John E Davies

These guys got 8.4 mpg towing 5600 pounds at 70mph and felt that it was working too hard. Admitedly their trailer has more wind resistance than an Ollie. It did not appear to be a relaxing driving experience. http://www.tfltruck.com/2015/12/2016-toyota-tacoma-real-world-mpg-towing-test-video/ John Davies Spokane WA

My answer is, yes maybe for flat land. Definitely 100% no for high altitude and steep grades. It really is a poor choice. Why buy a new TV that will only be marginally acceptable? It does not compute. You ideally need 20% reserve towing capacity, and the Taco gives you essentially zero reserve. You should be shopping trucks that will pull 8000 pounds or more. You also need to consider the truck payload and whether or not you will be able to bring all the stuff you need in the TV in addition to the 600 + or - pound tongue weight of an Ollie. A new 4wd Taco has a payload of around 1200 pounds. That only gives you 600 for driver, passengers and your stuff. IMHO that number is really too low, unless you travel alone with no heavy gear. With four normal sized people you would have no reserve capacity whatsoever....! Why don't you like a Tundra? Or a Sequoia? Either would be a highly satisfactory choice for the bigger Oliver. If you are determined to tow with a mid-sized truck, then you might consider the Elite instead of the heavier Elite II. John Davies Spokane WA

Thanks for the comments. I am actually pretty wide open in terms of stuff to do, but OTH I hate developed campgrounds. It seems as if most places have slabs, playgrounds and full hookups for $30 per night. I am hoping to stay at COE or low cost commercial sites, or at free state forest or WMA campgrounds. Unfortunately there seems to be a serious lack of the latter in Tennessee. I moved away in 1981 to seek less populated regions on the west. Camping in a crowded part of the country will be a very different experience for me. John Davies Spokane WA

Oh, thanks that is a great thread. I can do fiberglass work but it doesn't look really good. Gelcoat is a mystery to me. One thing that would be good to have in the repair kit is white Marine Tex. It is great for temporary or permanent repairs, can be sanded and polished. But it does not look like gel coat. Close .... but no cigar. https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Tex-Might-Repair-Ounce/dp/B001446LKO John Davies Spokane WA

Well, honestly neither of your responses helps, but I do appreciate that you replied. I plan to occasionally take my Ollie on surfaces that most owners would avoid. I need to be mentally prepared for damaging it myself, or for getting nailed by another vehicle, and I would like to know my repair options if that did happen. I don't think that is paranoid - anal certainly - but then again, everybody here in this thread is against me! LOL! If I started a thread about attaching forged steel tow hooks to the frame, and techniques for getting the trailer unstuck without a tow truck, would you think that paranoid? Hooks are on my To Do list, at the very bottom. John Davies Spokane WA

Here is a very nice map showing the north part of the Trace and attractions along the way. https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/upload/NATRmap_336_444_web-2.pdf We plan to collect our new Ollie on Monday morning, May 15, stay the night at nearby Fall Hollow, and explore the immediate area over the next two days, testing out all the systems and putting some miles on the trailer. If we need any fixes we will be close to Hohenwald. We will try to get a spot at Merriweather Lewis one night, and I do want to revisit Shiloh battlefield. It has been 45 years since I was there. Otherwise we are wide open to suggestions. What is good? What should we avoid? We won't need or want hookups other than the first night. Tishomingo State Park, just over the MS border, looks very cool. Has anyone stayed there? We have to head north to Nashville to pick up our kids at the airport on Thursday afternoon, for a weekend family reunion at Fall Creek Falls. It would be nice to follow the Trace to Nashville, my old home town. Thnks for your suggestions. John Davies Spokane WA

I am pretty sure that the factory is able to repair moderate crash damage. In the event that somebody smashes into the back end, or I skid off into a deep culvert, is it possible, and will they: Unbolt the hull from the frame? Separate the bonded upper and lower sections of the hull? Cut out and weld in new sections of frame with the hull in place? (I am doubtful.) If I wrecked my Ollie would it be cost effective to ship it by truck to the factory for repairs or would it need to go to a local RV repair center? Yuck! Would a marine shop (boats) be a viable option for extensive fiberglass repair? Would they even touch it? I am not paranoid but I do want to understand what would happen if the unthinkable did occur. WARNING! Sad pictures at this link, do not view if you cry easily... http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/for-sale/2000-wrecked-casita-camper-newalla-ok-on-ebay-ends-april-4 Thanks, John Davies Spokane WA

Thank you, that was most helpful! I doubt that I would tilt them unless I were staying in one spot for a long time, or if there simply wasn't enough day-long exposure. John Davies Spokane WA

