topgun2

Not surprisingly, I returned from my local Ford dealer this morning with a piece of paper that says," No SSM or TSB found for this vehicle. Cust supplied SSM does not apply to this vehicle as it was built after 4/11/15. There are no updates to the TBC at this time. Self test of TBC and memory codes found no DTC. Checked all fuses - all good. Visual inspection found no concerns. Verified voltage at pins - no concern. Found working to specs at this time." Note: my F-150 is a 2017 model built in February, 2017. So, I still have the TowMaster to try and the Oliver to check. Unfortunately, both those things will have to be done while I'm headed to Colorado for two months of fishing in about two weeks. I'll update if I find something. Bill

I agree with John - there is no "real" problem with either the slide valve or the operating handle in the bath. On the 2017 models there is an option for an electric switch to operate the slide valve versus the standard mechanical one. The reason I placed the word real in quotes is because I have forgotten to open that valve when camped. Thus, I have had a wet floor (and wet feet) in the bath due to my own inability to remember to open the gate to allow the water from the sink or shower to flow into the grey tank. Bill

John - you're right about the resolution. I spent less than $125 for my camera and transmitter plus the $125 I paid Oliver to install the wiring, on/off switch, and plate and my resolution is about the same as yours. I guess that I could spring for a better camera, but, as with yours, the resolution is adequate for seeing that big rock or tree or even kid before one backs into it. I've been pleasantly surprised with the camera reception in low light conditions. I do think that your camera location is a bit better than mine because you will get less road spray. Certainly a BIG benefit of your install is that you do not need yet another screen in you TV just for the camera. Given that I can use either my Andriod tablet or phone to view, I too didn't have to add another screen to the array inside my truck. Bill

I'd guess that the tech knows the kind of place that he is working for and wanted to try to make things right. I'd also bet that this tech will not be working for these people for very long unless he has absolutely no other choice. Glad you got it fixed but sad that it cost you $50 to find out what you already knew. Bill

HMD - most of had that dream and most of us can attest that dreams do come true. Keep on dreaming until they come true for you. Bill

Jason - email sent with pictures attached Hull # 117 Named "Twist"

Randy - I too have the "couch" arrangement similar to the one you bought from "Windcrasher" and I do have pictures, but, I believe that Brandi is asking for information regarding the Elite I. Bill

This doesn't get the chains totally off the ground but it does keep the "whale tail" off and cleaner than it would be otherwise AND it is simple (like me). Bill

Foy & Mirna - Be careful, this is a slippery slope. But, what a beautiful and satisfying ride. Now you have the time to dream something up AND make it happen. You can complete projects and do them the correct way because "work" no longer gets in the way. You can spend time thinking of things like this and then literally make it happen. Nice job! Bill

For those cloudy/rainy days when the sun will not do its thing on my solar shower, I simply heat a bit of water on the stove, pour it into the solar shower and have at it. This is particularly true when I'm in full water saving mode and really don't want to use the shower in Twist. Bill

Agree with Reed (and Karen)- a little "sweet" talking just might get you a great deal.

Wroady - You've seen the light (in more ways than one). Retirement is a GOOD thing for finally finding out how to really live. Hopefully your "new" life will bring many miles of joy - you certainly are planning on starting it off on the right foot. Welcome! Bill

I wouldn't get too hung up on the cleaning and drying thing. I usually use a 5 gallon solar shower with my enclosure. Even taking a fairly long shower I always have at least a gallon of water left when I'm done and I use most of this to spray down the walls and floor of the enclosure when I'm done. This tends to keep most of the soap and anything that I tracked in to a minimum. As far as drying - given the usual low humidity out West, the nylon tent fabric dries rapidly. In the event that it rains or that it doesn't dry I simply wad it up into a garbage bag and throw it into the bottom of the Oliver shower until I get to the next camp. If I'm not setting it up again I simply lay it over the picnic table (or similar) until it is dry. Yes, au natural is a great option - when possible. Bill

Randy - I think the answer to you question depends (for the moment) on how much time and (possibly) equipment you have. Since I do not have Twist here at the house and don't remember exactly how that "gutter" is attached there is a possibility that its total removal just might be a bit more of a job than you either have time or inclination to tackle at this point. If that is the case then I'd remove as much of the old caulk as possible, clean ( and then clean again) what is left and then apply the sealant. The idea here is to give the new stuff enough area to stick to that is clean so that it can stick. GreyGhost is correct in that the "best" thing to do is to remove what you can and basically start over by removing all traces of the old stuff and cleaning the mating surfaces, but, sometimes (depending on time and effort) one is forced into doing a patch job which probably will not last as long. Bill

