JWalmsley

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 WHAT IT IS AND SOME OF IT’S FORMS Boondocking comes in many forms, so it’s not likely that we will be able to cover them all in this brief writing. So, let’s talk about the most common types of boondocking that comes to mind. So, just what is boondocking ? It is camping without hooking up to water, sewer or electricity, and there are many ways that folks like to do it. ASPHALT/CONCRETE BOONDOCKING is just as the name implies but the location can be widely varied. This is usually in an urban type of environment. There are many names for this type of boondocking. Some that come to mind are WALLYDOCKING or overnighting at Wal-Mart. A hint for here, park out of the way, near the security cameras and away from the receiving dock area where noisy deliveries are often times made in the wee hours. Many retailers do not discourage this type of camping and some encourage it. One of our favorites is Cracker Barrel because of their roaring fireplace and great breakfast. This type of boondocking can have some hidden Dangers so reading the local vibe can be important. For example if you see gang graffiti, vandalism, street people with all of their worldly goods in a shopping cart, it might be better to move on. Broken safety glass scattered around a parking lot can well indicate that smash and grab thefts are happening there, and leaving someone in your camper, even when shopping could be a wise move. Again, parking in full view of security cameras is always a good idea. STEALTH camping is somewhat the art of blending in or hiding in plain sight. Being anonymous by virtue of, “out of sight, out of mind”, can provide not only security, but also a good night’s rest. One of our old standby’s is a RV sales lot or dealership, they always have easy in and easy out access and we look like we belong there. DRIVEWAY Boondocking can be great, either at kinfolks or someone that you know along the way. Great visit’s and wonderful local flavor from this type of boondocking, and there is no check in or out time ! REST AREA’S, TRUCK STOPS and other high traffic, noisy type, of area’s can be convenient but hard to get some rest in, because of the noise. Even with the stereo on, if a truck sets it’s air brakes next to you, it will likely wake you up. Should you find a lower traffic part of it, there will always be the bull hauler Cowboy with a Jake brake racking off. We tend to use them, but sparingly when pushing hard to get somewhere. REMOTE BONDOCKING, commonly referred to by the USFS ( United States Forest Service ) and BLM ( Bureau of Land Management ) as DISPERSED CAMPING, can vary widely depending on which part of the USA you are in. For example, in the West, sunshine and solar panels can really keep you out there in pristine wilderness for long periods of time. In Heavily timbered areas the sunshine can’t get to solar panels and other alternatives such as small generators can be used. Water is the usual limitation to remote boondocking, fresh water, grey water and black water capacities will be critical in determining on site stay time. BOONDOCKING WITH SUPPORT can be as simple as using vault toilets and carrying water in containers to extend your stay, or, to having a utility trailer to haul fresh water and waste water. This is one of our favorite ways to boondock and as I write this we are in our third week of boondocking with more to come, in a primitive campground that has a lake on three sides and a magnificent view in all directions. Later in this BOONDOCKING SERIES, we will talk about supported boondocking in depth. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Boondocking Part 1 appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 For those who don’t know me, I am ScubaRx on most of the travel trailer forums including Oliver’s. Over on the FGRV forum I am Steve Outlaw. I hope to be a reasonably consistent contributor to this blog. Yes, I realize “hope” is not a good planning strategy, but being new to the idea of “blogging”, I’m not exactly sure that I can be effective at it for very long, if at all. My plan is to share with you gentle readers the information and experiences that I have gleaned over the years from owning two different Oliver’s. (What is the plural of Oliver? Is it Oliver’s or Olivii?) Oh well, doesn’t matter. I am a voracious reader and consumer of information and I currently peruse at least the Oliver and the FGRV forum every day as well as several others (airstream vs other travel trailers) quite often. I am always looking for new ideas and ways to improve our camping experience from new locations to visit and explore to new equipment to add to our arsenal of gear. I will use this storehouse of (useful?) information to seed future posts. Most of the ideas and information I will present will be taken from sources other than myself. Any exceptions would be things we have personally learned (probably the hard way.) As an old pilot once told me “...learn from the mistakes of others son, you won’t live long enough to make them all yourself...” Allow me to offer a little background on Tali and myself and how our current relationship with Oliver came to be. I always thought I’d end up owning an Airstream. For years, I had been infatuated with the idea of traveling the country pulling my bed and belongings along behind me, stopping when I got tired and then moving on as whim and fancy struck. And, I had envisioned doing all that in the classic American dream trailer - the Airstream. I had an older first cousin that owned four Airstreams, at one time! They ranged from a classic 16 foot Bambi to a 34 foot, three axle custom built unit. Airstreams were in my family and in my psyche. But everything changed one day... In 2008 while driving into a Wal-Mart in Tupelo, Mississippi (my hometown) I saw a little white fiberglass trailer and tow sitting there in the parking lot. I circled it twice hoping to attract the attention of someone inside so I could ask some questions but no one seemed to be “at home.” I did notice the name of Oliver on the outside. I quickly called Tali and told her about it and asked her to write that name down. At that time we were semi-curious about the idea of traveling in an RV of some sort and the sight of this one piqued my interest in small travel trailers. I later learned that the trailer belonged to a couple of our fellow Oliver forum members Tom and Karen Whaley (meanderthal) so I suppose all the credit (blame) for what followed is on them. Later that night I went online and looked at the Oliver website which, by comparison to today’s offering, was by all reckoning very meager but I poured over it learning all I could. And so began the journey to acquire our first Oliver, one of the original Elite 17 footers. Probably like a lot of the owners, we called the factory, took the tour with Robert, got the price, went home, talked it over, decided we couldn’t afford it/didn’t need it, talked it over again, decided we couldn’t live without it, went back to the factory, paid our down payment and asked when it would be ready. We picked