Wandering Sagebrush

I’ve noticed a couple of threads about installing a battery master switch, so I assume that for some reason Oliver decided not to include one. If there is, I haven’t found it. There are times when I’d like to have all power off, with no parasitic loads. In my first career, I was an aircraft electrician and have (had?) the skills to install a master switch, but as I’ve aged, I’ve become plain old lazy. I’m thinking about simply disconnecting the negative lead from the battery bank. Am I missing anything? Thoughts?

Success, third time did the job! Previously I had been trying to twist the sleeve, but there was simply too much glued surface to break it loose. After heating, I inserted a large common screwdriver blade between the fan housing and the black sleeve. Twisting the blade in a couple of spots provided enough linear force to break the bond.

I’m seeing some great wildlife photography! Thanks for sharing! Here are a few more.

John, thank you! I also spoke with Mike at Oliver Service this morning.. He suggested trying heat again, and if that failed to carefully cut the black plastic off, and replace it with a new sleeve. That’s a duh moment for me, why didn’t I think of it? It’s a nice morning down here. Sun on the mountains, mountain goats in the spotting scope.

Well, sugarfoot! ☹️ I pulled the fan housing and discovered the hose is glued to it, and as the wall flange is equally stuck, I assume it too is permanently glued. I guess I have two options, either replace all of the connected parts, or maybe cut the hose and add some kind of a connector. Has anyone pulled the wall flange to see how it’s connected to the trailer vent tubing? My assumption is there is another flange on the closet side (and I haven’t yet looked). TIA

Early this morning I set the spotting scope up on the back porch and was delighted to find 9 mountain goats browsing high in the Elkhorn Mountains. There were 5 adults, 2 smaller that appeared to be yearlings, and two very small kids. That was followed by 2 nice mule deer bucks in the sagebrush south of the house. Both will be at least 4 points, and I suspect one may be the big guy from last year. Here’s a shot of several that hung around last year.

On the Nature’s Head YouTube video, I noticed the vent tube disconnected from the upper portion of the head. The previous owner always set that piece to the side when emptying and cleaning the hopper. Unfortunately, the vent hose is weapons grade tight to the fitting. The power wire disconnects as advertised. Not wanting break anything, I thought I would see if anyone on the forum knows the secret handshake and has dealt with this. Gentle heat? Bigger hammer? Thanks in advance!

We picked up our used but well loved Oliver on Sunday, spending the night at Camp Roadrunner, Mark and Sally’s place in Central Oregon. The Trailer was spotlessly cleaned, and ready for us to take possession. Mark spent all afternoon ensuring that we knew and understood the systems, and care and feeding of the Roadrunner. Thank you Mark and Sally! The following day we started towards Northeast Oregon, spending the night in the Ochoco mountains, making it a short travel day. We’re home at Fort Sagebrush today, thrilled with our Ollie. Next on the agenda is taking it to Oregon DMV to get the title and registration in our name. I do need to add another flat 4 trailer connection to the truck to accommodate the lights on the caboose storage box. We are thrilled!😊

Frank, that is exactly the type hitch vault I was looking for, thank you! When the TV is connected, I’m not too concerned, but it gives me nervous twitch to leave a disconnected trailer when boondocking. We use the Megahitch vault on the Airstream.

Any recommendations for a hitch lock to use on the Bulldog hitch? I see collar style, but I’m curious if there is anything else that is more effective.

Thank you! The camera my system uses is adjustable up and down, it’s similar to this.

I have a Voyager back up camera and monitor that I use with my truck camper. The Ollie we are buying doesn’t have that option, and I’d like to have one. Cameras are available for the system, and I am thinking about placing one on the rear cargo box, with the ability to move it to the spare tire cover. Power would be from the running light circuit. Has anyone located their camera there? Thoughts?

We have a home in Rockaway Beach, about 15 miles north of Tillamook, and I must admit that the brie and bagettes at the Blue Heron are worth the time to stop, as are the cheese curds at the Tillamook Creamery.

You took an Airstream into Chaco? You’re a braver man than I.

I stumbled on this today! Superb cover! …and perhaps the best cover band I’ve ever heard. One more F&F…

Don’t despair of growing old, there are many who were denied that privilege. Today we honor their sacrifice. Semper Fi

Another endorsement for the Element Fire Extinguisher. They have a long discharge time as compared to the normal type of extinguisher, they’re effective, and because of the small size, easy to store in accessible locations.

Last year we met another couple from our general region, and they generously let us tour their Oliver. It turned out the lady and I grew up in the same hometown with a number of common acquaintances, and the husband and I shared common interests. When we decided to purchase an Ollie, we reached out and asked questions about what they liked and what they might have done differently if purchasing a new trailer. We were beginning the process of filling out the build sheet, and working with a great sales person when we received a text from the couple asking if we might be interested in purchasing their Oliver. They had been on a camping trip, and our town was nearly on their route home, so they stopped by to let us take another look. Needless to say, we were as impressed this time as we were last year, and a deposit was made. We hope to pick up the beautiful new to us Oliver Elite II in about 10 days. We are thrilled! Photos to follow after our Ollie is home at Fort Sagebrush.

Just catching up… I do have both a F350 and a 2019 Ranger. I’d probably prefer to tow with the F350, as it’s a crew cab w/8 foot box, but will need a decent rock guard. My tires pick up a lot of rocks. The Eco Boost Ranger is either Eco or Boost. MPG plummets when towing. I avg 22 empty, but it drops quickly with a load. Highway empty is as high as 26. My highest complaint about the Ranger is about controls. Can’t easily see/find buttons, so use the screen… which means eyes not on road. Where are you located? steve

Bill, no IR, just monochrome conversion of an iPhone image. High energy is an understatement. There are times I want an off switch for their prey drive.

I currently have a Ford F350 and a Ranger. Both are rated to tow an Oliver LE II, but I’m not sure which I want to use. The F350 has a very stiff ride, to the point of me adding an Air Safe air bag between the truck and the Airstream to reduce the popped rivets in the interior skin. How well does an Oliver tolerate a rough ride? The Ranger is rated up to 7,500 pounds, but at that point, I suspect the Eco Boost is going to be all Boost and no Eco, and I don’t like over taxing a vehicle. Does anyone on the forum have real World experience with the Ranger? Thoughts? While on the towing topic, hitch recommendations? I currently use an Equal-I-Zer, which does a good job, but I’m not overly fond of the set up. Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone, and thanks for the replies regarding the pups. We’re wrapping up a trip to the SW, with the AS, including 92 pound Fritz (liver and tick) and Ketzel (white and liver) at 72 pounds. I’ve come to the conclusion that longer trips would be better if the fur babies vacationed in the Hound Dog Hilton. After this trip, I’m pretty sure we are going to purchase an Oliver. Taylor, we are very near Pine Creek, up against the base of the Elkhorns.

Hello to the Oliver Community! We are Diana and Steve Parsons, currently Airstream owners (2012 Flying Cloud 25 FB), but have been wanting an Oliver since we learned of them via Air Forums. One of the things we need to figure out is living in a smaller trailer with to large German Wirehair Pointers. If anyone has tips on how to make it work, we’d love to hear from you. Kind Regards to all, Steve