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I'm sure Ray meant not offense to anyone here, he, like many here, has a particular way of conveying his thoughts. He is very active on the Airstream forum, which is why I invited him to join ours, when he was discussing Olivers over there. He has lead numerous "adventures" for Airstreamers during which it had been found that, while interested, many were lacking the basic skills needed for any remote adventure that went too far from hookups, which then affected the rest of those involved in the "adventure". While there are more of us who purchased our trailer for this purpose, there are still plenty who haven't the experience or ability to travel those roads (or lack thereof) think of those that are for sale after 6 months ownership who want more space for "camping" So him trying to evaluate/"qualify" someone to ensure he doesn't have to get out and show them how to lock their differential to get out of a rough spot is understandable. He isn't a paid tour guide, he's just trying to share the experience and knowledge with comparably skilled individuals. I do find it humorous that the three most similarly styled posters on this forum, to Ray, are the ones that took offense to the invitation being posed as it was, I would think that once part the cover of the book they would be the ones to most enjoy the read. For an example - airforums Ray - PM buzzy with your post, I'm not sure if he is still fully active on here and know (from the past) if everything were to work out, his active adventure ability and the interest he showed before should be very receptive of the idea.

Thank you Randy. Raspy. This is exactly why I would like to compare trailers. Mike and Carol. Thank you, also. Sorry to say I do not tow my trailer over boulder fields and up to mountain tops for a view at 14,120 feet. That is more for tent campers, and I have done that in Colorado. Not with a trailer in tow. It is the... length... of a trailer that will get you into trouble. I call it the 'bumper drag queen' driving off a Service Station lot, which is most often mistake made by new trailer owners... or crossing a rut in the road and not understand the possible danger before you 'drag' your... bumper. The plumbing on the 'driver's side' of an Airstream is either behind the rear axle, or in front. Never had an issue. If you drive over brush and ant hills and not on the road... yes, you will have a problem, sooner than later. Newbies have this vision that Off the Grid means losing all Common Sense. There is more danger traveling on concrete and asphalt. Just misjudging the entry and exit to a service station can cost you a bumper, or a tight turn into the protection to the gasoline pumps. This is much more serious an issue than traveling a Forest Service road. It is a bit discouraging to get feedback from those who do not understand. I do not mistreat my wife, our two Blue Heelers, nor my Airstream. In that order. It is the fear of the unknown of those unprepared or not comfortable outside an established camp ground. That is understandable. The Airstream up to 25 feet and the Oliver up to 24 feet can travel safely on the majority of non paved roads. The only dings I have on my trailer are from rocks being tossed up, most likely loose gravel tossed off the paved highway by vehicles, passing me. For those who understand, we are one large family and purchased our trailers to enjoy spending more time away from humanity in comfort. The initial investment will be well worth it, and I wish all who do OTG Boondocking years of enjoying your tent or trailer.

I have 2 small 5 x 8 boards. One has a magnet that we put on the microwave. Vibrant colors. It falls off all the time. Bet it would hang on the closet door with a Command Hook. If it was a combo cork and whiteboard you could also clip or pin the campground paperwork to one side. The other is on the pantry for a shopping list. Probably will change out for a small clipboard with one of those small legal pads, so we don't have to recopy..

We have a small white board mounted inside the pantry door with On Command strips. It’s good for reminders. I don’t think I’d write anywhere else. Mike

I also enjoy camping in remote areas without hookups, but that last photo posted by Overland shows some rocks I'd prefer to avoid! Last October, I visited the factory for some upgrade work. I left late in the day to travel to Rock Island State Park in Tennessee. I was using Google Maps to navigate and I missed a turn. Rather than trying to find a place to turn around and backtrack (I found myself on a very narrow hard-surfaced county road) I decided to keep going anticipating that Google Maps would adjust to my error without causing any difficulties. That was a mistake and marked the beginning of a two-hour 20-mile adventure. The road quickly changed and I found myself on a narrow dirt track winding my way up into the hills. Darkness came and the dirt track became narrower and rocky. I lost cell phone service and the only houses along the track (there were only two or three) looked like places used for nefarious purposes (I was thinking meth labs) so I didn't want to stop to ask directions or for help getting the Ollie out of a jam. Luckily, the Elite II is only 7' wide and my Touareg is just under 6 1/2' wide. I passed through some very narrow spots where the brush rubbed both sides of the Touareg so I knew the Oliver was getting a little more attention from the brush. Luckily, after about 2 hours, I had found my way down the hills to a two-lane blacktop and cell phone coverage that allowed me to get back on the track to the state park. It reminded me of a trip when I was a child. My parents, my two older sisters and I drove from Nebraska to Arkansas to pick up a new boat--I think it was called an Arkansas Traveler. My mother was in the front seat navigating. I was in the back seat between my two older sisters, one of whom was in college. She somehow dropped a cigarette in the inside of a rear door of the car and started a smoldering fire. My mom gave my father terrible directions and we ended up on a narrow dirt track that my father eventually had to drive back with the boat and trailer behind the car. He had to back up a mile or so. Not a happy fellow! Anyway, the lesson I've learned from these two experiences is to scout the route when it looks like the going could get pretty rough. Much like scouting rapids on the river in my whitewater kayaking days. There's nothing worse than to find yourself in Class V rapids with Class III paddling skills!

