jd1923

Agreed, the only way to have an inverter (or any kind of charging station too) is to also have the means to charge your batteries. You could add a solar suitcase, or a DC-DC charger tied to your truck alternator, so that you would charge while towing. You need something. Looks like you have four 82AH 12V lead-acid batteries wired in parallel for 368 AH total. You could be making a pot of coffee say two mornings if the third morning you would be back to shore power to recharge. However, it appears you have no battery monitor so no way to tell where you stand on state-of-charge (SOC). Taking a close look at your pictures, it's very odd that a 2022 model with no solar or inverter would have multiple extra holes drilled into the battery bay. Also, it looks like you have 4/0 cables between the batteries yet a smaller gauge leaving the bay. These would likely have to be upgraded to operate an inverter, though not sure without truly knowing the AWG. OTT mounted our 2KW Xantrex inverter under the rear dinette seat and when I replaced it, with the much larger 3KVA Victron MP2 it had to go under the rear streetside bed (see pic of OTT OEM install). BTW, this working 2KW setup is for sale cheap if interested. Our OEM installation also came with 340AH rooftop solar and we could run many appliances, including the microwave, except on truly overcast days (then LP for coffee). There are a whole lot of inverter, solar, battery upgrade threads here. I would study these for a while and come up with an upgrade plan that fits your needs. It will take a combination of upgrades that can range from a small to large expense and amount of work depending.

I'm not going to get the nice case. An extra battery is always good, but we have enough. This eBay seller had this item for $200 with a Labor Day 20% coupon. Today I got a notification they lowered the price to $160, only $128 plus tax: DEWALT DCGG571B 20V MAX Variable Speed Cordless Grease Gun (Tool Only) New 885911330381 | eBay Bought one today! $141.35 OTD with AZ sales tax. I'll find a plastic bin for it when sitting in my garage, not bringing it on trips. And a thank you to @mossemi who got me thinking about this. I will grease truck and trailer after I get this and before we leave for the Texas Rally in October.

I've got the DC-DC install still on my list. Will use Anderson connectors for 4 AWG cable and likely a similar "pigtail" design mounted on the hitch where the 7-blade trailer connector is located. Thanks Ron!

It's been partially to mostly cloudy for the last 3-4 days which will happen in our Monsoon Season. I was able to get a good reading at 366W at one point when the sun was strong. You can see total charging current at 38.7A with 26.1A from the suitcase, leaving 12.6A from the Blue Sky MPPT rooftop solar. When it's cloudy here, it's cooler too. I've been able to run the old Dometic P2 all day for two days now, no shore power, thermostat set at 82F though I will kick it down 76F while I'm inside. It's been low-mid 80s during the day, but keep in mind the Oliver is sitting in the sun and the sun is strong when the clouds do roll by (and more solar charging). SOC has ranged from 85% as you see at 11:45 AM and would get down to low 60s, one day lowest was 55% late afternoon. This should work great when I replace the old P2 with an efficient A/C model requiring half the amperage for when it is truly hot outside. Another great mod for old hull # 113! 😂

I purchased 10 AWG THWN wire at Lowes, on clearance for $0.23/ft, nice! Yes, do note the economic theme behind much of my modification work (I promise not to get political re the economy, but it stinks)! 🤣 Had a lot of 1/2" split wire loom from a past project, the same kind OTT uses. It was an easy run the along the bottom of the basement to feed wires up to the dinette. 10 AWG wires in loom go all the way from the rear opening to the MPPT charger. Used the exact same wire and loom to make a 33 FT exterior cable, crimped MC4 connectors on one end with a Renogy 15A fuse on the positive lead, and the mating Anderson plug on the other end.

When hull 113 was built there was no Zamp port installed (glad for that). I read several threads on Zamp issues and replacing it. Then I realized I didn't want to drill that size hole on the side of our hull. I suddenly came to the idea of using the rear cable TV connection. We will never connect to RV park cable, and the rear is truly the best location so the suitcase can be easily positioned either side. I first purchased a CNLINKO plug connector. They are extremely well-built, but first it would be difficult to drill a 1/2" hole to 15/16". And the body mount was so shallow it would be impossible to effectively insulate the terminals in this location. I came up with the idea of a pigtail-style terminal made with Anderson SB50 10 AWG connectors. I found Powerwerx and they sell these amazing "Environmental Boots." They even make custom length cables with choice of connectors on each side. I preferred to make my own cables. This is everything I purchased for $29 shipped (ordered two of the SB50 connectors for 10 AWG): Anderson Power Products SB50 SB Series 50 Amp Connector Kit | Powerwerx SB50 Environmental Boot with Cover, Source Side | Powerwerx SB50 Environmental Boot with Cover, Load Side | Powerwerx This is the bodyside connector. I used heat shrink tubing on each wire, then on both. Then I fed the wires through a length of clear tubing I had with 1/2" OD, a snug fit inserted 4-5" into the hull. Wrapped the exterior side with larger heat shrink to wrap everything. To keep it still, I used a 1/4-20 3" bolt, mounted in-between the two tails of the boot, and tap-threaded a hole to secure it to the bumper. She is sitting pretty for now and will soon work the fiberglass repair to fill in the 4 unsightly screw holes.

