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KarenLukens

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Posts posted by KarenLukens

  1. Here's a good Video description - 

     

    Here's another ok video but you will notice in this installation video that they did Not install the return line to get full use of the comfort mode - 

     

    Has anyone checked to make sure that the Comfort Mode Circulation Line  was installed in their unit? I'll be double checking mine because when taking a shower, if you switch to comfort mode first, you should then have no wait for hot water to come down the line. This can really save a lot of unwanted cold water coming out of the hot water line when showering and will make a huge difference on water conservation when boondocking.

  2. I'm guessing command hooks and the thick white or even clear shower curtains would be the simplest for going down the one side. I looked online a bit and saw cut tarps mostly, which is what I used in the past. Thick shower curtain could be rolled up or folded and stored easily in the basement and being that it's already a 4 season, for the temps that we will be in, going around the entire bottom during winter really isn't needed. Camping World sells skirting also but... Basically we just need something that will hold the heat inside the room during winter and our Big Buddy will burn us out of there anyway if needed and I can hook it to one of the external propane ports with the 10'hose. 

  3. I actually called and asked today as our is a few weeks into the build and will be done after 1-15, which was their last estimate. So one of the reasons that I called today was to get the Hull#. So Jason walked out and asked for the number but it still hasn't been assigned yet. In a few weeks, the day that it's finished, we will be driving out to pick it up, so I was hoping to get it today. But we're writing a check for the rest so it's not that important... I guess... :( Sure would be nice though... I think if you call and they know where you are in the build process, that your # should be able to be given to you since you're financing. I will be calling the State to register it by phone afterwards because they only give us 30 days here in California and we want to hit the East Coast and see some friends before we go all the way west again, hopefully in the Spring...

     

    Reed

  4. we are making our own to get a better fit. Otherwise it is surprisingly tight. Another issue concerns the poles that go up against the side of the trailer. Since the sides of the Oliver are curved rather that vertical and flat, you need to drill an extra hole in the bottom of the rafter to accommodate the pin at the top of the pole.

     

    We will definitely be interested in seeing how you make your skirting. My first thought was to use white velcro under the bottom lip out of sight under the door all the way down but then it would need a second piece to cover it while driving.

  5. For the most part we are really spontaneous and don't always look ahead of time at places to camp and most of the time we simply use "Trip Adviser" or "Yelp"when looking for a place. But then there's times when you just want to get away and really all that you need is a map. So I go to http://www.mylandmatters.org/ and download the USGS map that I want for that particular area. There are simple tutorials for this on YouTube but here's a quick run down

     

    1st click the "Maps" button in the menu

     

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    Then today we'll select "Recreation"first and it then opens the drop down menu below it and we're selecting "Topo Maps"this time but there's a ton of great maps on here and if you're a miner like I am then this place is my 2nd home -

     

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    After Selecting this you click on the + button and then you can either keep hitting the + inside the map in the area that you want or I simply form a rectangle around the area that I want to see and let it enlarge that way on its own. To make a rectangle just put your pointer in the lower right hand section of where you want to enlarge and then drag it up and left to form whatever size area. Today we're going to Hohenwald -

     

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    You can see the green and then look for state parks, etc. You can drag the map by hitting the button with the 4 arrows pointing in 4 directions then just drag the map up/ down/ etc... The arrows are above the most important button, which is the "i" or information button -

     

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    After finding the area that you want the map of, you simply click the "i" and then click on your spot on the map and it will open the menu on the left in the picture above. Then simply download the map and open it up and you have the USGS Map of that area right in front of you -

     

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    I zoomed in at the bottom so you could see the edge and also Hohenwald. Then I saw the green US Forest areas and picked one, the Laurel Hill Lake State Rec area and then typed that area into found a place to check out for the evening. Then we Googled Laurel Hill Lake and the rest is up to you. There's a ton of info all across the United States and this gives you a place to start. Honestly though it all starts with having a good GPS in your Vehicle. You can find them for under $200 in many stores - https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Nuvi-2589LMT-North-America/dp/B00N41UTCG/ref=sr_1_6?s=gps&ie=UTF8&qid=1482271268&sr=1-6&keywords=garmin+gps

     

    Reed

    • Thanks 5
  6. Thanks :) I don't mind you moving it :) I talked to Jason this morning and he is looking into ordering ours for us from them. I really like the way that they secure the sides with the clamps all the way down the canvas. We're getting the "Privacy Room", not the Ultra Lite - http://www.fiamma.com/EN/products/fiammastore/winch_awnings_enclosures/privacy_room/

