SeaDawg

John, I didn't see a stone stomper, though I have researched them, and really want one. I did see a number of unique front trailer guards of something like packing quilts , attached to the front of trailers. I think I have some photos, but not on my phone. I vwill have to research I do have to say, camping in Australia, however you do it, is the best way to meet people, find the best sites, and understand their way of life. I truly think the Aussies camp more than we do. We met the nicest people, everywhere. Remote sites, and campgrounds, we shared conversation and campfires. In tins. Lots of fire bans last time we were there. Our first night in the blue mountains, we met a great couple from Tasmania. When Paul told him we had reservations later the next month to take the ferry to Tasmania, Kevin gave us directions to a free campsite not far from the ferry landing. We exchanged phone numbers and emails. Two weeks later, he sent us an email to make sure we were still on schedule, and re iterated his GPS address. Turned out, His free campsite was his driveway. We spent two nights enjoying his and his wife's company, one on the way in and one on the way out of Tasmania. Such great people. We talk to them thru email still. Australia is to me, like the Midwest, growing up, plus technology. I've said many times, if I had to ever leave the US, I'd go to Tasmania. It's a microcosm of mainland Australia. But more rural, like my background. Sherry

Thanks, Randy, for the link. ND is vast, with a tiny population, spread out everywhere. Some of those little towns where my Norwegian side ancestors went over a century ago don't exist anymore. Ditto on some of the Minnesota towns of the mid 1800s that were settled by immigrants. All that's left of some of the settlements are cemeteries, and sometimes, still, a little wooden church. A number of the kitsch oversized monuments were , I think, erected to get people to stop for a Kodak moment, and spend a few dollars in the community. When I can, I still stop. I love the small roads. We drive the interstate when we have to get somewhere by a certain date or time. Thanks again. Sherry OK, I'll add another one from last summer. Chicken, Alaska. Definitely not recommended for trailers. Awful road, for over a hundred miles.

John, you are correct. The US instructions, at least for our two sets of rocktamers, didn't give that info. When I googled your statement, it took me to an Aussie site. The Aussies really know camping. And protection. And, from our experience there, they are just about the nicest, kindest campers we've ever met. Our two trips camping down under are some of our best memories. Ever. They know how to make it work. Tiny foldout trailers become tents for ten. Imaginative Jeep top campers. Camper vans. All terrain truck conversions. We only saw a handful of American style sunblocker class a motorhomes, because they just don't fit many places we go. And, can't get there. We rented a basic camper van, and were so very happy with it. Ordered an Aussie GPS and a portapotty from the US for pickup in Sydney, and were in the blue mountains by dinnertime the first day, last time. Can't wait to go back Sherry

Our trailers have wheels for a reason. Glad you had fun. My uncle loves Texas. I will share your review with him. Thanks. Sherry

John, We had flaps installed by Oliver on our 2008, either in 2008 or 2009, but they are pretty small. I'm sure they do some good, but how much, I don't know. I don't think they're what you'd want on your bigger trailer. Ours are attached with rivets. Neither Jason nor Anita were around then. Thanks for the pointer on the rock tamers. We've used ours for 9 years at the incorrect angle. Sherry

Thank you, Pete and John. I'll watch for the beagle next spring. We're thinking about taking that route. Love the Gemini man. Though I once lived near Wilmington, Ive not been that way in a long while. On the road to Teddy Roosevelt national park near Medora ND, there were a number of giant statues. My photos of the giant bison, and the cows, were taken while driving, but the memory makes me smile, anyway. Here's a giant eye, staring you down from the bank of the ND interstate. ND has its own kind of beauty. I actually prefer the ND badlands to the better known SD badlands. Sherry

Sunday is usually a relaxing family day for us. Baby back ribs are smoking low and slow for family dinner tonight. Chatting with an old friend who's visiting with us again this year. We were looking at some of our camping pictures from this year, and I remembered starting this old thread years ago. I love fifties and sixties kitsch, and oddball roadside attractions in small towns and cities. Here's a photo from one of this year's trips. Somewhere in North Dakota is the world's largest sandhill crane...

