topgun2

I'd be willing to bet that it really doesn't matter much which wash/wax you used. Think about this: do any of the gaskets on you car/truck cause black streaks after you have used that same wash/wax on them? And, with the number of us that have had the "black streak" problem what are the odds that all of us would have used the "wrong" wash/wax item? Nope, you got the same thing the rest of us have had to deal with. Fortunately, so far, the sealer provided by Oliver has worked to stop the streaking. Also, I understand that Captain Tolly's Crack Cure/Cream/Stuff works to stop the issue. Just let things dry nicely and have at it. The job really doesn't take long and is not that difficult. Bill

OK, as promised here is the follow-up report on "Custom Shield Coating". As I mentioned, I traveled from the mountains of Western North Carolina to the mountains of Colorado and back. Prior to leaving I knew that I would be traveling some dirt/gravel roads once I got the Colorado. This year the weather was not the best . Sometimes that can be good news in that it can help cut down on the dust from those dirt roads. However, the rain did such a good job of cutting down on the dust that the dust turned into mud! I know that I should have taken a picture, but, at one point the front of Twist was covered in an inch coating of mud and rock. Several of these roads were badly "wash boarded" too. I've found that there are two ways to deal with this type of road - either go very slow or very fast. Assuming that it can be done so safely, I generally choose the "fast" approach even though I know that this kicks up more dirt and stones. Below are a couple of pictures of the removal of the coating (note that the instructions on the can say that the coating is only "good" for up to three months. I'm guessing that the elasticity of the coating tends to diminish after that time making it more difficult to remove and less effective protection.). Note that I had already washed Twist (twice) prior to removal. I did remove this coating fairly slowly as I looked for dents, dings, and scratches but the total time of removal for both sides was less than 10 minutes. In places where there was a "nick" in the coating I had to take my time, but basically the coating came off in a sheet. There were no additional dents, dings and/or scratches in the finish of the Oliver and the gloss of the surface was unchanged from the adjoining non-coated surfaces. Given the "textured" nature of the coating when applied, bugs, road grime and dirt are a bit difficult (or impossible) to remove when the coating in in place. However, in removing it all of the dirt, grime, etc comes right off. Certainly this is an added benefit in that I used to spend a fair amount of time re-polishing these areas after each trip. Bottom line - I'll certainly use this stuff again when I plan on being on dirt roads. It is fairly easy to apply, easy to remove and protects the front of the Oliver from dirt, grime and small stone chips. Having said this, I do not think that it would be a good substitute for more serious protection when it is projected that the Oliver will be spending huge amounts of time on roads that are less than paved (I'm thinking Alaska here and/or those owners that spend a majority of time on dirt/gravel roads). Bill The above shows the difference in sheen between the coated area and the rest of the Oliver. It also shows some of the left over "road marks" after I'd already cleaned twice. Above: the start of the big peel. All finished peeling with the ball of coating showing the gloss surface of both previously coated and un-coated sections of Twist.

ScottyGS, I think that you are right on the mark concerning how the Tow Ready works. I only use it when I'm actually towing. Since I have "cross traffic" alerts when I plug in a trailer I get a message that the "cross traffic" alert function is no longer in operation (not surprising). However, I also have "blind spot" alerts and not only do they continue to work, but, they are adjusted for the length of the trailer in addition to the length of the truck (I had to input into the computer the length of the trailer I'm towing). Bill

Canoe12, Nope, don't think so in that I've used dielectric grease on both the plug and truck since day one (well, actually day two if you want to split hairs). Heck, I even used it on the Tow Ready prior to plugging it into the truck. Bill

Brad, I'm guessing that it will be no problem for them to do this mod for you - Jason told me that it does not take very long at all to complete. Bill

Angela, Obviously they will "do" virtually anything directly to the Oliver and the accessories that they sell for the Oliver. I also know that they will "do" wheel bearing maintenance, re-caulking of virtually anything on the camper (think here of re-caulking the air conditioner, bathroom vent, Maxair fan, etc on the roof and windows, etc.) and fiberglass repair of damage done to both the interior and exterior of the Oliver. Bill

