topgun2

And, its tomorrow too!

Good suggestion from George, but, don't forget to also check around your windows, marker lights, etc. Bill

Nan - That is good news about the knee. As soon as you are able I trust that you will "get to it" regarding the truck and then the Ollie. As has been mentioned before, the whole process is really not that difficult. When you first are starting out, there is virtually nothing that is "over the top" particularly if you are doing it by yourself. Get a checklist and stick to it and you will be fine. With regards to checking my electrical connection from the truck to the Ollie - it is part of my "walk around" at each stop. While the pump is filling my tank I simply walk around the rig looking at it from top to bottom. Specifically I look at all of the connections - if something looks wrong I inspect it further and I touch each of the wheel hubs (the center part of the wheel) to see if they are hot which might indicate a problem with the wheel bearings. Then when I start my F-150 there is a screen that tells me if the lights are functioning properly. That's all there is to it. After being in two accidents where I've been hit from the rear because the other driver "didn't see me", this is the least I can do to make sure I've done everything in my power to prevent it from happening a third time. In addition, your stop lights and turn signals are the only way you have to communicate with others as you hurtle down the highway driving 10,000 pounds of machinery. Not only is it the law that these lights must function properly, but, it is in your own best interest. Bill

Nan - The big black "cable" is actually for the electric connection between your tow vehicle and the Oliver. Its what allows the lights to work on the Oliver while you tow it down the road - this includes your turn signals, brake light, running lights, emergency flashers and also charges your batteries in the Oliver using the alternator in your tow vehicle. This "cable" gets plugged into a socket that is on the rear of you tow vehicle - this socket is many times covered by a little "door" that keeps it cleaner when you are not using it. A good rule to follow (besides your checklist for all these connections) is to make sure that all of your vehicle and Ollie lights are functioning properly just prior to departure. I even do this even when I've stopped for gas or a rest stop. Bill

Horace - I carry a grease gun with me and give the equalizer zerks a shot any time I get over 3,000 miles. Since I've always got a tarp with me too there is never really any excuse not to lay the tarp down and take care of business. Besides, after all that hard work I deserve an adult beverage - as if an excuse is really needed. Bill

Oliver marketing has given away Oliver t-shirts at some rallies and (if they have them in stock) have given t-shirts to new owners of Ollies at delivery. Since you have a relatively new Ollie and if you didn't get a t-shirt at delivery, you might want to call your sales agent and ask nicely if you can get one (or two). Bill

Sorry - no change to the "avatars" that I've seen. Bill

I'm sure that "Shallowgal" will respond to this question at some point - all four of them at presently on the road somewhere near Rapid City. They have been in an Elite II for several months now traveling to Alaska and back with their two fairly good sized dogs. As far as I know both the humans and the dogs are doing fine and enjoying the ride. Bill

I know that many of the folks out in the mountain west know what they are doing with snowy weather. However, this storm is one for the record books - and even people that are "used to it" just may be caught off guard. That along with visitors that are not as experienced could combine for some real bad situations. Please be careful out there! Bill

KWR - I do not have a dish for the Oliver but I do know that they are all wired for this type of service. Indeed, this is one of the reasons for the 110 volt, 12 volt and coaxial connections that are in the attic. Unfortunately this is about all I know. I'm sure that a quick call to the guys in Oliver Service could get you pointed in the right direction. Good luck. Bill

At the Pisgah Inn on the Parkway they sell a grey t-shirt with the label - "The view from Mt. Pisgah" - on it. Bill

Why do you think they call it Red Canyon? Nice!

Even the driving helps get you more comfortable with the Oliver - its just so plain easy. Unfortunately, since this is your first RV you have nothing to compare it to but take my word on it. In addition, given the double hull construction, not only is the Oliver cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, it is also quieter. This helps when you have been driving all day and can't find that nice quiet, peaceful place to camp. However, I'm sure that you are looking forward to a bit of time just to settle in. Bill

Sure doesn't look like there is much stress going on here. Nice shiny new Oliver and shiny new Andersen hitch too. Keep the good times rolling! Bill

Nicely done, Jaque! How about some camping pictures and/or road pics? We really do share your excitement. Bill

I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Hopefully all of the immediate Oliver family knows just how saddened all of us are even those who never actually got the chance to personally meet him. There is no question that he has left this world a better place. Talk about leaving a legacy - obviously he left more than one or even two. Bill

DavidS I'm guessing that the Andersens are made of a slighty softer plastic. Mine have never "slipped" that I know of. The only downside to the Andersens is that they are a bit tight between the wheels. Andersen says that if they are too tight you can simply cut off a bit from the narrow edge, but, I've not done that. Bill

Brevard, NC did have three Ollies but is now down to two. Bill

If you haven't tried turning the fridge off, waiting for 15 seconds or so and then turn it back on - try that. Of course I assume that other AC driven things are working when you tried the fridge on AC. Bill

Bobfirst - Given what you said about the connections, green light, etc. I'd wait 'till Monday and give the Service Department a call. Certainly they can give you the details regarding specs and warranty and possibly other trouble shooting ideas. Bill

Has anyone noticed the new wheels being used on the 2020 models - click on "Travel Trailers" in the big blue banner at the top. I also understand that there will be a different lighting setup on the interior with only one switch panel and "touch" lights but I have not seen a picture of this yet. Bill

Nice job on those gutters over the windows!

Make sure you get gas well before getting anywhere near either Park. If you're going toward West Yellowstone, even Big Sky is too late to escape the 30 to 50 cents per gallon higher price. Bill

I know that WiFi Ranger does software updates. About three years ago I was camped in some commercial RV park and saw a notice for a software update on my WiFi Ranger. Without thinking I simply clicked on the update and went to bed. The next morning my WiFi Ranger would not work. Long story, short - when you see that message to not turn off your device while an update takes place - obey it! During the download, the campground's wifi connection was lost which caused a total software failure in the Ranger. Yes, I know that one would think that they would/could have prevented that, but they didn't. The good news is that with the great help of the Service guys at Oliver, WiFi Ranger replaced the unit under warranty. Bill

Carl - two things: 1. There is a "snap ring" on the bottom of the ball assembly which is what stops it from pulling out of the housing when you lift the trailer/TV in order to get slack in the chains for removal/installation of the whaletail. If that nap ring has bent or broken then the ball assembly could lift too far out of the housing causing the problem you describe. Check that snap ring! 2. You can use the "lug wrench" that Oliver gave you with the camper (or a breaker bar or virtually anything with a 5/8 inch end on it) to move the bottom end of the ball housing into the position you need for the whaletail. Hope this helps. Bill