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Update: Flame out I’m getting great support from Oliver. This has happened a few times, the burner supports break and drop down causing the flames to direct outside the burner box enclosure. we smelled plastic and flipped off the outside switch on the unit which shut down the gas supply and the flames stopped. I now notice the door fins are warped from the heat. Oliver will ship us a full unit for field replacement, then ship back old unit for inspection by Oliver and Truma. I will discuss extended warranty claim with Truma as this shouldn’t be a wear out failure. More as it transpires. Craig

Two things come to mind about this. One, I really wish that people would post about failures like you did. I realize that not every owner is on the forum (of course, they should be); but if someone who had this failure is on the forum, shame on them for not posting about it. Two - more importantly, if this has happened more than once and Oliver knows about it, then every owner with a Truma should know about it.

Hi Two Stooges, I also was going to wait until I retired to get the Oliver, but changed my mind and got it now. I was three years out from retirement when I bought it. I decided not to wait for a few reasons: 1. trailers keep getting more expensive 2. i'd rented a couple trailers on Outdoorsy and it killed me to pay that money when I knew I'd eventually have my own trailer 3. i wanted to stage it in the mountains at a friend's place and use it as a tiny home for weekend getaways One one hand, I can't use it nearly as much now when I'm still working vs. when I'm retired. On the other hand, I'm getting plenty of enjoyment even on my limited schedule.

In honor of Flag Day.... Bought this HD telescoping adjustable 22 ft flagpole, which comes with a 3x5 US flag: ... https://polesandholders.com/PNH-22-Deluxe-**NEW**-and-MOST-Popular-Flag-Pole-p206298627 And built a holder for my cargo tray, which is now mounted in back. The ID of the tube is larger than the pole OD, so I wrapped the pole in vinyl tape (0.015" thick) The pole can be lowered to around rooftop height if you don't want the flag or art to be in the upper atmosphere. Stored in its carry bag the package is around 4 ft long and fits in the closet. EDIT 12/19/19: Tube ID: 2.065” Pole OD: 1.855” Clearance 0.210” The spinner shown is 6 ft long with a 3 ft harness, from here: https://www.gkites.com/store/ I haven't actually flown the flag yet, but I can attach it at the top and hang wind art below it. I plan to put a socket in the ground in my front yard, so I can fly stuff from this pole and not have a permanent installation, which my HOA does not like, for some reason... John Davies Spokane WA

Here’s my feeble attempt, windsocks not flags.

Our 2008 Elite's tongue weight is 420 pounds, loaded for a short camping trip. That's 70 pounds beyond your specs, unfortunately. Loaded for camping, we weighed over 3900 pounds. Even if you stripped out heavy options, like the ac you probably don't need, carried only one propane tank, traveled with empty tanks, and opted for a single lithium battery, you'd still overload the Subaru. To make camping an enjoyable and safe experience, you'd need a larger suv, or a small truck, at the very least, to tow an Elite. We've towed ours with three different vehicles, the least of which had a 4900 tow capacity, and that was ok on the flats, but not fun in the hills. Tongue weight for a Casita 17 is also too much for your current tow. You need to stay below 350 lb tongue weight, I believe.You might look at an Escape 17 a or b, if you want to stay in the molded fiberglass world. With a single hull, it's a bit lighter, especially if you can live with a portapotty or composting toilet instead of a full bath, in the 17a. Escape offers a winter package as an option. A Casita 16 is an option, if you don't mind the short head height. So is a Scamp 16, if they still make them. Or, one of the 13 footers If you want to go beyond molded fiberglass, you might look at the smallest Lance, without the slide, and option carefully. Or a small Alto condo safari. Be wary of anything that doesn't have an aluminum cage, and a one piece roof. You'll need to be very careful as you look around, as most trailers advertise a dry weight that doesn't include many of the options that an Oliver features as standard. Some don't even include the very basic necessity of a furnace. Many don't include an awning, ac, etc. Every option adds weight, at least 50 to 100 pounds or more, and it all adds up quickly.

