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All I can add is this: A good and trusted friend of mine owns an RV repair and service business and has been doing it for many, many years. When I came to him asking about our first purchase, I explained and showed him the literature on the Olivers. He was in fact at the time working on an Airstream. He HATES them. He said that the beauty of an Airstream is "skin deep" and even that's questionable. He showed me the interior of the walls construction which was abysmal. When I finally took delivery of our Oliver, I had him come over and inspect it and to say he was impressed is an understatement. He crawled all over it and took pictures stating what a "serious" trailer the Oliver is. Even the battery tray surprised him how good it was laid out. Having a guy who works on all manner of RVs tell me that he's never seen anything that compares to what he saw in our Oliver is quite a testament.

A mean junk yard dog tied to the wheel would be best. 😜

I don't think that I've ever been concerned about theft, so much as it seemed like something I should be concerned about. I've never had a lock of any sort, but I have an oddball hitch that's probably better security anyway. And we have a Spot Trace that I still keep up the service on, though I often wonder why. My concern level - Likelihood of Catastrophic Loss: highway accident fire tornado theft mutant fiberglass eating termites

Some of us Oliver owners just don't have theft at the top of our worry list - its not in my top 25...were I to have a worry list. However, to each their own. Being tech savvy or not - I suppose an armed geekie guard would work, a bit expensive, and overkill. I'm sure you will find your comfort level, and move on to enjoying Ollie. A similar concern - would be a TPS to monitor tires. Statistically a much better subject to focus on than theft. Happy trails RB My offer is still valid....

While researching travel trailers in late 2019 / early 2020, I started out thinking we would be in an Airstream and like many others came across some good alternatives, namely the Oliver and Black Series trailers. I eventually narrowed it down to Oliver or BS. I have detailed pros / cons listed for each, although it's my personal opinions based on what I could find on the internet. We ended up choosing the Oliver Elite II, primarily for the following reasons 1. We definitely wanted a tandem trailer for towing stability, so that eliminated the HQ15 and the Oliver Elite I. 2. HQ17 vs Elite II... many pros and cons for each, but in the end it boiled down to the following: a. HQ17 being a bit big for the two of us (it sleeps 4 with bunk beds, so great for a small family). It weighs 3K pounds more than the Elite II. May have had to upgrade from 2500 to 3500 tow vehicle. b. HQ17 made in China - quality issues highly likely and could be tougher to find parts. I've had it with "made in China" for big ticket items - especially if it has any metal (aluminum or steel) in it. This was the real "show stopper" for us.

If you choose to use nothing to secure the Bulldog coupler, and someone hooks up your Ollie and drives off with it, know that you can contact nearby emergency rooms as, most likely, the thief will have ripped off his finger while engaging the Bulldog ! ! !

The x chock design wouldn't give SherMica any help, as she's buying a single axle Elite, but I could see that being of assistance in a couple ways with the Elite II. I'd probably invest in a good hidden GPS tracking device if I were nervous, and the usual locks that most of us get. The cable lock could be useful for other items, too. I do like the barking dog recording idea, though. 😄

At least a very cursory glance suggest "probably yes" as an answer as both are 3/8" thick. I'm making an assumption that 3/8" listed thickness of the Master Lock Python includes the outer coating as does the listed 3/8" of the Kryptonite cables, and I'm further assuming that the steel portion is likely also roughly 1/4" as the Kryptonite is and that both are rougly similarly tough steel. If that doesn't seem like enough, this cable lists a 1/2" thickness though as with the Master Lock Python the Amazon listing does not spec the actual braided cable's thickness. If you are already thinking of using some of this type of "stabilizing chocks" (it seems "chocks" is a bit of a misnomer here as I understand the word but...), my understanding is that this model can be locked in position. The cable-through-wheels is probably a bigger hassle to defeat if you use a really good lock, but there's always the question of how much weight and space budget you want to use up. But of course you could do both locking stabilizer chocks AND cable through wheels (maybe even using the same lock to secure both? As well as a hitch lock...). AND the motion-sensor activated recording of the German Shepherd barking menacingly along with some device pounding the floor and rocking the trailer a tad like dog paws stomping 🙂