Even though I do not have satellite TV in my Oliver I do have it at my house. A year or so ago I looked into the possibility of putting it in Twist. Directv does have an RV program but it wasn't as flexible as the one available from Dish (pay only for when you are using it like Mike said). Think about how and when you might be using this equipment. Certainly it is convenient to have your "dish" on the roof of the Oliver with automatic satellite finders, etc. However, if you are camped in a spot under trees or some other structure is blocking the needed view for "connection" to a satellite then you will be out of luck or required to move the Oliver. Also, if you want to use the equipment for "tailgating" or party of some other sort, you will be out of luck unless you bring the Oliver along for the party. As a final thought - I've seen this type of equipment being sold on Craig's list at a price some 50% less than new. If you have the time you just might want to keep an eye out for a deal. Bill

Yes, I'm with Scotty, so, make that three data points. However, the earliest that I could get an appointment at my local Ford dealer wasn't until Friday, June 30th. This was mainly because the technician that "knows more about the computer things than anyone" is not available until then. We'll see! Bill

Brandi - Pictures I don't have. But, you just might want to contact Richard Johnson, 1256 Walker Levee Road, Fulton, MS 38843 as ask about them. Richard is the fellow that makes all of the cushions for both sizes of Oliver and I'm sure that he could provide you with a wealth of information. Sorry I don't have a phone number - you might try calling Anita in the Sales office for that ((888) 526-3978. Bill

And so - the adventure begins. Excited for both of you! Just wait until they start following you into gas stations, rest areas and the like. Or, when you come back to your Oliver from grocery shopping and there are three or four people checking it out. "What is it?" "Who makes it?" Etc. So glad that your first trip was a good one and that your dreams are indeed coming true. Bill

ShallowGal - Again, WELCOME. Since you have already seen the Oliver in person you do not have to rely on the opinion of those of us that just might have a bias for the Oliver. You already know that it is simply the best camper available that is produced by a great company which is staffed by some truly nice people. I'd suggest that you use the "search" function found on the main Forum page and fire away with those questions. Certainly there are some very sharp minds and special people that inhabit this area of the world. Bill

I'm basically with John on this one - there are many reasons to use an outdoor shower (particularly in the West where grey water is allowed to be "dispursed" on open ground in many places). If left in the back of my truck while I'm fishing all day (or on a picnic table that is exposed to the sun most of the day) the water in it is simply too hot to take a shower immediately after returning to camp (great excuse to sit down, reflect on the day and have a beer or glass of wine). I generally use a shower tent but have shied away from getting the more expensive ones for the reason John cites - when it gets too dirty after a few years I simply pitch and replace it. By using the outdoor shower one has more room to shower, you don't fill your grey water tank, you don't use any of your propane (assuming that you use a solar shower) and (assuming that you refill your solar shower either from the campground pump/water supply or from a crystal clear creek) you don't use your on-board water supply. With the addition of a simple portable toilet, a shower tent can also be used for "other things". For extended boondocking trips I use a simple toilet that uses what amount to plastic bags with a bit of "material" in the bottom which absorbs fluid and reduces odors. According to the directions, these bags can be disposed of with the regular trash. They are available both on line and at WalMart. Again, using these saves space in the black tank. I store the shower tent and solar shower(s) in the area beneath the street side bed where they fit perfectly - my shower tent is the single room variety. Bill

Since my hull number was assigned and advised to me shortly before completion I assume that the assignment happens close to the time that the VIN number is requested and received. Since the VIN # is not assigned until after the trailer has been weighed and that doesn't happen until after the trailer is fully constructed with all of its options and propane tanks installed, one can only assume that the trailer is virtually complete and off the main production line. As far as I know - you are correct regarding the hull numbers - there are no duplicates. Bill

HMD - Assume that you are aware that the Oliver can be ordered without the microwave. That space could then be used to store your oven and Oliver will give you a credit for the microwave that is not installed. Bill

JRbirdman - I assume that you are NOT using the Towready? Bill

There's something about "having my tank done" that I like! Bill

This conversation has been going on for a number of years now with many people wanting a convection. The Oliver answer has always been the same - the is simply not enough room to allow for one and meet all standards without a significant design change to the Oliver. Therefore, the answer has been to seek other methods - dutch ovens, electric toaster ovens, etc. Bill