topgun2

Twin bed - easier to make up, can be used as "day beds" or couches, no need to bother your partner when getting up at night (or any other time), visually increase space due to the center isle being open, give you the added use of the "night stand". Standard bed - more overall room for sleeping and lounging, if left in the "bed" position there is copious room underneath for storage, if configured as a table there is very comfortable seating for four and overall seating for as many as six for eating or playing board games or ..... The twin bed can allow for the addition of a lagun table. Different strokes for different folks. Bill

Absolutely! A neighbor of mine was hiking that same trail a number of years ago when they came upon a man and his daughter that had been attacked by a Grizz. As it happens, a friend of my neighbor who is a physician assisted as did the Park Rangers and both survived. When this physician got home, he and another individual developed a bear spray (Udap I think - like THIS) which is still in use today. Bill

Wasn't trying to discourage - just wanted everyone to know that there is an "interesting" section near the end. Speaking of which - there is/was a nice little picnic area just before the "interesting" area starts. Anyone that choses to not finish the last part of the hike can simply wait there for the other hikers to return. Bill

If you go to Glacier and then on up to Waterton be sure to investigate taking the boat across the lake to do a hike to Crypt Lake. This hike is not too bad unless you are afraid of heights - the last section of the hike has a fairly short amount of trail that will catch your attention. However, the lake is stunning. If you go, be sure to keep an eye on your time. If you miss the last boat back across the lake, you will be spending the night! Bill

Nice use of that block under the front jack!

Nope - I'm good as the usage is not "routine" and there are already two other CO detectors in the Ollie in addition to the one in the heater. But thanks anyway. Bill

For anyone either thinking about or planning a trip to Glacier National Park in 2022, I'd recommend that they watch THIS YouTube video, It was released by Long, Long Honeymoon (LOLOHO) just yesterday and has a good synopsis of the 2022 requirements for the park. Bill

As you most likely know - propane does release moisture into the air as it burns. This is one of the reasons that it is recommended to open/crack a window or vent while using the cook top. I always have the bathroom vent open and that seems to be more than enough for ventilation and moisture. These little heaters also have built in safety sensors for propane, low oxygen and/or high CO plus tip over. Like any space heater, they should not be placed near anything combustible. So, the short answer to your question is - no. Bill

Back before my Oliver days I bought a Little Buddy propane heater (like THIS ONE ). I've used every year while camping and recently added a fan (like THIS ONE ). Unless it is VERY cold (below 25) I don't like using the onboard furnace at night - it keeps me awake and it uses both propane and electricity. So, early in the morning when nature calls, I get up, take care of the most important business and then quickly light the heater before jumping back into bed. Easily within a half hour the Ollie is warm enough to actually get up and get dressed. After seeing these wood stove fans for a number of years I thought that one just might work on the Little Buddy since it does not have a way to move heated air from one end of the Ollie to the other. Well - it works! No batteries, no plugging it in, it simply uses the heat from the Little Buddy to actually create enough electric power to run the fan. This, in turn, really helps move the air from the front of the Ollie to the back. I did purchase a long propane hose for the heater so that I could use my 20 pound tanks versus the rather expensive 1 pound green bottles. But, I've only used that hose once. The 1 pound bottles will last about 4 to 5 days of heating each day and there are places out West (like Yellowstone) that actually recycle these bottles. Bill

Basically I measured the distance from the bottom of the jack to the ground while the Ollie was level. Then I cut two blocks just a tad shorter in order to allow for ease of placing the blocks when there is gravel or "bumps" on the ground. For me, this measurement was right at 11 inches. The block I cut for the front jack is a touch shorter - about 10 inches - to allow for ease of placement given that the frame and Andersen chains can be in the way. Remember - these blocks can also be used on their sides which will be about 5 1/2 inches (for a 6x6 block). If you make a set of these, be sure to make some sort of "handle" so that they are easier to remove and carry. I used some old plastic rope I had around the shop - plastic "truckers" rope would be good - and some electric wire staples. Bill

