OLIVER TRAVEL TRAILERS NEWSLETTER
Issue 4 Volume 3 April 2018

Letter from the Editor

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Springtime, Sunshine and Tornadoes! Wait... What!?

March is always a tricky month weather-wise in Tennessee. Some days can be in the 70s and some can linger in the low 30s. It is likely Tennessee cannot make up it's mind but we're all used to it's indecisiveness and mood swings. One may say.... Run for them "thar" hills (as they say in the Appalachians), but for us - it's just another day in paradise.

On a serious note, all of us here at the Oliver Travel Trailer's headquarters are ramping up for the 2018 Oliver Rally at Lake Guntersville. It's a very exciting time around here. we have so many things planned, so many people to meet and many more to see again. Last year was great, this year we've put in even greater efforts and resources to make it even more memorable. We have several discussions on our forums about some of the events we're all going to be enjoying.

Golf: Discussion
ZIP Lining: Discussion
Biking/Hiking: Discussion

Matteo Giovanetti, a Micro-Air Easy Start installation expert is back again this year. We're running a special deal on the Micro-Air Easy Start for $300. This includes product and installation. Normal pricing is $399 for after-market install and $395 when installed during production. Schedule & contact information can be found here: Micro-Air Easy Start installation

Until next month,
Jason K. Walmsley, editor

We encourage you to research further and I can promise you, you will like what you see in an Oliver Travel Trailer. Visit our website at olivertraveltrailers.com to see more and schedule a plant tour or field visit. Happy Trails from Hohenwald, TN, USA!

We travel not to escape LIFE but for life LIFE not to escape us.

- ANONYMOUS

The Lost Coast
Mattole River Campground

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By: Frank McMichael, Hull No.101

One time as I was traveling to Tillamook, Oregon, I camped for a partial day and a night at a pay campground on the coast in southern Oregon. Not having been there before and only looking at the website, my expectations were high for what appeared to be a pleasant place on the beach. It was not, I was naïve. As you also may have discovered, websites by the creative use of prose and camera angles can be misleading.

The sites were all straight pull through. They were so close together and the access road were so narrow that it was very difficult to slot my vehicles into my designated spot between RVs already parked. A claque of mine to-be camp neighbors sat and watched me make the attempt, willing to heckle or praise as needed. Apparently, this was a form of afternoon entertainment and a much good-natured commentary was provided. Having recently struggled with the same process, they awarded me a cold drink for my struggle. They then proceeded to catalog to me all the negative issues of this campground beyond the ability to get into the assigned site.

Two of them indicated that they regularly come to this campground because, in their opinion, this was the only location on both the Oregon and California coast where one could camp at the beach and walk from their rig directly to the ocean to go surf fishing. Their large rigs would not allow access to places where I know that us Oliver owners could have a day at the beach without too much difficulty, I did not disagree with them.

This photo was taken at a campground where one can camp at the beach with direct walking access to the ocean. When I took this, I was standing on a sand dune with the ocean directly behind me. This beach is in northern California and it is available to all who don’t mind a bit of a drive. In the center of this picture is my trusty Dodge Ram and beloved Oliver.

While it is not apparent because of the drift redwood logs that were placed by a storm, the campground roadway provides ample room to make a backing turn into the chosen site.

It cost $8.00 to camp there. The location provides trash collection, fire rings, vault toilets and water spigots. Because I spend most of my camping going boondocking, I carry a full tank of water, therefore I did not use the water spigots. For this reason, I am unsure of the quality or taste of the water. Sometimes water taken from a well near the beach has an off taste from sea water intrusion that reminds me that fish go to the bathroom in the ocean.

Cell phone reception can be spotty and even with a hot spot, internet is unlikely. It's best to bring a book or two or a preloaded Kindle.

There can be plenty of drift wood for the evening fire, all-in-all it is a great place to spend a few days, but expect and prepare for cool weather - you will need jackets and hoodies for the evening and morning hours, even in the summer.

