Leaderboard

In the end we can talk about the differences between steel and aluminum all day long, but we don't have enough information to say definitively that aluminum, in this case, is a problem. And I have no intention of saying it is. Just because aluminum has a different fatigue character than steel, doesn't mean in this case that it will fail. Way too many factors are not being included to make that analysis. The frame on an Ollie seems to have different functions in different places. In the tongue area it must have bending strength to transfer the tongue weight to the hitch. It must also carry the pull from the hitch. Out back it just offers a bumper mount that protects the body from a hit. Over the suspension it spreads the weight to the "support truck" which is the steel suspension assembly subframe. It definitely doesn't act in the same way as the frame on a conventional trailer where everything is assembled piece by piece with the frame supporting it all, as the build proceeds. Having said all that, Ollie's entire structure is flexible and I hear it creaking whenever I load the jacks. The frame works in tandem with the inherent unibody strength of the Oliver body, but it's not absolutely rigid. All of the trailers I've looked at with steel frames have two frame rails that get to the front of the body and then come together at the hitch. Oliver front sections are way more reinforced and beautifully built. I just went through one of the most severe 4 wheel drive roads I could get it through. No problem at all as I watched the suspension flex and tried to avoid dragging the frame. I fully intend to use this trailer to it's limit as we go desert camping and exploring old trails. Rather than second guessing it's design, I marvel at it.

Larry, Testing the Hayes electronic Sway Master on the Ollie yesterday. This unit dampens sway quickly, very impressed with this unit. Did not have sway issues with the Ollie before installation. Installed this unit because the Tundra's manual requires a sway device when trailer is over 2000 pounds. Making 180 degree turn checking clearance:

Bill, Thanks for the information about the Sway Master. Like you, I haven't experienced any sway issues towing my Ollie with the naked Bulldog hitch, but better safe than sorry. I have a Prodigy RF brake controller. I contacted Hayes and their technical support people did some research and concluded that I can use Sway Master with the Prodigy unit. eTrailer confirms. Don

So, what does loaded too heavy in the trailer's rear look like out on the highway ? Here is a look:

Hello ReconDon First, welcome to the Oliver Forum. I will try to provide you objective answers to your questions. Oliver is not perfect, but when a problem is encountered, they will bend over backwards to work with you, correct the problem and learn from design/installation issues. To answer your question regarding the refrigeration in desert heat, I camped in Monument Valley, Utah as well as several locations in AZ and NM. many days were 110+. Like you I do very little boondocking. In these locations I was in a campsite with full hookups. I had no problems with the fridge, AC , hot water or other utilities. The Coleman Mach 8 is noisy. I was unaware of this when I bought my Elite. I contacted Oliver and they agreed to swap out the unit for a Dometic Penguin. Much quieter. I paid for the Dometic and a small amount for labor. I easily sold the Coleman so the different in cost was about what the amount wold have been to upgrade to the Dometic. The cost of Oliver is higher but I can tell you that the high quality will be easily maintained so the resale value is high. Other fiberglass units are definitely cheaper. However, I read about all the modifications that new owners must do just to reach minimal performance. The Oliver comes fully functional for 4 season camping, needs no modifications and is well designed. The new production line at Oliver has a "Plug & Play" capability. Buy what you absolutely need and if later you decide you want additional amenities (solar, stereo, etc) can be later easily installed. I have enjoyed my Oliver Elite. It is a quality unit with no significant issues Best Wishes coy

ReconDon, Welcome! Options our Twin Bed Elite II Ollie came with, (purchased our Ollie used) Fiber Granite counter tops, reading lights, exterior LP quick disconnect, Winegard Omni-Directional Antenna, and overhead storage door mirrors. Installed Dexter suspension EZ system with flex bronze bushings and wet pins after purchase. The Ollie has fine towing manners/brakes and no stability issues so far. Also use a 100W portable suitcase Solar Panel when away from 110V. Couple items I want to install on the Ollie, access hatch to reach the propane tank valves without removing cover and access hatch under the curbside bed to reach fresh water tank drain without removing the mattress. Learned one thing on the last camping trip, spraying sandals with disinfectant spray while sitting at the dinette. That's where the LP leak detector/sensor is located. All I can say is the LP gas alarm system works great, must have been the aerosol propellant that started the loud alarm. We really like our Ollie and see Oliver continuously making standard improvements with additional and improved options. Hope this helps!

It's amazing how much abuse Dexter axles will put up with before they finally give up. As Buzzy pointed out, they can run along just fine with a severe bend and the wheels terribly cambered. They probably have been loaded to around twice their design limit. The plastic suspension bushings can be gone and the pins worn down to half their original thickness and they still soldier on. It looks to me like a lot of modern low cost travel trailers are being built to the absolute minimum strength. I see a lot of them on the road and am happy I've already learned my lesson and moved to an Ollie.