BoondockingAirstream

Our Pup Blue Heeler picked up NW of Albuquerque, New Mexico last Summer. We were Boondocking in New Mexico and knew about some Blue Heeler pups, old enough to look at. We were collecting Chalcedony Agates in New Mexico and the timing was perfect. She, Cody, now can enter and exit, both, the Oliver and the Airstream. Our first Boondocking Trip will be with the Oliver. The Airstream already had the protection for the bottom and upper screens. Our next photo... will be with the Oliver. Yep... we are loading all of the permanent items that stay in the Oliver. Mike and Carol... took a look and a screen door handle will help closing the screen door when camped. Have some hardware in the garage to check out. Just getting the 'little things' take care of when convenient.

We have two Blue Heelers. The youngest just turned one year old. To protect the door screen from an energetic Blue Heeler, we installed a screen door protection. Lowe's cost was $12.31 from the $13.68 price with a Military Service Discount. The sheet measured 12 inches x 24 inches and at least 3 inches will be trimmed. You can have it fit loose or arch out a little by just 1/8 inch more trimmed. Just under 3 inches was trimmed off to fit the lower door screen area. If you cut it a little long, this Screen will arch outward. I liked that in the event this is pushed, it will not contact the screen. This does not inhibit air coming in or out. There already is a groove on the inside of the screen door that the cut Screen, with a bit of arching, fits snug. You will easily see it. Oliver may sell a protective Screen that is pre cut. I do not know. The Sheet has a pattern and stainless steel. There are also aluminum Sheet Patterns that are nicer, but cost more and not as easy to use a sheet metal clipper to trim. We can always remove it at will if this one does not work out. The project took less than 10 minutes.

I owe John E. Davies an apology. I found a post by Raspy that took me to a post "How To Upgrade the Bulldog Coupler and Anderson Hitch to 2 5/16 Inch". It was posted under Ollie Modifications. I made a post not too long ago and now easier to find being currently listed. Wonderful, well photographed sequence and followups to questions. Spent hours running through the Forums... and with John Davies and the hardware needed by Minnesota Oli... I will get some hands on experience to get this conversion completed. Thank you and I apologize for my Ignorance not to have done a post by post search earlier. Now... I am exhausted.

John.... this was the information I had been looking for. You had already done a comprehensive review and installation of the Bulldog Coupler and Hitch. for the 2 5/16" change. Sorry for being a pest... this will take some thought and planning to explain the drilling of the Coupler, using my 2 inch unit as an example.

Yes... I am out as well. Minnesota Oli gave me all the information that he used and works. I need no lectures. Just for information I needed for MY Needs. About four days owning an Oliver, it may be time to check out.

As I had said earlier, the Ball is excessively worn and like SeaDawg said may need some... help seating the coupler onto the ball. I mentioned that the previous owner pushed it with his hand, but he kicked it and it set the ball. I used a hard rubber mallet to 'set the ball into the coupler' the first hour I owned the Oliver. I do not want to use the current or new Bulldog 2 inch. As I also said, the ball cone is frozen into the aluminum. I tried, after WD40 and still no luck. I do not have a press and from the looks at the aluminum housing, it has nicks and I filed some of the bottom of the Ball cone to remove an impact, from being dropped. The previous owner had a 40 pound or so Rock Tamer attached to the 2 inch shank... and I do not need to use it. Get on with Life? I thought this was to discuss options and get advice... not psychological help. I like Minnesota Oli's option. I also read that Bulldog said Not to Grease the Ball... and someone said To Grease the Ball.... on the Forum. I am fully aware of working on trailers. I have been greasing my Ball and Equalizer Hitch on three Airstreams. Some use wax paper, some use nothing... I grease. I know how to clean the Coupler mechanism. I do not let my hitches Rust or Corrode. I wipe everything down after use and during use when camped. Monday I will be ordering parts, if possible. I do appreciate help, but my introduction was for a 2 5/16 Ball and Coupler setup. Not a 2 inch, but now I know the larger assembly must exist, from Minnesota Oli. Once done... if anyone is curious as to the effort needed to get this done, ask and I would be more than happy to show photographs on MY PROJECT in progress.