her up in June of 2008, dubbed her the Outlaw Oliver and during the next 5 years we traveled across a large portion of this great land. From California to Maine touching, if not actually sleeping in, most of the states between the two. Since we were both still working, our travels were limited to lots of short trips and occasionally, whenever we could both get a few weeks of vacation time together, a longer one. Most of the time Tali and I were accompanied by our three matching black and tan dogs: Storm (Doberman Pincher), Maggie (Miniature Pincher) and Lucy (Dachshund). Sadly, two years ago Storm departed us and is now waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Last year a new canine joined our family, a red and tan Doberman we named Reacher (after my favorite character in Lee Child’s books, Jack Reacher. And yes, he did mess up the color scheme.) Now he and the rest of the fur crew travels with us. By 2012 we had traveled about 20,000 miles with the Outlaw Oliver. Now I know this is a mere stroll in the park compared to our fellow forum member and Oliver owner Pete Marks (bugeyedriver) who has by now probably racked up somewhere in the neighborhood of a zillion miles. Of course, according to the personalized Texas license plate on his Oliver, he has “NO JOB” and therefore unlimited time to travel. But I digress... By the end of 2012 we had decided that the Outlaw Oliver was getting a bit cramped for the five of us. Though Maggie and Lucy are small dogs both Storm and Reacher tip the scales at near 100 pounds and it was as if there were 3 adults and 2 children trying to cohabit the limited space available. We started thinking about up sizing. Although the thought of giving up our beloved Oliver was seemingly more than I thought I could stand, since the production of Oliver trailers had taken a hiatus due to the downturn of the economy in late 2009, I felt we had no option other than buying a motor home or (horrors) an SOB (Some Other Brand.) We finally decided that a Class C motor home was our best bet and we started looking. On Sunday, March 17, 2013, Robert called me out of the blue and asked “...how would you like to buy a 22 footer?” (For those of you just joining us, that’s what the 23.5 footer was called back then.) Remembering that Oliver had built three of the larger twin axle trailers prior to their production halt, I figured he was offering me one of the two that were still in Oliver’s possession. However, such was not the case, as he informed me that Oliver was going to start building trailers again and would begin with the larger of the two original trailers. In less than 3 minutes, all thoughts of a Class C flew out the window and I told him I would take the first one off the line. In late April, I joined members of the Oliver family, Robert and several other Oliver employees in Townsend, Tennessee at a FGRV Rally to discuss plans for the new trailer. I had been asked to attend to help from an “owners” point of view. From that initial get together the Oliver team went on to build what I consider to be the Rolls-Royce of fiberglass travel trailers. I feel fortunate and honored to have been allowed to contribute to its rebirth. I was privileged to be able to participate in the design and building of our new Outlaw Oliver (the original was sold to a nice couple and renamed the Virginia Oliver) and we took possession of her on Sunday, March 16, 2014. Although it took a year for the design, planning and build, the effort was well worth the wait and though ours was not the first trailer off the line (several demos were built), it was the first customer trailer (Hull # 50) to be sold. We are now nearing retirement (about four more months, yea) and we plan to travel much more, pursuing but never quite able to catch the elusive, unemployed, bugeyedriver aboard The Wonder Egg with his constant sidekick, Oscar the Smiley Dog! And so until next time, may your road go ever on... Steve and Tali Dogs: Reacher, Maggie, Lucy and our Beloved Storm (waiting at the Rainbow Bridge) Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post My American Dream: It's Not an Airstream, It's an Oliver appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Sometimes we can get a surprise from the Oliver’s ability to do cool stuff on it’s own ! Well, maybe at first it is a bit disconcerting, enough that we think, what, why did it do that ! It’s like it has a mind of it’s own ! During our winter tour with the Legacy Elite II, earlier this year, we got one such a pleasant surprise. At first I thought that I had messed something up, and I called the plant looking for answers to what I had done. Here is how it happened, see if it makes you scratch your head also. We arrived late in the day to meet at a campground with someone that wanted to tour the Legacy II. I plugged into shore power first thing to be able to turn on some heat. It wasn’t freezing, but it was cold and a stiff wind was blowing. Since we had shore power, I switched the thermostat over to the elect position and set the thermostat for a comfortable 68*. Here is a quick look at the Oliver’s digital electronic thermostat that controls both heat and air. Much to my surprise, the furnace down in the floor came on ! Now, mind you, I had asked for electric heat, and yet, the propane furnace had came on ! I quickly checked the setting on the thermostat and sure enough, it was set for electricity, which, to me, meant that the heat strip up in the ceiling air unit would come on. But it didn’t, instead the furnace came on. He, he, yep, I was sure that I had messed something up and I put in a call to the factory in Hohenwald Tn. Well, to make a long story short, it was way smarter than I was. Since I was calling for such a large temperature increase, the circuit board fell back to it’s default setting and called the propane furnace on line to bring the temp up more rapidly than the air unit’s electric heat strip could. So here is what happened. The propane furnace brought the temperature up to the thermostat’s set point, then cut off. After that the electric heat strip in the roof air maintained the setting! Cool! How’s that for a thermostat with a brain? Warm up and cool down times in the Oliver’s well insulated interior are pretty brief compared to other travel trailers that we have been in. In the winter, for example, in most of the aluminum skinned trailers, a furnace will take quite a long time to satisfy the thermostat. Long enough that we would find ourselves sitting with our hands and feet towards the furnace trying to warm them up. And in the Summer we would find ourselves sitting outside in the shade somewhere, waiting for the aluminum skinned trailer to be cooled off. The Oliver’s great insulation means that when you set the thermostat to the comfort level that you desire, you immediately begin to notice a change and within just a few short minutes you are at the perfect temperature that you have chosen! