BBL

We just did the factory tour (8/19) and the Solid Surface counter tops are OUT, Fiber Granite is still going to be installed in the 2023. Not sure where they will go after that. We were looking forward to a more “Corian-type” of feel but we still like the standard counter tops. Brian

I did call KTT and spoke to one of the owners. The issue is not supply, the issue is that Oliver is not ordering them. After speaking to Oliver, they said there were shipping issues e.g. because of the way they are packaged some are getting damaged in shipping and the other mattresses (Tochta) comes rolled up in a compressed bag. We didn’t like them either and took them off our list as well. If you want the KTT, like we do, call Dick at KTT. He said he would sell two mattresses for $1,400 plus freight to your house. We will be going that route. Brian

I am retired USAF and we keep the bikes in the back of the truck under the “topper”. I have a bed slide and laid out some cargo seat rails where I have installed fork mounts. I just take the front tires off and mount them on the bed slide. Still plenty of room for other things in there. Brian PS - I saw the electric motor and didn’t mention it. Somewhat jealous on that front.

Ranger, That is such good work! I know it provides many happy memories for you and enriches the lives of so many others. We love cycling and it does nourish the soul, I can only imagine what it would be like to be able to cycle through the Badlands each day. We are also Trek riders, nice gravel bike you have there (if I am seeing it correctly). We currently have hard-tail MTBs - I used to be an FS rider but things are slowing down for me so I have to take it easy(er). Keep up the good work my friend! Brian

Also, in the spirit of this thread, as we wait for our Oliver LE II. If you haven’t boondocked in the Badlands, you should. Just outside Badlands NP there is a huge area that is a national grasslands and allows up to 14 days free camping. Many pull outs right along the edge of the Badlands like we scored. Great thread, look forward to visiting it often and seeing more places we want to go. Brian Paris, TN

John, I agree with you on a couple of points. First, the ARB is expensive but built very well. These are the only two ARB products I own, for that reason. It does do tenths of a PSI, so I like that aspect of it. Batteries last a long time and there is an indicator. The built-in deflator button (most have this feature) is handy as well. I like the ARB fridge but, dollar for dollar, my Truma 60 QT is a better value though not cheap by any measure. Yeah, anyone fully equipped with ARB and Old Man Emu products has very deep pockets. Second point, it is getting way off track. Brian

I have used the Viair 400 RV model for over three years now and it is an awesome setup. However, and this is just personal preference, I don’t use their inflator. I use an ARB digital inflator/deflator that I have had since my off-roading days. I also have a dedicated ARB deflator with an analog gauge. What I like about the deflator is that it will rapidly deflate a tire in a controlled environment by removing the valve stem and keeping it captured in a sleeve. The advantage of this is that you can reduce the air in your tires quickly and then ensure your valve stem is seated properly each time.

SeaDawg - I agree with all you stated here. You must have been USN or just love boats. I was USAF and love planes (Airborne Communications). I love your use of interstitial, as part of my job in the AF, and my lifelong hobby, Amateur Radio, we have interstitial frequencies in the databases. I don't hear it often. I will certainly keep a back up heat source in colder months. We learned that lesson in our Airstream a few times - felt like winter survival training in an aircraft hull. Not a good way to go! Cheers, Brian

That is the standard 2023 furnace. Also, only in Europe (right now), there is an option for supplemental electric heat. I got really excited about it and and learned they have two levels of electric heat (like a hair dryer) that you can use either or both with or without propane. Oh well, maybe one day it will come here and can be added later. It would be nice if we were at a campground with hookups and didn't want to use propane. Brian

Congrats! We are also getting a 2023 LE II but it won't be ready until 3/8. We are about 2 hours from Hoenwald so if you need a place to overnight on your way back, let us know. We have 30 and 50 amp connections. Also, my wife if from Rexburg! Safe Travels! B&B

John, New to the forum and waiting on our LE II - we just sold our 30' Airstream Flying Cloud. In addition to the BRN (Big Red Numbers) you get when you join the club (by the way, if you don't renew in the club each year, they put your numbers back in the pool!) they give each owner one chance to "name" your trailer. You submit a form and a few weeks later you get an Airstream medallion with your trailers name on it you can affix to the trailer at a place of your choosing. I have really enjoyed many of your posts and hope to see many more. I spent some time at Fairchild AFB for survival training and returned several times for "extensive" survival training opportunities. We also have family in the area, my wife is from ID. Hope that answers your question about at least one other manufacturer. Cheers, Brian

We have been to the Toyota FJ Summit twice and over both passes you mention, plus a lot more. Like you said, don't drive off the road and you'll be fine. I, personally, would not tow over Beartooth Pass. Been over it in my F-250 and my Harley Ultra Classic and not interested in towing anything over it. Great videos, we have some similar ones! Brian

Thanks for bringing this up. I had mine corrected at my last service. Took them about an hour after the oil change and tire rotation. Simple fix but worth watching and getting it corrected.