John E Davies

You shouldn't have any clearance issues with a HD Ram. These are tall trucks. Look at the first page of the Elite II brochure. That pic shows it connected to a Sequoia which is considerably lower. Here are the Install Instructions for the Bulldog.... http://www.bulldogproducts.net/support/installation/N028243.pdf I think it comes with the H Style, with the conventional vertical lever on top. You could swap it for one of the lower versions, or just extend your ball out by using a longer ball mount. You aren't going to overload that truck with a longer one, though it will reduce the departure angle some, if that matters to you.... John Davies Spokane WA

Any exterior opening should have either a screen installed or a temporary (removable and highly visible) cover, like on an airplane. Don't forget the septic vent on top of the roof. If that gets plugged up by wasps the blank tank will get smelly. You could go overboard and stick plugs in the water system belly drains, but I think that would be just something a truly anal person like me might do. I think it all depends on how bad the pest problem, mud daubers especially, is in your area. https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/rv-pests.html John Davies Spokane WA

I thought I would rejuvenate this old thread with a link to an article by a long time Casita owner about the poor build quality and the inevitable problems with cheaply made RVs. This is a very good story, and it will make you glad that the Oliver (and the Casita, to a lesser degree) is so well put together.... "After owning four RVs and looking at hundreds more, (as well as visiting various RV "factories" and seeing how they are screwed together) I can say I have learned a lot about the RV business. A lot of it is like touring a sausage factory - there are things you wish you hadn't seen. The dirty little secret of the RV industry is Quality. Very few RVs are quality made and very few outlast their payments. Let me explain." http://livingstingy.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-rv-industrys-dirty-litle-secret.html John Davies Spokane WA

What do folks use, and how would it mount on an Ollie so that it is easy to see when backing up? On top off the propane cover at the very front, using brackets? I have this one on my wish list: https://www.amazon.com/Camco-25563-AccuLevel/dp/B000EDUTOA/ref=pd_sbs_263_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000EDUTOA&pd_rd_r=DBXB487VTAHFT8TFGR5A&pd_rd_w=5I78m&pd_rd_wg=MgSN0&psc=1&refRID=DBXB487VTAHFT8TFGR5A The cheaper version does not get good reviews. I had one many moons ago and was not impressed with it.: https://www.amazon.com/Camco-25533-Trailer-Level/dp/B005BNYWXW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1488567435&sr=8-4&keywords=rv++level+large The idea is to get as close to level side to side by a little backing, before using the stabilizers or just for a quick rest stop. I plan to use lots of undeveloped camping spots. Thanks. John Davies Spokane WA

Thanks very much for the info. I agree 100% that Scepter cans are wonderful if you can stomach the cost, but there is nothing wrong with using high quality steel NATO cans. I was cautioning mfantich to not use a "plastic jug". My steel cans are 30 years old and the only thing I have done to them is touch up the outside paint and add new gaskets. As you pointed out, you won't find Scepter fuel cans sold at any USA source because they are not CARB legal. There are many sources for legal and affordable milspec steel cans. I can't recommend the $30 Chinese knockoffs in any way. Watch the torture test video at the bottom. It includes 2 minute flame testing but they don't leave it in a burning environment until it blows up. http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/JC3009 A good source for good (but not the best) steel cans follows, but these are not CARB legal and are labeled Not For Fuel. They also have gaskets and spouts, and free shipping if you order a set of four cans. These are slightly thinner steel but still certified, unlike the Chinese junk. http://deutscheoptik.com/cart.php?m=search_results&headerSearch=Y&search=Jerry+can I've seen countless pics of jeeps and overland rigs and I can't recall ever seeing Scepter fuel cans on the back or roof. That isn't to say they would not be a terrific choice, but there is no need to get that extreme to have safe and reliable fuel storage. John Davies Spokane WA

AAA RV will cover the trailer. Standard plans do not. https://wa.aaa.com/membership/compare?zip=99206&stateprov=wa&city=spokane&devicecd=TB John Davies Spokane WA

Plastic jugs are simply not safe, especially when carried in an exposed location. A steel Jerry can would be much better in terms of not leaking out the filler cap, or splitting wide open in a collision. If you had to choose plastic, Rotopax are the best choice. But there is a reason the military uses steel.... they work. John Davies Spokane WA

