jd1923

@Nan This will not help you immediately, but you will want to make this upgrade. See my installation, bottom of page one here: Refrigerator Cooling Fan - Mechanical & Technical Tips - Oliver Owner Forums (olivertraveltrailers.com)

That's the way to do it. You will see what your amazing new solar installation gives you even with the 6V LA batteries. I went with two 300s because I knew I wanted at least that much and a third will fit in the battery bay with tray removed. Also, 1-2 more would fit in the basement under the pantry and battery bay. Our goal is all off grid while running an efficient A/C, go to RV parks when needed and not have to connect. The 460AH Epoch Essentials weighs in 84 LBS and the 58 LB 300A model was enough to carry! Tough to fit an extra 460 if you want more. @rideadeuce just squeezed two 460s in the bay, with no tray, but only the more expensive model with Victron comms will fit. Last year Epoch gave 15% OFF for Black Friday. This timing might be very good for you.

Useful idea, great plan with drawing and knowledge of relay wiring! And thank you for showing all the camera wiring too, very helpful! Wondering if instead of this switch, could the same relay read power from the trailer 7-blade hitch connector? The black wire shows 12V+ while connected. Oliver disconnects it from the +bus for LiFePo4 installations, but if so, it is likely capped and laying below on the basement floor. It's the black wire you see in my picture when I disconnected it in our older hull. Wiring in new hulls is likely different. You could instead pick up the feed from the yellow wire for the reverse lights, but the camera would turn ON/OFF switching in and out of reverse.

Or if 460AH is enough, a couple regulars here have installed two of these: https://www.litime.com/products/12v-230ah-plus-lifepo4-battery The 2-pack is $984.58 plus tax, free shipping, on sale for another 30 hours. Though I certainly understand waiting for the right time, as I continue to spend way too much on our Oliver!

Hard to beat this price and two of these fit nicely in the battery tray. Epoch has a USA10 code now for 10% OFF. Buy direct from Epoch and they charge sales tax and shipping. Buy from this company and get them to honor the Epoch 10% OFF sale. They do not charge tax and shipping. I bought these for $1,798.20 total during their 4th of July sale. Epoch Batteries 12V 300Ah | Heated & Bluetooth | LiFePO4 Battery - Epo – Renewable Outdoors

I'm thinking yours is more than a coffee issue. We have always used an inverter. We stream TV shows or YouTube, play a Blu-ray at night, turn on Newsmax in the morning, can't do that on LP. We have two tea kettles for drip coffee. If it's going to be a sunny day (80/20 rule in Arizona) we use our 1100W electric and if SOC is low and the forecast is mostly cloudy we use LP instead. Forgot about your generator. We haven't needed one in a while, so I did not consider it in my earlier comment. We had a Class-C with a small inverter and at first no solar but a capable built-in 4KW Onan generator. We would watch TV, run any electric appliances including the microwave. During afternoons we would run the generator, run the A/C then too and meanwhile recharge the batteries. How OTT wired the 2KW Xantrex (pictured above) was as follows. 4/0 battery cables (2/0 is actually enough) go to the inverter first and then they used 6 AWG cables to power secondary 12VDC needs. The automatic transfer switch (ATS), is shown center of picture. Notice the label "connect to AC load only" which was wired to the one 120VAC breaker that handles the microwave and 110V outlets (make coffee, watch TV, etc.). The ATS allows this circuit(s) to be run on shore power OR inverter. The wiring is relatively simple. Besides an inverter with ATS, perhaps longer/heavier cables, I would suggest getting a shunt-battery monitor, so you would know when the inverter had used enough power to require recharging (50% SOC for lead acid). We have the tank level monitor too, but I never use it. I added one of these for reading amps and AH used, besides SOC. The VictronConnect app makes it so you can read this data via Bluetooth. It's good to know when parking/leaving your Oliver whether you forgot/left something on that would drain SOC, check the -Amps reading which should be very low. Hope this helps! Amazon.com: Victron Energy SmartShunt IP65 Battery Monitor (Bluetooth) - Victron Smart Shunt - 6.5V-70V, 500 amp : Automotive

Given you cannot get the #5 position to stay on after selecting it, can only be the board. We usually run ours in the #4 position, saving #5 for when we might need it. Did you work the new fan installation?

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!