Overland, Don't think that I was "first" since tnbackroads had his done the day before. When I emailed Jason a couple of days before I got there I simply listed this mod (along with the other work that I wanted done) and in his return email to me he said that they would take care of it. I also didn't ask if the new Oliver's coming down the line had this mod, but, I would find it very hard to believe that they wouldn't (or, the design to the tanks would have been modified directly from the tank mfg). Since I didn't ask and one can not actually see any copper on my mod, I don't know about what was used for the drop tube. However, assuming that it works, I'm not sure that I really care a whole lot. Bill

Routlaw, The fresh water tank mod is designed to allow the water to pick up "all" of the water in the fresh water tank versus the original design that only got something like 80% of the total capacity of the tank before the pump started to suck air. I believe that credit should go to "Raspy" for the original design and idea of putting the pickup into the top of the tank (versus the original that is from the side) with a tube that extends to the bottom of the tank. As soon as I get a bit of time I will post a trip review - with Colorado fish pictures. Bill

Wow! You guys are right on it this morning. Below are a few quick photos of this mod. Note that I did not take it apart to see just how far the pickup tube goes towards the bottom of the tank. But, Jason told me that now I would be able to use virtually 99% of the water that was in there, so, I assume that they put that tube right to the bottom. Also, since I only live about seven hours from Hohenwald and just got home yesterday afternoon, I did not have a chance to "test" it. Hope this help! Bill

Don't know the answer(s) to the questions - call Richie Carroll at 1-888-526-3978 and I'm sure that he can give you the details. I'll get some pictures today and (hopefully) post them later today. Bill

John, Looks to me like you need to take the bull by the horns and organize an "Oliver West Rally" just like Hardrock did for 2017 and is doing for 2018. I'm sure that he would be more than happy to give you all the help he can. Bill

I've just returned from a fly fishing trip in Colorado. On the way back to Western North Carolina I stopped at the Mothership and had the guys at the plant "do" a couple of things for me. One of those things was seeing if I could get the "new" mod done on the fresh water tank. Jason told me that it would be no problem and would not take them very long to complete. When the work was done, Jason gave me my total bill and I noticed that the "Fresh Tank Modification" was billed at $47.50 but was marked "N/C". Certainly it is possible that since the rest of the bill totaled almost $1,000 they just threw this mod in on the deal, but ... So, not only did I get the mod, but, they did not charge me for it! Talk about great service at a great price! So, if you are near Hohenwald and/or are planning on getting some other work completed, you might want to ask (nicely) if they would do this "mod" for you. Finally - once again I simply can not say enough kind words in regards to the work and helpfulness of these guys at Oliver. Jason, Richie, Justin, Dustin (and others) not only work their butts off doing great work in a hot and humid plant, but, they are simply great guys and more than willing to do whatever is in their power to help. Its simply amazing to me what these guys will do for a couple of donuts and a can of soda! Thanks to them for all they did for me. Bill

OK, here's the bottom line from by trip that ended this afternoon. I traveled from Western NC to Colorado and back. There was copious rain, numerous rough dirt roads and a bunch of miles on the Interstate. I used the Tow Ready 20142 the entire time and never had one "disconnect" issue or message. In a previous post I mentioned that I was going to remove some foil tape that I had applied over and around some of the wiring and lights prior to the trip. I never got around to doing that. So, the only difference in my before the trip and after the trip was the Tow Ready 20142 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4AYR3U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Bill

Dave - I am constantly amazed with the people on this Forum. People perceive a "problem" or a way to make something "better" and then they find a way to do it. I think that this is why this Forum is so good. I know that there are not many of us and I can only wish that more of the present owners would actively join in sharing their experience, but, until that happens, I certainly appreciate the efforts of member such as yourself. Bill

John - they say that drying time is 5 minutes! Certainly the weather did not slow that down very much - 80 degrees but the humidity was fairly high. Life is tough in the mountains of Western North Carolina! Bill