Yep, as confirmed by Anita, unlike the standard black tank system, the Nature's Head toilet is not delivered "ready to poop". You have to supply the peat moss or coconut coir to load the reservoir, as well as any other supplies like vinegar and a spray bottle for keeping it sanitary. And maybe a step stool.... Seat height in the Ollie is about 24 inches. I ordered this stuff. It comes in four bricks, one of which is just the right amount to charge the toilet. Adding water can be a little problematic since it continues to absorb water for a long time. According to one online webpage you can place a dry brick in the bottom of the toilet, add one cup of water and let it sit. It will continue to suck moisture out of your, um, deposits and reach an ideal moisture content. Adding too much water at the start is a mistake and can make it too liquidy. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HLSL7W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I do like the idea of coconut coir since it is renewable and would otherwise go into a landfill. Peat is not renewable and a peat bog takes thousands of years to form. I am no environmentalist, mainly I want to cut the umbilical cord that ties you to dump facilities. I think that Oliver should deliver the trailer with the needed media for the tank, I am going to suggest that they place a sealed brick of this stuff in the tank of each one delivered in the future. Cost is essentially nil and it would be good PR. This shows a laid-back mess-free way to add water and expand it at home: ... This is a good source of info on using the head: ... https://theboatgalley.com/our-composting-toilet/ John Davies Spokane WA

That is pretty much what I am looking for but that particular level gets a lot of negative reviews at Amazon. I would avoid it. The Camco AccuLevel gets better reviews and looks pretty much the same except it has no numbers. If that Casita owner leveled his trailer side to side, then why is his level not reading correctly? I suspect because the ball sticks, as reported. One reviewer has to use a strong magnet to run the ball back and forth to loosen the green algae that grew on it! These levels are not well sealed, LOL. John Davies Spokane WA

That is interesting but I am skeptical, to say the least. I think this will need to have some sort of track record for at least a year before I would even begin to believe the numbers it displays. These guys too: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/198200-haulgauge/ Plus I have other uses for my OBD2 port than this tow scale - I plug in a Bluetooth dongle to run my OBD2 software while driving. I would invest in a tongue weight scale, those are proven and very useful for a regular trailer, not a fifth wheel. John Davies Spokane WA

Thanks for the informative posts. I really am a newby at this, and I am glad that I will be getting the ZAMP system since the PWM charging optimizes battery life, which is a priority to me, especially with the AGM batteries I chose. Can the Blue Sky system be retrofitted later on without major wiring changes? In other words, is it just the hardware that is different? John Davies Spokane WA

Wow those look very pretty. Do you think you will be able to maintain that shine? How about corrosion concerns and wear from the steel receiver? Gravel strikes? Might it be prudent to use a slopper stopper to keep it from moving and wearing? This one is unobtrusive and works really really well. I use it to keep my RockGard flaps from hopping around. https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Roadmaster/RM-061.html John Davies Spokane WA

If you re using little chocks then four is prudent. I always put them all on the downhill side if there is a slope. The rig isn't going to roll uphill... If you have really heavy duty, large "motorhome" chocks, then two is plenty. John Davies Spokane WA

In studying more I have decided to go with two pairs of Buzzy's MaxHaul rubber chocks for $37 shipped. They are relatively light (under 4 lbs each) but are really compact and pretty much indestructible. If they get stolen I won't cry very hard. I'll connect each pair together with nylon rope and loop it over an axle hub so I will remember to pull out the chocks before trying to leave. They DO stink a lot, so I will be sure to store them where they can air (inside the propane compartment). Amazon reviewers recommend not ordering other items at the same time, or the combined shipping can make your other stuff reek like uncured rubber. The Fastway chocks are very, VERY likely to get swiped unless you lock them, which would be a PITA, and the finish will wear off and they will rust. The rust will end up staining the ground and also whatever trailer compartment you store them in. Not good, but I guess you could keep them in a duffle bag. I am sure they don't look nearly as nice after three or four years of use. I wouldn't want to have to keep repainting them each season.... Thanks for the comments. John Davies Spokane WA

The site is extremely slow and bogged down. What is going on? It is unusable.

I am looking for a set that I can quickly throw under the trailer tires in an emergency, or to supplement the stabilizers, or use if the batteries fail. This looks interesting: ... http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/onestep-chock Reviewers comment that it needs to be readjusted if you lift one side higher than before, but it is quick to change the arm length, and you could always install a ball detent pin instead of the clevis pin. They look reasonably compact and light weight. One set is $41 at Amazon. Comments? Do you carry chocks, and if so, what kind? John Davies Spokane WA

I am resurrecting this thread because it seemed to go off on a tangent and die.. Here is an excellent page with just about every answer you might want. I do have an Oliver specific question. What comes with the Natures Head in terms of supplies? You need peat moss or a substitute media, vinegar, spray bottle for rinsing the bowl, and maybe a small step stool if you are height challenged. Does any of this stuff come with the trailer at delivery? I am working on a pre-delivery shopping list. I will talk to Anita if nobody here can help. I wonder why we haven't seen any pictures yet.... John Davies Spokane WA

