donthompson
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Posts posted by donthompson
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This is the one I use. I think other Ollie owners have chosen this device as well. The only drawback is the price. Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C Portable 30AMP Electrical Management System
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I really appreciate all of these posts and the information about Big Bend. I plan to visit the park in January 2017. The information and photos are very helpful. Looks like a good place to escape to when the weather is frigid and snowy in Iowa!
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Highway 20 is a great route! I know the route in Nebraska very well. I can also recommend highway 2 through the Sandhills of Nebraska. In addition to Fort Robinson on Highway 2 in NE, don't miss the Peppermill Steakhouse in Valentine, canoeing the Niobrara River east of Valentine, the Museum of the Fur Trade near Chadron, NE, the Mari Sandoz (Old Jules, Son of a Gambling Man, Crazy Horse) in Chadron, the Bowring Ranch State Historical Park near Merriman, NE and many more interesting places.
In response to an earlier question about the proximity of the highway to the campground at Fort Robinson State Park, I can respond. I camped there about a month ago. There are two separate camping areas: Soldier Creek and Red Cloud. I camped in the Red Cloud area which is more distant from the highway.
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Great post about a place I love and return to every year or so. I grew up in Nebraska and love the Sandhills and the area of Northern Nebraska from Valentine west to the area around Chadron and Crawford, Nebraska. There are many places worth visiting and things to do. Canoeing the Niobrara River east of Valentine, the Peppermill Steakhouse in Valentine, Merritt Reservoir south of Valentine (great campgrounds and the annual Nebraska Star Party in July), The Bowring Ranch State Historical Park near Merriman, Nebraska, the Museum of the Fur Trade east of Chadron, NE, the Marie Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at Chadron State College, The Prairie Club, a world-class golf course near Valentine, NE, etc. The Sandhills are dotted with lakes, clear running rivers like the Niobrara, the Loup and the Dismal. There are very large cattle ranches, not many people, beautiful skies and lots of opportunities for Oliver owners to enjoy a unique area. If you have an interest in visiting this area, contact me for more information and I may join you there!
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Welcome and good to have you involved in the forum. There is so much information available! The danger is that you'll become convinced that camping in a travel trailer like an Oliver is a complicated undertaking. It really isn't. I picked my Elite II up in March of this year and I've traveled over 7,000 miles solo in my Oliver since then. I really didn't know much when I started. While I know a lot more now, I've survived my ignorance and have enjoyed learning at my own pace!
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I've been working on a maintenance list. The format won't be very pretty, but here it is. It's a work in progress!
- EZ Flex:
- grease ever 3,000 miles or every 3 months.
- Greased following Colorado/Utah trip in June, 2016 at 3400 miles.
- Greased again before trip to Grand Tetons on July 28, 2016.
- Grease the leaf springs as well
- Jack up the trailer so tires are off the ground to grease—to relieve pressure.
- Channels under the windows
- Clean channels under the windows after every trip
- - Sanitize Fresh Water System (pp. 46-47)
- - Do it every spring before use.
- - Do it after extended periods of non-use
- - Bathroom
- - Use a mild household foam cleaner periodically to remove soap film.
- - Leave door open after shower.
- - Leave door open during storage.
- - Exterior
- - Wax at least once per year.
- - Wash the aluminum frame after road use.
- - Wheel bearings
- - Repack every 6,000 miles and every 6 months.
- Torque lug nuts to 95
- - Dinette table
- - Store in bed position.
- Barker Jacks
- Here’s the link for the Barker VIP Power jack owners manual:
- https://www.barkermfg.com/uploads/5/4/9/4/54943161/vip_3000_all_pages.pdf
Here’s maintenance recommendations from the above owners manual PDF file:
“MAINTENANCE:
Once a year, the powerhead should be removed and a liberal amount
of grease (preferably a grease with high melting point) applied directly
to the coupling on which the drive pin rests.
DO NOT POUR OIL into top of the jack post.
Once a year, the housing cover should be removed and the gears
inspected for proper lubrication.
Remove 4 screws and tap around edge of housing to free cover.
DO NOT insert screw driver blade! (This may damage mating
surfaces.)
