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I just finished reading all these posts. All I have to say in response is that I am so very, very happy we made our $2,500 down payment back in September! Our LE II is scheduled for delivery on May 17. So thankful I found Oliver TTs before pulling the trigger on the Airstream with which I was temporarily & insanely enamored. I would have been devastated to discover Oliver AFTER buying an Airstream!

A lot of used Airstreams on the market? I kid. Airstreams are great, but different. They offer a classic style, comfort, great finishes, larger size, and floor plan options. I’d be proud to own one. An Oliver, on the other hand, offers a style and comfort of its own; but more importantly, it offers practicality. It was our choice, and we’re just as proud. It’s up to each buyer to decide which one meets her or his wants and needs the best. Frankly, it’s pretty amazing that a little startup from Hohenwald, TN is even given consideration as an equal to an absolute giant like Airstream. I suppose they must be doing something right.

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.

SafeJack sells various bottle Jacks and accessories. I carry a basic 5 ton bottle jack and a frame cradle attachment to keep the jack from slipping off the frame jacking area.

Hey it’s my public wall. I am writing on it. And you are reading it. My profile shows “2020” as my “model year” and I really need it to be 2021. And soon I will change the part that says “No I don’t own an Ollie” to YES I DO, an Elite 1. Thanks all, for everything. Here. A gratuitous puppy pic. He is three yrs old soon. THEY GROW UP SO FAST.

Foybles' Catalog V1.6f.pdf Hope this helps!

Verizon Jetpack..... My wife has one, she uses it as a hot spot for her Macbook Pro when camping with a decent cell signal. She can run her laptop off it, and do a conference call while streaming a presentation from it, while talking on her phone. You canNOT use your phone as a hotspot and simultaneously talk over it. That is as much as I know. Why would I want to use a Jetpack as a Mobile Hotspot instead of my smartphone or tablet? These are reasons to consider using a Jetpack as a Mobile Hotspot instead of your smartphone or tablet: Battery life - A Jetpack has its own battery so won't drain the battery on your smartphone or tablet. Flexibility - If you're sharing your network connection with others, you can leave the Jetpack behind for them to continue using instead of your smartphone or tablet. Convenience - When you have a Jetpack, you can use a phone that's not HD voice-capable at the same time you're using your mobile hotspot. Privacy - If your smartphone is being used as a Mobile Hotspot you have to stay within 30 feet of the devices connected to it. But not if you're using a Jetpack as a Mobile Hotspot. Connect more devices - Most Jetpacks allow you to connect 10-15 Wi-Fi devices, depending on model” https://www.verizon.com/support/verizon-jetpack-faqs/ You can always get one later if you find that you can’t get by with the Pro Package. I think you should send an email to your salesperson asking about manuals. John Davies Spokane WA

For virtually all "basic" things I'm positive that you will not have to pay them during orientation. However, I'd be willing to bet that a nice box of donuts would help both you and them get things going.😃

I can see the $$$ adding up fast - If I were to purchase my 2018, in 2021, and add the tax - I'm over $80K.... And I would not be an Oliver owner. (we are barely in 2021) So you now wait almost a year for delivery??? A travel trailer - no matter how good - is not worth that to me - I strained (mentally) at what I paid in 2018. Add a nice TV - and your talking real money. I would be building my own Earth roamer. Seems I'm keeping mine - but any sale will reflect the new values. Rejoice Oliver owners - we made some portion of $5k this year - were you to sell. Whew - gold in them thar Oliver's!!! As a side note - how interesting - this thread morphed from there to here and around - the deer in my fields - big - small, pretty - ugly - smart, stupid, are selectively added to my freezer. They eat my vegetables - they pay the price.

SherMica, The cell booster brand is SureCall, a copy/spinoff of an older model WeBoost. I have an updated WeBoost and I wish I had not wasted the money. I have yet to get better reception with the booster. If your phone is new (less that a few years old) it uses MIMO (Multi In Multi Out) antennas built into the phone. A booster only uses one in and one out, which most of the time diminishes the signal. Here is a link to a Internet Resource Center YouTube video on the subject. MIMO vs Boosters: Do Cellular Boosters Provide the Best Signal & Data Performance? - YouTube I would save your money and see how well your phone works as a hotspot and if that is not sufficient, try a Jetpack/Mifi with a MIMO antenna. Andrew

At 6'7" I resemble that remark, and we Love our LEII and all that it has to offer us.

That’s the one I was looking at when I was thinking about doing the same. Or the squarish version of it I think. I believe we had a thread about this a few years ago discussing options for both antennas and masts 🤔. I ran into a campground host at Glacier who had an antenna setup, and said that it did the job.

