John E Davies

Rivernerd, An 18 year old Toyota engine isn’t that sophisticated. It has pretty basic electronic sensors and controls. I believe that year did not even have VVT-i (variable valve timing). Though strangely that was in my recently sold 1998 Lexus SC400 4.0 engine. John Davies Spokane WA

Oiled filters do NOT provide nearly as much protection as a quality pleated paper one. This has been proven with oil analysis tests. I use OEM Toyota paper engine air filters only, and change them often. I can’t comment on your performance claims, but I can state that with some vehicles a properly calibrated cold air intake (with ECU tuning) or a snorkel will noticeably improve power. My LC200 has a snorkel, I do not see any improvements at all and it is noisy and whips road spray onto the passenger side glass at highway speeds. My 1996 Series 80 had a snorkel, and it really woke up that engine, probably because there was an up to 40 degree drop in intake temperature (recorded with an OBD2 monitor). One great thing about a snorkel, it makes it really easy to find your white SUV in a sea of white vehicles at the box store…. Do you intend to keep towing with your 4.7 Toyota? That is a very marginal power plant for a 6000 pound Ollie.. It is a tough little truck but IMHO that is definitely abusing it. John Davies Spokane WA

The NextBase cams use a suite of Mac MyNextbase software and apps. You can view and transfer files to an iPhone by wifi, email them (in low resolution) or connect your iPhone to a Mac computer with a cable and use their program to import, view and edit files. You can remove the memory card and insert it into a card reader and copy them. You can upload them to Cloud storage. Or you can use the built in settings in the cam to do a lot of stuff rom the rear screen. I am not a big fan of the software, it could use some refinement, but it works well enough. Go here to the MyNextbase box part way down, click Learn More. https://nextbase.com/dash-cam-features/ It can get quite complicated, it is best to just watch a whole lot of videos for different brands, to see what appeals to you. It is really important that you use a very fast memory suitable for HD video, or the camera will freeze and crash. This is what I have, the Class 10 V30 (or higher) symbol is what you look for. It depends some on if you have a 1080p cam or a 4k cam….. John Davies Spokane WA

Going on six years, and no issues with my TireTraker sensors, they do hit the rims, just like that top picture, it never bothered me any. I worry a whole lot more about busting off a steel TPMS stem on my Land Cruiser. John Davies Spokane WA

I installed a new one, I will open up the old one some time to see what was going on. John Davies Spokane WA

Mine failed unexpectedly after five seasons, I have the old one, I will open it up to see what happened, but its is a low priority. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/6732-weird-water-pump-failure-no-pressure-and-motor-just-hiccups-any-idea-what-is-wrong/ John Davies Spokane WA

You need to read some dash cam comparison reviews, and decide how much you want to spend and what features you would like. Where and how you park your car is important too! This would be a good choice, I have had one on my TV for three years and just bought a hard wire kit for my wife's new Acura RDX, so I can swap it easily to her car. I will probably buy another cam for that car when they are on sale. https://www.amazon.com/Nextbase-522GW-Dash-Cam-Kit/dp/B07PV2RX57?th=1 Nextbase 522GW price history You need enough image quality to read license plates at NIGHT, and a polarizing filter to cut glare in sunlight. Everything else, like rear view cams, are optional features. I really like how this cam captures all the speed, location and G force info, and can overlay it onto a Google map. This is a screen cap of a video using their desktop application. I have to admit that I feel naked and unprotected driving without one. 😉 John Davies Spokane WA

Very true! Also be very aware that there are many fake/ counterfeit/ expired ones for sale, if the price is too good, they are suspect. I try to be ones fresh off the rack at a box store, or from a non-Amazon vendor. John Davies Spokane WA

Followup, here is the access panel in place. And yes, the drawers still close 😉 John Davies Spokane WA

I can't recall where I found this, or I would post a link, Here are some screen captures. I have been using these stainless crimp rings for years, and removal was always a pain, though less so than for the copper ones, but when I saw this tool, I had to have one. Picked up at Lowes for $30: Here is the full pdf. John Davies Spokane WA 1082707744_ApolloPEXInstallationManual0422.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010TKMK4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You will also need a couple of blue butt splices and a crimper/ stripper, and cable ties. I just changed mine a few days ago. John Davies Spokane WA

I think this is fine, but I would prefer to see a new “Vendors” sub forum for threads like this. Mainly so that it is obvious that it is a commercial thread rather than private opinion and knowledge. John Davies Spokane WA

Have you thought about how you will park? That is going to be a huge issue, since there will not be any free guest parking anywhere close by. I am not sure how strict the RV Park is going to be about individual walk-ins. They sure seem to want to keep this from becoming a Monday eclipse party place. The days before probably will not be such a big problem. John Davies Spokane WA

One other thing to check is whether any water lines are touching, or very close to touching, any nearby hard surfaces. Wiggle all lines by hand to see if they can hit. Use cable ties where needed to secure them. I used pieces of water pipe insulation tubing, cut and laid flat, and slipped them into a couple of “tight” spots. They did not even need tape or glue. John Davies Spokane WA