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Digitally Speaking appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 A proud new owner has a GREAT REVIEW of their new Oliver Travel Trailer they picked up in February. Check out their review and other post on their Wincrasher's Travels blog. Wincrasher’s Travels: My New Oliver Legacy Elite II Wincrasher’s Travels: Oliver Travel Trailer Build Wincrasher’s Travels: Some Accessories for My New Oliver Wincrasher’s Travels: A Few More Items for the Oliver Wincrasher’s Travels: Video Review of My Oliver Legacy Elite II Wincrasher’s Travels: Quiet of Not? Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Oliver Owner Review appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Lots of miles and lots of weather ! Little did we realize that as we ran ahead of the ice storm when we left Edmond Oklahoma, that wave after wave of winter freezing precipitation would eventually grind our tour to a complete halt! We are at the factory in Hohenwald now, turning in our equipment, writing up reports and debriefing with the sales staff. It has been great touring the Oliver Legacy Elite II, but it is time for these mountain folks to go fishing! See you all later this year as we gear up for our trans Canadian tour! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Winter 2015 Oliver Tour draws to a close appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Absent without Leave! As our last appointment of the day was over, at Mathis Texas, and we took measure of what we needed to do next, we came to a startling discovery ! We were ever so close to the National Seashore just South East of Corpus Christi Texas ! Now, that is where all measuring of what comes next stopped. Right there. Dead in its' tracks. And a full fledged escape began to happen ! Yep, we went off schedule, off route, played hooky and I mean, we went full fledged AWOL ! Here is a look. In this photo the early morning sun reflects brightly off of the Ollie that we are pulling behind the Pony Express. We slept all night with the windows open, listening to the surf on the beach. A gentle breeze blowing through the windows. It was quiet, really quiet. This morning about sun up, a ICE heilo made a beach patrol pass by us. I snapped this photo as the heilo passed over the visitor center. About the time I snapped the last photo, Betty hollered out the window, come and get it! Breakfast Burritos with Picante’ sauce ! What a great start to a Beach Escape Day! After breakfast we will move up to the Malakeet campground, dump tanks, top off with water, then move over to visit with cool Casita friends that are camped at the Bird Island Basin campground over on the estuary, or LaGuna Madre side of the island. Island camping with the Ollie, it’s the Bomb! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Ice Storm Winter 2015 appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Absent without Leave! As our last appointment of the day was over, at Mathis Texas, and we took measure of what we needed to do next, we came to a startling discovery ! We were ever so close to the National Seashore just South East of Corpus Christi Texas ! Now, that is where all measuring of what comes next stopped. Right there. Dead in its' tracks. And a full fledged escape began to happen ! Yep, we went off schedule, off route, played hooky and I mean, we went full fledged AWOL ! Here is a look. In this photo the early morning sun reflects brightly off of the Ollie that we are pulling behind the Pony Express. We slept all night with the windows open, listening to the surf on the beach. A gentle breeze blowing through the windows. It was quiet, really quiet. This morning about sun up, a ICE heilo made a beach patrol pass by us. I snapped this photo as the heilo passed over the visitor center. About the time I snapped the last photo, Betty hollered out the window, come and get it! Breakfast Burritos with Picante’ sauce ! What a great start to a Beach Escape Day! After breakfast we will move up to the Malakeet campground, dump tanks, top off with water, then move over to visit with cool Casita friends that are camped at the Bird Island Basin campground over on the estuary, or LaGuna Madre side of the island. Island camping with the Ollie, it’s the Bomb! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Island Camping with Ollie appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Today’s fuel efficient designs for RV’s and indeed trailer’s in general, are prompting the use of aluminum frames for strength, rigidity and weight reduction, that will result in the owner reaping fuel savings. Axle’s and suspensions, because of their very nature, are almost always made of steel. And there is the engineering rub. That rub has a name. Galvanic action, or, as end users, like many of us, think of it as, two dissimilar metals in contact, causing corrosion. A solution is the use of the sacrificial anode, like those pictured below. One method to reduce galvanic action is by isolating the steel suspension assembly, from the aluminum frame, by first mounting it on a heavily galvanized bracket, before it is mounted to the frame. Here is a look at one manufacturer’s anode installation instructions. This anode is located on the bottom of the frame by the Galvanized bracket and suspension. This anode is located on the bottom of the tongue by the Oliver Legacy II’s Bulldog Hitch. Most of us have replaced the sacrificial anode that is in many RV hot water heaters, and are used to checking that anode on a annual basis. But if we have an aluminum frame, we probably need to be checking on our aluminum frame’s sacrificial anode’s also. Should replacing these anodes yourself, be your goal, they are available from your manufacturer, or on eBay. They are strategically placed nearby dissimilar metals and attached with a pop rivet. Readily visible on the bottom of the frame, they are easy to check and replace as needed, using a drill and pop rivet gun. So, if you Winterize your RV and you are in “salt on the highway” territory, it might be a timely thing to check or replace your aluminum frame anodes. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Sacrificial appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Years ago, while back in the “work a day” world, on a day off, I was working my way through a chore list, on the farm. One of those chores was to worm the small herd of Brangus cattle, that included a young Brangus Bull. Now, the wormer that I had on hand was not the liquid type, that pours on the back, but was instead, the paste in a tube type. He. he, now, those that have been there, already know that this isn’t going to go well! The cows handled easy and the paste worming went well with them. But, with the Bull however, it quickly became a battle of will’s ! Soon, the bull was back in the pasture, un wormed, with his cows, and I was looking for something to cut a wedding band off. In the above photo, taken many years later, one may see the ring imprint, but the scar tissue isn’t readily visible. As my current wedding band wore thin over the years, it began to cut and inflame the old scar tissue. Causing me to leave it on the dresser more than I was comfortable with. Then one day I saw a ad on the internet that caught my attention. A soft, supple, silicone wedding band. I ordered mine a size larger and it fits and wear’s great! Here is a look at the ring by itself. This non traditional solution works well for us, but may not be for some that have made better decisions while worming a randy young bull! