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Thanks to everyone that answered my questions. I probably should have asked if any owners have older trailers that have upgraded to the Dexter EZ Flex. I am concerned that small children, dogs, and the elderly like me will not hear us coming thru campgrounds and get out of the way after upgrading to the Dexter EZ Flex. Maybe I'll invest in an airhorn for the truck. (Just Kidding) The great thing about OTT is that they listen to their customers and keep upgrading their product. If anyone is interested, you can look at our profile page and see the first OTT 2014 that we owned. The photo was taken on our way to Alaska. You will notice that it only had one step and a little white stool that my wife aka "THE BOSS" hated and let the Oliver folks know it when we picked up our trailer. On our way home we stopped in Hohenwald for a tune-up, they proudly showed us the new two-step model and replaced ours. Hap

We can look into doing that. We need some time though - we have tons of work going on right now still fixing bugs in the forums/website from the migration. Thanks, Jason

After two back to back 12" snow storms we did use the plastic roof rake on one side. It was going to be close to -20 for two weeks so we wanted the batteries to keep getting a little charge. After that we haven't touched it. It seems to shed the snow on its own. We checked it a couple of times and it was maintaining a charge through the ice and snow. I do want to get it out of the field before "mud season" starts..

We are very happy campers.

We took possession of our Ollie this week. We spent two nights camping locally (Natchez Trace) which turned out to be a great idea as it gave us time to field test all of the systems and get comfortable. We are now home and planning the maiden voyage - a three week loop thru south Florida. Happy Campers with big plans - looking at her makes us want to leave home.

I am at the Mothership today and waiting to pick up the FST. So...... I thought I would share a photo of some Ollies waiting to met their new owners. It's nice to see the company doing so well and the family of owners growing. It should be a heck of a rally in May 2018.

Hap - The EZ-Flex was not an option when I ordered mine back in September, 2015. Nor was it available when I took delivery in February, 2016. From what I have read (mainly here on the Forum by owners that have made the upgrade) the old stock suspension will wear out the bushings somewhere between 5,000 and 25,000 miles. While my Oliver was never quiet at slow speeds, the noise was only getting worse. This made me assume that with the 15,000 miles that I had on the Ollie the suspension was in need of attention. From the time the EZ-Flex was made available shortly after I took delivery, I figured that I'd have this work done after what I had was worn. I too had the work done by the guys at the Oliver Plant and ,out of curiosity, I should have asked about the condition of the old parts before I took off. But, I didn't. At least now I can sneak up on all those kids, dogs, and geezers without all of the howling, laughing and clattering of false teeth as I leave a campsite. Bill p.s. Raspy - since that rubber part is not being used so much on the Oliver, it will last a bunch longer?

Amazon has an 8 inch cable here, and a 12 inch cable here.

Tractor Supply had that Lucas "red grease" right on hand, but like elsewhere, the big tube...

Hap, I know Steve is traveling out west and will chime in when he can. I just had both the Dexter EZ Flex and the AC Easy Start added at the factory in December. We haven’t used the AC yet, so I can’t comment yet. Everything I’ve heard and read is that it should be a worthwhile addition. We just got back from an AZ and NV trip, almost 3,000 miles. I’m very happy with the the Dexter. No more creaking and squeaking at low speeds. After about 25,000 miles the old suspension was worn out. The Dexter is smooth and quiet. I did get a grease gun and a tube of grease so I can grease it before our spring trip. Mike

As ScubaRx points out above, the service interval for the EZ-Flex is 3,000 miles. This means (at least for us anal types) that on trips longer than that we must pack a grease gun loaded with the recommended grease - N.L.G.I.:Grade 2 - sometimes called red grease. Most auto supply stores and even WalMart sell this stuff in 14 oz tubes. However, the grease gun that accepts these 14 oz tubes is rather large. I happened to have a smaller grease gun that accepts 3 oz tubes of grease that I bought years ago for motorcycle maintanence - I've seen them at WalMart and Harbor Freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/grease-gun-with-3-oz-grease-95575.html and I remembered seeing the 3 oz tubes of red grease. Unfortunately, when I went to purchase a couple of these smaller 3 oz tubes the only manufacturer that I could find that made them with red grease was Lucas Oil. Simple enough I thought until I went to several auto parts stores (NAPA, Autozone, etc.) and all they had was a package of three 3 oz tubes - two of the tubes were standard normal duty grease and the third was what I was looking for - red grease. Adding to the problem was the fact that none of the stores I went to would order (or could order according to them) either a single tube or a set of three tubes with all being red grease. Indeed, a quick internet search showed that Lucas Oil did sell this grease in a set of three 3 oz tubes (product number 10318), but, Amazon didn't have it nor did phone calls to the stores I had previously visited produce any favorible results. I then emailed Lucas Oil corporate office. They got right back to me with the name and phone number of the regional distributor for my area. A phone call to this individual resulted in him telling me that product 10318 was not available. So, once again, I emailed the Corporate office and told them that either their regional distributor was incorrect or that the Lucas Oli website needed to be updated. Again, they replied promptly with the phone number of a distributor that I think is on the West coast. It took a bit of searching on the part of this individual, but, he found the product number and added it to his own website on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LUCAS-OIL-RED-N-TACKY-GREASE-10318-1-PACK-OF-3-X-3OZ-CARTRIGE-MADE-IN-USA/253425934913?hash=item3b015ce241:g:JFAAAOSwlv9ag5eS Yes, when you can get a 14 oz tube of this stuff for under $3.00, a three pack of 3 oz tubes at a price of $14.00 is a bit out there. But, in the interest of not having to carry around a big grease gun.... Bill

