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One final post about my issue or non issue. It was all my fault. I forgot to reinstall the neutral bonding plug back on the generator/inverter that I removed while we were in transit to our first campsite on this fall trip to NY. I give credit to my wife, Paula, for asking a few questions that triggered thought about removing it. It was over a year ago that I experienced it after trying my Honda eu2000i inverter to see if it would power the A/C with the ezStart capacitor and I simply forgot the symptom. David

I'm of the opinion that our trailers have plenty of clearance, for most people. They are not Aussie outback trailers. They also don't carry that 110k plus price tag of the Bruder. We have camped for 13 seasons, in some crazy places, without issue. We use common sense, take it easy, and live with our choices. There are some here who would like different features, different suspension. I'm not one of them. I love the comfort of my trailer. The sturdiness. The feeling of home . But then, we don't want to go rock crawling, intentionally. We did it a few times, unintentionally. I'm too old for that. We don't avoid unpaved roads, but we don't take our trailer down narrow, rocky essentially atv trails, either. For coe, nfs, state and provincial parks, etc, where we have camped in our 100,000 miles through the US and Canada, we feel like our 2008 unit has been golden. We boondock (camp without hookups) 99 per cent of the time And, we're not as heavily tech laden, like a lot of others. Sometimes, I compare it to cooking. I typically travel with one skillet, one pot, a tea kettle, a roll of aluminum foil, and three good knives. All of which I really know how to use, to good effect. I could carry a lot more, but I don't need to. Good equipment, and a really good trailer, make life easier. Knowing how to use them is key. And, understanding your personal limitations, as well. (Stretching those limits is fun, too.😁) I'd put our 2008 Ollie and 2008 ram up against any of the sticky rvs we have delivered to Alaska over the last six years. Hands down.

Yes lol 672, I need a beer

That is good to know. And, this happens more and more to me. My wife uses technical terms like “thingy” and uses her hands to show motion, direction and shape. Then, like magic, I remember the step I left out.

I learned about the Avenza maps app when I cruised out to Pawnee National Grasslands this spring. I wanted dispersed camping, but the local forest service office was closed due to COVID. Thankfully, they pointed me to free forest service maps on Avenza. They show in great detail what areas are open to dispersed camping. If you can boondock, dispersed is the way to go in the west. https://www.avenzamaps.com/mobile-maps?campaignid=10221828697&adgroupid=102940455500&adid=453328850375&gclid=CjwKCAjwlID8BRAFEiwAnUoK1e_S1UVHaVpOOzhKxzPx9ByrWrbkUypIRjAtl3ENXqNyFO9sRcFw9RoCI58QAvD_BwE There's an app for that!

I guess we're antique, at #12. At least, "vintage". 😅😅😅

This may be of some interest regarding Ring and RV security...

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?

I have an Elite 2 on order and I'd like to hear from owners that have newer models and get their feedback on overall wiring quality. I'm interested in neatness of work, appropriate use of connectors (like butt connectors instead of wire nuts), tie wraps appropriately spaced and just overall layout and quality. My brother does high end home theater installations as well as marine electronics installations and I've helped him on some projects. He's super OCD and the quality of his work is impressive to say the least. I'm wondering if, once he starts to look at the trailer, he'll want to redo some of the wiring. Obviously without voiding my warranty. Thoughts? I've read several threads from owners that have older models. Just curious to know what the feedback is like on the later models. The forums are incredibly helpful. Lots of great information from people genuinely interested in helping others and willing to share their great ideas and modifications. It is very much appreciated. Thanks to all...

Picked up last Friday. Two days at Davy Crockett, on to Memphis, now in Houston. All good a little fridge battery issue but Jason is taking care of it. Truck pulled like a champ.2019 canyon Denali diesel.

We found a vendor that would fabricate a custom plastic cutting board for the kitchen. The main objective was to protect the glass cover over the stove top and provide a defined work area for various chores. We purchased a slightly undersized 24" x 31" piece with full bull nose edges and 1" rounded corners. On the bottom we installed half-round rubber bumpers. If interested, suggest that you contact- plasticcuttingboard.com.