There is usually an onshore breeze and fog in the morning which will help greatly to cool your coffee. The fog is usually gone by mid-morning. Because of the steady breeze, flies and mosquitoes are not a problem.

Compared to most private, pay campgrounds the sites are spacious with good buffer distances so a sense of privacy can be had. That is a lovely thing that helps one enjoy camping and the beach. The first photo above shows the number of campers on the Sunday that I arrived. Those on the left and others out of the frame were a group. By midmorning of the following day, I had the place to myself.

I was delighted they left - it was a quiet time that night. It is impossible for me to understand people who come to a quiet, peaceful, natural place and choose to disturb the peace by sitting around a campfire at night with music blaring and rude behavior. It is good to camp mid-week as this behavior seems to come from mostly the younger, weekend crowd. They left some trash and a lot of firewood at their campsites. I appropriated the firewood for picking up their trash.

There are miles of beach to walk and comb from this location. The below picture was taken after the morning fog had burned off. The camera direction for this is north-northwest. As I remember, I was standing approximately where that dead stalk is seen on the right hand side of the picture when I took the picture of my truck and Oliver at the campsite.

It can’t be seen easily but right at the limits of the picture is where the Mattole River empties into the Pacific Ocean. There is a shadow of a fold on the nearest hillside that could be mistaken for a canyon, instead look farther, the first canyon that is barely discernible in the mist. It is a one to two mile hike through fine sand to the river from the campground. It is a something of a slog, because of the pull

of the fine sand on moving feet which tends to discourage people. But if you make the walk, it is likely that you will have the river to yourself. If one takes the hike, it is possible that river otters, seals and bears may be observed, as they are plentiful.

Depending on the season, this is black bear and mountain lion country and with a good scope you might spot some. They are generally not nocturnal and will forage many hours a day. I have been as close as the distance of a football field from one when I first became aware that it was there, it paid no attention to me. Black bears have a keen sense of smell and will quickly become acclimated to humans if eatables are left about. Black bears are the only bear that remains in California. During the early Spanish times, grizzlies were common, but there are no grizzlies left in California, although there are some grizzled types, here. I have encountered grizzlies in Alaska and I am okay with them not being here.

Mountain lions, like your house-cat, tend to be nocturnal but not always. The lions don’t always sleep during the day, especially if hungry. They do appreciate campers bringing tasty dog treats with them for their dining pleasure, so make sure to keep dogs inside at night and on a leash during the day. A lion can exit the brush, take a loose running dog and be gone before the owner realizes that Rover has disappeared. According to posted signs there are also rattlesnakes in the rocky areas. I have never seen one and have some doubt about there being snakes around because of the generally cool temperatures but I have no doubts that these signs are put up for a reason.

As you may have gathered by looking at the beach photograph above, this is not a sheltered nook of a beach, it faces the Pacific Ocean straight on. There is generally an onshore breeze, the surf piles onto the beach with energy and the water is cold. So don’t come here if you expect to swim or play in the water, unless you are a Navy Seal. There is a better thing than a cold water swim and that is the beach itself. Being at the beach can be very relaxing. The sense of isolation and the natural peace at this beach encourages relaxation. So come sit and watch the waves, listen to their rhythm, absorb some sunshine, cast aside your problems and concerns, release your worries, let all that fade away until your spirit is revitalized and nothing is left but peacefulness.

Being at the beach can be very relaxing. The sense of isolation and the natural peace at this beach encourages relaxation. So come sit and watch the waves, listen to their rhythm, absorb some sunshine, cast aside your problems and concerns, release your worries, let all that fade away until your spirit is revitalized and nothing is left but peacefulness.

Are you a Story Teller?

