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Every winter. Columbus Day to April.

Due to some health problems we have not been camping since April and I am really bummed. And really missing our Oliver. What’s the longest span between camping trips that you guys have had to deal with.

That was a concern - as was the extra drag/friction from spinning those parts even when you’re in 2wd mode. Too many CV joints IMHO. That said, the Canyon was the only truck available for us with the engine I wanted at the time we were taking deliver of the Oliver - so I literally bought it sight-unseen over the phone with a credit card. It was a great truck, and we traded it before wear and tear became an issue. We all have our preferences, biases, and red lines. As I mentioned - I’ve only used the 4wd once while towing - and that was strictly precautionary. It WAS handy while driving on snow while not towing - but I’d driven RWD cars on snow my whole life with no problem. Though I carry enough tools to do most of my own work, I’ve given it up. With the new, in-warranty trucks, I leave that to the dealer. Even oil changes and tire rotation. I know people love to hate dealers, but even independent shops charge an arm and a leg now, so I go with the folks who know my vehicle best. My TPMS display has been showing a tire a bit low, so I checked with my “high accuracy” digital gauge and found that most likely the sensor was off. I kept an eye on it checking every so often. Finally I saw an actual decrease in air pressure - slight - so I aired it up and checked even more vigilantly. It took two or three days, but I lost a PSI or two. At that point, I confessed to having a leak. I dragged out my floor jack (yes, floor jack - A/C “racing” jack) and pulled the tire off. After picking peck of gravel out of the treads - I found a -tiny- nail in the tread. I marked it, put the spare on, and nearly gave myself a hernia hoisting that punctured tire into the bed of the truck. I’d never played with tires on full sized pickups before. The mounted 275/60R20 Tire on the cast aluminum wheel weighs in at about 80# - like a sack of cement. Long story short - I’m DONE even rotating my own tires. I can’t even imagine changing a flat on the side of the road - in the rain - in traffic - with factory screw jack. Sure, I’d do it myself before I’d call AAA (and wait four hours) but I’ll not volunteer for that duty anymore. Maybe it’s my sedate driving style, keeping things slow and gentle, or just picking good roads, but I don’t see a lot of sway or top-heaviness. We have the Andersen “no-sway” hitch, but standard suspension on the 2022 Oliver. I just make sure I slow down well before I hit the exit ramps from the highway. I do my own lubrication and inspecting of the suspension, but I’ll have a trailer shop give it a once-over this winter. (In Texas, there’s a trailer shop every 5 miles or so.) If it looks like it needs help, I’ll consider the upgrade.

I have to think they suffer with it. I hear that over and over from business owners.

We stayed at James Robb SP in Fruita. It’s close to ALCAN. It’s also just a couple of miles from the entrance to the Colorado Monument, a must see if you have time (plan on at least a half day). We’ve stayed at Robb SP several times, always nice. We’ve also camped at Rifle Gap SP several times, also very nice but not very convenient for going to ALCAN. We had a nice breakfast at Dream Cafe in Grand Junction. Good food and service. There’s a Bass Pro Shop nearby if you want to kill some time while waiting. Mike

We stayed here.. https://www.canyonviewrvresort.com/ Very new and nice and close to Alcan

Yeah, I had the pleasure of driving a full-size 4WD GMC diesel TV last week. Beautiful truck! A climb up to the driver's seat like a snug cockpit up there. Leather luxury with the dashboard all lit up, I felt somewhat disconnected from the road. The view out seemed narrow, even with the huge, self-folding mirrors. My old truck, I can get my old butt up into the seat np without using the step, old-school dash, very connected at ground level. We all get used to what we have. Driving 4WD trucks where you don't need 4WD has gotten old for me. I've owned work trucks and farm trucks, all but one 2WD. 4WD trucks have steering and suspension maintenance and longevity issues that 2WD trucks do not have. On the upside, they make high-performance parts for 4WD trucks, but not for 2WD trucks. They are literally a pain to work on (it's only me doing the work). When we replaced the starter motor on my son's '97 T100, I had to remove a skid plate and the driveshaft to the front diff! If it was 2WD there would be nothing but room down there. We had a thread a couple years ago and there was NOT ONE forum member that said they would tow without their 4WD. I tow the Oliver up CRAZY ROCKY STEEP dirt roads out here in 2WD, np. The weight of the trailer on the rear wheels keeps them from spinning. We generally don't have mud in Arizona but be careful of sand when crossing a wash bottom. If I would have to tow with anything less than a 2500 diesel, it would be a midsize diesel, like yours, or the Nissan with the Cummins! I would not be able to sleep at night if I knew I had to tow with much less. We now tow much more smoothly with Alcan Springs, now that the top-heavy Oliver doesn't sway left to right as the hull porpoises front and back, not anymore. Anybody towing with a half-ton truck or less, please upgrade your leaf springs and use the WDH. Fortunately, the OP is buying an Apex with Alcan Springs! 😎

