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I’ll chime in here. Former Elite II owner here, and also a former Ford Expedition owner. I still check out the owner forums to see what’s new, and because we do miss our travels with our Ollie #461 that is now with a new owner, as we have moved on to some overseas travel as our next adventure in life. Yes, it’s more than safe to tow your Oliver with the Expedition with the factory Tow Package. We had almost the identical setup to yours. Our 2017 Expedition 4X4 was called the EL version (extended length, now called Max). The Ollie is well within the towing specs of the Expedition. It’s a body on frame construction SUV that shares a lot with the Ford F-150 truck. You WILL need to use the Andersen weight distribution hitch. The Ford factory towing package and the factory trailer brake controller worked very well. Use the Tow/Haul mode when towing. There are a couple of cons though: After a couple of years we did find the limited payload capacity became an issue as we started carrying more camping equipment for extended trips. The Ford Eco-Boost turbocharged V6 was adequate but it really had to rev very high in mountainous areas going uphill, and the engine temp tended to get pretty hot. We eventually upgraded to an F-250 to get much higher payload capacity and also eliminate the need for the weight distribution hitch. Enjoy your Ollie!

So to add an interpretation: that tag it tells you that "weigh carrying" capacity (which is direct downward pressure from the tongue) is 500lb's without a weight distribution hitch and 1160lbs if you have a weight distribution hitch attached. Since Oliver EII's loaded are usually around 600-700 lb range...then you'll need a WDH for that particular hitch on that particular vehicle.

Here's the sticker/decal Bill mentioned on the bottom of an F-150 hitch:

I'd bet that Ford does require a weight distribution hitch - look for a "sticker/decal" on the underside of the hitch on that Expedition. Also, be mindful of thigs other than "will it tow the trailer" - remember, you also have to stop that trailer, possibly tow it up/down steep grades. The additional stresses placed on your tow vehicle are also likely to shorten the service interval you had planned on for this vehicle. Therefore, be mindful of shortened service intervals and while driving pay closer attention to acceleration/stopping distances and avoiding other road hazards. Your ride quality may also be compromised as you approach the maximum limits of the tow vehicle. This might make driving a bit less enjoyable for all concerned. Having said all this, please note that the Oliver is extremely well behaved when towing. Bill

Are you comparing "apples" to "apples" here? Was the local guy only charging for the application of the ceramic coating while the CGI price includes all the prep work? Bill

Based on your numbers I'd say, yes, you could tow an Elite 2 with your Expedition. As you mentioned, your limiting number would be your payload limit. Take 600# off for tongue weight and you're down to 725 for you, your wife, and any cargo in the truck. Should be enough. You'd have to check your manual to see if a weight distributing hitch is required for a 7000# GVWR trailer, although it may not be with those specs (AI says it's not needed until the trailer is over 7000#).

I know tow vehicle is a passionate subject with many Oliver owners. My specific question is as follows. I have a 2026 Ford Expedition Max (4x4) with a payload of 1,325lbs and the heavy duty towing package rated at 9,300lbs, which is further specified per the list below. I understand payload is the limiting factor due to tongue and cargo weight. It will only be my wife and I traveling. And yes, I would prefer an F250; however, this is my vehicle for the time being. 1. Will it safely tow an Oliver? Ford Towing Package: • Class IV hitch receiver with higher tongue weight rating (supports heavier trailers than standard Class III). • Integrated trailer brake controller (in-cabin electronic control for trailer brakes). • Heavy-duty transmission oil cooler and upgraded radiator/cooling system for sustained towing without overheating. • Optimized axle ratio (typically 3.73) for improved torque and towing performance. • Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 (steering knob for precise trailer reversing). • 360° camera system with dedicated trailer views and guidance lines. • Trailer Sway Control (electronic stability system intervention). • Pro Trailer Hitch Assist (automated hitch alignment with steering/braking assistance). • Tow/Haul mode with adaptive shift programming for better hill handling and engine braking. • Extended blind-spot monitoring that accounts for trailer length. • Supporting wiring harness and other cooling enhancements. 

Right that, I paid 62.99 plus tax last April. Didn’t notice the price jump, CRAZY! Actually watched a video of someone using it to blow dust and grass debris off their zero turn mower prior to maintenance procedures. Its worked great for that purpose and general cleanup after a mow. Have since found a multitude of uses and now carry it in my van in close reach. I can blow that dust off the dash a couple times a week, as well as other points of accumulation within the van. I have yet to move my air compressor setup to our new residence, so this powerful handy device is filling that void and more! I also like that it is small and trim enough to fit in my pocket in readiness, as needed.

