jd1923
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Posts posted by jd1923
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3 hours ago, CRM said:
Heck, I'd pull the cover off and inspect it while it's still mounted up top. I've had the cover off of mine and it looks like it wouldn't take long at all to see what's going on inside the evaporator housing. Could be an easy fix.
In 3 weeks we're heading to the Q and then points SE of Tucson. Thinking of SE Colorado again, when I have time off mid March through mid April, weather depending.
Won't be needing A/C for these trips! It could be an easy repair but it's never easy working on top of the Oliver. I won't be walking around up there like some might. Just getting the cover off is not just 4 screws like the Dometic P2 cover. There are 9 screws in all directions. Not easy reaching over on the awning side either.
I'd hate to pull the whole unit down for repair, but that may be the way to go. I could diagnose, repair and bench test in my garage/workshop.
I had made a custom wiring job for the 120VAC connection. OTT had cut the 12/2 Romex quite short wired to a single-gang junction box. The junction box would not fit above the Turbro Fixing Plate. I had to die-cut a new opening on the close side of the Turbro control box to wire this connection directly. It will also be a pain taking that down, and given success rewiring it again. Short wires make for difficult wiring.
Then there is the risk that besides the broken evaporator fan something else could be wrong. A new A/C unit for $100 +/- in parts and a few hours labor... ?
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@David and Gail Yesterday I had written the first paragraph of my previous reply incorrectly. It is now correctly stated. JD
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On 12/23/2025 at 1:14 PM, David and Gail said:
@JD1923, Is this the picture you’re looking for?
Yes David, this is your axle label. It shows D52 for 5200 LB axles which are the better HD axles (12" vs. 10" brakes). It lists Capacity at 3500 LBS which means mounted to the axles are two 1750 LB rated leaf springs.
As @John Dorrer has stated from data he has collected which is a good sample since he regularly monitors our OTT Forum AND the Oliver Facebook page.
Yours on your very new hull should and could be fine. Inspect them before and after long trips. When the leaf springs continue to appear nicely arced, they are good. If you observe a flattening of the main spring at either end, then replace ASAP with Alcan Springs. Ours lasted 10 years and were still good. I only replaced mine wanting the best for our next 10 years! 😎
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2 hours ago, CRM said:
Diagram is here- Exploded parts diagram
I’m surprised, thank you! Maybe I get lucky…
1 hour ago, Ronbrink said:… now an Amazon return…
Bought from Turbro direct. These manufacturers seem to rarely want their defective products back. That’s why they wanted me to do their testing! How will they ever determine cause to improve their design and build processes?
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The Pro Series is a dual purpose Starter/Deep Cycle battery. Useful life of the battery might be short-term. Check warranty. Essentials have 4000 duty cycles.
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4 minutes ago, Cort said:
Thanks for the new military term - "Flapping" - I like it. I decided that the 460 will fit but take up too much space - looking to go for the duo 300 AHs -Now I'm looking for a sale and deciding between the essentials and the pro series. (Do I really need self heating?)
Yes, you want self-heating. Good news is the Essentials series is also self heating with a self-managing BMS. The Elite Series which is a bit more expensive includes Victron Comms (can be wired directly) some upgraded internals and has a higher waterproof rating (can be submerged in 1m of water). The Essentials Series has everything most consumers need.
I just added a 3rd 300, 15% off on the Black Friday sale. They run sales every other month from 10-15% off. I buy from Renewable Outdoors out of Colorado, free shipping and the do not charge for out-of-state sales tax.
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3 minutes ago, taylor.coyote said:
I like the idea of running without to test for heat with an infrared temp gun. This said, we run a lot on dirt/gravel and it's called a dust cap. Shouldn't you keep the dust caps on for the obvious reasons?
The true "dust cap" is the cap pressed into the hub of the brake drums (as pictured). Yes, the outer center caps can help in deep mud but are more for cosmetics.
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So, I have a bit of bad news on my Turbro purchase...
I finished the installation 2 weeks ago. Adam and I, standing on top of the scaffolding, lifted the relatively heavy unit into place. We placed it on a bath towel so as not to scratch the new ceramic coating, and it slid nicely into place from the rear side of the Oliver. He stayed up top and I went inside. I pulled the towel down through the 14x14” opening and it only took a wiggle to line up the unit and bolt up the Fixing plate. I didn't yet mount the Air Deflector Panel because I wanted to first hear it run w/o the panel in place.