I just got back from a week in the Midwest. Basecamp, northern Missouri at Mom's house. Driving miss Daisy, we went on to Wisconsin to celebrate her birthday with her twin. I wish I had more photos. We followed the great river road ad much as practical. It's an amazing, beautiful drive. Whether the Mississippi is to your left, or your right, it's just beautiful. I can never get enough. Sherry

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

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

Thanks for the review! Just ordered one. Will need it for a complete solar install once we get our Elite 1 home from Hohenwald in March.

When we bought ours NEW (in Aug 2019) , I asked our local Credit Union about buying a used Oliver from a private seller. They said that since there's a very low number of Oliver's produced overall..the don't appear in the NADA RV guides which the CU uses for assessing value remotely. Their suggestion was that they either need to "see the unit" at their branch, or have a local CU to the location of the unit act on their behalf in establishing the quality and value of the used unit. Since then I think they are now in NADA guides that CU's can use to assess value.

It's five-o'clock somewhere 🍺

My measurements tell me that the propane tank cover is too tall for the bike bunk to fit over it. You could move it forward to just behind the jack and your bikes would be forward of the jack. The real problem is the A-frame mounting requires notching the fiberglass. And the bike bunk is rated for 100 lbs which you have already stated is useless. Mossey A raised receiver on the “A” frame is the perfect place to put your bikes. Our Bike Bunk allows any RV approved bike rack designed for a 2″ receiver to fit. Your application will be determined by the turning radius and positioning of the rack. Supports up to 100 lbs. Critical Dimensions: 33.5″ from the top of your trailer A-frame to the top of the Bike Bunk cross tube, 29” from the top of your trailer A-frame to the bottom of the receiver tube on the cross tube. Due to the bent design on the vertical bent posts, lower pockets can be mounted on your A-frame at widths varying from 14″ to 55″. Accommodates max A-frame bar height of 6″.

Awesome contextualization Sherry. I certainly don't want to start off this adventure assuming that our trailers is somehow lacking without giving it a full on shakedown period to strut it's stuff. Like (too) many of us guys, I have a perpensity to want everything wayyy overbuilt and overengineerd. Think I'll take your sage advice and see how it goes.

Oliver is listed in the NADA as I just looked up my 2009.

Beyond a few essential safety things there is no need to know what the heck you are doing. There is always help here and at the Oliver Service Department. Rallies are a great place to meet new people and see what they have done to make camping with the Oliver even more enjoyable. There is always new stuff to learn - enjoy the journey. Bill

Mch - Recently Oliver has started using a new (different) finance company for helping people finance their travel trailer. I know that this new company is offering a number of things that previous ones did not. It is possible that one of these "new" offerings just might be financing for "used" Olivers. Try calling the Oliver sales office. Bill

As we are hull #211 we must be 'ancient'. But with the shine on it as if it was new. I like the term vintage better.

Curb side - The safer side next to the curb or road edge (usually the passenger side) of a parked vehicle or in this case the Ollie you which step out of so you don’t get run over flat by an oncoming traffic. Be safe!

Oh! I do miss fireflies. Grew up in Massachusetts, but I've been a colorado girl for nearly 30 years now. Wouldn't go back, but there are definitely things I miss.

I think you made a good choice with the Elite I. Easy tow, should work well with your existing tow vehicle. Plenty of room for one and one dog (even a spoiled prince.👑😄). We had several friends back in the day who fulltimed with a couple, and two dogs, in their elites.

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 don't know if ring works without wifi. Many game cameras do, though.

Can't you just feel the excitement? Bill

In addition to the safety factors and wear and tear factors there are the mileage factors. Several years ago while I was towing a trailer that weighed less than half of what the Oliver Elite II weighs I was driving West across Kansas fighting a 40 mph headwind. The issue became - I was getting 4 miles to the gallon. This made me have to stop for gas at least every hour and a half. Certainly no fun at all. Bill

There are multiple threads on the Tacoma tow vehicle. Concensus seems to be, ok on flat, or hills, but not necessarily the higher mountains. Where are you coming from? And, where will you be going? If the tow rating is within 80 per cent if specs, it wouldn't stop me from a used trailer pickup. But, it might stop me from a camping trip in/through the Rockies. Sherry

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

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

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? 🎰

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

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.

Will do!

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...

I can easily overload my entire trailer, use a dangerous tow vehicle, fail to configure my brake controller, fail to inspect and maintain wheels, etc... Artificially limiting what we can use our receiver for is pretty silly given the already high level of potential danger involved in towing. Oliver should simply put a load sticker on it like everything else and give responsible owners a 2 inch receiver.