There is the WiFi antenna and booster/ router, for picking up wifi at a commercial campground. Plus a cellular antenna and cell booster, for phone and data. Two separate systems. Many people do not care for the wifi system, many campgrounds that offer free wifi are very slow or bogged down by too many users, it is frustrating. If you like to park near a McDonalds or Starbucks and steal their wifi, it might make you happy. I chose to not buy the wifi equipment because we very rarely overnight at a commercial RV park. John Davies Spokane WA

I will be at the David Crockett SP near Hohenwald for like, a week, practicing towing and hitching and stuff anyway. So much to learn. If anyone on here lives near there and wants to come by the SP that week and have a cuppa Joe, let me know. I would likely have a few qs for you and you could see what a goofbag I am, you know, in person. Lol

Before amazon lockers, I used ups stores as a pickup location. Figured out where I'd be and when, called the store, made sure they offered the service, and had my package shipped there. That involved a small fee paid to the ups store at pickup, but the last time I used this method, the vendor wasn't on Amazon. If you're at a campground or rv park with an office, the office may accept a package for you. Check ahead to make sure, though. Not everyone wants that responsibility.

I did ask rep - nothing back. Maybe rep was out of office a few days. Your wife’s setup sounds like me - Macbook Pro, buncha wifi gadgets, apps. Like to stream Netflix, etc. Have a Dell laptop but not set up yet. I am not so much on the cell as a “phone,” ever, anyway. Texting, etc. sure. The Jetpack (if not sooner, meaning this week before I leave, then to the Zon locker) sounds like the way to go for me, at least for now. Later, when I need to link up to the ISS or something like that I can “add” stuff or “upgrade.” Half the fun of nerddom is trying to figure out what “must have now!” gadget to pursue next. Hah. Thanks!

Another vote for the MIMO antenna. Seems to work more often/better than the 4G booster. I would also recommend crossing two or more wireless providers. Phone with one company (TMO or VZ) and Jetpack with another (ATT). Mike

I know zilch about these antennas. I do have the Weboost cell booster in my Ollie and it sort of works, you usually have to put the device on the table right under the antenna. How effective is a good quality hi gain external unit, and could I put one at the top of my 22 foot tall fiberglass flagpole? I don’t want to hijack this thread, maybe open up a new discussion about this? I would kill for a solid cell signal in marginal conditions. I spun this off into a new thread here: ..... https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/4915-recommendation-for-an-external-pole-mounted-mimo-cell-antenna-for-plugging-directly-into-a-verizon-jetpack/ Thanks. John Davies Spokane WA

One other thing to add to John's list, you can attach a MIMO antenna to most jetpacks and really enhance your signal! Andrew

Ship to an Amazon locker, collect it within three calendar days of notification, if you don’t collect it in time, it gets returned and you get a refund. Amazon Locker FAQ With 900 locations, it seems as if that would not be too painful for a full timer. As long as you are willing to hang out in a given area for several days. FYI here is the Hohenwald locker. John Davies Spokane WA

Back to solar/battery (and inverter) options ... Our ordering deadline is approaching quickly, and I'm still wrestling with the Solar Pro vs Lithium Pro option. The lithium package appeals to be, but it seems that the implementation in Oliver trailers is still being refined. Several have suggested going with Solar Pro (340W solar, 2000W inverter, AGMs) now, and perhaps replacing the AGMs (or less expensive flooded-cell batteries) with lithium when the AGMs wear out. However, the Lithium Pro (340W solar, 3000W inverter, lithiums allows use of the AC for short periods of time (e.g., highway rest stop for lunch on a hot summer day). The 2000W inverter in the Solar Pro setup, even with lithiums added later, may be insufficient for the the AC (as I understand it). So selecting the solar/battery package based on batteries may preclude future use of the AC. So, my questions are these: 1. How hot does it really get in the trailer on very hot days (e.g., over 100°F)? Does the white outside color reflect enough light so that the interior temperature is OK with fan, open window, etc.? Is the AC a needed for this situation, or am I overthinking it? 2. Are there other reasons for having the 3000W inverter other than AC? (We can easily do without microwave or other high-use items when the AC is on.) 3. Can the 2000W inverter somehow be used to run the AC (with easy start) from battery power for relatively short periods of time (thinking ahead, when the AGMs have been replaced with lithiums) as long as there are no other major, simultaneous electrical draws? 4. Is it better to stick with the 2000 W inverter, carry a generator in the optional utility box in front of the propane doghouse, and rely on the generator for AC during rest stops? Theoretically, on option would be to order solar, less expensive batteries, and the 3000W inverter now, but that's not how the packages are arranged and it seems highly unlikely that Oliver would deviate from the pre-packaged options. In advance, thank you for your thoughts! p.s., Based on current patterns, I anticipate that 60% of our use will be boondocking (in the open or in SP or FS "primitive" sites), 20% with hookups, and 20% in friends or family driveways (most often with 15A 120V electric).

