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Unfortunately, Jetty Park campground was still closed (as far as I could see) for the historic launch this past weekend. Otherwise, we'd have tried to be there. For future launches, I've heard it's a great vantage point for launches from the spacecoast of Florida. (Most campgrounds have reopened in Florida, though. ) It's a really great feeling for those of us in Florida to see the success of this mission. For many years, I worked next to Honeywell plant 2, and we always took a break to watch the contrails of missions leaving the launch pad, across the state. Paul and I drove over to the other coast nine years ago to see the "last" shuttle launch from a parking place along the highway. It was magnificent, but also bittersweet. Next launch, I'd really love to be camped at Jetty Park. Hats off to our brave astronauts, and support crews, and innovators that have us back in space, launched from Florida. The Spacecoast is truly the Spacecoast, once again. Sherry

OK ... just spoke with Jason at Oliver ... keep in mind my hull #69 is a 2015 model ... he tells me the tongue design for that vintage is a simple insert (slide-in) with two bolts ... one main bolt horizontal on the outside near the bulldog, and one vertical under the LP tanks (I'll check that one on mine) ... this set up allows for easy extending of the tongue if preferred - simply unbolt and slide outward to the next set of bolt holes. And ... given this arrangement, it could appear a little loose and allow a small amount of rattle. To eliminate the rattle, he suggested drill a second horizontal hole set further back (thru both the heavy frame member and the inserted tongue) and cinch down with a bolt - this would eliminate any pivot point and make more secure. He also indicated there is enough strength in the frame that this would not violate the strength and integrity of the frame. Otherwise, if I can live with the small amount of play (rattle), there's no problem. Thanks Jason! ... Cheers group!

We were glued to the big screen watching SpaceX launch. I gotta say we really needed to see something positive given the news cycle as of late. Kathy and I were so happy to witness such a successful launch and yesterdays docking with the space station. Despite all the craziness going on presently...the Space Coast persevered how awesome! 🇺🇸

That would, indeed, be awesome! Even watching the launches from across the state is beautiful, on a clear day. The last NASA shuttle, 9 years ago, was a very moving experience. From probably 8 miles away. Sherry

I had the good fortune of being able to watch a mission liftoff several years ago. If you ever have the chance - don't miss it! Even at ten miles away the whole thing is stunning from both a visual and physical perspective. Even watching this SpaceX mission on YouTube brought chills. Perhaps SeaDawg might organize an Oliver Space Rally one of these days? 😃 Bill

Peter, A big congrats on picking up your new Ollie. There are many long time Oliver owners here more than willing to help with questions as well as sharing their hands on knowledge. We have been patiently waiting since January to take delivery of our new Ollie Hull #634 very soon...in 15 days but who is counting? 😄 No doubt we really do believe the wait will be well worth it, and like you we are really excited. Oliver has done an amazing job with Oliver University, and the recent release of maintenance videos. Hope to meet you at the 2020 fall rally. Happy Camping! David & Kathy

Davy Crockett State Park is around 45 miles from Holenwald, Oliver said if I had a problem wile there and if it couldn't be handled on the phone they would drive there and bring a tech to check it out. trainman

So ... just talked with ScubaRX (great guy! ... & his wife was perfectly pleasant too!) ... first, to confirm, my tongue does not have the second bolt (vertical under the LP tanks) ... ScubaRX informs me that the 2nd bolt came into play later around 2016 when someone reported the nut had come loose from the bolt on the main tongue bolt ... only happened once, but in being cautious the Oliver folks began using a 2nd bolt for safety thereafter. Otherwise, Scuba too indicated a small amount of play/rattle is not unheard of. So, again, I think I'm good to go. Thanks all! Cheers

I guess you have to do what works for you, we have 3" memory foam mattress that we purchased from Walmart ($130.00). I got the queen size and it just had to be cut into and shortened about 5", we put in on top of the factory bed cushions. trainman

This 17 foot single axle Viking appeared in Craigslist. It has a big aluminum box, a battery and a big junk generator, all bolted directly to that thin sheet metal bumper. Do you think it has any tongue weight at all? OTH it is probably very easy to push around by hand.... I especially admire the craftsmanship of the generator rain cover, the secure supports for the shore power cable, and the battery cover held down by the license plate! I wonder if he tows with the cable there? Perhaps so he can run the AC while moving, with his dogs and children inside? John Daves Spokane Wa