I try not to put any of the chemicals directly on my skin, instead dousing a hat or bandana or a loose over-shirt. The Lee County Florida Mosquito Control District (recognized around the world for combatting mosquitos) recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus in addition to the usual DEET, Picaridin, and something called IR3535 -- a 'biocidal active ingredient made by Merck'. https://leecountymcdfl.gov/fight-the-bite/

Greetings to the Alcan Oliver Club plus! I'm looking for suggestions for campgrounds in proximity to Grand Junction. This will be a detour for my summer, and thankfully not too far off course from my planned route. However, I haven't had much time to research for places to camp before the day. I have tried to read the entire Made In USA Leaf Springs thread (now at 37 pages) but haven't been able to complete that task. I am looking for suggested campgrounds but also favorite things to do during a day or two in the area. Also suggested good eats. CAMPGROUNDS So far, I've found two campgrounds mentioned in that thread, and I am seeking additional input to add to this list: James M Robb Colorado River SP FRUITA SECTION CO 8 miles W of Alcan Spring; https://www.cpwshop.com/camping/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-fruita-section/r/campgroundDetails.page?parkID=50069&media=3 James M Robb Colorado River SP ISLAND ACRES SECTION CO 23 miles NE from Alcan Spring; 1055 I-70, Palisade, CO 81526 https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-camping Rifle Gap SP 76 miles NE from Alcan Spring; 5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650 https://www.cpwshop.com/camping/rifle-gap-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.page?parkID=50038&queueittoken=e_snasoco01~ts_1784416095~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_7c7fd3b7e002cd85f34c1de9feaf47d1b6c0c9a91e25de9abdb5894558bc513e Other campgrounds in the regional area: KOA Grand Junction (commercial) this is close, but not my cup of tea... Rabbit Valley Mcinnis Canyons Conservation Area (NPS) 30 miles W of Alcan Spring; Mack, CO 81525 https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10227416 I camped at Rabbit Valley in 2024; it's very minimal but has some interesting formations. I was actually in the Horse Camp area, and had the entire place to myself. That section was easier to access, and better suited to my limited time that year. Saddlehorn Campground (NPS) LIMITED LENGTH (will not accommodate Oliver E2, not sure about E1) max 40 feet combined length https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/camping.htm *The length limit in Loops A and B for all RVs is 40 feet. The length limit for trailers is 40 feet total for the vehicle and trailer combined.* LOCAL EATS Dream Cafe 314 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501 I resisted posting this in the MADE IN USA LEAF SPRINGS thread, but I hope it will serve as a good reference for those of us making the journey to Alcan Spring in Grand Junction. Moderators might be able to better link, if they see fit to do so. I am inserting that thread below. Made in USA leaf spring

I stick to the lowest-slung truck possible. The Denali trim level on the 2021 Canyon is pretty close to the ground - just as low as the 2wd. Same with the Sierra. We stay off of the “4wd, high ground clearance” trails. That, and we don’t need a ladder to get in and out. No AT4’s for us. I’ve only used the 4wd once on the Canyon - when I inadvertently pulled onto a loose sand “road” and shifted to 4wd as a precaution. I think I used it once on snowy roads in Chicago without the trailer. Same with the Sierra. I would have chosen 2wd as well - but the Canyon was in the tail end of COVID when I was lucky to find anything. With the Denali’s - people have to do a double-take to even realize it’s a diesel. We can sneak in and out of campgrounds without waking up the neighbors. Granted, you definitely know you have a 7,000 trailer behind you with the “smaller”, lighter trucks, but maneuverability and parking are pretty high up on our priority list. The Canyon was easy to park and get through narrow streets. (We like NOLA) It was also a lot lower than the Sierra - which makes for a lot better being able to see where the corners of the truck are. I can’t imagine backing up without the cameras all around - seeing over the hood or bed of a full size pickup is an act of faith.