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Do you have interesting experiences, places you have been, an Oliver Travel Trailers specific adventure, new horizons or other? We're looking for people like Frank McMichael who wish to share their stories with all of us newsletter subscribers. If this is something that you would be interested in please email me your stories and they may be featured in one of our monthly newsletters. Please be mindful and use pictures to help describe your story and while good writing skills are necessary, they are not required.

email: jwalmsley@olivertechnologies.com

Dometic Fridge Guard

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By: topgun2, Hull No.117

On rvwidgetworks.com, they say that this guard is made for the Dometic model RM2454. I emailed the owner – Charlie Young – and he replied that the only difference between the Oliver fridge and the model RM2454 is that the Oliver’s is a bigger model, therefore, the guard should work. Mr. Young sent the guard to me with a note telling me to try it and if I didn’t like it or if it didn’t fit, just send it back – no charge.

If I did keep it the cost including shipping is $16.75. Well, I did decide to keep it. The fit is perfect, even the edges are polished, and it is held on with clear 3M tape. I can’t imagine how I now could accidently hit one of those buttons. Given that the guard is nothing but a piece of plastic with four holes drilled in it, the cost is fairly expensive. But, compared to the cost of the food I had to throw out and for the peace of mind of not having to even think about it, I feel that the price is fair.

Every month service department manager Jason D. Essary will be adding some insights to help maintain your Oliver Travel Trailer.

Battery Watering
TROJAN T-105

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Flooded batteries need water. More importantly, watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or the battery’s performance and longevity suffers.

Water should always be added after fully charging the battery.

Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should also be above the plates. Keeping the water at the correct level after a full charge will prevent having to worry about the water level at a different state of charge.

Depending on the local climate, charging methods, application, etc., Trojan recommends that batteries be checked once a month until you get a feel for how often your batteries are need watering.

Important Things to Remember

Do not let the plates get exposed to air. This will damage (corrode) the plates.
Do not fill the water level in the filling well to the cap. This most likely will cause the battery to overflow acid, consequently losing capacity and causing a corrosive mess.
Do not use water with a high mineral content. Use distilled or deionized water only.

CAUTION

Step-By-Step Watering Procedure

Open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.
Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the plates.
If necessary add just enough water to cover the plates at this time.
Put batteries on a complete charge before adding any additional water (refer to the Charging section).
Once charging is completed, open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.
Add water until the electrolyte level is 1/8″ below the bottom of the fill well.
A piece of rubber can be used safely as a dipstick to help determine this level.
Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps.

WARNING: Never add acid to a battery.

Watering Diagram
Flooded batteries need water, but more importantly - watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or the battery’s performance and longevity suffers.

General Watering Instructions:

Add water, never acid, to cells (distilled water recommended)
DO NOT OVERWATER
For fully charged standard deep-cycle batteries, add water to the level of 1/8 below bottom of vent well (see diagram A below)
For fully charged Plus Series batteries, add water to the maximum water level indicator (see diagram B below)
If the batteries are discharged, only add water if the plates are exposed. Add just enough water to cover the plates, then charge the batteries. Once fully charged, add water to the proper level indicated above
After watering, secure vent caps on batteries

Diagram A

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Add water to 0.125" below bottom of the vent well.

Diagram B

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Add water to the maximum water level indicator.

There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend.

Day Hikes

Big Bend is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. Elevation changes produce an exception variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas. Generally, hikers can expect a 20°F temperature difference between low and high elevation hiking areas.

Desert Hikes
Desert trails range from short, easy nature walks to multi-day treks marked only by rock cairns, if at all. Remote routes provide a wilderness adventure for experienced hikers where silence and solitude are key protected resources.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/desert_hikes.htm

Mountain Hikes
Rising 7832' in elevation, the Chisos Mountains preserve a relict forest of oaks, pines, junipers, madrones, and Arizona cypress. There are about twenty miles of trails within the Chisos with excellent year-round hiking opportunities.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/mountain_hikes.htm

