JWalmsley

Since so many owners will be traveling far distances, we feel it is best that we postpone our annual Oliver Owner's Rally while we are still learning the outcome and risks of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is important to do this now to prevent owners from possibly wasting time, money and energy traveling. While we strongly feel that camping is a great method to get away and relax in a controlled environment, gathering in a group increases everyone risk of contracting the virus. We have decided to postpone our annual rally at Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama until September 24-27, 2020. If you would like to visit Lake Guntersville State Park in May, you are more than welcome to keep your reservations and attend on your own. Following the button link below please indicate if you would like to apply your rally registration fee to the new postponed date or would like a refund. If you plan to attend the rally in the fall and since many of you will be arriving and leaving at different time frames, please indicate what day you would like to arrive and checkout. We will notify the campground for your new reservation dates. Follow the link below to update your Registration and Reservations: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/events/2020-oliver-owners-rally/postponement/

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The Ultimate Act of Rebellion There are a lot of different ways to enjoy the outdoors. Boondocking also knowns as Free Camping is one of those ways that allow you to fully experience life outside of the big city on your own terms. There's something attractive about being all by yourself, out on the open road, dependent on no one and nothing. Disconnected living in a time where everything is connected can be considered the ultimate act of rebellion. Yet we need disconnection sometimes. Boondocking allows you to disconnect and unwind, leaving behind the things that tether you to the real world and freeing your mind and body to explore nature the way it's meant to be explored. But how exactly do you boondock across America? This guide will help you on your journey as you explore the highways and byways that make up the US. What is Boondocking? In short, boondocking can be described as the art of camping in an RV or Travel Trailer without a hookup. The apparent downside to boondocking is that you lose any sort of connection or electricity supply to your RV. On the upside, however, that lack of a leash means that you aren't restrained to civilization of any kind. It gives you the freedom to roam as you please. Some of the views we've found while boondocking are hidden gems that no one would even consider looking for. These locations aren't usually covered as popular destinations because they're so far away from where people regularly visit. That's the true beauty of boondocking. Being all alone, dependent on yourself, and not having to worry about anyone else being close to you. You must be responsible while boondocking, though. You need to have a checklist of the things that you need to carry with you, and everything that you take to a site, you need to carry with you when you leave. Unfortunately, not all campers engaged in boondocking think the same way, and sometimes you'll come across the leavings of someone else who used a site in the past. The only thing you can do is to promise yourself that you won't be like them. In recent years, boondocking has become quite popular with campers. It can be quite cost-effective and allows you to a lot more freedom for your travels. Being disconnected from the rest of the world also has its perks. Overall, boondocking is something that anyone who enjoys camping should try at least once to see if it appeals to them. Types of Boondocking Boondocking isn't just limited to a single kind of camping. You might hear the term "dry camping" when talking about these visits. There's no difference between the two conditions. However, within the field of dry camping, you will notice several different subtypes, namely: Overnight Stay Overnight stays happen when you're driving across a region and just want to pull up and park for the night. Several businesses provide parking to overnighting RVs, although some do have a cost attached to them. Walmart parking lots specifically have provisions for RVers intending to overnight. Other businesses might offer a similar courtesy to visitors. It's definitely better than having to shell out $50 for a single parking spot! There's also the opportunity to borrow a parking spot from a friend you might have. It's very likely, depending on how much the friend likes you, that it'll be a free parking spot, and you might even be able to stay longer than a single night, depending. There are entire communities of people dedicated to the practice, which has garnered the nickname "Moochdocking." A few landowners have even allowed visitors to park on their land for free, but it's always essential to consult nearby owners before just pulling up on their spread to park for the night. Scheduled and Developed Campsites Campgrounds that are operated by federal, state, county, or municipal authorities are great locations for staying for a short amount of time. These spots are the best for boondock campers who aren't entirely into the lifestyle yet but want to give it a try. In many of these developed campsites, there's a limit on the maximum stay time. While some of these sites might be free, a few of them have fees attached to entering, parking, or using hookups for your RV. Several of them operate on a reservation basis, while others use the first-come-first-served methodology. Many campsites come with amenities such as fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and other things that might be necessary for a proper camping trip. Because of how easily accessible and close to amenities they are, these sites tend to fill up quickly during holiday weekends. It would be in your best interest to book ahead to ensure you get the best sites. Primitive or Rustic Campsites These are the ones you'll encounter most often in your boondocking travels. They're the roughest living and are situated quite far from civilization. For newcomers to the idea of boondocking, taking on these sites might be an exciting thought, but you could quickly find yourself out of your depth. These sites are perfect for those who have been boondocking for a while. Even campers who have a little bit of experience in roughing it while camping might enjoy them. There are no amenities, and there's usually no one else for quite some distance. You'll usually find these camping spots on federal lands within forest reserves or wildlife areas. National parks also fall into this category. Usually, when you set up camp in these spots, you can spend some time exploring the area you're in. More often than not, there will be a lot of trails you can trek through. It's by exploring like this that you find the fantastic, breathtaking views that boondock campers crave. If you ever wondered precisely how beautiful nature gets, this is the best way to experience it yourself. Benefits of Boondocking Boondocking is for adventurous souls longing to see the world. The age of explorers is long past, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything in nature left to discover. However, while it's a beautiful experience, many people considering boondocking have concerns about its safety and security. If you camp responsibly, this becomes less of an issue. There are several reasons why you might want to consider boondocking as a camping option, including: Affordability Boondocking usually costs nothing, aside from the money you pay to fill up your gas tank and buy your supplies. Even developed campgrounds that have an attached fee don't usually run you more than $10 to $20 a night. If you're more into roughing it, then those developed campsites are not worth the money. It would be easier to find dispersed camping at a free site and enjoy it on your own. In the case of RV owners, parks that cater to those vehicles have steadily increased their prices over time. As a result, boondocking would save a lot of money over a year. If you're an RV owner, you should definitely consider it as an alternative to pay-to-camp spots. Breathtaking Sights It's one thing to pay for an experience and enjoy it, but it's another to discover a spot all by yourself. Many dispersed campgrounds exist near the edges of lakes or along the banks of rivers. Some of them are located along cliffs or plateaus. Tourist brochures can't reproduce the views from these locations, so you have to go and see them yourself. Their uniqueness is what attracts people to them. Finding a spot that takes your breath away in a national park, or along the edge of a bluff as the world unfurls like a tapestry at your feet is one of the most life-changing experiences you will ever have. The potential downside is that you'll always