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Too funny! Baxter State Park was the inspiration for our boy's name. I must warn you, when you are screaming his name (because he & his sister are playing tug-of-war with a possum) it sounds like you are saying something quite inappropriate.

We all hear/read/learn of places to go through contacts, forums, podcasts, magazines, etc. Does anyone know of an existing app that would quickly and easily record a name or location? It would need to be shared data and work across multiple platforms. Ideally it would allow more in depth info such as site number, contact info or . . . .? I’m wondering about RV Trip Wizard or something else that I’ve not heard of. We have an app like this for groceries. Both of us can add items and the other can see it. However, it is meant for temporal data and not a lot of information depth. I can build a spreadsheet or dB but, that’s not quick or easy data entry! David

Probably easier to stamp in a collar than "National Monument" too...

Since my dogs are short and visually stimulated, I use corrugated sign board and 3M Command picture hanging strips to block their view. I do lose air circulation through the lower screen. And after the elections, you can recycle the political signs which will be in plentiful supply. Mossey

The absorber should work really well for the shower, Susan. I've always just used a microfiber towel. Btw, I bought these over 4 years ago on Amazon. Probably similar to the Absorber, but much less in price. I wash them when necessary with microfibers, but not cottons or terry cleaning cloths. No fabric softener, and no dryer. Probably time to get some new ones.

I’m already "warm&fuzzy", just ask anyone except Krunch. And I was already using the Absorder's or chamois's while motorcycle camping when camp towels became available, so I never have tried them. I would suggest that you compare the camp towel to the Absorber the next time you "are working at the car wash".😉 Mossey

I ordered two of these - one for each of us. Also, the toothbrush holder, soap dish, and two of the little hooks, to hang wash cloths on. I can think of many uses in other locations in the trailer.

Yes they are still in use and yes I still love them. Think of a silicone hot pad or oven mitt, they are nearly indestructible. We have 4 of the one in the picture and I see a different one called the Frank that is a little larger than ours and have a 10 lb. rating. And they are returnable if you don’t like them. Mossey

I cut the Absorber in half to make 2 bath towels. I never worry about it drying. I just wet it, wring it out, dry off. Wet it again, wring it out and put it back in a quart size ziplock bag. Mossey

I use No-Rinse car wash and one of these super absorbent drying cloths on my car. I'm getting another to carry in the Oliver for wiping down the bathroom after showering. Great thing is, you just rinse and wring it out well, then store damp in the container. Should work well, you think? https://www.amazon.com/CleanTools-149-Natural-Single-Absorber/dp/B0000AY69V

On a separate note, I agree with some of the comments above about starting out relatively light and adding as you go and find out what else you might need. Most of what I've wished for while out on the road has been readily available at places like Wally World, Home Depot, or various sporting goods stores that are scattered throughout the nation.

Here are a few shots of the dog connection I described in that last reply. Here's an example of a similar carabiner to what I'm using (i.e. one tested and certified for climbing use, thus assured not to be cheesy soft metal etc.). Non locking would be fine also - it's unlikely the dog would somehow maneuver the carabiner into a position where the gate would accidentally open. But since I have some of both types in my climbing gear kit, I grabbed this type. And this is the harness we use - this also helps a LOT with control of the dog while walking, is super adjustable so doesn't interfere with the dog's gait if adjusted properly, and much better distributes any load that comes when the dog might dart after a critter while on a fixed line, springy or not, versus attaching to the collar.

We use one of those plastic coated wire lines attached to a Balance brand harness on our dog (attached to the front, not the top). BUT we anchor the line to something like a picnic table or whatever is handy using one of those ultra  beefy rubber  bungies that people use to  hold down  truck  bed covers and such. I've used channel lock pliers to bend the hooks on each end to be closed, and I wrap the bungie around the anchor point and use a climbing locking carabiner (i.e. one that's been tested for relatively high tension loads, unlike the cheaper "carabiners") to clip the two hook/loops together along with the anchor end of the plastic coated wire line. The rubber provides a nice dynamic spring if the dog darts off after a squirrel or some such. A good dynamic load rope (i.e. a 9 or 10 mm dynamic climbing rope) would give some degree of spring but the rubber bungie is even more forgiving for the dog than a relatively short length of dynamic load rope (you do NOT want to use "static load" rope which has little to no give!). This has worked well for us for two dogs and well over a decade of use while van camping.

In reply to Fritz - I bought some heavy duty frosted vinyl, cut it to the size of the screen door area I wanted to protect, attached velcro dots to the vinyl and the door frame, then stuck the vinyl in place. Some day I'd like to do a plexiglass panel but the vinyl has worked for a year.

