SeaDawg

People following behind you don't "know" that you're dumping clean water. They might just think the worst (black water.) Easy enough, for me, to dump clean water in the yard, at home.

For those of us with sometimes lengthy power outages, a whole home generator or big battery backup definitely make sense. Here in SW Florida, it's a selling point. Do make sure, if you buy the genset, that it has the automatic test feature. I know several friends with older systems that couldn't start their generator when needed. Sticky carburetor, dead start battery, etc. (Mark calendar for battery replacement.)

I think the regional shows will be bigger advantages to the dealers. At the huge (80,000 plus attendees) Tampa show, most manufacturers have assistance (or vice versa) from the local dealers. Obviously, you want to spend the big bucks marketing to your own area.

I don't "cringe," but I prepare myself for hours of diagrams, conversations, research and ordering, hours of installation, etc... Much more fun with upgrades than repairs, for sure.

Nor do I want to drag a "home" behind me. We bought the Ollie to camp. We did not want to drive or drag a rolling "billboard" through the winds. It's definitely not fun. Been there, done that, and done with it, 16 years ago. It's actually kind of amazing, but we spend close to six months, some years, in the space of my walk-in closet. Well, not actually. The outdoors is huge, where we really live.

You could just fill the 14 x 14 opening with a low profile, inexpensive roof vent. Remove the manual operator handle. I actually thought about doing this, as we rarely use ac, when we swapped the Dometic for the small Houghton.

@Steve Morris, sounds like you two are doing a "springs" themed tour of Florida... I think you've mentioned three so far! We have so many beautiful springs (21 of our Florida state parks contain springs) that i haven't seen them all... Bill Belleville wrote an amazing essay on Blue Springs. He was an amazing writer, Florida naturalist. Glad you are enjoying your time here. Best time of the year to see the manatees!

Way back in the day, in our family's less complicated trailers and motorhome, winterizing in Minnesota was blowing out the lines. Thanks for the memories.

In Minnesota, back in the day, we'd just camp winterized. Some of my friends who routinely travel south in the winter just leave their trailers winterized, and work with water jugs. Dewinterize when way south of the Mason-Dixon. That would be my (risk averse) choice. Plus, easier to work on sanitizing/flushing in the warmth, in a comfy campsite with full hookups.

Tastes like chicken, right? My uncle tried to convince me of that....

After a week of power outages after Hurricane Irma, sharing our 3000 watt Yamaha with the neighbors to keep a fridge, some fans and lights in each home, and our gas water heater going, we ordered battery backup for our solar-powered home. It powers one a/c unit, most of the first level of our home, and essential services, like the oven and microwave, one washing machine, and many other outlets in the workshop. (Yes, the kegerator is powered.) You will really enjoy it. Ours changes over so quickly I often don't know we've had an outage, until I check the app. Really came in handy two weeks ago, when a transformer blew on our street, and I had 30 people coming for a baby shower brunch at 10 am! No one knew, until they saw the Duke trucks in the neighborhood.

I dub you first, in the south. Please step up and accept your prize. 🍺 PS, hope you actually didn't lose power for long.

I'll apologize for our cold weather during your visit. (I blame it on my brother in-law. He almost always brings rain and cool weather with him from Western New York.) If you have time, there's a cool and crazy kind of restaurant just about a mile or so from Silver Springs Park-- Mojo's. Usually a fun experience.

Since we rarely carry bikes, I'd say oooh, tiny dog on the hunt. Me? I'd never want an expensive bike up in front of my truck. Period. Covered,or uncovered. For many reasons. Expensive bikes on a front hitch, not in my wheelhouse. Other opinions may vary. Front hitch for backing trailer into odd situations, absolutely .

He posted the same, with various manufacturer's names, in other forums. I'm just like, hey, I'm good, 16 years later. Pick what you want, listen to whining on other websites. Our trailers are easily "upgraded" as we have done. My February 2008 looks like new. Easy to maintain . Double hull gives incredible strength, plus warmth. Molded furniture means no lrot. Back in 2007/2008 we looked at everything. Seriously. Hull #12, checking in. Happy campers, for 16, going on 17 seasons. Done.

None of the Oliver trailers actually had the suburban cooktop that resulted in the recall. (To my knowledge) Glad you got it fixed, with your Escape. I know it was a big deal with them and, sorry for the inconvenience for you. (Oliver posted a recall notice, just in case. It was a big deal.)

We've only carried our bikes, a few times,,in the truckbed. We're not big bike aficionados. Other people here, really are. Last place I'd want to put expensive bikes would be on a front hitch of the truck, imo. Last resort,.... Front receiver for pushing a trailer into tight spaces, priceless.

A couple of folks have explained how to use Google search to find info here. Here's one:

We have the manual deployed awning. That's where we keep the pole/handle, as it was an ingenious addition by Oliver. Great use of space for those of you with an electric awning! I like the bar on your screen door, too. Nice mods Keep us apprised as you go forward!

I don't know anything about Oliver's plans for rv shows, but I do know the Tampa show is the biggest and most prestigious in the southeast, matbe in the USA, (read probably most expensive), and I rarely see smaller manufacturers there. Maybe they will, maybe they won't, as they grow. I sure don't know. I do think that setting up in reasonable proximity at Force Customs gives folks an opportunity to see the Oliver, if they're doing what we did, 16 years ago (without driving to Tennessee, or Georgia, NC, etc.). We spent long days at the RV supershow, walking through and often crawling under the exhibited trailers at the show. Obviously, you know our final choice. And, it's been a pretty happy 16 seasons.

If you're in the greater Tampa Bay area, this weekend is a "two-fer." The St. Petersburg in eater boat show is going on this weekend, also. These events are usually a week apart. Again, a bunch if interesting seminars, and a lot of transfer from marine to rv, to poke around. 12v life is 22v life, on land and sea.

The huge Tampa RV Supershow opens again this Wednesday. It's a fun time, great to explore, and maybe pick up a few accessories, or ideas for mods (or just confirm and gloat that you already own the best camper for your camping style!) Plus, there are always a number of free and interesting seminars on the schedule. Oliver is again exhibiting during the show, at a site a few miles away, at Force Customs. 9839 E Adamo Dr, Tampa, FL 33619 https://olivertraveltrailers.com/events/tampa-florida-rv-show/

Oue dog weighs,10 pounds. Plenty of room.

That's an idyllic spot! So nice of you to offer to share.

Looks great,,and so functional! Thanks!