Mike and Carol

We also camped at Crawford SP. It’s nice to see the Canyon from both sides. We camped in the NP campground for a much more in depth tour of the other side. Mike

Look forward to more updates! This will be my next upgrade, I know someone local who has recent experience with an Oliver installation! 😉

Great pictures, they all bring back good memories. We’re the opposite, we lived and worked in Europe 12 years (France, Belgium and Germany) and traveled extensively from Scandinavia to Greece and areas in between. Our goal was to retire and see the USA, especially as many National Parks and Monuments as possible. Mike

if I was to sell today I would ask what I paid for my trailer 10 years ago. That’s half of what a new trailer sells for today.

That’s a frame worthy shot!

I also agree with Steve on this. Oliver used to be flexible with build modifications. Even in 2015 when we ordered and our trailer was started it was possible to negotiate modifications to their normal build. A year or so later that stopped and they started standardizing their assembly line, then bundled individual options into packages, etc., even to the point now where there is a standard graphics color. It makes economic sense for them. Best bet for a stripped down model is to do what John did and get a “vintage” trailer and take out all the worn out, outdated things and start over. Mike

For 10 years we usually had 3 months or less between trips. This year has been different, also family health issues (not us!) and grandkids are keeping us close to home. Our last real camping was last October. I’ve got car seats and a wheel chair in the trunk of my car, kind of explains where we’re at. We did make a quick trip to Hohenwald in March for a maintenance item, not really a camping trip. Mike

We stayed at James Robb SP in Fruita. It’s close to ALCAN. It’s also just a couple of miles from the entrance to the Colorado Monument, a must see if you have time (plan on at least a half day). We’ve stayed at Robb SP several times, always nice. We’ve also camped at Rifle Gap SP several times, also very nice but not very convenient for going to ALCAN. We had a nice breakfast at Dream Cafe in Grand Junction. Good food and service. There’s a Bass Pro Shop nearby if you want to kill some time while waiting. Mike

We got 14” in one day. We’re soggy but okay. Stranded at home due to road closures for a day and a half. Our daughter in Boerne was stranded at the city library most of the day only a mile from her house due to flooded roads. Still some high water areas and road closures but it is getting better. The Guadalupe River is at an all time high affecting the same folks in Kerrville that suffered last years flood. I haven’t been by the state park, I’m sure it’s closed for now. Thanks for asking! Mike

Hopefully her brake issue is fixed for good!

We live less than 10 miles from Guadalupe River SP. Mike

Never thought it would last this long! Since we’re not able to travel for a while it’s inspiring to see everyone else contribute with really interesting places to keep it going. I had our Oliver in the driveway last weekend for some maintenance and at one point I just sat at the dinette and thought we’ve got to get on the road soon! Mike

Quite a difference in camping sites!

My Tacoma was a 2012 and I had installed the TRD Supercharger, so plenty of power. The limitation was weight and range. Be careful not to overload - tongue weight, your body weight and cargo add up fast. I was stopping every 200 miles or less to fill the gas tank. Also, be aware that the overall weight of the Tacoma makes it easier for the trailer to push around in certain circumstances. I was always cautious on downhills and downhill curves. We’ve always liked the Tacoma’s we’ve owned, they just aren’t optimal for towing a 6,000 pound paperweight! After upgrading to a couple of half tons we’ve now been towing with a 2500 diesel for the past 5 years and the difference is night and day. A Tacoma will do the job, just be wary of its limitations! Mike

Welcome! I initially towed with at Tacoma as well. It didn’t take long to upgrade to a half ton. Will be interested in how it goes for you. Mike