When it powered up it started in the default Auto mode and was relatively quiet. It was not hot nor too cold in the cabin, so I believe it was just in fan mode. The fan control on the remote; low, medium and high settings did not change the fan speed.
I put it into heat mode and turned the thermostat up high. It took a minute or so to kick in and when it did, the noise was terrible (listen to the video). Switched it from fan to heat modes and the noise returned three times. I was bummed and powered it down.
I had been in contact with Turbro Support prior to purchase of the unit, so I thought to reply again to “Mason” the CS Rep. I reported my case and enclosed the video recording of the noise. He replied the next day, “The video has been received and forwarded to our manufacturer for further investigation.” Twice he wrote “the manufacturer” like Turbro Support was a 3rd party CS org.
I spent a week with Turbro Support, sending one email a day, since I would only get one reply a day, always early AM! I came to realize that Turbro Support must be based in China. The differences in time zones made for the once-a-day communication. Also, I could feel the Chinese culture in the wording of these emails, having worked with Chinese for years at Motorola.
Close to a week later, I was getting fed up! Each day they asked for more information. After their “further investigation” email they wrote “It sounds like there may be an issue with the indoor blower wheel.” They asked me to runs some tests, like I’m supposed to be their field engineer! The next time I powered up the unit, the noise got even worse and soon plastic fins and bits from the blower wheel spit out of it and all over the back of the Oliver!
It took Turbro Support a full 6 days to finally state they would replace the unit! I had originally purchased the black model to save $100 thinking I would paint it gray to match other trim I had painted. Then over Black Friday, they priced both white and black models down to $949 (previously the white was $1,099, the black $999 with promo codes). I had asked them to replace mine with a white unit to just barely compensate for my troubles. I made this request on day 2 and finally on day 6 he wrote. “Please kindly know that we can only ship the replacement unit in the same color.”
I was livid, and in reply I wrote: “After all you have put me through, you should satisfy the WHITE color request. Please REFUND my money to the original form of payment. I don’t feel I can trust the product quality and Turbro Support is too difficult.” (All quotations are exact copies from our emails). 24 hours later, their reply was, “We've issued a refund for your prior order…” So Chinese, no consideration of others in business!
So, I have this albatross sitting on top of our Oliver. A good friend of mine suggested I should source a blower wheel and for the cost of it I’d have a new A/C. First off, the part is likely not available. RV A/C units are not considered serviceable. Secondly, why did the fan run OK but not so after the heat pump was turned on? I believe there may be a primary issue with this unit, still unknown.
@CRM if you ever make it out west, you can pickup this Turbro for spare parts if you like! In the new year, I’m back to considering other A/C options. It’s good I have our furnace working on a simple Honeywell heat-only thermostat.
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1 hour ago, Cort said:
The dimensions are so tight…
One Epoch Essentials 460 Ah will fit in the tray, but two will not fit even without the sliding tray (too wide).
You’re better off with two 300s, for more power, redundancy, etc. Yes, it’s a bit more money than one 460.
It would also allow you to go to three someday for a total 900 Ah! 😎
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On 12/25/2025 at 7:50 PM, Patriot said:
Give Mike a call at Oliver Service $3.00 plus shipping.
Price hard to believe! Mike asked $150 plus shipping to send me a new DOT label for our hull! Ours is faded, hard to read. I had to reply no thank you, close ticket. My thinking is it should have been a no cost item!
@Mark Meadows I have a deal for you! Just PM me with your shipping address and I'll send you mine, no cost. I have 4 good used and 2 brand new. If you want the full chrome centers, NP just let me know but shipping would be a little more. Mine living in the SW all look better than yours.
Next time, perhaps add sealant like @topgun2 suggested. Mine were on for years NP, so perhaps yours are brushing on something.
Or maybe you just take them off as I did. I'm thinking I can hammer the Nev-R-Lub bearing caps to remove the embossing, smooth the surface. Then mount some really cool emblems. The Oliver emblems are boring and these tall centers were designed for the old-style conical bearings that stuck so far out.