"I don't have a clue how you will mount the Equalizer brackets, you will have to cut away some of the doghouse to access the outer frame members. That will be unsightly and will definitely affect resale value in a negative way. I don't know how much a new one would cost, if the future buyer doesn't like your holes, but I know it would be a whole lot more expensive than a brand new Andersen hitch. Getting the doghouse off requires opening up the bath vanity hatch, to gain access to the nuts inside, that hold the back of it to the hull." A previous option that mentioned the Equalizer Weight Distribution Bars and the Sway Control of the Equalizer Hitch. Nowhere did I say I wanted to use the Equalizer Hitch, nor components to the Anderson Bulldog system... etc. I have 120 posts. Not opinions. I was told over and over that 16 Inch LT Michelins, versus the 15 inch Goodyear Tires, would DAMAGE my Airstream because the tires are too stiff. Much like this discussion /debate/options my choice was 16 inch the first week I purchased an Airstream with six lug Sendel wheel 0 offest and 16 Michelin Tires. Today... many Airstream owners have gone to 16 inch Michelins and Airstream in the High End 30 foot+ use 16 inch Michelin tires. Anyone following this Thread notices it has EVOLVED. I do not personally find the Bulldog Hitch, at first, comfortable. I am only familiar with my Airstream system for three lengths since 2006. Much like Bicycles. I care less about what anyone is using. I am not concerned, but if I needed a bicycle... it would go the same question and response system I have used always. I decided on finding an Oliver II to compare with my Airstream experience. I am keeping my 27 foot 2019 Airstream as it is NOW perfect after tweaking it. Now with a 2019 Oliver II... I have already began to 'tweak' the Oliver... gently... (the exterior Dometic area) and tweaked the Spare Tire mounting. If someone does not agree with me, express it and I will not be upset, get frustrated, take my marbles and leave, etc.. These are ongoing, living discussions from experiences from different sources. When I finalize my Anderson Bulldog system... I will explain what I did and why. Some members think I have owned an Oliver for a decade... maybe three days now. So far... my wife loves the Interior layout and myself... Getting the EXTERIOR up to what I am comfortable. Sixteen inch Michelin tires and Sendel Wheels.... Ahhhhh. Wonderful. Now the HITCH. For those who understand, thank you for being patient. For those who do not understand... post anyways. I WILL eventually do it MY WAY. Worked for 72 years... and maybe 18 more if I use my own instincts.

This was to provoke thought. Not a Survey that has any meaning or solves anything. This is not a Serious Discussion. Probably if the Moderator's prefer, delete this Thread. The Moon keeps the same face towards the Earth. Only one side of the Moon is seen from the Earth. Better yet... "A Day on Earth would last only six to twelve hours without the Moon."

Ahhhh Yes... Some find it that THEIR CHOICE's are always the BEST for everyone. As more information comes, all is taken under consideration. I ask questions when ideas conflict. With Minnesota Oli's post I have TWO options and find his option and choice to fit more into my original 2 5/16 inch ball and coupler. Had I all the options and the owner's reasoning in front of me at one time... that would be the best. Minnesota Oli's works for him and me. Now to sit back and get comfortable with the idea.

I had looked at a Bulldog 028462 Trailer Coupler for 2 5/16 in Ball, Tongue Mount Width 3 inch... for $109.24, 12,500# (tow Two Olivers at the same time). Big Balls and Couplers are stronger... in my opinion, even if it is overkill, it harms nothing. ? It is shown UNDIRLLED. Any commments why, not?

I also have to add John Davies... and others giving me suggestions to work with... Thank you if I missed others.

With help from Steve Landrum, Minnesota Oli and confirmation of Steph and Dud B... I can SEE the simplicity with this shank and ball assembly. Was it necessary to replace the used Anderson Ball Coupler so not to damage the new 2 inch ball? If you did replace the Coupler, did YOU have to drill the holes for the two bolts, or did you order with the two holes predrilled? The Oliver Anderson hitch is not something I am familiar, so want to get everything figured out in advance. I have no issue with the 2" Ball and Coupler as the weight of the Oliver is nothing like my Airstreams. Having Oliver towing hardware for 2 inch and my Equalizer Airstream towing hardware would be wiser. I do not need Sway Control or Weight Distribution towing with an F350 Diesel. I see 'light at the end of the tunnel'. Not just headlights of oncoming traffic... 🙂 Thanks for any additional information... especially about the pre drilling of the Anderson Coupler. I have already thought of making a template of stiff paper off of the current Anderson 2" Coupler and transfer it over to an Undrilled Anderson. Is THAT the way to go?

