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Whether we are heading out for a 3 day weekend or a 3 week trip, Krunch packs about 10 pairs of shoes and boots and another 10 pairs of sandals and flip flops. Then she adds about 20 outfits, you know top and shorts or pants. Add in 20 pairs of socks and unmentionables. Then she packs the refrigerator, freezer, pantry and bathroom. Then she mentions that if I took the ladder out of the closet, she could put some jackets and rain coats in there. And then she what’s to know why I need the OTT manuals and other information a Boy Scout would deem necessities. This usually leaves me with the attic as my closet! And this is how I have survived 45 years of wedded bliss! Yes dear, you are probably right. And notice I did slip a "probably" in there, as I am still the man of the trailer. Mossey

Think we might be almost ready to hook up? Put up the stairs and go?

We have not camped as much this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. We recently did a camping trip from Georgia up to our daughters in Illinois. We selected a couple of Harvest Host sites on the trip to stay at that were outstanding. The scenery was beautiful at both places- Casey Jones Distillery in Kentucky and Sullivan Creek Ranch in Alabama. The host were great, limited campers, and the camping spots were level without having to disconnect and setup. If you are looking for isolated or very few campers , you may enjoy staying at a Harvest Host site. You can google them for more information. Hull #421

Our packing philosophy is “less is more”. We have a minimum amount of kitchen things, it all fits in the two overheads above the kitchen and in the drawers. I have a Tupperware box that lives under the bath side dinette seat that has some hardware, repair parts and odds and ends, we also keep extra paper products there too. My clothes fit above my bed and in the attic, Carols are above her bed in on the two closet shelves. Some cleaning supplies are in the closet. Food in the fridge and pantry. We had a trip a couple of years ago that started Labor Day weekend and went through the end of October from Texas to New York and back for a college reunion at West Point. High 90s when we left. Below freezing before we made it out of New England. We also had to carry attire for the reunion, not normal camping clothes. Beside what was in the trailer, we had a hang up bag in the truck and a large plastic crate in the truck. Early October we switched out the Texas summer clothes in the crate with the cold weather New England clothes. We did this with a trip in January/February from Quartzsite up to Napa with stops at Yosemite and Pinnacles. Nice weather in Quartzsite up to Napa, then cold (teens) on the way home through Pinnacles NP. There are a number of threads here that talk about specific storage ideas, some very good ideas. What you carry is different for everyone. We each have our own styles! Mike

Oh, I found a more expensive one than the Volrath... https://www.amazon.com/PolyScience-Temperature-Controlled-Commercial-Induction/dp/B01G5MZZ5Q

Yes, we had no problem taking the credit on ours. You can also take the credit for other solar related items that you purchase at the same time, like battery upgrades, inverter, etc. It can be a significant credit if you're considering the new lithium upgrade.

This looks like a good alternative to the telescoping ladders. I don't know if one would fit in the closet, but it would take up little room in the bed of a truck.

How often does anyone drain the tank? I drain it when flushing, sanitizing, or winterizing. Have to get in there to move other valves anyway to accomplish those tasks

My take. 1. Can't stand the existing windows. Had tip out awning style when we owned our T@b which were way better IMO. Better ventilation, could be open in torrential downpours and they shed water considerably better with no maintenance compared to the sliding windows now being used. In fact I wouldn't mind having those poly-carbonate type of windows. FWIW in 8 years of ownership they still were not scratched up. 2. Fridge, speaking of the T@b once again it came with a compressor fridge. Hated it. It was loud, very loud. If you can't sleep with a forced air furnace running the 12 volt compressor fridge takes it up a few more notches. Plus it uses lots of 12 volt power to run. I have no complaints what so ever with the Dometic installed in the Oliver. I've never understood why people do not like absorption fridges. 3. I agree with others draining the fresh water tank is a slow chore, this could be improved. 4. AC, we've never turned ours on, don't plan to either and its the original Coleman which is really loud. 5. Black and gray tank drain, hadn't thought much about it until now but as others have mentioned placement could have been better thought out. 6. Heat. we have the Suburban that came on earlier models, hull #70. Being an early adopter one can only describe it as being a major PITA to work on. As I understand it all of these types of heaters are only about 40% efficient. This is 2020 and no excuse for such outdated technology but the RV industry in general being what it is, is also way behind the times in this regard. I would replace it for a truly quiet and energy efficient heating system in a heartbeat. We have a combi system in our house, hot water heat and hot water all on the same unit and while it has had repairs over the years the issue of having all of your eggs in one hot basket of water has never been an issue yet. They system was installed over 20 years ago and by modern standards its also way out of date but still works fine. I would love the idea of a condenser hot water heating system. 7. Maintenance free axels. You got to be kidding, once again its 2020 and your axels and associated suspension have to be serviced every 3,000 miles. Thanks

If you've got the Truma, then you can open the Truma drain and turn the pump on. It will drain the fresh tank in no time. You could do the same with any faucet, but it would take longer.

