JWalmsley

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 It's a lifestyle Getting your family in an RV and exploring various places is not just a one-time activity but a lifestyle. Once you are in this lifestyle, it’s hard to quit. More importantly, once you have chosen to live the life of an explorer and nature lover, you want to learn things quickly to make your RV Parks stay enjoyable. There are thousands of RV parks around the country but you won’t have the same experience everywhere. To have the best time of your life with your family, you need to know the factors that help you pick the best RV Park. Here are the top tips for doing so. RV Parks vs. RV Campgrounds The first thing you will have to make up your mind for is the type of RV park you want to stay at. There are different types of settings to choose from. RV resorts are the most expensive kind but also have the most amenities and luxury options available for you. RV parks are more like “parks” where you will settle in a location with lots of trees and grass. They have quite a few amenities available too—at least partial hookups will always be present. The next on the list is an RV campground. Campgrounds have fewer amenities than RV resorts and parks. You might not even have any electricity hookups available at times. Campgrounds are not the best places for motorhomes. There is another category of RV parks called the regular campgrounds. In most cases, they are best for setting up your tent, and taking your RV to these campgrounds is not a wise idea. Spacious Lots A look at the online reviews shows that a common complaint from RVers is them not being able to sprawl freely due to the small lot sizes. If you have a full-sized recreational vehicle with slides, it becomes even more important to have enough size for you to open your slides. You have to keep in mind your neighbors as well. Are they able to open their slides when yours are already opened? Even if you don’t have the full-sized RV, you would want some space to put some chairs near your RV and enjoy a small barbecue. If you have the barbecue equipment with you but the lot size does not allow you to use it, you are carrying unnecessary weight with you. So, when you are looking for the best RV park, make sure that they have spacious lot sizes that can accommodate your vehicle as well as some basic seating to have a family session. Budget-Friendliness Budget-friendliness has to be one of the top considerations when looking for RV parks. The important thing to keep in mind is that there are standard and luxury RV parks. These parks are resorts and their price difference is visible in the features and amenities they offer. When you choose luxury RV resorts, you get to enjoy a fusion of RV and luxury life. The luxury ones will offer things like Jacuzzis, swimming pools, and even saunas. However, the price can be quite high for staying there. You can easily expect them to charge you $100 for a night for your stay. In simple words, how much money you end up spending depends on the number of amenities you want. If you are looking for a budget-friendly place, you might have to discard looking at any RV parks that like to put the term “resort” proudly in their names. The Community You have to make up your mind about this before you finalize your choice. Different RV parks will offer you different communities. In some settings, you can enjoy your private time and spend most of it close to nature. Some other parks offer more community-oriented settings where they have a lot of social events to bring the like-minded people close to each other. Of course, your choice depends on your preferences. If your main aim is to enjoy nature and some quality time with your life partner, you should pick a spot that offers lots of privacy. Online Reviews Believe it or not, online reviews are your best friends when it comes to picking the best RV parks. A park might seem like the perfect place to visit after looking at the online pictures, but it is the people who have been to that place who can give you the best opinion about the experience. They will tell you what’s missing and what’s good. They can even give you tips about how you can make your stay at a particular location memorable based on their experience. The good thing is that most RVers like to talk at length about their experiences and that’s why you will find their reviews very helpful in making your choice. Conclusion One of the things that you should be clear about is that your choice of an RV park also depends greatly on the type of setup you have. However, the points mentioned above apply to almost any type of RV owner and thus, should be helpful for anyone ready to go on a trip to some distant land. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Tips to Find the Best RV Parks appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

Hello Oliver Owners, This year at the rally we will once again have a special guest, his name is Matteo Giovanetti and he is with Micro-Air Easy Start. I am sure you've heard of the company and the product that we have available in our upgrades & add-ons for use on our Legacy Elite II models. EasyStart™ is the best-in-class soft starter for single-phase motors operating at 115-240VAC/50-60Hz, only available from Micro-Air. With unmatched performance and compressor-protection features, it allows you to start your air conditioner on a limited power source, such as a generator, inverter or reduced utility hookup, when it otherwise would not have been possible. *Please note that if your A/C unit is still under warranty this could potentially void your warranty if the EasyStart is left installed when the claim and unit is submitted". Please check your warranty after reading the documentation provided by Micro-Air. Mic-Air Easy Start Warranty PDF Oliver Travel Trailers is running a special price of $300 for the product and full installation during the rally. The normal price for this item is $399 if installed as an aftermarket add-on or $395 if installed during production. Make your $300 checks payable to OTTSI. We are exploring the possibility of taking electronic payments and we'll keep you advised. Matteo's schedule is as follows: Saturday: 12:00 PM through 5:00 PM - 5 Appointments Max Sunday: 12:00 PM through 5:00 PM - 5 Appointments Max Monday: 8:00 AM through 1:00 PM - 5 Appointments Max *All appointments are on a first come first served basis and take approximately 1 hour. You may contact Matteo Giovanetti matteo@microair.net or at 609-325-6863 to schedule your installation appointment. Thank you! - The Oliver Team

