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Jason Essary OTT Service put us in touch with Xantrex tech support. We were walked through a system reset. No further issues. It was undetermined what caused the error code (4). Xantrex tech support was outstanding. All is well. edit- documented everything and everyone we talked with should this issue occur again when out of warranty. Happy Camping! Patriot

When you put it that way, I have to promote Salt Lake City, population 200,000. Before I retired recently, I did a lot of work to recruit people to the University of Utah. My major pitch was about the collaborative scientific community, but my pitch was also was about the lifestyle in SLC as a small city. Low traffic, walkable, bikeable, 45 mins to ski areas in winter or great hiking in summer. Climate with all four seasons, but not too hot or cold in summer or winter, with very low humidity that tempers the climate extremes. It is the largest city in the state, so it has a vibrant restaurant scene as well as major cultural opportunities, including music clubs, multiple theatre groups, symphony, opera, ballet. We live in a walkable neighborhood one mile from edge of the University and one mile from the center of downtown. Salt Lake City is well situated as a jumping off point for camping. To the West, it is 8 hours to the Sierra Nevada mountains. To the North, it is 5 hours to Grand Teton or Yellowstone. To the East, it is 8 hours to Rocky Mountain National Park. To the South it is 5 hours to Moab, Canyonlands, Zion or Bryce.

Here's a photo from Harris Beach State Park in Brookings during a warm stretch between Xmas and new years a few years ago - so many nice little islands and sea stacks! And one from just north of there by Cape Ferello (this is from last week)

That really sums it up, right there! I am very fortunate, and VERY grateful all this is happening. Been through a buncha years o’ sheer hell I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. No lie. So excited. Still have tons of questions and no time to read much right now. Apologies in advance for asking stuff that is probably already answered and easily Googled. I am a web nerd (one of many hats), but damn there is a LOT to read up on and learn and I’m trying not to “overthink” but that too is one of my charms. Ha. Thanks again to ALL. I really hope to attend a meet up. Or run into some of you - well, not literally - after I am out there FT. Especially any of you Ollie folks who FT!

Search the Internet for King Tides; that is when the big surf puts on a show and crowds of people line the bluff . . . . here are a few from Shore Acres State Park. There is a nice campground at Sunset Bay, just a few miles from Shore Acres SP. From there, you can hop on the Pacific Coast Trail and hike along the bluff to Shore Acres State Park (hiking avoids the SP entrance fee). While at the park, you can explore the botanical gardens and walk down to Simpson Beach where you'll find concretions and tide pools (if the tide is out). The trail continues South, ending at Cape Arago. If you're ambitious, there is another section of trail on the other side of the highway that climbs up a ridge, through the forest, ending at an old bunker used during WWII for spotting off-shore invaders Pacific Coast Trail Map If you time your visit right, you can catch "Circles in the Sand" at Bandon We live about an hour away, so visit here often. Next time we'll take the Ollie! Surf at Shore Acres SP Old Bunker on the Pacific Coast Pack Trail Concretions on Simpson Beach Circles in the Sand at Bandon

In someone's immortal words, "you go girl"! Ya got a dog, ya got a truck and soon you'll have an Oliver. What more does one need? Bill

They got the first nest, but they think there are a couple of more, and time is running out before winter, when the workers die, the queens disappear and burrow underground until spring. Yikes. Here is a wonderful article on the operation, and those very cool moon suits. https://www.wired.com/story/what-to-wear-when-youre-battling-giant-venomous-hornets/ John Davies Spokane WA

Perfect weather for picking up Hull #676! Staying one extra day at DCSP.

A couple weeks ago, while at a Harvest Host in Atkins, AR (Paw Paw's Pecans-Great place!) we met a couple from FL who were moving to Wichita, KS to be centrally located for traveling. I'm fairly sure I failed to disguise the "are you crazy!?" look on my face. (The aeronautical industry took my brother there 40+ years ago. He agrees. 🤓)

BTW if you like rock features like those concrections, also check out Salt Point SP along the NorCal coast - it has some fantastic rock features.

Thanks - yes I've walked that coastal trail from Sunset Bay - it's a gem for sure.

We were in Hohenwald for service Oct 4-7. The 1st night we camped in the sales office parking lot. They have several power pedestals to use. There were three other campers there with us & one was a couple scheduled for a factory tour. While Oliver had our Ollie, we stayed in Linden at the Commodore Hotel. It is an historic building on the main drag. The room/bldg needs some love but was clean. The Commodore allows pets & a continental breakfast is included. The Meriwether Lewis campground was still closed.