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27 minutes ago, Galway Girl said:
I know other Oliver owners (Chuck and Kathy) living in Prescott. Have you connected?
Wow, no, have not ever seen another Oliver around town. They must not be on the forum or they would have seen my many posts with my signature. Thanks Craig!
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Hello @Mark Meadows,
Just search for “trailer center caps” on Amazon, eBay or anywhere. They are all aftermarket, no diff OEM except costing more.
If you need Oliver center emblems go to them.
Many of us go no without center caps at all. Then with an infrared temp gun you can read hub and bearing temps. You might say it even looks better without.
I have a full set with Oliver emblems, very good condition if you like! 😎
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1 hour ago, SeaDawg said:
Merry Christmas!
Stay warm, y’all
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On 12/20/2025 at 11:51 AM, John Dorrer said:
JD "Resident Chamber of Commerce"😎
Yes John, just call me Prescott's ambassador to the Oliver Community! I also know the best camping sites in the Prescott National Forest. Pictures to follow of Town Square on Christmas Eve. =>
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After a hard nights work, Santa's Reindeer came to visit us in our backyard this morning! One Buck and near a dozen Doe!
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We have a tradition to see the city lights after dinner on Christmas Eve!
In Prescott we have a crazy neighbor who ALWAYS dresses their house up BIG! Three yards of decorations and they broadcast Christmas music on FM to hear in your car while you take in the views. Always a line of visitors every night from Thanksgiving to New Years! Too bad the couple in the Prescott Christmas City video did not know of this place! 🤣
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First time being part of a Christmas ornament! 🤣 Merry Christmas to all!
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15 hours ago, Geronimo John said:
Amazon Returns....
I’ve literally returns several hundred items…
They still love me though since we’ve purchased several thousands of items! 🤣
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Thank you our Friend @John Dorrer for starting this thread of Holiday Cheer!
Not yet a White Christmas down here, but they say it might be coming one night this week (picture taken Christmas 2024)!
I'm sure some of you are buried deep in snow already. Best wishes!
Every New Year we are all blessed in our Oliver travels! 😂-
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2 hours ago, topgun2 said:
Either another way or as an addition - you could always add insulation in the form of "foam board" to that door. Bill
Thanks Bill! Like your idea as an "addition." The 1" rubber discs with a sealant will keep everything inside clean and I should add some insulation for insulation purposes.
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8 hours ago, Steph and Dud B said:
If you don't want to drill holes in the hull, why not use a portable solar panel on the ground with it's own charge controller and just run the cables through the open battery compartment door?
This is a good start but leaving the battery door open/unlocked is not a real good idea. We often have our solar suitcase out when we're gone for the day. Lose the suitcase would be one thing, but LiFePO4 batteries is another!
Gary @grweber1, good to hear from you and knowing the old Xantrex is serving you well!
Bill @rideandfly, love your compact installation! For something small it's done right and the Renogy waterproof SCs are pretty cool!
My take, I'd go with the battery bay install that @Steph and Dud B mentioned and some kind of terminal like @Geronimo John suggested. You could drill a 1/4" hole in the door fiberglass. If you do, use VHB tape vs. drilling the 4 little mounting holes.
Check my picture. You could mount the terminal through a vent hole already drilled. I placed a cable gland on the bottom rear vent to get the idea across. Either way, have enough wire length so to open and close the door easily.
I'm also not much for built-in Solar Controllers. Much greater selection of panels in higher wattage and you need heavier gauge wire to connect the panels when the SC is built-in. The SC should be as close to batteries as possible and you'll want 30+ ft of cable to the panels, so you can put the solar suitcase on any side of the Oliver. 12 AWG wire is OK for up to a 400W suitcase when the SC is at the batteries.
I love this company for battery terminals, etc. They also custom make cables any length with ANY kinds of ends. I've also found products here that are not carried anywhere else. A little costly for custom cables, but great for those who do not have the cable and crimp tools: https://powerwerx.com/custom-dc-power-cables
Also in the picture, checkout the rubber disc in the adjacent vent hole. A lot of dirt gets in the bay during travel, not anymore. These vents were only needed for LA batteries. I'll seal the 8 vent holes with rubber discs with clear silicone on top to eliminate dirt or moisture in the bay! Search on Amazon for "rubber discs. These are 1" dia and " 3mm thick. 😎
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7 hours ago, Cort said:
Not all was good with Alcan, though.