Yes, I meant Karen and Reed Luekens, who are new owners, not Oliver employees, but quite active here. Sorry if I didn't make that clear. I am simply hopeful they will hear some current information at the plant in a solution for all of you with defective gaskets and the warranty issue, and share it here with us. Sherry

<p style="text-align: left;">I'd agree with you, canoe12. Looks like a very well documented warranty issue, to be handled by Oliver.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">There's a wealth of information in this thread, alone.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Sherry</p>

My experience with Oliver over the last nine years on warranty items has been exceptional. I'd be surprised if they didn't come up with a solution soon, after learning that the lamp supplier was not going to take care of it. I certainly can't imagine they'd want owners driving around in shiny Olivers with black streaks down the side. I'm also amazed at the lamp supplier. My experience with camco, fantastic fans, maxxair, and other RV and marine product manufacturers has been that they work quickly to resolve issues, at their expense. I suspect seeing a new lamp company in Olivers future. I know Karen and Reed are following this thread. I'll look forward to hearing what they have to say next week, after the Oliver folks have some time to find a new avenue, since their lamp supplier isn't backing their product. Sherry

<p style="text-align: left;">John, thanks for the info. Nice price. That ladder isn't stocked at my local Depot, so it's nice to hear a recommendation from someone who has actually seen it. It's only available online here, ship to store, but same $99 price.</p>

Instead of clicking on the thread title, Click on the time under "last posted,," 16 minutes ago, ten days ago, etc. That will take you to the last post. You can scroll up from there. Hope that helps. Sherry

Karen, I just read your post. I wish you both safe travels, and good weather, both ways. Especially in the mountain passes. Hope you love your Oliver as much as we love our little one. All these campers live much bigger on the outside. As to power, I tend to charge our phones and tablets in full sun, or, if travelling, in the truck. We limit lights and power usage as if we were still tent camping, except for the welcome addition of the furnace and fan. The furnace is the big power draw. Very greedy fan power. We leave it on minimum setting at night. I digress. Have a wonderful trip. And, be safe. Sherry

I hope so, too. We love the unplugged unhurried wilderness. Sherry

If you mean replying to, or reading a topic you're familiar with, click on the pagination icons at the top right of the thread. Sherry

That makes me smile. :) Sherry

Overland, your cousin might consider a four or five foot easily drained , and easily reached hose, joined to a longer hose. 12 foot works in the thoughtfully laid out campsites. Carry two. Or a twenty five. Live off the tank. Our worst experiences have been in Canada. Power trees , shared, sometimes 100 ft away, but we could borrow a cord at the office... In provincial parks if we needed power Not usually a big deal for us, as we fill at a central spit, and live off solar, as we do at home. I can count on one hand the number of times we've actually used a powered or water site, in nine years. Sherry

I like their heavy rubber chocks, too. And, of course, the free flashlights, tape measures, and screwdriver sets. The blue two way led light can with the hook is great. I can hang it off my jacket, carry it, or hang it in the unlit privvies. Can't beat the price. Sherry

All our gutters are still in place, almost 3 years later, except the ones removed to reset one window, and replace the bath window with the newer insulated window. Prep is very important. As is, I think, temperature. We mounted ours in the summer. Probably July? I remember that the rhodos were in bloom. Sherry

Well, maybe my upload speed on FiOS is too fast? I'm on 50/50 speeds. Using mobile 4g was painfully slow, but it worked. I took my phone off wifi, and was able to post on 4g mobile data. Two android devices, one chrome laptop, and a borrowed Mac were unable to post. Cleared cache, soft and hard reboots... So, if others are unable to see your posts, please pm. I can see those, most of the time. Matt? Any ideas?

Test post. None of my devices have been working for a week, except like button and pm. Sherry

A followup to this post: I haven't been able to post for over a week now from my Android phone or tablet, Chrome. Now, I can't post from my laptop using Chrome, either. This post is a test on a friend's borrowed Mac to see if it is my equipment, browser, or another problem. So, sorry to all the people who have asked questions lately. Most of the time pm works, but not always. Hopefully, we'll get this resolved soon. Thanks, Matt, for all your help. Sherry

Test post.

Thanks for the link and the info. I, too, think they look cool. Sherry

Welcome. We have good camping friends not far from you, though we have spent only a few weeks in beautiful Virginia. Love the Skyline, and Virginia regional parks, as well. Many miles of smiles. Sherry