Sorry I missed thiis earlier. The Land Cruiser 200 is rated at 780 to 850 pounds tongue weight, depending on model year, but it is softly sprung and really needs airbags for stability. I would rather not mess with airbags but if you want to retain the cushy factory ride they would be a great choice. An alternative is to install stiffer suspension and better shocks like the excellent Old Man Emu kit with either medium or heavy rear springs, depending on how much fixed load is normally carried. I would add Front Runner drawers, spares and heavy recovery gear to be carried always, so I would choose the HD springs. The 200 will tow an Ollie beautifully. Here is an excellent article with lots of tech info. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/towing-with-a-200-series-toyota-land-cruiser.932343/#post-10406612 It's no Raptor off pavement, but it is supremely capable and can comfortably travel washboard at relatively insane speeds (without a trailer!) without falling apart like most vehicles. It has fantastic articulation in back and can get through most trail obstacles that the bumpers will clear. Just don't expect it to be a desert race truck. No jumps! I finally got to test drive one a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed. It is dead quiet, very solid and powerful. The 2013 and later models have the multi-view camera system which is a great thing for negotiating trails or even hooking up the trailer. They also have a slightly better feature list than the earlier models, like HIDs and multi- terrain crawl control. Great trucks! John Davies Spokane WA

Well, this is depressing. The list of available discounts: https://goodsamroadside.accessdevelopment.com/home I think I will stick with AAA. I save way more than the membership cost each year. There is very little that GS offers in the way of discounts that interests me. John Davies Spokane WA

I have the AAA Premier RV coverage. I have mixed opinions on AAA - the only time I really needed a tow, due to sliding off the road in icy weather, there were so many accidents that I could not get an AAA sponsored company to rescue me. I waited two hours for a truck. They did reimburse for the full amount without any hassles. I have never needed a jump start or gas. The one time I called for a flat repair (slashed a sidewall) I waited 45 minutes and finally fixed it myself. I never did see the truck. For Spokane at least, I think the service is very lacking. I like the AAA 200 mile free tow benefit, but Good Sam's unlimited is better, on paper. But only if you are stranded out in the way far boonies like the wilds of Nevada. Usually the nearest facility is lots closer, so I am not sure an unlimited plan actually has any real benefit. I use the AAA discount very often, at motels and NAPA mostly. I think it is accepted in more places than GS. Is there a list of places that give GS discounts, and how much? AAA is typically 10%. Thanks for posting about Good Sam, I may change when my AAA membership expires. John Davies Spokane WA

LOL, this is like a treasure hunt, is this right? Dixie Summit, 5500 ft elevation, between John Day and Bates SP? https://www.google.com/maps/place/44°32'30.4%22N+118°36'11.0%22W/@44.5369807,-118.600871,12z/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Is this a secret spot that you recommend? Is there a view? Do you know anything about this location? Beaver Mountain is further east and 1000 ft higher with no trees. It is an old Air Force radar station, but unfortunately it is close to I-84 and it is very popular with ham radio operators, so I think it will be one of those crazy busy spots. Google Maps is pretty darned cool, isn't it? https://www.google.com/maps/place/Baker+County,+OR/@44.5861522,-117.7870691,16z/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x54a4f21875d2c541:0xff3ac20596bacfff?hl=en-US There is a group of guys from Northwest Overland talking about going there..... I bet there are lots of others thinking about that spot. I added Dixie Summit to my gps app. I am actually hoping I can get a rough, but sunny, camp spot at Unity Lake SP. I have given up on my first choice near Boise. Too busy and not close enough to the path. My Ollie is under construction. After five working days, maybe there is a frame and axles? I need to ask Anita to take some baby pictures to send to me..... John Davies Spokane WA

It will be challenging finding a commercial spot to stay at this late date. For example, all the Oregon parks along the path are booked solid. However, I did get this note from the Parks Department about making several first come, first served campgrounds reservable for that weekend only: It looks like sometime in April or May for the first-come, first-served parks. We're also considering additional primitive camping in open areas at several parks -- no picnic tables, fire rings, electricity, water or sewer hookups--basicallly just a spot (at the primitive rate) with restrooms and water nearby. We're also considering offering the reservations for a block of days -- so, you would reserve a minimum number of nights (TBD). I'll add you to our email list. If you want to camp along the path, you might check your local parks webpage for similar info. I'm still looking for a good spot that isn't too crazy crowded. John Davies Spokane WA

A word of warning.... firearms are perfectly OK on Alaska State ferries transiting through Canadian waters to Alaska from Washington. But if you disembark with your rig at a Canadian port, be darned sure that you have the all proper documentation, have paid the fee, and that your firearms are 100% legal there! If one gun is prohibited, you will be arrested. I am not sure what would happen if you were transporting a gun that was illegal (like a revolver with a barrel shorter than 4.2 inches) and the ferry had to make an emergency stay in a Canadian port for repairs, and everything and everybody had to be off loaded. What would happen in a case like this? Has this happened before? Surely there is some sort of protocol for this situation... PS, if you haven't tried the excellent Alaskan bush novels by Dana Stabenow, you should read a few, in order. Here is her first one as a free ebook. They get much better as she developed her writing skills. http://books.noisetrade.com/danastabenow/a-cold-day-for-murder https://www.amazon.com/Dana-Stabenow/e/B000AQ3BA0 John Davies Spokane WA