All: some day I will look back on all this and laugh. I am already laughing at myself. Need a clue bat upside the head, I do. They probably sell clue bats on Amazon. Heh. I drive to pickup the Elite one in 10 days. The OTT people will be laughing too, I’m sure. “So, you’ve NEVER towed anything, have a new truck that can launch missiles, don’t understand your new truck’s features yet, and don’t know anything about hitches and couplers and receivers and locks. Well played!” Haha

If anyone wants to make the block I made, here's the list of pieces you'd need to order: #3075 Extrusion, 24" #4303 Bracket, 4 pieces #4302 Bracket, 2 pieces #3320 Bolt Assembly, 14 pieces You'll also need some stainless ¼" or 5/16" bolts to fix the block to the hull. I think most can be 1" or 1.25" long but you'll need two 3" bolts for the two vertical ones that go through the bed extension. I used lock nuts and large fender washers to spread the load against the fiberglass. I also cut off all the bolt ends around the bed side with a dremel and cutoff disk and filed them smooth so not to damage the mattress or cushions.

Yeah old fashioned tire pressure checks can suffice in the near term until you have time and mental energy for sorting that out. Good luck with your tranistion. You probably know that moves are on the list of life's ten biggest stressors, and what you're doing sounds like a move on steroids. May you find moments of calm amidst the crush of things to be done.

Yep exactly what I meant. Truck. Not trailer. And truck is not assembled or something. I dunno. Like they gave me the stuff for it but I have to do something and I haven’t got time to breathe lately. Very stressed.

I feel your pain. This discussion reminds me of a friend in Seattle who messed around with some Arduino gadgets for a while to create a motion activated recording of voices to try to deter folks who were taking leaks in the alley next to his garage on a regular basis. I think he had at least some success with this :-). And yeah good point about the x-chocks SeaDawg - forgot she is getting the single axle Elite.

Hi everyone. I’m newly retired from the US Army after more than 20 years. I don’t have an Oliver yet, but I’m saving and preparing to have one in the next year or so.

Don't feel too bad! My wife and I were in the same boat, we pick up our Elite II in March. This venture has been an education to say the least, especially in F150 towing packages / capabilities. Thanks to so many helpful members here we are now set and ready to pick up the trailer, just gotta grab up a couple items like locks and such. Good luck on the pickup!

Looking into hidden tracking devices, yes. “Vee haff our vaaays.” Woe be unto the non-tech-savvy thief who thinks he (she, to be PC about it) will not be located. I am new to TTs, towing, all that, but not new to catching and prosecuting wrongdoers, and I am a total geek. FWIW. 😉

And if you have theft coverage, the insurance company will do the work to search and locate. They have the means to do that and the incentive to find it as they don't want to have to buy you another Oliver. On the downside, think of the time you'd have to wait for a new one!!!

If I remember correctly, our Oliver came with #3 . . . . . but I might not have been paying attention . . . . . "Squirrell!" We, too, have several of these locking hitch pins; the one I saw at delivery may have been one my husband pulled out of the tool box 😊 I do feel the need for some sort of coupler lock, for peace of mind. Going off on a hike is not enjoyable if the entire hike you are wondering, "Will the Ollie be there when we return?"

B&b RV in Denver used to carry them. Looked at them a year ago and they certainly have what appears to be capable suspensions and lots of clearance. The interiors were handsome and glossy and nice. What knocked them out of the running for me was lack of headroom and that they are made in China and sent to LA where the windows and doors are cut in. here is what I found on The B&B website today. Apparently they stopped selling them due to quality issues.

JRK, thank YOU for the post. I think we are having parallel new owner new-to-towing-etc. experiences in a way; OTT definitely recommends the Andersen for the Elite 1. Opinions elsewhere vary, of course but as a newbie I sure got confused a lot (and expect I will again, lol) trying to understand sone stuff here. It could be just the way we all express ourselves differently in writing, which is a given, nothing “wrong” there. I am amazed that I went from thinking I had to buy and bring the “ball thingy” and the piece it is on, and measure a “drop?” AND buy/bring a coupler,” AND chocks and levelers, etc. and I’ve had the same “ohhh, ok, now I get it” moments you had, to where NOW I get that *OTT* is providing the stuff you listed. Whew! Thank you for the confirmation. If OTT has a suggestion box, I may respectfully suggest they put a list or two up on the website with titles as simple as “Delivery Day: What You MUST Bring” and “Delivery Day: What You MAY Wish To Purchase Ahead of Time.” Like, the first list would have “chocks, leveling blocks.” (And perhaps helpful photos of what those look like or even an Amazon link.) The second list could have stuff like, “receiver pin lock thingy, Reese yellow coupler lock thing, chain with a keyed lock aka chock lock chain thingy,” etc. etc. With all the correct lingo of course! This is just a rough sketch “concept.” Heh. Anyone buying an Oliver *luxury* TT certainly might want to know what they can do to deter theft, and what is *not* provided by OTT at delivery day, I mean, especially as a *newbie* (as I sure am!) to all this.

