Mike and Carol

We lived in France in the 1980’s and enjoyed Raclette with French friends the years we were there. Our tradition is to do Raclette on New Years Eve. We try to use Raclette cheese, when we can find it (it seems to be getting more common these days), otherwise any cheese that melts well will do. We put small potatoes on top of the grill to keep them warm and then put the meat and cheese in the tray to melt. Then smash a small potato on your plate and scrape the meat/melted cheese on top. You can do whatever sides you like. Some of our best memories of France are sharing Raclette with friends. This was last year when it was just Carol and I on the wine barrel. A couple of years ago…

When our black tank is full, or needs dumping because we’re leaving for a location with no sewer, we dump, close the gate and fill to about 70-80%. Then we dump again and then repeat one more time. I’m outside manning the outside dump activities and Carol is inside watching the level to tell me when we’re at the 70-80% level. Then we drop in a detergent pod and a capful of Calgon water softener. When we’re heading home we also add some Happy Camper to both the black and gray tanks. We’ve been trouble free for the last 6 years. Mike

Great news! We need to get back to your area, we really enjoyed camping there a few years ago. February will be here before you know it! Mike

Interesting video. I think his use of the term “perfect” needs to be put into context. He is saying that the ANDON method results in vehicles coming off the line with no known defects, that problems are solved before the vehicle is finished so that problems aren’t passed to the dealer/customer. My two Toyota trucks back that up. I didn’t find any issues with either of them as I drove them off the lot and in the initial stages of ownership. As the miles piled on of course there were things that needed to be adjusted/fixed/etc. Mike

Unfortunately, no. We didn’t spend much time at the campground and it seems they didn’t either. We saw them out by their Airstream on our evening walks but there were always folks there talking to them. So we just waved and got a friendly wave back. Mike

We’re watching the latest episode of LOLOHO (Long Long Honeymoon) on YouTube which we’ve been watching for years. It’s a question/answer episode and one of the questions was what trailer would you have if you didn’t have your Airstream. Sean’s answer mentioned two brands, a quick mention of Lance and then he talked quite a while about Oliver’s. We camped across from Sean and Kristy in Gros Ventre campground a few years ago in Grand Teton NP. Mike

Hey Dale, Oliver travel trailers are unique in their double wall construction but as far as appliances, suspension and brakes, wheels and tires are concerned they aren’t too mysterious. Any competent repair facility should be able to work on your trailer. We have a local, family owned repair shop that does work on ours and has had no issues working on our trailer. I would start looking locally at what is available for servicing, I’m sure you’ll find a competent shop. You live in a great area, one of the few states we haven’t visited but high on our list! Mike

The older BAKflip covers required the tailgate to be closed first before the last section of the tonneau cover. My first one was like that. The new covers (last couple of years) don’t require that. The tailgate can be closed and the last section will just snap down when closed. Much more convenient. Mike

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Well…., we’ve been full in three days too. I guess some days we’re more full of it than others!

Tough loss to Navy but a great showing against Missouri last night in their bowl game winning it in the last three seconds! Mike

We plan four nights with no other facilities. If there’s a vault toilet or other facility we can stretch to a week. It’s a little hard to predict how long you can go because everyone is different with different amounts of inputs leading to different amounts of outputs. Mike

Campground showers are usually ok if you are at a campground with showers. Many of us camp where there are no showers and so we use our Oliver shower a lot. Yes, some campground showers have cooties, or worse, but most are perfectly acceptable - just not as convenient as showering in the trailer. Mike

Like Bill, I’m on my third BAKflip MX4 and have been very happy with them. It locks when the truck is locked and keeps things under both dry and secure. Mike

Thanks! That’s at Aguirre Spring BLM campground near White Sands NP.

We use the big square black and yellow Camco legos. I have two sets of 10. I use them under the jacks with wood blocks so that I only move the jacks a few inches and under the tires if we’re not level. Mike

Indian Cove Campground at Joshua Tree National Park.

I’d be on the phone with Oliver first thing tomorrow. I’m sure they will be taking some time at the end of the week for a brief holiday. Mike

Congratulations! Enjoy a Tennessee Christmas! Mike

For those going to the Oliver rally in Alabama, early June might be a challenge. We’re retired so we can stay out for extended periods. Also, no cell service is no problem, we often camp unconnected. It can be restful! Mike

June would be good, especially if it’s before “bugs”!

In the twin bed model there is an extension for the twin mattresses on each side. With the larger dinette there are no extensions providing more room at knee level. There are times we wish we had the larger dinette and the king size bed. We couldn’t figure out where to store that larger mattress during the day. The cushions didn’t seem supportive enough by themselves. I think we’d leave the bed up all the time with the mattress. The few times we would need the larger dinette we could stash the mattress somewhere and set up the table. I think we’re still happy with our twin bed model. Mike

2023 is far enough off to plan. I would assume it wouldn’t be in the spring to conflict with the Oliver Rally. Are you thinking fall? Maybe September or early October? Since we try to go to CO regularly (grandkids, you know) we’d definitely put it on the calendar! Mike

Agree with BIll, I wouldn’t use a Clam in hot weather for shade, unless you were looking for a sauna!

I waited until recently to reserve a site at the park since we weren’t sure if we could attend this year. We’re in section G, we’ve been in section E the last few rally’s. Variety might be good! Mike