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Yep, that is Beverly and there is no telling what she is doing. Probably taking a pic of the green algaic backwater for her instagram page. I too hate snakes and gators but hike often on trails and two tracks all over Florida. Rarely see a gator, suppose one needs to go where they are. Lucky that Bob the dog nor we humans have run into a bad snake yet. Came close to stepping on a coral which would have been deadly for Bob the dog.[attachment file=IMG_0639.JPG] John, your expertise and general inquisitiveness is very helpful to me, and I would think the entire Oliver community feels the same as well.

Some have done it, no worries or problems. I agree that a 7000 lb load rating is very marginal for a fully loaded Elite II when you take it off smooth roads. The bigger coupler will fit, just drill a new set of bolt holes in the right place, that is the tricky part. If you use an Andersen hitch, replacing the ball assembly is more costly than a $15 Walmart deadweight ball. The tongue will sit a little higher, not a big deal.... The trailers should come this way from the factory. But I think they want as much commonality as possible, which explains the weird six bolt wheels on 3500 pound axles, to match the wheel pattern on the Elite with its single heavier axle. It is good for the factory guys, but not for an owner who wants disc brakes and must swap axles or buy a new set of five bolt wheels....! Grrrr. I may upsize, but I may go to an offroad coupler and lose the ball entirely. Go for it. Take pictures. John Davies Spokane WA

John, I did not intend my post to disparage your locking system at all. This mod has been on my to-do list since before I took delivery of my trailer. Good job on the write-up, as always.

I decided to drop out after conferring with my insurance agent. I could have increased my Umbrella Liability to a safer level but that would have been costly. I sent this to Oliver Sales: "I have become uncomfortable with the liability issues and do not want to have customers referred to me. I will happily continue to show “Mouse” to interested passerbys, and send in referral cards for them. My big concern is that Oliver Trailers does not “vet" the referred customers in any way that I am aware of, and I have no option but to let them in when they show up. If I am doing this at a campground I have a chance to look them over, speak with them and send them on their way if they look at all sketchy. I have never had a bad experience with my several showings, but OTH I feel as if I have no control over who comes knocking." I have been accused of being overly cautious when it comes to insurance.... so be it. Everybody has a comfort level. John Davies Spokane WA

It doesn't bother me - I notice it on occasion, but it's not something either of us have ever commented on to the other. But a few people have posted about it, so it can be an issue for some. I've seen one Ollie with scissor jacks installed at the front corners. To me, they looked like a disaster waiting to happen, but to each his own. If the rocking really bothers you and you're willing to be super careful, then I guess it's a potential solution. Personally, I'd lean toward something portable maybe, or at least something that couldn't damage the frame if it got hit. I'd suggest that you give it a few more trips before deciding. Over time you'll probably get used to it, sort of like being on a boat, if a few orders of magnitude less so.

Cool, is that Beverly in the above pic? Is she looking at birds, or gators? I hate gators..... My sister in law lives a little further south, 40 miles west of Orlando. Did I mention I hate gators... ? And water moccasins. But airboats are absolutely SUPER cool. Happy trails. John Davies Spokane WA

After making my wife the first cutting board and shower mat for our Oliver over 2 years ago, I have made over 90 to date. I never thought so many of you would appreciate my craft and I thank you all. In that time, I have used 2,500 board feet of mahogany and with the need for another shipment of lumber I will be increasing my prices as the price of mahogany lumber has gone up. If you have an order in my queue you price will NOT increase, including those who ordered and are picking up their Olivers in 2020. New price for cutting boards increases from $75 to $85 plus shipping. New price for shower mats increases from $189 to $199 plus shipping. If I can craft a cutting board or shower mat for you, please email me at 48ocean@gmail.com

Sioux Falls, South Dakota's finest citing the Oliver for being too awesome!