Use the hand pump to pump some antifreeze into the boon docking port. That will fill the line to the pump. Take the line off the pump and put it into the bottle of anti freeze and you should be good. John

Thanks for the update. Are those supports able to be inspected at all from the front of the unit? I haven’t looked on mine but it seems like the burner is pretty well hidden. We bang our trailer around enough that if those are something that are prone to break then I’d want to regularly check them if possible.

JD: Now that flag pole would be great for folks looking for your camp spot! Certainly would be hard to miss for someone driving by looking for you as well. Where do you store the flag pole when not in use?

Fill the toilet with peat moss and you’re there I think.

A few reasons not to buy one. Small tires go flat easy, low to the ground you’ll be bending over a lot. Handle moves easy which constantly applies brake. The brake doesn’t work well on the slightest incline. The ball always loosen up no matter how tight you get it on the coupler. And unless you work out all the time. You’ll get the work out of your life. Cranking the handle. The optional drill adapter moves the trailer easier but now your fighting another obstacle. Holding the drill bending over and trying to keep the handle from locking the brake. Mine sits in the corner of the garage. I’d say I’ll make you a great deal on it. But I would feel bad selling it to anyone. Hope this helps.

I assume that anyone with a Service appointment or a new Oliver delivery has kept an eye on the weather. It is currently (January 6th 2 pm) snowing in Hohenwald, TN and the video below shows the conditions in nearby Columbia, TN. Fortunately, the weather forecast for Sunday is rain - that should get rid of any left over snow - and the temps are forecast to return to closer to normals early next week (50 + degrees). Bill https://youtu.be/v4ziq0pMEa4

I think that's Zamp's way of saying that their way is better than everyone else's. They can nitpick the meaning of reverse polarity, but at the end of the day their connectors are still wired the opposite of other connectors.

Zamp uses some interesting verbage, but Overland is correct. Zamp wires the sae connector for their port reversed polarity of normal/standard sae connector wiring. The connector is not proprietary. They just claim better safety wiring different from industry standard, which is actually true. So, you can make up your own cable, if you want to use a different brand portable, or, you can buy a cable with same connector, and buy a reversed polarity adaptor. Plugging in panels without the correct polarity could ruin your panels or other circuits. Or, you "could" reverse the wires from the port... but label it. And whatever you do, check with a multimeter. The zamp port goes through a fused line directly to the batteries, so you need a controller mounted to the panel, which most suitcase systems include. Or, a controller in the trailer. Zamp panels are quality plug and play, but they're quite heavy and very expensive. We have a different brand, my husband made up the connector cable, and we wired up a slave controller for the portable panels instead of using the controllers on-board the panels. (Full disclosure, we also installed a furrion port, instead of zamp, so this is not our experience. My sister had the ubiquitous zamp port on her rpod.) We set up portable when we'll be in the same spot for awhile. It's too much work, as our panels are not featherweight, either, for an overnight stay. The rooftop panels charge our agms fine if we're traveling, so not necessary.

The Zamp connectors are proprietary, but apparently do not have reversed polarity. From the Zamp website (https://www.zampsolar.com/pages/faq): "Is the Zamp Solar port reverse polarity? No, but they are different from other brands of solar ports because all of our SAE plugs are polarity-protected for safety reasons. That means the positive pin on all of our SAE plugs is set back and covered to prevent accidental contact that could damage your panel, short your battery, or give you a pretty nasty shock. So, because of the polarity protection on our plugs, Zamp Solar ports are only compatible with Zamp Solar SAE plugs."

Thanks, and I agree on the PVC. It was a debate when I was doing it (can't remember if it was here or with the guy at the Fergusons counter - possibly both), but ABS wasn't available and the advice I got was to not worry about it. And of course I had it inspected. Electrical, too. Promise.

It is a lot warmer Maine, right now, than in Tennessee. Also there is a whole lot less snow too. Hope our luck holds out...!

