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One of the "problems" I've encountered when talking to people about the Oliver Travel Trailers and the Oliver Company is that most (if not all) of these people have never actually had dealings with either a product like the OTT nor the Company that makes it. You can tell people about "no sales pressure", "no hassles", "they stand behind the product", "they do what they say they are going to do", "If its their fault - they will fix it", etc. But, certainly all of that "stuff" has just got to be marketing hype - nobody really does business like that these days. Well, Oliver ain't perfect, but they are a bunch better than anything or anyone I've ever done business with. It's just hard to believe. Bill

Will do!

In reality - we take what ever we feel we need - then - when we get home - half of we never touched gets put back up! Two days - two months - same result. The added weight is inconsequential, after a couple years, we still take too much, yet for some reason, somewhere on a trip, we will say, next trip we need one of ....... fill in blank. I never need more than one bin for my clothes - and a small spot in the closet. The EII seems lacking in storage - at first- then once you return home -- and have to repack the kitchen sink -- you change your mind. Here is a fact - go to a spot where there are more than two Oliver's are parked - then try to dream up an item that you would think - no way somebody would have this- out on a camping trip - and ask - --- by golly - at least one will have it - most likely, two of them ...... If it isn't there - it will be next trip.... So much fun

My state if facing yet another hurricane today. Delta is headed to the SW corner of our state. This will be the second storm to hit that area. The entire Louisiana Gulf coast will be affected by the winds and storm surge. Please keep our state and all of its citizens in your heart and prayers. Thank you. Hope

Can’t wait til you pick up 676... it’ll mean only 9 more to go til 685... which is ours🙂🙂

Hi and Welcome, Used Oliver's are scarce. The owners have a tendency to hold on to them. Used Oliver's seem to hold their value, or even appreciate. So, it seems you might as well order a new one, and get it equipped as you like? As far as tow vehicles go, do a "search" here to see the responses. Realize that the search results are usually brand biased. Those with a GM will recommend them, and so on and so on. Don't depend on brochures or salespeople, look at the decals on the door. Depends on how a particular vehicle is equipped as to what it will pull, or maybe even better yet, what it will stop while maintaining control. Also remember to add the weight of any toys you might carry like bikes, kayaks, as well as cast iron cookware...

Susan - Today's the day! That's great - I remember Twist's first production day well. Up to that time somehow (yes, even the writing of those checks) the whole thing didn't really seem real. But, now that it was actually in production somehow I could almost feel it grow. Back in the day when everyone at Oliver just wasn't soooooo busy, Anita would pop over to the plant, take a couple of pictures of my baby and send them along. I've still got those pictures that I showed to my friends - and, yes, I'm guessing that they thought I was nuts acting like this was the birth of a child or something. I'm excited for you! Bill p.s. and now back to the subject of induction burners - sorry for the digression 😒

There have been mentions of tools for crimping battery cables, I had been making do with the kind you smash with a big mallet, crude but effective. I decided to buy a proper tool. This one is dieless, unlike most others. It is made for just electrical terminals, so it is limited to 5 tons. Many of the big ones (10 tons or more) are intended for stuff like stainless steel fittings for a porch railing or yacht. This one is very nicely made, has an infinite adjustment range, almost, from small 10 AWG wires to really big ones, much larger than the 00 cable Oliver uses for the inverters. It is easy to use and feels like a really high quality tool. The head swivels 360 degrees so you can position the handle properly in a cramped space. It has a 5 year warranty. I just wish it came in a nice plastic case instead of cardboard.... This is the reason I decided on this type: The instructions have a guide about how many “pumps” are needed for a given size wire, but in reality you pump and pump, and when the die starts to bottom out, the resistance starts to noticeably increase. A couple of more pumps and it is done. Don’t keep going or you can drive a hole clean through the copper. I have only done the one test but I am sure it will be useful the next time I have to make some big cables or repair one, like when I install lithium batteries. I really like and recommend this model. TEMco TH1818 Dieless Crimper at Amazon John Davies Spokane WA

While nothing is entirely theft proof, when camping and especially boondocking in places where expensive gear is exposed, and especially vulnerable while away from the campsite (esp inverter generators), one way to heavily discourage a would-be opportunist, is a bolt-cutter proof lock and chain. Pictured is a 1/2” chain and lock. It would take a cutting wheel to break it. This chain is from Tulsa Chain. The lock is a Viro. We worry a lot less about our gear things are secured with it.