MNOlie... The shank and ball system is easier to find. It is interesting how many companies are into the Trailer Hitch business. It is the Ball Latch on the Oliver and apparently this can be purchased, but without the holes drilled for exact fit. I will be calling Oliver to see what their options may be. I do not run a machine shop... or have a handy drill press... or even the desire to fabricate the Oliver Ball Coupler on my own. I have a number of shanks. One for U Haul 2 inch. Others that come with a trailer I did not use, since buying a complete shank to trailer is best. Dexter supplies it all and you can vary what accessories you need. The F350 can easily tow on the Ball alone... and I am going that route. No Weight Distribution or Sway Control problems. It will be interesting how this works out... once the dust settles. The current 2" Anderson has the Ball frozen into the shank portion and the ball is a mess. So I also figure the Coupler is shot, as well. I like the KISS... keep it simple stupid. I am the stupid... at the present time, but will be using everyone's assistance on this Thread and work through all of the information, thinking this all out what works best for me.

"How on earth do you plan to use both RV's?" dewdev Punishment for Curiosity. (A strong feeling to know or learn something.) I also have THREE FLY RODS for fishing. When Off the Grid Boondocking... there are advantages for a shorter, narrower trailer for some destinations. The 23 foot Airstream is narrower than all the other Airstream Models... but had 14 inch, five lug wheels in 2006). Load Range C Goodyear 14 inch Marathons... worst tires for heavy Airstreams. We are unconventional in our trailer uses, where we set camp, what we need (like 16 inch Michelins on both trailers), clearances (added 3 inches of lift to the Airstream due to length and 16 inch Michelins). Also, consideration of the current depreciating money in savings at low interest rates. Our Oliver and Airstream will always have value, have a purpose, easy to sell and both are excellent trailers. We want the Propane / Electric operated trailer... ONLY. The trend is going ALL Electric, which does not work for us. Both trailers are 2019 Models, so can compare better and many appliances are from the same manufacturers. The Oliver will take more than two days to become competent of how everything works. My wife is the INISDE person and I, the OUTSIDE person. You are never too old to try something, different. Some people prefer to do nothing and succeed. We do not mind trying to do something different and hopefully find success in both trailers, different in many ways, but both are easy to Tow having a F350 Diesel 4x4. We will know by the end of this camping Season.

John Davies and ChrisMI... The photographs are great and it appears that I can use an Anderson Bull Dog 2 5/16 system, which I did not know existed. I would just remove the current 2 inch system, purchase the 2 5/16 inch System? From John's photos... do I have to Drill the Holes that the bolts on the front of the Oliver secure the latch assembly? Or does an Oliver company parts have the holes predrilled and hardware to mount? I am beginning at point zero and the learning curve right now is... taking straight off, thanks to those giving me my options. I should, then, be confident that I can purchase the 2 5/16 Ball assembly AND the bracket with the locking mechanism... DOES NOT NEED ANY HOLES DRILLED AND WILL HAVE THE PROPER DIAMETER BOLT AND NUTS? John and I think the same when it comes to hardware. I knew the Equalizer weight distribution system / unit would never fit an Oliver. I showed the Ball and Shank as an example for size differences. So I do have: - The option to use a 2 1/2 Inch Shank to fit the F350 and Anderson hardware. Or have to use the 2 inch Anderson Shank only and no 2 1/2 inch and add the sleeve? - Have an Anderson 2 5/16 inch Ball and assembly and Ball Latch attached to the Oliver Frame and the 2 1/2 Inch Shank purchased as a Set? (This is a bit awkward for me after 16 years using the cup and ball system and MOST Oliver use Tow Vehicles that the 2 inch shank and 2 inch ball is never thought as the only option.) I will be OllieStreamed... fast. I began looking the Oliver over this afternoon and already found one common problem that Airstream and Olivers share. I will post that once the 'dust settles'. I am so impressed with the fit of exterior components and the interior of the Oliver II. Bear with me on my 'learning curve'. I appreciate everyone's time and help... it will be easier to understand when I physically do this change... and then... like John Davies... know each detail very well. I hope.... 🙂

I will rephrase my question. I WANT to USE my current Equalizer shank and 2 5/16 inch BALL to tow our Oliver. I will make what shank adjustments necessary to do that. What do I need to purchase to attach TO THE Oliver so I can? Has someone done this? I need to know what to purchase, removing the Anderson 2", and bolt on a 2 5/16 inch receiver ball to the front of the Oliver. So... I do not want to use the Anderson 2 inch coupler. I want to know where to get so the coupler on the Oliver to 2 5/16 inch receiver. I have everything needed for my Airstream and want to use it on the Oliver, but need to remove the 2" system and bolt on a 2 5/16" coupler assembly. Where can I find a source to purchase?

