Mike and Carol

I was going to use 1/8” plywood but that didn’t leave much for the edge recess to lock. ? I cut it on my table saw with a dado set. It’s a bit more exact than a router. Mike

The mattresses were what Oliver was using when we ordered in Sept 2015. They must be KTT. Mike

We have the twin bed version of the LEII. After the first year we realized that we were so used to sleeping together that it would be nice to be able to occasionally convert the twin beds to a double bed. I made some plywood pieces to span the gap between the twin beds and we bought some foam to sit on the plywood and create a double bed. We went with this for a year+. The problem was storing the foam when we were in the twin bed mode. So, we measured and discussed and this is what we came up with to eliminate the extra foam. We are leaving tomorrow for a month or so to go up to South Dakota so we’ll see how it works. Here is the gap between the twin beds. It measures 18” X 51”. It’s actually 50” from the nightstand to where the curve starts on the bed frames. Here is the same gap with the plywood. There are three pieces measuring 19” X 17”. It’s 3/4” plywood. The plywood stores easily under the mattresses when not in use. I cut a 1/2” X 1/8” recess on the short side of the plywood so that when placed on the fiberglass mattress frame is locks in place and won’t slide. In order to eliminate the extra foam that required a place to store we reconfigured the dinette cushions. We had new cushions made that included a larger back cushion that measures 25” X 19” and is 6” thick. In the dinette it sits on the fiberglass, not the bottom cushion. The new bottom cushion is smaller, 25” X 17” and butts up against the back cushion. The larger back cushions sit on the plywood when in double bed mode. Here are the new dinette cushions. Notice the back cushion does not sit on the bottom cushion. Here’s a shot with the cushion removed to make the double bed. Here are the cushions on the plywood. We were a little concerned that the dinette seats wouldn’t be as comfortable with the thicker back, but sitting in the driveway the last few days it seems okay. Also, we wondered if the bottom cushion would stay put without the back cushion sitting on top of it. We’ll see how it works out this next month on the road. Mike

Well stated, Foy. There will be problems. Whenever I’ve contacted the Oliver folks I’ve received great support. This forum is growing and has many technically knowledgeable members who are also quick to help. Being an Ollie owner is a good place to be! Mike

We got one similar to David’s at the Big RV Show in Quartzsite last January. It folds up and we carry it in the back of the truck. Mike

George Strait is about the most consistent country star ever. He’s a “neighbor”, lives just a few miles from us. He’s pretty active locally and we’ve seen him around town. But, to see him in concert we had to go to Las Vegas last January and it was worth the trip (actually we drove up from Quartzsite and camped in Vegas). We also saw George Strait in concert in 1986 in the Killeen, TX high school auditorium. “Amarillo by Morning” was on the charts then. Mike

One of the things that amazed me while living in Europe were the lightweight travel trailers and small tow vehicles, often just a small car. This would take all the fun out of honing your backing in skills! Mike

Welcome, Rick! As Bill suggests you should take advantage of the mini-rally in Jacksonville. The real experts are owners who have traveled and lived in their Olivers. For many of us it’s become a second home. Mike

Bruce and Vas, congrats on the Oliver order. I’d say welcome but you’ve been here a while! Will we see you at the rally? Mike

If I was single or if I traveled alone I would have purchased an Elite. Since I travel and camp with my high school sweetheart we got the Elite II. Pretty simple decision for us! Mike

I average 19mpg not towing and anywhere from 12mpg to almost 15mpg towing, depending on wind and elevation. I average 60mph on secondary roads and 65mph on interstates. In west Texas on I-10 where the speed limit is 80mph I go 70mph just to avoid being a nuisance. Mike

Did you try a tourniquet?

Jim, I have a 2016 Ram 1500 but with the 5.7L V8. I asked my dealer to find one that had the 3.92 rear end, big gas tank and integrated brake controller, so I have all that. It has a max tow capacity of 10,300 and I’ve had no issues towing through the Rockies. I can say for sure that you don’t need tow mirrors. I have the regular mirrors and I can see straight down both sides of my Oliver. I like the brake controller position and the fact that status is displayed on my dash. I’m no expert but think you’d be fine with the diesel. Towing is a popular topic so you should get lots of input! Mike

Joe and Sandy welcome to the group! I hope you have some good weather this coming January for your pick up. It will be a good cold weather test! Mike

Bill, great pictures! Will add Sylvan Lake to the list. Mike

Welcome, Hig! The Oliver is very boat-like, it just rides on wheels not the water. Glad to have you on board. Mike

Simple yet effective!

We can’t make it this year, but will try to make it next year! Mike

Darryl and Kim, we’re glad to have you in the group! 412 will be a nice Christmas present. I’m retired military too so we can swap stories sometime. Mike

I thought about going to ND also but figured I’d be pushing my luck late October. We should be able to visit Wind Cave NP and Badlands NP from one camping location?

Steve and Ken, that does look like a great spot! Free is always good. Thanks for the tip! Mike

We have a family reunion to attend near Kansas City in early October. I think we’ll head north after the reunion to continue our National Park exploration quest. We want to spend some time around Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Any advice or lessons learned would be appreciated! Mike

Bill, that looks like a good idea. I’m going to stop by Tractor Supply in the morning. Thanks! Mike

After reading this I was trying to think of what of value we kept in the trailer while gone. I suppose someone could disconnect the TV and my old Apple TV. We have a coffee maker and a toaster. Clothes and bedding. A cheap guitar. We always lock the door but routinely leave a window cracked or open. I carry a couple of credit cards and drivers license and military ID but never leave them in the trailer when gone. If someone wants my television I would rather they gently slide the window open, climb in and take it out the door rather than break a window or jimmy the door. We leave chairs, small camp table, Weber gas grill all out when we go hiking or run to the store. I guess we are either naive or too trusting. Mike

We’ve stayed at Gunter Hill COE, it’s one of the nicest campgrounds we’ve experienced. Mike