I requested from Service some of the stickers that the are putting on the new units. Jason told me where to place them. Basically they point to the metal frame for lifting points. Basically I think the placement would depend on the unit and year model. A quick check with Service would confirm placement. A great item that might save the frame if you weren't present during a lift?

Yep. I never do any side to side fiddling as long as the site is reasonable. Many are pitched slightly toward the drain which works in your favor. Just scope the dump station out ahead of time and determine the side and direction that going to work best.

When we started looking at Olivers in 2015 we were told that the back jacks could be used to raise the trailer for tire changing. They have since changed that guidance and don’t recommend using the back jacks for that. I can understand the liability issues. When I added the TST TPMS to my wheels I went in to my local tire shop to have metal stems installed and to have the tires rebalanced with the TPMS sensors. I got out my legos and 8” blocks and used the back jacks to raise the trailer, one side at a time to remove and balance the wheels. On our last trip, a grease cap came off one wheel and was rattling around inside the chrome hub cover. I used the jack to raise the trailer, remove the wheel and put things back in order. I’m not going to use those jacks to raise the trailer off the ground at a campsite for leveling. They are used for fine tuning only. But, for occasional jacking for wheel/tire work I will use the back jacks. Mike

Should be 672, we are picking up 676 next. week.

I would try the cushions plus topper, first. You might also want to look at the Froli system vs hypervent. The froli has great reviews in the boating community, and also adds some "spring", like a box spring, but thinner. We also leave our large dinette set up as a bed. Not sure where the leg is for the table, anymore.😄 We keep three bins of clothes and extra bedding/towels/ gear under the "permanent " bed, or two, and two backpacks and a small duffel.

I've always bought queen bedding and tuck the extra in under the cushions. I bought a full size mattress pad once, by mistake, and it was a real struggle to make it fit. I'd rather have the "extra", and ease of making the bed. If you already have queen sheets, just take a set with you. You'll see what I mean. Most blankets and quilts these days are labeled queen/full, anyway. I take an extra old top sheet to cover the bedding during the day, as our little dog claims the bed as her own daytime. She sleeps on her own bed, on a dinette cushion, during the night. Daytime, she claims the entire trailer as her own.👑 She's a bit of a princess 👸 A few years ago, I bought a queen foam topper for the cushions and cut it down with dressmaker sheers to fit the curves. When I had a fiberfill/down alternative topper, it was fine. I made no alterations. Just tucked the thin stuff under. Btw, I like microfiber sheets (amazon basics are good. Charisma from costco our favorites) in cooler season, flannel in cold, and cotton (thinner Hillcrest sateen) in hot summer only. Good microfiber has a nice feel, and dries really fast at the laundry, or on the line. Seems to stay fresh longer than cotton, which I find holds moisture. We don't have hypervent. But, we have cushions, plus 1.5 inch foam topper, not a mattress. 13 seasons in, no issues. I do have Ikea bumpy shelf liner under part of the cushions. And, we intentionally don't camp much under 25 to 30 degrees at night. I left Minnesota winters decades ago. Sherry

Retrax and one other manufacturer makes a tonneau cover with T-slots built-in. Makes it easy to install a roof rack from any manufacturer. I have Yakima towers and bars with 1UP roof trays. At least one other member of this forum has the same type of set up. This puts the bike rack above the bed of the pickup. My towers just click off making the rack easy to remove when it is not needed. Advantages: Bikes are up away from road grime and spray, better protected. Easy to moditor as they are not hidden behind trailer. Will not affect towing and tongue weight with the trailer. Disadvantage: Roll up cover takes up a foot of cargo area in the bed of the TV. Makes getting stuff out of the bed more awkward. You have to work around the rack when installed. Currently the rack is in my shop so I can't send you a picture of it installed but can send a picture of the cover with the bases in the T-Slots. Oh the other hard part is getting my wife darn e-bike up to the rack and on. Since when does one need an excuse to buy another bike. 🙂