Another interesting fact is that Land Cruisers go through several owners at first, the first ones tend to lease, and they replace them every one or two years with another new one. They also don’t take them off pavement so they are usually in very nice condition inside and out when the third or fourth owner buys them. By then the value is half the new cost and regular folks who want to utilize their offroad capabilities can do so without panicking about scratches and dents. It takes about five years for the aftermarket to make stuff like body armor available. You don’t see used 200s sitting on dealer lots, they get grabbed up within a few days. Some dealers have waiting lists. I am the fourth owner and my 2013 now has 103k miles. It drives like new with absolutely no squeeks or rattles, even on nasty potholed forest roads. It is a great highway tourer. The fuel economy sucks, but that is the price you pay for its bulletproof build quality. Everytime I see a Prius I am thankful, since four of them made the building of my Land Cruiser possible..... if we could get the twin turbo V8 diesel variant like the rest of the world, that would no longer be an issue. They are neat vehicles. John Davies Spokane WA

Ray, sounds like a fun adventure. We’re currently on BLM land (Dome Rock) near Quartzsite with some other Oliver owners. I’m sure there is a western Oliver owner who has lots of boondocking experience that could go with you. I look forward to hearing how this works out! Mike

Imagine your Oliver and our Airstream traveling together in... Wyoming, for instance. No National Park campground. No reservations. Leave whenever you want. No commercial camp host. No neighbors, but those you are traveling with. Camp outside a National Park on BLM open space, for a view that only a few have attempted. Or... just imagine YOU and your Oliver doing what, maybe 80% of trailer owners, do not dare to attempt. I know this is true among Airstream owners, a large percentage would never consider dirt, dust, gravel and unpaved travel as a proper way to travel. It takes one special couple, hopefully with a dog that enjoys hiking and exploring, as well. The BLM and Forest Service offices provide us with cold, fresh Spring Water and are happy to see you. ...and I rest my introduction. PM me if you like. Apparently that may be the best alternative. After this 'Adventure', you can post the photographs of yourselves smiling and being among the few. Also, bring a shovel.

I'm not sure what photo y'all are looking at that shows our trailer connected to our truck. In the snow photo it's not connected. We did cross the safety chains (had boats for decades) and the Ollie "chains" are PIA wound tight cables that I hope will relax with time, and heat. :) Only photo I could find of tongue setup, although not connected to truck. But, seriously, I do appreciate that you took the time to check. Chris

I wouldn't try to write on the wall repeatedly. But I love your idea for a small white board for notes. ......" Why didn't I think of that?....

Sherry: Thanks for the 5 year ago warning. Very important to keep in mind. My TV is rated at GVRW 6700, Combined Gross Weight 12,000 pounds. Curb Weight of 5070 with all extras loads it out to no more than 5800. My decked out Elite II will weigh in at 5450 max. Combined with the max weight of the Sequoia loaded out with all gear is 11,250. Just under the 12K max. I will be using an Anderson. Total loads will generally be less as I will travel 95% of the miles pretty much with a dry trailer. G.J.

The Oliver and Airstream have a lot in common. The Oliver may have an advantage with the straight axles, versus the Airstream torsion suspension. You would be surprised to see where 28 foot and 30 Airstreams camp. After 12 years of OTG towing Airstreams, I just might know what I am talking about. Twenty three foot and 25 foot Airstreams. The Tandem Axles of an Oliver may make OTG towing some extra clearance and flexible on uneven changes from level to double track road to campsites. If you have not watched a 'torsion axle Airstream' cross a stream bed... you may learn a few things. The Oliver II is 7 feet wide and the 25 foot Airstream 8 feet. The Airstream 23 foot is 7 feet six inches wide. If no one is interested. We travel well ourselves with or without company. This is not a Ford versus Dodge versus Toyota towing discussion. I have an interest in an Oliver and this is the best way to discover how each handle at places that we want to go.

I hate even signing onto the forum now, seeing all the rally signees and knowing the fun you will have at the event. I cannot attend this year-life will have us in LA at that season. Sure, the family wedding will be remarkable, but I want it all

It's this one on Amazon. It was just a bit cheaper than the Carefree version. It slides into the accessory slot along the front of the awning. Seems well made and was a cinch to attach with two people - one person feeding it into the slot and another pulling it through. I'm sure one person could attach without too much effort. My only complaint is that it seems a bit too dark, but of course that's subjective. But I do wish I could have found one in a light grey rather than black. But it does it's job and should help keep wind from getting under the awning as well.