Mike and Carol

On the way back from our trip to the east coast we stayed a few days at Lake Ouachita SP just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is one of the nicest state parks we've stayed at. Most sites in our section had great lake views. Sites had large, level concrete pads and full hook ups (water pedestal was marked "frost resistant"). There was a large picnic table area and another area behind the trailer pad. Good separation between sites. Lots of big mature trees with good shade. We were there the last week in October and the weather was great, 40s to 70s. There was no cell coverage, which could be good or bad depending on how connected you need to be. A 5 minute drive up the hill and our phones got a few bars. $26/night.

Dean, I've listened to RVFTA off and on for a year or so. Like Buzzy, I listened to it during my workout this morning. I enjoyed the interview and it made it more interesting when you talk about folks we know! We just finished up a 5 week trip east and on the way back spent a few days at Ouachita Lake SP outside of Hot Springs Arkansas. On our 8-site circle there were 3 Casitas and an Oliver mixed in with some huge, triple axle 5th wheels. I thought I'd found a Casita rally. The Casita owners were very interested in our Oliver. Thanks for the post. Mike

Pete, the first big Oliver we saw was at the Bluebonnet rally in 2014. We can make the 45 minute drive to Bandera and be a part of the swarm!

Keep us posted on your Airstream adventures!

We've been off line for a few days. We are in DC for the next few days. Would be happy to show our trailer. Heading up to West Point NY on Wednesday. We've had lots of comments and discussion on our Oliver the last couple weeks while on the road. Normally, folks want to know what it is. When we got to our current site our neighbor (big Airstream owner) said, hey - that's a Legacy Elite II! Since ours says The Lone Star Oliver he knew what he was talking about. Enjoying this great east coast weather.... Mike

We just spent a few days in Nashville on our way to the east coast. We like going to the Grand Ol Opry, this past weekend was the 91st birthday weekend and we enjoyed a good show. We stayed at Two Rivers Campground, just two miles from the Opry and Opry Mills. Nice campground, very conveniently located, although a bit pricey. There was actually another Oliver there with us, Chad and Shannon with their blue and yellow striped Legacy II. Lots of folks stopped by to ask questions... We overnighted at the Cracker Barrel in Texarkana on our way from San Antonio to Nashville. Interesting experience, price was right and it was very convenient. Cracker Barrel's don't count as a campground but when I asked they said we were more than welcome to stay overnight.

Same here. We leave it connected to the trailer all the time. Dump, two refills/dumps, then the gray tank. I have a clear section to watch for the last clear flush before doing the gray.

Yes, congratulations! Looking forward to hearing about and seeing where you go. Trumpetguy, we always notice Airstreams. Hope you won't pass by an Oliver without stopping! Mike

We got one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JFWKM2K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It works well. Tells me if power is okay before I connect to the trailer. It popped a couple times during a storm, reset itself after about 90 seconds. The only thing I don't like is the color. I wish it was gray, black or blue so it wasn't so noticeable. Mike

I like Airstreams. I like what they've done with the Basecamp, some nice features. If Airstreams were made with the attention to detail as an Oliver I would be inclined to give them more consideration. I don't know how you do that with as many as they produce! Even so, Airstreams are timeless and grab attention as they go by. Of course, we get tons of comments and questions about our Oliver (even from Airstream owners). We made the right decision. Mike

John, I agree with overland, we felt pretty safe and secure. We didn't see any bears or mountain lions, although we met a couple who was following us that did see a bear with some cubs crossing the path. We saw a couple of these little critters hiking with us... We lived in southern Arizona just 9 miles from the border so we are used to the critters and animals as well as Mexicans hiking north. At Big Bend we did encounter some Mexican citizens. They like to paddle across the river and set up a small souvenir shop then paddle back. They expect you will follow the honor system if you take anything, just put your dollars in the bucket. The clearing you see across the river is where they launch their boat. When we got down to the Boquillas canyon the river is narrow and we exchanged "hola's" with the residents on the other side. He asked if we wanted to hear some Mexican music, I declined but he started singing anyway. Dave, we didn't stay in the Chisos Basin, but that is where I would start if we return. I saw a few RV's that were longer than what they recommend parked there. I wouldn't hesitate to pull my Oliver down there. Don, I think you'll have cool weather in January but nothing like the midwest! Buzzy, I knew you'd appreciate the sizzling bacon! Mike

