Jason Foster

Hello, fellow Texan. Longview, here. Delivery for me was spot on. Mine was on Tuesday which is a really good day to do the shakedown since Oliver will be open until Friday. I had no problems with mine but that might not be typical. Allowing two days, one at camp Oliver and another at a local campground will give you the chance to set up, break down, pull it (seating the brakes), set up and break down again.

My book's':

How do you say 'Tralier'? That's a bit cavalier of them, me thinks.

I believe mine is all rubber, but I would have to double check that.

I am a very light sleeper and I have another fire extinguisher next to the bed. However, I was in emergency services for over four years, so I'm not too macho to jump out that window screaming like a little girl if needed.

I have the optional door below the nightstand that goes into the basement. That is currently where I keep my extra fire extinguisher, and another in my truck. Three total. I plan on attaching mine like yours for quick and easy access.

I would just replace it with the Maxxfan deluxe.

Are you just looking for an open tray or a box with slide out drawers for storing gear?

Indeed, worth the resurrection.

I did a quick search on Girard fabrics. They are actually made by Lippert. It appears that the fabric is an 18 oz marine grade vinyl. This got me thinking that it is very similar to Sail fabric but obviously thinner. I believe sail fabrics are 30 oz. This stuff is naturally UV resistant and will stand up to massive amounts of friction over time, as long as you keep those lazy sheets trimmed. ☺️ Due to the nature of the fabric, I don't think any coatings are necessary. I will just keep my clean and put it away dry. As far as cleaning tree debris, I think I will purchase a small battery powered blower.

Maybe, but it will likely just find itself in storage and I have a rule: If it doesn't get used within a year, it is gone. My mom is a hoarder, so I can't stand keeping too much stuff.

Absolutely this.

I am 50 years old since November and have had a few Coleman tents. They were fine back then. My grandpa even had an old canvas military style tent we used as kids. It smelled of mildew, but it worked. I have always taken care of my equipment because clean, dry equipment will save your life. My living room was my go-to when raining, back yard when sunny. My old tents got normal cleaning, my newer tents, NF, Sierra Designs, MSR, Marmot, and my current bikepacking tent Big A, get a special cleaning and a DWC. I wonder if these awnings have a similar water proofing treatment.

Another option mounted on top of the trailer, truck, a table, etc with sandbags holding it down.

Nothing like ruining a $500 tent than by putting it up wet.

If I didn't have the King, this is what I would do. Set up in camp, strap it up, break it down, throw it in truck bed. Uncle Buck knows this stuff. Just ask his niece.

That is one thing I have never had a problem with. I either don't put it away wet, or if it does have to, I immediately air it out after I get home. Old backpacking habits die hard.

I actually love the awning, and we use them all the time. I was just hoping for a "You noob. The easy clean feature is .....". Oh well.

Just to give you some food for thought, here are a few pictures showing where Oliver ran their lines.

I don't know about the height, but I would think the flex on that cap combined with wind going down the highway would tear the antenna off or at least help you remove the AC shroud for easy cleaning when you get to the campground. The best spot is where Oliver mounts theirs permanently behind the AC on the hull.

I agree with everything you just said. Why would I EVER need to use that window? If someone breaks in, while I am in my trailer, they will not see tomorrow, and a fire on the stove would be put out quickly. I do like the clarity of the window without a screen though. It is like a big picture window at the back. I plan to see what this summer is like with the other windows open to see if I even need a screen back there.

The front cap has a lip that catches most debris before it can fall off. Trees are one of the reasons I camp. I love them.

If you note the picture I posted, the previous awnings I had dropped down and had no lip, so cleaning was easy. This Girard automatic awning extends straight out and doesn't appear to drop down. The cap on the end catches pine needles and leaves fairly easily as well. The old "hit it from the bottom with a broom" trick tripped the wind sensor. I turned that off at the switch, but it was a bit of a nuisance at the time. I'm 6'3 but the awning was way over my head requiring a fairly tall ladder to reach it. I didn't have one, so I put the awning away with crap all over it and waited until I got home to use a ladder and a blower.