Mike and Carol

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

Pete, Ron does great work at Boerne RV! Our go-to shop as well. Mike

Glad you’re enjoying your “vintage” Oliver! Over time, you’ll be replacing and upgrading items as they wear out. There are a couple of backflow valves to watch, the one at the back of the trailer and one on the black tank flush line. The sail switch is one thing I’ve never done, our furnace keeps chugging away. The front cover did fall off once creating lots of heat under the bed but nothing coming out of the vents! Keep us posted on your maintenance and upgrades - Mike

Yep

Hope everyone has a great holiday! 250 years is a pretty good run. Based on some of the videos from the World Cup attendees visiting the US for the first time, we seem to be the envy of the world! Mike

I think a lot of us with older trailers have the cracks.

I agree with Lance on this. We drove over to Rice, TX to look at Casita’s when we were in the process of buying. We also looked at Airstreams at several dealers in the area. We weren’t comfortable with the Casita interior even though is was more affordable. At the time, a 23’ or 25’ Airstream was more than we wanted to spend and we were put off by many of the owner reviews on the Airforums. I think this new Casita will sell well and will take some sales from Oliver, but most discerning buyers will recognize the differences and stay with Oliver.

It’s on our calendar. We’ve stayed at Lake Livingston State Park and like it. Looking forward to seeing a bunch of Olivers there! Mike

We’ve got the manual door lock, too. It’s one of those things (like the suburban hot water tank) that is simple and reliable. One less thing to worry about when you are way out “there”. Mike

@bugeyedriver has a similar coating on the front of his trailer. It is white and provides great protection. Mike

My point wasn’t to question your wear or towing technique. I was attempting to let the OP know that a film covering on the lower front of his trailer might be a good investment based on our experience. Mike

This is exactly what I’ve been doing. No issues. Mike

We’ve towed now for 10 seasons, 100K+ miles. We have quite a few nicks and chips on the lower front of the trailer. When the CGI guys refresh my ceramic coating next time I’m going to have them put their film on the front. Mike

Looks great!

The Suburban tank is simple and reliable. There is nothing about it that can’t be serviced by the owner. Parts are available on Amazon and most RV shops. I’m not going to change ours out, I like reliability when out in the middle of nowhere. Mike

Lake Catherine SP is one of our favorites! Mike

Our Oliver turned 10 last month. We will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this coming Friday. Time flies. Mike

Monarch Pass, June 2023. A week later it was sunny and warm!