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Fiberglass RV Maintenance Most RVs on the road these days are made from fiberglass or fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) as these materials weigh less, are durable and dependable, which is important when traveling over long distances. As a Fiberglass RV Trailer owner, you must be aware of the hefty maintenance these big-ticket items demand and the amount of utmost diligence required to care for them. Because of their behemoth proportions, immaculately cleaning an RV and restoring it to its former glory often goes neglected. Here’s our guide on Everything you need to know to take care of your Fiberglass RV yourself. Fiberglass Shell Maintenance To render a smooth and glistening finish to your fiberglass RV, a translucent or colored gel raisin material is smeared as a coat. This coat is durable but is subject to dullness and fading as it weathers. Exposure to harsh sun glare, heat, and moisturized air are culprits in oxidizing the gel coat and making it appear cloudy. Waxes and polishes may reinstate some of the shine but they may not last more than a month, as crevices and microscopic pits form in the gel coat layer from oxidation. The wax forms a protective layer between the oxidizing elements and the gel coat layer. However, after a while, the wax wears off and the coat is exposed again. It requires you to remove the oxidation and reapply wax whenever necessary. Your RV needs to be washed with an adequate car wash once a month but refrain from using caustic, alkaline or ammonia-based cleansers to clean the fiberglass RV, as they tend to darken white gel-based coats. Certain polishes that are comprised of abrasive substances are a better option as they rub off oxidation and replenish resplendence by removing scratches, stains and severely weathered paint. Polishes can be applied by hand or via electrical conduits such as electrical or pneumatic buffers. Polishes are devoid of protective substances and thus need to be finished off with a layer of wax. However, waxes and polishes only work for fiberglass RV exteriors with none to moderate oxidation. To clean moderately oxidized fiberglass, nothing more than elbow grease and a polishing compound (or any other liquid abrasive) can do the trick. In general, you need to rub the oxidized layer with polishing compound or oxidation remover. Let the product dry off and then peel off to reveal the clean shiny layer from beneath. Top it off with a layer of wax to protect the fiberglass surface from environmental elements and to enhance the gloss. Dealing With Extreme Fiberglass Oxidation As a fiberglass RV ages chronologically, it is subject to extreme damage and dullness and even professional products cannot replenish its luster and sheen. The wet sanding process is employed in this situation to deal with the damage. Wet sanding takes time, perseverance and intricate attention to details to remove the blemishes. Sanding paper with 600 to 2,000 ranging grits are soaked for 24 hours. The paper is then placed on a foaming block for the sanding to begin. Once sanding is complete and the surface is smooth to the touch, it would need to be polished using high-grade super duty polishing compounds. Some polishing products would require 3 to 5 applications to achieve the desired finish. If you are not comfortable doing this at home, take your RV to a body shop. In extreme cases, RV owners witness strands of fibers coming apart at the surface. Employ a pair of tweezers to pull apart the fibers from the surface and see if you succeed. If you do, your Fiberglass RV is encountering an erosion problem. You can take your RV to a body shop and have the professionals paint it thoroughly. A better choice is to have the surface re-gel coated. The most recommended product for this task is called PRESTEC by Simtec coatings. Re-gel coating takes the same amount of time as painting and the cost is the same. Re-gel coating lasts longer than painting and promises better results. If you cannot pull the fibers apart from the surface using tweezers, it is known as imprinting. This happens when the fiber forms a thick impression during the layup phase of production. The process to remedy the irregularity is called blocking and color sanding and is a cost-effective but laborious procedure. You need to acquire a wet and dry sandpaper and a sanding block with padded blocking. Additionally, consult a respectable body shop and gain their insights on the best procedure for your RV. RV Washing Tips for Mild Oxidation Once the fiberglass begins to oxidize and turn chalky, it starts absorbing the dust. This makes washing and waxing harder. RV washing traditional products would be ineffective at removing the embedded dust from the oxidized surfaces. Use a spray bottle to pump a degreasing agent on the wet surfaces of the fiberglass and rub laboriously. These heavy-duty cleaners would help get you rid of the black oil drip strains. Precautionary Care Protect your Fiberglass RV from irreparable damage by washing it once a month to prevent buildup. Choose a cleaner with a wax additive to help with a clean finish and makes dirt harder to settle. It is prudent to have your RV waxed, with liquid or paste wax, at least once a year to maintain the gloss. If you have bought a used rig that has begun to show signs of aging, use a fiberglass restorer to finish off the shine, although it is not a permanent solution. Extreme sunlight, air pollutants, excessive moisture, and even parking under a dirty tree can have serious repercussions for your camper. Try keeping the travel trailer out of the sun, and preferably indoors, when not in use, and prevent the UV rays from dulling the gel coating. If a small and inconspicuous area of the fiberglass is damaged, cover it with duct tape ASAP to prevent water from getting in and making the situation worse. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Everything You Need To Know To Take Care of Your Fiberglass RV appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. View the Full Article

