rideandfly

Bill, Our 2016 Tundra 5.7L with tow package requires WDH when towing a trailer more than 5000lbs and sway device is required when towing a trailer more than 2000lbs. Our Ollie weighs in at local scales under 5000lbs total weight with under 500lbs tongue weight with empty water tanks ready to camp. We probably transport more camping gear, compared to some folks, in the Tundra's rear cab storage area (seats folded up) reducing gear normally transported in the camper. We use an electronic sway control device mounted on the Ollie without using a WDH.

Just returned home from camping at Bandit's Roost ACE Campground NC. We enjoy Kayaking and hiking while camping there.

Darrell and Kathy, Welcome! We're camping in the Ollie right now. There was a knock on the door yesterday and it was a couple wanting to see the Ollie. We spent about 30 minutes showing the Ollie inside and out. Told them we purchased the Ollie used and they thought it was brand new. After getting up in the morning, make the beds up first, because many folks want to look in the Ollie after seeing the beautiful exterior finish. Debbie and I like camping in our Ollie! Time for Coffee!!!!!!!!!!

Steve, great drum to disc brake conversion. Hats off to you!!!!! Popular Mechanics article about drum brakes: "Why do some vehicle manufacturers still use drum brakes instead of the superior disc brakes? Drums are lighter and have less friction when not applied--both important for mileage. And they're used on a lot of light trucks and smaller fwd cars on the rear axle, because these vehicles have a heavy forward weight bias and don't need rear brakes that are as effective as the front ones". http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a11696/1782947/

Dave, Call Dexter with your axle serial number stamped on the axle barrel, ask them which brake shoes you have. They should be able to help. They have more aggressive 12X2 brake shoe linings available: http://www.dexteraxle.com/resources/references/frequently-asked-questions/brakes/lists/frequently-asked-questions/brakes---how-can-i-increase-the-aggressiveness-of-the-12-x2-brake

John, Dexter's following link for up to 8K axle electric brake service manual: http://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/light-duty-electric-brakes019b809d2ba463c18d7aff64007a4014.pdf?sfvrsn=0 "Shoes contaminated with grease or oil, or abnormally scored or gouged should also be replaced".

We dropped by a ACE campground early last week and purchased the $10 pass. Will be using it soon, too!

Found this Dexter Service Manual for up to 8K axle electric brakes: http://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/light-duty-electric-brakes019b809d2ba463c18d7aff64007a4014.pdf?sfvrsn=0

After rain or dew when starting off in the morning with cold brakes, our Ollie's brakes are grabby. After applying brakes momentarily at slow speed 3 or 4 times, brakes operate normally for the rest of the day. Assumed it's moisture on the shoes and/or flash rust that may occur overnight inside of the brake drum, IMHO. Brake shoes & brake drums visually looked good during bearing repack/seal replacement less than 5,000 miles ago. Using Toyota's factory installed Tundra brake controller.

Bill, Thanks! Learned much and hope to be better prepared to photograph the next eclipse.

We were heading east on I40 between Asheville NC and Marion NC about 2:08PM towing our Ollie with white TV. Saw an Elite II and burgundy TV heading west.

We just returned home from camping at Tellico Plains TN, Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground. Managed to take some eclipse shots!

Bill, Appreciate the fine report and beautiful photos!!!!!!!!!

Bill, Thanks for the report. Plan to visit Mothership during the next six months to have some modifications done and visit with the fine folks at Oliver! Hope you post a fly fishing trip report, too!!!!

John, The original owner of our Ollie had AB Lifestyles to build and ship mattresses to Oliver during manufacture of their Ollie. We wanted thicker mattresses when we purchased the Ollie from the original owners, so we ordered 11" memory foam mattresses from AB Lifestyles. They have a pattern for the Elite II mattresses. We did not buy custom made sheets from AB Lifestyles. If you want to order custom sheet sets from AB Lifestyles and they cannot find the mattress pattern, please send a PM, I have the order # and date for our order. We are very pleased with these mattresses!

Joe, Nice looking rig! Your F-150 makes a fine TV for the Ollie! Like the colors, too!

Mike, Nice photos! Appreciate the SP report!

Malcolm and Ursula, Agree, we really enjoying camping with our Ollie, too. The folks at Oliver been great to work with. We showed the Ollie several times during the last camping trip and probably over 100 times at campgrounds since buying it used last year!

Tom & Cheryl, Welcome! We did not know how the Ollie's twin bed was going to work out for us, but it has worked out nicely. We really like camping with the Ollie!

Hope to have a photo from Tellico Plains TN. Campground has two RV sites with 7 very small log cabins and many tent sites. The owner believes 300 people may gather there. Edit: Have not been boondocking with the Ollie so far, but will give it a try during the next year. NASA Eclipse Videos:

Clair & Kathy, Congrats on "Clever Beast"!!!! Look forward to seeing photos, too!

Marsha, We had the same problem about a year ago. Removed most of the old tape and used 2" wide aluminum foil tape (with adhesive on one side) to replace the original tape. Purchased the tape at a local Lowes hardware store where we were camping. Took about 1 to 2 hours to replace the tape at the campsite, used scissors to trim many pieces of tape to fit. I don't remember if aluminum tape was made by 3M or Scotch. Overlapped many pieces of tape to support the weight of the curved aluminum plate. Edit: If I had been at home where I have cleaners/solvents available, would have prepared originally taped areas with compatible cleaner/solvent for better adhesion of the tape considering the weight of the aluminum plate and heat from the refrigerator. Initially this was supposed to be a temporary fix until returning home from the camping trip. After finishing the repair, it looked good and been in service for over a year. Normally use a label & sticker remover (Turtle Wax) to remove old adhesive and clean with alcohol before applying an adhesive. Check aluminum foil tape label/instructions to be sure alcohol can be used. Aluminum tape instructions/specifications can also be found on the manufacturers website. Hope this helps! Aluminum foil tape installed after one year of use:

David, We enjoyed meeting and spending time with y'all, too! The eclipse glasses are on order!

Appreciate the great tips on how to make better coffee!!!!! Thanks Everyone!

Angela and Kyle, Welcome and congratulations on your Ollie! We also like camping at TN State Parks. The fall foliage in TN may be nice when you pick up your Ollie, too. This event is too early for your Ollie pick-up date, but we want to attend the National Banana Pudding Festival at least one time in the future. It will be held 10/7 & 8 this year at Centerville, TN. https://www.bananapuddingfest.org/