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In my opinion - if you are going to spend virtually any time in the out of doors and/or where cell phone service can't be guaranteed then (if you can afford it) having one of these satellite communication devices is not a luxury but a necessity. Most of these can be used for many functions in addition to their SOS feature. These include: messaging, real time tracking by friends and loved ones, trip planning, "bread crumb trails", weather, etc. I spend the better part of two months each year in relatively remote places fishing and hiking - usually alone. Certainly it is comforting to know that I can get help in the event of a medical emergency and I can let my wife know that all is OK. I must admit however that I never considered many of the uses that are noted in the report above. In addition, during the hurricane Helene back in October, 2024 we were without telephone and internet for about 5 days (many others had it much worse) and the only communication that we had with the outside world was via our satellite communication device. We also (now) always carry it with us when going on trips in the event we have a vehicle or other issue. Bill p.s. No, I do not own stock in Garmin nor any other of these companies.😁

Each year Garmin provides a "year in review" which shows the kinds of activities, places, reasons for users asking for help, etc. for users of the Garmin InReach satellite rescue device. There a number of these types of devices on the market, but this report by Garmin highlights some of the reasons for using any of these. The Garmin report can be viewed HERE. Bill

Last Call! Currently at 73 listings. I'll and/remove up until sometime Sunday evening, and then print a bunch of copies to bring with us. I'll post the final PDF at that time, too. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed! It sure makes it easier for owners new and old find people they've only conversed with online. 2025 Oliver Rally Attendees as of 4-26.pdf

OTT DOES fabricate these mounting plates "in-house". There were a couple of earlier models (in the low 100's hull numbers) where the welds did fail and Oliver both repaired these and changed the way these brackets were manufactured. Bill

This is a bummer Dan. I see a few issues. In your very first picture there is a grease stain on top of the jack. In your last picture, the jack head looks somewhat cock-eyed to the post assembly and even more so to the fiberglass opening above. Neither picture looks normal, as I know for a fact that the tops of both of my rear jacks are bone dry/clean shiny paint and they are level, square to the cover that sits above them. I measured both of mine and they are left-to-right side identical within 1/16". They both measure 3 and 9/16" from the fixed post section to the bottom of the aluminum mount, where yours measures 4" on the good side and about 3" on the other. Your hull, 4 years newer, could have a different measurement but of course both sides should be equal. My feeling is the weld of the mounting plate to the post assembly has failed. Not sure, but these mounts were likely fabricated and welded by OTT, as they do not look like off-the-shelf jacks like our standard front jack. Given the age of your hull, likely it would no longer be under warranty. You could remove the bad side, simple enough by removing the two nuts you tried tightening earlier and pulling the jack out from above. When it's out, you'd quickly see whether a weld has failed (please post picture when you do). If so, then choices would be to get it welded locally and service the head <OR> enter a Service Ticket with OTT. If they did fab the mount and weld it, they may replace it for you or in lieu of a local repair, OTT could supply the replacement part. Again, don't use it until corrected as it would soon cause much more damage than the rub on your basement cover. I could be wrong but this is my best guess from looking at your pictures and measurements. You've taken all the right steps.

I too have been using a dashcam for a number of years now - so many years that (as far as I know) they didn't produce a camera that used anything but the cig lighter for power unless you wired it to a hot and negative yourself. However, there are a couple of things to be on the lookout for. I got both the dash and rearview cameras and with this there is almost a 360 degree of the vehicle. Make sure that you get a fairly big memory card for your dashcam. Having a "parking mode" (this is when you are parked the camera still records) is very helpful for things like someone trying to break into the vehicle when you are not there or if you are hit in a parking lot. GPS integrated into the dashcam can be a blessing and/or a curse - it will show speed and location. Certainly this is helpful IF you are doing the speed limit at the time a problem is recorded. My camera does not have an interior view but I've read that this view can be helpful in the event you are the victim and have to go to court. Good luck choosing in that there are a ton of these cameras on the market. Bill p.s. mine is branded as Apeman for what its worth.

