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Or - you can use something like THIS shield. Of course it doesn't do much for tipping over that wine glass but it is great for keeping splatters (think burgers, bacon and the like) off the bed. Bill

Welcome Mike11! You're in for an interesting ride. I'd suggest that you start reading as many of the questions that those unfamiliar with Olivers have already been posted - some many times over. Also, don't forget about perusing the Oliver University where much can be learned not only about Olivers but many times about RV's in general. Have fun and don't be afraid to let those questions fly. Bill

The "subscription plans" that Garmin offers can be found HERE. I normally use what Garmin calls the "Recreation" plan. If you calculate the "breakeven point" of this plan versus the other two if comes out to right at 5 months. So, if you plan to use the InReach for at least the 5 months it becomes the least expensive out of the three available. Normally I keep my device "active" for about 6 to 7 months paying the monthly fees during that time and then when we are not traveling and/or hiking/fishing as much I inactivate it unless we decide to hit the road. Bill

Yes, this is basically what I meant by my comment about never considering at least a couple of the possibilities. These devices are not "cheap" but at least for me the potential downside of not having one is or could be VERY expensive. In addition I've found that there are several features of the Garmin Mini that are very helpful and/or entertaining. You can track where you have been in virtual real-time and share it with others and you can save these tracks and/or places such that you can either go back again or re-trace your steps in order to get back to the trailhead. My point is that these are not just "rescue devices" - they can be very useful for all sorts of activities. Bill

BUMMER! I'm guessing that you would have mentioned if anything besides the truck was injured. Therefore I assume that other than nerves and, maybe, ear drums (from the screaming) all is OK. Bill

A number of years ago I purchased a Garmin InReach Mini satellite communications device to use primarily while I'm in the Western US and out of cell phone range. Certainly the Garmin is not the only one of these devices but they recently published a statistical analysis of where, who and why various "SOS" calls have been made. Actually I had never considered at least a couple of the possibilities as reasons or situations to use the Mini. While I found the commentary to be a bit self-serving at times, the general nature of the report can probably be applied to many of us that spend a bunch of time exploring the great out doors. HERE is a link to that report. Bill

TW & Christie - Welcome to the Family! Your new baby sure is nice and shiny! How was Joe Wheeler camp? Did you do anything interesting on the way home? I look forward to meeting you at the Owner's Rally. In the meantime - get out there and break-in that new beauty. Bill

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OOPS! Don't think I'll do this.

No and there is reasonably little "R" value in layers of Reflectix. But, where insulation is already thin or where it adds another layer of "dead" air space then - why not. Bill

Not a great pic but this is that "wall" covered.

While you're at it and if you have any material left over - simply go under the dinette and/or beds and place another layer over the water heater (assuming the Suburban), and then any other area that you can reach. Also, while you're in the basement, a layer on that little "wall" between the basement and the interior where the backside of the shower is located could use some. Bill

Don't give up on Xantrex. They are normally better with customer service. I'd send them another request or call them. Bill

Yes - Anyone that has changed out that door window for a window that is tinted and/or has window blinds has performed this job. Before you remove those screws (or plastic tabs for those with newer windows) be sure to either use tape or another person to hold the exterior window in place. There is a fair possibility that the exterior window will fall out and therefore break if it is not held. Past that the process is pretty straight forward and the entire job should only take about 30 minutes or less. You will see where the old rope caulk in placed. Remove it and put in new. I "over caulked" just to make sure I got a good seal and when I re-installed the excess caulk came out on the exterior window. I simply scraped this off with a plastic razor blade (so as to not nick the plastic window frame. There are numerous YouTube vids out there like THIS one that show the process for either the screw type frame or the newer frames. Bill Or THIS ONE if you want to upgrade your window at the same time.

Apparently you missed that class in Physics where it was taught that the faster you go in an enclosed vehicle the more negative air pressure builds inside the vehicle. In turn this will result in the vehicle becoming more narrow as the external relatively higher pressure combined with the relatively lower negative internal pressure makes the vehicle smaller. So, the answer is to simply put your foot to the floor!😬 Bill

LoriL - Great for you guys and for your Oliver! Glad to hear that it was a good time and that Oliver Service helped you when needed. THAT sure is one heck of a campsite. I'm guessing that you didn't have much (as in none) of a problem with bugs - mosquitos have always been a big problem for me in that area 😬. Great pics too! Thanks for sharing. Bill

The city water intake anti-syphon valve froze/cracked. This was my fault in that I didn't hand-pump antifreeze into this area when I winterized. Remember that old saying of not letting yourself be interrupted in the middle a chore such as this? While it is a bit unusual for this area of the country (Western North Carolina in the mountains) it is not unheard of for the temps to get to the single digits and I'm sure that winter we had a couple of days with temps in that range.😥 Bill

SSU- While I'm not familiar with any of those campgrounds (other than Myrtle Beach SC) I am familiar with the general regions that you traveled. Certainly it looks to me like you really did a great job. Hope that you had a bunch of fun! Bill

SSU - While Dover, DL is relatively close to Wilmington, DL - it is a fair distance away from Wilmington, NC and Huntington Beach State Park. I'm guessing that R &P were looking for places nearer to the North Carolina place.😉 Bill

JW - HERE is an example of the grease that is being talked about. I use a Q-tip to get down into the 7 way plug (pigtail). You don't want to gunk it up in there - just enough to put a very thin coating on the metal parts. No, I don't have one of those "fancy things" like Mike & Carol, Rivernerd, etc.. I simply loop the pigtail behind the jack and make sure that it is hanging in a downward direction. Bill p.s. One week to go! Have a great time!

John - HERE is a link to the replacement jack cover I recently bought. There are a bunch of them out there to chose from. Bill

Wow! Those things have really increased in price. I've got a little blue square fan and I don't think I paid $10 for it. I wonder if it has a gold plated switch or something - after all it really isn't anything but a simple electric motor, fan blades and a switch. Bill p.s. the main "issue" with that new fridge as far as I'm concerned is the size of the freezer. The new one is somewhat smaller than the old.

B in NC - I'm guessing that you will be like a fair number of us in being surprised by how much you can actually get into the Ollie fridge and/or how long it will last you. Unfortunately, in addition to the relatively small size of the fridge it is recommended to not stuff it full to the brim. These fridges tend to work better when there is enough room for air circulation inside the fridge.. In this regard - I always have a small fridge fan running in mine. March will be here before you know it! Bill (in Western NC)

Just about the only thing that turned me away from truck campers is the fact that every time I would want to go anywhere I'd have to "break camp" and then "re-set camp" when I returned. Of course, on the plus side is the fact that I'd have a place to take a nap or have lunch or take care of business or ....... with me at all times. Good luck on finding what makes your heart sing! Bill

WHAT? Where are those people that wanted a hot tub and helicopter pad last time we had this discussion?😇 Bill