topgun2

The "easy" way to tell is to take a look at the back of the drum. If there is a rubber plug take it out and look for a "wheel" on the inside of the drum that can be turned (via the notches in the wheel). Turn it one way and the brakes tighten while turning it the other way loosen the brakes. These are manually adjusted brakes. Since I'm hull number 117 and you (Mike) are fairly close, I'd guess that you have the same brakes as I do - self adjusting. Basically these brakes adjust each time you drive the Oliver in reverse. These are not as finely tuned as the current Dexter "never adjust brakes", but, generally they do a good job. This is particularly so if during your annual wheel bearing job the brakes are adjusted properly when you hub is put back on. Right after this annual job your first few stops just might be a bit lacking in stopping power - that is because you probably haven't backed up the Ollie enough times yet in order to allow the self-adjusting mechanism to full work its magic yet. As long as the big magnet inside the drum is still good, the magnet is getting power, and, you have reasonably good brake lining, you should be able to get more that reasonable stopping power from drum brakes under "normal" circumstances. Yes, this is arguably ancient technology. Yes, disk brakes are easier to service and can provide more consistent and reliable stopping power under a broader array of circumstances. But, properly serviced drum brakes have proved to be a reliable source of stopping power for many years on many vehicles and trailers. Bill

Yep - I can make a bunch of trips to the grocery store (2.5 miles round trip), to Lowes (7 miles round trip), or even WalMart (8 miles round trip) before I start to be concerned about that large gas tank in the truck getting below half full. I do feel a bit sorry for those that do not have as much choice as we do regarding how and when they must use their vehicle. This evening's local news still said that upwards of 70% of the gas stations in the Asheville area are without gas. But, by early next week things should be greatly improved. Bill

Today (Friday May 14) two of the three gas stations nearest my home did not have gas. However, yesterday all three had gas at least for part of the day. News reports tell us that the pipeline that was shut down is now fully functional. Therefore, once the "panic" stops and once there are enough fuel delivery drivers to deliver the product from the pipeline terminal to the individual stations, everything should return to "normal". Bill

I don't believe that for most of us the larger bulldog is necessary at all. However, I do agree with JD that the "newer" Andersen is a good improvement from the previous designs. I've owned at least two of the previous designs and having the current one both prevents water from getting into the anti-sway system (thus helping to prevent that "nasty Spawn of Satan" noise) AND from allowing the friction cone material from coming out of the top of the assembly. I also agree that it is well worth the $100 that Andersen wants for the upgrade. An added bonus is that Andersen doesn't want your old housing back. This means that you have now got a really nice door stop too. 😊 Bill

Yep - some SERIOUS JB Weld! That certainly is one nasty break - NOT a crack as I had first heard.

E6000

Liana - Most broken mirrors are a result of either leaving the door unlocked while in transit or in applying too much torque to the frame of the door while opening/closing it (i.e. opening the door from the top or bottom thereby twisting the frame or slamming the door against the dinette seat when opening. In any case - instead of going to a local glass shop for a replacement, I'd call Oliver Service and ask what they want for a replacement - it could save you some money. Good luck! Bill

Not "Duck" tape?😉

From my experience with other weight distribution hitches, I'd say you are right. However, even the Andersen can be a PITA upon occasion. Bill

Patwv - Get some help if you can't seem to figure it out. It really should not be that hard. With regards to the "spring loaded piece" - try a shot of WD40 in that pivot and spring area to make it work a bit smoother. And while you're at it a bit of "dry" lube around the entire collar area to make it work more smoothly would not be a bad idea either. Keep at it - it should get easier. Bill

If you think that you need that sledge then simply look for another way to get the job done. It really shouldn't be that hard. Unfortunately, the times I most remember where difficulties occurred were when I was in a rush and/or when the conditions were not ideal - swarms of mosquitos, heavy rain, etc. Bill p.s. A hitch pin like THIS ONE makes removal and insertion of the whale tail a bunch easier too.

According to Gas Buddy, some 70% of gas stations are out of gas in North Carolina. However, some gas has begun to flow in the affected pipeline and while it might be as far out as Memorial Day before things return to "normal" (in all areas) there should be significant improvement by the middle of next week. Bill

HERE is a new video from Jason and the Oliver Service Department regarding the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch. Bill

Unless its deer season - then all bets are off.😁

I'd GUESS its a support for a flag pole.

You eat it too?😉 Yes, it is a cool pic. Bill

I just returned home from a 20 mile drive (one way) up to the Asheville airport which is just off Interstate 26 south of Asheville. On the way up ALL gas stations were out of gas but most had diesel. On the way back home (after dinner) there was one large grocery store that had obviously received a shipment of gas. There were approximately 20 vehicles in line at each of the 20 pumps waiting for gas. An Oliver owner who is currently in LGSP advises me that at least one of the gas stations in Gunthersville has gas with no lines, Bill

I knew it! It's a II (not). 🤪

Can I take a rain-check on this since I will not be at the non-rally this year?😁

I've heard of owners placing the "sticker" on BOTH the tongue and the front of the basket which resulted in the system working perfectly.

I have the twin bed model with the street side bed also serving as a couch. If I'm "working" (laptop, tablet, sending emails, checking weather, etc.) I usually do that at the dinette. If I'm reading, watching TV/movie, listening to music or an audio book, I'll sit on the couch. Even if you have a regular twin bed set up or the full sized bed you can use throw pillows to prop yourself into a sitting position. Rarely but for those rainy days when I'm inside virtually all day, I'll open one of my "camp chairs" in the isle and sit there for something different. Bill

Assuming that these hitch balls still have the threaded end/shank on them, all a thief would have to do is remove their hitch ball, put yours into its place, and drive off. Therefore, the answer to the question would be - none of them. Bill

The RVer's television series continues this Saturday with season three. It is initially being aired on the Discovery Channel (#278 for DirecTV) with additional airings on a number of other outlets. Personally I hope that both content and production will be improved for this season since I found the first two seasons to be lacking in both these even though the scenery was generally good to look at. Bill

Thanks, ShallowGal, for the suggestion and the thread. Besides listening on long drives I've also found that these audio books are great for those nights when I'm a bit tired from fishing, its raining outside, its buggy outside, its ..... outside or I simply want to lay down but am not sleepy. My only problem is that I don't understand why it is that after laying there a bit I realize that the last thing I remember is something in chapter 5 and the book is now on chapter 9! 🙄

Ouch - at $22 each (plus shipping) how does one protect them from theft?😄