Jairon, They will make anything you want, just give them the measurements. The radius of the corners is 15". They are GREAT to work with and very responsive. Andrew

They make custom sheets for Olivers and Airstreams and others. I thought we found the info on their website. It’s been a few years. Mike

I took a look at the site but the descriptions are pretty generic. I can't tell if they fit the toppers, the cushions, the Elite 1 or 2. If nobody knows for sure, I'll give them a call on Monday. Thanks!

ABLifestyles has a website. They make all sizes, you could check there. We like our sheets and mattress pads that we got from them.

Thank you, yes it is entirely possible that the new truck which has a steering knob on the dash for backing up a travel trailer (!) and tons of stuff I haven’t had TIME to even read about, HAS the integrated option or something like that. Entirely possible. Hoping the OTT guys might help me set that up as part of delivery day even if I have to pay them.

Thanks, I hadn’t seen that before. I doubt that I’ll have any reason to replace mine anytime soon, but then if I need a reason I can invent one.

You might try the Victron Energy BPP900460050 GX Touch 50 adapter for CCGX cut-out.

I’d check the size of the GX Touch vs the Zamp. It might not be big enough to cover the hole. I know that, unfortunately for me, it’s smaller than the cutout for their Color Control Display.

I'm with you, there. 13 seasons in, still happy with our choice. Looking forward to the next decade of camping.

I hope after 5 pages of posts making a comparison Oliver vs airstream its easy to see there is none. Wonder what would happen if these posts went on the airstream forum. 😬🤯

But, if they gave you tpms stems with the truck, as they sometimes do, you are golden. I know a lot of newer trucks have the option to install tpms monitors in/on the trailer tires, so it is integrated with the truck system. We'll see what yours has, eventually. It's also unlikely that you will suffer a flat on the trailer in the first 1000 miles. In the meantime, as I said, chill. You have enough to finish at your current home.

It may be more cost effective for an aftermarket tpms. That can also wait, awhile. Chill. Just a bit. I know this is a big life change. You'll get there!

Fiberglass eating mutant termites - for sure, But its those pesky Martians that bother me - them and their Holographic AS spaceships - blasting around the universe (with rotting floorboards) looking for the very exclusive and scarce Oliver TT. Alien envy - my worst nightmare.

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

It sounds like you are just starting your research on an Oliver purchase, price seems to be your major concern and discussion point. You might also go over to AirForums and ask the same questions there that you are asking here to get a perspective on Airstreams since that is the standard you are using. There are less expensive fiberglass options if that would be more palatable. There are also some other manufacturers that are making some nice trailers that would be less expensive than a fully loaded Oliver. Check out Nucamp and InTerra. I just replaced my four old AGM batteries with two Battle Born Lithium’s as are other Oliver owners. After looking at practicality and running the lifecycle numbers the lithium batteries were the best option. Mike

If you're serious about buying, you can put down a deposit for something like 2-3k to lock in the 2021 pricing. I'm guessing those 5 slots vanish before the weekend.

That descent was what finally caused my wife and I to upgrade to a F350 Diesel.

John, Agreed, a Magruder road trip is not for the inexperienced, faint of heart or those afraid of dirt/dust and scratches/dings to the body work. I've travel this route (it is my backyard area sort of) so many times I can't keep track. Started back in the 60's with Grandpa/Grandma dragging us brats along to pick huckleberries or hunt bear...hated some of those forced outings. Of course, now days, I'm guilty of the same punishment on the youngsters. I've hauled horses in stock trucks and trailers over the Magruder for years. It's just a matter of what you know and are used to, I guess. These type of roads are not a big deal to me, but yes you had better know how to use your mirrors and be very comfortable backing up your rig, to include around switchbacks. Big cities and traffic...that's my Rubicon. Every time I hit Denver traffic headed south on I-25, I wonder why I'm here and if I'll make it across the US interstate parking lot mess to visit the kids. The posted photos are from this last summer. A buddy had never been across Magruder and wanted a guide. So off we go...spent two nights at the top of the world and as I'm totally done with the tent camping, the truck camper was my rig of choice: from the USFS brochure...#10 - Observation Point Observation Point Campground has nice camping spots and toilets. The elevation is 7620 feet and visitors can view the southern portion of the Bitterroot Mountain Range, especially El Capitan. The point also offers breathtaking vistas of subalpine/ alpine wilderness. As to long wheel bases and bigger sized TVs. It's all relative I guess. Your four door Yota would be considered big and cumbersome on many roads, but it appears you at least know how to get yourself out of a mess. Our two door Jeep (and really, do Jeeps need four doors...errr) is the right sized 4x4 for our needs. But compared to a Suzuki Samurai we are huge. Sorry for the slight thread hijack...back to tow vehicles and the endless discussion of what is the best rig. In my experience, you either use what you already own or can afford or move on to obtaining the correct vehicle matched to the task at hand. Me, I use what I already own which was purchased to tackle my taskings. Would I haul Ollie over the above discussed roads...yup, if it was all I owned. Spent, folded and/or mutilated be damned. Mark