want to discover more. Solitude We are social creatures, but too much socializing can leave us bored with a need to recharge. The isolation you get from boondocking is unmatched. You don't need to worry about ever interacting with another human being for as long as you're out there. It's truly a unique feeling being that far away from the hustle of humanity that you're likely to find in cities or towns. Because of the variety in campgrounds, you can choose a site that has neighbors nearby if you prefer being closer to people. For those of us who like our alone-time, there are wide open spaces that we can lose ourselves in with little worry about running into another person. Losing Yourself in Nature You get a particular appreciation for nature as a boondock camper. RVing usually helps you reconnect to the world around you uniquely. By setting up camp far away from civilization, you get to appreciate nature in a completely different way. When you lay down that first night in the middle of the wilds, switch off your lights and realize how many stars adorn the night sky that you just don't see when you're in a town or a city is when it hits you how much you're missing out on. Nature might be all around us, but scarce few of us take the time to appreciate our surroundings. Finding Boondocking Sites We've outlined several of the best free campsites for boondock travel trailers, campers and RVers in different parts of the country. However, boondocking sites aren't necessarily campgrounds. Aside from the suggestions we've mentioned, there are a few distinct sources that you could look to for your boondocking needs: Forestry Sites The US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) usually have spots in national forests set aside for campers. Calling ahead helps you to know if you need a permit to camp on those sites if there's a fee attached, and what the maximum stay time is at the park or forest. Contact information for each department is available on their websites. Bureau of Land ManagementNational Forests and National GrasslandsFish and Wildlife Services Some government-owned lands like (BLM) will require you to pick up a camping pass and may have restrictions on the length of stays permitted. Membership Clubs A new development that is probably long overdue in the camping world is the idea of a membership camping site. Landowners can offer up spare space on their properties for RVers to take a few nights to explore the area. Membership to the sites like these is affordable and well worth it if you plan to be boondocking for a while. Additionally, if you're a member of some organizations such as the Elks, parking lots for those lodges might accommodate members for overnight stays. Consulting the chapter's secretary may offer more insight into leveraging these options. Store Parking Lots Any port will do in a storm. When you're passing through a civilized area, and you need to stop for the night, the cost of an RV park will probably be expensive. However, you can always choose the free option and park in the parking lot of a big-box store like Walmart. Companies such as Costco, Menards, and even Cracker Barrel offer free overnight parking for RVers, but the accommodation differs by location. Some require you to register with the administration before parking. Consulting the store's staff might clue you in to where you're allowed to park and stay. Places That Should be Avoided In any locale, there are a few places that you ought to be aware of that are no-go areas. Whether because the residents aren't particularly friendly to visitors or the location is a crime hotspot, there are a few warning signs that the experienced boondock camper will notice immediately. A few of the elements to consider when you're picking a spot to stay are: In populated areas, What looks like a deserted spot during the day might get very busy at night. If you don't know anyone locally, ask around to find out if that spot is one you should be staying in. If staying at a place that trucks are likely to be present, be courteous. Truckers can be territorial, and it's better that you didn't put yourself in harm's way over a parking spot. Boondocking is about privacy, security, and solitude. If you notice a space for your RV to squeeze between two others, you might want to avoid that spot since it will probably annoy your neighbors. Federal lands are available for all to use, but the onus is on your to ensure that the road can handle your vehicle's size and weight class. Doing research beforehand as to whether the route can manage your rig will save you some moments of anxiety on the way to your campsite. On private lands, make sure the landowner knows you're there and has explicitly permitted you to stay. If they haven't, then you have no right to be on that spot. Many boondocking campsites have a limit on how long campers are allowed to stay. Make sure you know if there's a maximum stay-time for that particular campsite. If you require a permit to camp at that location, you should also be aware of where you can get it and how much it costs (if anything). Knowledge about your camping site is the most important thing for a boondock camper. Essentials for Boondocking Responsibly By now, you should be excited to head out on the open road and discover what America has to offer you. Not so fast, pilgrim. You're forgetting one crucial detail, one that many new boondock campers overlook. Generally, you can survive out in the wilderness while camping comfortably enough once you have three main things: Water, Food, and Electricity. These are what you'd call your essentials. Obtaining them isn't horribly painful, but being prepared is vital to your survival and the ability to remain out in the wilds for as long as possible. See our guide Tips To Keep In Mind When Traveling Water In most commercial RVs, there are usually three tanks for water storage. One is a freshwater tank (for potable water), one is a grey water tank (for wastewater from sinks and the shower), and one is the black water tank (for excrement). Larger containers translate to a longer time that the RV can remain self-sufficient. Eventually, however, you're going to have to head to a dump station and refill your potable water. There are a lot of ways you can preserve water out on the road including Flushing your toilets lessKeep your dishwashing to once a dayNavy showers - use running water only when necessary while showering There's no hard-and-fast rule for what you should do to conserve water. Each V's water flow situation is different. The only accurate way to figure out what the limits of your water storage situation are and how long you can go before a dump is by trial and error. The better you are at conserving water, the longer you can stay out in the boondocks. Food Meal planning is among the most vital skills to have when boondocking. Stocking up on groceries might only happen once in a while, so knowing what you need during your one grocery trip before heading out into the wilderness is essential. If you're planning on heading far from civilization, you won't have the option of dropping into the nearest 7-11 to restock. Just like in real life, having a shopping list that references your meal preparation schedule can help you keep costs to a minimum. Additionally, depending on what your RV comes with and what amenities you might have, using tinned goods and ready-to-eat meals might be an option you can look at exploring. If you're not much of a wilderness chef, these will at least ensure that you have something you can eat, even when you're too tired or busy to rustle up some dinner. Your food, like everything else out here, is your responsibility. Knowing what you can cook and eat and how long before you need to get supplies is an essential step in evolving your boondocking. Electricity As much as we'd like to throw out all the trappings of the world, it's a sad consequence that we need electricity for a lot of things. RVs typically run on two separate electrical systems. There's a 120-volt power supply that's akin to the power distribution in your home (AC). There's also a 12-volt supply that runs off batteries (DC). If your RV is of the driving type, there's yet another electrical system that helps to operate the vehicle. For isolation, this power system is separate from either of the other two. You can think about that one as the auto-electrical system in a car. If you're going to be off-grid, you obviously won't have any hookups for your RV to connect to. Typically, in the past, generators have been used to power RVs while out in the boondocks. The upside is that, as long as you have fuel, generators can run indefinitely when you need them to. The downside is that they can be loud, and that might end up driving the wildlife away and disturbing your neighbors. Generators can plug directly into an RV and power the entire rig as well as recharge the batteries. When you switch off the generator, the cells take over the supply of power. Solar power is becoming more accessible, but it suffers from a few hurdles that make it unreliable. Panels can't generate enough power on cloudy days, and they are not very efficient in catching energy even when you are out in bright sunlight. Generators are still the best option, even with their downsides. The demand for power that each RV has differs by what's connected to its electrical system. Figuring out how much battery power it will take to run your rig, and for how long, is a trial-and-error errand. Ideally, you should do this before you set out to boondock so you'd have a baseline for operation. Don't Be Afraid to Try Boondocking, just like camping, is about your planning and managerial skills. You need to plot your course to get to your campground, know how long you're spending there, and where you'll be getting supplies and dumps from. The fun part of the trip is getting into the great outdoors with the most minimal comforts of home with you. Boondocking is one of the last great adventures we have as explorers of our own country. There's no better way to discover the secret gems of America than to boondock across it. See more guides on tips for boondocking in a travel trailer or RV. If Boondocking sounds a little too much for you, see our guide on finding the best RV parks. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Boondocking Across America appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Ready to Hit the Open Road? Spring is just around the corner and everyone is ready to get their campers out of storage and hit the open road. Before we can take off across country we need to do some basic preparation to make sure our camper is ready to go. Dewinterization and/or fresh water sanitization is an important part to preparing for your travels. Some people may not winterize in their part of the country but it is always a good idea to sanitize/clean the fresh water system each year. Some people may have different preferences on how they want to de-winterize or what is the best method. This article takes into account that you have followed our winterization instructions and therefore need to de-winterize accordingly. Dewinterizing Process This is the process for removing RV Antifreeze from your fresh water system. 1. Run water into the fresh water tank, preferably 50 – 100% full to dilute the RV antifreeze inside the tank, allow this water to drain back out under the camper from the fresh tank drain. 2. Connect your water hose to the winterization port at the rear of the camper, turn on the water source then turn on your on-board water pump. Turn on your kitchen faucet on cold until the water runs clear. 3. Verify that the fresh tank is empty and close the Fresh water tank drain. This valve is located on the curbside of the camper below the bed. You can access this valve in the same access panel where the water pump is located. The valve is located at the very bottom of the lower shell and may be hidden by one of the furnace ducts. The valve will be silver and attached to a blue pex pipe that drains below the camper. Picture above shows the Fresh Tank drain valve in the closed position. 4. Turn water pump valves back to standard configuration. The water pump valves are located inside the same access panel that we just used for the fresh tank drain. There will be 4 silver valves (2017 and newer models) or 2 brass valves (2016 and prior models). 2017 and newer models we will turn the two valves located on the left of the water pump. The picture below shows the valves in standard configuration and the valves outlined with red are the only ones you should need to turn in order to change the system from winterization mode to standard mode. Change the winterization mode to standard. The picture below shows the valve configurations for 2016 and prior models. The valves are shown in standard mode. The blue arrow represents the direction the valve is turned for winterization. 5. Connect your water hose to the City connection and turn on the water supply. *This will be the outside water inlet labeled City Connection. 6. Turn on your outside faucet cold water until it runs clear, then open the hot until it runs clear. 7. Open your backflow preventer to allow water to properly drain into your grey waste water tank. *You will either have a pull handle located in the bathroom next to the toilet or a power switch, if you opted for the auto drain option. The power switch may be outside or inside the closet depending on model year. Back Flow Preventer 8. Turn on your bathroom faucet cold water until it runs clear, then open the hot until it runs clear. 9. Turn on your kitchen faucet cold until it runs clear, then open the hot until it runs clear. 10. Turn the water heater bypass hose back to standard mode to allow water into the tank. The water heater bypass valve is accessed inside the trailer via the 4” deck port under the curbside bed. The deck port is located next to the furnace air return vent. See picture below Water heater bypass valve location Below picture shows furnace duct running on top of bypass valve. You will need to lift the furnace duct up out of the way to see the bypass valve. Bypass valve Below pictures show a Truma and Suburban Water Heater bypass valve currently set in winterization mode. You will need to turn the valve towards you to open the flow for cold water to enter the water heater chamber. Truma and Suburban Water Heater Bypass Valve 11. Open hot side of kitchen faucet to remove any air inside water heater tank to relieve pressure so tank fills. Congratulations, your camper is now dewinterized and ready to sanitize or use. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Dewinterizing Your Travel Trailer appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Get Started Living in Your RV Full-Time Living in your travel trailer during a road trip or short-term vacation can be an enjoyable experience when everything is done correctly, and your plans fall into place. It may even convince you that you are cut out for full-time RV living. Contrary to popular opinion, though, full-time RV living is not as easy as it may seem – especially to those with limited experience or knowledge of everything included in this hefty package. This beginner’s guide will at least help you to get started on the right foot by outlining everything you need to know to be successful. Take Multiple Test Runs of Various Lengths Take Multiple Test Runs of Various Lengths Before you dive into the wonderful world of full-time RV living, you should schedule a series of trial runs. This is not the type of lifestyle where you can go from 0-60 overnight. For instance, if your only experience with RV living is the weekend road trip that you took with your family across state lines, that is simply not enough. You should “test the waters” first by planning a series of test runs. Extend your stays gradually in length to get a more accurate demonstration of what you will experience full-time. For instance, you may start with 3-5 day test runs. However, you should also ramp up those trials to 3-5 weeks and even 3-5 months before walking away from your typical home life for good. Analyze the Size of Your RV vs. Space Requirements Analyze the Size of Your RV vs. Space Requirements Another important part of the process to prepare you for full-time RV living is to analyze the size of your RV. Size does matter when it comes to packing up and literally taking your life on the road. For instance, you may have rented a more compact RV just to get from Point A to Point B during your last vacation. However, you must remember that your space requirements will drastically change with full-time RV living. It is highly recommended to test different rig sizes when scheduling your trial runs and short-term vacations. This will get you comfortable with the various options available to you and help you to accurately determine which option is the most practical fit for your specific needs. Shop Around and Simulate RV Life Before Purchasing One Once you identify your specific RV needs for this full-time life change, it is time to go shopping! Keep in mind that this is not the same as shopping for any other vehicle. You are not buying a new car or minivan – you are essentially buying a home. Therefore, you should approach this shopping experience as you would any real estate transaction. Shop around with a few different dealerships/agencies to find the best deals available. Visit and explore the RVs in person. Online listings and photos will not tell you everything you need to know about your future home. Simulate RV life within each option that you seriously consider. For instance, lay on the bed to test its space limitations and comfort duration. Pretend to use the kitchen as if you were cooking a meal. Use the bathroom, sit in the tub, stand in the shower, etc. One part that the RV shopping experience does have in common with vehicle shopping is the test drive. In