And you mentioned an exhaust brake which makes a huge difference! I added a Pacbrake exhaust brake on our TV and love it, use it almost always since it's safer to slow as soon as you lift your foot off the pedal, in mountains of course but also on busy highways. We get 13 MPG regularly towing in the Mountains! Never have gone long enough on flat Interstates to know the number. If we do make it to The Rally, I'll have 1700 miles mostly on I-40 to measure this. I'm thinking 15 MPG will be the number. Yes, torque is the criteria for towing, HP not so much. But the REAL issue with smaller trucks is the footprint, width and wheelbase. Our truck is a solid TV since it's full width and an extra cab with long bed. And with 2WD the center of gravity is much lower (which nobody wants but me, but towing weight is on the rear wheels). All of this adds to stability. After a quick test drive, I could not imagine towing with our GX470 and it's not for the 470, but for the short wheelbase. The length of the 23' trailer and a SWB truck is the tail waggin' the dog! 🤣

We initially towed with our 2021 GMC Canyon Denali with the 2.8 liter Duramax diesel - handled the Oliver with zero issues. Only traded it for the Sierra 2500 Denali with the 3.0 liter Duramax because I wanted to trade it before it got too many miles. We were based in NE Texas - which as also pretty flat - but we had no problems towing the Ollie over the continental divide several times and negotiated plenty of mountains. From Florida to PEI to Yellowstone and NM. The diesel gave us exhaust braking, so at 80,000 miles our TV brakes looked near new. Your Tacoma has more HP - but the Diesel has more torque - and it comes it at 2,000RPM - so plenty of guts to get up to speed without the engine screaming. We also enjoyed stellar mileage - 20mpg towing was pretty typical on flat interstates.

GJ added comments are great! Too he added his DC-D charger just before Victron came out with the smaller and more efficient Orion 50A charger. Either way, OTT would only install the Oliver half of the installation and last time they offered a sale, it included the older 30A version. We use front LP port everyday camping. We have a 12 ft extension LP hose with quick connects and a Y-coupler on the other end. Connect our fire ring and grill at the same time. You need to remove the regulators from your appliances since the LP on board is already regulator to low pressure. Too bad OTT installs the rear connection inside of the sewer compartment, where you must drop the bumper to use it. I would use it on rare occasion if it was accessible like the front but never have. Tried to remove it but the underbelly LP lines are not easy to access. Many carry an extra tank for their grill, and you should have an extra tank if you go with two 20# tanks. Also, if you must use a generator the front shore power outlet can be helpful. Better to order or modify a new trailer with enough electric to avoid this (we run A/C for days on battery with a variable-speed A/C). If you go without the second outlet you won't need the PD5100 Automatic Transfer Relay. These are known to fail. I replaced one in a class-A RV and later a class-C years ago. I bypassed the one in our Oliver since we weren't using it and I preferred a direct run. My picture shows the PD5100 still installed if needed someday and right now it's only holding up our LevelMatePRO, another very useful upgrade we wouldn't live without.

Why not? As they say “everything is for sale - the only question is the price.” More than once I’ve thought that “the bare bones are great, it’s the accessories and layout of some of the utilities that have issues.”

I totally agree with SeaDawg. Many owners have had a gust of wind take out an awning. Having $5K invested in one would worry me a lot. We have a DC to DC, sadly the older 30 amp one. Best investment ever for those covering a lot of miles. Front gas port and plug in can be handy as well if they are not standard. One item that I really like is our 16" tires. OTT changing to 15's IMO was a rare step in the wrong direction. If you are going to be in the mountains a lot, get the 5200 pound dexter axles for the larger brakes. I, and others, don't recommend the larger propane tanks. When you get older their weight becomes prohibitive. GJ

Yep - our drain holes are clear, tracks are clean, and rig is level. Almost certain our issue is the way they mounted the window stop/bumper by drilling a hole through the bottom of the frame. Anything fit a perfectly dry track equated to a steady drip of water between the shells - or into the interior. Only other suspect is a similar hole drilled through the bottom of the frame to hold the center vertical muntin in place. Both really terrible design & construction.