As an older person on social security I agree with Sherry, the tech is good (mostly). I get a little aggravated with the rain sensing wipers and the adaptive cruise control sometimes, but generally the tech is a plus. The sensors, cameras, displays and ability to control it all is good. My 1971 International Harvester Pickup did have a killer AM radio back in the day, but that was about it. The 12” touchscreen display in my new Ram is excellent along with the ability to control a bunch of vehicle functions. I like it too. Mike

I picked up my new 2020 Rebel just before Christmas. Used the factory Nav on the way home. It was out of date and had to switch to my iPhone. I asked the dealer about it and he said there would be an update sometime this year. ??? My view is that factory nav is not worth what they charge for it. On my IPhone I use Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze. They are always up to date. With CarPlay I can put them on my 12” display. I also carry a Garmin that I keep up to date. Even the Garmin stuck to my windshield is better than the factory Nav. Mike

Perhaps he'll be convinced to get a pair or two of those quick-dry pants when he can no longer find a storage place for the depends 🤣?

Many of us are from the same generation, or older. 🙂 I personally like the tech, and was seriously disappointed when I drove another brand last year. Especially when it comes to safety tech that will someday (soon) be mandated. My daily driver Silverado truck is 15 years old, and still runs and looks great, so I understand your concern. But, it rarely goes out of the county, or over 45 mph. When I finally give it up my stepside, it will be for a safer product. With much more tech.

That's plenty for two shirts and a pair of shorts. Unless you're on the road for more than three weeks, that should do.

We are set. Yes, naturally check with your CPA. 👍🏻

I'll add this caveat, but check with your own cpa. We were told that you could only take the credit on one "home" on a year. So, if you're adding solar to your sticks and bricks home in the same year, don't count on a credit for the trailer. Otherwise, second home. Bathroom and sleeping facilities. Sticks and bricks, trailer, motorhome, boat.

Probably no worries. Especially in the 50s. Similarly powered engine and car towed Lucy and Desi's long, long trailer. 😅 Same v8 engines used in trucks and cars, often. But then, cars were heavy, and gas was cheap. Remember when? Gas war... 17.9 the week I got my first car. Almost half price. Lol. Just a few years later, gas stations had to find a way to add a dollar in front of the cents. Mainiac, you made my day. Sending a screenshot to my old friend. She lives in Sweden, now. Sherry

Chuck, my only concern would be how much stress the bike and rack would put on the hull in addition to the tire. There's a substantial aluminum plate behind the tire mount which spreads the load, but ultimately it will still be the fiberglass that's taking the stress. Will it be too much? No idea, but it's something to put some thought into.

It is indeed a 54. Three on the tree, no radio, but it does have a heater. Armstrong steering.

No, not at all. Just pump up those Sears, Roebuck and Co. Dynaglass belted tires and hit the road. What could happen?

Is that a 54?💓 My best friend in high school and I had the best of times cruising in her 57. Until the brakes failed, and the neighborhood grocery inadvertantly became a drive-thru. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

I am usually at home when I drain my freshwater tank and I just let it run on my ground which can always use the water. And for me it is simple to flip the bed on edge and lift off the hatch lid which I then use to prop up the bed at 90°. And as JD mentioned, it’s a good time for a visual inspection of the water pump and valves. Mossey

I wouldn't be too concerned regarding a first year release. Not that Ford is infallible by any means but most of what comes with this truck are tried and true technologies they have been implemented in these trucks for years. As for the hybrid aspect, Ford also has lots of experience with some of their cars so porting over to a truck shouldn't be all that problematic I would think. Inverters have been around for a long time so again most of these devices are fairly reliable by now. I do understand why some might think this is just too much tech however, though it doesn't bother me. As Overland illustrates the rear F150 seats fold up nicely and out of the way… mostly. I use them in this manner more often than not on my 2013 F150. All that said if I ever bellied up to the bar for a new 2021 I would not include the inverter. With solar and lots of batteries on the Oliver I just don't see the need for it. These inverters are better suited IMHO for guys who are in the building trades or similar rather than RV'ing.

Might be better to just continue this discussion than create a new one.

On my trailer the small round hatch is for the Suburban hot water heater bypass valve, I can’t reach the fresh drain through that hole because the big air duct is in the way. Another round hole a foot forward would give access, but it doesn’t bother me to rotate the mattress 90 degrees to go in through the top. I rarely drain the tank - I tow with it full - and when I do, I am often operating other valves and inspecting for leaks.... John Davies Spokane WA

Many of us campers have many ideas on what we want our trailer to be, be it doing modification to suit our needs, or just modification to have something to do because that's what we do. I have found over the years that I like modifications that make life easier and more convenient use of what I have. If I have to move something every time I want to use it, it's more of a hassle then a convince. I have found the Oliver by design is pretty complete and a well thought out trailer, but there are those little things that make it even better, or easy of use as I call it. trainman

You will have a great trip and time. We also stayed ay Mu old Kentucky Home nice little park and close to the Distilleries. Visit as many as you can they are all enjoyable but do visit the big ones of course but do Buffalo Trace really enjoyed the tour have fun they are all near each other and can do 2 or 3 a day easily. Have fun all and enjoy. Thanks Gary

We recently stayed at Casey Jones Distillery in Kentucky through Harvest Host. It was a great experience. Hull#421

My life’s philosophy.

In the current gen, Ford seats fold up for access to a fully flat floor, which is pretty useful. I agree about buying anything first year - always a bit more risk. But if you want a truck with no tech, you might have to stick with your '13.