John Great, I was thinking the lift will do it, we'll see when I hook her up. Ahhh the money pit. I haven't made any vows yet, we'll see. I love those 80 series truck's, they're the ones to mode out for sure. Perfect size. I pulled off my running boards too. I put some Budbuilt sliders on. Highly recommended, heavy duty for sure. I did install a brake controller a few weeks ago. I went with the Redarc Tow Pro. Easy install, hope it works, haha. Test light says it's all good, we'll see. Ya, my receptacle is way over to the right also. I like the way you set yours up. I'll do the same. Thanks for the heads up on the length. I'll try and add a few pic's of my 200 to this thread. I'm just learning the forum thing. Peter

I think you will be no worries with that much lift. My truck has the stock suspension except for 33” Ridge Grapplers, load E, and rear Firestone airbags. The tailgate would just barely smack the top of the Bulldog coupler (the latch). I ended up buying a Plus 3 (3” longer) Andersen stinger to get lots of clearance. I am not sure they sell those any more, but it was an online catalog item for a while. The larger ball and coupler would normally make for even less tailgate clearance, but your lift will definitely take care of that. Your stiffer suspension should completely negate the need for airbags- I am a little jealous of that suspension,. But I decided that I would keep my 200 as close to stock as possible. I had a 1996 Series 80 (LX450) that was fully farkled, and when my son totaled it, I vowed to not fall into that bottomless money pit again. I did remove the Old Codger running boards from the 200, first thing tho... Do you have a brake control installed yet? My 200 has the trailer light receptacle way over to the right. If yours is the same you need to make very sure that the Ollie harness is not too short before you leave Hohenwald. I route mine straight to the Andersen stinger and secure it there with a bungee cord, and leave a large enough free loop of cable to not bind in a tight left jackknife situation. This is the 2 5/16” ball and coupler showing the turning loop and the longer mount. Note that I cut off about 3” of my Andersen mount that would normally have been hanging down. If you discover that your mount does not come down far enough, I am sure Service will swap it out for a taller one. Have fun, I really want to see pics. EDIT: I apologise for using an odd motorcycle term that may be meaningless to many.... Farkle: Fancy Accessory, Really Kool, Likely Expensive. John Davies Spokane WA

That could only mean that they’re adding a hybrid charger/inverter, which imo is really the key to getting the most out of them. (Maybe also Bluetooth monitoring, but then you can get that with a $200 battery monitor. ) Still, I’m of the opinion that for an E2, 400 Ah is the minimum to make LFP beneficial over a standard setup. Less than that, and you’re just spending money with little practical gain, though arguably it’s a better base system to expand upon. For an E1 it’s a different matter - even 200 Ah of LFP would be a benefit. 600Ah is the real goal for an E2, which should be possible, if you’re creative with placement, or willing to do a separate BMS with generic batteries. But all this is just talk until they tell us what they’re offering.

There will be more to the Lithium package than just adding batteries......

In the Ram you should be able to turn off the Auto wiper mode in the Settings menu. This is for 2017 but I expect it is similar for your new truck. Enable or disable rain sensing wipers On my 200 the default cruise setting is Radar, whenever you turn on the switch. To go to a normal type you push the stalk forward and hold for two seconds. Unfortunately it doesn’t remember your choice so every time you turn on Cruise you have to do it again. Normally I leave it on Normal for an entire trip. Toyota USA - I prefer to choose my OWN speed, thank you very much! If somebody is going slower I just want to go around him, not slow way down and poke along watching his rear bumper..... John Davies Spokane WA

I couldn’t agree more. I have the adaptive cruise control on my Audi S3. I can’t override it so I just don’t use it. The wipers on both the S3 and my Rebel never seem to wipe when I want them to and do wipe when I don’t need them too. Some things are better automated, some things are not. Mike

LOL my Land Cruiser had them, and they were awful. They were either too delayed in starting, or the speed was all wrong. I disabled them after a month. Fortunately it is very easy- you just unplug the wires to the windshield rain sensor and tuck them up into the front lip of the headliner. I wish there was an easy way to disable the darned adaptive cruise. I hate that too and have to manually override it every single time I want to use the Cruise. John Davies Spokane WA