Before replacing cover, clean mating surfaces.
If lubrication is needed, use Mobil 460 grease or equivalent.”
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Bill,
It takes some time to become familiar with what it can do. I have a premium account but the basic account does a lot. Here are some of the key features that I like. First, you can create notebooks and save things in individual notebooks. I create a new notebook for every trip I take. I have separate notebooks relating to the Oliver--maintenance, storage, mileage log, etc. When you create a note or save a PDF, a web page, etc., you can choose the notebook to save it to. You also have a dedicated Evernote email address. You can use this to forward or copy emails directly to Evernote so you can save them in the appropriate notebook. I use an Evernote extension in my Chrome browser. When you are at a website, you can use the extension to clip the web article, a simplified article, the web page, a bookmark or a screenshot. This is a great feature.
I noticed on the website that they have added a "Plus" account that adds: "Access notes from all your devices. Access all notebooks Offline on your mobile device. Save important email in Evernote" This costs $35 per year. I think being able to access notes on your SmartPhone or Tablet when you don't have internet access is a great feature.
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John,
Good to hear from another Evernote user! I also use Wunderlist to create packing lists for all of my trips--flying overseas, flying domestic, road trip, camping trip with the Oliver, etc. It syncs across devices. I saw Buzzy's lists that he creates with another app, and it prompted me to create lists for setting up camp, breaking camp, lists of items to purchase for Ollie before each trip, etc., etc. I love lists! On a trip to Mesa Verde and Utah this summer with the Ollie, I forgot to put together a food list and I left without my favorite organic peanut butter and my favorite jelly. Never again! I love lists.
Don
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I was an early convert to kevlar canoes. I have a large tripper manufactured by Clipper in Canada. I purchased it in the early 90's, I think. This canoe, the Tripper, is still made. It is 70 lbs. in fiberglass and 60 lbs. in the standard kevlar layup. I think the reason for the heavier weight in the kevlar layup is that it still has a full gel-coat. When I bought it, it was only available in these two versions. The ultralight kevlar version today weighs 54 lbs. It's a big canoe--17.5 feet. Very durable. I've dragged it over a lot of rocks in the Boundary Waters. My other canoe is a Blackhawk Zephyr, a small solo boat. Blackhawk closed in 1994. I've had this canoe for over 25 years. It too has a full gel-coat on the outside. It's still pretty light, but it isn't nearly as light as the current solo models like the Northstar (built by the guy that built Bell Canoes) Northwind solo that weighs in at 31 lbs. in the "Kevlight" layup without a gel-coat. It's a foot longer than my Blackhawk which I believe weighs about 35 lbs. The Blackhawk has also survived a lot of rocky paddles including a solo trip to the Boundary Waters. I'm a believer in kevlar. It would be interesting to know what the weight savings would be with your idea, John.
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I often read a post that I want to save with other information about my Oliver that I keep organized using Evernote. I have separate notebooks in Evernote for Oliver Maintenance, Oliver Mileage Log, Oliver Travel Trailer (general info) and Oliver Storage. Evernote allows me to create a note and save it. It also allows me to save a screenshot, clip an entire article on the web, etc. I have it installed on my laptop and my smartphone. It syncs across these devices.
The forum is so valuable because of the tips and suggestions provided by other Ollie owners. Evernote allows me to keep valuable information organized and saved for future reference.
Here's a screenshot of a post I clipped this afternoon. Evernote clipped the entire post--the screenshot only captured part of what I clipped in Evernote.
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Annie,
I tow my Elite II with a VW Touareg TDI. I've towed it almost 8,000 miles this year, all solo. Easy towing, easy to get settled at a campsite and easy to break camp to leave. I hadn't towed a travel trailer since I was 20 years old and I started towing the Oliver at age 66. No issues/no problems!
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Buzzy,
I think that would be the perfect wine!
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Here's some additional information about this Rally.
Thomson Causeway – Thomson Illinois
September 30 to October 2
Plans are firming up for the second rendezvous on the Mississippi. We have twenty five campsites are now booked and the Hickory Point loop is filled, there are plenty of sites still available in the two adjacent loops. As with last year, we have a great mix of sizes and brands, including an Outback 13. Everyone is welcome; we are even going to allow Jim and Katrina to return with their motorcycle and trailer.
