topgun2

I've tried checklists but I've never found them to be as easy as they should be. Carrying around a clip board or dry erase board just doesn't do it for me and, somehow, I'd miss things even though I could swear that I checked it. So, I tried to just get into a routine and do the same tasks the same way every time - that way certainly I would not forget something. Yep, that didn't work all the time either. I tried "sticky notes" - what a disaster that was - think rain and surfaces that those little buggers don't stick to let alone ALL of those bits of paper laying around on everything. Here is a new idea I'm trying - "slap straps". Get a bunch of these, write the thing that should be checked on one, and attach it to either the steering wheel of the truck or the screen door grab handle. As I take care of the item noted on the strap, I simply remove it from the steering wheel (or screen door grab bar). When I set up camp I place the strap back on the wheel or door when I take care of that chore. Sorry that I don't currently have access to my Oliver to show the straps in action, but here are what these things look like: The black storage tube was made out of an old golf club storage sleeve and a couple of caps from used small tubes of grease. I got the slap straps from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011DFG4W8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I originally got the idea from You, Me & the RV on YouTube.

As I see it, there are basically two issues regarding these stems (not counting the kid with the buck knife who just as well might "key" your vehicles). For most of us who do not venture into the great beyond issues regarding the stem being hit, cut, torn, etc. are usually not relevant, however, for those odd occasions the peace of mind that they might bring could certainly be worth that $60 to $75. The "mass" that is at the end of the stem coupled with the vibration caused by that mass and the potential wear on the rubber of the stem is more of the problem. Having said this, I've been told that there can be some problems with metal stems sealing to tire rims (particularly rims that are not steel) and, of course, there are the potential issues surrounding corrosion with metal stems. Bill

Isn't the world of "no schedule" great? However, usually this comes with a bit of a price - age. All of that "someday" I want to … now turns into - I better simply get to doing all of those things instead of just dreaming about them. We all have to start somewhere and what an exciting time it is - have FUN! Bill

They all have rubber stems. In my discussions with the tech guy at EEZ he told me that metal stems were not necessary for use with their transmitters. However, I intend to replace my rubber stems with metal ones AND have the tires re-balanced at the same time when I get the new TPMS. Bill

Ken & Karren - Boy! Time is getting short for you now - talk about excitement! Oliver deliveries usually take about two hours or so. They do not just hand you the keys. Every system will be pointed out and demonstrated (if possible) and they will take as much time as you need to make sure that they have answered all of your questions. However, there will be a number of items that will not be "tested" at that time. This is due to the fact that there (usually) will not be any water in the fresh water tank and since delivery (usually) takes place inside, there will be no sun to make the solar panels work (assuming that you got that option). However, during the first night's camping it is fairly easy to test these systems to make sure that they work to your satisfaction and I would strongly encourage you to do this for two reasons. One - make sure that they work!. Two - make sure that you know how to make them work. This second point is a bit more difficult than most of us imagine. Sure, we listen and even (perhaps) take notes during the delivery, but, I certainly didn't remember it all even a short 8 hours later. Most important - have fun, take notes (videos are even better), ask questions, play with everything that you can, but, most important, relax and (did I mention?) have fun! Bill

Ken & Judy - I viewed that video earlier this morning. As it was playing, I could not help but compare my Oliver on a point by point basis. Not only did the Oliver compare favorably on the Airstream negatives but it also did great on what Loloho thought were positives (for the Airstream). Kind of like having the best of both worlds! Bill

Mike - No problem with any of my pictures unless they make me look really stupid! Bill

G & T - Here is another idea for you: I've got two of these that I use to store little items in. They fit very nicely in the cubbies. I did glue strips of 3/8" thick foam on the bottoms so that the lower drawer would clear the lip of the storage area. They measure: 7" wide 7 1/8" tall 8 1/4" deep - including the little pull handles on each drawer

Nan - None of us like paying taxes! But, try to put that tax paying chore into a bit of perspective. Back when you started saving your money into that 401K plan (and/or IRA) you didn't pay taxes on that money (at least on the Federal level). Then, for all those years that you had that money in those plans you earned interest and dividends on BOTH the money that you deposited AND the tax amount that you didn't have to pay when you made the original deposit. So, now when you want to withdraw those funds you have to pay the taxes but you are at least paying with some of the monies that you have earned on those tax monies that you didn't originally pay. Certainly a classic case of "pay me now" or "pay me later" (from the government's point of view) but at least it is a bit comforting (to me at least) to know that I've been earning money on those taxes that I should have paid originally. A second thought - please don't take the broad brush negative comments by some people about Wells Fargo as proof positive that the entire organization is BAD. In any organization of ANY size, there are good and bad people and things that should be avoided. Yes, Wells Fargo got caught doing things in parts of that organization that were not according to law, regulation or common decency. However, that does not mean that everyone in that organization or every part of that organization is/was bad. Financial institutions are constantly reviewed by several Federal and State regulatory agencies and "must" adhere to volumes of standards and regulations that touch virtually every part of that business. It is one of the higher regulated businesses that we have. Certainly when an institution (your bank, auto mechanic, airline, hair dresser, etc., etc.) fails to abide by acceptable standards and/or regulations (and are caught - which I believe they all will be caught in due time) our trust in them is somewhat eroded. When that happens (and ideally we should be doing this at all times) we should take a closer look at our dealings with them and decide for ourselves if that institution and the people within it continues to warrant our trust and/or business. Having said all this, I believe that depending on your own amount of financial expertise, you should treat major financial decisions in a manner similar to how you should treat major health decisions - if there is ANY doubt in your mind as to your course of action, you should seek a second opinion. Bill