River Hikes
Dense stands of reeds and mesquite thickets line the river along much of the park boundary making human access difficult, but providing excellent habitat for wildlife. The best way to enjoy this area is from the river itself, but several short hikes provide access into river canyons or elsewhere along its banks.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/river_hikes.htm

Bike Rides

Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big Bend a premier bicycling location. Over 100 miles of paved roads and 160 miles of backcountry dirt roads provide challenges for riders of all types and abilities. Bicyclists must be extremely cautious and well-prepared, but bicycling allows outstanding panoramic views unobstructed by a windshield. It also allows the bicyclist to see and hear some of the smaller wonders of Big Bend from a more intimate viewpoint. Bicycling is allowed on any road within Big Bend National Park, but is not allowed off-road or on any trail.

Safety
Bicyclists must share the roads with vehicles and obey all traffic laws. Paved roads within the park are narrow and often have no shoulders. Bicyclists should take proper measures to stay safe, such as riding single-file, wearing bright and/or reflective clothing, and being away of their surroundings. Traffic is sparse in summer and highest during March and early April and on holiday weekends throughout the year. Use extreme caution. A good map is essential.

Weather
Weather is often pleasant year-round and rewarding trips are possible most days of the year. Cycling from May to September is more of a challenge due to high temperatures.

Bike Rides
Many of the rides in Big Bend National Park are easier with a shuttle. A few suggestions follow. Check with a ranger for more information. Find the right bicycle route for you.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/biking.htm

Scenic Drives

Paved Roads
More than 100 miles of paved roads throughout Big Bend National Park showcase not only gorgeous vistas, but also invite you to marvel at the geological splendor, contemplate the lives of early settlers, and observe the incredible diversity of plants and animals that call this home.Taking a scenic drive can be an ideal way to explore the park if you have limited time or if weather is not conducive for other activities.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/paved-roads.htm

Improved Dirt Roads
Weather is often pleasant year-round and rewarding trips are possible most days of the year. Cycling from May to September is more of a challenge due to high temperatures.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/improved-dirt-roads.htm

Primitive Dirt Roads
Miles of primitive dirt roads lead across washboards and boulders, through canyons and creek beds, past old settlements and cemeteries. In addition to marvelous panoramic vistas, many of these roads access hiking trails, primitive roadside campsites, and the river. Primitive dirt roads are maintained for high-clearance vehicles only, and may require a 4WD. They may be rocky with areas of soft sand that are unsafe for sedans or RVs. Rain can make roads difficult to drive or impassable. Always inquire about current road conditions.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/primitive-dirt-roads.htm

Scenic Drives

Floating the Rio Grande
If you have the time and a spirit of adventure, you may want to consider a river trip. Seeing the park's canyons from the middle of the Rio Grande can be an incredible experience. There are many possibilities including half-day floats or multi-day excursions. Floating the Rio Grande can take you through miles of canyons up to 1,500 feet deep, where the sunlight may reach the bottom only briefly on winter days. As in other parts of the park, your ears may tell you more than your eyes. Listen for beavers crawling through the brush;you might catch a glimpse as one slides down the riverbank into the water. Turtles, especially red-eared sliders, often sun themselves on rocks and logs just above the waterline. Great blue herons and green kingfishers are just some of the many birds you may see flying along the river. Along the more open areas of the Rio Grande, you may see local people fishing, farming, and engaging in other traditional activities. These quiet stretches of the river offer expansive views of the colorful buttes, mesas, and mountains in both the U.S. and in Mexico. Far fewer people float the open water between the canyons, so it is possible to go for days without seeing another boater.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/river-trips.htm

Music City Spring Time

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Flowers begin blooming and the sounds of music fill the air. It can only mean one thing: spring has arrived in Music City. The changing of weather provides an opportunity to mix it up. Add some tunes to your travels by visiting Nashville. Look below to see how Music City is enjoying the sun and celebrating spring time. See more events coming to Music City.
http://www.visitmusiccity.com/nashvillespring-events/events/nashvillespring