addition to sitting in the driver’s seat, you need to be able to take the RV out on the road for a test drive to ensure it is a solid match. Work Under the Hood & Become Comfortable with the Mechanics Work Under the Hood & Become Comfortable with the Mechanics When renting an RV for a short-term vacation, you do not have to worry about the maintenance side of the equation very much. Depending on the conditions of your contract, the rental company may be able to bear the bulk of this weighty burden on your behalf. When you are living in an RV full-time, though, that full burden is placed on your shoulders. Does this mean that you should be an expert mechanic (or at least have one living with you) to be successful? No! You should spend quality time with the RV, though – getting to know your future “home on wheels” a lot more than you currently do. For instance, focus on the fuse box, electrical system, and other key elements under the hood. Familiarize yourself with all aspects of maintenance and repair that your RV may need along the way. From poorly sealed windows and roof leaks to wiring issues and engine tune-ups, you must be able to identify the various telltale signs & warning signals long before they escalate into RV life-threatening disasters. Examine Your Inventory Closely & Cut the Fat You may not realize it, but the old saying that “you can’t take it with you” applies to full-time RV living as well. As you walk throughout your home, you need to accept the grim reality that you will not be able to take everything with you. You must change your perspective regarding your expanding collection of “closet clutter” and general belongings. In fact, instead of viewing them as your “personal belongings,” refer to them as part of your inventory. This will help you to remove (or at least reduce) your emotional and mental attachments, allowing you to view it more as a business owner instead of a homeowner. Determine the high-priority essential items that will require a space within your RV. More importantly, prepare yourself to “cut the fat” and sever ties with the nonessential items. Perhaps you can donate those items to charity or give them away to family & friends. You could even sell them in a yard sale or online auction. You should also consider investing in a self-storage option to store the items that you cannot get rid of completely but also cannot fit in your RV. A cornerstone of successful full-time RV living is simplicity. If you are not able to simplify your belongings, then perhaps you are not quite ready for this major lifestyle change. Budget, Budget, and Budget Some More First-time RV travelers and other novices of full-time RV living may not fully understand the vital role played by their budget. A common misconception is that you will spend a lot less money on the road than when you lived in a home that could not hit the highway. This is the type of trap that will lead you to burn a large hole in your bank account and perhaps killing your dream of full-time RV living. Create a strict budget before you hit the road. More importantly, calculate the various streams of income that you will still be able to generate behind the wheel. For instance, you should consider your: Current balance of checking & savings accountsIncome from interest-bearing financial accounts Income from remote work that you can do on the roadResidual income (perhaps from commissioned sales) Retirement/disability/Social Security income (if applicable) You must also focus on the short-term and long-term expenses you must pay at different stages of your life on the road. It is easy to think about the standard vehicle-related expenses, such as oil changes, engine tune-ups, and gasoline fill-ups. However, the broad scope of full-time RV living includes quite a few additional expenses. For instance, you must consider the: Campground expenses (if you plan to stay in RV parks and campsites each night) RV ownership expenses (i.e., monthly payments, insurance premiums) Maintenance, repairs and other unexpected/unscheduled expensesGroceries, clothing and other basic living expensesComforts and recreation (i.e., dining out, entertainment, shopping, etc.) Consider the Needs of Your Whole Family Consider the Needs of Your Whole Family You must carefully consider the short-term and long-term needs of your family before you commit to full-time RV living. Once again, it is easy to think, “My family loved the RV lifestyle during our last vacation!” However, spending a weekend, week, or even a couple of summer months in an RV does not automatically mean that your family can handle full-time RV living. Take the time to consider the needs of each family member. For instance, you should think about such areas as: Healthcare (i.e., in-network vs out-of-network medical costs, etc.) Education (i.e., homeschooling children, online college courses, etc.) Social life and personal development You should also consider the needs of your canine and/or feline family members as well. This will play a major role in your campground selections because not all campsites are pet-friendly. In addition, there are additional expenses associated with having pets on the road. Fortunately, there are veterinary providers with branches and locations throughout the country. However, you will still have to consider such factors as the temperature of your RV, microchips, vaccinations, waste disposal, and the various stops you will need to make just to cater to their needs. Therefore, an even bigger question to ask yourself is, “Will my pet(s) need to find a new home?” You may be able to answer that question with a resounding, “NO!” Nonetheless, it is still a question that you must ask and honestly answer. Prepare for Life “Off the Grid” Prepare for Life “Off the Grid” The popularity and prevalence of the Internet make it nearly impossible to imagine living life "off the grid". Fortunately, even when living in an RV full-time, you can remain connected to the outside world. However, you may need to get creative and make a few wise investments before you hit the road to prevent extended periods of downtime. For instance, you may need to use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot on the road. Therefore, you may need to reexamine your existing data plan to see if any upgrades are required. Perhaps you could also benefit from buying a cell signal booster or investing in a satellite option to keep you connected – especially if remote work will play a major role in your monthly income streams. Remember to consider the wide variety of coffee shops; rest stops, libraries and other public Wi-Fi hotspots that you will encounter on the road. A good tip is to get used to living your life detached from the Internet and “the grid” now. Regardless of the signal boosters and hotspots, you may have, you will inevitably encounter dead zones along the way where you will have no other choice but to live offline for a while. Continue to Research and Network with Other RV Owners Continue to Research and Network with Other RV Owners Once you have made the commitment and started to “live the life” of a full-time RV resident, this does not mean that your research and learning opportunities must end. You should continue to research RV life thoroughly because there will always be new aspects of this adventure for you to explore. The community of RV owners will continue to grow year-after-year, especially with the increasing numbers of home-based businesses, telecommuting workers, and retirees that want to enjoy life on the road. This means that there will always be people that can teach you new tricks & tips or that will even pick your brain to learn the rules of the road themselves. Take the time now to research and bookmark a variety of online resources, forums, groups and even social media pages that can help you along the way. As the old saying goes, “many hands will make the load light” when it comes to managing a full-time RV lifestyle. In addition to receiving a lot of help to benefit your family, think about the vast number of families that you will be able to help! Maintain Realistic Expectations It is easy to look at the overall burden associated with full-time RV living and say, “You know what? Never mind!” Realistically, though, the same could be said about any major life decision – such as buying a car, buying a home, moving to a different state/country, or even having a baby. The key is to take the necessary steps to prepare yourself and your family for the expected (and the unexpected) and maintain realistic expectations along the way. As most full-time RV residents will tell you, the benefits can far outweigh the overall burden. You just need to be honest with yourself and understand that it is not a decision that should ever be taken lightly or made on impulse. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post The Beginner’s Guide to Full-Time RV Living appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