I could use one of these in my life. Trade out the trailer for an Oliver tho.

@try2relax - Can you show me a picture of what you are looking at? I am not seeing an Online in Gold? Thank you, Jason

@kountrykamper @hap I reached out to Jason Essary and here is what he said: First part is that on the Elite II we don’t have to worry about jack failure for the flat tire as you should not use the jack to raise the trailer. You would want to run the good tire up onto a block or special tire ramp to lift the other tire off the ground for easy changing. Jack spots. There aren’t any built in jack spots per se like you might find on a car or van with a special reinforced area for the jack. The best place would be to place the jack on the steel section of the subframe as close to the tire that needs to be lifted. DO NOT put the jack under the axle or leaf springs. Thanks, Jason

Hi @hap, Glad to see you have reached out to us on the forums. However, you could best reach us by putting in a ticket for any of your questions and concerns. The ticket system is found here: http://olivertraveltrailers.com/service/ I reached out to Jason Essary and here is what he said: First part is that on the Elite II we don’t have to worry about jack failure for the flat tire as you should not use the jack to raise the trailer. You would want to run the good tire up onto a block or special tire ramp to lift the other tire off the ground for easy changing. Jack spots. There aren’t any built in jack spots per se like you might find on a car or van with a special reinforced area for the jack. The best place would be to place the jack on the steel section of the subframe as close to the tire that needs to be lifted. DO NOT put the jack under the axle or leaf springs. Thanks, Jason

Thanks! We have been working hard on it for many months and it is a breath of fresh air to finally see the new site live. As far as using other people's copyright/protected content on our site that is probably not ever going to happen, it would require their consent/permission. Another problem facing would be getting flagged by search engines for duplicated content, considering they have the exact same blog post on their site and it's being indexed by search engines. This would have a negative effect for our website. We could be in the future - open to well written, SEO keyword optimized, Oliver specific, Oliver components and/or traveling specific blog posts that are written just for Oliver Blog Pages and not being used anywhere else. Thanks, Jason

That's awesome @blaidddrwg! Congratulations! Where will y'all be heading to on your first voyage?

We can look into doing that. We need some time though - we have tons of work going on right now still fixing bugs in the forums/website from the migration. Thanks, Jason

I made some changes to the permissions to edit, just need some volunteers.

I'll look at the edit functions tomorrow morning,it was never intended to restrict editing. Most likely just an option oversight. That's good to hear about the new search, as far as speeding it up, it's as fast as it's going to get for right now. Thanks, Jason

That is how the picture was taken/saved and put on the computer. You have to change the orientation of the picture first , then re-upload and they should be in the correct orientation. I found some documentation on changing photo orientation here.

Hi Canoe12, please try the edit function now. It should show up now. Could you show a picture of your screen so I can see what it looks like? Thanks!