Now that we upgraded to 600AH Epoch LiFePo4 and 3KVA Victron MP2 Inverter/Charger, it was time to add solar power in addition to the OTT installed rooftop panels. This Amazon link offered "Amazon Used" which I love since it usually is only damaged packaging. I watched it for 2-3 weeks and grabbed one when "Very Good" condition was offered for $525. Mine did have a small scuff on the handles which stick out flush to the foam packaging, NP for the cost. Amazon.com: Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase, Foldable Solar Panel for Outdoor Activities, Durable & IP67 Waterproof for RV, Camping, Off-Grid, Fast Installation with Sturdy Kickstands : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry Installed a Victron MPPT 100/30 where the OEM inverter was previously under the rear dinette seat. This solar charger is capable of running two of these 400W suitcases since open-circuit voltage is rate at 47.2 V and short-circuit current is 11.0A, more than enough.

Trying to understand... I'm guessing you took your Starlink (not permanently Oliver roof mounted) and a Bluetti power station in your truck, drove to open skies, and setup the Starlink to connect. Am I thinking correctly? (if so) Pretty cool! Given this is true, it's the same reason I have our 5G Pepwave router with Parsec Husky antenna installed in our truck. The Oliver sitting at the campsite would have no signal. Out here, trees are hardly the issue. We camp in canyons and normally all I have to do is drive the truck 5-10 minutes to higher elevation to get cell signal. Also out here in the SW, no need to move with Starlink.

Thanks again Mike, as I finally got mine done today! I bought a 2-pack of these for $27: Amazon.com: 83W 12V USB Outlet Laptop Charger: Newest 2 Pack 65W USB-C PD3.0 and 18W QC3.0 Multi Car USB Port 12V Socket Waterproof with Power Switch for Car Boat Marine Bus Truck Golf Cart RV Moto, etc. : Cell Phones & Accessories I looked at so many "Qidoe models" and ended up with the same choice due to this spec: "Independent Button Switch. The switch controls the USB-A port and LED Lights, NOT the PD USB-C Port. Because the USB-C port is a smart output, when the device is fully charged, the USB-C port will automatically power off and stop charging." Nice! I hope this statement is true. I installed them today, but did not yet fully test them. I charge my iPhone at the dinette. The other is installed over Chris' bed. She could use a USB-C to USB-C cable to charge her Samsung Galaxy at night with the switch off, no blue LED light above her head. Installation over the curbside bed is not simple. Remove the deck plate inside the rear kitchen cabinet. It's hard to see but remove the two female spade connectors from the switch. The large plastic nut for the outlet is between the two hulls! Remove the two screws of the cover plate and grab the old unit and pull and spin lefty-loosie until it's removed. Look up in the opening and you will see the large 1 1/8" plastic threaded nut up there between the hulls. Ours needed a lot of cleaning after removing it, rubbing alcohol to clean. To thread the new one, first reinstall the cover plate. I do not like/need the dust cover. I cut the cover off to use the rubber washer, allowing it to sit nicely in the cover plate. Then push it up firmly to contact, turn it left a bit to get the threads straight and then turn it right and turn it, and turn it, until you get it nicely tight. Mine did not end up perfectly square in direction, but I got it nicely hand tight. Then reconnect the wires. It's odd that they have the brass-colored spade for the B- and the silver spade for the B+. If I remember correctly the B- is in line with the ON/OFF switch. Take note of direction since once it's installed you cannot see what's what after it's up there! Another nice little mod done, love it! 🤣

I finally checked out their website, OMG costly, especially where they say, "Starting at $,$$$" which means much more for a hull like ours! Ours begun a while ago. I have to find a young, eager, local detailer!

Nice, we will do some of that during the Texas Rally! Another thought is Amazon to a local pickup locker. If I ordered this today, it would be delivered here tomorrow: Amazon.com: PGSONIC CR2430 3V Lithium Battery (5pcs) : Cell Phones & Accessories

Just added the final touch. Prior to my clean-up project, prior owner had the steps wrapped with a rubber matting. They looked terrible and collected dirt, so I tossed them out. Noticed lately that when the steps are folded it's metal on metal, so I added these little bumpers in each corner (drilled 5/32" holes) under the door. They're out of the way and the folding step sits nicely. These where rubber feet off some appliance I tossed years ago (always save hardware)!

Never seen one. If ours had one, a prior owner removed it. We haven't camped a rainy day, yet! 🤣

We would drive down for the week (2 1/2 hour drive), given the dates many of you would be there are dates I'm not teaching class. My timing for 2024 was off but got our Los Algodones dental visit in. I won't have my 2025 schedule for a while. Hope to see you there! I wrote this on the other thread, but worth repeating here. Buckskin Mountain State Park | Arizona (azstateparks.com) is a great spot on the Colorado River. Good campsites, calm river sounds and excellent bird watching. Not free of course. White Tank Mountain, Maricopa County Regional Park is a good stop on the way to the Q: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation | Maricopa County Parks & Recreation The Maricopa parks are often booked up during winter 6 months in advance. Sometimes a few days here and there free up and some of their parks have overflow/boondocking sites for $15/night.