We know Bill wouldn't hurt a fly and this is an intended joke as we can expect from him. Bill, do you see what happens when you make a joke and you don't use our NEW funny animated gifs? *Inside joke* 😅

Hi Y'all. I found this photo on my computer and I am looking for the owner. Do any of you happen to know who this is? Thanks!

Welcome back Kenny & Penny - your username is corrected now!

This safety recall affects 2017-2019 Oliver Travel Trailer Hull #192 thru #562 Elite II Models Only. You should also be receiving this information via USPS and email. PDF Attached. SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN Reference # 1ZP9-ABC12-19 IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 19V-897 Dear Valued Customer, The notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Oliver Travel Trailers has decided that a defect exists with certain 2017-2019 Elite II vehicles equipped with an axle, which we purchase from Dexter Axle, that is installed on your Oliver Elite II Travel Trailer. The issue is that on some axles, the nuts which secure the brake to the axle assembly have been found to be outside Dexter Axles torque specifications. Your Elite II was manufactured within the affected period using this component and needs to be inspected in order ensure that the brake flange nuts and bolts are within the correct torque specifications. The improperly torqued axle brake flange bolts/nuts may result in reduced brake performance of the trailer, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of crash. To that end Oliver Travel Trailers is working with Dexter Axle to help them identify and retorque the bolts free of charge. Oliver Travel Trailers takes the safety of our customers and our products very seriously and is working closely with Dexter Axle to deliver this recall. Attached are two documents, one from Oliver Travel Trailers setting out the issue and detailing a customer precheck to be undertaken before taking the unit on the road for repair. The second is a document from Dexter Axle that gives service centers the instructions on how to inspect the axles and how to affect a remedy if an issue arises. Dexter Axle has appointed a contact person for recall claims, this is: Nikki Marbley Email: warranty@dexteraxle.com Phone: (574) 296-7386 She will be able to assist in identifying service stations in your locality if you require help. Service Centers' should be able to bill Dexter for the inspection, If you encounter any problems with that please contact Ms. Marbley direct. If Oliver Travel trailers can assist in any way please do not hesitate to contact us. If you have sold your Oliver Travel Trailer would you please be kind enough as to forward us the purchasers’ details so we may reach out to them. If the authorized service center has failed, or is unable to remedy the defect without charge and within a reasonable time, contact Oliver Travel Trailers at 1-866-205-2621 or Dexter Axles at 547-296-7386. You may also submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov if you feel the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect without charge. RECALL BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED Reference # 1ZP9-ABC12-19 Important Safety Recall 19V-897 ISSUE Recall on Elite II Travel Trailers equipped with 2xDexter 3,500lb axles . MODELS IMPACTED 2017 – 2019 Oliver Legacy Elite II models. INFORMATION Oliver Travel Trailers was recently alerted that some of the axles purchased from Dexter Axle, may exhibit an issue where the hub assembly backing plate nuts come loose due to them being outside of their torque specification from the manufacturer. RESOLUTION A recall has been initiated to inspect the trailer axles subject to recall and to correct the torque settings on the nuts securing the hub to the axle if necessary. Dexter Axle is managing the logistics of the recall process and their contact details are shown below. Oliver Travel Trailers are asking customers to perform a basic inspection for safety purposes, prior to using their campers, or before taking them to a service center to have the inspection completed. Nikki Marbley with Dexter at 574-296-7386 email: warranty@dexteraxle.com Owner VISUAL INSPECTION PROCESS FOR HUB ASSEMBLY NUTS (4 NUTS PER ASSEMBLY) In the interests of safety before taking your unit to a service center for the inspection to take place. Locate the four nuts on each of the four hub assemblies and check to ensure that they are in place & they cannot be removed by hand. If any of the nuts are missing or loose, please contact Dexter for additional instructions on how to proceed. Please do not use your camper on the road if the nuts are missing or loose. If you are having any problems locating a service center in your area Dexter Axle will be happy to assist where possible. The shop time allocated to this inspection process is one hour. Problem: Potential Improper torque on mounting nut for 10” brake assemblies Background: This is an instruction to properly torque the brake mounting nuts. Instructions: 1. Make sure the trailer is in a safe working environment, wheels chocked and hitch locked. 2. Proper equipment: a. Half inch drive Torque Wrench – Dexter Recommends a Calibrated Torque Wrench b. Half inch Drive 9/16” Swivel socket or Half inch drive swivel with 9/16” socket Figure 1 3. Proper mounting torque is 45-70 FT-LB 4. Perform this Inspection and re-torque on all four nuts of all four wheel ends. Note: If unable to obtain required torque, please contact Dexter for assistance. If you have any questions please contact us at the following. Nikki Marbley – 574-296-7386 or Email Warranty@Dexteraxle.com OTT Dexter Safety Recall Bulletin-updated.pdf