I've got one of those "bed rugs" in my F-150 and it is great. I don't know the exact weight but its light. I'd guess around 10 pounds or so. When I bought it I thought that keeping it clean just might be an issue but it is really easy to power wash. If you go this route, be sure to also consider the "rug" for the tailgate. Bill

Yes, I've been learning to hop on that when it's in the forecast and I have the time open. When I took that photo at Cape Ferrelo, friends back up here in the Puget Sound area were telling tales of wet murk.

That's a really vulnerable area for freezing, as it is in any rv with an outside shower. And, it's easy to forget when winterizing. (Ask me how I know... yup.) We replaced ours once already . I think a bypass/shutoff , as I have said before, would be a grand idea.

Seems like a great notion in any case to experiment from your current home and learn more about how you really like to roll as you spend more time out camping and exploring etc. There are so many different takes on the possible answers to your opening question depending on who's answering, and you'll learn more about YOUR answers by just getting out there from where you live now.

In 2019 we traveled to the SW from the Pacific Northwest in mid-May. We had to modify our route to take us further south when a snow storm came through the Flagstaff area. Sedona was fine. We even ventured up to Payson as we wanted to see the Mogollon Rim; it got down to freezing in Payson at night, but the snow didn't reach that far south. Colorado is to be avoided in February/March unless you are prepared for cold and snow; Monarch Pass is over 11,000'. Most of the storms in the mountain and central SW originate in the PNW; if you watch what's going on there you will get a good idea of what to expect.

Nature is a complete menagerie of moving things - plant's that reach out - that's the appeal..... As for overall cost of living - TN is hard to beat. Seems real estate has gone crazy most everywhere we "once" considered in our retirement planning. I have come to realize - the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the state line -err - fence - so to speak. And like SH - low population density is an attraction for us. This summers wanderings throughout CO was in stark contrast to the people numbers of the same trips 10 years back! Amazed at the traffic, congestion, and sheer building activity in CO. Course I remember when DEN was just a thought. My attraction to the west is the boondocking - really great if you like that kind of thing. Our time in the PNW - well it was fun - not a place I want to live - my spouse rust's - she says. - AK - I love the openness, the attitudes, the last frontier? - not the winters.... My son - however - says he will never leave - . To each his own - Oliver EII - and a good TV - the world is your oyster.

DCdude- David Crocket CG is much closer to Oliver in Hohenwald Tenn. -https://tnstateparks.com/parks/david-crockett Davy Crockett CG is located in Crossville, Tenn. - https://www.davycrockettcampground.com Two different areas of your state. 😉 Davy Crockett CG is in Crossville Tenn, a much longer drive to Oliver in Hohenwald, Tenn.

We are spending another week at Chantilly Farms in Floyd, Va. Friends joined us! Hopefully future Ollie owners. A Blue Ridge Parkway photo at Ground Hog Mountain. “The Beast” did an outstanding job as our new TV, very happy with the Tremor so far. Happy Camping!

We had an inverter issue a few years ago and the Xantrex support team was excellent. Walked me through a bunch of troubleshooting until we did a hard reset that did the trick. Mike