We’ve been members of Harvest Hosts for two camping seasons now in our travels with our Oliver. Well worth the money. It’s been very useful for quick overnight stops on the way to our destinations, and some hosts have had a power hookup available. Some great overnight stops to see things that we otherwise would have missed out on if we had just done the Walmart or Cabela’s parking lot overnight stays. Nowhere near I40 but one example of a great HH stop is the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Museum in New York. This was one of my favorite HH stops. Otherwise a lot of wineries as HH stops. We did get the upgraded membership that includes many golf courses as well. We’ve been planning a trip out west for next year and there are a LOT of HH stops all along I40.

So this is a topic near-and-dear to my heart. There are few things on this planet what send me into a blind rage but grease zerks are one. And the ones on the Dexter axle in particular. 1) I've not used one of the pressurized guns but perhaps that'd be a good New Year's gift to myself as the various hand pumps I've tried do not deliver satisfactory results without spiking blood pressure. 2) I replaced all of the zerks with various 90 or 45 degree zerks depending. Makes it easier to get a locking nozzle in there. 3) I ordered some snap on plastic caps to cover the zerks with the idea keeping them very clean might help them take grease. 4) I'm due for greasing this week and as prep work I hit everything down there with liberal amounts of Krud Kutter (Home Depot), a plastic brush, and a little bit of WD40 to remove the remaining film of crud. Then followed that up with a pressure wash blast from a few feet away. Looks like new down there now so hopefully the job won't be so bad once this rain stops.

Bill, I know you are being humorous . OTH the mess I was referring to was that with cheap lithium grease, the oil seeps out of the wax carrier inside the spring bushings, especially in hot weather. It spreads out all over those areas, and runs down onto the rubber EZ Flex pads. The first is just unsightly (dust sticks to it). The second can eventually ruin the rubber. I haven’t used the CV-2 long enough in my suspension to verify this 100%, but in the can or in wheel bearings, the oil loss over several years is none to very minimal. Not like the huge mess I find under my grease gun with cheap lithium grease. I used to store it with one end inside a gallon zip bag, so I could dump out several ounces of oil from it before the next use. You still get a bunch of manly work each time you service the zerk fittings. But in between they should remain looking a whole lot less gross. Plus it is a MUCH better lubricant and will cut down on how often you have to do this. John Davies Spokane WS

Don't forget to get "permission" to use a dollar store picinic table cover. Easier to slide around on, when under the trailer. Also you don't leave any unwanted grease residue laying around for the next site visitor. All said and done..I don't find the grease task all that difficult. Guess the hardest part is trying to get up, after laying down to grease, or maybe deciding whether or not I can get under the axle or I should go around?

The Tundra has a 4.30 axle ratio, so you should have plenty of torque at the wheels. My Land Cruiser 200 (6 speed) with the same engine and transmission, and 33” tires, has 3.90 axles, so it struggles a little. I think your truck will be just fine if you do not put a heavy canopy on it, oversized tires and heavy aftermarket stuff like a winch bumper. How much do your kayaks weigh, and what sort of rack system do you have? Will the bikes and other gear go in the bed? Roof mounted boats or bikes will 100% kill your already marginal fuel economy. A big aero box like a Yakima Skybox will be fine for camping stuff and not impact your fuel economy.... much. I suggest keeping the Ollie pretty light in front. No tongue tray, no generator on it!!! Put the generator in the bed toward the front if it is a heavy one. A rear rack for bikes or cargo will be fine, and will really help to lighten the ball weight. That will help with your payload limit. Try your new truck with the Ollie, it will probably be very acceptable. If you run out of payload, then you need to definitely consider a HD truck. Or leave some of your stuff at home.... John Davies Spokane WA

We tow our Elite II with a 2019 F-250 with the factory upgraded tow package, 6.2 gas engine. 12,500 lbs. towing capacity, 1,200 lbs. tongue weight capacity, 3,334 lbs. payload. We haul a lot of stuff when camping. The bed of the truck is full of stuff like camp chairs, Andersen jack buckets, portable solar panel setup, portable 3 stage water filtration system, toolboxes, 9’ x 12’ outdoor rug, folding tables, plus the weight of the Rock Tamer mudflap system, a rigid bed cover, over the bed cover bike rack, bikes, etc. so having the high payload capacity is a must for us. The ride is pretty stiff when unloaded/not towing. But I’m used to it now. I do use the truck as my daily driver.

What I’d love to see Oliver do is glue in a 1x2 strip of PVC all the way down both sides of the trailer and then attach everything to that - plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.