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@Ray Kimsey @rideandfly @topgun2 Just a follow up to this post. I took our Oliver to discount tire yesterday and was disappointed to learn that none of the tires including the spare were balanced. I had all of the rubber valve stems replaced with higher quality short steel stems. I decided to purchased the certificates for all (5) tires to repair/replace if they cannot fix the tire. This also includes lifetime balance and rotation. (receipt) The techs did a great job and hand torqued all lugs to specs. While having the work done I was speaking with a friend who owns a 2019 OLEll and ALL of his wheels were balanced by Oliver’s tire manufacture. He visually checked for me. Not sure why our all (5) of our tires were not balanced? They are now. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

I have been here over five years and I never felt that I could not post a less than rosy comment or thread, in fact I continue to be quite critical of a few factory design and build issues, ones that do not appear to be much improved year after year (and also of an occasional owner modification that I felt was dangerous or unsafe.) The Mods have never censored me. Personal attacks or nasty comments OTH are never tolerated. There have been a very few unhappy new owners that go away and never return, leaving unanswered questions - “Where did he go???” I don’t think there is anything that can be done about it in any forum. I participate in many, and this by FAR is the only one that feels to me like close family. As it grows, I really hope that it stays that way. Thank you Members and especially thank you Mods! FYI, after several horrific ownership experiences with boats and RVs, I swore I would never own another one. This forum convinced me to get “Mouse” and I have zero regrets about that investment. It is an excellent product, without a doubt the best RV for its price range, produced by a stellar company that prides itself on trying to make us all happy. Not everyone will be happy, but that IMHO is to be expected. John Davies Spokane WA

I have one we have used since the 80's - from the top of a white gas Coleman - in the way back - to the city slicker modern stovetop of the Ollie. It probably has more road miles on it than I care to admit. Last trip I noticed we had a new one - my wife said she found it on sale - but why? The new is now back in the home storage bin - and the old guy (toaster) is much happier - still useful- not having been replaced by the upstart cheap usurper. One of us is enough.

Oliver provides the platform (server, software, administrators) for the forum. Forum content, guidelines, etc are managed by the moderators with no direction from Oliver. We try to keep this a friendly place where there can be a free exchange of information. Complaints and issues are not censored or removed. Yes, there is a generally positive vibe, but that’s because folks are generally happy with their trailer. Positive feedback and constructive criticism are both welcome here. Folks that have issues early on can find a lot of expertise here to help get them resolved quickly. Moderators are also open to suggestions, criticism, etc.

Some of the best spots we’ve camped at were without any hookups! Great pictures. Isn’t it nice to have the flexibility to do self-contained camping? 😃 Mike

We had our first boondocking experience this past Friday when returning to Texas from picking up our Oliver. It was a short overnight stop through Harvest Hosts (our first time using them) at Melrose Plantation in Melrose, LA. Just parked in their parking lot and the next morning after breakfast we took a tour of the plantation before heading home. It was a fun stop with lots of history. And look at the size of the 150 year old trees with resurrection fern growing on them.

BoB, I looked for a stock photo of the toaster we use on the boat, and I found this instead--"vintage, antique toaster pendant light." <sigh> I guess I'm beginning to resemble the vintage label, too.

Wonderful photos! Thank you for sharing! We are eager to try Harvest Hosts when our Ollie arrives.

Mike/Kim, If you are handy and have a sense of adventure, it is not hard. I have done so and helped a number of other Oliver owners do the same. If you are interested in discussing further, please PM me your contact information and I will give you a call. Andrew

I guess the short answer is that it would be a lot easier to add lithium batteries to a trailer with solar than vice versa. Another way to answer would be that it's no different to add solar to a trailer with lithiums than it is to any other trailer. You've got to mount them, run cable, and install a solar charge controller. Or you could see about getting Oliver or someone else to do the work for you. It's something people ask about occasionally but I've never known anyone but the early few pioneers actually do it. I'm curious what led to the question. Maybe if you can give us some info on what you're thinking, we can better help you figure it out.