The buzz this year is the Great Lugnuts Contest to be held on late Saturday afternoon. Iowa Dave has engineered a precision machine to test your skills on judging the tightness of your nuts. Eric has arranged some great prizes. As we published earlier, the time of the contest will be announced 30 seconds before the start. Rules will change at will.
At the same time, or perhaps a bit before the contest, we will host a wine tasting in the Stone picnic shelter. We encourage everyone to bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share. There will be a cooler available for white wines to properly chill before the event. Rumor has it that beer will be available as well. If this is your beverage of choice be sure to bring it along. Wine glasses will be available as well. A fire will allow the festivities to go into the evening.
The shelter has not been rented on the night before (Friday) or the evening after (Sunday) so we have planned a fire and informal get together in the Stone shelter on each of those days.
Last year a group of bicycle riders left on Sunday morning for a spin on the Great River Trail. That same paved bike trail runs through Thomson Causeway and gives riders to opportunity to ride to Savanna or Clinton. We hope you can join the group for a “Go Slow Ride”.
The highlight of the rally has been the traditional open house on trailers. We would hope that you will open up your trailer for guests who are looking to see the inside of a fiberglass RV. This will start at noon and run till the start of “Happy Hour”. image002.jpgIf last year was an example we can expect a number of day trippers for the tours.
In the past there has been interest in having a potluck during the rally. This is not something I have any experience in organizing. If you are so inclined to organize an evening potluck on Saturday or a breakfast potluck on Sunday please let me know.
Escape Trailer Industries has been so kind to provide some nice “swag” for this event. Be sure to register at site 109 and receive a free gift plus an opportunity for the drawing. You will need to be On the banks of the Mississippi, the ice is out and they shoveled the snow.present to win.
We welcome those who are planning to attend and encourage any additional guests to join us on the Mississippi River.
Paul and Janet Braun
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A couple from Mount Vernon, IA came to look at my Ollie this morning. Heather Oliver arranged the inspection. They've been to the Casita factory and drove to Madison, WI last weekend to see an Escape. They told me about the Mississippi Fiberglass Rally at the Thomson Causeway Corps of Engineers campground in Western Illinois on the Mississippi River. Escape owners are responsible for organizing the rally and the owners of the company that manufactures the Escape Travel Trailers will be there. I think Casita owners also attend. I plan to arrive on Friday, September 30, 2016 and I'll leave on Sunday, October 2. The campground is near the small town of Thomson, IL. It's not far from Sabula, IA, a small town on an island in the Mississippi. Pretty area. It would be great if some other Ollie owners could make it. I can't attend the Oliver rally in Howenwald this year--I'll be at a wedding in California.
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Hap,
You must leave the quick connects screwed into the female water line connections on your Ollie. These are usually "sealed" with the black male plugs that come with the camper. Are there any issues involved with leaving these connections open to the environment with the quick connects attached? The idea is intriguing. Would make it very easy to hook up water.
Whoops! I should have read from the beginning. I understand how you do it now!
Don
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Buzzy mentioned 16 grease zirks. I have only found 12. The EZ Flex has 4 on each side and I found two on each side for the leaf springs. Where are the four that I missed?
Also, you may all know this but if you jack the trailer so the tires are off the ground, it relieves the pressure on the leaf springs and EZ Flex. Makes it a lot easier to grease them!
I'm not the most mechanically gifted person, but owning this Oliver is prompting me to develop patience and problem-solving skills.
Don
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Hey, Dave,
I spent a little more time looking at your post and photos and figured it out. All the stuff should arrive on Wednesday and I don't leave until Friday. Again, thanks so much for the information!
Don
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Hi Dave,
I think I start with the same setup you have. No satellite TV in my Ollie but I do have an antenna for local channels. I've read your post and looked at the photos and I found all of the components on Amazon except the extra 3' HDMI cable. Is this the standard HDMI A Male to Male cable? I'm leaving on Friday for another extended trip: Niobrara State Park in Nebraska, Nebraska Star Party in the Sandhills of Nebraska, and Grand Teton National Park. I can order things today from Amazon and have them on Wednesday. Should give me adequate time to get this all hooked up. Hope you can confirm that all I need is this standard HDMI cable.