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Shore Power Components & Operation In this article we will be discussing some of the different components and how they operate inside your camper as well as safe and potentially dangerous power connections. Your Oliver Travel Trailer is designed with a 30-amp shore power connection on the street side of the unit and some campers may also have an optional convenience 30-amp power connection on the front LP housing. Both of these connections can be used with campground pole connections as well as a generator. Your camper has a built-in transfer switch to determine where the power is coming from and will automatically switch between the two power inlets to supply the power to your main power panel through the surge protector. Connecting to a Power Supply When you hookup a shore power connection whether from a campground pole or a generator, it is important to make sure that this power is good. The power cord that Oliver supplies with every camper has a built-in LED, at the power pole end, that will light up when power is present but does not indicate whether the power you are connecting to is safe. The good news is that all new Oliver campers have a built-in surge protector that determines if the power is safe before it is allowed into the main converter box. This means that it protects your components inside the camper however the power cord itself as well as the power inlet are still susceptible to damage from a bad power supply or improper connection. You should always connect to the side of the camper before connecting to power and always make sure that you twist the connector to set it properly while always using the twist lock collar. Failure to properly connect the power cord to the power inlet can result in heat build-up at the power inlet which will eventually melt the power cord plug end as well as the power inlet itself. Once you have properly connected to the power inlet on the side of the camper, ensure that the breaker for the pole (shore power) is turned off before connecting the plug end of the power cord. Once the power cord is plugged in to the power source, flip the breaker to the on position. Using Extension Cords & Adapters In some instances, you may find that you are unable to reach the power supply without connecting an extension cord and/or an adapter to make the connection to a lower amperage receptacle. There are a few things you need to know about using these options and what might occur if they are not used properly. First let’s take a look at extension cords. Not all extension cords are built for the same purpose. Oliver recommends when using an extension cord that you purchase an RV rated 30-amp power cord extension. RV 30-amp power cords are 10/3 cords and are rated to carry the 30 amps that your camper requires to fully operate. This does take into consideration that you are still connecting to a 30-amp receptacle but in case your only option is to connect to a standard 15 or 20-amp receptacle like those at most residences, then you might consider using a lower gage extension cord with an adapter. Please keep in mind that we do not recommend using an extension cord rating lower than the 10/3 that matches your main power cord. If you do choose to use a lower gage extension cord you should first understand the rating of the cord. Extension cords come in many different size wires as well as lengths. The longer the cord, the more voltage drop will occur and when this happens some components may not operate properly or at all. It is also important that you use an extension cord rated at minimum for the same breaker size of the receptacle that you are using. If the receptacle you are plugging into has a 15-amp breaker then you would want an extension cord that meets that rating. Failure for the cord to meet the rating can cause heat build-up and the wires inside the cord may melt before the breaker trips the receptacle. Heavy-Duty Extension Cords Chart Length of Cord Gauge of Wire 25 feet 14 AWG 50 feet 12 AWG 100 feet 10 AWG *When using an extension cord outside these specs on a 15-amp rated receptacle a certain amount of power will be lost between the receptacle and trailer. When this power is lost it may cause components to function improperly or become inoperative. *You should always use an extension cord with ground. Some older cords and older receptacles may not have a ground. You should check or be aware of the power you are plugging into to ensure that it is properly wired, grounded and the proper breaker size is installed prior to connecting your Oliver camper. NOTE: Oliver recommends using the appropriate 30-amp 10/3 RV extension cord. The above chart is for your reference if you choose to use a different extension cord. 30-Amp to 15-Amp Adapter Oliver does not support the use of an adapter from the 30-amp camper power to 15-amp receptacle. These adapters are widely available and used in the RV industry however there are limitations and potential dangers when using an adapter that you should be aware of. When connecting to a 15-amp receptacle you should always know what size breaker is in the circuit. The size of breaker lets you know how much power is available and how much power is safely protected. Breakers can provide up to 80% of their rating. A 15-amp breaker can provide up to 12 amps of continuous power of 3-4 hours. Not all breakers are equal. There are different types of Trip Curves which simply mean when or how quickly a breaker will trip to protect the wire. Most breakers have a 3x – 5x in-rush rating which means for a second or two it can handle more than its rating but only if the load quickly drops back down within working parameters. In layman’s terms, you cannot fully operate a 30-amp camper on a 15-amp power source. You should ensure that the breaker for the receptacle is properly sized before plugging in your camper. 30-Amp to 50-Amp Adapter Oliver does not recommend using an adapter to step down from a 50a connection to the 30a power cord provided with your camper. Your Oliver Travel Trailer has been designed to work with a 30-amp power supply. Connecting to a higher rated power connection could result to damage of wiring and/or components inside your camper trailer. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post RV Safety Connecting to Shore Power appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The Bucket List Once you retire from punching the clock, it is time to hit the road in your RV or travel trailer. You more than likely have quite a few stops to check off your bucket list. Studies have shown that you can save a lot of money by visiting these places in an RV or travel trailer. Here are the top 50 places throughout the U.S. that you should consider adding to your bucket list of upcoming vacation stops. FLORIDA Disney World Some of the biggest names at Walt Disney World Florida include Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot You may have visited Disney World with your kids or even your grandkids in the past. However, visiting Disney World as a retiree without any children is completely different. You will be able to experience the attractions, rides and other park events in a way that you never have before – especially with all the new additions and improvements that Disney continues to make year after year. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Orlando is beautifully designed to accommodate large groups and RVs. Each site includes such premium amenities as picnic tables and charcoal grills along with full hookups. This accommodation will especially come in handy when you have multi-day passes to visit the Disney parks. Plan your adventure: Disney World NEW YORK New York City Must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art There is no way that you can enjoy everything that New York City has to offer within a single day or even within a single trip. For instance, you can enjoy a one-day sightseeing tour of the city or participate in a group tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You could also visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum or take a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of the Arts. Perhaps you would like to even see a Broadway show or go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Everyone should experience Times Square at least once – especially when the sun goes down, and the entire street just lights up before your very eyes. You cannot park an RV in city spaces for over 24 hours, but there are nearby RV parks that you can consider – such as the year-round RV camping at Camp Gateway in Brooklyn or Liberty Harbor RV Park in New Jersey. Plan your adventure: New York City WYOMING Yellowstone National Park The center of Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring steams at 199° Fahrenheit (93° Celsius), too hot for the multicolored bacteria clustering on the cooler perimeter. You can spend countless hours traveling throughout the Yellowstone National Park – enjoying and experiencing all that this amazing vacation spot has to offer. Perhaps you want to camp in the backcountry. On the other hand, seeing the Old Faithful geyser in person may be on your bucket list. Regardless of your reason, you should add this national park to your bucket list of RV trips to take. The Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, Montana offers a variety of full hookup options – including sewer, water, and cable – in addition to 30-50 amp electric service. Its layout also allows you to enjoy views of the wooded areas and lakefront during your stay. Plan your adventure: Yellowstone National Park WASHINGTON STATE Mount Rainier An active volcano, Mount Rainier has erupted thousands of times during its relatively young life. There are not very many peaks outside of the Rocky Mountains with such a high peak as Mount Rainier. If you want high adventures, then being 14,000 feet above sea level will fulfill that goal. For an extreme experience, you could even hike up the side of an active volcano during your stay. There are not any RV camping sites available with hookups within this park. However, you can go to White River or Cougar Rock for an RV dry camping experience. It is best to use an off-site campground for your overall accommodations and visit Mount Rainier as a trip highlight. Plan your adventure: Mount Rainier ARIZONA Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon National Park is as astonishing as ever Chances are that visiting the Grand Canyon is already featured on your bucket list. However, it should be featured near the top of that list! The South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is easier to access and is open all year long. With average elevations of 7,000 feet above sea level, it truly is an unforgettable sight and experience. Just wait until sunset to see the starry sky in a way that you may never have seen it before due to the low light pollution rate in Arizona. There are plenty of campgrounds and RV parks available – including the Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village along with the Zion River Resort in Virgin, Utah. Plan your adventure: Grand Canyon National Park LOUISIANA New Orleans Laissez les bons temps rouler! Whether you want to have a lot of fun or learn a lot on your vacation, New Orleans is another great stop to add to your bucket list. If you want a taste of the jazz-filled nightlife, head to the French Quarter or Bourbon Street. You can also enjoy a little art and culture at Jackson Square or enjoy the first-class architecture and history of the 18th century St. Louis Cathedral. Don’t forget about Mardi Gras in late February/early March of each year. Perhaps scheduling your trip around the time when Mardi Gras starts will allow you to truly experience New Orleans at its peak. The French Quarter RV Resort is a popular choice for RV travelers, but the Pontchartrain Landing RV Park is another feasible option to consider as well. Plan your adventure: New Orleans KENTUCKY The Kentucky Derby The greatest two minutes in sports The Kentucky Derby horse race is held on the first Saturday in May each year, bringing an end to the 2-week Kentucky Derby Festival. Fancy hats and seersuckers have been worn to this race for years – turning it into a popular attraction and once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. Perhaps you can show up to the Kentucky Derby in your own “derby outfit” to blend in and sip on a mint julep while watching the race. You could even head over to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail when the race is over to spend some time at the local distilleries. The Derby Park Expo Five, Louisville South KOA and the Trackside RV Park are just some of the available options for extended accommodations. Plan your adventure: The Kentucky Derby TENNESSEE Nashville Music City Nashville is one of the hottest cities to visit in America The city of Nashville is an attraction all by itself simply because of all the historical elements and entertaining attractions found within it. For instance, you can visit the Grand Ole Opry or Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to get a taste of music history. You could even see the Tennessee homes of several celebrities and country music stars like Toby Keith and Martina McBride while you are there. There is even a night trolley tour that allows you to see the city illuminated after dark. The Safe Harbor RV Resort or even Two Rivers RV Park both have comfortable and spacious RV sites with first-class amenities and hook-ups. Plan your adventure: Nashville Music City NEW YORK Niagara Falls A popular spot for getting wowed or soaked amid natural splendor Have you ever seen waterfalls taller than 160 feet that flow more than 2.2 liters of water per second? If you have visited the Niagara Falls, then you can answer that question with a resounding, “YES!” If that is not your answer, then do yourself a favor and add this to your bucket list. You may need to get a passport to travel, but it will be worth it to realize that the Niagara Falls is essentially an international boundary that separates the United States from Canada. If you have seen it in the daylight, then you will love to see the Niagara Falls illuminated at night. The Niagara Falls State Park and the Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort are great choices for RV accommodations during your stay. Plan your adventure: Niagara Falls CALIFORNIA Joshua Tree National Park Desert plains dotted with the oddball trees—this is one weird place The Arch Rock Trail is still one of the most popular parts of the Joshua Tree National Park. It is only a half-mile hike, which means you can get the fresh air and exercise you need without feeling exhausted and stuck out in the wilderness. Quite a few tourists enjoy taking a picture or selfie while standing in Arch Rock. However, there are many other rock formations that you can enjoy just as much (if not more) by taking the time to enjoy the scenic route of the full trail. Both the Jumbo Rocks Campground and the Belle Campground are relatively close, so you have multiple options for RV parking accommodations. Plan your adventure: Joshua Tree National Park Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post 50 of the Best Places to Visit in the USA appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

