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Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama. Free!

We use these values (screenshot from our maintenance and trip log):

That day was last Wednesday for me!

Getting senior discounts, not being in a hurry to get somewhere, having dinner at 4:30, all these things can be yours one day!

It's better to be young, don't wish your life away. 😏

All of these apply here! When we got our Geezer Pass in 2016 (when we got our Oliver) it was $10. We’ve saved hundreds since. Mike

No, I was already getting the geezer discount 😂

The shims are talked about here (time stamp 6:30):

"free" is good! Any pit toilets and/or potable water nearby?

Yes, the America the Beautiful pass is great! I am a veteran, so I got mine for free! For Lake Guntersville, you will just show that you are 62+ to get the discount. (Active Duty, veterans and handicapped also).

I will chime in. I believe @MAX Burner is referring to the torque value of the nut that tightens the wet bolt. Comonly referred to as wet bolts due to having a grease zerk on the end. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Redline/34007-187-00.html

Max Burner is correct. I replaced mine this fall (it had a 2017 mfg date on it) before it went bad. Followed the wires back toward the source and found one red and 1 black wire. I also found a fuse holder in the line. I added a switch in case of futher alarms/problems, but the fuse could be pulled instead of adding a switch.

Thanks Max Burner! Oliver actually called us about this(after we put in a service ticket) and told us the same thing. Service suggested either wire nutting one positive or going into the loom to find the single positive wire and connecting that. Appreciate your help. David

Too bad you aren't in Texas, I would install it for you.

Not worried. My house:

Riverside Campground, Gila Box Riparian National Preservation Area, Safford, AZ. BLM campground $5/nt. Worth the 3 mile drive in on mostly paved, mostly single lane road.

I will have to wait to purchase a leveling system for now. A new model being release called LevelMateMAX Wireless Vehicle Leveling System. Estimated Ship Date: April 2024 LevelMateMAX is a wireless RV leveling tool loaded with state-of-the-art technologies designed to enhance your leveling experience. Using the free LevelMate iOS or Android app, LevelMateMAX provides real-time feedback on how to adjust your vehicle to reach a perfectly level position. LevelMateMAX is powered by three user-replaceable AAA batteries, included with purchase. Level on the Go: Advanced gyroscope technology provides live leveling information, even while your vehicle is in motion, allowing you to find the best spot to park and attain an absolutely level positioning. Listen to Level: The LevelMate app audibly guides users to level via a patent-pending tone feature. Extended Battery Life: More efficient power usage enables a longer battery life. Enjoy up to 395 days of power without battery replacement when using leveling mode for approximately 10 hours/month. Easy Battery Replacement: A front-side battery door provides easy access for battery replacement – no screwdriver required. Remote Power Control: LevelMateMAX can be powered off directly from the app. Power Indicator: A soft-glow light indicator provides visible evidence that the device is powered on. Flexible Mounting: Mount your LevelMateMAX horizontally or vertically.

Almost every time I read a thread here on the Forum or watch a video about these locks I consider "upgrading" my old fashion key jobs. But, then I see a story such as this about being "locked out" or worse - the lock simply will not operate and I try to remind myself of why I like to keep things "simple". Simple seems to fit well with my brain!🤪 Even though I still do the key thing the old fashion way, I do keep a set of keys in both the tow vehicle and the Oliver. Plus I have a couple of extra sets in the event I need to give a key to someone else that is going in a different direction than I am. Bill

I don't recall any sort of warning or different sound from the lock. I would think that if it doesn't have the juice to unlock it would refuse to lock. I haven't looked it up in the lock instructions, but I agree, it is disappointing.

In another unrelated thread, @MAX Burner brought up the idea of the relatively new Nomadic 12v ac unit as a possible upgrade to his trailer. Unlike the Dometic 12v ac, this one fits in the industry standard 14 x 14 opening. Runs directly on 12v, no inverter necessary. It's more expensive than comparable Houghton (what we have) but relatively quiet, very efficient, and runs directly from battery power, 12v. Has anyone seen one in person? And, importantly, heard it? https://nomadicsupply.com/nomadic-cooling-x3-camper-van-air-conditioner/?attribute_pa_exterior-color=black-ripstop&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtt2tBhBDEiwALZuhAFXBEbtCmjNVSFgPvJI4CQkisC2N42rSn6As7vae9b-G3Y1XOrDHGBoCRIEQAvD_BwE First video is a comparison with a traditional 110 dometic, power consumption and temp coming out of ac.

Correct.