I add my vote to the "nice job on the mod!" chorus. For those thinking of this mod for their Ollies, I will note that mixing PVC and ABS pipe is not allowed by most plumbing codes. You are generally allowed only one PVC/ABS connection when retrofitting plumbing, and for that joint, you should use "green" glue, which is designed to weld PVC to ABS, not regular PVC or ABS glue. Since it is doubtful that such mods will be seen by a plumbing inspector, and since none of the above PVC and ABS piping in under pressure, I expect there will be no issues. But for any future mods, I would recommend matching whichever pipe Oliver used for the original, even if it has to be ordered online, and using the glue appropriate for that type of pipe.

The Outlaw Oliver has a nice flag pole setup. @ScubaRx

Just now saw this post, missed it the first time. Wow. Super cool. I'd bet that you are the only Oliver owner with a flag pole on your rig, and maybe even one of very few trailer owners anywhere with that setup!

I also place the antifreeze bottle on top of the rear bumper rather than on the ground. Pump does not have to work as hard.

There is no fee. However, you need to "reserve" a camping spot via the Service Department in advance. Bill

Check that you have all the valves in the winterization mode. Did you turn the valve on the hot water tank/truma hot water heater to the correct closed position? Check that the hose connection to the trailer is tight and that there is a gasket in the trailer connection, as it sounds like you might be pulling in air. Also check that the hose is at the bottom of the antifreeze bottle. Note: From the rear hose connection and the valves in the correct position, no anti-freeze goes into the fresh water tank. You should have the inverter shut-off at all times except when you need the inverter on to change DC (battery current) to AC current (electrical plugs and microwave) while camping. Yes, leave the trailer plugged in and I suggest you have a dehumidifer in the trailer since you are down south where it can get humid. Others with lithium batteries can advise you on that question.

A pre-owned Casita 16’ might be doable for you. Still at your vehicle limit, but folks regularly do it with the Subaru, though I wouldn’t. .

I use to store it upright in the right aft corner of the closet, but last season I started carrying chairs, MaxTrax, shovel, rake etc in a roof cargo box on the Land Cruiser, so the pole goes up there now. John Davies Spokane WA

I haven't seen that here before, and didn't find that failure on a quick Google search. Truma is known for long tests before market introduction. Glad you are ok. Let us know the results.

I also could not open the videos. It looks like the picture is of the Truma Instant water heat. My 2018 Oliver with the Truma instant water heat has run without any issues. Let us know what Truma says happened and what the fix is. Good Luck and Stay Safe

Yikes I can't get your videos to load but the photo looks pretty scary. Glad you noticed quickly and got it shut off. Did just turning off the unit close the valve or did you have to turn off the gas? It would have been reassuring if the unit had detected the problem and shut itself down on it's own. Maybe with a little more time it would have? It does look like the flame was contained within the box so that's something I suppose. I may have to remount my little Atom smoke detector back in that compartment. To answer your question, I don't think anyone here has posted about mechanical failures on the Truma - could be wrong, just don't remember. But nothing like this for sure. They had a software issue a few years back on some units that required swapping out the control board. And mine I managed to break on our first outing, but that was almost certainly an installation issue and Oliver dealt with it. And there was another plumbing error that made me think the Truma wasn't working right (again not really a Truma issue) but once I fixed that, I've had nothing bad to say about it. That's a pretty serious failure, and I definitely want to hear Truma's response. I'd let Oliver know also - not that I think it's any of their fault, but I think they'd want to know and maybe they can help you with Truma. On the videos, I don't know if others can see them, but the most reliable way to post them I've found is to upload them to YouTube and then just paste the YouTube link into the post.

John - Really, the best way to get up to date "factual" information of this sort would be to contact an Oliver Sales agent and ask. They do not pressure you or bug you. They really are there to help you. Good luck! Bill

Is THAT "ALL" you got?

Just not into the wind!

NCeagle, 2020, Hull 688 Houghton 13.5K BTU I have run my unit in 90-100 degrees conditions under mostly direct sunlight as well at night in 70-80 degrees. It has cooled and controlled humidity very well. I think given the fact that we live in NC and camp year round (high heat / humidity in the summer) that a bigger 13.5K unit is going to be more efficient than a smaller 11K unit. Given my experience thus far, I really don't think 13.5K is overkill for an Elite II and I'd likely stick with the same size if I had to replace.