First complaint of Alcan Springs written on this Forum!
When these U-bolts are torqued down there is about 1 1/4" extra length in threads which is needed for assembly so you do not have to have everything lifted perfectly into place. They are just as low as the bottoms of the shock studs.
If wet bolts were too short, they could not be mounted. ALL of mine have exactly two threads protruding from the Nyloc nuts when torqued.
Best to replace axles and leaf springs at the same time, so not to double your effort.
I ordered D52 axles through Alcan as an authorized Dexter dealer. Dexter did not pack the axles properly and they were damaged in shipment. Alcan took the lead and got me a rush replacement order, asked Dexter to secure the axles on a doublewide pallet, got my shipping costs refunded and allowed me to keep the damaged axles for spare parts! We sent at least a dozen emails back and forth. There was not one time where Lew or Tim did not reply within 1-2 hours or by 8AM when I sent an email after hours.
Just this morning I retorqued the U-bolts, for the last time, since all nuts on all U-bolts were still at 90 ft-lbs after not too many miles. I've been restoring cars, trucks, and trailers for over 45 years. Alcan Springs are very good custom parts and everything was complete.
Lucky again you did not damage the Oliver, or hurt yourself, allowing a jack stand to slip. You did not show pictures of said issues. Good pictures and more on the "Alcan experience" can be found here =>
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5 hours ago, Cort said:
Keep oil receipts (or document oil changes another way (photo's). I think I will have the oil changed in shops until the warranty runs out.
Not good enough...
Always service your vehicles, including oil changes, at the manufacturer's dealerships during the warranty period. Use of aftermarket parts/service items can be claimed to be substandard which can VOID your warranty.
Also, it's pretty much a fact that oil filters purchased at Walmart, Fram oil filters for example, and most auto parts purchased on Amazon, are substandard!
The oil filter is absolutely your MOST important engine part, period.
Actually, your luck is pretty good! First good story I've heard re GEICO!
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22 minutes ago, Cort said:
Unless I have this wrong - under normal circumstances we would never draw nearly this much power from a battery (???)
It depends on your total Ah and usage...
I certainly agree with Will on two points (his snarky way makes me 🤣, although if you own BBs it's certainly not funny). First, these are truly OVERPRICED in today's market and he ran a valid test. Second as he stated, I wonder if BB the company has reprogrammed these to produce less output which of course results in less heat produced. Of course units sold years ago would not be programmed as such unless you can/have updated firmware.
More on your question... Running a 1100W coffee machine is drawing 90A (1100/12 for 12VDC). Running a blow-dryer or A/C could pull 1800W or 150A . So any 1100W appliance is very close to his 99A test which I would call normal use. If you were running on a single 100 Ah, I'd say you'd be screwed!
HOWEVER, not to worry as most of you have two or three 100 Ah BB batteries. Say you have 3 batteries the amperage is split, so the 1100W appliance that pulls 90A will pull 30A from each battery (more "normal circumstances"). This is why most of you have not had heat issues. The fact that the Gold Standard, premium priced battery can only produce half of their spec!!! If you bought BB new recently, I'd strongly suggest asking for your money back.
In contrast, the 300 Ah Epoch Essential can draw 100A recommended and 200A maximum (400A peak for 10s). 300 Ah at $1200 list price is $4/Ah rating ($3.40/Ah when on sale 15% off). The BB at the $800 current sale price is more than double the cost at $8/Ah.
If the 100 Ah BB could truly produce 100A discharge, 3 BBs would be far superior to one 300 Ah Epoch (only) in its ability to produce discharge output. But If actual numbers are 50% less, then the output capacity is about the same.
Most Oliver Owners who upgraded to Epoch have installed two 300 Ah batteries (600 Ah for 85% the cost of 3 100 Ah BBs today, when both are on sale). Two have a discharge capacity of 200A, maximum 400A which means you can run that noisy Dometic P2 A/C (150A+) all day, under spec/no heat issues, or until you get low on SOC! 😎
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Greenland Turbro 13.5k Inverter AC / Heatpump install.
in Ollie Modifications
Posted
We’d like to know more about your mod to reduce air noise in the cabin, thanks!