SeaDawg

Great video, John. Thanks. You'll easily be able to up the average on free or almost free nights from 1 out of three to 2 or 2.5 out of three with shared pointer from other travelers and park rangers. In Alaska and the Yukon, you'll only have to stay in an RV park if you want to. The Milepost is helpful, but tends to ignore a lot of free places, with much better views than the RV parks. A few items I'd throw into a miscellaneous category would include travel health insurance if your policy doesn't cover you in Canada, ferries if you want to see part or all of the inside passage with the locals, and for those of us who partake, the high prices for alcohol. Sean was right, the grocery prices in outlying areas are really high, and not a very great selection. Stock up in the bigger towns. Canadian superstore s and Fred Meyer stores are pretty reasonable, and Canadian beef is excellent on the campfire. Looking forward to this year's trip. Sherry

A very good video, surely worthwhile to watch if planning a first trip to Alaska. A few items I'd add to a miscellaneous category: insurance. Make sure your insurance policies cover you in Canada. If not, travel medical insurance can be purchased very reasonably. Ferries can also be pricey, and, reservations often need to be made ahead of time. Not that you have to take the inland passage ferry, but it is a beautiful ride. You can easily beat the 1 out of 3 nights of free or low cost camping. Especially in Alaska and the Yukon, and the views from some Alaska pullouts and almost free Yukon territorial parks will be much finer than high priced RV parks. Sherry

A belated happy Valentine's day to both you. Your Oliver looks good on you. Hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed ours, for nine years Safe wandering, and happy travels. Sherry

I will agree, to the extent, that Oliver has never let me down, in nine years of experience with this amazing family owned company. I can't blame current and future owners for anxiety. That's totally understandable. An Oliver then, and now, is a significant chunk of change. However, I can tell you that in nine years, I have never seen a problem left unresolved. Not one. And I m not talking about my own. I've been a mod for over nine years. I have seen it all. It may not be a quick as we would like to see, but especially when it's not an Oliver manufactured subsystem, it can take some time. I'm confident you'll get a resolution. The gaskets weren't theirs. They make an amazing trailer, but some components aren't theirs. That's true of any rv. I will go out on a limb, and tell you, I have never seen this company leave anyone less than satisfied. It's the way they work. Once you're in, you're part of the family. Picked up my trailer nine years ago, next week. It's still beautiful, sturdy, good for several decades more. Frankly, I had opportunies to sell it for my purchase price. And , honestly, I have never worked with an RV company with more integrity, and heart. I'll tell you another small story. My cousin's major brand 300k motorhome had a list of over 100 warranty items just to put it into perspective. None of them drivetrain or engine related. PS, I too am thinking of dropping out of the forum for awhile. I love my 2008 trailer. I love many of the contributors, but I have a lot going on in my life besides virtual friends and forums. And, when I travel, keeping up with the posts is expensive for me. I travel a lot beyond the US borders. I would like to travel without spending my mobile data on the forum. That's if I can access data..... We love the wilderness. The Canadian Yukon is one of our favorite camping territories. I honestly love the tranquility of no cell, no service. No offense. We will spend a month or two there again this year. Sherry Sherry

I will agree, to the extent, that Oliver has never let me down, in nine years of experience with this amazing family owned company. I can't blame current and future owners for anxiety. That's totally understandable. And I would never minimize their experience. It's annoying, today the least. An Oliver then, and now, is a significant chunk of change. However, I can tell you that in nine years, I have never seen a problem left unresolved. Not one. And I m not talking about my own. I've been a mod for over nine years. I have seen it all. It may not be as quick as we would like to see, but especially when it's not an Oliver manufactured subsystem, it can take some time. I'm confident you'll get a resolution. The gaskets weren't theirs. They make an amazing trailer, but some components aren't theirs. That's true of any rv. I will go out on a limb, and tell you, I have never seen this company leave anyone less than satisfied. It's the way they work. Once you're in, you're part of the family. Picked up my trailer nine years ago, next week. It's still beautiful, sturdy, good for several decades more. Frankly, I had opportunies to sell it for my purchase price. And , honestly, I have never worked with an RV company with more integrity, and heart. And, I've been involved with RVs since 1977. I'll tell you another small story. My cousin's major brand 300k motorhome had a list of over 100 warranty items just to put it into perspective. None of them drivetrain or engine related. PS, I too am thinking of dropping out of the forum for awhile. I love my 2008 trailer. I love many of the contributors, but I have a lot going on in my life besides virtual friends and forums. And, when I travel, keeping up with the posts is expensive for me. I travel a lot beyond the US borders. I would like to travel without spending my mobile data on the forum. That's if I can access data..... We love the wilderness. The Canadian Yukon is one of our favorite camping territories. I honestly love the tranquility of no cell, no service. No offense. We will spend a month or two there again this year. Sherry

Back in July, 2011, my husband and I got up at 2 am to drive across Florida to see the last space shuttle launch from pad 39a at Kennedy space center. Saturday, a little after 10 am our time, SpaceX is scheduled to launch a shuttle supply rocket from this pad. First launch on that pad, I understand, since 2011. If you haven't seen a launch, it's really an amazing, awe inspiring experience. You don't have to be at the space complex to see it. Lots of people line the roads in a few miles radius. We never experienced it, but I've been told by camping friends that the view from jetty park campground is especially awesome. In the old days, we could often see the rooster tail from here on the west coast on a clear day, when the shuttles launched. I'll be watching the sky from the boat deck Saturday morning. Sherry

Explorer/Buzzy, We all miss you. Enjoy your sabbaticals from your work, and the forum. You've been a great friend to many here, including me. All of us have tremendous regard for your contributions. Enjoy your time with your new puppy, and time with your family. :) All my best, Sherry