Hmmm. . . . .762 . . . . . . we pick up our Elite II on December 7 . . . . . . . maybe it will be #777 . . . . . . should entitle us to a jackpot . . . . . . maybe a free Oliver Travel Trailer? 🎰

The website email address is listed incorrectly. I talked to them last month. The correct email is southernmattress@embarqmail.com The information below is for the Oliver Twin Sets: The mattress is 8.5" with a 5" foam base, 2" memory foam that is laminated to the base foam and 1" foam that is quilted in the topper that is 1/2". The twin mattresses are $795 for the set of 2 plus 7% sales tax and shipping to Hohenwald is $148.78 for the set. They need a 3 week lead time for production. The first time I called they did not answer and I think it might have been a Friday. We planned to go with them but are planning to upgrade to the ultra fabric. So if we kept the regular cushions the upgrade would be more than buying the KTT and and only paying $299 for the dinette and adding the price of the Southern Mattresses. I didn't ask pricing for the king set since we are going with the twin floor plan. Hope this helps. Cindy

Picked up #762 last Friday. Drove to Memphis then Houston. 2019 gmc Denali canyon 4 cylinder diesel. 900 miles about 60% state roads, multiple towns, lights etc., moderately hilly, on state roads 17,5 interstate 18.5. Crazy towed amazing could pass easily going up hills, no movement in trailer. Overall 18, Better than I thought. Drove 60-70

Re # 1 - Send a PM to Sherry (Seadawg). Re # 2 - The Hypervent thing has got you covered on the moisture under the bed thing. It is fairly expensive for what it is but I'm told that it works. Particularly in cold weather, anything you can do to reduce moisture (our campers really do not "breath") is a good thing. Cracked to open windows, use the bathroom and/or the MaxAir Fan, a small dehumidifier, etc.. Bill

Susan, I'll sell you my old school Cannondale from college - only 23lbs. Actually, no. I'll never part with that bike.

That just sounds like an excuse to buy lighter bikes! 😀

2020 has been quite a year. Thinking of you and your state today...

My mom and I were just talking about our friends in Louisiana, and all those in the path. We are certainly holding you up in our thoughts today. Stay safe.

Before raising the curb side, first drain the black tank because it benefits from being tilted in the opposite direction or street-side high.

You can take the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to Asheville and the scenery is great but it will take several hours. The shorter version is taking the Parkway from Cherokee to the Maggie Valley exit and then on to Asheville. If you have the time the Parkway is great. Just making it clear, I have had people going to Asheville jump on the Parkway thinking it was a the same time as thru Maggie, The Parkway is for beauty and enjoying the time.

A few years ago we successfully downsized, trading a spacious 30ft 5th-wheel (do two people really need that much space to camp?) for a 25' Leisure Travel Van. The floor plan was similar in size and layout to the Elite II twin. Aside from not having a vehicle to drive around in while base camped, the van fit us well, except for the few times my husband wished it had a slide. Yes, my husband also needs his space. While camping, we spend most of our awake time outside, but when weather forces us inside, the twin beds make a great lounge area. I also plan to add living space, at times, by setting up the Oliver dinette as a sofa, with the platform in "bed mode" and a few additional cushions we acquired from another Oliver owner. As with all RV choices there are trade-offs, but I'm more than certain we will love the Oliver. And, yes, I'm sure I will hear, more than once, "I wish this thing had a slide!"

Thanks for the links! The Fate unbound link was well written and logical so as soon as I can compile our daily amp use I should be able to determine how long the batteries will last, I will need a generator as a plan B but if its only occasional usage I am having reservations about spending $1100.

I admit that I am a bit spoiled in the Sprinter -- the electrical system is powered by 2 tesla batteries that are kept topped up by 795W of roof-top solar. I'd keep it, but my husband doesn't fit in the bed and it can't be retrofit easily. Expensive to keep as a "she-shed".