I am use to the Airstream and Equalizer Hitch. The Shank to the F350 is 2.5 inches and the Anderson I am replacing has a 2 inch shank. Using the shim on the 2 inch to fit the F350 sleeve of 2.5 inch leaves a lot of SLOP. Yes, I know some welding adaptions to remove the "Shank Slop", but with the 2 inch, sleeve to 2.5 inch... a lot more SLOP. What options, if any, do I have? I would Prefer... a 2.5 inch Shank and 2 5/16 Ball to connect to the F350 and attach to the Oliver II. The Ball on the Anderson is rough and I tried to force the 3382 WD Tapered Ball out and it is... STUCK. It is best I just do one of two options. 1- Replace the Hitch and the Ball and the Shank that is presently STOCK ANDERSON to the Oliver II. It needs to be replaced... all of it. 2- Substitute a 2.5 inch shank system to fit the F350 factory Sleeve, which fits my Airstream and purchase a System for the Oliver that will convert everything to a 2 5/16 inch Ball and attaches where the Anderson is attached to the Oliver. AND... the Shank of 2.5 inches fitting the F350. I photographed my Equalizer shank and ball that I currently use with the Airstream. Since the Airstream and Oliver 'may' be different heights when the trailer is properly attached, I may find it easier to have a Ball and Shank to fit the Oliver and use the current Airstream unit for only the Airstream. I realize the 2.5 inch shank is overkill... but this is a F350 Diesel 4x4... and even the Airstream needs to Weight Distribution... can tow on the Ball and no Sway. I include a photograph of the Equalizer Ball and Shank with numerous adjustments possible. Among those who experiment with or have already done this change, I value your advice. I am an Airstream owner for 16 years and an Oliver owner for 36 hours. Any advice, pro or con, will be greatly appreciated. Ray, Nancy and Dingo the Oliver 🙂

We have a 2019 Airstream International 27/28 foot and now the Oliver II. The Airstream is inside the RV Garage and the Oliver's home is outside. I have to back both trailers into the RV Garage. The Oliver is comfortable outside, on pavers, and sheltered for 40-50% of Summer daylight hours and catches Solar the other50- 60%. Boulder City, Nevada is always has nice weather. Even when it is... not... nice.

Canis lupus Dingo... an ancient lineage of dog found in Australia. Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog domesticated and life expectancy to 16 years. A Dog that can handle High Temperatures, travel Long Distances, Rough Terrain, Protective of their Pack and faithful to their owners and herd children, when necessary. Our Oliver is now... DINGO, who was over 16 years old before passing among previous Blue Heelers we have traveled with. If our used Oliver gives us half the pleasure our previous Blue Heelers over the last 30 years... the name DINGO will be well earned. Our longest living Blue Heeler, rests in peace, within 40 feet of our Oliver this morning. This makes our pain in losing our friend, with the thought we are still traveling and exploring with fond memories for years to come. Dingo would have approved of our choice of an Oliver.

Fellow Booner... lively discussions revive the soul. Some are offended if you disagree with how the Moon rotates, which it doesn't. The longer the post, the more possibilities of improper verbs, misspelled nouns causing conflict with one another, causing a rupture within the English Departments at major Universities. I have spent more evenings in my destitute youth, sleeping on picnic tables overnight, then the next morning spend sunrise to sunset hunting fossils on Ranches in western Nebraska. A tent took too much time to set up and when driving a 1956 and stepped up to a 1964 VW Bug... with myself and a passenger, and my brother as a third person in the back... there was not much room for things, other canned Tuna, and Doughnuts. The drive from Independence, Missouri to western Nebraska was 685 miles to campsite. No more tent camping for us. Still have my first tent and our last tent. Makes my first tent over 50 years old... and at one time this tent style were used on Mount Everest by climbers. I may have to revise my estimate number for postings to Under 200, since I do not have an Oliver II, yet. And it would be foolish for a Neanderthal to burn the rope, before getting using it. Chiggers... my new friend is the curse of all insects. Oklahoma is home to the best... be good. I cannot help myself.