Personally, I've had a few emergencies in places where the major language isn't English, Spanish, or other languages I have studied. Like our blowout in French speaking rural Quebec. We're getting ready for a long trip, and most of our friends traveling with us only speak English. I was so happy to find that Google translate now works offline. I tested it in a couple languages that I read, and it's decent. I'm helping all our friends traveling with us download it, free, and set their phones up to use it. Without data or wifi. Speech to text, or text to text.. Also, I can hold my android phone over a document, and I see an immediate approximate translation. This can be a huge help, when you have no wifi, and don't know the local language. If you are thinking about traveling to French speaking provinces, or Mexico, and don't speak the language I would definitely look at it. And, did I mention, it's a free app? Sherry

In 2011, in rural Quebec, after picking up a bolt in a truck tire ( truck pressure monitor system alerted us to the problem before we lost the tire and rim), and dealing with the issue in my very limited French, we decided it would be a good idea to install a Tpms for the trailer tires as well. We chose the early TST system. Best ratings then. We bought three of the monitors, to always have a spare. As we were replacing our 40k tires anyway, we got the metal valves. The older style monitors do not have a user replaceable battery, but have a great seal. Last summer, I had to send one in for replacement, five years later. $20 or 30 plus shipping got us a rebuilt tire mounted monitor, plus they reprogrammed the display unit, as well. Nice people, great customer service, and quick turnaround. I give them 5 stars plus, from my experience. Sherry

Roughly six years ago, we got the TST system, after we got a bolt in a Rick tire, which the truck system alerted us to, in time to save not only the tire, but the rim. We were in rural Quebec, French speaking, but a young guy in the next business managed to send us to a tire repair place in an "English" town nearby. We bought the TST system because it had the best ratings then. We bought three tire monitors, to have a spare. Their customer service has been excellent. We have the earlier sealed units, without the capability of user replaceable battery. The factory has to replace batteies. <p style="text-align: left;">Last year, I had to send in another monitor. Beverly suggested I send in the display unit, too, and they programmed for us. $20 or $30, plus shipping, and a renewed unit, including programming, in less than a week.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Im quite happy with their products, and service.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Sherry</p>

I reread my post. I believe I need to add some clarification here. I sent the link to Jason because I know that Oliver employees rarely visit our forum, except for the forum administrator who maintains the software of our site. I felt it would be helpful to Jason to read the wealth of detailed experience of our affected members, and be able to share that information with his vendor. I did not mean that members who have a problem with the gaskets should refrain from writing letters or emails with supporting detail, and photos. On the contrary, in my experience in working with my vendors, I found that the more information that was given me by my customers, in writing, the easier it was to resolve the problem with my vendors. Email works best for me, as it's easier to group and sort, and maintain a timeline, now that I am retired and on the "other side of the desk." And, easier for follow-up. As Jason may choose to share this thread with his vendor, as he works through the problem experienced by so many, keeping our posts factual and concise, as we have seen by the owners on this thread will be of benefit. We all realize that you have a concern, bugbite. That's perfectly understandable. However, after nine years of ownership, and wonderful after the sale service from them, I am confident that Oliver will handle this issue, as well. Let's just make it easier for everyone to read the thread, and keep to the facts and details. Thanks

I reread my post. I believe I need to add some clarification here. I sent the link to Jason because I know that Oliver employees rarely visit our forum, except for the forum administrator who maintains the software of our site. I felt it would be helpful to Jason to read the wealth of detailed experience of our members, and be able to share that information with his vendor. I did not mean that members who have a problem with the gaskets should refrain from writing letters or emails with supporting detail, and photos. On the contrary, in my experience in working with my vendors, I found that the more information that was given me by my customers, in writing, the easier it was to resolve the problem with my vendors. Email works best for me, as it's easier to group and sort, and maintain a timeline, now that I am retired and on the "other side of the desk." And, easier for follow-up. As Jason will likely be sharing this thread with his vendor, as he works through the problem experienced by so many, keeping our posts factual and concise, as we have seen by the owners on this thread who have the faulty gaskets, will be of benefit. We all realize that you have a concern, bugbite. That's perfextly understandable. However, after nine years of ownership, and wonderful after the sale service from Oliver, I am confident that Oliver will handle this issue, as well. Let's just make it easier for everyone to read the thread, and keep to the facts and details. Thanks

I sent Jason a link to this thread yesterday, so that he could see the large number of people affected. I heard back from him, saying that he would respond in the forum. He is still working with the manufacturer. Sorry I didn't post this earlier, but I have such a speed issue with the forum today that it's hard to even open posts. I believe Jason is involved in the Luekens' trailer delivery today. Sherry

Thanks, John.That's really nice of you to offer. I will pm you if this years route does take us that way. It's a part of the Northwest that I've not seen. Paul's work took him coastal, and last trip I celebrated camping in Oregon and Washington states, my last two states to visit. That's really nice. Better yet, by then, you will probably have your Oliver, and we can camp at bowl and pitcher together? I'm a pretty fair campfire cook. Let's do dinner together one night, at least. Sherry

John, Your kids are so cute. 2002? I missed your photo the last post. Our daughter loves RV and tent camping, because that's how we roll... We're getting ready right now for a big sailing trip, but I will try to set up the link you requested. We've been to all 50;states, though lots of things still to see. A few Canadian provinces left. And a few Australian states to see. And half of new Zealand. There's a relatively new qantas nonstops from Dallas to Sydney on the giant Airbus. It was a great flight. So big and quiet I only knew we took off or landed by looking out the window. Yes, it's about 18 hours, but I slept at least 12 of it. Just an FYI, if you're thinking about doing the trip again. That's our bucket list, mostly. Other than camping through Iceland in a camper van. Next year? And visiting my Norwegian relatives again in western Norway.

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