I assume your comment is from the map in which we have traveled in the United States; North Dakota is the only state we have missed.

We always run ours on Auto mode. If we’re plugged into shore power it goes to that. As soon as I unplug it goes to propane. I’ve never used 12V. Mike

Probably a bit of both . . . . time will tell. I purchased this silicone heat resistant pad to protect the counter/tabletops for under the induction burner and our small toaster oven. BTW: Oliver is now using this cooktop with a cast iron grate. This will be much nicer than the two burners with individual grates.

I'm a huge proponent of prepping meals before a trip. It's always worked because our trips have never been longer than 10 days and we've had a reasonably sized fridge (and once even a separate freezer!) This may all change once retirement hits in a year or two. One of my prep tricks is to freeze leftovers in 1 or 2 meal portions, marked with a piece of blue tape that says "Camping X1 or x2). I also prep a few cans of tuna for sandwiches so I don't have to make a mess on the road. I just got back from 3 nights in the desert and ate like a queen: Chicken tikka masala, chicken burritos, and bolognese lasagna. I try to keep it as simple as possible! Breakfast is a big meal for us, and I usually bring some pre-roasted potatoes, and make an egg scrambler with pre-cut veggies, goat cheese, and pre-cooked bacon. OK....time to go make dinner. I'm hungry now...

In our current rig (Sprinter Van) Hubby and I each get two bins for clothes - the bins are about 16'x10"x10", one for our cycling/hiking clothes, one for everything else. We each get a smaller bin (1 cubic foot) for cycling gear like shoes, helmet, gloves, glasses, computers, lights.... We also have a drawer permanently packed with puffy coats, gloves, hats, and raincoats so we never forget them and a drawer for our slippers, flip flops, and camp shoes. Then we get whatever shoes we happen to be wearing when we leave the house. This works out pretty well for us, and in truth I usually return home with more than half the clothes I brought unworn! I also have bins with the toiletries and food staples already packed. I bring them in the house if we won't be camping for a while so they don't get too hot baking in the driveway. So, on departure day, I pack the bins, the fridge, the dogs, the husband, and the espresso maker, and top off the water tank and we're good to go!

I really am looking forward to an in-person visit. All of our research points us to Oliver, and for someone who has owned two Forest River products (a pop up and a Roo), I am REALLY looking forward to quality craftsmanship. 😉 The only thing I can think of that would keep us from ordering is if my husband decides that there just isn't enough elbow room. Neither of us is particularly tall, but this man likes his space. The Roo with its camper-long bumpout dinette/couch meant that we could host 8 of our closest friends in the rain, practice indoor yoga, and not trip over each other. Personally, I prefer a smaller footprint since I will often take our rig out by myself. I am confident that the twin set-up will be a good compromise!

Update on induction burner: I purchased this and love it! I've used it at home a lot, as it simmers so much better than our gas cooktop. I love that the controls are simple and intuitive and I can't believe how little heat it gives off. I should have purchased one of these long ago. Now I have to wait a couple of months to use it in our Oliver . . . . . . she goes into production today ! ! ! ! ! @SeaDawg What are you using as a carrying case?

Incredibly thoughtful and detailed post, @gatorewc! Thank you. I will refer back to these suggestions when we get close to planning our pickup in May. We stopped in Asheville on our way to Hohenwald and really loved it. What a beautiful town, and the Biltmore - wow. Suddenly spring of ‘21 doesn’t seem soon enough!

If the refrigerator was indeed accidentally running on DC, that may well be the cause of the "problem" with the batteries not charging. They may have been charging normally all along and the fridge was simply using more amps than were coming from the panels and truck combined with the end result being depleted batteries. It can easily draw 16-17 amps. If this be the case, you can claim to be the poster child in the campaign to not ever run the fridge on DC. Most of us have be preaching this for years. If the fridge is operating properly, it will never "default" to DC. You always have to make it go to DC and the AUTO button must be OFF in order to do so. When the AUTO button is ON the refrigerator will automatically select between AC and LP, but never DC.