Hey Buzzy, I agree, it is good to have you back with us. Thanks for your comments. Here is a basic question. Assuming I start with a fully charged bank, I have a choice of partially treed sites, and I was planning on staying in one place for several days, would it be better to plan for clear sun exposure late each afternoon/ evening when it is strongest, or more diffused sunlight all day? In other words, how can I best park the Ollie to get the most charge when I am not in a "wide open" location like a bare hilltop or towing on the open road? I find it difficult to reconcile my habit of seeking heavy shade for comfort, vs seeking direct sun to keep the batteries charged. It gets darned hot in the sun in the west. I do understand that it is beneficial to do high current activities like making popcorn in the microwave while the sun is still shining! I just need some pointers on Solar Best Practices. If there are some web links, please post them Maybe a portable panel on a 50 ft cable would be a good invvestment.... John Davies spokane WA

I am a little confused because I have a factory pic from an unknown date showing them at 45 degrees, but I haven't seen any actual camping pics with them deployed like this. Is this just a "service position"? Will I be able to easily do this when camping with the use of my portable ladder? I live pretty far north and the sun can be low on the horizon some seasons. This would really help on marginal cloudy days. For those who may not know..... a 30 degree tilt will give up to 18% more output at my latitude (45 deg N) for a fixed residential installation. For a camper array that is easily adjusted, the numbers would be significantly higher in winter if the panels were raised more. Also a dead flat panel is not desireable because dust will accumulate and it will not "self clean" when it rains; a dirty array is very inefficient. This doesn't matter quite so much on a trailer compared to a building since it is so easy to reach them to get the grime off. But if you were parked long term, it would be very beneficial to position the panels at a small angle, three or four degrees at the very least, for good drainage. https://www.civicsolar.com/support/installer/articles/effect-array-tilt-angle-energy-output And his followup on azimuth (bearing) vs efficiency. https://www.civicsolar.com/support/installer/articles/effect-azimuth-angle-energy-output Oh yeah, I would install a red streamer on my steering wheel if I tilted my panels, as a reminder to not drive off with them raised! This will be my first solar experience and I am still learning. Thanks for any comments John Davies Spokane WA

Welcome to OllieLand. We will be collecting our new rig May 15; maybe our paths will cross. John Davies Spokane WA

The more I read, the less I like this system. A regular TPMS has four transmitters that send information directly to the receiver/ display. That is four individual data streams. If one is interrupted (low battery, or a water damaged circuit board, for a non-sealed type) then you still see the other three readings, and you immediately know that you need to replace the faulty sensor. This system has two EXTRA full data streams - Bluetooth booster to receiver, and receiver to phone. If the first one is lost, you lose everything. If the second is lost, you lose your phone connection but the receiver should still alert you, you just won't be able to determine which tire is low. Bluetooth implementation (software) is much better now than in the past but it is still not reliable enough for a safety system like a TPMS, that you want to work always and reliably. https://www.quora.com/Why-isnt-Bluetooth-reliable-more-robust-100-of-the-time https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11991167 I believe that the Minder Research system is too new to have any kind of track record. I think I will stick with this Dorian unit, which has sealed long life sensors and a solid record in the Australian Outback. http://www.doranmfgstore.com/ItemForm.aspx?Item=%23360RV4&ReturnURL=/Categories.aspx?Id=fd3d6e4a-17b0-4a1b-87cc-751f8bf6d38f&Category=fd3d6e4a-17b0-4a1b-87cc-751f8bf6d38f 200,000 km of dirt road testing: John Davies Spokane WA

That level is pretty useless on the road. By the time a tire has deflated enough to show on it, the damage will probably be done. A TPMS will give you enough warning to remain in the Preventative Phase (plugging a hole or swapping on the spare), not the Cleanup Phase (picking up pieces of tread and fender flare from the highway). John Davies Spokane WA

This is the newest type of TPMS and this one in particular has me really interested. The system consists of TPMS sensors (replaceable batteries) Bluetooth booster (converts wireless to Bluetooth), 12 volt powered Bluetooth receiver (internal battery or USB or 12v adapter powered) App for smartphone. It has great features and you can see a flashing light and hear an alert from the receiver, and it will push a notification to your phone if there is a problem. I really like that there is no separate monitor to mount on your dash since I usually have my iPad Mini set up for navigation anyway, so this app can run in the background. Downside for me is that the transmitters aren't sealed. Upside is that they have a free five year replacement battery program and will send you new batteries and orings annually so you can keep them fresh and working well. .... http://www.minderresearch.com/battery-replacement-program/ Watch the video: .... http://www.minderresearch.com/tireminder/tireminder-smart-tpms-smartphone-based-tire-pressure-monitor-for-rvs/ Cost is $340 at Camping World for the four sensor model. ... http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/tireminder-smart-tpms-with-4-transmitters-for-rvs-motorhomes-5th-wheels-motor-coaches-and-trailers/86683 Note, this uses Bluetooth 4, which is standard in newer phones and devices since about 2011. You should check the specs for your device to be sure. Has anyone used one of these? Comments? Thanks, John Davies Spokane WA

Thanks, but I think I would like a bigger one. My vision is not great, and my Ram does not have a rear wiper for the canopy glass, so things behind it are often blurry or obscured by grime. I do like that location, it is very neatly tucked away. The bigger 25563 one I linked to is 3 inches high. I don't think it will fit there but it would work just above it, on the joint flange. Do you concur? John Davies Spokane WA