Excellent advice Ken (the metal working guru you asked for). I would choose the set screw kind and drill an indentation on the shaft so the screw sits to hold the collar nicely. Yep, for sure! OTT should replace this under warranty on your 2024 hull. They used to make them to last 10+ years.

More time in the prep than the ceramic coating. I spent hours in prep prior to handing off our Oliver to “the shop.” I felt the more I did, the more time he could spend on the shine. I will start a thread on my pre-work and restoration project. Our local guy charged $85 per linear foot. The CGI starting price is $128/ft, figuring the Oliver EII at 23.5 feet long.

Darn! Well, it was worth the call and at least you know. However, I'm a bit surprised. Bill

I did call service. Disappointingly, the response was, "we don't stock that part" and I may be better off finding a welder to spot weld it back on. I was happy to pay for a new part and have it shipped. I could have pressed the issue but I needed it quickly because we are heading out for 3-4 weeks next week. Like I said, disappointing response to say the least. I would have even been willing to drive to Hohenwald to pick up a part.

Yeah, why didn’t I think of that?🤣

Or for the Milwaukee for over $152. It takes me 1 year to go through 1 can. Dust off on Amazon has a deal right now for 2 cans for $6.29. I paid $12.38 for the 2 cans in January.

Grok says: Here’s a list of businesses in Maine that offer ceramic coatings, with a focus on those that handle RVs, motorhomes, or large vehicles (or explicitly mention them). Ceramic coating for RVs is somewhat specialized due to size, materials (like gelcoat), and surface prep needs, so many auto detailers that do RVs or large vehicles can accommodate it—always confirm RV-specific experience and capabilities when contacting them. davesautocare.net Businesses that explicitly handle RVs/motorhomes + ceramic coatings or detailing: Dave's Auto Care (Saco, near Portland) Offers ceramic coatings and full detailing for motorhomes, boats, and large vehicles. They’ve been in business since 1980 and handle a wide range of vehicle sizes. Address: 775 Portland Road, Saco, ME. Phone: (207) 831-9095. Website: davesautocare.net. davesautocare.net Maine Recon (Scarborough) Provides auto detailing services for RVs, boats, cars, trucks, and more. They offer professional cleaning, protection services, and restoration (contact them about ceramic coating options). Address: 70 Pleasant Hill Rd, Scarborough, ME. Phone: (207) 205-4153. Website: mainerecon.com. mainerecon.com John's Detailing & Cleaning (Bowdoinham) Mobile service specializing in premium car, boat, and RV detailing + ceramic coatings. They emphasize professional protection services. Website: johndcl.com. Phone: Check site or Instagram for current number (e.g., (207) 719-8153 mentioned in posts). johndcl.com Fine Shine Auto Spa (Mobile, serves southern Maine & NH areas like Somersworth, South Berwick, etc.) Mobile detailing with ceramic coatings; they specifically offer RV detailing services. fineshineautospa.com Other strong options in Maine (primarily auto ceramic coatings, likely able to handle or refer for RVs): Every Detail (Portland) — Highly rated for ceramic coatings and detailing. everydetailme.com Shoreline Detail Pros (Brunswick) — Premium ceramic coatings (Modesta certified), PPF, and high-end detailing. shorelinedetailpros.com Prestige Tint & Detail (Portland) — Advanced ceramic coating services. prestigeautodetailingllc.com 207’s Finest Detailing (Portland area) — Ceramic coatings and auto detailing. 207finestdetailing.com Tips: RV ceramic coatings often require thorough prep (oxidation removal, polishing) and can be priced per linear foot or by size—expect it to be a significant investment. Mobile detailers are common in Maine and can come to you, which is ideal for RVs. Check reviews on Yelp, Google, or Facebook groups for recent RV-specific experiences. Some RV dealers or body shops may also partner with or recommend coaters. yelp.com If none of these are close enough or you need options in a specific part of Maine (e.g., northern or midcoast), let me know for more targeted suggestions!