As the founding member of the National Organization to Summarily Wipe Out Oliver Swooshes Henceforth, I must say that swooshes are only meant for slab sided trailers and RVs that need camouflage to disguise the inherent blandness of both the vehicles and their owners. A simple stripe would do nicely, Oliver.

We finally made the trip to storage to check the trailer (after 10 weeks) and found dead batteries. We've had them tested and all 4 are toast so now we need replacements. Lithiums are not a player at this time for us but we want to know if the Trojans AGM are the best option or is there a better choice? Since we don't want to go thru this again what is best practice when storing for longer than a month? Disconnect them, cut off switch of some sort, etc.... There has to be something better than bring them home.

I like your solar setup and would like to do something similar since we don't have solar installed. Thanks for sharing.

You are correct SeaDawg that we have a 2018 LEII that was pre-loved and unfortunately it did not come with solar, although we intend to rectify that in the future. We live in VA and keep it stored under cover at a secure facility with no access to electricity. Frank C we are replacing AGM batteries

Si, Senor.

I use a light three season (35 degree) poly mummy bag with a microfiber liner. https://www.rei.com/product/850235/cocoon-microfiber-mummy-liner It is really really hard to get in and out of, but I SLEEP much better, mainly because with the narrow bunk mattress and regular cotton bedding I cannot simply roll onto my side, I have to wake up and heave my body to its new position. This slippery bag conforms to my body and I can change position much easier, so that often I don’t wake up at all. I do use both a mattress cover and a decorative cover under the bag. I wash the liner at home after every trip, or it could easily be hand washed in the sink, and I wash the bag at the end of the season. My wife OTH much prefers sheets and blankets.... I normally set the cabin furnace temp to about 60 degrees, but when I am alone it goes down to 50. I try to supercool it in very hot weather and turn off the AC at bedtime. John Davies Spokane WA

Bill, It was a great trip! We stopped in Little Rock on the way out and there was still tons of snow on the ground. Highways were good but side streets were icy and dangerous at points. After leaving LR heading to Hohenwald it was super foggy and you couldn't see more than 2 car lengths in front at times. DCSP was beautiful and I wouldn't mind going back there when we have more time. There was still snow on the ground there as well. Next we headed to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, AL to visit friends for a couple of days where I got to put my toes in the sand and surf - that was heaven after the last few week's weather in TX. Again through Mobile it was really foggy. We stopped there to let a potential buyer have a tour of the new Ollie. He warned us early about the fog. Finally we stopped in Melrose, LA on the way home at the plantation. I think my husband really enjoyed just pulling in and pulling out without having to hook up, block or anything else. We will definitely look for opportunities to boondock in the future. Cindy

I saw this 4 day sale on Costco this morning on the XL Duvalay, which I think would fit really nicely on the Legacy II twins. It combines everything- pad, sheet, comforter, and would likely be less confining than a sleeping bag. Rolls up nice for daytime storage in the photos. Three colors. Unfortunately, sale ends tomorrow. But even the regular Costco price is a big savings over srp.

After the last two winters-I'm just going to stay where it DOESNT freeze! Problem solved. RB

We got lucky this week . . . . . with three days of sunny weather forecast, we decided on a last minute trip to a nearby State Park to do some biking. Checked in at 4:30 on a Monday; there were 8 sites available. We went ahead and reserved our site for the following night, as it hadn't been reserved yet. By the time we pulled out Wednesday afternoon, all open sites were reserved. Looks like we might be doing a lot of boondocking or something other than state parks for a while. At least we are both retired, so can go mid-week, though it doesn't really seem to matter what day it is!

Actually considering buying a recent model Oliver with the Lithium battery installed but no solar package. I have already ordered one with both but I can get this one about 11 months sooner. I would like to boondock though.