We've been above 70 for the past two days here in Western North Carolina, but, tomorrow's high is forecast to be a below normal 47. Its still only the middle of February but it is nice to see the normal daily highs are going up and the Spring bulbs are up with a few blooming. Before long it will be time to complain about how hot it is! Bill

I recently greased my Dexters for the first time. (Thanks to rideandfly for help!) Here is a view of one of the hidden fittings. (The two fittings are symmetrical, one reached from the other side.) I did not jack up the trailer, just wore old jeans and sweatshirt, and climbed under on the cement floor and got very dirty. Before we picked up Ollie I bought a nice rechargeable flashlight that has been useful on many occasions. It has an adjustable stand, and it was very helpful when greasing.

Yes, there is an HDMI port, but is occupied by the HDMI cable from the radio/DVD player. There are not two HDMI ports. So you will need to swap out cables if you want to switch from the fire stick to the DVD player. Another option is to use a small HDMI switcher such as this.

My easyflex is due for a grease job. I figured it would be a part of my Spring wake up call. But, we have planned an early "breakout". However, I think I am getting too old to be crawling around in a wet cold snowbank with a grease gun. Besides I just don't want to. So we just listed in our preflight list a grease gun and two cartridges. They are hanging in the garage in a couple of plastic bags. (That should keep the mess out of the trailer basement). We will wait until we find a spot closer to swaying palm trees and no fire ants to crawl under. It shouldn't take too long. Wonder if I can use the picnic tablecloth to lay on? You are right, I better take a small tarp. Does everybody jack up the side they are greasing to take the load (pressure) off and allow more room for the grease? Think Spring

Hull # 319.. WOW... We picked up #211 in April of last year. That means OTT is on track to produce over 100 units this year. With their growing pain challenges obviously mostly overcome, it is nice to see them still producing a quality product and on time. With the weatherman saying it might soar to near 50+ next week, the thoughts of wander lust have kicked in. We took the tractor down and cut a road through 2' of snow. Towards the end of the month we will hook on and point the windshield in a southerly heading. Surely that will give me time to take the snowplow off and load the truck. A warm pretzel and noodles sounds like a plan, to start. A drive across the old 'Conowingo Dam' at the head of the Chesapeake Bay might be fun. Then maybe St. George street in St.Augustine and on to Oleano State Park at some point. Nowhere will the plans involve an Interstate. Surely there is a waterfall, an old gristmill, or roadside diner I haven't seen before. The whole time keeping an eye out for that usual early spring blizzard. Wonder if we will make it home before Memorial Day?

Congrats and sounds like all went well on your shake out. Great looking Camper to make many more memories in.

Hap - I know that you asked for Steve's opinion but that will not stop me from offering mine. I had the EZ Flex installed last year and I think that it is great. I've only towed with it for about 1,000 miles but the Ollie is now virtually silent while towing at low speeds around corners - it used to be a bit embarrasing going in and out of parking lots, campgrounds and the like because of the suspension noise. Since Twist has always just followed the truck while towing at speed and I've never had problems with anything inside being bounced around, I can only suppose that the ride quality is better. Certainly I like the idea of being able to grease the suspension as I think that in most certainly will make it last longer. Speaking of which - soon I will be posting some details on my recent adventure in obtaining small grease cartridges for use while on the road, stay tuned. Bill

Just a thought too keep in the back of your head, the little 2000's are particular to being level, so if it faults off, check this first, it seems the oil system is pretty flat and doesn't see any if too far off. Just my experiences

Congratulations on your new OTT. It’s a very nice looking combo. Come on down to Florida and enjoy the weather. Mike

I know most Olivers sold must be the Legacy II 23.5 feet model, but i personally love the smaller footprint of the 18.5 feet Oliver, making it more maneuverable and towable by a smaller vehicle. Two questions: 1) I would be interested to know what vehicle you use to tow your Oliver 18.5 feet? 2) Is there a place on this forum dedicated only to the 18,5 feet model? Thanks!