How much does this increase your payload? lol

I measured the Attwood Air Command inside sound levels, using the same Decibel Meter app on my iPhone 6S, I did not remove the case (Otterbox Commuter). The trailer was inside the RV bay, AKA The Hanger deck, plugged into a 20 amp 115V wall outlet. All 110V AC breakers inside the trailer were turned off except for the air conditioner one. The app was set to measure dbA, which is what the human ear hears. I zeroed the display before each test. My system is different, it has Low/ Med/ High/ Auto fan speeds. The cabin fan runs off one small motor up on the roof The compressor runs off a second small motor. Most other types have a single big motor with two shafts, driving both parts simultaneously at the same speed. For reference: Katanapilot's measurents Location, Baseline measurement, Low Fan, High Fan with compressor running Front dinette seat (phone on table) - 35, 68, 71 Rear dinette seat (phone on table) - 34, 71, 72 Left bed (phone on bed at aft end) - 31, 70, 74 Right bed (phone on bed at aft end) - 32, 70, 73 Standing under A/C (phone held at 5') - 32, 76, 78 Attwood Air Command 16,000 BTU "equivalent" (rated at 13.5K), no heat strip. Location, Baseline measurement, Low Fan, High Fan with compressor running Front dinette seat (phone on table) - 34, 58, 63 Rear dinette seat (phone on table) - 34, 58, 63 Left bed (phone on bed at aft end) - 34, 58, 63 Right bed (phone on bed at aft end) - 34, 58, 63 Standing under A/C (phone held at 5') - 34, 64, 70 These numbers compare favorably to Attwood's own testing from this Powerpoint presentation: An interesting note: The sound level is dominated by the cabin fan wind noise. The readings on High Fan and High Fan Compressor Running were identical. Other than the cold air pouring out, you could not audibly tell that the compressor was operating. This is very similar to the compressor noise level outside the trailer - with a quiet generator going twenty feet away, the AC sound on the roof is hardly perceptible when standing next to the hull. When you walk away a few feet, you can't hear it at all. It is very "neighbor friendly". Compressor snarl: When running off the Yamaha generator (no soft start kit installed on the air conditioner) the compressor is louder when it kicks on, due to the voltage drop. It doesn't happen when plugged into a strong shore power circuit. I will try to test the sound when running off the generator to see what the sound level is. My system was a custom install by the factory in early 2017, they no longer do this sort of mod on the production line. See the attached Attwood pdf files for more info. I hope this helps. It does indeed seem to be much quieter overall. I have never been inside an Ollie with the standard unit running, so I had no way to know the real world differences. I can't say if it is worth the money and time to swap the Attwood for the Dometic, but the sound difference is certainly there. You would lose the electric heat strip, it is only available in the larger Attwood, which is way too big for an Ollie. Plus the condensation drips down the side of the roof, there is no belly drain. And the Olliver techs were not able to mate the AC with the digital thermostat, so I have to run it either from the drop down control panel or from the little remote control. None of these is a big deal for me. One feature I do NOT like: because the unit is running off the thermostat attached to the bottom of the inside console, instead of from a wall stat on the far side of the pantry, the unit short cycles. When the cabin has cooled down to the desired temp, it cycles on and off too quickly. The cold air bouncing off the rear wall and overhead cabinet confuses the onboard controls. If it could be connected to a remote wall stat, this would not happen. It is irritating but not harmful. John Davies Spokane WA RV Atwood Air Command Presentation2014.pdf RV Atwood Air Command Service Manual.pdf

Every state has something to be proud of, surely. I do have a least favorite, but I won’t say which one so as not to offend Oklahomans.

The front tray used to be called a generator tray, then, presumably after consulting with the company lawyers, they renamed it a cargo tray. You aren’t supposed to run a portable generator that close to a living area, tho many people obviously do. A front 30 A connection would be handy if you run one in your pickup bed, for example. It does make the campsite look neater, without the cable running down half the length of the trailer. I did not see a need to buy that extra connection, but normally we run off 12 volts. One thing I would add to a pre delivery inspection checklist is to have them show you that the transfer switch indeed is there and functioning correctly. John Davies Spokane WA

Definitely there is. The sales department should know that if they don’t . You don’t need the extra port to use a generator. You can use the standard port on the side of the trailer just the same. The extra port on the front just allows for an easier connection if you have your generator in the front basket or in your truck bed.