There is a very nice Museum of Transportation - https://transportmuseumassociation.org/ - located just west south west of Saint Louis. They've got a bunch of old trains there if you happen to be in that area. Bill

Trainman - I trust that you are kidding. We have had "other" brands of campers at previous Oliver Owner Rallies and are happy for them to attend. Certainly you are more than welcome - we need someone to kid (just kidding of course). Bill

For what its worth - I do the exact opposite of ScubaRX. I leave the valve to one of my propane tanks closed. I rarely, if ever, have the heat on at night, so, I really do not have his problem of having to get up in the middle of the night in the event the single tank I'm pulling from runs out of propane. When I find that this first tank is empty I simply open the valve to the other tank and then get the first tank refilled as soon as practical. This way I don't have to ever think about my usage and I don't run out of propane because I didn't remember to check. Bill

RB - Assume that you have both tanks with propane in them. Place the black lever in either direction and the tank that the lever is pointing to is the one that is supplying the propane. Also assuming that you have both tank valves in the open position then when the first tank runs out of propane, the regulator will automatically switch over to the other tank. Bill

Trainman - The Andersen is the only WDH that will work with the Olivers without cutting away some of the fiberglass at the front of the camper. where does this problem occur, is it the adjuster, or the hitch" - the answer is YES. Since you have used the "normal" type of WDH you probably are aware that there are times that these hitches can be a bit of a problem. This usually occurs when the camper is at a fairly severe angle to the tow vehicle - the ground is very sloped in one direction or another. When un hitching and then re-hitching the Andersen it is particularly sensitive to having the tow vehicle and the camper in the same alignment for both operations. Most times, this is easy to do - but - there are those times (think rain, you are in a hurry, its dark, etc) when it is not so easy. Andersen changed the design of both the "whale tail" and the hitch ball housing a couple of years ago and the old design is no longer produced. Having used the Andersen for over three years it is my belief that as long as you pay attention to Andersen's instructions for removal and application you will encounter very few problems with their hitch system. On those occasions when it does not cooperate, it helps to stand back for a moment and figure out exactly what the problem it and then correct that problem. In virtually all cases - if you can not figure out what's wrong - you can simply disconnect the chains, drive to level ground and then (using Andersen's instructions) replace the chains and drive off. This is nothing very different from placing the torsion bars on an old style system when one simply can't lift it far enough up to get it in the proper place. I would recommend that you take a look at the Andersen video's on YouTube to get an idea of how their system works: or Bill

Nan - I split this discussion off from your original post because it doesn't specifically have to do with a truck in and of itself. First of all - congrates on your participation in the 401K program of your company. As you are now finding out - these tax advantaged programs can mean a great deal to you in your retirement. When you say that you moved your 401K to Wells Fargo, I assume that you moved it into another tax advantaged account (i.e. IRA or Roth IRA). If you moved it into a Roth IRA then you have already paid taxes on this amount and no further taxes are due (this is most likely NOT the case though). Given your questions, there are a number of things that should be considered: 1. Your age, health and overall financial standing. 2. Your overall tax status (both Federal and State) 3. Going into debt is "usually" not good, but, could be OK in certain circumstances (see number 2 above particularly in regards to any current stock holdings that may be at a loss from your original "basis" (the price you originally paid) or other losses that you may have recently incurred. 4. Selling your house? What is your "equity" position in the house? What other financial resources might you have? If you are not sure about this decision then I would say a big NO. 5. Throwing caution to the wind is not a very good idea since (depending on number one above) you probably do not have time to recover in the event something should go wrong. It appears to me that what you could use is a good financial advisor - someone that is certified as a financial planner. If you are not familiar with investments and general financial matters then a visit to your bank can serve as a starting place. They should be able to direct you to a number of certified financial planners in your area. Sometimes your insurance company can also get you this type of information. But, please, do not be afraid to ask for proof of certification AND how they will get paid for the service that they will give you. If at any time you do not feel comfortable - leave and seek someone that you DO feel comfortable with that can explain exactly what they are talking about to you in language that YOU understand. Bill