I am limiting what we take to whatever will fit in the back seat of the pickup: four totes of camping "essentials", two small totes of supplies to use on the journey to Hohenwald, bedding, and warm weather clothing. Trailer related gear (chocks, leveling blocks, tools, tire chains, anti-freeze, tank treatment, etc.) will stow in the pickup bed toolbox. In addition we are taking a cooler of food for meals on the road. Hey, if you've got the room, why not use it? We have a long drive home in December, so could be faced with weather related delays. We plan take our time and to be on the road at least 10 days. I'm sure we'll be making a few purchases after delivery.

Just received it yesterday. There was about a 2-week wait for availability, but once shipped it arrived in a couple of days. We purchased direct from Garmin as prices are currently the same from all vendors. For $100 less, the RV 780 would have given us similar functionality, but we opted for the newer 890 with the much larger screen. We haven't used it yet, other than powering it up, quickly browsing features, and downloading updates; software was current, though it did download a map update. You should be able to set the device to notify you when software updates are available; as with a smart phone, there are layers of customization settings or you can just use the defaults. I found the icon based interface to be intuitive (dependent on your tech experience); I only wish the maps showed the satellite imagery we've become accustomed to with the Google Maps based Sat Nav in our BMW; perhaps there are map overlays you can download. The 890 has icons linking to RV locations (dump stations, repair shops, campgrounds, national parks) as well as the usual fuel stations, restaurants, rest areas, medical facilities, etc., making it quick to add locations to your route. Yes, you could locate these with your phone (if you have cell service), but then you have to enter the locations manually. You can easily switch from RV to car navigation if you don't need RV specific features. I haven't looked in depth yet, so I don't know if you can customize the menus to only show features you want. A few thoughts, thus far: The RV890 provides real-time traffic (where available) and weather information, through the Garmin app you must install on your smart phone. I don't know if this capability is dependent on cell reception or is satellite based; probably requires the cell signal. Pairing the GPS and my Samsung S10e was a bit confusing; while the Gramin recognized and readily connected to our home network, it did not "see" my phone (nothing new as pairing communication devices is always a challenge). I think the trick is to make sure, before you do the pairing, both devices have Bluetooth turned on. I had success with pairing from the phone to the Garmin. Be aware that the 890 comes with a 22mm mount, probably to better support the larger-than-usual screen; most after-market mounts have a 17mm attachment. Because of its size, the screen blocks a good deal of the driver's view of the road when attached to the windshield, as we knew it would. In addition, by attaching the suction mount on the steeply sloping windshield of our F-350, the GPS could only be used in landscape orientation. We are going to try using a CD slot mount. This will place the screen low enough to not block the view, but high enough the driver doesn't have to look down to navigate. Prior to purchase, we found a work-around: the 890 has an AMPS 22mm female adapter mounted to the back of the magnetic mount; this can be reduced by removing it (held by 4 screws) and replacing it with this 17mm adapter and attaching the unit to this CD slot mount. Another option is a "bean bag" mount placed on the dash; not as ideal but there would be less obstruction than with the screen mounted on the glass. I'm just not sure the arm on the bean bag is high enough to accommodate the larger screen; this method would also restrict orientation to landscape. I will update after we take the 890 for a test drive; the CD mount will be here sometime next week. Update #1 Re suitability of the bean bag mount: I asked, on Amazon, the distance from the ball to the top of the bean bag; a user reported 2.5-3". I think this is just enough for the 890 to fit. However, as I mentioned previously, landscape/portrait functionality would be restricted to landscape. If the CD slot mount doesn't work out, this will be "plan "B". The 890 has a different mounting than previous Garmin GPS units, The back of the unit has a powered magnetic mount, meaning the 12v power cord connects to the mount, rather than the device itself. The ball on whatever accessory mount you choose attached to the magnetic mount on the back of the screen. This allows the screen to be easily removed from the mount which is handy if the co-pilot needs to make changes/adjustments to the route. When taken off the magnetic mount, the GPS will run on internal battery for about 1 hr. The battery recharges when the unit is again attached to the powered mount. This makes removal of the device much easier than wrestling it off the ball/socket attachment. Still haven't taken it for a test run. We've become so accustomed to the Covid "Stay-at-Home" environment that it's hard to think of places to go 😖 Maybe tomorrow.; stay tuned.

I already have almost all that you listed! Dog person and all! Great list, and thank you!

FYI you can avoid that “fun” by purchasing aluminum at a specialty metals supplier rather than plain low carbon steel. No rust, and much lighter. https://alcobrametals.com/product/1-2-x-081-3003-aluminum-expanded-flattened/ You could get stainless steel but that is overkill for dog claws and two square feet would cost $50. John Davies Spokane WA

We came from a Casita, so we learned to travel lite and still doing it today with the Elite II. We camped some 40 plus years ago with a 30" travel trailer and I can tell you we pretty much camp and carry the same things we did back them. Sure we have more update items today, but in general and fork is a fork and a grill is a grill. trainman

A piece of expanded metal from Home Depot ($15). Cut to size. A piece of plastic edging designed for plastic bathroom panels ($2). Four short self tapping screws into pre drilled holes in the door. We did put beveled trim washers under the screw heads to expand the gripping area. Done. The local RV dealer had screen door guards for high $80. In the Spring, with the guard approaching four years old, I probably will remove. It will then be primed and painted and reinstalled. It has developed a few small spots of surface rust. A little steel wool would remove, but how much fun would that be.