Personally, I would just hire a traveling pro BOAT detailer and say Fix this please! If the gelcoat has aged through neglect and the mold is down inside it, you won’t get it off easily by yourself. You can screw around forever and never get it close to right. Seriously, buffing damaged gelcoat is WAY different than doing your car, it requires different power tools, compounds and a certain amount of experience. Watch some Youtube videos if you want to educate yourself. Take before and after pics and post the results please. Once the gelcoat is once again clean, slick, and waxed, buy a can of this to have handy, it is what body shops use to prep paint. It is crazy expensive online, I bought four cans a few years ago for $14 each from a local auto body paint store. And also order this synthetic clay bar, for use after washing and before waxing. … https://www.griotsgarage.com/brilliant-finish-synthetic-clay/ Both these items are fine for your cars too. The 3M stuff will definitely remove regualar wax. John Davies Spokane WA

Hi, I am sorry to hear about your wife, I bet this happens to a lot of owners. Most are probably too embarrassed to admit it here 😬. When you are taking a shower, or you are stumbling around in the dark half asleep, you don’t want to start bleeding all over…. And it leaves a scar and HURTS! You should file a service ticket and complain! My incident happened when I was leaning down with a squeegee, drying the door and wall there. Do brand new trailers still come with these sharp head knockers? Here is what I ended up doing, it is not a very satisfactory solution. I rounded only the top corner of the inner handle with a hacksaw followed by a file and sandpaper. It will probably start the chrome peeling in a while, the material is aluminum underneath that can corrode, so I don’t know how long it will stay looking acceptable… Mark a clean arc using a flat washer and a Sharpie for a guide: Clearance is really really tight on the inside of the compartment, bigger handles or a big glass door slider knob will hit the frame and prevent the door from closing. I hope other owners keep looking, because I think this original design is just LAME. I am not going to the rally, it is too far for me, I don’t like the east part of the country. If there is an official factory sponsored one in say Moab Utah, I will definitely be there. Come to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse mini rally in two years in TX and you can crawl all over “Mouse”. Thanks for the very kind words. John Davies Spokane WA

My microwave plate gets inverted over a cotton rag (with the little wheel thing underneath), with the rag pulled up around the glass to keep it from contacting the sides or the door. A plastic dish drainer and a box of kleenex go in on top of that, everything stays secure and safe. I don’t think the microwave door could ever open accidentally like the galley drawers, it is super sturdy. John Davies Spokane WA

Ralph,, what is your site number? John Davies Spokane WA

Mike, please add a list of recommended tourist activities, keeping in mind how chaotic things will get. You made a few comments in the other thread, maybe you could expand on them here? Got a particular favorite winery or brew pub? Thanks, John Davies Spokane WA

LINKS OF INTEREST: “If you’re looking forward to 2024’s eclipse but don’t want all the logistical hassles, why not join Sky & Telescope’s tour to the heart of Texas? From our private viewing site in Fredericksburg, you’ll experience 4m 23s of totality — just 5 seconds short of the maximum duration anywhere along the path. Click here to get more information and a reservation link.” … https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/countdown-two-years-2024-american-eclipse/ Video at this interesting site, with lots of local links: …The 2024 eclipse in Fredericksburg, Texas, USA - Elclipse2024.org John Davies Spokane WA

Official park images Pecan Orchard: Upper Loop: John Davies Spokane WA

RESERVED FOR RALLY INFO. (Some is directly copied from the main thread.) THANKS! I just grabbed Site 11, there are plenty of spots as of this MINUTE (“We have made a few reservations today”) but you should act fast FAST if you want a reservation. It would be great to have a mini Ollie rally here. This is for a Friday arrival through Tuesday morning departure, four nights, the eclipse is Monday about noon. Full hookups including wifi. They have a primitive camping overflow lot, but that is not reservable. Here are the official rules and info, you should read them all and then call with your credit card handy. https://www.fbgtx.org/DocumentCenter/View/4736/LBJMP-Rule-Document-for-Eclipse That is a really hard doc to print, it has way too many colors and a black background,. I made better copies, here is one in size 10 font: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse - RULES - LADY BIRD JOHNSON MUNICIPAL PARK size 10 font.rtfd.zip And one in size 12 front for those of you with weaker eyes 😉 2024 Total Solar Eclipse - RULES - LADY BIRD JOHNSON MUNICIPAL PARK size 12 font.rtfd.zip This shows the location with the path of totality: From this map page: http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2024_GoogleMapFull.html?Lat=30.20780&Lng=-98.86356&Zoom=9&LC=1 If you click a spot, a popup appears with details about the eclipse at those coordinates. This is for Frederiicksburg. 4 minutes 23 seconds of totality! Woohoo. That is almost twice as long as my last one. https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/Things-to-See-and-Do-in-Fredericksburg-Texas-Lady-Bird-Johnson-Municipal-Park-Campgrounds-with-RV-Hookups#gid=ci02723bc3b00224ad&pid=things-to-see-and-do-in-fredericksburg-texas-lady-bird-johnson-municipal-park-campgrounds-with-rv-hookups-MTc2MjY5MDQ1NzM2MzUwODkz Google Earth pics, this will not be a quiet place to stay….. This is an old image: I actually like watching planes takeoff and land, there will be some very fancy biz-jets arriving daily for the eclipse. And I plan to set up my camera for a long time lapse video for Monday afternoon when they all line up and take off 😳… https://www.gillespiecounty.org/page/airport The racetrack is a dirt thoroughbred race horse track, no noise …. https://www.fredericksburgescapes.com/blog/live-pari-mutuel-horse-racing-gillespie John Davies Spokane WA

