topgun2

Back in the day at the request of an owner cold weather enhancements were made during the construction of his camper. I know that at least two of these enhancements were additional insulation and tank heaters. The reason for the request was the customer did oil shale work in northern Pa. in the winter. As it turned out the tank heaters were not necessary. Unfortunately there wasn't an easy way to test the effectiveness of the extra insulation. Eventually that owner sold the Oliver because he felt he needed more room during those cold winter days and nights. Bill

Between the two of us hopefully we will have enough brain power that we can remember.😄 I'll do a small amount of looking around and see if I can find out what time these critters did their thing this year. Since they are usually within a week or two each year that should give us a ballpark to shoot for. I'll let you know. Bill

And now if only those voices in my head would stop! 😁 Glad you got it fixed and good for the guys at Progressive. Bill

Let me see? Wood blocks are basically free and the legos cost money. That's a hard choice in that either will do the job. I always carry three 6x6 wood blocks that are about 11 inches long. These blocks just fit under the rear jacks on a fairly level surface and when used on their sides they are (obviously) just under 6 inches long thus giving an alternative for when that gap is under the 11 inches. Bill

We've been using Shoe Goo since the early 80's. Back then the main purpose was to apply the stuff to the heels of running shoes so that the shoes would last for a number of additional running miles (today's running shoes have soles that are much more durable than they were back in the day). The next "found" use for this stuff was to make both the heels and the toes of fly fishing wading boots last longer and I still use it for that purpose today. Certainly Shoe Goo will "fix" soles that are detaching but it tends to be slightly less pliable than E6000. Both of these products can be used for temporary small leak repairs or awning patching or fishing wader patching or .... Bill

Given that I cover my Oliver while in storage, the rooftop solar panels are useless. However, I do plug in a small 25 watt solar panel for the purpose of keeping the batteries charged. The climate in Western North Carolina is kinder/milder than others I can think of, but, we do get down into the teens for short periods a couple of times over the winter. I make sure that everything possible is turned off inside the Ollie, I turn off the rooftop solar panels and I "trip" the two main breakers so that there is minimal current draw. Each Spring and the several times I check on the camper over the winter, the batteries are always fully charged and ready to go. Bill

Nice pics! So shiny and new - its time to go get it dirty! Congrates, now the real fun begins. Bill

Yes, and the Camper Service area used to be in the back (north side) of that same building. The "new" Service/Sales building is not actually new. But, it is in much better shape as compared to the old location. In the back (north side) of the "new" building Oliver will have some other products being manufactured. The Sales area is located in the front (south side) left and the camper Service area is in the front (south side) right of the "new" building. However, until renovations in this building are completed, the new Service area is temporally located about mid-way down the right side (east side) of the new building. Bill

Presently there is a grass area on your right as you approach this "new" building. There is some discussion at Oliver about making this into a "camping" spot for pre and post Service customers and possibly even for post delivery. I asked about the non-paved areas around toward the back of the building near the wooded area and was told that they didn't feel that these areas would be secure enough for camping. Even though I meant to ask about "dump" and potable water facilities at this "new" location - I forgot - sorry. Bill

"New" Oliver Service location - 228 Industrial Ave, Hohenwald, TN 38462

Nope - it is not in the same location. I don't have the address handy but if you turn north at the WalMart stoplight, cross the railroad tracks and proceed to the end of the street - the new sales office and service center will be right in front of you. Bill

According to NCDOT regs tire chains are not required but may be used when safety conditions warrant. So, I'm guessing that there are areas of the State where chains are recommended and certainly there are areas of the State where one would be a fool to drive without them under and there may even be some private or semi-private areas that may require them. Bill

Believe it or not - right here in a little town in "southern" North Carolina the local WalMart has chains in stock. Certainly there are no roads anywhere near here where chains are required. Go figure. Bill

Gee, I sure do wish I knew what you two are talking about! 😁

The "better" stuff is $2.99 at Tractor Supply. Same stuff is $4.99 to $6.99 at Home Depot and Lowes. I just looked at the antifreeze I bought at WalMart and it claims to protect down to 50 below zero. What does the "better" stuff do better? Bill

If you will be taking delivery alone, I think that you will find it difficult to try to take video at the same time all the other stuff is going on. Noble idea but generally not too practical. That was one of the reasons the University was created in the first place. Bill

Daecart - While you're at it - Ask Jason for an extra one or two so you have them on hand. The good new is that they simply snap into place. Bill

And my wife talks about the tools I buy? 😄

To update this thread - It has been announced in the latest edition of Trailer Life magazine that starting in January it and MotorHome magazines will be replaced by RV Magazine and RV.com. Current subscribers to either of the former magazines will receive RV Magazine in place of their current subscription(s). Bill

Heck - I can hardly remember yesterday - good luck with Larry 😁. Yes geocasheing does still exist - remember the one million dollar chest that was found this year. That could be considered a form of it. Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains there are geocashes all over the place and people out hunting. Bill

That's great that there was another Oliver owner in the campground with you. When we took delivery of ours we traveled down to St. Augustine to camp for a few days and right across the street was another Oliver. It really made us feel better and even more a part of the Family. Then, in 2019 while camped just outside West Yellowstone, there were actually three Olivers! We organized a pot luck supper and had a good time. Now, your next objective is to see one out on the road. Bill

Yes, that ceiling sure does look like the new Sales/Service building to me. I was told that there are plans to do something with the ceiling - and the whole building area for that matter - When I was there in early September the Sales offices were nearing completion but little had been done over on the Service side with the Service Department working from temporary space to the rear of their eventual home towards the front of the building. Bill

I think you got to the nub of the issue - the 2" is more common. I would add that given the size and weight of the Oliver, the 2" Bulldog is more than adequate for the vast majority of people. Your 2020 Tundra is certainly a nice truck and will tow the Oliver well. You might want to check though - I'm guessing that the weight distribution hitch is required in order for you to maintain your warranty by Toyota - Ford, GM and Dodge all require it for 1/2 ton trucks. Bill

type "garmin" in the search box for a start. I use a dedicated GPS unit because of its larger screen - yes, I could use my tablet but that device is already being used for my backup camera. I also have navigation in my TV but I tend to like the features of the dedicated GPS better and it is nice to have the backup. Bill

Check David Crockett State Park, 1400 W Gaines St, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464 - this is where that first "free" night has been in recent times. There are other campgrounds that are even closer to Hohenwald, but, at last report these were simply not as nice. And, there are boondocking sites as close as Oliver's own parking lot in the "old" Sales Office. It is good to stick around for a few days. Not only for you to become familiar with your new camper but to make sure all systems are functioning properly (this is called a "shakedown"). It is good to watch those videos. Your delivery day will be exciting but also filed with more information than most people can easily absorb. The more familiar you are with both the process and your new Oliver before you arrive to actually pick it up - the better. Bill