Another related trick that leverages the "highest point" predilection of deer flies (and black flies for that matter)... When entering your vehicle, stand up high on the door sill (or step / running board if you have them) first, which brings the flies to a higher level, then duck down and enter the vehicle quickly and close the door before the flies discover that you've moved.

I haven't attempted to fine-tune this approach, but we have had some modest success by altering what appears to be your "highest point"... while wearing a day pack, insert a 2-3 foot light stick into the pack so that it stands more-or-less straight up. Hang/attach a hat to the top of the stick. Some flies will be attracted to the hat at the highest point, and bypass your head/hat at a somewhat lower point. Not sure how the effectiveness of this changes with height above your head. I assume there's a "sweet spot" to be determined experimentally. You look kinda goofy walking around with this contraption, but then sticky solo cups probably also look goofy LOL

This information is all here in various threads. I'll summarize while trying to be concise enough! 🤠 All new 2026-27 Oliver models will have D52 Nev-R Lube axles rated a 2x 5200 LBS. But unfortunately, on the EII, OTT will install same underrated springs they installed on all our hulls, the 1750 LB Dexter part # PR4B. These have a long history of failure where the main leaf breaks where the second shorter leaf makes contact. The OTT YouTube video on the Apex stated OTT is using the lighter rated 4-leaf version of Alcan Springs. In the Alcan design, the second leaf is the same length as the main leaf, so it cannot fail in the same way. There are also no gaps between leaves which is often observed on the Dexter PR4B. There must be DOT cost/legal reasons why OTT keeps their products rated at 7000 GVWR. If OTT installed the 5-leaf Alcan it could be rated at 10K. About 200 Oliver owners have installed the Alcan Spring upgrade, most with 5-leaf and a few with the 4-leaf version (without the bottom leaf). Not certain and it really doesn't matter as much, but it makes sense OTT will install the same Dexter EZ-Flex kits on all models which include Dexter shackles and wet bolts. The video also stated the Apex will have Bulldog shocks. OTT will likely keep installing Monroe 555001 shocks on the EII.

Oh!

This does seem to be a common problem. People have resolved in different ways, having found different causes. By the way -- we did replace my brake wires in both front and rear axles, but the original rear axle wire was left abandoned in the rear axle. Unfortunately I didn't pull it out that day, because we were working against the clock, trying to finish as the sun was setting. Now it's a lot harder to access. I hope to get it out of there to inspect it though, because I really want to see it. Thanks @Wayfinder for linking the image of your frayed wire -- Wow! That is a mess. The jury is out on my 'fix' and time will tell.

Get one of these instead. 😎 Price dropped $12 since I bought one in May! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHNG4DL8/

I rarely have access to a compressor with a tank large enough to be effective in blowing out the Ollie window tracks. But when I do, I use a LOT of air. Hence, if you are thinking of going the canned air route....... I suggest you get a case (or two) of them. GJ

Please don’t respond with long winded dissertations, conjectures, theories, thoughts, wishes, guesses, etc., etc., etc. As Detective Joe Friday said "All we want are the facts, ma’am” Simply stated : What axles, springs, shocks, EZ Flex Equalizers, shackles and bolts are being installed on Current Production Legacy Elite II trailers being built right now? Also the same for the Apex model? Include part numbers and pictures if you have them. Bill

I'm on an MacBook Pro, the original photo was in the correct orientation. When I attached it to my post, it showed upside down. So I edited it in Preview (Mac OS) and rotated the picture 180 degrees. Deleted the original attachment in the post and the reattached the new picture, and it still showed upside down. I read up on trying to crop with preview. I selected the area I wanted and then pressed: command + K at the same time. It cropped it and then attached it, and it worked. I did not do the best job of cropping and thanks mossemi for rotating my picture in the original post. Hopefully I can do it right the next time.