Mike and Carol

Paul and Linda, welcome! Getting a factory tour is smart, not only can you judge size but you’ll see what goes into making an Oliver. Bill’s recommendation to take lots of pictures is a good one. We have relied on pictures we took a number of times to figure something out. Mike

My 2016 Ram 1500 had a couple hundred pounds more payload than the 2020 Rebel did. They both had the same engine (5.7 Hemi), rear end (3.92) and 8 speed transmission but the 2016 towed better and had better gas mileage. I really wanted the Rebel and I’m glad I got it, but the towing experience was not as good. When this 2500 showed up at a local dealer with all the towing options, large payload capacity and Cummins it seemed like the time to move up. It looks very similar in color and styling as my Rebel and I got it at the end of the month so they were willing to deal. Mike

I don’t have much to add to the comments above. I’ve been able to get into some pretty tight spots and navigate some narrow roads. Remember that the Oliver isn’t any wider than your truck, so if the truck can make it through so can the Oliver. Sometimes gas stations take careful observation before and during pulling in. I like end pumps that allow turns to get out. As far as towing “such a large footprint” I think it is towing a fairly small footprint. Once you size up most of the other trailers out there it’s clear the Oliver isn’t large and is easy to maneuver. Mike

I’ve thought about a light strip for my awning. The ones I’ve looked at put out a lot of light. That’s my issue with the porch lights, they are too bright to use for anything except a temporary task. Walking around campgrounds, some of the trailers and campers with lots of built in and added on lights just seem to detract from the camping experience. Sometimes it’s like walking down a city street with all the colors, brightness, etc. Our solution is to use minimal outside lighting and camping where the neon buses and 5th wheels can’t or won’t go! Mike

Bill, you were smart to listen to that little voice and check it out on the Amazon site. I’ve had a couple of similar calls and emails that look official but can be checked out fairly quickly. I think they expect some folks to go into panic mode and not be prudent. Keep calm and check ‘em out. Mike

I totally agree with Russell. As I posted earlier, for me it is about payload and pulling. I’ve towed my trailer now with a Tacoma, two Ram 1500’s and now a 2500. Some wise owners told me in the beginning the Tacoma wouldn’t be enough. It pulled on flat roads fine but lacked payload and had a small fuel tank. The 1500’s were an improvement, and probably a good compromise as a TV, but payload remained an issue as did performance in mountains. I will say that both 1500s were good daily drivers, comfortable and lots of features. With this new truck I can load whatever we need for camping and not worry about my weight limit, I’m just not going to get there. Mike

We traded our 1500 Rebel last month for a 2500 diesel. I was tired of always being at or above payload capacity and wanted a more relaxed towing experience in the mountains. A gas V8 at 5,000 RPM in the Colorado mountains isn’t fun. Mike

Tom and Shari, welcome! Since you’re experienced you probably already have most of what you need for pick up. I’d see how what you have works and then start adding. Of course there are the things you don’t need but sure would like to have! Have fun with that shopping. Mike

If you have power at your storage area don’t worry about draining your hot water tank. Just turn it on. I’ve got a small Vornado electric heater that we run at our storage and while camping. Set it on low and let it go. We’ve done that for 3 or 4 days in a row. Set on low it cycles on and off keeping the interior warm.

Looks like a location to put on our list! Thanks for sharing. Mike

We are in section E. Anything around there would be good.

March 31 is a good pick up day. Lots of nice spring weather after that to try out your new Ollie and get it broken in! Welcome and we look forward to meeting you. Mike

Welcome to the group from a fellow Texan! Look forward to meeting you and hearing about your travel experiences. Mike

We don’t get real cold here in south Texas either. Tonight it will dip into the mid to high 20s. This afternoon, I will go to my storage, turn on my little Vornado electric heater, turn on my hot water tank and then lift the mattress and open the basement access where the water pump is. I will open and drain all the exterior water connections (just let whatever water is in there drain) then recap. I’ve been doing this for 5 winters and have not had a problem. Last year we did have 3 or 4 consecutive days of night temperatures in the 20s, no problems. We’re heading to AZ in early January and it is nice not to have to de-winterize. Mike

How did I not remember this thread before starting a new one with the same title this morning? 😂.

I put my turkey on the smoker at 5:45 this morning, it was still dark. We’re eating early so had to get an early start. I always do a small turkey on the Primo and Carol does a big turkey in the oven. House if full of kids and grandkids....

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Oliver friends and family. It’s been a strange year, hopefully we can all resume our normal camping adventures soon! Mike

No. If the inverter is off, then the water heater isn’t on. If the inverter is off and there is no shore power the water heater isn’t on.

Happy Thanksgiving to our Oliver family and friends!

The standard water heater has an inside switch to turn on with propane. There is an outside switch on the unit to turn on with electricity. Before leaving for a trip I turn on the electric switch. If we have hookups it automatically comes on. If we’re not, we turn on inside to use propane. Mike

You might continually bang it if you don’t buy a Legacy II!! 😜 Mike

In general, I agree with this. National and state parks, BLM, FS areas attract folks more into being outside exploring nature. FHU campgrounds are geared more to those out to enjoy their mobile house with more amenities than at home!

There have been a couple of recent threads about security. If you do a search for “security” you’ll find some. There is a kind of RV lifestyle culture. We’ve found mostly very nice people while camping, some outgoing and some not. We have not had any security issues in any type of camping. We feel more secure when we’re way out there boondocking since there just isn’t much in the way of people around. But even in campgrounds we’ve felt safe and do not worry about security. No theft issues. Don’t try to engage someone in conversation if they are setting up or tearing down to go. Most of us have a routine that we don’t want interrupted and end up forgetting something. Once I had a guy stop me as I was backing my trailer in, Carol standing on the site giving me directions. I politely but firmly told him to give us an hour or so. Don’t be that guy!! In general, the vast majority of fellow campers will not just walk up into your site. We’ve had folks get to where they could announce themselves but not just walk up cold. Friends are different, of course. Some want to ask about the trailer or ask what part of Texas we’re from if they are too. Nobody has ever asked to use our bathroom, to me that would be rude. I have showed interested people the inside of our trailer, but not often and I am very careful about who I would let in. You can usually tell the difference between genuine interest and passing curiosity. In general, the RV life is pretty safe and people are generally friendly and helpful. We’ve met some great folks on the road. Mike

I don’t have the built in surge protector, I use a portable at the pedestal. Once I plug it in and flip the breaker it takes about 45 seconds for it to pass power. It’s done that since the beginning and I assume it’s checking the circuit. Maybe that’s what yours is doing. Mike

Congratulations! Welcome to the group and look forward to meeting you. MIke