CnC, Hull #617, Dom 11K Have yet to use this one. Used the 13.5 K our MB Airstream (Sprinter) twice in 6 years. Note that too frequent cycling usually means the humidity isn't being controlled because the temperature is being satisfied too quickly. Additionally, the slower the fan speed the more humidity is removed.

I think I'm the only Elite I so far. Seadawg, hull # 12 2008 The original 13500 btu Dometic (2008) was overkill. Would freeze us out in a short time. Replacement 9500 btu Houghton has only been used and tested a handful of times in Florida spring, so high 80s to low 90s, and worked fine, cooled quickly, and maintained desired temp easily. I like the dehumidifier function, too.

Mcb 2020 685 Dometic 11k Mid 90s, full sun…. Kept us cool We will replace it with something quieter in the future.

Mike and Carol, 2016 #135 Dometic 13.5 106 degrees in full sun on low kept us cool My next AC will not be as large.

Thank you. We decided to stay with the Lithium Pro Package.

At the Oliver facility campground tonight. Just pulled in. We are the only one here so far. Our Ollie goes in for service at 8AM. This is so nice. They even have a dump station. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that Oliver did this. I know it helps them with new trailer delivery too and not paying for David Crockett State park. I don't care, to have this after a 7 hour drive and to be so close for service is awesome. Thank you Oliver. The sites are nice and we hope to meet either a new owner or someone in for service when we pick up Tuesday afternoon. We will be here again Tuesday evening. Before heading to South Carolina.

My wife and I are taking delivery of an Elite II next summer as well. We haven't yet been required to make a final commitment on upgrades, but we are leaning toward the Lithium Pro Package over the Solar Pro package. In response to an earlier, similar post inquiring whether to go with wet cell or AGM, I stated the reasons we have tentatively chosen the Lithium Pro Package. I have edited it to more specifically address your LIFePO4 vs. AGM query: "We are presently planning to spend the extra $$$$ on the Lithium Pro Package [over the Solar Pro Package], for many reasons: (1) we view it as "future proofing" (it's a lot easier to have the more robust 3kw inverter and wiring infrastructure installed during construction); (2) we hope to be able to run the AC with just our 2kw generator, which requires the Micro Air Easy Start [included in the Lithium Pro Package] (which is also much easier to install in the factory before the AC goes on the roof); (3) we want to be able to run the AC, albeit for only a short time, on the batteries; (4) LiFePO4 accepts a full charge much faster than lead/acid, and so is more efficiently recharged with solar; (5) 390Ah of LiFePO4 provides much more usable battery capacity than 400 Ah of [lead/acid/AGM batteries], because only about 50% of lead/acid capacity is usable before recharge compared to 85% with LiFePO4; (6) payload,and therefore trailer weight, is an issue with our 2019 Tundra 5.7L Double Cab tow vehicle, and LiFePO4 saves a couple hundred pounds vs. [AGM] and (7) the increased cost is offset to some extent by the 10-year probable life of LiFePO4 batteries." I will add with regard to the first point, future proofing, that we plan to own our Ollie for a couple of decades, and we believe that the price of LiFePO4 batteries vs. AGM will continue to drop over that time as lithium R&D costs are recovered. We do not plan to spend the additional $4400 for the 630 Ah Lithium Platinum Package because we believe 390 Ah will be enough. But, if, over time, we decide we really want more battery capacity, it will likely be less expensive later, and we can add it without having to also upgrade the inverter or any internal wiring. I expect you know you will likely get between 3 and 5 years of service from AGMs. So, over the probable 10-year life of the LiFePO4 batteries, you will be required to replace the AGMs at least once, maybe twice. Today, you must pay at least $800 for 400Ah of AGM capacity. And, I note you have purchased a Honda 2200i generator. If you plan to run the AC using that generator, you will still need to spend the extra $400 for the MicroAir Easy start if you don't opt for the Lithium Pro Package. So, over time and considering the cost of the MicroAir Easy Start, the "net" cost differential between the Solar Pro and Lithium Pro packages falls more in the $2400-$3100 range, not $4300. For these reasons, we are still planning to spend the extra on the Lithium Pro Package. Hope this helps with your decision.

