BackofBeyond

It is just ugly. Seems like the concept, with a little styling, would be very interesting. Enough room in the bed to carry a charging inverter/generator. Ha.

After my brief time in the northern territories - I agree, the lasting affects of the road chemicals are much worse than the short term towing on slippery surfaces. Even around here, the mere threat of snow/ice brings out the salt trucks. At least one can quickly rinse the stuff off - as its here and gone in a day or two.

I am curious - what is the payload of your new truck? As for daily driver, I love my bigger GMC HD, no problems s my daily driver.

Missile silo tough, looks great.

Reading this topic gives me pause - a standing topic location where folks can post about upcoming trips and planned stops would be cool - invite others to join for informal get together. I suspect this happens on the down low anyways, I know we have done similar - Bixby and his human family have met us in several places, here there, and at home.

So far I love it, like most things, it takes a little home bound training....

At some point I'll need another vehicle to carry all the stuff I think I need. I have not carried a ladder - yet, although I needed one on my last trip - just borrowed one the host had stored in the bushes...

I realize this is about black water - but I don't have black water, just grey. On our last extended trip we periodically stayed several days in one spot - in a real organized campground - and I simple used a 5 gal bucket to transfer grey water to the dump location. A little work, but turned out fine. I imagine I'll look for something small - no more than 20 gal - and mount it on the rear, under my bike mount. But then maybe not. RB

I am puzzled, 4 battery configuration, but no solar charge. Just seems kinda dumb to me, but you got what you got. My suggestion, purchase at least 100 watts of solar panel, add a remote port, and build some sort of mounting platform that can be cable/chain secured. Snow build up - requires periodic inspection. Or do as David S has done. As far as the 4 battery system - but with solar, with no need for AC use, we never needed shore power the entire summer trip. Oh, we hooked up the few times we had it available, but the system maintained almost full charge most of the time - with the sun doing its job. Otherwise you will need an alternative source. Or as many are doing - Move south young man, move south. RB

As was stated. the problem is with the parks power feed - the wire size is too small, length from the source ix excessive, as demand increases, voltage drops, at some point nothing helps. I always check my loads when on shore power - it usually rears its head with the AC.

As we may be in/around the area during Jan 2020, is there a contingent of Oliver's that will be in there. Is there a certain area? What's the scoop, I know little about the event. Thanks RB

Great details, great trip! What is the cost of TT and HH, seems like they should be imputed in your camping expenses. One thing I try to explain to non Oliver owners, and RVer's is the versatility of the Oliver when equipped with Solar. Unless you need the AC. where one stays is almost unlimited. Reservations and pre planning - only unless you really want to, freedom to just go - are priorities for us and the Ollie really excels here. RB

You hit the nail on the head. The vast majority of TV's that are not 3/4 ton trucks , or better, are usually limited on payload, or some other weight rating. I weighted my rig, as you did, soon after getting it home, and as I was well under ANY max rating, I do not worry at all about what I carry, in the truck, or in the Ollie. I posted my result here previously, they are out there some where, I'm not going to go look them up. RB

Our floor has always squeaked and flexed somewhat. The sealant looks fine, I believe the floor is just under engineered. It needs more material in the support structure. I don't worry about it though, just is what it is.

We also have a portable, from a prior rig, an ARB ac/dc, that we use for liquids and fruits/vegies (in the upper chamber). It does an excellent job, and is extremely efficient. This really frees up room in the Dometic fridge. Now we have used the Ollie a good deal this year, about 12 weeks worth, and I have rarely been pleased with the Dometic, mainly in hot weather. I maintain a temp sensor to monitor temps, and in 90 degree + weather it struggles if you open the door any at all. It also takes 24 36 hours to get to temp from start up - esp. if you load it with room temp stuff. The ARB is much better - the Danfoss compressors just kick butt. AND - the Dometic is sketchy on propane - it has shut itself off 5-6 times, I do a visual check every time I look at the thing, and glance at the temp monitor. Never did it while on voltage. If it ever gets regularly repetitive - I'll be copying Ken's install.