I agree with Sherry. The Porche would be a bit more fun on the drive to TN, but, the truck would be better for return. At least with the truck (considering the entire round trip) weather would not be as much of a concern and weight or hills would be a no brainer. Bill

Nan - Virtually any new 1/2 ton truck from any brand is capable of towing an Elite II. Total cargo capacity can be a little concern especially if you are looking at full timing or are a heavy packer. Be sure to look at trucks that have the integrated towing package - not only does this help with the brake controller but it also usually has things like a larger gas tank (very helpful in the West) and transmission cooler. Finally, any 1/2 ton truck that I know of will require a weight distribution hitch - primarily due to the 500 pound weight limit on the hitch ball itself. I'd recommend that you NOT get caught up on a specific brand of truck but look at them all to determine the one that you like best with the features, comfort and price that meet your needs. Bill

G & T - Fixing them yourself depends on what programs you have on your computer. The basic operation involves bring your "posted" photo into a photo editing program - such as - Microsoft Photos or Adobe Photoshop or Corel Paintshop or etc. - and use that to turn the photo the right side up. Then you would simply re-post it. Bill

KWR - I certainly would want to watch the total amount of weight that you are loading on the "shelf". Surely the "Solo" should not weigh that much, but the Yeti 75 could get fairly heavy (loaded). Bill

Roundabout - 1. I don't think that there would be a problem with what you are proposing. However, since I have the twin bed model, hopefully those that actually have the king bed setup will come forward to answer this question. 2. With the Elite II your hitch weight will normally be between 500 and 600 pounds. Most (if not all) vehicles other than heavy duty trucks require a weight distribution hitch if that weight is at or over 500 pounds. Therefore, it is my guess that, yes, you will need one. However, you should look at specifically what is required for your vehicle. 3. There have been a number of discussions on this Forum about gutter guards. This is what is most commonly used: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Products-OW01044-White-Gutter/dp/B01GWF8BYS/ref=sr_1_9? crid=2C93VH46P2K4X&keywords=rv+gutter+guards&qid=1552229679&s=gateway&sprefix=rv+gutter+guards%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-9 However, take a close look at the picture of the Elite II that is shown here on the Forum just as you log in. It shows an awning over the dinette window that was adapted by Little House Customs from a design that is used on the Casita. 4. I suggest that you just read through the Forum to get some idea of what owners have to say about problems they have had with their Olivers. I think that you will find that most problems are associated with products that are not specifically made by Oliver (i.e. fridges, heaters, etc.). In any case, all new Olivers come with a five year warranty on the frame, lifetime on the shells, and, bumper to bumper for one year on the whole thing. Of course this is in addition to any warranty that a component manufacturer has on their product. Plus, just this past week you probably saw this Forum post: http://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/oliver-service-department/ Bill

Perhaps this could be a bit like herding cats, but it is certainly worth a try. I would think that the process would be fairly simple - post the time and places along your route to the Rally that would be convenient for people to meet up. Then wait to see if anyone actually shows up. Obviously, overnight stops would be good for this purpose. Good luck! Bill

Landrover - While there is nothing official (as of yet), I do know that the folks at Oliver have been working on a plan that should provide much the same type of thing as you experienced with Airstream for overnight stays. Sure will be nice when (and if) they actually get it done. Bill

Jim & Mary - No its not on the Forum but Mr. Wamsley does a great job with it each month and it is easy to have it delivered to your email inbox by just sending your email address as per my original post. Bill

John - I'm not a lawyer nor am I an insurance expert. However, I have been down this road before regarding liability issues (not directly with my Oliver though). While I'd be interested in hearing what someone with "expert" knowledge has to say on the subject, it would seem to me that in today's world it is prudent to have personal general liability insurance in addition to the normal home owner's and vehicle insurance that I assume virtually all Oliver owners carry. I doubt very seriously that Oliver Travel Trailers would be in a position to "cover" the insurance or costs for any of us that chose to show our campers to anyone - to include prospective buyers and/or referred contacts. Of course, if someone was injured while touring my camper I would assume that they would sue me and anyone else connected with the "showing" and this would include the entity with the deepest pockets - Oliver. I would also assume that a court would take into account both intent and possible negligence in any decision that they would render. Given some of the "crazy" decisions that we all have read about - who knows. But, within the bounds of my financial resources, I try to cover my liabilities as best I can while at the same time living my life in a sane and prudent manner and do not expect Oliver to cover insurance costs for things that they can not directly control. Bill

For anyone that doesn't presently receive the subject newsletter, you can subscribe by calling: 1-888-526-3978 or emailing at: info@olivertraveltrailers.com telling them that you want to receive the monthly newsletter. This month's Newsletter starts off with a nice video featuring our very own "Bugeyedriver" - Pete and Bosker or click on this link Bill