I am very happy with mine and the location above the main panel has worked great. The best part is I can get a good idea from inside the truck for the side to side level. As Allen said, it makes it easy to find the most level spot and then fine tune it. I also like that it tells me how high in inches it needs to get to level; I find that very useful.

Allen, absolutely satisfied; highly recommend it. When driving into a campsite you can find the most level section from within your tow vehicle and then fine tune when setting up.

@Patriot - exactly correct... Thanks for clarifying.

Wait. When do I get that?

Very helpful. Thanks. John

Those look like shim clips to make the window tight against the sill. I could get a better idea by looking at the hole and the window.

For the truck bed, these boxes fit below the tonneau cover on my GMC 3500 perfectly, with the 10-gallons stacked on top of the 19-gallons. (Walmart also sells them in sets of 6.) https://www.containerstore.com/s/storage/plastic-bins-baskets/sterilite-black-stacker-totes/12d?productId=11007874&country=US&currency=USD&skuId=10074299&cid=cse|PMAX|Google|TCSP_X_US_EN_Storage_PMAX_X_18200107324___en|&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=pla&adpos=&scid=scplp10074299&sc_intid=10074299&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtt2tBhBDEiwALZuhAHRScMuyTC5VPyA9q3vcq3HG_4oXtkRIWyzB46K-nYRRKmWMa-UidhoCfTMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds https://www.containerstore.com/s/storage/plastic-bins-baskets/sterilite-black-stacker-totes/12d?productId=11007874&country=US&currency=USD&skuId=10074302&cid=cse|PMAX|Google|TCSP_X_US_EN_Storage_PMAX_X_18200107324___en|&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=pla&adpos=&scid=scplp10074302&sc_intid=10074302&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtt2tBhBDEiwALZuhAIpghZnZ7CIGccLMj7v4AcGtset6RFfzPShb8_WRzGOb3ksfoCrdohoC7loQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Fiberglass RV Rally Quartzite Arizona now has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/domerockfiberglassrv Happy Trails

We just keep it simple and that has worked well for us. On day one, the 2 soft boxes from our truck camper (our pantry) didn't even fill a third of the lower area of the pantry. We both cracked up laughing. She packs the pantry according to each trip and length. Closet has plastic boxes on the bottom with a Goal Zero 400 Lithium power pack. The shelves have some plastic storage boxes, dehumidifier, all cube heater, First aid kit. 2-attoc areas over dinette have my clothes. Attic over street side bed has blankets, hammock. Attic over curb side bed wife's clothes. 2-attic areas over sink and stove have pots, pans, plates stored in wicker baskets or just in the attic. Rear attic above tv is a back pack, coaxial cable for tv and extra space. Truck bed packed based on trip location and length.

Here’s a nice confirmation via WTW by Jonathan Hanson (www.exploringoverland.com). ”Interestingly, Roseann and I have given two of these a pretty good workout over the last two years. We fly back and forth to our place in Fairbanks, and have to bring all our books for sale, and other business stuff, each time. Both cases have survived airline baggage handling multiple times just fine. We zip-tie the latches shut for insurance, but haven't had any problems. Well recommended for the price”.

No problem - consider it done! Bill

I needed a storage box for loose gear in the tow vehicle and found the Plano 27 Gallon Multi Purpose Tote at our local BiMart. They seem well made, have secure latches, and rollers on one end to help maneuver them into the deep recesses of an 8’ pickup bed. Not bad for $40. Edit: would one of the moderators please move this to the storage cubbies thread. I just noticed it.

Right on, brother. We've come a long way from starting with a '78 VW "Westie" which had a single lead-acid battery and shore power provided by a standard 20A extension cord - no GENSET. Progressed to a 12' pop-up tent trailer/lead-acid/but after adding a Honda 1000 we thought we were in RV Heaven (kick myself every time I think about selling that Eu-1000i)! Two highly modified AS's and a Casita later, we landed in our Casa Blanca, now with an Eu-2000i. We configured the AS's with two AGMs and 250W worth of solar modules - but not enough energy to boon dock for extended periods without firing up the Honda. After just completed a solid 2-week trip to AZ, neither the OTT power cable or the Honda saw the light of day. Granted, mild WX conditions contributed to that. But it's a wonderful feeling not relying on someone else's power. Our thoughts are now (in terms of upgrades), is much like @mossemi explains... wait until the Xantrax 2000 dies and move into a Victron Multi 3000 inverter/charger. At that point, we'd be able to run the Dometic AC unit off the Battle Borns for a few hours. Looking forward to integrating a Victron inverter/charger with our Cerbo S GX unit. Then there's always a Nomadic 12vDC AC unit on the horizon.... HA! Cheers!

