topgun2

Nothing specifically wrong with what John states above. I've got a small ceramic electric heater that I almost always have with me on my trip out West. It has a thermostat on it that will automatically vary the fan speed and the wattage output (from 500 to 1500 watts). At exterior temperatures of 29-30 degrees this little puppy will warm the interior from the low to mid 40's to 65 in right around an hour with only one human inside the Oliver (nicely tucked away in a sleeping bag). Therefore, unless you are expecting temperatures to be well below the mid-20's I doubt that a second unit is necessary unless (as John states) you want protection against failure. The "complete winterization" is really no big deal and should only take a tad less than two gallons of RV anti-freeze and about 30 to 60 minutes of your time. Since you would probably want to sanitize your lines and fresh water tank in the Spring anyway, the flushing of the anti-freeze probably only adds another 10 to 15 minutes to the project. Bill

Kathy - I'd say "go for it". That's really the only way to see if others are interested. Perhaps GPS coordinates would also help others find the spot. Bill

Robin & Susan - Welcome to the adventure! By now the two of you are pro's at the Oliver style. Bill

I believe that the camping discounted rate is $20/night plus taxes. Nice review and am looking forward to it. I completed my registration yesterday by using Matt's on-line form and payment system - (see the "2018 Rally"). It really worked great, is simple to do and quick if you have a credit card. If no card then you can always simply send them a check with the appropriate information. Bill

Canoe12 - Yes, I really do like my fancy dimmer switch. Since it was sourced from the marine industry and is moisture resistant (and fancy) I guess that was why it cost $300. In any case, I know that they had three dimmer switches when I had mine installed about 14 months ago. I wouldn't be surprised if they still had two left if you are really interested. Bill

While preparing Twist to be put away for the winter I thought that I'd give "Semi-chrome" metal polish a try on that rear bumper. It works nicely! I really didn't take a bunch of time - since the bumper will only get water spotted again while in storage over the winter, but, all the existing water spots came off along with road tar and the general dull appearance. If you can't find "semi-chrome" then I would think that "Flitz" or "Mother's" metal polish would work as well. Note that this is only for those that have the polished bumpers. Bill

Canoe - I just used the "wand" yesterday on my water heater. It worked great but I'm guessing that I kept moving it in and out for a period of 10 minutes or so before I could no longer see any particles coming out. Instead of letting the water simply continue to flow into the heater, I'd shut it off and then restart the flow in order to get a surge of water coming out. This helped any particles get over the "lip" where the anode rod screws into the heater. Bill

Possibly this spider has bitten off more than he can chew. I wonder what the insurance claim would look like? Bill

I spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina. It is no surprise that this camp is full most of the time. Reservations via Reserve America can be made 13 months in advance. There are a small number of "full service" sites that include electric, water, and sewer, but, most sites are just electric and water. However, there are two or three convenient dump stations as you exit the camping area. The primary attraction is the beach - there is something around 3 miles of it with two nice access areas directly from the camp (near site 33 and site 9). There is also the winter home of the Huntington's that has Spanish Moorish architecture, but for me (besides the beach) the attraction was is miles of trails and roads for biking and the numerous boardwalks out onto the marsh areas. These walks allowed for the viewing of bald eagles, rosette spoonbills, egrets (several different ones), herons, gators and oyster beds. The grass is cut, the restrooms are clean and even though the park was full it really didn't seem that crowded given that there is plenty of space between sites. Just outside the park is all kinds of shopping, restaurants, and just down the road in Myrtle Beach there is your typical eastern seaside town stuff to do. Even though I do not golf (a walk well spoiled as Mark Twain said), there is an amazing number of courses nearby. I've already got my reservations in for September, 2018!

Mike & Carol - Yes it is in very good shape - there is a little de-lamination in a couple of spots, but really not bad for a 25 year old non-molded camper. Bill

I'm sure that some of you already know, but, Airstream did (at one time) make fiberglass (laminated) campers. These pictures are of a 1992 model that is currently owned by a couple that are interested in moving up to an Oliver. Interestingly, while this Airstream has laminated fiberglass sides, the roof is aluminum. Bill

Ok, how about a beach fix?