A PM to SeaDawg might get you some "inside scoop" on things in Florida. The Canaveral thing is really great if you are into space at all. Make a day of it and don't be afraid to spring for the launch pad tour too. It ain't cheap but when are you going to be back there again? Your trip is much more involved as compared to mine. For the most part I just look for fish and places without people - easy. Good luck and I'll see you at the Rally! Bill

"They" do - if you organize it! 😁 Two mini-rallies have been held in Florida (Thanks Foy & Mirna!). Some work has been done at Oliver regarding holding rallies in other places but nothing firm has been set that I know of at this time. Bill

Ray-Sam Get rest before you get there as there will be a bunch for you to see and learn. I've marked your site and will plan on dropping by at some point to say "Hi". As far as I know, virtually all activities are still being formalized. So, I'd just relax a bit for now. There are some of the presentations already listed and you should take a look at those to determine which will be a MUST DO for you so that you are sure not to miss them. In this regard - pay attention to where the presentation is to be held. Registration and the Beach Pavilion are reasonably close to the camping area. But, most people will prefer to drive up to the Lodge for anything being held in there or in the Ballroom. Bill Yes, while there will be a few non-Olivers there, it will basically be filled with Olivers. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to simply walk around and visit. Don't be afraid to knock on doors and ask for a tour. Take plenty of pictures of any mods you see that you are interested in. Perhaps even start making a list of any people you'd like to meet while there.

to a 3/4 ton with excess space. Nature abhors a vacuum!😁

I use 6x6 wood blocks to lessen the distance the jacks have to travel and provide some protection against driving off with the jack all the way down. While a bit heavier than the plastic blocks, the wood blocks are a touch smaller and they are very inexpensive - free if you keep your eyes open. While there is no harm in using a second SP, I do not use anything other than the one that was built into my Oliver. It has worked well over the years. I use water from home or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Water from the onboard fresh water tank is filtered and sanitized (via a blue Camco filter) a couple of times during the camping season. But, I only use that water from the fresh tank for bathing, washing dishes, etc. Also, I use the Andersen leveling ramps for side to side leveling. I used to use the "lego" blocks (and I still carry one set of ten just in case) but the Andersen ramps are much easier to use - particularly when traveling alone.

if the factory tour doesn't convince him - nothing will. Be sure to take a bunch of pictures and ask a bunch of questions. And - have fun! Bill

p.s. Remember - the registration process is a TWO STEP affair. First get a campsite. Second register as per the above with Oliver for the actual Rally. Bill

Welcome! Start reading and viewing videos - here in the Oliver University and on YouTube. Best tip - simply use it. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Bill

Time is running a bit short! If you register for the Owner's Rally prior to March 1st, the rally fee is $100 per person. If you register for the Owner's Rally after March 1st, the rally fee is $120 per person. Also, if you visit the 2022 Owner's Rally site - click on "Home" then Owner's and then "Annual Rally" - there is a rough event schedule showing some of the activities and scheduling. If you have questions - ask away! Bill

Build it and they will come! 😊

Nope - However, one possible solution for the dilemma is to install remote control valves. A private message (PM) to ScubaRX just might result in help on this mod. Good luck. Bill

Given that there has been at least one Ollie owner that camped there with two good sized pups - I don't see why not. However, just to be absolutely sure, you might want to contact Oliver Service. Bill

True. But these still work with the "regular" spindles we have on the Dexter axles. Without the tool that JD shows above, the "normal" way to seat spindle caps is to place the cap on/in the hub, then place a 2x4 block of wood over the end of the cap and tap the block of wood with a hammer. If the cap is square in the hub then you have no problem. But, I've always found that this takes some luck and some practice to get these caps started into the hub. Once started then getting them fully seated usually isn't a problem. I've found that the caps with the center rubber plug are made from a bit heavier metal and given the "edge" around the outside of the cap, they are easier to tap into place even without the block of wood. Bill

Yes, I didn't initially like the rubber inserts in the centers either. But, in thinking about it, these are for "emergency use" and since these rubber caps are always hidden from the sun the rubber should last a long time. I did look into a tool that is used to seat the caps with the "full metal jacket" but it was $60 on Amazon - simply not worth the price given the number of times this has been an issue. Bill

Did you try simply unplugging and then re-plugging? Sounds like and internal EMS issue. Good luck! Bill