Mike and Carol

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

Reacher = ultimate trailer security!

Kevin and Kathi, welcome and congrats on #413! Glad you’re planning on attending the rally so we can all meet you and your new Ollie. Mike

Looks like Florence is going to be a major storm event! Best wishes to fellow owners in North and South Carolina, Virginia and the east coast in general. Also, it looks like more storms are following. Stay safe! Mike

I do a a thorough cleaning after each trip. When we got back from CO and NM in June I pulled the outside seals to all the windows to clean but also to ensure the window tracks and drainage holes are clear. An air compressor is handy for blowing out debris that accumulates when camped under trees. The seals are easy to remove and put back in. I’m also a believer in 303 protectant. Mike

Kevan and Dara, congrats! Welcome to the group, it sounds like you’ve been reading and learning like a lot of us did. Maybe we’ll see you at the rally? Mike

Bill, good question - one that we’ve asked before. Maybe Jason has an update on where we are on this. Mike