When I pulled into Huntington Beach State Park yesterday afternoon it was 84 degrees and raining. By 6pm the wind was up but it had stopped raining. This morning it is 56 degrees and still breezy but the sunrise on the beach was great. The camp is full and apparently stays that way most of the time. Given what I've seen so far I'm not surprised - hopefully pics will happen. Bill

Steph & Steve After delivery I had the factory add a dimmer switch because I found the lights a bit too bright from time to time. Assume that you have thought about extra 110, 12 volt and usb ports in the night stand if you are getting the twin beds. Also, how about an extra hook on the other side of the bath door and a port hole on the front for the propane tanks. Bill

I'll join the group on the wash and wax thing- sure is pretty! Exterior detailer works well for quick touch-ups. Particularly for those fresh bugs on the nose. Assuming that one has the polished bumper - I've used a product called "never dull". But, it is a bunch of work with less than what I would call perfect results. Next I'll probably go to a metal polish with a mild abrasive like "semi-chrome". Bill

Or, in the interest of saving a bit of cash - Harbor Freight sells two different suction cups. One is a four inch and the other is (I think) a two inch. Certainly the four inch would hold a fair amount of weight - I use one on the outside of Twist to hold my fishing waders while they dry. That way - no holes, nothing to see when it is down and it is very flexible in how you put it up. Bill

John - I've got one of those retractable jobs in the bath of Twist (I posted about it in the mods section). It works great for that space, but, the maximum length is 11 feet and while the cord is OK for 1 towel, wash cloth and a pair or two of undies I'm guessing that it will not take a bunch more than that. I've never seen that same idea scaled up a tad for something like you are thinking. Good luck. Bill

Canoe12 - Using the "search" function will get you a bunch of (almost all positive) reviews and comments concerning the CLAM Shelter (and a bunch of other stuff that isn't even vaguely related to the CLAM - go figure). I think that I'm in the minority in that I got the small (4 panel) CLAM. It is great for one or two people but as many as four can get in with chairs. This past summer I used my Mr. Buddy Heater and three of the "rain/wind" panels and just about roasted myself out of the thing. They are easy to put up, easier to take down, fit in the closet of the Oliver and when staked out they will take one heck of a wind. Best screen shelter I've ever owned hands down. Bill

Randy - OOPS! Sorry about that. I'm guessing that those (your arrows) are the tops of the two shocks. Bill

roguebooks - I don't know the answer to your question, but, I'm sure that Richie Carroll at OTT does. You can contact him at - 931-306-9232 or email at - rcarroll@olivertraveltrailers.com Hope that helps! Bill

Randy - I would guess that those are 12 volt outlets (and/or USB outlets). I had one of those placed in that position when I ordered Twist except mine has a white cover. Bill

Well, "HI" back to you from the mountains of Western North Carolina. When we decided to retire we looked into moving to Oregon because the weather is similar to the weather here. Certainly both are really nice areas of this great country to live in. Welcome into the daylight and fire away with any questions you may have. You are correct - the Oliver really is a special camper. Bill

Matt - Instead of just doing a video on lubing a jack, how about a general lube video. This might include the jacks, the EZ Flex suspension system, doors, waste valves, Bull Dog hitch, hinge mechanism on the Maxx Air Fan, window slides, etc. Bill

geO - There is no "window" for getting in on the action. However, the later you wait to make reservations, the less choice you will have in your camping spots or cabin or room. Don't forget to mention that you are with the Oliver Rally and/or group code 7066. This will get you a discount of $5 off the normal $25/ night fee. Bill

Canoe12 - While I don't mind the "off-white" color of my blinds (it helps offset the abundance of pure white I think), I really like your idea of a Company Store. Unfortunately, with the growing pains that have received much discussion on this Forum, I doubt that this would be a high priority item for OTT at this time. I could see a bunch of "branded" items that I would have an interest in - t-shirts, coffee mugs, chairs, fleece, etc. Bill