Not a big concern at driveway speeds. Check with a local trailer shop. They would have a variety of choices and could weld the mount.

Or you can go to O'Reilly's or most national chain A/P stores and borrow this same tool. They charge the cost of it to your credit card and bring it back in 1-2 days and they will refund/credit your card. We have an O'Reilly's 1/2 mile from home, and I have used their loaner program a good dozen times. I purchased a ball joint press that is much longer required for some applications, but I do ball joint service regularly having rebuilt 3 truck suspensions in just the last 4 years. For the Oliver, just borrow one for free if you need it!

Only to meet up with you Steve! Last Jan, given my work schedule and me being new here, I got to Quartzsite the last day you and @Mike and Carol were there (learned this from a later post) and the next day I drove by some "Fiberglass TT Meet" 🤣 Only to find a lot of lame Casita type TTs. Chris and I kept our heads down and quickly thought, let's "Get out of Dodge!" After a night in the northern section of the AZ BLM LTVA, we headed to Wickenburg for much better boondocking by Vulture Mountain and to enjoy a good restaurant that cannot be found in Quartzsite. We should meet up next year. @rich.dev unless you're into large communal camps, thousands of Canadians (wonderful people and country, but who in their right mind would live up there in the winter!), the hippies we knew back in the 70s and the near homeless yep, Quartzsite is the place! If you have 2 months, first come to Prescott and you'll never want to go back to the Q. I already mentioned Wickenburg. Stay at ANY off the Maricopa County parks. Go to Parker AZ and stay at Buckskin Mountain State Park | Arizona (azstateparks.com) Need dental work? Visit Los Algodones and you can stay here for $10 a night: Home - Quechan Casino Resort (playqcr.com) while you visit Mexico (this border is still safe). I can go on and on for days. Yep, Quartzsite is cool if you want to stay for weeks, have an off-grid setup, meet up with old friends that you met there years ago, but instead you can spend time ANYWHERE else in the wonderful state off Arizona. In four weeks, we are going to have a visit from an Oliver owner. We have never met another Oliver owner. So much looking forward to this visit and y'all are welcome too!

Pretty cool, but where we Boondock at times we need ground clearance which is pretty good on the Oliver. Keep this in mind, especially if considering a drawer behind the rear axle.

In other words, just hook up a hose to the boondocking inlet, and then I would run the pump to allow it to prime and take over. This happens to too many Oliver owners. Many can benefit from upgrading your water pump and valves. I replaced the $50 Made in Mexico Shurflo, spending $200+ on a Made in USA Remco variable speed pump. Also changed the manual valves that had 1/4" ID openings with electric ball valves with 12mm (.47") ID. I have the pump running when I change the valves (they're wired on the same circuit), no issues. We use the water at night with the pump off, no issues. We have the OTT OEM defective Fresh Tank suction hose. that was installed on some old hulls, where it runs out of fresh water after 18 gallons. We run out of water often, filling from the boondocking port, no issues. The high-quality variable speed pump always primes itself, no air locks ever. See before and after pics.

Yes, those would be the numbers. I and other Oliver owners have cited here in a few posts that even the old Dometic 13.5K BTU Penguin II draws 15 amps. 15K BTU by the numbers should increase amperage by 11.1% to 16.67A. Given you're seeing 18A then the 15K model at 18A is even less efficient, while a newer model today should be more efficient. One member has measured the new Atmos 4.4 15 BTU model at 7.5A (waiting soon on a second installation to verify this number). Given you have a sales receipt for the 13.5K model and they installed the 15K without your consent, perhaps you can request to a return/refund. Hope this works out in the end to your satisfaction.

Yep, and a little elbow grease! Clean surfaces with rubbing alcohol to get the goo off and sometimes that's all you need.

Just got this today and it looks great. Thanks to those who suggested it! amazon.com/dp/B00H7LPKKU?ref=fed_asin_title

Our longest time away is 4 weeks. With all the Oliver work I do at home (upgrades all summer!), I'll leave the big tools in my garage and enjoy the short time we get away. We're leaving to the Texas Rally 2 weeks early to spend time in the White Mountains of AZ and then Lincoln NF of NM. A week plus in The Hill Country, Inks Lake and South Llano River SP. Another week to 10 days on our return, to Marfa TX and Davis Mountains SP. Lastly Silver City NM on our return home. We'll go from home to Central TX and back without any travel on Interstates. I'll have some basic tools, though do not plan on using them. I'll deal with Zerks, and other maintenance, before and after! 🤣

Art, does your hull # 226 have all 12/2 Romex for AC circuits, or like mine with mostly 14/2?