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Need suggestions as to how best to handle an awning issue with our Ollie that we picked up on December 19th. We ordered it in the middle of August and selected the grey stripe Fiamma awning. When we picked up, it had the charcoal Carefree awning on it, when I asked about it Phil explained about the tragedy at Fiamma and said they had to move to Carefree. Well all that kind of took my breath away and I said no more at the time. Now, if the awning were Charcoal as it is called and not Charcoal and Deep red stripe as it is, it would be fine, but my graphics are golden yellow and grey so the deep red isn’t what I want. Oliver wants to satisfy me and I much appreciate that and they want me to tell them how to fix it. The Carefree 10 year warranty fabric only comes in the 3 colors as listed on the Oliver site, none of which go with my graphics. The other ones available in vinyl are all 1 year warranted. The only way to get a solid or tweed grey is to go with acrylic. Well my knowledge on either vinyl or acrylic is so limited, I am at a complete loss, thus I need advice. Anything you could offer would be much appreciated.

Yesterday we were in the mid 60s. The forecast was for 20s and freezing precipitation for today and tomorrow before getting back up to normal. Yesterday here in San Antonio school closings were announced for today in anticipation of bad weather. Same in Houston. Today, I-10 and I-35 have been closed. We have maybe 1/16” of ice. It snowed for 10 minutes. It’s 25 degrees. Most folks are home for a day or so and everything is basically shut down. We have some chili in the crockpot. Fire in the fireplace. Is this how you’re supposed to do winter? ???? Mike

Hmm that's strange. Maybe a bad batch from Carefree? Here's their web page that shows the fabrics that I believe are Oliver's standard choices: http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/rv-products/premium-vinyl-fabrics.html Edit: let me just link the photo too. Edit2: The forum appears to be shrinking the image. On their actual webpage the resolution is higher and you can see the stripes easier. You can see the thin red lines between each color band for each of the fabric choices. If your awning differs significantly from that I'd say the problem is with Carefree's manufacturing. Regardless, I hope Oliver is able to get you squared away to your satisfaction.

We went with the Penquin II A/C because of there being a built in drain line. The Atwood runs down the outside of the trailer and leaves streaks. We also went with the storage box rather than the microwave and made a great looking bar. We had no wood finishes in ours so we had them mail us the door and we had a cabinet shop paint it white like the fiberglass. We have removed the hanging bar in the closet as we feel that is a real waste of space. Who needs to “hang” camping clothes. We bought a shelf unit to hold a mini ice maker, toaster oven, drinking water and other beverages. Also took a back of the door shoe bag and trimmed it up to fit the closet door for small items. We picked up 12/19, love it! Have fun...

Assuming that you don't want to change your graphics, it appears that you really don't have much of a choice in the type of material for the awning. I'm of no help regarding the pluses and minuses of vinyl or acrylic - sorry. Bill

For one night Fall Hollow is tolerable and (as Sherri says) it is reported that the food is good if they are serving while you are there. It is also a bit closer to town in the event you wish to not prepare meals in your new camper. 1000 Trails/Natchez Trace RV Park is only a little bit further away. It is much larger and if you are by the lake it is more scenic. Both are very close to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Unfortunately, both of these places can be a bit muddy in the event of rain. Remember, it is only for a night or two while you check out all of your systems for proper function - if anything is wrong or if you have questions, both places are close enough to the factory to allow for easy fixes. Also, that first night you will be fairly busy trying to get organized, exploring your new Oliver, trying to figure out how every thing works, and getting some rest from what was probably a fairly long day. Bill

We are holed up at a beautiful ranch out from San Antonio. We have access to a guesthouse with full facilities. We are warm, safe and dry. Will leave here when the weather abates.

Hap is absolutely right! If at all possible, spend 4-7 days camping within 200 miles or so of the factory after picking up you Oliver. Camp at 2-3 campsites so you put some towing miles in and go through the procedures for setting up and breaking down camp multiple times. Even if you don't find mechanical items that require your return to the factory before you tow your Olliver home, you will discover additional questions that the people at the factory can better explain in person! Don