Pete, Be sure to let us know how that 5.0 engine tows for you. I'm not yet sold on the Ecoboost for long term durability, but want to be sure the 5.0 has enough power-especially in the mountains. To the OP, my TV is a 1998 Ford E-250 Econoline with a 5.4 liter Ford Triton Engine/3.73 rear end. 10mpg towing. It has done well but it's 2nd gear and 35-40 mph over the mountain passes here out west. I really want to get a 1/2 ton crew cab with 4wd (gotten stuck once or twice with 2wd), but am having trouble making a decision. I like the Chevy/GMC trucks but they have only 26 gallon gas tanks (in the half ton)! Fords have a 36 gallon option, and depending where you travel, that is a good thing. Congrats on picking the finest Oliver trailer model! So easy to back up and you can slip it in to some tight spots. Don't go too small with your TV. The Olivers tow very well but you need to be sure you are within the payload and tow rating of your vehicle. Usually folks go over payload in smaller vehicles. Longer wheelbase is also more desirable for overall stability. Dave

My 2008 Tacoma Prerunner with a 4.0L V6 faithfully towed my Elite 18.5 over 112,000 miles. Because it currently has 236,000 miles on it and I go to some far away locations, I've recently purchased a new TV as an insurance policy. I've chosen a 2018 F150 FX4 with the 5.0L V8 and a six and a half food bed for more cargo space. The Tacoma is a proven performer but I wasn't sure about the newer, smaller 3.5L engine going the distance towing as much as I do. The extra cargo space will also come in handy. So far, the F150 gets the same or better mpg, not towing, as the Taco. Haven't tested it yet on a long trip pulling the trailer, but am hopeful on its performance under load.

We tow our Legacy Elite with a Toyota 4Runner V6. We have towed our trailer all over the country and up to Nova Scotia. It has done a marvelous job for us. We love our Elite because it is so easy to park and travels really well. You'll love the smaller size.

Mannyqc, We have towed our smaller Oliver with a Volvo xc90, a 1/2 ton Chevy Silverado (2005 stepside, 2 door, short bed), and now with a 2008 Ram 1500 4 x 4 quad cab. The Silverado gave us the most nimble combo, tighter turning radius, plenty of power. We still use it occasionally, but it's my daily driver and work truck now. We got the 4x4 in late 2008 for the narrow mountain gravel roads, and the ability to carry passengers, which we need from time to time. The Volvo did fine in the relative flats of the southeast, but would, in my opinion, be lacking in steep mountain passes. And, we like driving trucks as tow vehicles. Good luck in your decision. The smaller Oliver was the only choice when we bought hull #12, but we still love it, and it's perfect for us. All the trailers live really big on the outside.? Sherry

We are taking delivery of our new Ollie 18.5 on March 6. There are several members on the forum who also have the Legacy Elite and have been very helpful throughout our decision-making process. The vehicle we chose for the job is a Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 which should handle the Ollie with ease. I know @Skalywag also uses the same vehicle to pull his 18.5 but you should get a wide range of options just by asking. Good luck.

Here are a few photos from our wonderful tour with Scott. If he pointed at & explained something in detail, I snapped a picture. Embarrassingly, most of these I cannot explain but I thought they might be beneficial for prospective buyers. We pick up Hull # 292 (Shallow Gal 3) January 17th!

For us the resolution on the TV is fine for a trailer. I installed an Apple TV and use an HDMI splitter which works well and provides 2 HDMI inputs. I also have an HDMI to Lightening adapter so we can stream San Antonio Spurs game from my iPhone to the TV. Mike

Technically, if you are looking to use Apple TV and use the audio system for your sound and not actually use the TV (reception) part, then you can open up your search to include computer monitors that take HDMI inputs. However if you HAVE TO use a DC powered TV then your selection is extremely limited and none of the screens are very good from what I found when I was searching. I decided I was fine with an AC powered TV and now have a 40" Samsung UHD 4K 7000 series, that sits on the night stand, I got this TV because it can actually mount/fit to the bottom of the overhead area, needless to say, the picture is awesome.