     

     

     

    He's checking on prices and everything because we want the side supports and hold downs for wind. Then on the Fiama we had on our Casita, we put straps over the top and then put poles or in this video just a broom and our rake on top to help hold the canopy down in the high winds along with double anchored tie downs with paracord. Jason said there's only been one person that's had the canopy blow up and do any damage and I've had ours our in some serious winds. On the Casita you had to worry about it pulling right out of the fiberglass, tearing holes into the camper, but on the Oliver it's designed to break off the mounts... hopefully. Strapping it down is a big deal and the extra room really adds a lot of strength when you get it complete with the wind supports :)

     

    • Thanks 2
  7. We’re planning a trip in January to southern NM (Carlsbad/Guadalupe Mt NP) and then to southern AZ (Sierra Vista/Tombstone/Bisbee). I anticipate temperatures in the mid to high 20’s at night and then 40’s/50’s during the day. If I get a heated water hose or heated tape for my current hose, will that be enough? Do I still need to turn of the water and disconnect the hose at night? I don’t plan on driving in freezing conditions, but if for some reason I end up on the road with temperatures below 32 (you never know in west Texas) are there any issues with running the furnace while towing? We already keep the fridge going on propane while on the move. I know there are some experienced cold weather campers out there and would appreciate your thoughts and advice. Mike

     

    If you're staying in a campground they will generally require you to unhook the water hose before you go to bed and make sure that your tank is topped off. But because we have a 4 season rv, topping off your tank at night will not be an issue. I've seen the heated water hoses for sale but I've never used one and on the Olli, we have plenty of water on board.  Personally I wouldn't want to be hooked up to a waterline in 20° weather because frozen hoses just keep freezing farther inside. Generally during the day or after 7 to 8am the temps will be above freezing and running the heater isn't needed while driving, but... I'll be trying it out myself come February just to see. I haven't looked at the specs on the Olli heater yet but they are generally enclosed and the pilot is behind a window. I would say try it, the most it could do is get blown out and have you vent some fresh air back into the trailer. Honestly though, as long as your not driving when the temps are below 30°, there shouldn't be a need to run the heater.

     

    I’m interested in hearing some comments. Oh yeah, a remote thermometer that shows the inside “below floor” temp of your Ollie while you are in your tow vehicle would provide great peace of mind. Be safe. John Davies Spokane WA

     

    I really like your idea and installing an indoor outdoor thermometer with the outdoor down in the hold is a great idea :)

     

    Can you not run the heat strip on the AC while traveling, or does that pull too much power?

    You could run it but the heat is needed under the floor, so running the heat strip or just running a small heater in the trailer won't add any protection under the floor for the pipes. When the time comes, I will definitely try running the heater itself while driving. The last time, when I had a heater in my motorhome, it worked flawlessly every time. I can't wait to pick up our Olli in just over a month now :) Driving in snow means having 4WD with posi or limited slip differentials at least in the rear, good snow tires and good chains for all 4 tires on your tv and at least 2 for the trailer. I've always liked the diamond pattern cables or chains for the tv when pulling a trailer, they're a little more expensive and a lot harder to put on but the smoothness of the ride with the diamond pattern always on the road, makes driving in chain control areas no big deal.

     

     

     

    • Thanks 1
  8. As of a few hours ago, i believe canoe12 was correct.

     

    Happy camping.

    Sherry

     

    Maybe there was a problem today sometime then because I've edited every post that I've ever made and have never not had a choice to edit, add, change pictures and so on after every post. So I circled the Edit/Reply/Quote for you in case you didn't see it the first time or... unless... my account is set up different then canoe12's.

    • Thanks 1
  9. We only have reply, quote, and thanks buttons

    So, for now, those instructions are useless. I’m sorry.. under the old forum format you could edit or delete your own post for at least 24 hours. I’ll see what can be done about that. In the meantime, if you need to delete a duplicate post, pm me. Sherry

     

    Actually, after you post, the options up top are Edit/ Reply/ Quote.

     

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    If you want to quote more then one person, you can scroll back up and click as many posts as needed.

     

    After you hit Edit, you can add hyperlinks, pictures, change your message or simply empty it. Then after it's empty, just write Delete at the top or in the title and the moderators will take it from there :)

     

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    Reed

  10. Just to be clear, a Facebook group is in no way in competition with the official Oliver Forums. This forum will always be the go to place for technical information, user exeperience, the efforts of the Harmon's, Buzzy and others, the latest news about Oliver. A social Facebook group does not compete with all of that.