I found these at TJ Maxx and 3 of them fit side by side perfectly on the middle pantry shelf. They are clear and don’t block the view. Only 2 will fit on top of bottom. The first ones I got was a set of 3. The next trip they were individuals for $3.99 each.

I agree! Texas has limited the campgrounds due to Covid only allowing a certain number of people in the parks with a day pass and not all camping sites are available to reserve. Those that are available book up the minute they become available on the reservation system 4-5 months out. I still work so we are pretty much limited to Fri/Sat/Sun when everyone else wants to camp. I also agree that the used RV market will be flooded in the next 6-12 months both from those unable to use their trailers as much as they had expected, those who can't afford them when their unemployment benefits run out and those who only purchased to travel when the cruise line and airlines limited their previous types of travel. Cindy

Susan not sure if you found what you were looking for or not. I saw this one at a local camp store today when we went to purchase a heater screen.

When I removed mine I just used a fingernail to get a corner up a little then took hold and slowly peeled it off. Warm/hot weather helps. Mike

MEOW!

The original lifeblue batteries did not have a case that would fit in the smaller Elite I battery tray. Unless something has changed, you'll be getting Lithionics. Imo.

Not Sure about the Elite I but I confirmed today that all Elite II trailers that select lithium are have the Lithonics installed. I guess Lifeblue is no longer being used. John

For a battery that advertises "unlimited mounting possibilities", you'd think you could fit more than zero in the LE2 battery tray (it's 23" long and the battery tray is 21"). It might be more easily fit within the hull space I suppose, somewhere. Or perhaps it would work in an LE1. The other battery they announced, the BB8D - you could fit one of those in the Ollie 2 tray, so maybe a good solution for an LE1, if it fits. For LE2 owners though, it's $100 more expensive than buying three of their standard 100Ah batteries, for 30 less Ah, so maybe not a good idea unless you really want to simplify your battery box. So, I think these may be solutions for someone trying to do something unusual, but at least for LE2 owners, not practical for a typical battery swap. It's an interesting case though - looks like it may be user serviceable.

I agree with Frank on this. The only dribble I can see would be if you unhooked your hose after you dump. There is no need to do that - just leave it connected and cap it. The next time you use it just hold the hose up so any remaining fluid doesn’t dribble out. Put your elbow on and lower it over the dump hole. Mike

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? A noise cancelling trailer?!?

I disconnected my black tank monitor when I removed the tank and it didn’t cause an error. I’m pretty sure that I just unplugged it and tucked away the wire. Possible that I clipped it, just don’t remember. The only result is that I think the monitor says ‘open’ when I click the black tank button.

I actually like the looks of the black gaskets 👍

There will most certainly be an overabundance of used RV's as the "Covid Campers" tire of RV life. Those in the market for a used SOB would definitely benefit from waiting.

This is our boondocking toaster . . . . Dixon, made in New Zealand . . . . . makes great toast.

Goosebumps! The Blue Angels perform [almost] every year at Lakeland's huge airshow, the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In. I hear the roar & run outside to my private viewing of their magnificence. Goosebumps & tears every time.

I recently purchased this towel bar from Ikea with the intent of installing it on the bathroom wall, just below the Oliver towel bar. Haven't decided on exact placement yet. BTW: I was skeptical of the quality of the fixture, since the price is modest. It seems to be quite sturdy and well made. I'm going to use 3M picture hanging strips (dual lock) as a temporary attachment to determine the best placement before attaching it with VHB tape. Questions: Will VHB hold up to water exposure? Is it strong enough to support moderately wet items; wet bath towels will be hung on the Oliver installed towel bar or the wall hook. I will need to come up with a way to prevent the bars from rubbing on the wall during transit; will try something like foam pipe insulation. Also, the part of the bar that extends out moves freely. I'm thinking some sort of rubber cap to fit over the end to hold it in place when not in use. What do you think? Has anyone else done this? Any other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

I think that would be a good addition to the Oliver options list, honestly. We use our manual awning all the time. But window awnings on the street side would be very nice. Years ago, one owner played with the idea of making streetside awnings from solar panels, kind of dual function. He never did it, but youtube rver Tito did. It attaches with suction cups. Karen Luekens and her husband added an awning to the dinette window, a modified Carefree awning from Little House. At that time, Little House still did installs. I think they only ship parts to you now, and you install yourself, or hire someone. Here's a photo of the Luekens' Casita, and their Oliver.

