I bought sphagnum peat at Lowe's for my NH. I haven't used it yet (pick up next week) but I remember reading that you need to BE SURE to use 100% organic, WITHOUT ADDITIVES since the additives would not give the right result! So be mindful -- no peat with Miracle Gro added.

It might also show up in REI's Outlet online -- not being near a storefront, this is a great place to start.

I'm bringing my spare set of Queen size sheets to cover the mattress, and and my "light" down Double-size comforter which I can pull up, double up or throw off to regulate the temperature! I plan to alter the sheets to fit once I get home with the Oliver, making a fitted base sheet and a top sheet. I believe there are sheets made to fit available, but I don't know where people buy them. If you have the upgraded KTT mattress the latex is indeed heavy. Being used to subtropical temperatures, my blood is thin -- I am trying to decide if I should bring my sleeping bag, in case it's actually "freezing" up there next week!

Happy Spring Equinox! Eight days and counting for my Oliver to hatch!

.... this is why I haven't FINISHED reading it all!!!

I didn't pay attention to whether the video was specifying "for these years built..." but it shows the diagrams and very clear instructions spoken and shown on the video of how to move the levers to change the mode. I wrote them down and watched it 3 times, because they went through it so quickly. GLAD they showed it or I wouldn't have known.

The settings for the configurations are described on the Oliver University video!

Does Oliver deliver hard copies of the Owners Manuals, Component Guides, Specs and Warranties with the trailer? (I've tried searching, but haven't found the answer to this question.) I find reading technical documents a LOT easier with a hard copy in hand. I have downloaded a lot of the items in the 'manual' section of the University -- but I may have missed some items. Also, I suspect some things that may not be up to date as products and manuals get updated (?) -- so thanks to all for help on this. I want to be sure I have everything before I leave home and leave wifi behind (yay). Also -- twelve days!

THANK YOU!!!!

Well.... yes. I've heard this from several people, and it is a logical approach. But for some people, they might require going through the process multiple times before getting close to home! I can appreciate the effort that @tripmushrv made in putting these together. Organizing a list is a way to walk through a process, and it can serve as a way to envision a series of actions that might seem complicated when one doesn't have access to any of the parts and pieces ahead of time. (I'm in that bucket of people right now). Being a first-timer and trying to be prepared can be a real hoot. There is a lot to remember. I can't count all the "don't forget" statements in the forum! I've tried following those threads, but haven't successfully taken notes on them all. The forum has proven to be a wonderful resource, and seems to also serve as a way for individuals to hash out thoughts about subjects. I really appreciate that.

Did this "require some assembly" at Oliver TT? I believe my 2500 has the same TPMS, and I was hoping it would connect to the TT, but my salesman (who admits he knows nothing about trailers and towing) didn't think it would. My truck delivered a few days ago, I'm trying to absorb all this new info before I hit the road for Oliver delivery (3/28).

So.... be sure to use them down to that level, I guess? I will be storing but I'm in the tropics, practically speaking. I am planning to cover my Oliver with that Calmark cover, because finding covered storage space is difficult and expensive.

You can always take a photo of it with your phone.... it's the lazy way I do this, sometimes.

I went over the Beartooth pass with a vehicle (no TT) and it was amazing. With the constant traffic (bumper to bumper sometimes) I wouldn't think to try it with a trailer in tow, partly because I would want to stop to take in the views and parking isn't always easy to find at the view stops. We also had weather come up fast on us -- it was exciting enough without a trailer in tow. And drop dead gorgeous.