Hi folks, BACKGROUND I am looking for some advice as I begin to plan our winter get away this year. We live in mid-coast Maine and picked up our Oliver last October. We stayed one night at David Crockett park and then headded home. We put the Ollie in the barn and winterized it. We are new to camping and have never owned a camper or travel trailer. Our plan for the winter of 2020 was to head south for Febuary, March and April. In early Feb this year we drove to Aiken, SC to my sister-in-laws and de-winterized the Ollie there. From there we headed to Charleston, Savanna, and had planned to work our way south down the east coast of Florida and end up in the Keys. First big lesson learned-- You need reservations in Florida and the Keys in Feb and March!!. Fortunately we did get some reservations in the Keys. We headed up the gulf coast of Florida to Naples, and Tampa. Our plan was to cross the panhandle and go to New Orleans, Nachez, up the Nachez trace to Nashville, to the Rally in Alabama and then head home. We had to head home because of Covid mid-March. We made it to Panacea Florida when it became evident we needed to go home. We were on the road for about 45 days. We had a great time and we learned a few things about camping, and needing reservations in some areas. We learned planning to stay in each place a day or two longer than we planned to really enjoy each place. We also learned that I do not really like driving in city or urban traffic with the Ollie. I am not crazy about narrow winding roads with very poor surface or visabiility. We learned we are ok and enjoy boondocking for a few days at a time but also like full survice hook ups. We learned we like space and privacy between camp sites. We learned that 10+ hour days of driving/towing are not what we want to do too much. (we will to get out of Maine for a more temperate climate to de-winterize). 3 to 4 hours is about all I would prefer to drive per day but realize some times more is necessary. I am not especially fond of coming down steep winding grades. I also am the guy in the slow lane going 60-65 on the highway. We learned that our 5.7 litre Tundra with the Anderson hitch is more than adequate to tow our Elite II. NEEDED HELP and SUGGESTIONS!!! This years planned route has us headed to the Southwest. I am not familiar with this area of the country. I am looking for suggestions on routes, weather, sites, ideas, feedback on dealing with covid, needed reservations, and how busy these areas may be in Feb, March, and April. We do have solar and just the regular toilet in our Ollie. Your feedback is needed, and appreciated! Here is our planned route and rough timing: Arrive in Honnewald TN for service, bearings etc around Jan 21. Nachez Trace south to Nachez. We were going to New Orleans but with Covid are questioning this stop and a few others. Head west to Austin, Waco, Ft. Worth, I am also questioning those stops due to covid. West through Abiline to Roswell, Las Cruces, Tucon, and Sedona. We plan to arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon around Feb. 25. Then on to Moab in early March. Then to Albuquerque via Route 66 headding east to Oklahoma City. Then continue East to Memphis and Nashville. I am questioning Memphis and Nashville due to covid as well. From there in early April head to the Blue Ridge Parkway and head north back to Maine arriving home around April 20. It is my wife and me along with our new mid-size Austrailian Labradoodle puppy. He will be 16 weeks old when we leave Maine. (our traveling compaion for the previous 11 years, Marley, sadly passsed away in June). We welcome your feedback. We are learning and do not have the experience in this area. We will do mild hiking and site seeing. We are not mountain bikers. We want to see some of the west. What should we see, what roads should we totally avoid, what will the weather be like, how busy this time of year, places to stay, etc. I have done a ton of reading and research but nothing works as well as direct feedback from experienced folks. We look forward to your feedback. I will take it all in. Look us up if you get to Maine in the summer or fall. Much appreciated and thanks, Matt.

Gee, I haven't got my Elite II yet and I am already thinking about changes just following this thread. Susan's sofa idea was pretty impressive but I definitely need that dinette. Ken, David and others discussing an old floor plan with a desk still has my mind spinning. Desk space is a priority in our house so we are still struggling on how we are going to devote an area for our laptops and other electronic devices in the standard option. Thanks for all the info.

I have a couple of personal reasons to really dislike this new technology, though it is a game changer for rural folks and especially for emergency response teams moving into devastated regions. The possibility of space junk from collisions - they weigh nearly 600 pounds each, with over 4000 satellites planned, and there has been a very near miss already - and night-sky light pollution. This is what happens when a ground telescope takes a long exposure picture while a string of these satellites is passing overhead: These can probably be reduced, but not eliminated, by tech improvement. Starlink is planning to do this at other locations too, specifically our moon and Mars: ...https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/starlink-on-mars As a long time sci-fi fan, the idea of surfing the Web from Olympus Mons or Valles Marineris simply boggles my mind... And FYI Season 5 of "The Expanse" starts in a six weeks John Davies Spokane WA

RB, thanks for sharing your experience with the 3/4 ton and I would definitely go that route should we ever end up with an EII. Having done my homework in selecting the trim (XLT) I think will serve us best for our EI - not a lot of bells and whistles but good payload, max tow package - I too was a bit surprised to be up against the payload limit. Getting rid of the rubber bed mat will definitely help. On the bright side, the time we were over payload it was only by 40 lbs and it was a "worse case" with full TV gas tanks, full trailer fresh water and LP tanks, both TV and trailer loaded for camping. - Brian

As much as I have toyed with this idea of a true off road Oliver - Overland really captures the best reasons for not going that route. I have seriously thought about the true off road truck mounted RV - Earth rover type - and keep coming back to the benefits of the base camp concept. I'm still trying to figure out how to carry additional "stuff" mainly larger heavier - like a multipurpose motorcycle, a boat, or perhaps a true off road Jeep or side by side. But my wife brings me back to earth - ride the MTB, walk, and bring a Canoe if you must...... I can always rent when in Moab, much cheaper in the long run. RB

I use the the little countertop above the fridge, and the small dinette table for prep, often. In the smaller kitchen of the Elite, the only "counterspace" is a few inches between the sink and stove, and the additional space of the cooktop with the lid closed. A few people installed a swing up top at the side of the stove, back in the day, but it had to be very small. What would be even more helpful would be an adjustable table in the small dinette, like the Lagun or Springfield marine hydraulic pedestal, that would allow me to raise the tabletop to counter height. Not sure about how to handle the window shade protrusion, though, in moving the top up and down.