I use these Steelcore tie downs to secure stuff in the bed of the truck. They're heavy fabric with a steel cable inside. I figure that they're about as secure as a standard cable, but they can be rolled up pretty compactly and don't require a separate lock, so they're easy to store. They're supposed to be very difficult to cut with a bolt cutter, but I suspect that the latch is an easy target. Like most other solutions, they're primarily a deterrent and to prevent crimes of opportunity. You can get them keyed alike if you have more than one. The only drawback is that they hold water if they get wet - no big deal. They're stiffer to use than a standard strap, but that's to be expected, and they seem to tighten up well, regardless. They also sell the strap with loops on both ends for use with a padlock. I don't know if you'd be able to get the loop through the openings in the wheels, though.

Deploying John's python cable would undoubtedly be easier than hardened 3/8 or 1/2 inch chain, and lighter to carry. You can buy some types hardened chain by the foot at Tractor Supply, and some hardware stores, if you decide to go that route. But, I'd definitely add a sock to help keep it from marring your wheels. Try picking up a few feet of 3/8 or 1/2 inch chain, like transport chain, grade 70, at TS and see how you'd feel tugging and lugging that around. It's useless to spend the money if you don't use it because it's a hassle.

Welcome. WE are an interesting bunch. You will fit right in - At the rate Oliver is building them, and orders coming in - you may need to order today for a 2023 delivery...🤣 RB

Welcome Ajojo. I’m retired Army too... Hope this forum will be helpful to you as you go through the order process. I’d call the sales office and set up a factory tour, you can’t be too far! Mike

For 2021, you can get the lagun table in the twin bed floorplan but you can't also have the basement access door. The picture above is a mod where you can add the lagun mount to one of the beds and still have the basement door in the nightstand. I don't think this is offered by Oliver. Know that if you add the lagun table, it will somewhat restrict access to the nightstand drawer.

Thanks for the tip! I only wish the mount swiveled, but it doesn't

Nope . . . . we actually ordered our Ollie without the omni-directional antenna (in case we want to add another solar panel). We really don't watch TV while traveling, except for a DVD when the weather forces us inside.

We are all wishing you well. Take a night off, or, two, to breathe and relax and recharge. This is a really big change, but many others have done it. You're as capable as most, even if it's all new. None of this is rocket science . I would also like to add my sympathies for the loss of your brother. And, for the deteriorating health of your mom. You'll be fine, eventually. Keep your head up and clear. You have friends here that you've never (personally) met. Sherry

Anyone have a fan solution for the Elite II twin configuration where each twin bed has its own dedicated fan, preferably with remotes? Perhaps an odd request, but there are limits which must be addressed in order to maintain a more perfect union, establish justice, and insure domestic tranquility. David

SherMica, If you camp somewhere and leave your camp to drive off...you may want to consider adding a lock for the whole coupler like this one from Progressive Industries. (The big yellow thing the rep is telling you to buy is another form of this type of "Wholer Coupler Lock". They are hard to defeat (compared to other locks) but they are not cheap. We use this lock for peace of mind when we leave our trailer alone and take our truck out sightseeing. The model for the 2" coupl the Progressive Industries 2178-B: *B stands for Bulldog Coupler* https://www.provenlocks.com/collections/2-trailer-coupler-locks/products/model-2178-b Here's a "youtube" video here to explain how it fits on the Bulldog couplers used with Olivers. Video of Progressive Industries Lock for Oliver Finally, here's a pix of it on our Oliver. We put this on any time we're disconnected from the trailer and plan to be away from our campsite. Craig & Rose Hull 505 - Galway Girl

Reminds me of the saying that you don't need to be able to outrun a bear. You just have to run faster than your friend.

