Mainiac

We have had about a 1/2" of ice and 18 to 24" of snow on top of that here in Maine. The solar was STILL charging. We have waded down through waist high snow, on occasion, to clean it off. We use a foam "roof rake" type device and it works quite well. We find it all slides off easily, except maybe in around the ac. Maybe my imagination but it seems the dark solar panels melt anything on them and of course the wind up there scours anything else...

We waited and waited. That was five years ago. Time flies! Spend the time looking where you might want to go. Go to each state and look for their camper guide and order one. The maps are great and the pictures will show you the prettiest spots and pictures are probably miles from the Interstate. After all, the reason you ordered an Oliver was to get off the Interstate?

Should be easy to see one, as there are close to 20 in Maine, a few less in each of the other NE states. Just know that most in this area are either winterized or on the road heading south. You know if there are that many around here they must be adapted well to "cool" climates, narrow roads, small older camping areas, and narrow city streets. Those that are winterized are still easy to see. Just turn on the propane, start the furnace, and turn on the lights. Everything except running water will work...

Welcome from Maine. Waiting and reading the forum you will be tempted to start gathering "stuff". Take it easy. You will be tempted to store it in a spare room. Don't, there is more room in a garage or small barn, lol. We have been up and down the eastern seaboard and the Mississippi River a few times in the last five years. And a few boondocking trips too. Each time we get home we evaluate items we haven't used, and see if we really need to be carrying it. We carry quite a few pounds less every trip. (What we did find was that there are stores all over the USA). We actually have three overhead cabinets that are almost empty, and room in the closet. We eat well, travel light, and stop often. Stay off the interstates as they almost all look a like. Come to a stop sign and flip a coin, tails to the left, heads to the right. That has lead to some of the best sights. Oh, and carry a good set of maps. Garmins usually lead to big crowds... See you around a campfire...

Meanwhile .... back to the subject at hand...

My batteries have stayed in year around here in Maine, since we brought her home in 2017. It has not been plugged in once since bringing her home either. We do not cover her. The sun keeps her charged up even with some snow and ice on the panels. If we get a couple of feet of snow I will go down and pull most of the snow off with a foam "roof rake". I have been known to go down to the field and plow a road to the Oliver near the waning days of winter. As I have hooked up and started to pull out, we had to switch to 4 wheel drive. The chocks were all frozen in and we had to pull over them (we were able to dislodge most of them from the frozen ground with a hammer once exposed). If there had been a cover caught in the ice and snow we probably would not have been able to move, unless we cut the $$$ out of it. Also we have seen other campers have their paint wiped out by flapping covers, in the winter wind.

I did get to know about the secret handshake, and got to practice it. What I didn't do is tell anybody about it. Now you have told the world! May the secret die in peace...

Anyone ever come up with a tailgate sticker? Say one with a picture of an Oliver and your hull #? So when you drive by, waving like a normal "stalker", without the Oliver on; they have some idea you are a fellow Oliver owner? Probably would have to have some extra referral brochures for when at the grocery store or gas station for 'wannabees.

Most CGs usually only have 40 lbs max., so would think 45 should do great. Definitely no more than 60.

I certainly hope so. We are thinking of making a trip there. Reservations stop and it becomes first come first served so I have heard...

Saw a "naked" (no stripes or decals noticed) Oliver in the wild of Maine. It was about 4:30 on Saturday afternoon and you were on 95, just north of Augusta. Safe travels, and know the leaves are starting to turn...

Are you vents open? Those little round ones on the curb side. One under the bed (I keep that half closed to force air into the rest of the cabin), and one in front of kitchen. Once the main cabin is getting warm we open the bathroom door so that the vent in there ( under the paper holder) is allowed to circulate air. The next thing to check is the cold air return vent (the rectangular one at the back on the curb side) is open so the cold inside air can get back to the furnace. I have gone from cold cold cold to comfortable in about 15 minutes. With the camper winterized I have used RV antifreeze to flush with, and carried a case (or two) of water in the tow vehicle which we move to the camper when warm. Hope it is something simple like this. Put your hand in front of those round ones to see if warm air coming out. If you get down near them you can see if they are open or close. The outside ring only changes air flow direction. The inside one regulates air flow...

Is the Oliver suspension set up for that much weight on one side? Or it counter balanced by cabinetry and components? If you reduce the weight by almost 200 pounds would you be effecting the handling characteristics going down the road?

Hi, at the camper show, look in the basement of these new units ( and these are the ones good enough to take to a show). Last time I went to one the plastic trim was held on with staples. My desk stapler has bigger and stronger staples. Also the wooden "studs" were 3\4" by 1", and a knot had already fallen out as it had started to twist. They sure were pretty though. I always go through and look, because their designers sure come up with some innovative ideas. Cabinets that rise to the 11' ceiling on an electric powered track, electric fireplaces, and 2 full baths. Just what I need when boondocking. Good luck! Hull #211

I have had the 5th wheel, the conversion van, a Scamp, a van hauling a Scamp and a Class A. The Oliver, for us, is the best of all worlds. Plenty of room, you don't have to pack everything up to go get a loaf of bread or an ice cream, and it fits through some covered bridges. Two things to remember: when backing up, put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. The way you turn the wheel is the direction the trailer is going to go. The other is a slow and small turn of the wheel s a big move way at the back of the trailer. (The camera helps).