In less than 24 hrs., the problem was fixed - Oliver service is the best, I had planned to get the bolt and do the repair, but Oliver said no just bring it by, we'll get done. I got there at 8:30, headed home by 10. The service guys n girls are top notch. Richie and Jason, Cindy on the phone, and the other folks - Thanks. The bolt had some wear where it had backed out, but we had no clues what drove it to loosen. They replaced it, put a little anti-seize on it, torque to 43lbs, and I was gone. I do carry a grease gun and associated stuff, but NO I don't service it every 3k miles. How that would effect the bolt and nut to part ways escapes me, but what do I know. I am going to put together a quick checklist to ensure I do a complete visual at each fuel stop. RB

I know I saw this before but could not find the thread. Anyways, I went to grease the Ollie and found the left bolt/nut that secures the equalizer to the frame hanging by a tread - literally. I tried to tighten it - but the bolt would not hold torque, Lucky me. We were heading out Sunday, so I called Oliver too see if they had one in stock. I will be there in the morning. Glad I'm within a couple hours drive. I know I did a visual during the last long trip, but apparently not on the return leg. From now on I'm doing a full inspection after the clean up each time I use the Ollie. RB

No, I didn't see a PM. As for Harley - hah - he steals tools. Luckily its been so hot he just lays in the shade.

I have seen these on the back of a RV - though they were really - unappealing. Yes the SS is a great detriment - but more than I want to deal with - After looking more closely, If I can find the right sized alum front opening box, I will mount on the rear supports, and put the bike rack on top. Will relocate the License plate nd light. Gives me a great space to store the various light weight fric and frack.

Now I must add - this is important. Harley is a water dog - if there is any water within a hundred miles he finds it. I keep a few dog specific towels around for the eventual. One additional thing - is the travel in the TV. We have the rear seat area in our truck fully covered and protected - its his home during the drive - works out fine. But a non dog owner may find it "troublesome" The added benefit - nobody walks up to the RV un-announced!! RB

We travel with a 90lbs Chesapeake He spent 7 weeks with us and the rig this summer, not really an issue, two of them, hmmmm, would be a stretch - for me anyways. Quite honestly, the real issue is the number of parks and such that have stupid restrictions about dogs on the trail. Harley never leaves trash on the trail, or carves his initials into signage, or otherwise mucks up the nature area. If he goes - he goes out -- off the trail. Rant over... Went to Fla this spring, boarded Harley, missed him the whole time... Last time. 120 lbs of dog, out towards the limit I would think. But two kids - no, I'll take the dogs.... says the dad of two adult boys...with 2 grand boys.... whew.

Hmm, usually code requires a drip pan with drain, or a local area drain. Still what a mess. When we left for Alaska a few years back, I drained the H2O tank. I always turn the water off if we are gone for more than 2 days, power is cut to Hot water tank. All appliances other than fridge are off grid also. If its winter - I drain the lines ( I installed a valve at the lowest spot, just after the cut off valve, open all taps, and drain the H2O tank. . If it was going to be really really cold, I guess I could pour RV anti freeze in the drains.

Usually from the west south west- which is the enclosed area - so more protected. As for the open areas, I'm sure wind driven rain will blow in, but only get to the lower side areas, no big deal there. RB

Yes, You can dump from either end, When completed, you can run off shore power, and water hook up. ( there is a code approved septic system just behind the non window wall) - I plummed one room for a full bath, the other larger room has a center floor drain.

My question, so your in the outer - back of beyond - Utah, and you get just enough cell signal to find out your freezer has stopped working, what to do, other than fret. I unplug everything but the fridge and the freezer, if the power goes out or, whatever, too bad for me - we would only loose some frozen produce - stuff we grew, try to take the expensive stuff with us, or use it all before leaving. But I understand the concern. well sort of. RB