Hi Chuck, Welcome to the Oliver Owners' Forums!

@Foy_Mirna great job!

1) Answered by Topgun and Sherry. Thank you! 2) There is now a "Service" menu items in the forums Header Navigation Menu, complete with "Tickets" dropdown menu. 3) There should be no problems with editing pre-conversion topics. I edited several during the testing phase and post-conversion phase as well and have had no negative effect. 🙂

Hi John, It is currently set to unlimited - however the server settings have their own defined allowable file size. This should be perfect for any and all photos.

This is possible. I believe this only centers on mobile devices.

I increased file sizes limits on images. John, I added urlmatch redirects, so far testing your URLs in your post and it appears to be working for me. Please message me if you have any issues or have any questions.

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Towing with Toyota If you and your family have been searching for a new truck or SUV that can handle the weight of towing your travel trailer, then you are in luck! Toyota trucks and SUVs are built for towing with their powerful engines and high towing capacities. The Toyota brand is synonymous with reliability and longevity, but the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra models show off their power and performance as well. When determining what your towing needs are, you should think about the weight of the item that you will be towing, the curb weight of the vehicle – or the weight of the vehicle with all equipment and oil present – and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). After you have determined what you will need, then you can look for the Toyota model that meets those needs. Tacoma The Tacoma is made for off-roading If you want a truck that can handle off-roading and towing your travel trailer anywhere you want to go, then the Toyota Tacoma is a great option for you. The Tacoma comes with a V6 engine and delivers up to 279 horsepower with 265 pound-feet of torque. This powerful machine will give you all the power that you need to take any size trailer off-roading with its 6,800-pound towing capacity. The Tacoma is made for off-roading with special features designed to make your driving experience the best it can be. This model has available features like the multi-terrain select and crawl control. The multi-terrain select has five modes to choose from that help regulate wheelspin by adjusting the engine throttle and traction control. The advanced crawl control system modulates the throttle and brakes on five low speeds to help you get out of tight spots and enables you to climb over rocks and hard ground with ease. You can crawl your way out of rocky areas and sand dips so you don't get stuck spinning your wheels without getting anywhere. Read more about towing and Oliver with a Tacoma on our Owner Forums. Tundra The Tundra features a heavy-duty TripleTech frame This full-size Toyota truck is built for power with its 5.7L V8 engine that delivers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This option is great for use on a job site, or weekend traveling with its available 10,200-pound towing capacity and 38-gallon fuel tank. The Tundra also comes with a deck rail system that has four adjustable tie-down cleats to help secure all of your cargo. The Tundra features a heavy-duty TripleTech frame with an integrated tow hitch receiver. It also comes with a trailer hitch with 12-inch bolts that go directly into the frame for added support and security. The staggered outboard-mounted shocks keep your ride smooth even on rough terrains so you can feel comfortable taking this Toyota anywhere. This model also comes with a tow/haul mode that is made to hold gears longer so that the truck won’t shift the right gear when towing. The tow/haul system also increases the throttle response and engine braking so you can feel more secure when towing large trailers on long drives. Land Cruiser The Land Cruiser comes with an independent double-wishbone suspension This Toyota model is made for power with its 5.7L V8 engine which delivers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It is also equipped with innovative technologies like the dual independent variable valve timing with intelligence and an acoustic control induction system that helps to maximize usable power even more. The Land Cruiser comes with an independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar up front and a 4-link rear suspension with coil springs and semi-floating axle in the rear. This suspension system allows for a smoother ride, even when towing heavy-duty loads, and is built to be long-lasting so that you don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. This Toyota model also comes with skid plates in its undercarriage to help protect important areas like the front suspension, radiator, fuel tank, and transfer case. These skid plates help keep the underside of the Land Cruiser safe from rocks hitting the fuel tank, or from items that have fallen in the road from messing up the front suspension. This keeps your car in better condition and lasting longer. Sequoia This model also has a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds If you are looking for an SUV that can handle towing your travel trailer when on the road with your family, then the Toyota Sequoia may be the perfect fit for you. This family-sized SUV has a 5.7L V8 engine that delivers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This model also has a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds so that you can tow whatever trailer size that you need for your family. The Sequoia comes with TRD-tuned FOX shocks that are specially designed for off-roading. The front has 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks that have seven compression zones and two rebound zones, and the rear has a 2.0-inch rear shock setup. These shocks are built for off-roading capabilities and can handle the strain that difficult terrain puts on them. This keeps your driving experience smooth even in tough areas. This model also comes with TRD alloy wheels that are made from black, forged aluminum BBS that are 18 inches in diameter and wrapped in all-terrain rubber that gives the Sequoia a tough exterior look. The wheels also have reduced unsprung mass that improves cornering responses and enhances the overall ride quality of the vehicle on or off the road. Conclusion Toyota’s name is known for great vehicle options that are long-lasting, but they are now building a reputation of having some of the strongest, and most powerful options when it comes to heavy-duty towing. With high towing capacities, great suspension systems, and innovative technological features, these models will be able to handle towing any travel trailer for your next trip. Whether you decide to get the family size Toyota Sequoia SUV to fit the entire family in one vehicle for vacation, or you want a Toyota Tundra that can take you from the worksite to a weekend trip, you can find an option that works for you with a new Toyota truck or SUV. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Toyota Trucks and SUVs for Towing appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Inspection & Maintenance for Travel Trailer There are several different types of maintenance on an RV. You have daily, weekly, monthly and yearly types of maintenance but then there are other types of maintenance that you might do based on usage and/or the environment that you’re in. In this article we are going to cover maintenance items that should be performed or inspected more of an as needed basis. Some of the items you might see with a quick visual inspection while others might require the removal of an item to perform the inspection. MaxxAir Fan This is the main cabin fan that vents air in or out based on your needs. Because the fan is open to the outside it can start to collect insects and debris over time. This is something very easy to detect and see without having to remove any other parts. A quick inspection will tell if this needs to be cleaned. The cleaning of the screen is very simple as you only have to turn 4 knobs to allow the removal of the screen. See pictures below for how to remove the screen. Once the screen has been removed you can clean the screen as well as the fan blades (pictured above). To reinstall