Wandering Sagebrush

Just got back from a trip to Steens Mtn, where I noticed the curb side USB was loose from the side of the nightstand. I am afraid of the possibility of there being a metal nut that might short the wiring and cause a fire. I haven’t looked to see if the two ports are in a front panel that can be unscrewed, but before I start tearing things apart, are there any words of wisdom about how to access the back of the USB port. The Steens were stunning as usual, with the first dusting of snow at the top. From the Alvord Desert side.

I once heard a person talk about the music with a name that sounds like “wrap”, but is actually spelled with a silent “C”.

John, on our second night in the Ollie, at about 3 AM, the dogs alerted on something. I turned on the the curb side porch lights to see if we had an animal in camp, but saw a “two legged” critter leaving the area. That extra bright light welcome serves multiple purposes.

I haven’t used the Meguiar’s, but wholeheartedly agree with your choice of Woody. Just used it yesterday.

Here’s a suggestion for making the dinette more comfy. Not exactly elegant, but it does a reasonably good job, and you don’t get in trouble for stealing a cushion from your significant other. It’s just an old floating boat cushion…

I scanned three pages and it looks like 10% members and 90% guests. That’s quite a ratio. I hope they join!

Is your drain valve open? Is your gray water tank full?

Here are three mods/aids that have been made on our Ollie. The first was done by the previous owner, it’s a handy way to grab and close the door. Much easier to find and grab. The next was simple and driven by my inability to remember where the fresh water tank drain valve was located. I fastened two bright yellow zip ties onto a water line above the valve. The tails stick straight up and are easy to see. The third was because I like to sleep with minimal sheets and blankets, and when my posterior touched the interior wall, it was chilly. I split one of my old Ensolite backpacking pads down the middle and tucked the halves between the mattresses and inner hull.

A nice (and unexpected) Jackson Brown cover…

After a more thorough reading of the posts in this thread, I’m even more in the camp of winterizing, and keeping it winterized until traveling into consistently warmer temps. The dead air spaces issue, definitely caught my attention. I do have a question about the capped toilet water supply line (we have a composting toilet). Does the line adequately drain when blowing out the system, or would it be best to uncap the line and let the forced air push residual water into a towel? Inquiring minds need to know.😊

As I recall, the Border Patrol check point south of Why has some weapons grade nasty speed bumps. Even going really slow, they jolted the **** out of the Airstream.

It’s a judgement call that depends on the depth and length of cold, and how risk tolerant you are. As mentioned above, it’s not that difficult to winterize and de-winterize a camper or trailer. Oliver with the boondocking connection at the rear makes it easier than most. Don’t forget to get antifreeze in the drain traps.

It is, I believe it’s right on the eastern border of the NM.

Howdy and welcome!

The kayak lift was also 4 point, with straps under the kayak. It was a strap that let go. Hardware was all Harken (sailboat rigging).

@Rivernerd, my only experience with an overhead lift and storage system was with one for my 22’ double sea kayak. I went into my shop and found one leg had failed, and the bow dropped. Luckily, there was no damage, but it gave me significant nervous twitch about suspended storage. I currently store the canopy on a cart.

Has anyone reached out to Oliver? I wonder if there is some form of intentional damping.

Just saw this on YouTube. Not certain it would be my best option, but it certainly looks like a workable solution.

I did something similar with my F350, but I’m keeping the 20” wheels to put back on the old girl when it comes time to sell Big Ruby Red. I’m also a big fan of Cooper AT3 Discoverer tires. Here’s a link to an older tire Expedition Portal tire review that you might find interesting.

It took a bit of chasing, but I did find the inline T harness to 4 pin that @Mountainman198 mentioned. This appears to be a much better solution when compared to poking a hole through the protective cover of the factory connector.

Not much to see here, but as promised, here are a couple of photos. The first is obvious, the second is the storage box quick disconnect at the back of our Ollie.

John, since OTT is doing the work, I don’t think you’ll have any problems at all. They’re going to do a professional job. I’ll try and get photos of my installation tomorrow.

@Mountainman198, that is great! I need to do some research to find one for my F350. Edit: I just spoke to eTrailer, and it looks like this may be a simple option. https://www.etrailer.com/partlist.aspx?pc=HM40920

John, I have a similar (Aluma) trailer that like yours is truly noisy. The majority of the noise on the Aluma is coming from the folding ramp.

John, rather than splice into trailer wiring, the previous owner of our trailer ran a second circuit from the tow vehicle to the back of the Oliver. It’s for the storage box on the back, and there is a quick disconnect for the box. Wiring is under the hull. There is a down side to this approach, both he and I had to cut an opening into the door of the TV 4 pin to connect the new flat four circuit. I’m probably going to build a new jumper that comes off the TV 7 pin, and splits to a 7 and 4 so I can better weather protect the TV connection. If you would like, I can take photos for you.