Our Garmin Explorer is a great safety backup. Never had to use it. At one time when we did off-grid camping, I used it to plot our routes and used it to hike. We would also message our kids. We would set it up so our kids could see where we were at all times.

I was bending over too, never on knees, but now with these shorty extensions I do not have to crane my neck. Not truly risky. Check out the picture for perspective. The trailers tires are much further out and so is the rear bumper. They are also flexible so if something was to hit them they would just fold back. If something was to het them it would also hit the rear bumper which would be a big owie! I've loved them ever since adding them. Lead-free brass, good for drinking water (not that we drink water from the Oliver). https://www.amazon.com/Fevone-Extension-Flexible-Protector-Drinking/dp/B0BFWPFTFH/ Then I got these simple 1" chair leg caps for the Eley male ends which are inexpensive and fit nicely snug. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SKXR0C/?th=1

I can still bend over and screw the quick connect on. No kneeling🤣. I must say, it can be a pain. However, I prefer to do as I do rather than having something sticking out there that is a target of road debris. To risky for me.

On your knees to connect a hose! 🤣 Sorry, not on my knees. I'm only getting on my knees for necessary repairs under truck or trailer. These make it easier and thanks to @Patriot the Eley connections can be put on and taken off one-handed (off pressure released).

That is strange. Time to submit a ticket on this one. GJ

I have been running this D/C since 2022 and am really pleased how it works and how small and compact the camera is. Clear crisp photos or video. https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-140-degree-Monitor-Connected-Features/dp/B0931YZ82P/ref=sr Memory card -https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-microSDXC-Memory-Adapter/dp/B09X7CRKRZ/ref=sr I also recommend this polarized lens cover- https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Polarized-Lens-Cover-010-12530-18/dp/B07LDCK7ZR/ref=sr_ Here is the Ford specific plug and play dongar.tech short connector which plugs into my review mirror and powers the camera. Install is a breeze. You can barely see the Garmin Mini 2 while in the cabin as it mounts up hidden discreetly forward of the review mirror. Note: you must have the auto dimming rear view mirror with the 16 pin connector for this plug’n play to work. 💯 happy with this dash cam set up and would buy again. You may want to call Dongar tech to determine which connector will work for your Expedition trim level. https://dongar.tech/products/16pin-ford-f150?srsltid=AfmBOookPpMlEZvtWy9Hi5SQfoIIYMJNOU0HJqtJewLLbWFu9zZgQjjS

I have the FITCAMX, it’s nicely integrated into my Silverado’s rear view mirror housing, and plug and play installation with the power wire hidden and connected to the rear view mirror wiring, and hidden inside the mirror housing.

I believe one would also need to remove the jack foot plate from the unit to pull it out. Easy to remove the plate bolt from below the foot plate. True. OTT provides the bracket to Barker who welds it on to their standared jack. Point is that it may be a OOPS by either OTT or Barker. Or maybe both??? GJ GJ

The Garmin inReach service can be suspended when not in use as a cost saving measure, can be used to summon help to others in dire need at no risk of costs for their emergency/medical response, weather forecasts are available, and they offer very reasonable and affordable SAR plans.

I’ve nearly completed Phase1 of the swing rack builds. The rear receiver hitch was removed from the Savana to enable some preliminary modifications, specifically welding reducer inserts in each end of the hitch’s cross tube, drilling holes for locking hitch pins and repositioned Air Lift auxiliary fill lines, and repainting. Once the paint is fully cured the hitch will be reinstalled in readiness for Phase2, actual fabrication of the individual swing racks. Unlike a pickup truck having a dropdown tailgate where a single swing arm would span the width of the vehicle, the van has two rear half doors and thus, separate swing arms for the custom racks. Also, unlike conventional installs where a vehicle’s rear bumper is either modified or replaced to accommodate a swing out carrier hinge, I’m making use of the stock receiver hitch to support the pivot points from below the bumper, whereby avoiding inherent door operation and clearance issues. The receiver hitch, as removed, plus preliminary holes drilled at each end for additional locking hitch pins. Reducers to transition the 3.5” OD square hitch tube to a 2” ID receiver. Reducers welded into hitch tube at each end. Matching .75” holes drilled in hitch tube for use of locking hitch pins to secure pending swing racks. Modified receiver hitch primed. The two hitch tube ends with installed reducers will now serve in like manner as the hitch ball mount receiver with locking pins. Final topcoat of paint applied. Modified receiver hitch ready for installation pending paint cure. Note the two small holes drilled in the support arms next to the voids where the Air Lift Schrader valve fill hoses will be repositioned. And that is it for now!