     

    A facebook group is a social experience where people with common interests gather in groups to socialize and share experiences. A closed group allows for conversations, picture sharing etc...in a bit more private setting since only members can see the posts.  Our Facebook group posts links to this very forum and the Oliver website too. There are Facebook groups that are Public, Closed  or Secret.  There is something for everyone. I run an art group for fans of my illustrations and hands down, 600 members prefer my group to be closed so they can share with a bit more privacy.

     

    So, I don't get the objections or the assumption that a Facebook group is some how bad, trying to divide this forum or a threat to this awesome forum format.

     

    Karen

  11. 2 different forums for 2 different things, basically for me, Karen started the facebook forum so that we can share emails, phone #'s and set up places to meet with other owners while not having to worry about who is seeing my personal info. Would I put my email, phone # or personal address on this forum? No, it's public. The facebook forum is for meeting up, sharing, and emergencies, at least that's what I'm thinking anyway. Still on facebook nobody sees your info unless you friend them. To me this forum is the technical and learning all about Oliver and what it has to offer. Definitely this is a great forum on a national level. If you break down in my neck of the woods, I will be there and on the facebook forum, I have all of my info public and a map with us all marked for general locations is coming. Oliver owners are family and that's how I live life and why we have our info out there if you need it or need some immediate help :)  One is public, one is personal, is there a need for both? Only time will tell :)

     

    Reed

    • Thanks 1
  12. How can you request folks have a hull #, and you don’t have one yourself? Who, I don’t recall any, have requested a Facebook page to fill a need?

    My wife answered above. A private page is what people are talking about on this thread to share our info, phone numbers, stories, etc. The page is private so no spammers or bots from outside can get in. It's a simple solution for owners that may go nowhere but it's up and running and we're not forcing anyone to join. People did ask Karen to restart her group, so we simply changed it up and made it private to fit in with others thinking along the lines of this thread :)

     

    Reed

  13. Reed, No, I’ve not tried the siphon deal (yet) – I guess it was just too easy to let the pump do the work and not even lift eight gallons of water that LOOOOOng distance up to the top of the bumper. Besides, with the solar and not having to worry about electricity, why not let the machines have their day? I wouldn’t worry about that “low” point in the cold water line that you are pointing to. Since one is putting enough antifreeze in the lines so that it comes out of the faucets, there is certainly antifreeze at that low point. Bill

     

    Well, ummm, :) I don't use the antifreeze or add anything to the waterlines... and we shouldn't need to if they are laid out correct. After they are properly drained, you should be able to blow into them freely and feel no back pressure. If anything, I will add Vodka but generally after checking the lines, draining or removing the 2 shower hoses and raising the tongue, with all valves open, after a couple minor adjustments it will all drain on its own. I can add air and blow them out also but my goal is to follow each line, make a couple adjustments like leveling this elbo, and have it draining completely on its own. We're going to put our full time queen size bed in with shelves down the curb side, so I really don't want to have to get to the valves unless necessary.

  14. We kept thinking about this and a locked up or closed group facebook page is a free start that people can't see into unless you're a member. If you don't use facebook now or don't want a ton of info set up for the public to see, then you can join fb with no pics, last names, or anything and still apply to join the group without listing any personal details under your name or whatever name that you choose to use. With facebook, you simply need an email address. But to join the Oliver Owners group, you will need to provide proof that you either own an Oliver or have a referral from another group member.  This way everything is kept private on a locked page that can't be seen by anyone other than the verified members.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/OllieOwners/

  15. http://www.facebook.com/groups/OllieOwners/

     

    For those that have requested a private Facebook group for Oliver Owners only, I have created one again. This will be exclusively for Oliver Travel Trailer Owners only. A group where we can share info, help each other, share our adventures, plan mini Oliver Travel Rallies etc...in a private setting.  If you would like to be included in this private group, please click on the link above and request to join. You will need to prove that you own an Oliver to be accepted as a member. I will send you a Facebook Message Request asking for your Hull# and Model. Check your message requests!

     

    If you would like to be an admin or moderator, share in the responsibilities of running the group, be an official contributor, I would love the help. Just let me know.

     

     

     

    Thank you,

     

    Karen Lukens

    • Thanks 1
  16. Thanks Bill :)

     

    I'm surprised to see that they used no-hub couplings but it will help with the vibration wear I guess. Just have to remember to tighten them after a rough road or check them a couple times a year. You're definitely going to want to replace them before they get old enough to start cracking and letting that smell into the house...

     

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    • Thanks 1
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