Yea, but can a Nature’s Head do that? Wow!

That was private land in Castle Valley. Our friends are going to build a house on the land. There are some nice BLM sites further up the road beyond Castle Valley, on what is called the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. It is probably 30-40 minutes to Arches.

Valley of the Gods

Mount Lemmon, north of Saguaro in Tuscon, our first trip with the Ollie

These are all from our trip the past three weeks: BLM land just south of Sevilleta Wildlife Preserve in NM - Mojave Preserve, dirt road several miles inside the southwest entrance - This is the view from a short hiking trail off the CG at Organ Pipe, which Mike mentioned above. What a great little campground. I think this is FS 761 outside of Sedona. It shows up as Loy Butte Road on Apple maps, but I don't think it's labeled as that elsewhere. It's a popular road to camp on (I think the only one near Sedona), so finding a spot can seem frustrating, but keep driving and your patience will be rewarded. Not a great photo, but this is Zepata Falls BLM CG just outside of Great Sand Dunes. Really nice, but a very punishing three mile road to get there. And I don't have a photo, but I'd also highly recommend the campground at Natural Bridges in Bear's Ears. It's small and the spaces look tight, but the Elite II will fit. But then there's also ample backcountry camping available on pretty much any road outside of the park.

Well - In our experience - its fairly easy to go about (in an RV) the US under Covid - just follow common sense and the guidelines. 2021 looks like a better environment. Closures are usually posted on most of the reservation websites, boondocking is very social distanced. Utah is virtually one giant campground. NM a little more controlled, Texas - lots of place to chose. Campendium is your friend. Enjoy! RB

And this is a camp spot (no hookups) just inside the Island of the Sky Unit, quite close to the Horse thief campground mentioned above

Here another of those breakfast spots. On this trip I'd camped the night before in a very nice FFS campground way out near one of the points in the Island of the Sky unit of Canyonlands NP. This is a nice pullout with a killer view in Deadhorse Point State Park. The second shot is what I got up bloody early to go photograph - the clouds and morning colors cooperated nicely on this morning (it doesn't always work out like that - kind of like fishing). Both are lovely parks. On another trip there I camped for two nights in a reserved site in Deadhorse Point SP in a campground that had hookups. In both cases all my breakfasts were out and about.

FWIW - and I am N00b with Ollie due Jan 26 - I was wondering if a battery operated “Ring” “stick up cam” in a window or inside would be possible, or of use. Records motion, saves. I dunno about how to do internet in an RV (yet), or if it would work, but I have one in my rental house and was able to prosecute a nutcase would-be vandal because of it. Showing my ignorance here again but this is a topic I am gonna follow and thanks for posting it.

Yes, we’ll be fully open next Wednesday. Weekends in Texas State Parks fill fast, but weekdays are generally available. With the governors announcement that COVID restrictions are gone next week I hope that state parks will be open to capacity. Mike

Yeah, there’s been no moderation or censorship that I’m aware of. After all, I think I was the one who first brought up the tire pressure issue back when so it isn’t like we’re at odds over the matter. SherMica, you’ve had nothing but kindness and help from the moderating staff so please don’t accuse us of things we haven’t done. I mean, moderators have supported you on the forum, contacted Oliver to try to finally get this issue settled, given you personal contact info to try to help, and one actually drove to a campsite to help you. Apparently that’s not enough.

Last I checked, Oliver removed the microwave delete option on the 2022 build sheets.