Good advice by ShallowGal!!!! We had our 11 year old dog Marley with us last year in our Tundra. Unfortunately, Marley (part pug part Shar pei) passed away in June. We miss him so much. He was an awesome dog!! Our lives are not complete with out a dog so on November 14 our new puppy will arrive. He is a medium-sized Labradoodle. He will likely be named Baxter (after the Maine State Park) He will go on our journey with us this year. We have a lot of training ahead of us before we leave in Late January or early February. We like traveling with our dog!!

My advice: resist the temptation to buy too much stuff that you won't use.

Yes, camping gives lots of extra exercise opportunities and I'll bet I use these less in the Ollie. I do use them primarily for rotator cuff problems too. I haven't had surgery but probably will have to soon. Anyway, perhaps if needed they can be used for other things such as extra tie downs, or a super cool sling shot of some sort! Maybe lob water balloons at each other with them at the next owners rally. 😏

Picked up our Ollie Thursday and enjoyed a few days at Davy Crockett. Met another Ollie couple that was just driving through (I don't remember their hull number --- I think 256) It was cool and nice seeing and talking with them --- Considering there are only 673 Olivers out in the world.

It's the middle of the night & Fido needs to go out. You want to be able to grab a flashlight without the need to turn on a light. This Command Broom Holder is the answer. Plus, it stays put when rolling down the road. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G1Y42H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-YJJFb4833X8E

The screens in the Oliver windows are made with standard fiberglass screening material. Unfortunately, in many places I camp there are very small bugs (no-see-ums) that are small enough to fit through the holes in that screening. As a winter project last year I replaced all screens with a finer mesh screening suitable for keeping virtually all of these bugs at bay. This small bug screening can be purchased at virtually any hardware store and is fairly inexpensive. In addition, I purchased two different bug zappers that will get anything that flies through the door as I come and go. Both can be used as a bug zapper alone or be combined with their internal regular light function. Even though the NEBO was more expensive (about $25 versus the $15 I paid for the U-Lantern) I tend to like it better since it seems to be a bit brighter (the bug light portion) and thus takes care of critters a bit faster and it can be used as both a lantern and spotlight. NEBO Bug Zapper: https://www.amazon.com/NEBO-6587-Z-Bug-Lantern-Light/dp/B074TH22FB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=27FXU7XDX781S&dchild=1&keywords=nebo+bug+zapper+lantern&qid=1603047333&sprefix=nebo+bug%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-2 U-Pick Camping Lantern: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T64CGZY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Small Insect Screen: https://www.amazon.com/ADFORS-Premium-Insect-Screen-Charcoal/dp/B00KIQKN0I/ref=sr_1_5?crid=32ZP3AH1Y8HIF&dchild=1&keywords=small+insect+screen+mesh+roll&qid=1603047517&sprefix=small+insect+screen%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-5 I should note that the NEBO is battery powered while the U-Pick is USB rechargeable but neither seem to really use that much juice. Also, it should not be a surprise but the tighter mesh of the small insect screening does restrict airflow more than the original screen. But, while I did notice the reduced air flow, it is not a major factor - just crank up the Maxair another notch 😉.

I saw this yesterday. Very informative. We use our phone. Just something to thing about for the future.....

That should be a good unit but I bet you a nice steak dinner that you turn off the RV warning nanny after a week. Maybe if you had a 14 ft tall motorhome, but with the Ollie, it is just noise. The campground database isn’t so great either, and the icons clutter up the screen. Many of them are never need anyway with the composting toilet, since you will be “dump station independent”. Please post a report here. If you want to load individual 24k state topo maps as an additional map option, let me know, and we can start a discussion about that. Be sure to play with the Voice options, my daughter prefers the New Zealand one. You can download custom or funny ones too, but that seems a little silly IMHO. But I do have to admit a Tom Selllck or Jessica Rabbit voice saying “Turn right in three hundred feet” might be cool. This will give you a head start. .... https://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit/ John Davies Spokane WA

Free is good too! A fair number of USFS (US Forest Service) campgrounds use a water pump that requires the person doing the pumping to also hold up a valve that diverts the water from a "drinking fountain" into the spout where you can fill your water container. Unless you were a gymnast this can be rather difficult to do. Sticks, pebbles and other assorted forest debris can be used to prop this valve in the open position but if you happen to have the "tab" from a can of soda or beer it works perfectly for this purpose. In addition, it gives you yet another excuse to pop a cold one. Bill