Thanks everyone. We have been working diligently on the new site! As far as search function: I have added a new search function above the current search, it's ajax based and searches are performed in real time. Simply type in the "search term" you wish and wait for the results. Results are displayed on the fly below the search. Tell me how it feels and if the functionality is better for you. Forums wise, there are no real changes to the forums other than the cosmetic changes - colors - responsiveness - overall performance/speed. Thank you! - Jason

Hello everyone, We hope you enjoy the new website and the new look and feel of the forums as much as we enjoyed building it. The site may have a few layout bugs and if you find anything that does not look right, please feel free to send me a forums private message and we will get it fixed. We still have much to do and we thank you for your patience in waiting for the maintenance and updates to be completed! Thank you from all of us at Oliver Travel Trailers!

I found a typo error in the Campfire Cooking Recipe. It is not the Pot Roast - Instead it is for Dutch Oven Campfire Lasagna. My apologies for the mixup! Thank you! Jason

Update: We have had to re-schedule the maintenance for Saturday Morning 2/3/2018. Thank you! Jason

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 From its state parks to its national forests, Colorado is known for its' stunning geographical diversity and is abundant with gorgeous rivers, snow-capped mountains, and arid deserts. The possibilities for camping and outdoor explorations are endless which can make the planning process overwhelming. If Colorado is on your list for camping this season in your travel trailer, here is our top ten list of the best camping spots in Colorado that you cannot afford to miss. Red Feather Lakes Located in the Rocky Mountains northwest of Fort Collins, this rustic mountain village is far from hectic city life. When you head to the Rocky Mountains for adventure and reach the northwest of Fort Collins, you will fall in love with the jaw-dropping views. This Red Feather Lakes is also Colorado’s first designed scenic river. The nearby Dowdy lake has many popular sites for fishing, biking, and hiking as well. This area was first identified by ranchers around 1900 and today, it has become a popular outdoor playground with beautiful scenery, mountain views, and hiking trails. Plan your camping trip Golden Gate Canyon State Park Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers such amenities as electrical hook-ups and tent-sites in two different campgrounds, stocked fishing ponds and picnic sites. Surrounded by more than 12,000 acres of dense forest and miles of trail, the Golden Gate Canyon State is a camper’s paradise. The stunning location is only 30 miles from Denver and there are two different campgrounds for tent camping. All visitors get to choose from 156 camping sites and there are exciting spots for mountain biking, horseback riding and winter sport. Tent camping at Golden Gate Canyon Park is available all year round, but you need to remember that they are available on first-come, first-serve basis. You also have the chance to enjoy hunting expedition on the Ralston Creek which is right adjacent to the park. Plan your camping trip Camp Dick The campground is situated on the banks of the Middle Saint Vrain Creek in a glacial valley surrounded by mixed conifer and aspen forests and an open meadow. Camp Dick certainly provides some of the best camping in Colorado. Camp Dick was established during the mid-1930s and is located in the Middle Saint Vrain Creek. The camping ground is surrounded by conifer forests as well as an open meadow. The trails in the region are open for hiking and biking. Guided horseback riding is just a mile away. All campsites in Camp Dick accommodate tent camping and you can find picnic tables and campfire rings. If needed, you can purchase firewood at the campsite even during the peak season. Plan your trip Turquoise Lake While you might think Turquoise Lake is named for its blue waters, this fresh glacial lake of nearly 1,800 acres once hosted a turquoise mine. While precious stones are no longer pulled from the earth here, you’ll discover a gem of an alpine lake rich with opportunities for outdoor fun. Turquoise Lake is a recreation area just outside of Leadville, Colorado. This area is known for boating and fishing. Other popular recreation activities include camping and hiking. There are about 300 campsites in the area spread across eight campgrounds. You have the option to choose from tent camping and RV camping and the majority of the campgrounds are located on the eastern shore. What campers love about the campgrounds is that they offer picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilets! Because Turquoise lakes are located at an elevation of almost 10,000 feet, the camping sites are only open during the summer season. If you are not used to altitude climbing, drink plenty of water and allow extra time for activities. You can however still visit the location as it is one of the popular destinations for ice fishing. To make your outdoor adventures more fun, do make reservations in advance as campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan your trip Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is adjacent to the park visitor center and several hiking options are nearby, including Window Rock Trail, Alcove Nature Trail, and Canyon Rim Trail. The site is the only established campground within the monument. All campsites in ‘A’ loop are first come, first served. You can reserve camping sites in B loop up to six months in advance. C loop camping sites are ideal for individual as well as group camping. Saddlehorn is the only established campsite in the monument and it’s