I use the Garmin InReach Mini. When I'm out fishing or hiking I simply clip it to the top of my fishing vest or day pack. When combined with a cell phone (with or without cell service) I can see exactly where I am on a topo map. Garmin has come out with a never version of mine called the Mini2 - HERE. There are models that have maps and other features right in the unit but I wanted to be as small and light as possible. Bill P.s. While on the road I use the USB connection and place the Mini on my dash. Using the maps that Garmin provides plus Google maps my wife and a couple of close friends can not only see where I'm located but they can (using Google maps) see the stream I'm fishing or trail I'm hiking.

Thanks @jd1923 and @topgun2 JD, really appreciate you taking the time to measure your stabilizer jacks for a comparison! I had previously noticed that it sat high and just touched the fiberglass but didn't really think much of it as it worked just fine. I never had both of the under-bed compartments open at the same time to really see the difference until yesterday and then took measurments (should have done that a long time ago!! -- just busy with life and the trailer has only had occasional use until now) The bracket welds are intact, all bolts are tight and the unit is steadfast and operational. It appears that the mounting bracket was improperly welded to the jack assembly - both in height and in level/plumb. The jack shaft is plumb from front to back but not from right to left. Mike from Oliver service responded via email to my service ticket within hours --- impressed! I've emailed him more photos showing the welds and I've included photos showing the positioning out of plumb using a level. Hopefully, Oliver will take care of me....

Autoformer's should be standard equipment in all RV's and probably would be if Hughes didn't hold the patent on it . And smart that you permanently mounted yours inside too.. Keeps it safe and secure plus no prying eyes to accuse you of "stealing power". 😄

I made the above comments on April 18th, at which time I played around with the Sleep Mode on the Atmos. Upon departure of these routine visits I always check to be sure everything is turned Off, except for the dehumidifier. Admittedly, there have been a few times after locking up the Oliver and then the COW Barn when I question whether or not the dehumidifier was turned back On, or the closet light and water pump turned Off and thus, back inside to check all again. I recall everything to be in good order so back to lockup and departure. Well, when I went back on April 24th to pay rent I was baffled to see a puddle of water upon entering the COW Barn; my first thought being somehow the roof developed a leak from recent heavy rains. However, when entering the Oliver I felt the cool and comfortable 73° interior and noticed the Atmos’s fan was On, then realized the puddled water was condensate. YIKES, it was SO QUIET I didn’t even realize upon last departure it was still running! Now this isn’t a testament to how wonderful the Atmos is and pleased I am with its performance, but rather that of the Hughes Autoformer I permanently installed. Fact being, the storage facility only provides 15A service and with recent severe storms that device’s surge protection may have prevented damage to my Oliver’s electrical system or even the Atmos. More importantly, upon checking the Autoformer was boosting voltage, which I have observed a few times since the install during storage. This occurs when line input voltage drops to 116 volts or below, wherein the unit’s output is automatically boosted 10% over the input. It is a known fact that insufficient voltage, both spikes and surges, can cause irrepairable damage to sensitive electronics and RV air conditioners, and the primary reason for having this extra layer of protection the Hughes Autoformer provides. There is comfort in knowing that if I inadvertently leave the Atmos On at the COW Barn, given the minimal service, or run it at a CG where service issues may occur that my electrical devices and Oliver are fully protected. ‘Nuff said!

That’s a neat review.👍🏻 We have iPhone 14’s with IOS18 operating system and Verizon as our satellite service provider for an emergency SOS off grid. Our Starlink Mini is also another option we can use when are at our base camp. https://www.verizon.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/messages-via-satellite/ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097

We have the ROVE Dashcam, front and back. I can connect to my phone Wi-Fi and there are very clear front and rear pictures. Extra safety, including preventing scams.