That rubber mat probably weights a whole lot, some of the recycled rubber ones are 70 pounds or more....you could swap it out for a light weight Bed Rug. I used one in my last truck and liked it enough I would buy again, if I had a pickup. https://bedrug.com/bedrug-classic-bed-mat/2018/ford/f-150 I have been trying to find its weight but have had no luck, does anyone know this figure? They don’t tell you online but they do usually ship free. I do know that they are pretty darned light. I installed mine without the velcro, it worked fine, but an open bed and no cargo might result in it literally flying away. John Davies Spokane WA

We sold our Leisure Travel Van for this very reason. Although, I will say, we took it on a few Forest Service roads that were more suited for "crawling" Long wheel base and 2wd drive, but she make it through! Crazy kids that we are

We are going to (maybe) use the dinette as a sofa during the days, since we eat outside for all meals, except breakfast - weather permitting. I say, "maybe" because it will depend on how much I rely on the dinette table for food prep. Can't wait to get our Elite II so I can try all these ideas that are running around in my head. I think I'll sleep better then!

SeaDawg, our tow vehicle - F150 4x4 SuperCrew - selection was likewise impacted by the (western) NC climate and its wintertime snow/ice. I’m pleased with the overall towing performance of the F150, plenty of pulling and stopping power for the Elite and with the 36-gallon tank and the back seat for the dogs it fits us well. Another pro for us is the 6.5 ft. bed. I’m new to towing so the backup assist comes in handy but I find I’m using it less frequently as I gain experience. The cons thus far: mileage and payload. I “drive like an old man” - may be because I am - rarely exceeding the posted speed limits to be rewarded with 12 or 13 mpg. Not impressed. I’m using CAT scales now and then to track our weights; we did once exceed our payload with a full fresh water tank. A couple of weighty TV accessories factor in, hard tonneau cover and heavy duty rubber bed mat, so I’m looking at rearranging to move some weight from the bed to the trailer. With the limited storage space in the trailer I’m finding that the options in this area are limited. May need to look at leaving behind some stuff....seems that’s a natural occurrence as we become more efficient, packing less with each trip. - Brian

@DavidS, that exactly where mine is leaking. As soon as I turn water on it spurts out from several places. I've replaced the Straight Nipple, with new seal collar and o-ring but no improvement. Fontana has a new model out that I'm trying to find out if it is an exact replacement for the 9"x4.5" cut out. It looks better made. I also have a note into Jason to see if they are using the newer model and the price on a replacement unit. I'll keep this post updated as I make progress. Also DavidS I enjoyed looking through your travel photos.

I’ve very much enjoyed all of the posts here. Though my wife and I have the great parks and sights of UT/WY/MT on our bucket list, the comments regarding seasons and efforts to follow the best weather have provoked thoughts regarding our possibilities from home. It’s 11 hours north to Acadia and about the same south to St. Augustine. We should be able to find the weather we like between those two poles.

Here in Bozeman, MT, 10 inches of snow fell yesterday. And the forecasted low for tonight is MINUS SEVEN! Ouch. However, that's not the norm. And the summers are beautiful.

I’ve had Ram 1500s with and without the Ram Boxes. I used a Bakflip tri-fold tonneau cover on both which provides nice security for stuff in the bed. I don’t mind the squared sides of the bed with the Ram Box option. That space isn’t always real usable anyway and I like being able to put tools, supplies and other things that need to be accessible in each Ram Box. If you are going to go with a cap, like John says, don’t get them.

I can't really help very much regarding your trip but I'm sorry that you lost your Marley. This should be one heck of a trip with what is basically a new puppy. Bill

The Rebel is a very nice choice for a 1500 pickup, but be aware it has some “offroady” aspects like bigger (33”) All Terrain tires, upgraded suspension, skid plates and a 1” taller height. If you actually want these features (as I do, for boondocking and exploring the VAST network of unimproved roads in the West) then go for it. If you don’t want these features, and you want an easier to enter vehicle, plus a lower bed height, then a standard Ram 1500 would be a more logical choice. In terms of cool factor, the Rebel wins hands down..... I don’t know if this has been mentioned before, if you plan to install a canopy, which I do recommend, do NOT buy the Ram Box option, since the box lids cannot open with a canopy in place. They will work with a retractable tonneau cover. The bed is also a lot narrower when you have the boxes, some people do not like this aspect. Nice truck: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a19561753/2019-ram-1500-rebel-first-drive-review/ Black especially, or any really dark color, is a bitch to keep looking nice, pardon my language, especially when traveling long term. White will match your Ollie, but any light color will be easier to maintain. I really like khaki (desert tan) since it is the color of dirt.... but they don’t offer “Dirt” in the Rebel color chart.😀 Always always, drive before you buy. Make sure it fits you, both physically and emotionally..... John Davies Spokane WA