Resurrect indeed, your bed liner, slide and cap are great additions! I carry two Wavian NATO Jerrycans stowed in front of each wheel well; one with spare TV fuel (E85), the other non-ethanol fuel for the gennys (can be used for the TV in a pinch, but more-so for my two duel fuel generators when propane is not the best for given situations). No slide, but note the loft for ample stowage. A portable 100Ah power station is staged behind the driver-side wheel well for use with a Dometic dual zone unit. It is charged via a 200W solar array atop the bed cap. A folding winch hoist is staged behind the passenger-side wheel well for use in handling heavy cargo, as well as the OTT’s 30# propane tanks.

We met them just this afternoon and they indeed made us feel very welcome. We showed up this year before the "big show" is over with hopes of becoming a little more knowledgeable with our solar setup by hanging out with the solar experts/vendors. But after talking for a while with Steve, I think I got lucky concerning all things solar . John

The second one pulled by a dark pickup was us. We’re at Catalina State Park, Tucson for now. We noticed you on the eastbound side.

Returned home yesterday afternoon from a 13-day Quartzsite trip. Spotted 6 OTTs during the 1576-mile run. Hull #’s 1441, 148, 50, and an unknown # were seen in person, 2 others were seen while driving on I-10 in the opposite direction. Not bad, IMO, that’s 0.46 Ollies spotted per day…. Ha! FYI: both of the OTTs on I-10 were spotted yesterday- the first one was at 10:50am westbound about 10 miles west of the AZ/NM border, white pickup TV. The second one was about noon yesterday at approximately mile marker 65 in NM also westbound being towed by a dark colored pickup. Anyone know who they might be?

About five years ago while driving down A1A on east coast FL barrier island we saw a couple of Olivers in the driveway of a small beachside house. Stopped to say hi. Jim Oliver answered the door. Great visit and spectacular memory we now have of that encounter.

Last June we stopped for lunch at Petoskey Brewery in Petosley, MI. After lunch we were sitting in the truck with our Oliver in tow and a young lady knocked on the window. She introduced herself, as Ciera, Evon's granddaughter, and the granddaughter of the late Jim Oliver. She is working for I believe her uncle, Scott Oliver in his modular home construction headquartered in Linden, TN.

In 2018 or 2019 there was a group of us camping at Quartzsite. The Olivers drove down from Lake Havasu to join us with Jim’s personal Elite II. One evening we all decided to go out for dinner as a group. When “check” time came the waitress said it was all taken care of. There were at least 20 of us there, the Olivers are generous and kind. Mike

Time to add a few from our most recent month-long trip to Moab (mountain biking), Valley of the Gods (annular eclipse), North Rim of the Grand Canyon (supposed to be more mountain biking, but we got smoked out by a nearby prescribed burn), Valley of Fire, and a Paso Robles HipCamp (wine tasting, of course!). The rest of the trip was staying with friends, and we’re currently high-tailing it home! As always, the Ollie performed above and beyond — we never once plugged in, but still used the convection microwave and a/c whenever needed. And even though we spent several nights in sub-freezing temps, we had no issues with frozen lines. I love VellOllie!

@jd1923 I did a day long scouting trip up into the Allegheny National Forest in Northwest Pennsylvania yesterday, looking for dispersed camping sites. The ANF is the only large tract of federal land in Pa,, and allows dispersed camping, as do the BLM lands so common in the west. The park rangers had been very helpful, giving me a number of forest roads to check out, but their biggest and most helpful piece of advice was to get the Avenza app and download the Allegheny national Forest map ($5) into it. A number of times we were “off grid“ without cellular service, but the Avenza app kept us clearly located via its GPS capabilities, moving our little blue dot along the forest Road on the app as we drove along. We would have been lost several times without it. You are also able to drop a marker on that map, as we did for about a half dozen sites that we wanted to come back and visit with our Ollie. We would’ve been lost without it! Geoff

I have never had an issue with the twist lock style plugs. For me, it’s a solution in search of a problem.

Nope. I have to replace batteries twice a year. In fact a couple weeks ago we went to check on the trailer. I got in OK, but the batteries died and had to use the key to lock it. Have it on our list when we bring it home to load up.

There are pit toilets about a half mile from this location but no water. There are 14 campsites in the NF and they are really spread out. I learned a hard lesson here- the battery on my RVLock keyless entry apparently died when I went out for a lunch hike one day and I had to get a locksmith from Auburn, AL to come out and pick the lock. ($200). Now I'm keeping a key in my truck!