Thanks for the information and suggestions. We are going to stay at the Commodore in Linden as we have a dog. I spoke with Kathy at the Commodore today she seemed very helpful. I also spoke with Mike at Oliver service this afternoon. We are to tow our Ollie from the Oliver campground to service at 8 am. Then we fill out paperwork etc. He said we didn't need to do any specific preparation. We are going to stop at Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Dolly World, and some of the Smoky Mountains on our way to Honenwald. We may check out some of the suggestions. We are planning to hit Memphis and Nashville on our way home from Utah in early April but the Gaylord sounds worth checking out for sure during Christmas season.

Most good lithium systems, like battleborn and the systems Oliver installs, will lock you out when you drop below acceptable levels, unlike fla and sealed/agm batteries. . That level may be down to 20, or less reserve capacity. That's part of the beauty, and expense, of lifepo batteries. Less weight, and more capacity in the same space. That said, we're still on the fence. Lots of $$ if we replace our agms with lithium, in the next few years. Since agms (and fla before) served us well, we'll see. I'd love the extra capacity on our two battery tray, in an original 2008 Elite 1 shorty. I also find it not that difficult to limit power, and camp with cheaper agm.

When we ordered our trailer in 2015 lithium was not available so we got the four AGMs. Earlier this year we replaced the four AGMs with two lithium’s (Battle Born). We also got the solar package when we ordered, in those days it was two panels for 320W. It kept our AGMs charged and is doing the same for our lithium’s. We see discharge down to 85% or so in the morning after being fully charged. We are camping in full shade now, so after last night and today we’re down to 70%. I suspect we‘ll be down to 60% tomorrow morning. No problem. I’m told you can take lithium’s down much further than traditional batteries. I’m not an expert, maybe one of our forum experts will weigh in. I’m not concerned with being down to 60% or lower. We’ll be driving further south tomorrow and we’ll be close to or at 100% by the time we get to our campsite. We also have the Blue Sky solar controller so I can’t really comment on the Zamp. Mike

In the six years I have been using the Andersen WDH I have never had any issue of connecting or disconnecting at any angle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPT_-4rBDbo Hello and welcome to the family. My wife and I are hull 836 and we also live in the Vancouver Washington area. We also have had some problems with propane systems faulting. I finally decided to put a fresh bottle on that I purchased here in Vancouver and after bleeding the lines and getting the new gas through the system we have not had any more problems. Fingers crossed. I never would have guessed that it was bad gas but so far it does seem to have been. I attached a link at the top of this of a video that Jason the service manager put out on the Anderson hitch. He does a great job of showing the best method to get the hitch on and off without ever touching the Anderson tensioning adjustments. I have used it without fail now on 12 hitch and unhitch cycles. Works great. mike

I opted for this style, PVC that comes apart and probably less expensive which we know it's not the price as much as getting what we want. I made two from 1" schedule 40 PVC, stainless hardware, and at a cost of around $30.00 for two, this does not include the price of the flags. I did purchase a flag light from Home Depot that mounts on the PVC flag pole, it it solar powers to recharge the battery, and goes on and off with the daylight, $22.00. This poles is mounted in the ground by a 3' x 1/2" rebar and it swivels in the wind to keep the flag from twisting up on the pole. One 10' PVC makes one pole, plus the other items needed. This pic was taken at home just after I finished the flag pole setup. trainman

This is great to read! A winter trip! We hope to do one next winter when we have our Ollie! Let's see what experience gained by then teaches us. Best to all in this New Year - safe and joyous travels to all! Mirna and PK

Welcome to another Canadian Ollie! Picasso (hull 89) and I have been having a blast here in Ontario. Hope to travel more next year with retirement. Anya and the whippet herd.

Welcome to the Oliver family and a great maiden voyage for the time of year, make your plans and follow with an open sense of adventure. See you on the road. Gary and Jona

Congratulations and welcome! Looks like you had a great first trip. Thanks for the pictures, like the ones with snow! Mike