Thanks for your suggestions. As @jd1923 suggested, I checked the mounting bolts under the trailer and they looked tight visualy with lock-washers fully compressed. I put a wrench on them anyway and was able to tighten both bolts (on both sides) by about a quarter turn. This did not seem to change anything. Before pulling anyting apart, I started to measure differences between my curbside (too high) and my streetside (just fine) stabilizer jacks. I've attached the photos and I'm stumped. The curbside jack seems to be somehow mounted about an inch higher than the streetside jack. The inside photos are measuring to the mounting bracket. The outside photo shows that the cylinder for the shaft is an inch lower on one side. Is there some adjustment that I am not seeing? I believe that the curbside stabilizer jack was always touching the fiberglass lid but I never thought much of it. It seems to be doing damage to the lid now. Both jacks operate just fine as always. I am going to open a ticket with Oliver, but does anybody have a suggestion.....?

If you are looking for a restaurant, we had a nice dinner at Rock House Eatery in Guntersville last year. It's about 10 mi from the campground.

That connection can be a sticky one and I've had the same issue. What works for me is to keep the leg attached at the floor, position yourself facing the window, up against the table, back straight, and give that table a good quick lift. If it comes free I would recommend paraffin over trusty WD-40 to lubricate the connection. On my leg, it's just a plastic cap over the aluminum leg with a single metal spring clip. Rub the paraffin all over that and you should be good to go. Don't be afraid to reef on that connection to get it to come off. Good luck. Dave

Soup anyone? 😂 love the old Seinfeld shows.

The last two years some of the vendors have provided box lunches or light breakfast, but that's not shown on the schedule this year. Last year there was a potluck dinner that's also not listed this year. We find planned dinners don't go as planned due to lots of gabbing, so be flexible.

It’s clear on the agenda your pretty much on your own for meals. Other than the opening ceremony meal which is provided at no cost to those who have registered. The lodge has breakfast and dinner available, naturally pay as you go. We typically skip lunch and enjoy a late breakfast and dinner at our site. There are a few local restaurants in Guntersville, check reviews. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/events/oliver-owners-rally/ Safe Travels! 🇺🇸

We are one month away at having the opportunity to reserve a site through TPWD for the Texas Rally.

Haven't heard of that. Here's a page showing how to "service" the rear jack that may help. In it there is mention of 3 allen set screws that hold the power head on the jack . Maybe those have backed off an the head has popped up? CS

I would suggest as above, to check the tightness of the 4 bolts. Also, try looking at the unit while someone else is operating the jack. If no change, try calling OTT for further advice.

Update on my installation of the Victron Orion XS 50A DC-DC charger. I believe this suggests frame mounting the ground on the TV works fine and saves purchase of another 15-20 ft of expensive 4 AWG copper! The picture tells the whole story. The charger set to the max 50A charge setting outputted 47.4 amps. I took this picture just 50 yards out of our driveway, climbing up our steep road as soon as the RPMs got up to the high teens. 40A at idle and near the full 50A while towing! Our batteries were near full SOC so the charger soon geared down to less than 10A. After 3 days Boondocking in the Prescott NF, batteries at a lower SOC, we’ll see how many AHs are gained driving home, a 90+ minute drive. Solar should handle the Dometic fridge on DC and the Orion should produce a net increase in SOC.

Great news. A rep for Girard Awnings will be at our rally. This was confirmed by email to me. Kelsey Sacha, Lippert Rally Coordinator.Support, spoke with her Team and said a Girard Rep would attend to do Q&A.

There is a new post and a video in said forum of interest; in short, more corrections to misinformation. Anyone considering a Gree product should take time to read/watch the very pertinent information and discussions provided therein. I have learned nothing that would change my mind about purchasing an Atmos 4.4, looking forward to my pending delivery and details on your install.

Reopening an old thread here. Our 3 year old RVLock just failed. Closed the door and suddenly no power to the lock. Replaced the batteries, no change. Old batteries back in, closed the door, now it just sat there quietly chirping pitifully, like a dying chick. Guess I'll see how good that lifetime warranty is...