EDIT 06/05/23. FYI Update with tent camping at the park. There are still some spots left if you want to attend and rough it for a while. Four nights for $100, unload your truck, walk to your 20 feet x 20 feet spot, park truck in nearby parking lot. You have to pay for four nights but you can arrive any time. This might be a way for a local Ollie owner to attend without actually bringing the trailer. JD Only one standard size vehicle parking permit is included with your reservation. Absolutely no vehicles, golfcarts, motorcycles, scooters, trailers, or any other type of motorized or wheeled vessel will be allowed in the camping area. No Trailers, Motorhomes, or Oversized vehicles rated larger than a 3/4 ton pickup truck and vehicles longer than ****16ft*** or wider than 6ft. Tent camping area is a pack in and pack out format a vehicle unloading area will be provided. Then vehicles must be immediately parked in the designated Tent Camping Parking areas. Tent camping parking areas are within close walking distance from the Tent Camping area. Tent spaces are approximately 20X20 feet and only 6 occupants permitted per space. Only traditional tents not exceeding 300 square feet that can be secured to the ground will be allowed in the camping area. No Trailer or Vehicle type tents will be allowed. Absolutely no fires, only propane grills are permitted. NOTE: 16 feet is a mid sized truck! My Land Cruiser 200 is 16.25’. A Suburban is about 19’… They don’t want long vehicles. ———————————————— This is a spinoff from this thread: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/4138-official-ollie-eclipse-rallies-total-solar-eclipse-04082024/ Please read that for general info and for general eclipse remarks, this one is just for this Lady Bird Johnson RV Park part of it. I plan to post member names, hull numbers and campsite numbers. Scroll down to the next posts for links to the RV park and some pictures. Places are going FAST, do not delay a minute if you want to come here in 2024. You will not be able to “wing it” and hope to find a place to park the day before, no way….. having a reserved spot will take away a huge mental stress. I am listing these in order received. Let me know if you want me to add info such as your real name(s). ***List updated 06/24/23*** There are ELEVEN Ollies as of this date! Woohoo! Ralph Mawyer, LE2 Hull 625, San Antonio Texas, site 66 John and Jac Davies, LE2 Hull 218 “Mouse”, Spokane Washington, site 11 (NOTE SOLD SITE 11, will be in the Grassy Tent Area in an old school tent.) Art and Diane Flynn, "Max burner", 2017 LE2 Hull 226, Placitas New Mexico, Site 11 Carl Hansen, LE Hull 924 “Lil Tow”, Oregon, site 24B Galway Girl, LE2 Hull 505 “Galway Girl”, Everett Washington, site 44 Kathy & Brad Tewart, LE2 Hull 1095, Katy Texas, site 70 Bob and Elizabeth Cox, LE2 Hull 737, Florence Alabama, site 64 Mike and Marianne Hermann, LE2 Hull ?, Scottsdale Arizona, site 13 Alan and Judy Wasik, LE2 Hull 759, Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, site 30 Donna and Paul Polk, LE2 Hull 414 “2 HOBOS”, Berryville, Virginia, site 56 Bob and Marsha Pancoast, LE2 Hull 108. Carnation, Washington, site 23 Dave & Lisa Kelly, LE2 Hull #1247, Fort Myers Beach, FL, Site # 24A ************************* Ralph Mawyer said: “ It's a great little park, but please note, they are really strict about no extra vehicles for that weekend, so that folks don't book a space and invite everyone they know. Be sure and read the rules.” John Davies Spokane WA

MOST Ollie owners do not participate in this forum, you should use the See an Ollie link to request a referral from the Sales department. Though there are many owners who do not participate in that program. This is a good first step, there are definitely some trailers in the SFC area. The red symbols are the LE2s.. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/see-an-ollie/field-visit-request/ John Davies Spokane WA

Here is the next paragraph of the abstract. “Utilizing the collected degradation data from the calendar aging experiments and manufacturer’s cycling data a lifetime degradation model was produced to simulate the extent of aging from different geographic locations and to compare which degradation mode had the most influence over a ten year lifespan. The model was validated using additional data not included in the non- linear degradation model and the results tabulated using real-world temperature and drive cycle data. According to the simulations, calendar aging plays a significant role in the loss of capacity within the battery pack, due to the battery pack not being utilized on a constant basis in the vehicle. Incorporating it into the simulation resulted in the battery pack reaching its EOL much sooner than the targeted consumer requirement of ten years.” 😳😤 My bold highlight…. that is not good for an RV application that is not a full timer. FYI the batteries studied were for electric vehicles, not trailers, so the conclusions may not be 100% accurate for Ollies.. John Davies Spokane WA