No worries. It's fine. There are others who may have missed the first thread.

For sure we went overkill. Considered the 3-8” chain at about half the price (and weight) and it would have done the trick, but doubt we’ll regret experiencing the extra peace of mind from amped security of the 1/2” chain. Two generators, two bikes and propane equipment, etc, would be a hassle to replace. As noted, the lock wasnt inexpensive either, but necessary to complete the system.

Seriously, depends on chain length. We went with 30’ so theres plenty of room to secure several things. The chain is over 50 lbs!

Seriously, depends on chain length. We went with 30’ so theres plenty of room to secure several things. The chain is appx 50 lbs.

We don’t have our Oliver yet; delivery is scheduled for December 7. Once you decide to purchase an Oliver and put down a deposit which secures a build date, you will be assigned a sales agent. First and foremost, meet with him/her in person or by phone and explain your camping expectations: where will your travels take you; long road trips or short outings; camping facilities; recreation; etc. Also share your budget and anticipated options. We did this when we ordered our Leisure Travel Van and were very successful with our choices. Getting input from Ollie owners is also a good way to “talk through” the options decision making process. This is how we’ve outfitted our Oliver Elite II Twin, based on previous RV experience, including the reasoning behind our choices (items in red are no cost options). Two Mattress upgrade - $1598; regular pads would probably be fine. You can always add memory foam toppers or upgrade mattresses if you find the need. Fiber Granite décor - $1799; this is purely cosmetic as I don’t think either countertop choice is more durable than the other. I wanted to break up the mostly white interior. Ultrafabric upgrade - $299; we had Ultra-leather upholstery in our van and love its durability Hypervent option - $179; protect sleeping pads/mattresses from moisture damage No TV antennas - $0; we don’t watch much TV on the road; only an occasional movie when it rains; one less thing on the roof. Standard Curbside Awning - $0; no street side awning since we use awnings very little; manual awning is no longer available as Oliver has changed awning vendor. Black Cabinet Doors - $0; I don't want to see the things inside the cupboard when doors are closed. This option will also break up the white interior if you choose the standard counters. No Microwave - $0; will use some of the additional cupboard space to store a Breville Mini Smart toaster oven No Outdoor Pro Pkg - $0; we’ve never wanted outside propane connects, don’t want the tongue storage basket since we plan to use our bike rack between the pickup and the trailer, and rear bumper receiver is too small for our bike rack. 30# LP tanks and 30amp convenience connection will be ordered separately. We have a small, portable LP tank we can carry in the pickup if we want to use a propane grill or fire ring. Standard Porcelain Toilet - $0; I have no desire to maintain a composting toilet. Standard Water Heater - $0; we wanted this in our van, but Truma was standard and we could not downgrade. With the standard heater you can run on LP or shore power, on demand hot water is not a “must have” for us and Truma service techs are scarce in our area, should we need warranty work. In the past, we would turn it on 10-15 minutes before we need hot water, then turn it off until needed again. Lithium Pro Pkg - $8999; this was a tough decision, but we decided it offers the least maintenance, shorter charging times, and more amp hours available with an installation designed for the Oliver; Plus it pays to keep on top of technology these days. Solar Pro would be my next choice - $4999 No Electronics Pro Pkg - $0; will purchase cell phone booster separately 30 AMP Convenience Connection - $499; to connect auxiliary generator from back of pickup Cell Phone Booster - $629; I went back and forth deciding on this option. We do travel in areas where cell coverage is marginal. The cost is comparable to what we could purchase elsewhere, but with the wiring done by Oliver. It will also serve as a WiFi booster, using our jet pack cellular data plan. No WiFi Booster - $0; we have a jet pack for data No Backup Camera - $0; my husband is a confident “backer upper” (retired truck driver) and we are always traveling together. In addition, it would be just one more electronic device to manage. No Keyless Entry – $0; again, one less electronic device. Keys work fine and we have keyless entry on our pickup so we can lock a spare key in the cab. As someone else mentions, this is an easy DIY project if you decide you need it. No Weight Distribution Hitch – $0; our tow vehicle is an F-350. You should discuss this option with Oliver since you plan to tow with an SUV. No Storage Basket Option - $0; this would get in the way of our bike rack. Other factors; It is just an additional step to secure cargo when breaking camp, security of things stored here, plenty of storage in the covered pickup bed, plus I like the clean look of the tongue without the basket No Rear Bumper Receiver - $0; our bike rack is 2”, thus the smaller Oliver receiver would serve us no purpose. No Lagun Table - $0; we would eat at either the dinette or outside. We might use it, on occasion, but it would be yet another thing to stow away at bedtime. Basement Access Door - $179; I plan to use this to store things we don’t want to go outside to get, such as bottled water. It will also be useful as an access to a clothes hamper or for storing shoes. I think it’s a good value and not something I’d want to DIY. No Auto Drain - $0; another electric component. The manual valve will do fine No Shower Rod/Track - $0; I’m not keen on the way this looks/works. I plan to use a short tension shower rod in the doorway and possibly suction cups over the toilet area, if we find a curtain necessary. I do like the idea of being able to shower with the door open. Graphics - $150; one color silver grey metallic pinstripe graphics on sides, no front graphic, no graphic on tire cover, no rear name or hull number If we had opted for the Solar Pro Package, instead of the Lithium Pro, and left out the decor upgrades of ultra fabric dinette cushions and metallic graphics, our options would total $9882 - within your budget. Before making any final decision on options, be sure to watch/read material in the Oliver University as it pertains to your choices. Hope this helps!