Gemini says: Several specialized detailing and automotive shops across Maine provide fiberglass gelcoat restoration and ceramic coating services specifically for RVs, motorhomes, and campers. Mad Mike's Custom Detailing 4.7 📍 Car wash Open· Closes 4:00 PM Mad Mike's Custom Detailing Click to open side panel for more information Mad Mike's Custom Detailing Click to open side panel for more information , located in Windham, is a family-owned business specializing in intensive custom detailing for large-format vehicles, including RVs, campers, and boats. Reviewers note their expertise with ceramic-based coatings, specifically highlighting how effectively the treatments restore weathered fiberglass finishes and leave an enduring shine. Large-Vehicle Specialist: Equipped to handle the intense scale of motorhomes and trailers rather than just standard automobiles. Fiberglass & Gelcoat Refinishing: Experienced in tackling the specific surface porousness and oxidation challenges common to fiberglass RV shells. Fineshine Auto Spa 5.0 Open· Closes 5:00 PM Fineshine Auto Spa Click to open side panel for more information Operating out of Eliot and serving Southern Maine,Fineshine Auto Spa Click to open side panel for more information provides premium marine and mobile automotive detailing. They specialize in high-durability ceramic coatings designed to withstand severe weather, offering the extreme hydrophobic protection necessary to keep large fiberglass surfaces clean. Mobile Convenience: They feature fully equipped mobile units that can come directly to your location or storage site to apply coatings. Marine-Grade Preparation: Their experience with boat detailing translates directly to handling porous RV fiberglass and gelcoat materials. Prestige Tint & Detail 4.7 Open· Closes 5:00 PM Prestige Tint & Detail Click to open side panel for more information Based in Portland,Prestige Tint & Detail Click to open side panel for more information is a high-end protective shop offering multi-year warranted ceramic coatings. Though heavy vehicle projects require an individual consultation, they specialize in intensive, multi-stage paint and gelcoat correction to remove deep oxidation before sealing the exterior. Multi-Stage Surface Correction: Focuses heavily on removing surface imperfections, swirls, and chalky oxidation so the coating bonds perfectly to the fiberglass. Premium Coating Options: Utilizes professional-grade formulas engineered for long-term UV defense and chemical resistance against road salt and grime. Coastal Car Wash & Detail Center 4.1 🧼 Car wash Open Coastal Car Wash & Detail Center Click to open side panel for more information Located in Damariscotta,Coastal Car Wash & Detail Center Click to open side panel for more information offers dedicated on-site and shop-based specialty packages tailored directly to RVs and boats. They focus on complete exterior washing, decontamination, and specialized surface protection priced incrementally by the foot. Dedicated RV Packages: Offers explicitly structured maintenance and protective detailing menus tailored for recreational vehicles. On-Site Availability: Provides the flexibility of on-site service calls depending on the size of your rig and scheduling needs. Would you prefer a shop with a permanent indoor bay that can fit your specific rig's clearance, or are you looking for a mobile detailer who can apply the coating at your home?

I agree! This tool CAN do a bunch more than a can of compressed air. But - you sure can buy a bunch of cans of compressed air for $70 to $90 bucks - like 20 cans or so. Bill

Or - Give Service a call. Can they ship you a replacement rod and what would the cost be. Since your Ollie is relatively new - this breakage should not have happened. Would they (could they) replace this under warranty? You'll never know unless you ask (nicely). Bill

Ah! Why didn't I think of that? Good call. 🙂

Order a 1/2 shaft collar from Amazon. Try to find a collar that is split and clamps on or one that uses a set screw for attachment. Buy one that is stainless steel. The collar should be clamped on the rod end that had the washer, the other end will still use the washer and cotter pin. These stainless collars are only a few dollars each and will make a good solid end.

Hey all, A quick search did not turn much up so maybe this is an unusual issue. The welded washer at the forward end of the steel rod that allows the entry steps to slide up for travel has broken off. See below. Oliver does not sell that part so the repair options and pros and cons that I can think of are below. Option 1: I considered having a welder reattach the washer. Cons, fairly expensive, $65-100 depending on the welder, and the possibility of recurrence. Option 2: Purchase a new steel rod, cut to length (24 1/2"), and drill holes for cotter pins to anchor. Cons, still expensive, and some machining required, but close to original. Option3: I temporarily cut a half inch threaded aluminum rod to length and used 2 nuts at each end to secure without tightening to the frame. Pros, quick and inexpensive. Cons, threads may bugger up the track that the rod rides in (maybe). Aluminum is not as strong as the original steel rod, but this temporary fix is functional. Option 4: Same as 3 but use a threaded steel rod for strength. This would almost surely wear grooves in the track as you pull out and store the steps. Thoughts from any of the metal working gurus out there? Bob

Wow, those have increased in price! I got the same one in November for $62. It is more powerful than I expected, and comes in handy in the shop. Did you by chance see it on Project Farm on YouTube? It was the top choice in his testing. It looks like it was $90 when Todd tested it, so there must have been a sale when I got mine.

My recent acquisition, more useful than the air compressor blow nozzle!

Received an email from Fogatti today. Got on their list when I was looking at their tankless HWHs. Looks like this unit, advertised "18K BTU" dual variable-speed fan motors and small footprint, could be a Chill Cube clone. They have a heat pump version too. https://fogattiliving.com/products/fogatti-instacool-pro-18-000-btu-rv-rooftop-air-conditioner/

We were very happy with Jason at J and J Rv Repair in the Keys. I think he heads to Holland Michigan area in the summer and does RV repair there also.