the screen simply hold the screen in place and turn the knobs back to secure the screen. Water Pump Filter You should on occasion inspect the water pump filter and clean it out. This item requires you to remove the filter to really see inside. How often you check this filter depends on how often you run water through the water pump. Steps to remove the filter: twist clockwise to remove If anything is in the filter dispose of it properly before reinstalling the filter. Window Tracks Windows have weep holes on the outside that allows water to weep out from the inside track. If these weep holes are blocked or the track is full of debris then it can hinder water from flowing out the weep holes properly which causes water to backup inside the window and eventually leak to the inside of the camper. Steps to properly check Window tracks *Trees are the primary cause for falling debris collected inside the window track. Occasional inspection is recommended to keep these clean. Also check the inside water track that the sliding window slides on. You will need to open the sliding window to check the track. The picture below shows where there is a break between the weatherstrip pieces. This break(separation) can cause water to be pressured under the glass and into the inside of the camper. You should keep these tracks clean and ensure that the weatherstrip does not separate. The sliding glass weatherstrip is in 5 pieces due to the curve radius which requires special cuts be made to allow it to turn the corners. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Regular Inspection & Maintenance appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Modify Your Trip Itinerary to Include Your Pets One of your first steps should be to revise your travel itinerary to leave plenty of room to include your pets. First-time travelers make the mistake of assuming their plans will not be affected by their pets. You can save yourself the headache by making your pet a major focal point of your overall plans. For instance, you should locate the pet-friendly restaurants, campgrounds, RV parks and other activities that will cater to your entire family (barks and meows included). With a little research and patience, you can make all the necessary updates and finalize your pet-friendly trip itinerary. Leave Time for Unplanned, Frequent Stops for Breaks and Walks There are quite a few things that you can plan when taking a trip to enjoy RV travel with pets. However, always remember to leave time in your travel plans for the unexpected needs that will arise. For example, your pet may need to take more bathroom breaks than you originally expected. In addition, he or she may be uncomfortable in the vehicle and need to have frequent walks in the park or breaks to stretch their legs. Unless you want to become irritated and aggravated by your companion on the road, make sure that you cater to their unexpected needs along the way. These breaks will also give you a chance to relax and relieve yourself of the stress that typically comes with a lengthy road trip. Prepare Your Pet-Friendly Gear in Advance In addition to your luggage and personal items, you need to prepare pet-friendly gear and equipment to bring along with you. For instance, you should keep a pet temperature monitor for RVs to make sure you can keep your pet healthy throughout the trip. It is also helpful to remember any medications, vitamins or supplements. Pack the food, treats, water bowls and drinking water that will help if your pet suffers an upset stomach on the road. Keep in mind that dog owners need to pack a few more items than cat owners for RV travel with pets. For example, a dog owner will need to bring a leash, waste bags, and even proof of vaccinations to meet the criteria enforced by certain hotels, campgrounds and dog parks. Regardless of the type of pet, you should also make sure they have a current identification tag with your current contact information just in case you two are separated. Buckle Up for Pet Safety You should always have your pets traveling with you in the vehicle. A common misconception – especially among first-time RV trip travelers- is that pets can stay inside the camper. In addition to the temperature issues that your pet can experience in a camper, there is also the lack of support and restraint to consider. What would happen if you get in an accident on the road? It is highly recommended for your pet to be secured in a crash-tested carrier or pet-friendly seat belt harness. Keeping the pet secured with this type of gear will also prevent them from distracting the person behind the wheel. As the driver of a several ton vehicle, you cannot afford to take your eyes off the road for anything – especially a dog that wants to play or a cat that wants to cuddle. Make sure that you conduct a few “test drives” with the safety equipment before hitting the road. These checks will help you to ensure your pet is comfortable yet safe while on the road. It will also give your pet a chance to get used to the harness before they are restrained by it for several hours at a time. Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions Another RV pet safety tip for road trips and overall travel is to consider all applicable weather conditions. You must keep your eye on the weather forecasts before and even during your trip. While researching the campgrounds and RV parks that you will visit, check to see where the storm shelters are located. Make evacuation plans and investigate safety routes that you can take in the event of an emergency to keep yourself and your pets safe. Remember that a pet temperature monitor for RVs is a solid investment, because this wireless device allows you to keep an eye on the vehicle’s temperature remotely. When traveling during the spring and summer months, keep an eye on the temperature spikes as well. It is easy to feel comfortable with cloudy and sunny forecasts without examining the temperatures (highs and lows) that each day will experience. Even if the air conditioning system in your RV is first-class, you should never put too much trust in it – especially when you consider the abundance of scenarios in which the AC system can fail. In addition to a pet temperature monitor for RVs, you should consider setting the generator in your RV to start automatically during an emergency. This modification allows the AC system to run even when your RV does not have any electricity flowing into it. Keep Good Notes to Update Plans for Future Trips There are not very many experiences in life that can match the joy of a successful RV road trip. RV travel with pets may seem like a daunting task that you will only want to endure once and never again. However, with advance preparation and detailed planning, your entire family will enjoy the experience and eagerly anticipate the next trip. With that in mind, take great notes during each stage of your trip regarding what you can do differently the next time around. This is a great tip to follow for first-time trip owners that may find creative and clever ways to do things more efficiently for their next trips. Taking good notes will also lighten the burdensome load of planning for RV travel with pets for the future. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Camping with Pets appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

The Oliver Travel Trailer Community is saddened to announce that our founder, Jim Oliver, passed away last night. As many of you know, Jim and his late brother John, were responsible for creating the original Legacy travel trailers which many of you own and love. Jim passed the baton to his children in 2014 who have created the Legacy Elite II which even more of you own and love. His wit, wisdom, and guidance will be deeply missed. Please feel free to add your thoughts, condolences, and memories of Jim to this thread.

I just built my dream Landrover... MSRP 244k. Lol

Hi Trainman, Have you spoken with the Service Department? They can help you with any issues you are having. You can reach them at: 1-866-205-2621

Hi Shallowgal, Have you spoke to the Service Department? They can definitely give you a hand with any issues you are having. They can be reached at: 1-866-205-2621

Hi Muppy, I am sorry to hear about your trouble. I am forwarding this issue onto upper management and to the service department right now.