Speaking as someone who has a compressor fridge, this repetitive hand wringing about the absorption fridge has gotten ridiculous. Sure, a compressor fridge is better, but not by that much. If you don’t like it, then just put a fridge freezer in your truck. That’s something that will actually make a difference in how you travel.

Replacing the gas unit with a 12 volt compressor one can almost double your inside storage volume. Carrying a similar portable unit in your TV also works VERY well, if you have the space and are willing to deal with extension cords or a portable solar panel to keep it running when parked long term. I have used our medium sized (50 quart) classic ARB fridge for many years, but it only goes along on longer trips, over ten days. I plug the 12 volt power cord into the Ollie solar port with a 25’ extension cable. https://arbusa.com/portable-fridge-freezers/ If I ever get around to replacing the “Dumbetic” gas fridge, I will probably stop carrying the ARB one, since it won’t be needed. John Davies Spokane WAs

Great data don’t see the 2.8 duramax. I pickup my LEII in a month. Got 30 driving new when I picked it up in Indiana and drove to Houston. Tows 7700 so I’ll see what it gets.

Looks like most get around the same fuel mileage regardless of what engine you have in your 1/2 ton full size pickup, or for me 12-13 about it. Now for you diesel owners looks like you get a little more mpg, but the extra cost of diesel fuel and the truck itself never worked out for me. My 2019 Ram gets right at 24-25 mpg at 70 mph without the trailer, so what can I say. Yes Susan, I know you pull other trailers and that's why you have a 1 ton diesel pickup, I would to if that was my situation. All being said, I buy what I like and will do the job, fuel prices don't let me stop buying what I want. Back in the day we pulled our 28 ft. travel trailer with a 454 suburban, it got 8 mpg with the trailer and 8 mpg without the trailer, I could outrun just about anything up Wolf Creek Pass, I loved it. trainman

That's plenty for two shirts and a pair of shorts. Unless you're on the road for more than three weeks, that should do.

Check out Debbie Lafeiche at www.supersizelife.com . She is doing it in an Oliver.

We asked for the one in front of the toilet but Oliver gave us the one over the door by mistake. So I ordered the parts and installed it myself, and now we have both, lol, though the one over the door just get used as an occasional towel rod. It wasn't hard, but I did have to do a lot of eyeball work to get it lined up just so against the curved front wall. I put mine higher and in front of the cabinet to give more headroom over the toilet and I lined it up with the bottom of the cabinet door so that when open the door sits on the rod at 90° and acts as a shelf. Very convenient. The curtain keeps the toilet area very dry, with just a little splash around the sides.