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Decision Making 101 appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 If you have a strong and compelling desire to see what is over there on the other side of the mountain, or maybe, hike to the mountaintop in the predawn chill, just to see the first rays of sunshine peek over the horizon, you might be a nomad. As baby boomers retire by the thousands each day, they bring into their new lifestyle, the values instilled in them by their parents. The worlds greatest generation, the World War II Veteran’s and spouse’s. That generation, out of necessity, were world traveler’s and experienced the restlessness brought into their lives by the upheaval of WWII. The new Eisenhower Interstate Highway system was developing rapidly during this same time frame, and they took advantage of it in the form of a rapidly developing Travel Trailer industry. Because of their intense sense of duty, the world’s Greatest Generation rebuilt America while taking every opportunity to Hit the road. Many of their offspring, the Baby Boomer’s, first memories are of a military base and a Mobile, somewhat Spartan lifestyle. Now as the offspring of the World’s Greatest Generation are retiring, they are often time’s hitting the open road on a full time basis. Because they are so active and out of doors oriented, many need a trailer that they can get into those places that are just naturally good for the soul. They need a more maneuverable, agile trailer with good ground clearance. Today’s four season, long lasting, molded fiberglass trailers fully meet that need! It is a great time in America to be retiring out on to the open road! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Are You a Nomad? appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 When going on a road trip, it’s not always fun to take a small car and stay in motels. No, to see the countryside and cities alike, one should consider their options. Some consider a recreational vehicle, and others consider a travel trailer. Both are helpful for a person who is on a road trip, and here are three pros and three cons to each option. Travel Trailer pros: Cheaper: Generally, when making a long road trip, people will want to save a few bucks. It’s not easy when going for hundreds of miles. To save gas, and enjoy lower expenses, one should get a travel trailer. Then, one will have lower initial and long-term expenses. To find the right one, it’s wise to check out travel trailer reviews as there are plenty of options. Leave it behind: Now, when on the road, it’s easy to leave the travel trailer at the campsite. Then, the truck owner can zip around town to pick up supplies. This will save time and money. To find the right one, a person should head to travel trailer dealers in his or her area. Last longer: Think about it, an RV will not last as long as a travel trailer as it requires an engine and moving parts that the travel trailer doesn’t require. In the long run, it’s easy to save time and money because of this. Travel trailer cons: One more thing to go wrong: Now, think about this, when on the road, one mistake can leave the entire family on the side of the road with a travel trailer; one will have to worry about breakdowns of the truck and issues with the trailer. On the other hand, when driving an RV, one will only have to worry about this. To avoid most problems, it’s smart to check out travel trailer reviews and find one that is reliable. Recreational vehicle pros: No setup: With an RV, the family can load it up and hit the toad. This is in stark contrast when compared to a travel trailer where one will have to hook it up and make sure everything is in order. No worries: Think about how a trailer is attached to a truck and its easy to see why this is a scary proposition. On the other hand, with an RV, one will not have to worry about connections. Hang out: In some cases, when the vehicle is in motion, one can’t hang out in the trailer, which makes the entire road trip not as fun. Luckily, when checking out travel trailer dealers, one can find a trailer that is comfortable while on the road. Cons: Expensive: Sadly, unless one has a lot of money, they probably can’t afford an RV as they can cost a lot of money. Not only that, when on the road, they are more expensive to operate. Hard to maneuver: Without great driving skills, one will struggle with an RV. Yes, the reality is, when in an RV, a motorist will feel like they are driving a bus. Slower: When on the road, one can’t drive an RV as fast. This makes the road trip slow down while in boring areas. When looking to get an RV or trailer, one should really choose a trailer. See our travel trailer comparison page. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Recreational Vehicle Or Travel Trailer? Pros and Cons appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Travel Trailer vs Motorhome If you are considering new travel trailers for sale, you may wonder about RVs. When it comes to cost effectiveness, the travel trailer edges out the RV fairly quickly. Initial Cost Generally RVs cost much more than a travel trailer. It’s easy to see why. Even the top rated travel trailers don’t add the cost of an engine to the package. Top rated travel trailers are generally equal in comforts and still costs tens of thousands less than RVs. Travel Fuel Economy An RV tends to drink fuel fast. It has a large body and requires a large energy output to keep it going. Fuel economy hovers around 10 miles per gallon. Pulling a trailer is considered more economical. It relies on the truck or SUV for its gas mileage, and this means getting an average of 20 miles per gallon. Even if it’s just 15 mpg, that’s a vast improvement at today’s prices. Park-and-Drive Fuel Economy Gas mileage continues to play a role at the campsite. Once the travel trailer is parked, the truck or SUV can be disconnected. The personal vehicle will get markedly better mileage than the RV. The parked RV must be disconnected from all hook-ups and, when driven on even the shortest errand, it will continue to get dismal fuel economy. Another option, of course, is pulling a car behind the RV. However, this adds weight to the RV and decreases travel fuel economy. Some RV drivers may opt to rent a car, but this adds even more costs. Maintenance and Repairs If an RV engine breaks down while the owner is traveling, this can be a major problem. The owner must locate a mechanic who is capable of RV engine repair. This may mean towing the vehicle a very long distance and paying handsomely for the privilege. Then the owner may have to pay for a hotel and perhaps a car rental. On the other hand, it is far easier to find a general mechanic for a regular SUV or truck. If towing, this means a much shorter tow with a much more reasonable fee. Furthermore, the travel trailer owner still has accommodations for the night while waiting for the vehicle to be repaired. Crash Considerations In the event of a crash, it is likely that either the RV engine or the cabin will be destroyed. At that point, it’s a total loss. On the other hand, the travel trailer might escape destruction, and only the truck or SUV need repair or replacement. Long Term Considerations RVs can lose their value very quickly. That’s usually due to factors that don’t effect a travel trailer, such as engine wear-and-tear, mileage, and changing safety standards for cabins. For these reasons, new travel trailers for sale certainly seem like a better investment than RVs. In addition, RVs are more vulnerable during periods of inactivity. Sitting in the driveway during a long winter can lead to engine problems, a problem that travel trailers will never have. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post A Travel Trailer Or A Motorhome - Which Is More Cost Effective? appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Camping excursions and visits to relations should be done in comfort. Oliver travel Trailers serve people to meet their most common, essential needs when they leave the comfort of their homes. When comparing travel trailer brands, see the comparison of the competition. Descriptions of competing travel trailers have been provided. Airstream Airstream is a brand of luxury RVs manufactured in Ohio. Initiated in 1931, Airstream created lightweight travel trailers that would attach to a vehicle. Known for their curvy aluminum exterior that covers their trailers, while bunks, dinettes, and built-in storage units fill the interior. The Airstream travel trailers come in a wide variety of sizes, compact to roomy, but the polished surfaces and windows are the same throughout all the styles. Escape Travel Trailers Targeted toward small to midsized tow vehicles, the company Escape aims for fuel efficiency with its escape travel trailers. The trailers, created in British Columbia, Canada, have a 100 percent fiberglass exterior. The interior includes seating, which converts to sleeping areas, overhead cabinets, vinyl wall coverings, and bathrooms with showers. To promote their product, the company offers a full two-year warranty on their Escape travel trailers. Bigfoot Travel Trailers The fiberglass exterior is traditional, but the thermal pane windows and high density insulation in Bigfoot travel trailers promise warmth and good times. Porcelain toilets, comfortable mattresses, day and night shades, and skylights fill the interiors of the Bigfoot travel trailers. To ensure happiness for every customer, Bigfoot guarantees dual propane tanks, heated and enclosed water tanks, and black tank rinse. The company also offers air conditioning, exterior speakers, and LCD TV. Casita Travel Trailers Established in 1983, Casita Enterprises has constructed lightweight travel trailers for over two decades. Perfect for singles or couples, Casita travel trailers come in a variety of sizes and styles, from a compact 13 footer to a deluxe 17 footer. Depending on the model, the interiors of Casita travel trailers include twin beds, king-sized beds, kitchenettes with seating and dining areas, bathrooms with baths, and cross ventilation and natural lighting with picture windows. The Oliver Travel Trailers Difference The above mentioned travel trailers may prove temporarily comfortable, but Oliver travel trailers go above and beyond the standard in the industry in standard amenities, available options and overall quality. Their Legacy Elite II travel trailer provides a five person dining area which could convert into a king-sized bed, double-hulled insulated shell and thermal pane windows help to maximize energy during hot and cold seasons, and a LCD TV and Furrion stereo system to provide entertainment. Year-round living is possible with the all composite exterior shell and double fiberglass hull. Most importantly, valuables can be held and transported in the superior storage capacity. Owners find the Oliver is easy to set-up with the 3-way Power Leveling System. The construction design that includes the aluminum frame, tandem Dexter axles with "Nev-R-Adjust" power brakes and aerodynamic fiberglass shape gives the Oliver a superior tow on the open road while getting improved gas mileage compared to some other comparable models. Oliver sets the bar on standard features. Many amenities that available only as options on the competition come as standard features in "Ollies." Pros and cons exist for all travel trailers listed. Some may save more fuel, some may provide better comfort, and some may hold more visual appeal, but the perfect combination of all traveling needs exist in the Oliver travel trailers. They provide space, storage, cooking areas, sleeping areas, seating, bathrooms, and entertainment. Constructed to maintain the owner’s desired temperature, the travel trailer can travel during sunshine or rainstorm. Travelers must make their own decision when purchasing a travel trailer, but the trailers from Oliver are worth consideration. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Oliver Travel Trailers Versus the Competition appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 When considering new travel trailers for sale, many people forget to take insurance into consideration. Although it is not a requirement in any state for fiberglass travel trailers to carry insurance, they can be very expensive assets. It would be very foolhardy for anyone not to properly insure one, no matter what the value or the size. If the trailer is being purchased with any sort of financing, the finance company may require insurance. Even if it doesn’t and the trailer is a total loss, the finance company will still be owed the entire outstanding balance of the loan. Some automobile policies will provide basic coverage for a trailer, for others it needs to be specifically added on. Some auto policies specifically exclude trailers. Before looking into what additional coverage may or may not be needed or wanted, it is important to check with the existing insurance company to find out exactly what the policy covers. Once the limits of the existing policy are known, consideration can be given to what additional coverage is appropriate. For a small, secondhand pop-up trailer which costs a few hundred dollars, it may not be worthwhile to purchase additional insurance. However, some fiberglass travel trailers can cost tens of thousands of dollars, often more than the value of the vehicle towing it. For these, a fully comprehensive trailer policy is the smartest option. As with any insurance, you hope you never need it, but it is essential to have in place if you ever do. There are several different types of travel trailer insurance offered which depend on the usage. There are policies which cover extensive road use, for example, and others where the trailer is occupied full-time for all or part of the year. The only situation generally not covered by a specialist trailer insurance policy is where the trailer is parked full-time. After determining the appropriate type of policy for the trailer’s intended usage, the items which can covered are similar to those in an automotive insurance policy. These include: – Total loss replacement – Liability coverage for personal injuries – Collision coverage – Comprehensive coverage for loss from fire, theft or severe weather – Coverage for personal possessions – Roadside assistance – Emergency expenses – Parked trailer coverage The last item is especially important to consider. Parked trailer coverage provides insurance while your trailer is parked in an RV site or campground and everyone is away, hiking or biking for example. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of the reasons that insurance should be considered when looking at new travel trailers for sale. It is also not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of the reasons to have trailer insurance or the risks to be insured. What it is intended to do is to provoke some thought about how best to get some peace of mind while enjoying a new travel trailer. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Is Travel Trailer Insurance Necessary? appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 It puzzles some folks, and I can see that quizzical look come across their face, just before they say, WHY? My initial response is usually, “Well, because we can! “ But in reality it is much deeper than that. The conversation is about Work Camping, and why we do it as we approach our mid 70’s. Here is a look at our route to the harvest. One of the jobs that we work is the Sugar Beet Harvest and we’ll be leaving out to go to it, in the next few days. Here is where you can learn more about the harvest. www.sugarbeetharvest.com Now, like any type of work, it isn’t for everyone, however, even at 70 plus years, it suits us just fine. The harvest is a 24/7 operation until completed and that means being outside in all kinds of weather conditions. If you have a love of everything out of doors, then it might suit you as well as it does us. So, why does a couple of 70 something’s do this ? Simply put, we feel good about ourselves when we are productive. Being raised by the world’s greatest Generation, the World War II Veteran’s, we are imbued with a pretty serious work ethic. We are just not going to sit on the front porch rocking and waiting to meet our maker. We will be out there on the road somewhere going to meet him ! So, as the sunrises and we are at the end of a 12 hour shift, nearing the end of the harvest season, we are tired, a bit sore, sometimes more than just a little dirty, how do we feel ? Happy and satisfied that we have been a part of the world’s largest harvest, while working side by side, and keeping up with 20 something’s. Oh, yeah, then there is that other thing, getting paid well for your effort. The job pay’s straight time, time and one half and double time. It is pretty cool to be retired, knowing that we can spend five months out of the year, basking in and totally immersing ourselves in, our particular intermountain culture ! Yet even then, we spent yesterday volunteering as part of a painting crew working on a local community building that was constructed circa 1909. So, WHY ? Hey, remember, we have the need to remain productive ! See you out there on the road somewhere! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Why? Because we can appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The Mother Road, Route 66, runs from Illinois to California. Any time we get near it, a involuntary, reflexive action happens. We escape. Off route. Abandon all plans. Drop off the face of the earth and get lost. Sometimes we wander aimlessly. Sometimes we search out specific places. But one thing for sure, we always have fun ! I n this photo we are in front of the Phillips 66 Service Station that is in the music video link below. Here is a look at a book that we pour over on a regular basis because it is such a in depth study of the Mother Road. This video misses what we think are some of the coolest places, yet it is ever so good ! Enjoy the video and a good look at all of the cool stuff out there on the old Route 66. Here is the link: ROUTE 66 MUSIC VIDEO This strange phenomenon, the connection between our escape and Route 66, is hard to describe, but, Depeche Mode does it quite well in the above video . Sometimes escaping is good for the soul! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Sixty Six appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 All of those cool, useful features and the beauty of that glossy gel coat, get one's attention during a tour of the factory. Because of all of that eye candy, it is pretty common for someone to overlook a very important thing about the Fiberglass hulls of the Oliver. The incredible structural strength. Here is a rare look from the factory. The two inner hulls are side by side. On the right is the inner lower and on the left is the inner upper. When the four hull parts are joined and put on that strong, rigid, aircraft grade aluminum frame, the Oliver becomes ever so super strong ! One thing that we have always enjoyed when folks visit the factory, is watching to see just how long it takes before they put their hands on the fiberglass so that they can actually feel just how substantial the Oliver really is. So, on your next visit to the factory, as you place your hands on that shiny hull, give a glance at the nearby technician and grin as you knod your head. Then,watch his expression as he understands that you get it ! The factory, a pretty cool place where high tech enhances your recreational time. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Fiberglass Hull Strength appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Consumers looking to get away more and save on travel should go RVing, according to a new study comparing vacation costs. New research shows that recreation vehicle trips remain the least costly, even during this time of economic turmoil and fluctuating fuel prices. The study, prepared for Recreation Vehicle Industry Association by PKF Consulting USA, a member of an international travel and tourism consulting group, found that RV travel is 23-to-59 percent less expensive than other types of vacations, for a family of four that owns an RV. For an "empty-nester" couple traveling by RV, savings were 11-to-46 percent. Even after accounting for factors such as RV ownership costs and fuel prices, the study confirms that RV vacations offer greater savings than those taken using a personal car or airline, staying in a hotel, rental house or condominium, and eating in restaurants. "The study puts numbers to what RV owners have known for years - if you want to save money on travel, go RVing," said RVIA president Richard Coon. "With the opportunity for frequent getaways to spend quality time outdoors with family and friends, RV ownership is a great value." PKF analyzed vacation costs for two sets of traveling parties - a family of four, including two adults and two children; and a party of two adults. PKF calculated the costs for these hypothetical travelers