OK, so, first observation on this stuff is that one must read and follow the directions exactly. Yes, I do read and I do follow (unless there is some "valid" reason not to) but part of the instructions say to remove the tape from the masked off areas immediately while the product is still wet. Well, let me tell you - this stuff dries REALLY fast. I would suggest that when it comes time to remove the masking tape, two people get involved. While one person continues to spray to "wet" the edge, the other person follows directly behind quickly removing the tape. If you do not do this, the product film will start to lift off the surface of the Ollie. Don't ask me how I know this! Bill

John - basically the answer to your question has to do with money and looks. At the Owners Rally I did see an Elite II with bed liner sprayed on and interestingly it was done in black. It didn't look as bad as I had imagined. But, this stuff is less than $15 a can and I used one can to do the areas noted in the pictures. Certainly I don't believe that it will do as good a job as the bed liner stuff, but this stuff can be peeled off after I'm done with the dirt for this year. We'll see! Bill

This past winter I saw a product called "Custom Shield Coating" by ArmorAll. This is a spray on, peel-off paint and body protection product that is supposed to help prevent rock chips. Since I will shortly be hitting the road and plan on traveling on my share of dirt over the next two months, I thought that I'd give it a try. And it sure is a bunch cheaper than a set of Rock Tamers. Application is fairly easy once you have the area taped and masked. When dry the surface of the Oliver has a "rubber like" texture to it and it is not shiny like the rest of the camper. However, on a test area the shine was back when the product was peeled off. Once I get back - mid September or so - I'll report back here as to how well this stuff held up and if it prevented and rock chips. Bill

Reed and Karen - I truly am sorry for the issues that you have had with your Oliver and for the lack of "speedy" response by the plant personnel. But, you have made your point. If you have not already done so, I'd suggest a letter to John and Scott Oliver. Bill

Recently I was told about a fairly simple one time use fire extinguisher - Tundra by First Alert. I know that there is an extinguisher by the Oliver entrance, but, what if a fire happens in the kitchen and I'm back in the bed? Amazon had a two pack of these for $22.49 and I ordered them. https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-AF400-Extinguisher-Aerosol/dp/B001229JCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499709044&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=tundra+fire+extinguisher&psc=1 Since they don't come with any kind of mount, I took a piece of 2 inch wide "industrial" Velcro I had in the workshop and figured that it would work nicely in the corner below the nightstand. Hopefully I'll never have to use it. Bill

My post concerning "screaming" was intended to be "cute" and not in anyway disparage anyone's ability (or lack thereof) to drive mountain roads. By taking the railway both people can look around without the hassle of also having to watch traffic. Both people can look for wildlife, both can look at the view, both can relax. Certainly it gives you another alternative. Bill

In my experience, it is those that have been wronged (or perceived to have been wronged) that voice opinions in the strongest manner possible. At the same time, those that are satisfied (or at least think they are) go merrily on their way without saying too much. I've tried my best over the years to write letters of thanks and gratitude when I have received good products or service, but, am usually amazed when I hear that this doesn't happen too often anymore. There have been voices on this Forum that have documented their displeasure at the quality and/or service received from Oliver. And, there have been others that have praised Oliver not only for the initial quality but for the long term commitment to making a better camper plus fixing any problems that customers may have with their campers. Rarely have I seen a company publish a public note explaining its position on this subject and then actually "do it". Olivers are not for everyone, but, from what I've seen and heard and experienced they are the best (by a long shot) out there. I know that I'm a happy camper even for $60,000. No, mine is not a Rollie - not that I've ever actually owned one - but, for me, it sure beats anything else I've been able to look at. Bill

I used the TowMaster yesterday when I towed Twist home from the storage facility and there were no "disconnect" messages. However, the distance towed was only 10 miles which doesn't give a very large data sample. So, I think that I'll leave my foil hat on for now, continue to use the TowMaster and see what happens with longer distances. Bill

Yes, at $40 a pop its not cheap, but, it sure beats hearing you and Carol taking turns screaming - depending on just which one of you is on the outside of that turn. Bill

Mike and Carol - You mentioned Pikes Peak. I'd recommend that you take the cog railway ( http://cograilway.com/ ) instead of driving. That way, both of you can look around during the trip up and down. Bill