Mike and Carol

I just got a “Rookie” badge. Should I be happy?

Hi Kendra, There is quite a difference between tent camping and “camping” in a travel trailer. We view it more as traveling while pulling our “home away from home” that we park in campgrounds, on beaches, in the woods and mountains. Yes, I would recommend renting a trailer, or if you don’t have a good tow vehicle (TV) rent a class B that you can drive and live in and then take a trip to a scenic spot. Our Oliver is our first travel trailer. We like the lifestyle and the ability to travel and see and experience this great country. Lots of experts and opinions here, so ask any questions you have as you start to explore! Mike

That’s not me, but I did tow with a Tacoma my first year that looks just like that Tacoma! Mike

the new badges

Oliver did the fresh water mod when we had it in for a service a few years ago. No charge. Mike

Welcome, Don. I’m sure some Elite owners will reply. We’ve been towing the Elite II for over 5 years and it’s an easy tow. The lighter weight of the Elite probably makes it easier and the single axle makes it more responsive when backing. Mike

I wish I still had my ‘66 Mustang convertible. Sold it when we lived in Hawaii. It’s what I drove when Carol and I were dating back in the late 60s. Mike

Ultimate Campgrounds is my first go-to app to find a campground. If there is nothing public that works then I go to Allstays or Campendium. Mike

Odd way to get a scenic campsite….

And if Tractor Supply doesn’t have it go next door to Walmart!

We’re still working logistical details. It’s a long drive from south Texas and we want to get as far north as we can quickly to escape this oppressive heat. I was able to make some reservations at Forest Ridge campground in Ellsworth, Acadia and Lemoine were booked solid into the fall.

Looks like a happy group of Oliver owners! Hope to be visiting your state, for the first time, in a few weeks! Mike

Hey John, we’re making January plans for AZ now. Family events have been changing everything we try to plan. We thought we’d be in Colorado in a couple of weeks, now we’re going to be in Maine. Oh well, stay flexible! Mike

Welcome and congrats on your soon to be finished Oliver. That’s a nice place to live! Mike

We prefer COE parks to others because they are usually very nice (not always - there are a few clinkers out there) and the price is right with the senior pass. We don’t have any of the books, we research online with campground reviews and campground pictures. We’d also be interested in any book reviews. Mike

Check these forums. Most used Olivers are posted here. I think there is a Facebook group also. Sometimes they are also listed on RV Trader, but this is the best place to watch.

The last time we camped in Farmington (actually Aztec, Ruins Road RV) it was January and temps were low teens to high twenties. It was a decent spot for visiting Son and family in Durango. 40s and 70s sounds better! Enjoy the rest of your trip… Mike

Hey Matt and Beth, welcome! Hopefully someone will be traveling to southern CA soon. We would like to go back to Joshua Tree visit some more wineries in Temecula. It’s beautiful country! Mike

so check your

1. We use “The Collar” with an Abus puck lock. Both from Amazon. 2. We’ve been using our iPhones for hot spots so we can use our iPad or MacBook. We have AT&T and haven’t any problems. We do have the cell booster which is now 5 years old. Probably need to start thinking about a new one…. 3. Don’t new Olivers come with a built in surge protector? Ours didn’t and we use a Camco 30a surge protector. My son just bought a 30a Progressive Industries surge protector for his new trailer. 4. It would be nice if Oliver offered a quiet AC. We use ours on when absolutely necessary. 5. Viair makes some nice small air compressors. Check Amazon. 6. 4K Watts is overkill and much too heavy. If you have a Tractor Supply, Home Depot, Bass Pro check out a small Champion. We have a 2,000 watt that is very quiet and weighs 37 lbs. The Westinghouse from Costco is also a good choice. 7. We also use the TST TPMS. It’s been very reliable over the years. Hope this helps! Mike

Time will go faster than you expect, lots of time to look for accessories and “necessary” camping items! Welcome and congrats on your upcoming Oliver! Mike

My son has the same No Bo, only he left the wheels on.

On older trailers you can just flip the circuit breaker for the charger off that’s on the panel under the dinette seat. I’m not sure how the newer trailers with lithium work the charging. Since I put in my lithium batteries and PD4045 I find that I leave it off most of the time to let the solar charge the batteries during the day and only use it on cloudy days when the solar can’t keep up.

Ralph, the set screws were pretty tight when I used it. There are still indentations on my frame where they bit in. As I recall, the brackets were never at 90 degrees to the frame, there was always a slight angle. Mike

Hey John, good to hear from you. The Xplore looks like quite a trailer. Shane seems pretty sold on it too. I’m glad we’re getting more options for well built, quality trailers! Mike