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/2017-total-solar-eclipse/rv-guide-to-2017-total-solar-eclipse/ John Davies Spokane WA

Use this one and you won't be disappointed. https://smile.amazon.com/CorrosionX-61002-Rejex-16oz-Bottle/dp/B0006V0LNY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487645998&sr=8-1&keywords=rejex+16+ounce They also make a cleaner which would work great as a prep for the coating, but I have never used that. The idea is that you don't want a layer of wax underneath the Rejex. You can top coat it with wax if you wanted to, but there is no need. Read the reviews, they are very convincing. The airplane owners love this stuff. John Davies Spokane WA

I would be astonished if any kind of surface treatment has been applied. I am eager to try Rejex on my future Ollie, which they are starting today! WooHOO! That is assuming they don't take President's Day off. http://www.rejex.com/rejex.html I will be towing with a diesel that does not have DPF, so there will be some soot drifting back under heavy load. I hope the Rejex will make it super easy to remove. John Davies Spokane WA

I just read an interesting BBC story. There will be hoards of people watching along the path.... "So many people are expected to try to view the eclipse that the American Astronomical Society has set up a taskforce to advise urban and rural communities on how to prepare for the expected population surge. Prof Nordgren works a lot with the National Parks Service: "I'm going to be at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in eastern Oregon. "They have six parking spaces and a porta-potty, and yet they're expecting maybe 20,000 people to come there on that day."" http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38913706 If you want to watch and camp, you need to do some planning and pick a spot that is unpopular and very hard to get to.... that is easier out West than elsewhere. Also, expect chaos along roads and highways when darkness falls, and people pull over to gape at the sky. What fun! John Davies Spokane WA

Looks as if it will pass pretty close to Hohenwald.... John Davies Spokane WA

It's also my birthday! It's a Monday. We are hoping to be out in the raptor conservation area south of Boise ID. While the eclipse path of totality will be north a ways, we can easily drive up for a view. ... https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/ibt/site.aspx?id=65 A lot depends on how warm it is, we may head up into the National Forest if it is nasty hot. http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/maps.htm Here is an interactive Google Earth map that has detailed info for viewing at any location along the path. http://www.eclipse2017.org/xavier_redirect.htm Where will you be? Do you care at all? John Davies Spokane WA

I expect the tire temp climbs after using the brakes hard, for example, descending a mountain pass. Does that show? John Davies Spokane WA

Here is a recent magazine review (pg46-47) http://read.uberflip.com/i/637584-march-2016/45? This product and also the oil treatment, which I do not use, won't hurt anything and you will probably notice some running benefits, maybe slightly increased mpgs. I would be really surprised if you didn't experience quicker and smoother cold weather starts. I am amused when car and truck manufacturers recommend against any and all additives when real world testing proves that some of them are indeed beneficial. My Ram dealer likes to add special "enhancers" to my gear oil without my permission at an extra $40 per axle. That is what I really object to.... If you owned an older Ford Power Stroke with the sticky injector problem, you would bless Archoil for how well it makes those engines run. Does your new truck keep track of the number of regens? That might be a good way to check if it is doing anything. You should see longer intervals between regenerations. That alone will boost mpgs noticeably, if you are a city driver. If you tow or drive all highway, maybe not. John Davies Spokane WA

I don't recall seeing cetane mentioned anywhere in their literature. I suspect it does not boost the cetane number, but it may not need to. You would need to contact their customer service to see if it is ok to use with your other potion. Read through the tech articles if you haven't already. My personal suggestion is to try the 6200 by itself for a few tanks, then consider adding other stuff if you feel the need. I don't think you will need to use a cetane booster. My main reason for using the 6200 is to add lubricity to keep the fuel pump in my Cummins 5.9 happy. Newer engines don't need that, but your emissions system will be much happier with the 6200 and you will probably notice improved starting and maybe a quieter idle. This depends on whether your injectors are in good shape or not. http://www.archoil.com/ar6000-fuel-treatments/ You can also use it for long term fuel storage for your power equipment and also as a shock cleaner by doubling the dose for a tank or two. Try it! John Davies Spokane WA

If you have been considering trying this treatment but have balked at the cost, it's on sale right now. You can get either two or four 8 oz bottles at a 31% or 35% discount. I have been using this for three years and am very impressed. It's great in all engines but especially useful and effective in diesels and also in high performance turbo gas engines that are extra sensitive to fuel quality. It is not snake oil. https://smile.amazon.com/Archoil-Fuel-Modification-Complex-PACK/dp/B01N9QEVQL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487378571&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Archoil+fuel&psc=1 https://smile.amazon.com/Archoil-Fuel-Modification-Complex-FOUR/dp/B01NARYTK1/ref=cm_wl_huc_item I just ordered the four pack. John Davies Spokane WA