Welcome back to the forum, I hope you can post some pics and tell us how you are adjusting to your new Ollie lifestyle. The other way to look at break-ins is to put everything of value, including paperwork, garage remote, etc, in a small bugout bag, and take it into the house each and every night. Leave the car doors unlocked, a thief will open them and look in the glovebox and console and leave. Lock it up, you end up with a busted window or jimmied lock, and possibly weather (water) damage to the interior. If it is a polite crook you may never even know he was there..... unless you find him asleep in the back. John Davies Spokane WA

I pretty much agree with the insurance thing, since we store our trailer at our home I do not lock the trailer from thief there and when camping in campgrounds I don't there either. I'm not a person who locks up everything with locks, or devices that I have to spend time with, I just use the commonsense method and that is, if you pickup around the campsite and don't invite thieves, you probably won't have a problem. If I worried about everytime I went to Walmart and had to lockup and put up everything, I would spend all my time packing and unpacking. I've been camping for 40 plus years and to date we have lost nothing to a thief, only the raccoons. trainman

Insurance is your best protection. If they want it they will take it. Sorry to be so blunt. All those gadgets are theft deterrent not theft prevention.

Yeah, it hurts when two years later you see the shiny new thing that's both better and cheaper than what you've bought. You've just got to find an inner peace with that somehow, lol.

And then check again next week because there will be something else new🙂

Nice trailer, probably would have been something I might have been interested in 30-40 years ago. My camping style today is comfort on paved campsites with full hookups, what can I say, the Oliver spoiled me. trainman

The concept is pretty nice - I took a look at them at overland expo and there are definitely a few things that I prefer over the Ollie. But then there are also some things I don't like so it balances out. On the whole, I prefer what I have. But if they had been available when I was shopping, and I didn't know what I know now, I'd have looked at them pretty closely. At that time, I seriously considered a Kimberley trailer, since they were available here back then. The Kimberleys were fairly unique, though, if more expensive. I don't think that there's anything particularly special about the Black Series - they're just an Aussie style trailer that happens to be sold here. Tougher construction than the average, and a lot more off-roady eye candy, but not unique in any way. There have been other Aussie companies enter the market here, like Kimberley or Extreme (?), and it seems like they last a few years and then quietly leave. Conquerer, from South Africa, comes and goes randomly. Earth Cruiser I guess is the only one that has stuck it out. From what I've read, though, the big problem with the Black Series is that you don't have to wait for the company to exit the market before being hung out to dry. There are some really ugly stories on ExPo about the quality and customer service - to the extent that they say the company has threatened lawsuits against their own owners, and the forums they post on. I can't see how anyone would put up with that sort of clown show, especially after having owned an Ollie. So, my opinion is that if you go into it, think of it like importing a trailer. Assume that you're on your own, and if you have the time, skill, and money to fix things yourself, then sure. But for me, it seems like the sort of trailer that looks great in the brochure but loses its shine in use; whereas I think you don't really start to appreciate the Ollie until you put it to use, and the more you use it, the more you realize how good it is.

Hi we made this modification using Overland's instructions. I finished installing the mounting the bracket last Saturday. We made one slight modification in that I added aluminum backing plates. (overkill). I am having a folding table made out of mahogany by a local craftsman. I hope to install the table top this weekend. I believe this project will really enhance the usability of our trailer. Thanks Overland you came up with a terrific idea and execution.

Can do - hopefully later today. If all you want is to center the table then the location of the mount isn't all that important, since you don't need to mount the table top in the exact center of the pivot. You'll actually get the most versatility out of the table the farther off axis you place the top. That way you can spin the top around for different positions. I'd concentrate more on keeping the leg as far out of the way as possible. Of course the closer to centered you mount the top, the more stable it will be. You'll have to experiment. How I set mine was to clamp the mount in place in different positions while experimenting with the placement of the top. I was hoping to get a position that would allow me to turn the table sideways so that it could be used as a desk over the bed for someone leaning against the pantry. I couldn't get it that far forward without the leg getting in the way (maybe it will work with some extra pillows as support), so I settled on a position that allows it to center in front of the nightstand lengthways when open, and crossways when closed, so that it could be used at 'bar height' with plenty of room in front by the beds. Here's an action shot of the table in full cocktail bar mode - And, uh, we don't really drink that much. I just like to be prepared, you know.