Thanks to all of you who contributed to this thread--excellent information.
Don
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Steve and Tali,
A couple of guys at the campground were planning to explore below the rim. We met at the visitors' center and they encouraged me to take the Touareg down. We measured for adequate clearance and I got a permit. Hiked first and then ventured down. Met a couple from San Diego in at the bottom and they convinced me to follow them all the way back to Moab rather than returning to the rim and driving back on the highway. I drove about 40 miles below the rim. Touareg was great.
I knew the weather would be warm but I was very lucky until the end of my time in Utah. Last stop was Zion and it was 97 degrees at noon when I finished my first hike and 110 degrees when I reached the campground. I left the next morning for Ouray, Colorado! Great hiking before that at Arches, Bryce, and Cedar Breaks National Monument before that.
Next time, I'll visit this area in the fall.
Don
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I visited Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon National Parks in Colorado, Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Zion and Cedar Breaks in Utah. I camped two nights in a campground at Bryce with fellow Olliver owners Stan and Carol Moyer. I've attached a few photos of the Ollie and the VW Touareg TDI tow vehicle. Discovered that the Touareg is a pretty good off-road vehicle. Followed a Jeep Wrangler for about 40 miles on the jeep trails in Canyonlands.
Don
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Buzzy,
I agree with you. While I'd love to camp in the Ollie without ever dumping the grey/black tanks, I don't find the task to be terribly onerous. I purchased a clear Campco sewer hose adapter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016V2JMBS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and upgraded my slinky hose after the sewer hose that came with the Ollie came apart as I was preparing to dump-luckily I hadn't opened the valve yet!
I've traveled 4,500 miles and camped over 40 nights in my Oliver since picking it up in Tennessee in March, 2016. I have only waited in line once and then I was only behind one camper.
I don't like to rush the process, so I plan when and where I'll dump. I like to fill the black tank about 3/4 full of fresh water at least twice after dumping the black and grey tanks. The clear adapter allows me to see when I've done a good job of emptying and cleaning the black tank. I haven't had any odor issues. I try to use campground toilets and showers when available and I've very stingy with water when washing dishes, etc.
There may be better alternatives, but the standard toilet, black/grey tanks and dump valves serve their purpose.
Don
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Sounds like a great trip! Glad to hear you're happy with your Nissan pickup. You'll have to take your 7-year old north sometime to canoe the Boundary Waters.
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Buzzy,
I can't wait to see all of your lists! Tonight is my 3rd night at Mesa Verde. Camping with no hookups. Love the Ollie. Leaving tomorrow for the Utah National Parks and one National Monument. Back home through Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan to return to Iowa on June 28. Great trip so far. Posting photos and commentary on Facebook. Not enough to post here as well.
Don
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Problem solved! My 21 year-old son just returned home from 4 years at Swarthmore College, one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. I showed him the camper. He was in the bathroom and I recall that he pulled out the hose to see where it hooks up to the shower holder.
Just now, I checked the hose and he apparently turned off the water by closing the valve on the head but left the taps wide open!! That's why it was dripping. It must have dripped all day and night.
I thinks I'm all set! Thanks to you all for the advice.
Things I learned on a bad camping trip
in Submit Your Story
Posted
I have to swallow my pride and admit that I have had a mishap emptying my black tank. As many have observed, it is difficult to reach the connection in the bumper compartment. It is also difficult to see it. An added complication is the inherent design deficiencies of the bayonet connection. My mishap occurred when I didn't get my sewer hose attached to all of the bayonet pins. I missed the one on top and you know what happened as a result. Luckily I caught it very quickly and the spillage was minor.
I stumbled on this Waste Master system. I like the idea of a cam lock to replace the bayonet fittings, but as you can see in the first video, making this switch means you can't go back. You have to remove the bayonet pins (think hacksaw) to make it possible to install the cam lock.
Please take a look at this and post your comments and opinions.
https://store.lci1.com/waste-master
Thanks,
Don