taking nine different types of vacations to nine popular vacation destinations, including: Branson, MO; Cape Cod, MA; the Grand Canyon; Corpus Christi, TX; Orlando, FL; Lancaster, PA; Napa, CA; Traverse City, MI; and Yellowstone National Park. The study analyzed popular RV types, including folding camping trailers, lightweight travel trailers, compact motorhomes, Type C motorhomes, and Type A motorhomes. Vacation durations were 3, 7 and 14 days, and were directly related to the round-trip distances in highway miles between city-pairs. PKF also analyzed how theoretical increases in fuel prices could affect vacation travel costs. "RV vacations were more economical than the other vacations analyzed, regardless of trip duration, trip distance, or region of the country where the vacation takes place," said PKF vice president Kannan Sankaran. "As the data indicate, while fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, they are not significant enough to materially affect the outcome of our analysis." Trips in type A motorhomes - typically the largest and most luxurious of RVs - were compared to other upscale vacation travel options. The study found that Type A motorhome vacations were 45 percent less expensive than upscale air/hotel vacations. According to the study, for a family of four, fuel prices would have to more than quadruple for RV vacations to lose the economic advantage over other forms of travel. For an adult couple, fuel prices would have to more than double before RV vacations would become more costly. According to PKF, fluctuations in fuel costs economically impact all of the vacation types analyzed. Airlines, for example, often add surcharges when fuel prices rise, in addition to other fees. PKF's findings match the experiences of RVers, according to RVIA's biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners. In a survey conducted in September, 89 percent of RV owners reported savings of 10 percent or more when they travel by RV. Two-thirds reported saving 25 percent or more. The study did no attempt to quantify non-monetary benefits that RV vacationers enjoy. "RVing allows families a unique travel experience that offers appeal for those seeking to foster an increased sense of togetherness, control, flexibility, and convenience to travel whenever and wherever desired," said Sankaran of PKF. "Typically the budgetary constraints of raising a family coupled with the trend of taking shorter vacations close to home match quite well with a desire to experience a cost-conscious vacation with few hassles. RV ownership provides an attractive choice for meeting all those requirements." The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association is the national association representing nearly 400 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States. Visit GoRVing for more information about RVing and to watch a video on how to get started RVing. RV Vacations Save Money When going by RV, families reduce vacation costs vs. other vacation types, according to a comprehensive study comparing travel expenses to popular U.S. destinations: RV Type vs.Alternate Vacation MethodItineraryAmount Saved By RVFolding Camping Trailer vs.Car / HotelDenver to Grand Canyon42 percentType C Motorhome vs.Airline / HotelAtlanta to Orlando46 percentTravel TrailerAirline / Rental Car / Rental HomeWashington, D.C. to Cape Cod37 percent Cost Comparisons of Vacations Using Recreational Vehicles Versus Other Types of Vacations (4-Person Travel Party) Vacation Mode of Travel3 Days7 Days14 DaysParty traveling in personal car, towing their folding camping trailer, staying at campgrounds, and preparing all meals in the folding camping trailer or outdoors at campsites.$721$1,634$3,158Party traveling in lite-duty truck/SUV, towing their travel trailer, staying at campgrounds, and preparing all meals in the trailer or outdoors at campsites.$880$1,997$3,854Party traveling in compact motorhome, staying at campgrounds, and preparing all meals in the motorhome or outdoors at campsites.$880$2,035$4,033Party traveling in a Type C motorhome, staying at campgrounds, and preparing all meals in the motorhome or outdoors at campsites.$930$2,149$4,232Party traveling in personal car, staying at hotels/motels, and eating meals in restaurants$1,128$2,906$5,456Party traveling by airline, renting a car at the destination, staying at hotels/motels, and eating meals in restaurants.$2,958$4,045$6,792Party traveling in airplane, staying at a rental house/condominium, and eating the majority of meals in the rental unit.$2,329$3,133$5,162 *Source: PFK Consulting, USA Cost Comparisons of Upscale Vacations Using Recreational Vehicles Versus Other Types of Vacations (4-Person Travel Party) Vacation Mode of Travel3 Days7 Days14 DaysParty traveling in a personal Type A motorhome, staying at campgrounds, and preparing all meals in the motorhome or outside at campsites.$1,671$4,465$7,700Party traveling by first class airline, renting a premium car at the destination, staying at upscale hotels, and eating meals in restaurants.$5,619$7,631$12,170 *Source: PFK Consulting, USA Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Travelers Save When They Go RVing appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. 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Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 After coming off of the road for Oliver's ten thousand mile Legacy II Tour, we have been camped out on the lake. Fishing and vegetating. It was a bit of a whirlwind tour and we have been getting caught up on our loafing. Until day before yesterday, that is. A big storm came through and blew hundreds of trees down and all of the power lines. Here is a look at Betty and I chain sawing and clearing the road. Here is a clickable link to a brief video of the narrow access trail that we chain sawed out. Here is a link to the actual news cast where we were interviewed. http://www.thv11.com/videos/news/local/2014/07/25/13200043/ After such a great adventure, we may just be ready to see if Oliver is about ready to activate the Road Crew again! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Big Storm on the Lake appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Another video flashback of the ten thousand mile Oliver Legacy II 2014 Tour. Mobile Bay, Alabama, right down on the water, on the East side of the bay, just South of the Old Spanish Fort, is a great campground. Though it is a bit strange to get to, it is such a pleasant stay ! Here is a quick look at a short ( 35 second ) video scan around of the campground. State Park right down on the water at Mobile Bay Alabama OLIVER ROAD TEAM VISITS MOBILE BAY We probably would have never found this cool place, it it weren’t for MrPrez ! ( Obviously, this is his screen name.) Our communications with the Prez had been going on ever since we first got back from the Oliver Show Site out in Quartzsite Arizona. It was clear from our exchanged messages, that he was monitoring our progress via the internet. And by the time we had worked our way around the Gulf of Mexico to Mobile Bay, he had figured out what kind of campsites we seemed to prefer. His directions were very specific. They went kind of like this. “Turn right off of the I-10 Mobile Bay bridge, cross over to the bridge beside it, and turn right”. WOW! Now I thought to myself, “either this is one unique interchange, or we are fixin’ to get this Oliver wet!” Well, we stayed dry and his directions were exactly right ! Soon we were comfortable and ready to show the Legacy II to the Prez’es ! Thanks Mr Prez for a heads up on a great campground! