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Since so many owners will be traveling far distances, we feel it is best that we postpone our annual Oliver Owner's Rally while we are still learning the outcome and risks of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is important to do this now to prevent owners from possibly wasting time, money and energy traveling. While we strongly feel that camping is a great method to get away and relax in a controlled environment, gathering in a group increases everyone risk of contracting the virus. We have decided to postpone our annual rally at Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama until September 24-27, 2020. If you would like to visit Lake Guntersville State Park in May, you are more than welcome to keep your reservations and attend on your own. Following the button link below please indicate if you would like to apply your rally registration fee to the new postponed date or would like a refund. If you plan to attend the rally in the fall and since many of you will be arriving and leaving at different time frames, please indicate what day you would like to arrive and checkout. We will notify the campground for your new reservation dates. Follow the link below to update your Registration and Reservations: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/events/2020-oliver-owners-rally/postponement/

Wait just a minute...., I resemble that remark! 🤣

As far as camping during this crisis I agree 100% that those that can should camp! We just got back from a trip and we’re already working an alternative trip this spring. Cancer and other chronic diseases don’t have the spike in cases that COVID-19 has had in other countries, such as China, Italy and others. We also spend millions of dollars on those diseases, cancer, heart disease, etc. The federal and state governments are trying to prevent a similar spike that we see elsewhere. If we could get people to stop drinking and driving vehicle deaths would be reduced. I agree the social media and news media are making this worse and taking advantage.

My wife and daughter got through customs in NZ on Wednesday, with an uncomfortable delay, but no problems. NZ has announced that starting Sunday everybody entering, including NZ citizens, will have to “self isolate” for two weeks. I don’t think they will have any worries traveling, it should be pleasant due to no crowds, but if they get stuck there ,it could become problematic from a financial standpoint, I guess they could both emigrate and just stay there LOL..... John Davies Spokane WA

I pretty much agree with rallies being postponed for the time being, I think as far as going camping we will still be doing that as we have control over many things at campsites, cooking, distances between sites, and probably the smaller amount of people camping. One thing rallies do have is large groups of people in small spaces and this is what most of us seem to want to stay from which camping on our own we can somewhat control this. I don't like this anymore then most do, but probably for us older people it probably the better choice for the time being. trainman

Shutting down production is a business decision for Oliver with significant consequences. Postponing the rally results in some inconveniences and disappointment. Two different categories. I don’t think they should shut down production as long as there isn’t a virus outbreak manifested in the region. Postponing the rally was prudent and should help “flatten the curve”.

I agree with trainman. When it comes to safety in general, I would much rather have it and possibly never need it, than need it and wish I had it. I prefer to error on the side of caution. Enjoy that beautiful Ollie and Happy Camping! -Patriot

DJM - I'm presently looking at the 2019 Tow Ratings in the 2019 Good Sam Guide To Towing. Obviously this may or may not apply specifically to your 2016 Grand Cherokee but I suspect the numbers are close (see your Owner's Manual). For the 4 wheel drive model with the 5.7 liter V-8 the tow limit is 7,200 pounds. So, it appears that you will be OK on that front unless you put way too much "stuff" in your Ollie. However, the number that "gets" most of us on the decision to use a weight distribution hitch(WDH) (or not) is the hitch weight. This Good Sam towing guide does not address this point and it is this hitch weight that causes most users of 1/2 ton trucks and similar SUV's to have to use a WDH. In the case of Ford a WDH is required if the hitch weight is over 500 pounds even though my F-150 has a tow rating of over 12,000 pounds. Besides the legal and/or liability issues relating to using or not using a WDH one should also consider the other benefits of WDH usage. These include the potential for a more consistent and level ride, reduced "Porpoising" (the bouncing of the tow vehicle and trailer usually caused by interstate expansion joints), and as an additional safety measure in the event of emergency driving situations. Bill

This is Lost Dutchman State Park outside of Phoenix this past January. It’s a big park and very scenic. There were a number of Olivers there in January, including the crazy Oliver owners in the middle picture.

We’re currently at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. It’s one of the parks in the Maricopa County system. It’s quite lovely although a bit pricey at $32/night. Has water and power and nice shower/bathroom facilities. It’s near Phoenix and has allowed us to visit numerous friends in the area. As a bonus it has free roaming burros! Heading towards Tucson then eastward into New Mexico and Texas.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.