not surprising that all 80 camping sites fill quickly in summer. This mesmerizing location can be found at the end of the 23-mile long scenic drive through the canyons. As you drive to the camping site, you can enjoy expansive views of the Grand Junction and the valley. Most visitors are impressed with the six-mile-long hike along the monument canyon trail. More adventurous visitors can enjoy desert hiking. If you decide to stay at the campsite, you can enjoy a road bike ride as well as rock climbing. Plan your trip Little Molas Lake Campground The 137-acre campground sits along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) in the central San Juan Mountains; the most spectacular peaks in the Colorado Rockies. People do not hesitate to Little Molas for outdoor adventure. The destination is known for its proximity to Andrews Lake and is located at over 3,300m Little Molas also has excellent hiking access to the Colorado Trail. While summers in Little Molas Campground are glorious (the high altitude destination is stocked with rainbows), you should be prepared with a solid tent and lots of weatherproof gear to make your outdoor adventure more fun. Plan your trip Angel of Shavano The campsites are wooded with aspen and spruce trees. A few of the campsites are located along the stream. Angel of Shavano campgrounds without a doubt is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. While the camping ground is small and features only 20 campsites, the cozy atmosphere allows you to spend quality time with family and friends. The variety of recreational activities offered at the Angel of Shavano campground includes fishing, biking, and hiking. This campground interestingly is named after an angel that appears on Shavano Mountains. It lies at an elevation of 9,200 feet and is covered by aspen and pine forests. Some camping sites along the river are encircled by open, grassy meadows. Because Angel of Shavano is situated at an elevation, you need to take along protective camping gear. Thunderstorms are quite common among the summer months. The Colorado Trail begins within the Angel of Shavano campground and provides excellent hiking and biking opportunities for adventurous campers. This trail is about 487 miles and the segments range in elevation from 5,500 feet to over 13,000 feet. Plan your trip Piñon Flats Campground As the sun sets, watch the light dance over the massive sand dunes, creating a Technicolor display you didn’t even know was possible. Piñon Flats Campground is located in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features high mountain peaks, grasslands, lush forests, sparkling streams and a wide variety of wildflowers. There are endless outdoor recreational activities and the camping site is perfect for kids who want to explore nature. Plan your trip Oh Be Joyful Campground This campground is in a splendid valley just a few miles outside of the ski town of Crested Butte along the Slate River. Located in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest, the campground is a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts. There are over 15 campsites and adventurers can enjoy an abundance of hiking, biking, skiing, paddling, and wildlife watching. The camping ground is open all year round and is particularly stunning especially in fall. Plan your trip Buena Vista Buena Vista is sometimes referred as the “banana belt”, because of its temperate and arid climate that provides 300+ days of sunlight. This beautiful valley is ideal for fishing, rafting, and kayaking. The Arrowhead Point campground has camping sites, cottages and cabins within the perfect mountain settings so you can get back to nature with a fun twist. Plan your trip Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Colorado's Best Camping Spots appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. 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We will be doing website and forums maintenance on Saturday 2/3/2018, the approximate time is not yet determined, however it will occur during the morning time hours. We do not have an estimated time of completion as there is really no way to tell exactly how long this process may take. During this time the forums, login, registration and profile updating will be disabled. Thanks, Jason

Thank you Canoe12, I sent it out yesterday afternoon, if anyone is wishing to receive the monthly Oliver newsletter you may sign up for the newsletter by filling out the contact form. The section "Subscribe to our newsletter?" Choose yes and add a comment that you are subscribing to the newsletter. Contact form is found here: http://olivertraveltrailers.com/contact-us/ For those that are already signed up for the newsletter but did not receive it, please private message me with your Name and Email address and I will send you this months newsletter. Thank you, Jason

This is odd because I have always received emails when I get a PM from someone on the forums. Can anyone else clarify if they do or do not receive an email when they get a PM on this forums? I will look into this for y'all.

I must say John, you did exactly what you said you would do a year ago. Cheers. Oliver is built to last. There is no doubt about it and the proof is right here in the forums, it's every single one of you. Thank you!

Reminder to join the Oliver Newsletter: Fill this form out http://olivertraveltrailers.com/contact-us/ - this will get you added to the newsletter as long as you check to Subscribe to newsletter. In the comments just put you are signing up for the NEWSLETTER. Afterwards you should receive an email to verify your email, once you verify the email you will be added to the newsletter mailing list. This will add you to the newsletter mailing list and you will start receiving the monthly newsletter. Thank you