Mike and Carol

Maybe we should start a thread on managing resources while boondocking. When we had AGM’s we did a lot of no hook up camping, mostly at National Parks, COE and FS areas, Harvest Hosts and of course Quartzsite. No 30a hookup meant fridge on propane, hot water on propane, boil water on propane stovetop for pour over coffee, etc. The only electrical load on the batteries was the furnace fan, lights and water pump. We seldom use the inverter, an occasional minute or two of microwave and maybe a blow dry after a shower. Keeping an eye on where the battery charge was happened frequently. If we weren’t back to near 100% by mid-afternoon the generator came out (happened at Glacier and Grand Teton, some dark cold days!). Our AGM’s lasted 5 years and got replaced because two were starting to leak. Now with Lithiums (just 300ah) we still camp the same when boondocking and rarely get down to 80% charge by morning. It’s a mistake to think that solar allows the same kind of camping off grid as with FHU. Mike

Sage advice, for sure! Like most folks when one tank runs out we switch to the other and start looking for a place to refill. It takes a while for the big tanks to run out. When we lived in Belgium our home was an old (200 years) farmhouse and hot water was propane on demand, one in the bath and one in the kitchen. Propane was supplied by two tanks outside that didn’t switch automatically. More than once my not water stopped in the middle of a shower on a cold Belgian morning requiring a trip outside to switch tanks so I could finish my shower. That was better than when the well ran dry, though. Sometimes living in that house felt like we were camping. Mike

Paul, welcome! Nice looking setup. There’s great camping in Colorado! Mike

We were driving east on I-10 in Arizona and New Mexico today (no trailer ☹️) and saw 1 Scamp, 3 Casita’s and 1 Oliver (blue and gold stripes) heading west on I-10. Everyone must be heading to Quartzsite! Wish we could join everyone there this year. Mike

We’re a bit behind Steve and Tali, we only have about 110,000 miles and somewhere around 750 nights. I’ll have to check my spreadsheet. We’ve slowed down a bit this last year or two, 92yo mother next door and daughter with 4 kids nearby has been keeping us closer to home than before. Mike

I have to agree with Bill, here. Over 9 years on our 6 gallon tank and the only maintenance has been changing out the anode, a simple 10 minute task. Noise isn’t an issue either, we run it on electricity when we have hook ups and it’s pretty quiet. 6 gallons is enough for two showers in a row with some left over. If you need to heat water quickly you can run it on both electricity and gas. I know the Truma is new technology and offers some nice features, but our good old hot water tank and good old gas furnace have both been simple to operate and maintain. Mike

Some historical perspective might be useful in the discussion of standardization of the early trailers. Those of us who ordered our trailers in 2015 recall that a small number of trailers were being made by a small group of workers. The production of trailers had just started back up after being shut down for a number of years. Most trailers were ordered by the future owner, with different features and options. It was common to call and request installation of a desired accessory or to change the installation of something else. You could call and ask that electrical outlets be moved or added here and there. Oliver was trying their best to accommodate buyer desires and requirements which resulted in some “one off” work and installs and prevented the standardization that is being discussed today. Mike

Stay warm! If you are sleeping in your trailer you should be nice and cozy.

He gives a pretty fair review. I’m not sure the comments about being a lightweight trailer because of the aluminum frame are real accurate but it’s not a heavy trailer either. Your interior looks great ! Mike

That’s us, usually done with evening meal by 5 and don’t eat again until 10ish the next morning.

We’ve been using liquid Calgon and a detergent pod since new. Happy Camper goes in when we’re back from a trip while our trailer is waiting for another adventure. Mike

Water pressure will vary by campground. We’ve been to campgrounds that require a water regulator and had bucket full of basic regulators for those who didn’t have one. I carry two, one with a gauge that is adjustable and one that has no gauge and regulates to 50 psi. Once, we had one with a regulator that froze overnight (I didn’t think it would get THAT cold!) and we were happy to have a backup. The basic ones are not expensive. Mike

We’ll be in AZ this month and will check the welcome center for this.

First thing I would do is to open the dinette seat and give a push on the silver cylinder on top of the valve. Can you push it down (this is after closing with the cable)? If you can, then a simple cable adjustment may be all that is needed. There’s a set screw on top that holds the cable in, it may have slipped over time (mine did). I’ve adjusted it a couple of times over the years. Also, you could have some black water debris that is stuck in the bottom of the slot where the blade rests when closed. I also had that happen and after taking it out and cleaning it all was well. Mike

Welcome to the group! Glad you’re able to get on the road so fast, you’ll find it so easy to tow with your “Beast”! Mike

Agree, their phone support is excellent.

Thanks, Pete. I’ll wind my way through your blog posts tomorrow! Mike

Merry Christmas and Happy Camping in 2025!

I got tired of messing with them last year and, like others, took all four hubs and caps off. Looks fine and now I don’t have to deal with them anymore. Mike

Welcome, Gary and Anita and congratulations on your “new” Oliver! We will miss Duke and Chris but are glad to have you on board. Mike

I put a pair in my cart….

Yes, many times, with and without our Oliver. We often camp at Ridgway State Park just north of Ouray. Our son and family live in Durango which is south of Ouray on highway 550 (million dollar highway). The stretch between Ouray and Silverton is what scares a lot of folks but if driven with care it can be a very scenic drive. Mike

Ken, why didn’t I think of that? I’ve got enough leftover for the floor too! I just need to remember where I put my lava lamp….

We’ve had our Clam for a number of years and don’t use it in warm/hot weather. The screen is so fine that it blocks any breeze. We do use it in the winter and during cool and cold weather. When it’s really cold we attach the sides and the propane fire pit in the middle keeps things toasty. Mike

Nice video. We’ve been up and down Hwy550 between Ouray and Silverton many times with the trailer, so this should fun. Oatman looks to have the same vibe as Tombstone AZ. Mike