SeaDawg

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!

If there's space at Camp Oliver, spend two nights. Run absolutely every system the next day and night. If you have a bit of time, stay a few nights more at one or two of the beautiful Tennessee state parks in the area. A little more shakedown/gain familiarity time is great, and still close to Oliver if you need any advice or assistance.

Welcome! You've already owned several brands, and two molded fiberglass, so I'll be very interested in your comparisons after pickup. Happy motoring, from #12.

Maybe. I pulled up the victron smart dongle manual, and it says 20 meters of clear space "should" give a signal, in the troubleshootingsection. (That might depend on your windows, wall thickness, and insulation, etc, in your house. Mine block a lot of signals. Perhaps worth a try? $40 on Amazon, and free return if it doesn't work...

Well, since it's been a year, it's time to start watching some YouTubes on fiberglass gelcoat repair. If your trailer has been stored outside, it would be good to bring it under cover for awhile. If there is any moisture that has intruded,,you'll want to dry it out. Not familiar with the product you posted. We're fans of marine tex. Marinetex can be covered by saran wrap, to cure to a similar shape/form, and covered, gives a little glossm All that aside,did you ever do a "thump" test to see if there was a void, anywhere? A little piece of wood, or bony part of my thumb, or a crab claw wood hammer, could probably do it. You'll hear the difference. Kind of like looking for studs, behind drywall, before studfinders. But, fiberglass gives more "drum" sound, easily. Best of luck. It's probably not a big repair.

Replacing the "operators" is likely much easier than replacing the fan. If you go the second route, there are many options, depending on the level of sophisticated operation you want. They're all designed for the 14 x 14 opening. All replacements require getting on the roof, and cleaning old sealants, resealing, etc. I'd pm @Mike and Carol, if I were you.

Some great photos and tips here, in an older thread, for Glacier National Park.

I don't know about the Girard awnings fabrics, as we've had two fiammas,,never a Girard, on our Oliver, over 16 seasons.. The Fiamma fabric seems to repel mold, on ours, as long as we can dry it out. Hope yours is the same. PS, first camping experience, as a kid, uncle's Korean War era canvas. In our farm "backyard." Thanks for the memories. They are treasured, for me.

Even a $50 tent, back in the day. Guessing I'm a "bit older" than you. But, the rules don't change. Get it clean. Get it dry. Even if it means setting it up in the living room or basement. Lol. If we have to roll in the awning after a rain, or dew,,we always want to roll it out at next campsite, or home. Preventing mildew is a lot easier than cleaning it. I recommend a dawn soap solution, soft carwash brush, and a sunny day, if you do wind up with mildew on the awning.

Yeah, I think we always have to think about the folks behind us, if something detaches, and blows off the roof, into a windshield. Always a consideration in mounting something new.

And, tenting habits. I hear you!