We spent last week visiting Big Bend National Park. It's one of the least visited National Parks and is somewhat off the beaten path. From Fort Stockton on I-10 you head south for about 3 hours. It is on the Rio Grande with Mexico in sight all the time. Even with the hot weather (low 70's at night, high 90's during the day) we had a great time. Lots of hiking, great views and no crowds! At times we felt like we were the only ones there. It's a fairly large park, bigger than the state of Rhode Island. This is at the end of the Boquillas Canyon hike. The bluff is in Mexico. This is where the Rio Grande enters a huge canyon that's been carved out of the mountain. After a hike to the top of the second highest peak (7550') this is the view down. It's called the Lost Mine Trail. Views are great all the way up and it's a nice little workout! We sat at the top and had some snacks and water while enjoying the view. At the other end of the park (western end) is the Santa Helena Canyon. Mexico on the left, US on the right. The upper water flow is the Rio Grande, the lower (muddy) is the Terlingua Creek emptying into the Rio Grande. You can wade through the Terlingua to the bluffs on the right and then climb up about a quarter of the way to a lookout platform. Another nice hike was Grapevine Hill. It's not too far, a couple of miles through the desert then some light rock climbing up to this balanced rock. Carol is enjoying the shade! It was right at 100 degrees when we made this trek. This is the view from the balanced rock looking back down at where the path goes back to the start through the canyon. We stayed in Lajitas, TX at a very nice, full hookup campground. There are three RV parking areas in the park, one has full hook ups. No reservations, first come, first served. If we do it again we will look at staying inside the park. None of the park RV areas were full. Peak season is November through April, so it may be more crowded. We think the Chisos Basin has the most scenic camping areas. It is surrounded by the highest peaks and is close to the start of the Lost Mine Trail. Most importantly, bacon was consumed!

Lajitas, TX, right outside of Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. Spent last week there. HOT! More to follow....

Yologals, welcome! We picked up the same time Bob and Camille did in May and have been on the road every month since. Just got back from Big Bend National Park. Your tour next month will be enjoyable and educational. This is a good group that will be willing to help and provide good information. Mike

Same here. Looks like it was a great success!

OK, feeling better. Good common sense approach, John. We all use our Olivers differently so we have to have a feel for functioning parts, wear, etc. Don, good list. I'm a list guy and having one like yours is a good way to ensure something doesn't get missed. I guess I just had not thought about jack maintenance! Mike

John, welcome to the forum. I don't recall seeing any mention of bunk beds by anyone. I do think it would be a good option for Oliver to consider, it would provide options for family camping like you want to do. Ask lots of questions. We're a friendly group. Mike

Reading through the posts this evening I see that jacks need to be lubed periodically. I know that wheel bearings also need annual repacking. What else? It would be nice if there was some kind of list of periodic preventive maintenance items that need to be taken care of. I don't see one in the owners manual. As an old Army guy with lots of motor pool time, I'm all about preventive maintenance. Any thoughts? Mike

Dave and Patty, welcome! We were able to see an Oliver here at a fiberglass rally a couple of years ago, then we scheduled a trip to Tennessee. The factory tour is very worthwhile, if you were undecided before you wouldn't be after the tour. We picked ours up in May and are very happy with the trailer and the company. Lot's of expertise on the forums here as well - take advantage and ask lots of questions. Mike

We are a "suburb" of Boerne, need to meet Dave and Linda!

Welcome Ray. Airstream makes an attention grabbing trailer! We were looking at a 23FB and learned about Oliver over on AirForums. Looking forward to the boondocking discussions. Mike

Mike, sounds like a great visit. Many of us would like to be only 3 hours away from the factory! We had discussions about the size/functionality of the bathroom before we ordered. After several weeks of camping we have no issues at all with the bathroom and we use it exclusively when we're camping, even when campground facilities are nice. Let us know if you have questions.... Mike

Bill, great story and pictures!

Stan, looks good. I'm all in favor of personalizing our trailers. I'll add a few pics of what we're doing.... Our hull number and logo. Replaced Legacy Elite... With Lone Star This is so we'll know which one is ours! Not "art" like yours but we're getting there! Thanks for posting. Mike

Don, we won't be able to make this one either. We will leave that week for a month long trek up the east coast. If there is an Oliver rally in Tennessee in the spring we will plan on attending. Mike