topgun2
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Posts posted by topgun2
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I'd like to reinforce what Steve has said about the chocks. In the rush to set up camp, on a dark/rainy evening, or if the bugs are bad, there is a tendency to rush or get out of the "normal" way you setup camp. Be careful! DO NOT forget those chocks.
Don't ask me why, but, for every camper I've owned I've placed a little sign near the front of the frame reminding me to put those chocks down.
Bill
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Thanks for the link!
Bill
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IIfalcon,
I'm guessing that the folks at Oliver could get a cover made from the same material that you are using on the dinette cushions. I opted for the one side of the twin bed layout to be used as a sofa (like Ron Merritt) and I wanted an additional cushion for leaning up against the "pantry" wall so I could sit in that corner and watch TV. Anita told me that this was no problem.
For what its worth, I ordered the firmest mattress that Oliver sells with the Elite II. I think that this mattress is only 5 inches deep and hope that with the relatively narrow depth combined with the shaved off corner at the back of the mattress, a fitted sheet and mattress pad will not be too loose. My wife has already given me four of those elastic straps that can be clipped to the bottom of either the pad or fitted sheet in order to snug it up if necessary.
Perhaps either tucking in a regular comforter or getting a cover made like you are thinking about is the way to go.
Bill
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Its taken me awhile to get back here - sorry about that.
Unfortunately, the day after we take delivery of our new Elite II we will head to a different part of Florida for a few days - Saint Augustine. But, please be sure to give me a shout if you make it up towards Brevard next summer.
On another subject - I didn't know that Oliver had an "Owner's Map". How and/or where can I find it?
Thanks,
Bill
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Gals and Guys,
Its been almost a year since this EZE gutter topic was talked about. So, how is the EZE gutter holding up? Does it still work as planned? Did any of it come loose? If yes, how did you re-attach it? Does it still match the color of the gel-coat? On the install - would you lengthen or shorten the sides any and if so by how much?
Bill
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In preparing to get delivery of my 2016 Elite II I'm curious as to how other people "make the bed". I intend to simply use a sleeping bag on top of the mattress but intend to cover the mattress with a mattress pad. Unfortunately, mattress pads are most often a simple white and look like the bed is un-made. Adding a simple fitted sheet also would have the look of an un-made bed. Therefore, I'm thinking about another cover on top of the pad. Is there such a thing as a "fitted" comforter? Any novel ideas? Has anyone made a cover in the same fabric that was used to cover the cushions in the dinette?
Thanks for the help!
Bill
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Steve,
Very nice - in just three months I too will be able to be on the road in my new Oliver. Unfortunately, even though my Dad was a professional photographer I never spent the required time to get it right. Obviously you have either spent that required time and/or have the natural talent/eye for these things. I'll just have to stick to fly fishing for trout.
Bill
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Welcome to the Forum!
If you have not viewed Ron Merritt's Youtube video, you should. And, if you can take a tour of the factory in Hohenwald I highly recommend it. However, while the tour is free and you will meet some very nice folks, the result of the tour just might be rather expensive. Good Luck.
Bill
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P.S.
No question about it - I would highly recommend the Clam. Simple, nice design, well put together and very stable in the wind.
Bill
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I can speak from personal experience:
The Clam does break down as easily as shown in the video - absolutely no problem - really slick.
However, I do not believe that it sets up as easily as shown in the video. Disclaimer - I've have only set mine up six times so far. Basically one has to pull out on the center hub while holding the top and the bottom of the screen room down. It takes a bit of force to pull the hub out and a bit of "wing span" and/or dexterity to hold the top and bottom all at the same time. Once everything falls into place - you grab it properly and pull it properly, you can feel the fiberglass poles starting to bend outwards. At that point it is a snap (so to speak). I'm guessing that it gets easier the more times you do it. Also, at least on the tourist model, popping up the roof is interesting unless you have the shelter already staked to the ground. Think about it - as you push up on the center hub of the roof what holds the sides down? OK, so simply grab one of the sides and push up? That takes some rather long arms.
In any case, the setup is certainly no more difficult than wrestling with poles and canvas of a regular shelter.
Bill
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ScubaRx,
Since I do not want to buy Oliver's camera system (it is expensive and I do not want another screen/monitor in my truck), I'm looking to get a simply HD camera, mount it inside the rear window, and connect it to a WiFi sending unit. Unfortunately, the WiFi sending units and/or the camera itself only come (as far as I presently know) with a RCA video output jack. This means that they can not be connected to the Go2 or to the Ranger Elite directly, but, must be connected via the WiFi.
So, now my question is: Assuming that one has the Ranger Elite and the Go2, do they put out a strong enough WiFi signal so that you can receive it in the cab of your truck while going down the road? As a side note here, I use my tablet for GPS directions in my truck. Therefore, I can also use this tablet to receive the WiFi signal from the Oliver - assuming that it is strong enough.