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Mr Prez was Right! appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The first one that I saw, I liked, and thought that the it’s uses were many. I just couldn’t resist, I bought it. And, I have been glad I did ever since !Here is a look. This pistol grip, digital read out, lazer pointer, infrared thermometer, lets us get precise and accurate readings. It operates on a single 9 volt battery. The red lazer dot lets you accurately point between wheel spokes to read the temperature on the brake drum, or the axle hub. After a bit of experience you become accurate enough that pointing is instinctive and when the battery gets low enough that the lazer won’t light, you are able to still hit the right spot. Accurate, powerful and simple to operate, it wasn’t long before I wouldn’t step out of the truck without grabbing it from it’s place on the turn signal lever, to begin my quick check of every rolling tire. As many tires as we have on the ground it takes a extra few minutes to complete, but, it pays big dividends and the peace of mind it gives is priceless. The digital read out is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The yellow button on the left turns the lazer on and off and the one on the right will switch the reading from C* to F* Here are the readings that I usually take, and the reasoning behind that check. Tire tread = If it’s hot, a tread may be about is about to blister and separate. A close inspection is in order. Tire sidewall= If it’s hot, the sidewall is flexing and the tire is probably low. Brake drum= If it’s hot, there may be a brake shoe dragging. Bearing hub= If it’s hot, the bearing is wearing and likely needs immediate replacement. Final check= This one isn’t with the lazer thermometer, but is simply a quick shake of the tire and wheel assembly to see if the bearings have excessive slack. Excessive slack means to me that the bearing needs disassembly and inspection. Most likely replacement is in order. Now, as you proceed around the trailer each tire will begin to read slightly higher because the air flow is no longer present. After a few stops and checks you will have a good feel for that slight temperature increase. Final thoughts on sealed “lifetime Bearings”. If the owner buys into that mindset, he is most likely going to never check the bearings and will run them until A catastrophic failure happens. Now as technology constantly changes, I may have to change my thoughts on that, but, I’ll wait to see. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Infrared Thermometer, keeping it handy appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 As you probably know, or can imagine, the Metro D.C. area is a busy, busy place over the Memorial day weekend. Traffic can slow to a crawl and campgrounds are booked solid. Then there is that other thing, you know, that RV specific thing. No propane tanks allowed in any of the tunnels. Between the Pony Express and the Legacy II, we carry four propane tanks. Now, that is a route changer for us ! The campground where we were showing, had our campsite booked since last Memorial Day, so we needed to move on. And, today finds us out on the road after a detour around the tunnels in the D.C. area. We are up on I-95 above Baltimore Maryland, where we overnighted on a WAWA convenience store parking lot. We actually did find a one night vacancy at a campground, but the operator wanted to charge us double for the night. We passed, hoping that the unscrupulous rascal made none of the money instead of double the money. I know that because of the Holiday our location may be a bit sketchy, but if you would like to tour the Legacy II over the holiday, please call 479.243.5450 to get our up to the minute location. Thanks for your patience, harm & bett Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Memorial Day in Washington D.C. appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Now, we’ve all heard the expression, “half a bubble off” of level. But until you have had to spend a couple of days contending with “half a bubble off”, it may not have the same meaning. When parked on a campsite that is a “half of a bubble” off of level it effects nearly all of your RV’s systems and can cause vertigo in some people. The fluid levels in the various tanks are effected to the extent that they may run out sooner or fill up quicker. The electric leveling jacks can cure many of these ailments, but, the step up from the ground will always have one larger or shorter step you have to take. Here is a look at our current step set up. The first and third steps are standard, but that second step can fool you ! We can hardly wait for the new bi-folding step to reach us out on the road ! Here is a look at it. It will sure make a difference for those of that have had ankle, hip or knee surgery. The bi-fold step, it’s one more step in the right direction! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Travel Trailer Leveling appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Though it is at the very heart of each Oliver Travel Trailer, the frame is pretty much out of sight. Being the foundation of such a eye catching trailer, yet a bit hard to see, the frame is none the less the recipient of quite a bit of curiosity. The frame is not out of the frame jig for very long before it starts to disappear, as trailer components are added. Here is a rare look. One might note that the rear bumper is also made from a section of frame material, insuring that the full strength is present all the way to the very rear of the frame. Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Framed appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article

Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 Once upon a time, the Oliver family dreamed of making trailers that would last a lifetime. Their ingenuity and craftsmanship has set a new level of excellence within the molded fiberglass world. Even longtime owners of high end, shiny silver trailers are stunned when they step inside and note the attention to detail of the 17 foot Oliver Legacy Elite or the 22 foot Oliver Legacy Elite II. These two trailers were meeting in Boerne, Tx before heading to the largest gathering of molded fiberglass travel trailers, which takes place annually in Bandera, Tx. Owners of over two hundred trailers had an opportunity to share in the dream come true as the Legacy Elite II was introduced to the community. Pete Marks Life Is Good! Share and Enjoy !0Shares0 0 The post Two Generations appeared first on Oliver Travel Trailers. Read the Full Article