topgun2

Steve - I'll add to the "welcomes"! Sorry to hear about your wife but I'm sure that she is still with you in spirit. There are a couple of Ollie owners here that have had exactly your same unfortunate experience. I'm sure that they can be of help to you. With the F-150 you will absolutely need a weight distribution hitch if you intend to stay within the law and want to keep your Ford factory warranty. Ford requires a WDH for towing anything that has a hitch weight of 500 pounds and up. The Andersen WDH is the only one that will work with the Oliver without reasonably major alterations to the Oliver. Add to your list of YouTube videos those that Andersen has placed on YouTube and you will be well prepared for your delivery. As you progress - don't hesitate to let us know your questions and/or things that simply don't make sense to you - we are happy to help! Bill

Absolutely right. Even for those times - while on the road - I "lock" the bulldog with something like THIS. Steve Morris is correct that these are fairly easy to defeat as is simply using wire/bolt cutters to cut that fairly thin "wire" that holds/operates the sliding collar, but, it does keep the "casual" kid from opening your bulldog while at a rest stop or having lunch in a place. Bill

Not on mine. On my original build I did order the deletion of that twin bed extension in order to make that side more like an actual couch. However, Good ol' Anita called me one day and convinced me to add the "wing" and then use the combination of the back cushions plus a couple of throw pillows in order to make the "couch" more comfortable while preserving the utility of the larger seating area for a bed if the need arises. As with most things - Anita was right! Bill

Most people (couples) get regular mattresses for these beds. I got a mattress for one side but still have the standard cushions for the other side plus the backrest cushions in order to make it more like a couch versus a bed. If you are mainly traveling alone and/or your partner is fairly light weight then this arrangement could be considered. Bill

Rivernerd posted the dimensions of his storage basket HERE. Bill

Interesting - on my 2016 I have separate switches for the curbside and street side for the "patio/flood" lights. However, I have only one switch for the "puddle/courtesy " lights. I have heard of a couple of owners moving this switch to an inside location. It shouldn't really be all that difficult. However, I'm not sure why Oliver has never done this. Bill

Made right here in western North Carolina! Nice looking box!

Shame that I can only give this one thumbs up!!!!

With all due respect to Meghan and her Uke - I prefer the video I posted. Thanks for getting on this - it could be a real hoot. Bill

You're goin' to need a bigger ukulele?

Two things - 1 - as you may already know - you need to register with Oliver 2 - you need to register/get a campsite with the State Park Even if the State Park has no available sites (I'm guessing that they still do have sites available) there are "bondocking" sites available very close by. Bill

Its all about the bass

😆🤣😂

You might want to pass this by Matt Duncan. As far as I know - things like the Beach Pavilion have a fee associated with them by the State Park. However, more than likely the vendors will be in the usual location (I can't remember what that is called) and if that is the case then Oliver has already arranged with the State Park for use of the "shelters" in that area. Just saying. Bill p.s. thanks for taking the music by the horns on this one. Hopefully a bunch of pickers will get with the program.

I like what you've done to the place!😃

You might take a look at THIS thread for more insight. Bill

One of the reasons I stopped cross country motorcycle trips.😵

Interesting as I do the same. Usually on the first day on the road I start out a bit nervous, high strung, anxious, etc. All the details of the trip are going through my mind - did I remember to pack everything? Are all systems as good as I can get them on both the truck and the Ollie? Did I remember to pack enough money, emergency supplies? What is that exit number for cheap gas? Etc., etc., etc. However, after about an hour or so I'm over there in the slow lane, enjoy a bit of music and watching the world go by. While basically not having to "worry" about running into the traffic in front of me, there is simply more time to actually see what is happening on and around the road. I've accepted the fact that it will take me 15 minutes to a half hour longer to get where I'm going and THAT is OK. There really is no need to hurry since I've planned my stop for the night early enough in the day that I have plenty of time no matter what happens (i.e. traffic delays, tire trouble, or even showing off the Ollie at a gas station/rest stop). Such a joy to be on the road and not worried about virtually anything - no NEED to rush as those days are over. Why didn't I do this sooner?

HERE is the thread on the slow blow fuses. Bill

Since I store my Ollie away from my home I do not have it readily available. So, I simply don't remember what type of "blade" fuse is necessary - but - you can always simply pull one, take it to WalMart, Ace or any auto parts store and get a "kit" that includes a couple of fuses in the most common sizes plus a fuse puller (beats looking around for a pair of needle nose pliers). You will also need a couple of slow blow fuses for the jacks. There was a recent thread for those here on the Forum or you will find a yellow plastic/rubber protective case near the top of each jack. Inside that case is the slow blow fuse. Take it out, run down to your local NAPA store and buy a couple. Bill

I do not have experience with this particular trashcan. However, I think that smaller is better - its not exactly like there is a bunch of spare room in the bath area😉. Bill

There have been a number of these "containers" shown here on the Forum over the years. "High quality" and "waterproof" can be a bit subjective though. I'd start by looking through the "Mods" section of the Forum and/or doing a search for storage basket. Good luck! Bill

At the top of this page - click "Home" Then click "Owners" Then click "Annual Rally" Note that if you still need more info there is a number to call at the bottom of the "Annual Rally" page. It is unlikely that you will get specific information regarding a specific schedule of Rally activities yet - but - historically there have been presentations on various subjects in the Ballroom of the main Lodge each day plus a number of vendors and current model Oliver trailers are available most of each day in an area down by the lake. There is time for visiting with other owners and there is usually an opening reception and a closing meeting. Do you have a specific question in mind? Bill

I too have ben watching KYD for a few years. I was very surprised hearing the number of 67 mph as this has been my maximum speed for open relatively flat interstates for awhile now. In wind, rain and gloom of night (I very rarely tow at night) the max speed goes lower. Also being in a fair amount of traffic will decrease my maximum no matter how fast those other guys are going. Having said this - it really gives me the nerves to be doing 65 in the right lane while things are passing me at 90 plus just a few feet away. Bill p.s. I really liked the parts about - if it feels to fast - it is too fast.

OK - looks like you got the ball rolling! I've not seen a Rally schedule - yet - but, unusually there is nothing "formally" scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights. So, after everyone has supper on their own and/or an adult beverage or so you are free to wander around, meet up with friends, go up to the Lodge to watch the sun set (or simply watch it set over the lake from the beach) or just try to relax from your day's adventures in Ollie land. So, for at least a couple of hours (I think that the campground quiet hours start at 10pm) you can pick away. Hopefully others that enjoy this sort of thing will either show up at your place or agree to meet for some music and laughs. Bill