Cheekwood in Bloom

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There’s no place more beautiful than Cheekwood in the spring as more than 150,000 blooms spill from our gardens creating a color experience you won’t forget. Snowdrops, crocus, hyacinths, daffodils, magnolias, redbuds, and dogwoods are also in on the act, putting on an unforgettable show as warmer weather and longer days arrive in Nashville. With five weekends of family activities,

entertainment and plenty of natural inspiration, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the change of seasons. See more about the Cheekwood manor.
https://cheekwood.org/calendar/cheekwood-in-bloom-weekend-six-2/

Upcoming Events

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3rd Annual Oliver Rally

We are planning a great time for the 2018 Oliver Travel Trailer Rally. As the popularity of the rally has grown from 45 attendees for our first rally to the second rally last year with 175 attendees, we wanted upscale accommodations that offers exceptional recreational activities as well as great local attractions. We also needed a campground that is near enough to Hohenwald, Tennessee to allow an easy drive for Oliver Travel Trailer service work. For

the 2018 rally, we will gather at one of the most beautiful state parks, Lake Guntersville State Park located in Guntersville, Alabama. This premium park offers full hook-ups, exceptional views of Lake Guntersville and the Tennessee River.

May 4-7, 2018

Lake Guntersville State Park
24 State Campground Rd
Guntersville Alabama 35755

Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Foil Packs

This recipe was made for summer.

Total: 20 min

Prep: 10 min

Cook: 10 min

Yield: 6 servings

Level: Easy

Ingredients

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 ears corn, quartered

1 zucchini, cut into half moons

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 limes, sliced into rounds

2 tbsp. butter

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, corn, zucchini, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, and cilantro.

2. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss until combined.

3. Lay out four pieces of foil.

4. Divide shrimp mixture between foil and top each with a pat of butter and lime slices.

5. Seal packs.

6. Heat grill to high.

7. Add shrimp packs and grill until shrimp is pink, about 10 minutes.

8. Serve.

For More Recipes visit delish.com

Welcome to the Family

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Robert & son Tommy W.

Doug E.

Becky & Desiree

Jim & Mary M.

Brian & Mary B.

David & Ruth M.

John & Debbie L.

See more on Facebook Oliver Travel Trailers

April Owner Anniversaries

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10 Years
Elizabeth S.
David J.
Roger S.

4 Years
Robert L.
Gerald K.

3 Years
Kathy G.
Richard C.

2 Years
Walter N.
David & Cindy H.
Ronnie & Lisa M.
Bruce N.
Hans F.

1 Year
Malcolm M.
Robert & Vicki J.
Jim & Mary Ellen S.
Kenneth C.
Robert H.
Christopher R.
Jeffrey H.
Mark & Cindy W.
Paula S.
Jean B.
John S.
Doug & Yvonne S.

Ollie's Monthly Trivia

Last Month's Trivia

In Ireland, what does the color green stand for?

Answer

The color green in Ireland stands for hope. Extra: The four-leafed clover is a rare find and because of this, tradition suggests that it brings good luck to people who found it. The three leaves of the typical clover represent faith, hope, and love, and the rare fourth leaf represents luck.

This Month's Trivia

In the U.S.A., what song was the #1 billboard hit on April 2nd of 1955?

On behalf of The Team at OTT and The Oliver Family we'd like to thank you for your interest in Oliver Travel Trailers.

We look forward to helping you learn more about the Oliver difference.

Feel free to give us a call with any questions you may have at this time.

Sincerely,

The Oliver Family

For more information about our travel trailers, please give us a call at 1-888-526-3978.

Oliver Travel Trailers 737 Columbia Hwy Hohenwald, Tennessee 38462 United States 1 (888) 526-3978

OLIVER TRAVEL TRAILERS NEWSLETTERIssue 4 Volume 3 April 2018

OLIVER TRAVEL TRAILERS NEWSLETTER
Issue 4 Volume 3 April 2018