Bill
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Has anyone connected a rearview camera to a WiFi Ranger and then used the Ranger's WiFi to receive the camera's view inside your tow vehicle on a phone or tablet? How did you connect the camera to the Ranger? Any problems with the reception in the tow vehicle? What App did you use on the phone/tablet (WiFi Avin?)?
Thanks for the help.
Bill
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Actually Clam and Oliver are similar in that they are both quality products. The wait time on the Clam is considerably shorter that that for the Oliver. If you haven't purchased the Clam yet, you might want to take a serious look at the Kelty. At least one model of the Kelty has rain/wind panels that are included and can be raised/lowered from inside the shelter. However, the downside is that the Kelty is a bit more difficult to set up.
Bill
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llfalcon,
I recently purchased a "Clam" brand screen room. Because I usually travel alone I got the "traveler" model which is basically six by six feet and plenty of room for two or three people. All of the Clam products are relatively expensive, but they are nicely put together easy to set up, and even easier to take down. They use a center "hub" which allows you to simply "pop" the sides and top into place without wrestling with separate poles and stakes (you should still stake it once it is set up to keep it from blowing away, but it is not mandatory).
Hope this helps!
Bill
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Coy,
Very nice! And, what a beautiful time to get you new Oliver - I'll bet the leaves around Hohenwald are very pretty right now. Enjoy the heck out of that beauty.
Bill
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Mike and Carol,
I've emailed and received answers from Anita three times already this morning. I've tried my hardest to think of questions that she has never heard before - there were a couple, but, not many.
If you have not taken a look at it yet go over to You Tube and take a look at Ron Merritt's video of the Elite II, I have probably watched it 6 or 7 times over the last couple of months.
Also, don't be afraid to ask questions on this or over at the FGRV forum. People have been very kind and helpful to me during this process.
Bill
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Mike and Carol,
Welcome! Yes, the wait begins, but you can fill some of the time thinking of even more questions for Anita and Karen and debating on graphics, options, fabrics, outlets, and all manner of other things. Reading this and the FGRV forums from start to finish will also take more time, but, will also make you ask even more questions.
I just got my final pre-production paperwork today - yeah! Now I get to start watching "Twist" being built (hatched). May will be here before you know it.
Bill
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routlaw,
You can't be serious! Really sweet - I'm so jealous.
Bill
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Kevin,
The waiting for your new Ollie is the hard part!
Bill
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BBchBum,
THANKS! Exactly what I was looking for. Also heard that the "Bunnery" has great sticky buns and one of my favorite places for fish and chips from a few years ago is the Kings Head British Pub out on Highway 1. Have also heard about Saltwater Cowboys but am a little concerned that it might be a tourist place.
With regards to taking a look at our new Ollie (Twist) - absolutely no problem! Why don't you PM me with your phone number and I will give you a call when we get to town. We presently are scheduled to be over at Faver-Dykes State Park for the nights of February 18, 19, and 20, 2016 in site 21. Unfortunately I do not have a cell phone that you can call me on.
Topgun2 (aka Bill Jones)
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How about the dinette set in your brand new trailer, casual dining with just the right touch of fancy. : )Of course you would have to bring along some cooking utensils and food. We usually take along a number of ready cooked meals (that we made) that just have to be heated up.Have fun with your new trailer.Stan
Stan,
Basically you hit on the problem - in picking up the new Ollie we will not have it stocked with our "normal" supplies. This means that we will be eating out more often than normal.
Topgun2
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Linda and Bugeyedriver,
Thanks for the question and the answers. I too have been thinking about organization in my new Oliver (Twist) that I'll pick up in mid February. In my old stick built camper I used a bunch of semi-clear plastic bins from WalMart to hold most of my "stuff". I agree with Bugeyedriver on the paper plate thing - while not great for the environment it does save a bunch of water and time/effort. Now all I have to do is find a place for my "pop-a-plate" to hold those paper plates. The only thing that I have purchased so far for the kitchen area is a paper towel holder that I intend to sticky-tape to the wall near the kitchen sink. I do always carry a couple of "proper" glass wine glasses. These I double wrap in plastic bags and then pack them in with kitchen linens.
Despite all of the above, I agree with Bugeyedriver in that over time I'm sure that I will find a place for all camping things. However, one must do something to take the edge off the wait time before getting the new Ollie.
Topgun2
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Need some suggestions!
My wife and I will pick up our new Oliver Elite II in mid February, 2016. After the night in Hohenwald we will head south and plan to spend our second night just north of Macon, GA. We will then head to St. Augustine and spend a few days getting to know "Twist". Does anyone have suggestions for breakfast and dinner places? Casual dining is more our style versus fancy.
Thanks for the help!
Topgun2
Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer
in Ollie Modifications
Posted
YES! I've also got one of those freezer/fridge wireless monitors and they are well worth the money. Got mine from Amazon.
Bill