Your October 6" snowfall equals the average amount of snow we get for an entire Winter. Of course western NC also has these microclimate effects you talk about and if we need snow for some reason (like cross-country skiing ) we can drive 17 miles to get from 2500 feet elevation to a little over 6000 and get all the snow we want for most of the winter. Bill

Remember how I talked about (way back at the top of this thread) getting climate data as one of the things to consider when choosing a place to live. Well, my search of that data produced exactly two areas of the country that had the kind of climate we wanted - the PNW and a small area generally located in Western North Carolina (there is a little bit of it in extreme north west South Carolina and north east Georgia). In both of these areas one of the main detractions is the amount of rain. Not surprisingly, both have mountains that interact with coastal fronts and general weather patterns. Bill

This thread makes me want to explore these areas that I have not seen. Thanks for the inspiration!

I know of at least one Oliver owner that will once a month lift the tires off the concrete and spin them leaving them 90 degrees from where they had been. I leave the propane lid latches undone to keep from permanently stretching the rubber pieces. This also allows the foam bumpers to expand so that when the lid is latched the bumpers are not already flattened out.

We have lived in several states mostly due to career upward mobility moves with our former employers. We found the state we enjoy living in most is where we are right now. We love the beautiful temperate spring and fall, the long summers and short easy winters of Western North Carolina. We feel very fortunate and blessed to be able to choose where we could eventually build our home and retire. Here in the foothills of Western NC we might get one snow fall of 5” and with a few days it’s gone. So no shoveling or plowing of driveways, or driving and slipping on ice! Very little snow and ice covered roads and power lines suits us well. A short drive to the gorgeous South Mountains a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and 4.5 hrs to Sunset Beach we are completely content and very happy. We now farm a small Blueberry grove, (a record 43 gallon yield this past season) we also hunt and enjoy wild game and the trout fishing is not bad either. Being “Patriots” we enjoy tremendous amounts of awesome revolutionary war history here symbolizing the birth of this great country. 🇺🇸

Yes. Temps soar into the high 70s, maybe even mid 80s. Dew point hovers near the 60s. Some downpours would raise the stream heights and guarantee some brilliant tree colors. (think I forgot those days I hid in the house with the AC on)..

There's a good discussion here of using DIY permethrin spray treatment on clothing (useful for ticks but also mozzies and biting flies! it's a game changer IMO versus DEET on the skin). It includes discussion of buying 10% dilution agricultural permethrin and further diluting it to the appropriate strength for spraying your clothing and daypacks and other gear on which the damn ticks might hitchhike. Daily tick checks are important when in tick country and season. We now keep some of those spoon-shaped tick removers handy just in case as they are just right for removing ticks w/o spurting more of their potential bacterial load into your bloodstream. link: http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8017183&highlight=permethrin

Being a turkey hunter i deal with ticks each year, spring and fall. Spraying down your clothes with permethrin is the most effective way to dealing with them. I also use light Camo coveralls uninsulated and insure that pants are tucked into boots. Also don’t forget about ginger’s“ a mite size bug that burrows under your skin. You can’t kill them by washing your clothes . They say the dryer will. And also if you do find a tick on you remove it right away and watch for signs of a bullseye rash that may appear around The site. Also see your doctor if you start feeling poorly Aches fever, etc.

That’s the black box under the dinette. Open the door and make sure your fridge fuse is in the #1 position. I think I read where some trailers are set up different. Then pull the fuse that is used for the fridge. In my case it is the fuse in the first position.

Bill, was that before the new owners at Fall Hollow? We stayed one night in their b n b right after they bought it. Nice couple from Wisconsin. They have changed and upgraded a lot if sites there, plus adding some cabins. Sherry

Bill, We love camping out west and love the Blue Ridge Mountains, too!

We would like to do this too . . . . unfortunately, our RV carport isn't at the house, but "at the ranch" - 1/4 mile down a private road. Not sure if the electric set up there will support this. We might consider building a new RV carport at the house as we can always use the other for equipment storage. It's a bit large for the Oliver, since it was built for a 30'l x 13'h fifth wheel with room for a slide. We have timber, a sawmill (photo of sawmill shed attached) etc. My husband is always looking for things to build 😊

Recently had a 30 amp out let installed on the exterior shop wall. Happy.