Leaderboard

So, it's not news that Gander Mountain and it's marine store, overtons filed for bankruptcy protection last year. The interesting news is that Camping world bought the name and assets this week. (No, your gander mountain gift cards still won't work. They didn't purchase the liabilities.) I'm unsure why they bought these primarily small mall locations, and now say they'll sell off the inventory, right size, and keep some of the stores. Maybe buying their internet presence at a bargain price? Camping world just keeps on growing. As does Dometic. Makes me appreciate the little guys even more. Sherry

I have a late model 2015, has some 2016 features. Just drove over 2300 miles, without a single issue. No open drawers, no open storage cabinets, all systems working fine. Might be worthwhile for Oliver to evaluate the changes that have taken place since the 2016-2017 model years, especially production staffing and training since they have increased output.

There has been a lot of discussion on what's the best tow vehicle for pulling your Ollie. Now, I'm not advocating using a KW T800 as a TV, bit you sure would have plenty of diesel power, although the fuel mileage would eat you alive. I used to bring my truck home on occasion, and when it was backed up to the trailer, I thought, that's kind of a cool picture. Stan

I'm currently a Building Official but from the time I was in High School, for the next 30 years I was in manufacturing. I ran a plant that made flight control systems for military and civilian aircraft. This equipment was mostly actuators that controlled flight surfaces like flaps, tail rudder, pitch and yaw, for Black Hawk helicopters, F-16 Falcon, YF-22, F-14, Boeing and Airbus. Most of the components were manufactured in house, but we also had a substantial vendor list. In that high volume and high precision environment I learned one thing: You cannot INSPECT quality into your finished product. On paper, a thorough inspection process at intervals of manufacturing a product looks good. In reality however, the inspection process becomes the proverbial 'Chinese fire drill'...feedback from units in service in the field identifies problems, engineering isolates cause, manufacturing may (or may not) change methods or materials. That fire gets extinguished, but in the months of tunnel vision type focus, other fires ignite. This is inevitable as the production must continue to meet customer demand. Minor problems related to the manufacturing process appear in different settings or sub systems, and the chasing of the tail continues. Granted, a huge issue like axles failing or something catching fire may 'stop the presses' until the issue is resolved. That does not seem to be the case here with Oliver Trailers. From what I can glean, the 'problems' are related to the manufacturing process and vendor issues. In the type of environment where the product is a travel trailer, the standard of each task is very difficult to illustrate much less define. This is because it is imprecise work done mostly by hand. The main issue here would be the training of the operator or performer of that task. Let's look at a totally hypothetical 'problem'...rats nest type unsecured wiring behind the round hatches. In a plant like Oliver's one or two personnel may be the key components of this operation. Joe and Bill are meticulous in their wiring methods, everything tied, secured, shrink wrapped, etc. Bill took a position in the whirlpool manufacturing line, Joe is on leave as his wife just delivered their second baby. Does the wiring process stop because these two experts are not available? No. The foreman assigns the next 2 capable people but they aren't nearly as fluent in electrical workmanship as Bill and Joe. But the job gets done albeit with the possibility of future failure. And this potential human fault is at every step, from molding to chassis welding, to systems installation. The key to quality in an environment like this is to develop standards, high standards, and provide training and cross training to employees to ensure these standards are met. It does not eliminate inspection but instead shifts the concept of quality from inspection into the manufacturing process itself. Focus on the process. This began with Demmings and ended up with ISO-9000 and beyond. This I believe, is where Oliver should put forth great effort. Oliver has an opportunity here. The RV industry as a whole is experiencing a surge in demand that it hasn't seen in 25 years. Oliver makes a unique product. They are also by industry measures, the most expensive/ sq.ft. of anything out there. They must step up as the innovative producer they are and garnish that innovation with a reputation of unparalleled quality. I don't believe they are far off from it. What they do or fail to do within the next 2-3 years will affect the future of their trailer business.

Thanks for the pic. We hope to make it up that way before we retire from active retirement. Today is THE day we have been hoping for. We are out in our Ollie in an extended trip and finally in territory neither of us has visited before. Idaho is a brand new state for us. It is early morning and we all remain here through tonight before moving to Yellowstone tomorrow (more new territory). Anyway, Idaho is beautiful; and bacon is involved-Oliver, never before has a boy wanted more!

Your comments verify why it may be a good idea to stay close to the factory for more than one night. Haul the new rig around and visit several campgrounds. We had a furnace fail during our delivery cycle and it was easy to stop by and have it repaired. There are several campgrounds within fifty miles of Hohenwald so stay awhile. Sort of like having the runway in sight when the engine fails.

Mike, Fine photos and looks like a great trip. We were camping at Pokegama Dam Campground on the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids MN when we learned Grand Rapids is where Judy Garland (Frances Ethel Gumm) was born. Visited Judy Garland's home and museum there:

Tons of mirrors! Closet, bathroom, fridge, and all cabinets are mirrored :)

Just got home and after 3025 miles at highway speeds we got an overall average of 14.5 mpg. We saw a low of 12.4 while climbing into ferocious headwinds (40+ mph) and a high of 16.4 in milder conditions, descending. The Cummins 5.9 definitely noticed a trailer in back but it didn't slow us down on the grades. I maintained 65 mph mostly, with 70 mph when forced to by traffic doing 85+. It was very relaxed cruising - check out the tachometer: 1750 rpm at 65 mph. I love a big diesel for long range towing. John Davies Spokane WA

Pete - at first I thought 0530 hrs shouldn't be a problem for an ex-military man. But, then I remembered that you were accustomed to the easy life of an aviator. Besides the beautiful sunrise and possibility of damp sheets I have to imagine that it is seriously difficult to ignore such a cute pup. Obviously Bosker is having fun training you. Bill

Gooood morning WORLD! From our campsite at Coles Creek State Park, NY, to you. "Sunrise over the St Lawrence"

I think that the smaller eco diesels will get that mileage towing, especially if it's in something that's lighter and more aerodynamic than a truck. I have no problem believing that Reed and Karen get 18+ with their Merc and the Disco I was looking at promised to be the same. And I wouldn't be surprised if a Ram ecodiesel or the new Ford diesel would get 16-18 towing. The problem is initial cost - and maintenance, which, from what I've read is a big issue with the modern clean diesels. What I want to know is why no truck manufacturer makes a hybrid. Plenty of room for batteries and the extra torque would be perfect for towing.

Hey, Dan..and welcome! By 2022 you will be looking at beatiful electronics and appliances. Your four digit Hull Number will make us all a bit jealous. Keep the dream and best wishes up there meanwhile.