Reassembly. I installed Andersen connectors at the main wires coming out of the ceiling for easy removal in the future.... If you don't want to do that, use a couple of yellow crimp slices. ... Anderson Power Pole Connectors Connect the wires and reinstall fan circuit fuse if removed. The fan should come awake with a beep. Test the operator with the remote and the built in switches. If everything is good, reinstall the fan, lower panel and trim panel. Done. John Davies Spokane WA

I bought the Boondocking in Southern Utah guide from Frugal-RV-Travel. I had read excellent reviews about the book, and I have to agree that the book is excellent. They list a bunch of boondocking sites, with directions and GPS coordinates. The cost was $17. They produce six different boondocking guides, on New Mexico, Southern Utah, Southern Texas, Arizona, California Sierras and Coast, and California Desert and Eastern Sierra. The guide comes as a pdf file. I loaded it onto my computer, iPad and iPhone. I put it in the Kindle app on the iPhone and iPad, but the iBook app works also. If I am driving, my wife will be the researcher / navigator, and she likes paper, so I printed out a double-sided copy and put in a report binder. The first version of the book I got in 2017 was the 2013 edition, and it was 140 pages long. They revised the book in 2018, and they send me a copy of the new edition. It is amazing that they sent me the updated edition for free! The new version is 166 pages. The GPS coordinates are hot linked. If you click on the GPS coordinates it opens up in Google Maps, either on the computer or on the phone. Very cool! I highly recommend these guides. Using the Boondocking in Southern Utah guide, I found the best campsite I have ever had, in Valley of the Gods in Southern Utah. The campsite on BLM land was free, so I definitely consider the $17 for purchasing the book money well spent.

Clean up the coupler and paint it inside and out, at least two coats. I used Duplicolor Brake Caliper Paint gloss black. It requires no primer, is super easy to apply and it is extremely durable. Clean up the tongue, sand down the rough bits and prime with several coats. I used Duplicolor Self Etching Primer, which is specifically OK for aluminum. (Many primers do not work well on AL.) ... https://www.amazon.com/Dupli-Color-EDAP16907-General-Purpose-Self-Etching/dp/B002984MU0 .... I primed a little beyond the new coupler since there is wear there from the bungee cord I use to hold up the Andersen chains. Here is the new hardware, make sure the bolt is GRADE 8, GRADE 5 and has at least a 3.5" unthreaded shank. NO threads should be inside the coupler or frame rail.Cut off the excess so you can install a cap nut. I added an extra washer under each nut, since the factory nuts were cutting into the shank. EDiT 08/23/20. Replaced Grade 8 bolts with Grade 5 - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THIS: .... Coat the bolts and threads with anti-seize compound and insert: Apply an upward load on the coupler. I used a jack stand and retracted the electric jack. Torque gradually to 80 ft lbs 45 ft lbs if lubricated. Alternate back and forth, keep tightening until there is no further nut turning. The sides of the coupler will draw in tight against the frame. When done, add the stainless cap nuts to make it pretty and keep from scraping your shin. ***RECHECK THE TORQUE OFTEN WHEN TOWING UNTIL THE NUTS NO LONGER MOVE.*** Optional: paint a bright stripe on top of the coupler, it highlights the ratings label and makes it easier to see in your tow vehicle camera when hitching up. I used silver caliper paint. Done! John Davies Spokane WA

Sherry - when they are in season I'll try to remember to drop you a note. Sometimes those areas that are known to have these fireflys can be very crowded, but, I know of a place where you can have them all to yourself - as long as you don't tell anyone where it is. Bill

Born & raised in Michigan. I can relate to what Sherry is saying. In the 70's, before Clair & I were married, we started our travels in Michigan. We had both spent most of our life very close to home so it was exciting to get out & tour our beautiful state. When we moved to Florida we spent a lot of time traveling within the state & then branched out to see most of the eastern side of the US. We shy away from cities, preferring to travel back roads & visit small communities. So far, we haven't found a state without beauty or interest. Sooo...we know that there's so much more out there to experience & enjoy! Thanks for sharing Sherry! Clair was just talking about taking a trip up into Wisconsin & over to Minnesota to visit a friend of ours. Adventures await! Kathy