Two out of two examples, 100%. Myself and my Wife. Did it when young. Did it again in 2018... after selling the 25 foot Airstream... and went to 27 feet and never looked back. My survey is also accurate. I did the survey myself. I would suggest that dewdev and topgun2 do a survey of their town or city with more to question. I did my survey. My community was 2 out of 2. If you could survey a small town of, lets say 15,000 citizens and get some percentage, I would accept that as being accurate and rest my case like Perry Mason. I have a feeling that some post on the Forum just to get those weekly posting counts up. When I have 999 posts on the Forum... I will quit posting. Is that a fair statement? I may adjust to less than 300 posts, quit and let others who need to fill space on a Thread fill it up. After 300 posts, I would be struggling to come up with anything of any value to say. Already I am running into critical editorial comments and may need to hire an Editor to Fake Check further material I find written on the walls at the Maverick Service Station toilet door. I can easily see who is posting the most. I have been here for, what? Three or four years? I woke up from hibernating and needed to refresh my typing skills. Many mega posters use their cell phones and make the messages short. I use a keyboard and even add photographs to show what I am discussing. Maybe others should post more interesting material and start some Threads that will provoke some curiosity and discussion. I tend to find the same critics gathering like vultures ready to pluck feathers, when they should be soaring like an Eagle and let some of us... toss out ideas.

Those who Tent Camped in their youth are less likely to move into a RV or Trailer. They most likely put a camper on the back of the Pickup Truck... and lived in comfort. Those who spend more time Off the Grid... immediately recognize the benefits of a Trailer. An RV... limits your options for Off the Grid Boondocking. A Trailer up to 30 feet... can go to many places for those with driving skills, that most have none to brag about. We went from tent, 23 foot Airstream, 25 foot Airstream and stopped with a 27 foot Airstream, which is 28 feet long. If you tend to back into things, cannot judge the height of tree branch clearances, depth of ruts or pot holes in a NFS or BLM dirt road, width of a road, sage brush and Aspen leaning onto the sides of the 1.5 wide lane... etc... Stick with the camper on the pickup. The 25 foot Airstream Safari was a perfect length. After one season Tent Camping... photos... no more Tent Camping for the Blue Heelers. Waking up in the middle of the night with various parts of a Blue Heeler in your face... is an experience. That is why an Oliver II is an attractive length and if we find one used... as it has to be ONLY Propane and Solar Independent. Plugging into anything for power is OK as long as it a 'Rock or the side of a Tree'. Those who want to argue the point... start your own Thread. You probably have never OTG Boondocked with us, before. If once, probably not a second time. We are like Star Trek trailer towers... 'Go where Human Beans do not Dare'. The majority of Campers... are social Human Beans. They live to have company and chatter about things that many find... unusual... like their previous illnesses and why their hair has turned... purple. But that is another story, or lie... you chose. I recall when the Tent was optional. As long as you could find your 4x4 vehicle... things were good. Modern GPS has fixed that issue. What is your story? If you never tent camped... start your own Thread. You have no clue what we are discussing. Two daughters were results of... tent camping. One big reason we went to an Airstream. ...and if you are posting... photographs are proof that you are not reading a National Geographic and cutting out illustrations. I offered to fly the National Geographic flag when I was 16 years old, collecting fossil mammal fossils in the Badlands of Nebraska. They did reply. No flag... I did it anyways for many years.

Paper Plates, paper napkins, stainless steel flatware and no complaints. Personally, I like to discourage neighbors from inviting themselves to have any Meal with us. My wife is an excellent cook. I am an excellent eater. Since I have a high activity metabolism... I can eat at will, never gain weight and drink 60 ounces of water a day. If I am swimming in a lake... maybe twice as much. That is... Will I eat this or that? You Betcha... This is good. That is not... kind of eater. Neighbors: Be Aware... We have two Blue Heelers. Uninvited guests get to see our Blue Heelers clean off our plates with the 'Canine Licking Sterilization Process' and then they are stacked neatly, onto the kitchen counter. The Heelers already lick my face, so why not our paper plates, as well?

West of Albuquerque, New Mexico is the Space Alien dropping off point. Often 18 wheelers and Trailers in Tow spend the evening. If you are not looking... you will miss the exit. I hate to disappoint anyone. Nothing happened after Sunset or Sunrise to wake us up and the Blue Heelers. Another disappointment near Meteor Crater, which is further west from here.

Excellent and interesting signs. This sign is posted in a small town in Nevada, across from a Casino and a Denny's where we spend the evening at the large gravel lot to the East. There is a RV Park with trees a bit north and this sign is to persuade 'campers' to squeeze into a small space, if possible. No facilities, truckers find it convenient, as well. The Double Cheeseburger and Fries is good for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or a 'snack' for those of us who burn the calories wandering the canyons, mesas, mountains and have a wrist GPS in the event we get lost. The GPS gives us direction to go, distance and if it were not for the canyon walls... the one mile short cut... is closer to 4 miles to access our camp.