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I bought something like the link below at the nearby Menards for somewhere between $150-200 (now $225-250) years ago when working on the inside of our home. It is very handy, and I keep it setup in the garage. I have some hollow pipe insulation on one side so if metal sides rub up against the Ollie, no issues. I put the deck at 1/3 to 1/2 high, and it works great, not too wobbly. I can reach everything on top, rinse & dry. When I need to move Maggie just releases the wheel brakes and push/pulls me to the next wash station. Then we tackle the sides from the ground, and we are done. https://www.harborfreight.com/900-lb-multipurpose-scaffold-63050.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNjIyOTcyMzUiLCJza3UiOiI2MzA1MCIsImlzIjoiMjA2Ljk5MSJ9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12172784578&campaignid=12172784578&utm_content=114847980617&adsetid=114847980617&product=63050&store=&gclid=CjwKCAiAx8KQBhAGEiwAD3EiP_RxHfMc7AHNs80ZYo5WKrb-ZkPMvxBp-CKfuCL0Iy78XnOwcAy5ChoCqNcQAvD_BwE Regards, Bryan

When I bought my Oliver that interior door was not an option nor did I even think about it. The things that I store in the basement in that area under the nightstand and over towards the curbside are rarely needed (i.e. extra length of water hose, extra lego blocks, extra electric cord, etc.). So, after seven years I really don't miss not having that door. Having said this - a couple of owners that do have that door use it for storing extra shoes. Fairly expensive for that purpose, but, certainly useful. Bill

I just tested the lower frame of the A/C unit. It's magnetic. I have a few old magnets from hard drives I can place on the screen inside. It would stay in place even in a hurricane.

Been over the Beartooth many times while pulling trailers. Last time was done using our old 2013 Tacoma & pulling a fairly light (3500# or so) trailer. The Tacoma made the pull from the North with ease during a fairly hot summer day. The road is quite good and presents no problems for a vehicle in decent shape. My concern would be heading back down the pass heading East ... I would want the brakes to be in good shape. I would not hesitate to tow our fairly light, well behaved Legacy II using our F150 with a 3.5.

Here's a review of the Truma Aventa a/c. Truma's been hyping it on their Facebook page. https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/review-of-the-truma-aventa-eco-air-conditioner/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=truck-camper-news_129

When I turned 50, I rode solo self contained across the U.S. and started in San Diego. Tough place to start as it goes uphill right away. I ended in DC riding 400+ miles from Pittsburgh down the Gap and C&O Towpath. Anymore, there are so many crazies on cellphones that I seek out trails. My dream has been to use our Ollie as a sag wagon. This year ii looks like the time is perfect since I am newly retired.

None that I've ever heard of. Bill

What Mike said. Only real limitations We have experienced were where We were only staying for one night and did not want to unhitch. Even then, the camp host let us use the larger group site instead so we could stay hitched overnight.

Looks like a piece of furniture to me! Nicely done. I’d make new, nicer ones but mine are 6 years old and don’t look like they are going to wear out anytime soon! Mike

It’s pretty much a non-issue. Yes, we’ve been to campgrounds that had sites that were too short for our Elite II. They also had plenty of sites that we fit in. Commercial campgrounds are no problem. Some public campgrounds, National Parks, some State Parks and some COE and BLM campgrounds may have short sites, but they also usually have sites an Oliver will fit in to. Mike

No problem using. It’s a two-part epoxy (equal parts), and I didn’t buy their applicator— just squeezed out on a piece of plank, mixed and used a putty knife to apply to the blocks. Then I clamped each on—pretty easy to see where they went. Left clamped overnight, although probably don’t need that long. I did ruff up the two surfaces the epoxy went between with 80 grit sandpaper (didn’t overdo it). I doubt the remaining epoxy is any good, but haven’t checked. But I will and report back. PS: The Plexus is still good after a month and a half. The bottle only rates the shelf life from date of manufacture as 7 months though. It is pricey and I used about half. Frank

I love the wood stove fan for your Buddy. I've seen a few cool Youtube videos of this modification and I plan on doing that to mine someday!

I find it useful for a hand held vacuum but I can't see using that door to access anything else that's stored farther back.

We have the interior basement access door option. It’s something we could have eliminated from our build. It is a fairly small opening. We don’t use it for anything now. We tried it for access for putting shoes in the basement for a bit, but as we’ve evolved our camping setup, I use the basement for all the outside hookup items (shore power AC cord, TV coax cable, water hoses, water filters, water pressure regulator, etc) all in milk crates to keep things organized and easy to pull out of the basement through the exterior basement door.

I rode self contained from San Diego to New Brunswick, Canada in 2019. We did immediately start climbing too. In April, two of us are starting from the same area (Carlsbad) riding to Portland, Maine. I have thought of using the Ollie the same way to ride some great portions. Maybe a Brompton folding bike to store in the tv. I don't like the idea of having it on the back getting grit in the chain because it is on a bike rack.

We had a site so unlevel at Davis Mountains State Park I ended up backing in across the grass and parking sideways in the site. I tried the normal way but had the front jack completely extended with blocks. It didn’t look safe at all. Here’s a grainy long distance picture of us sideways in the site. Under the trees to the left is another Oliver, @mountainoliver. Not all sites are that bad, we’ve had a couple of others that were fine, we took these sites so we could camp next to our fellow Oliver owners. It’s nice to have a trailer small enough to fit into weird sites (even sideways) and still be big enough to be comfortable.

John, As John Davies mentioned above, could be a bad batch of adhesive. Doesn’t seem to have been a big problem in the past. Not sure how you discovered your problem, but had I not seen one of the blocks fall as I was backing into storage, I wouldn’t have known they came off. I opened a ticket and sent a picture to Oliver service asking what it was, and was told it glued to the inside of the propane cover. I pulled the cover off and found the two 4” blocks had fallen off. The longer, middle block was still attached and appeared to be solid. Frank

They do exist! We finally saw an Ollie LE2 this afternoon while returning home from Vancouver, WA today. This was the first Ollie we have seen since taking delivery of our LE2 last September. We were heading south on Interstate 5 about 30 miles north of Eugene, OR, and the Ollie was northbound, around 12:30 PM. Any ideas who it might have been?

Hi Frank-n-Val, I see you have a 2022 model as well, I wonder if previous years had issues with this as well. We're hull 996 🙂 We'll get it figured out! John

Thanks, John, for providing your thoughts. I appreciate it. David

At 23.5' long and only 7' wide, with no slides, the Elite 2 is tiny compared to the majority of RVs out there. So, yes, there will be some sites you won't fit in, but not too many. We previously had a 26' long, 8' wide trailer and were easily able to get good sites in many state and national parks, including the Blue Ridge Parkway,Yellowstone, Arches, Sequoia, and Zion. It's one of the reasons we're downsizing to an Oliver now - so we can do that again. I wouldn't worry about it.

David, these controllers are very efficient, around 98%, but I would not ignore the cooling issue. They specifically say that you need a few inches of clearance at the top and bottom for airflow. The problem with mounting one in a dead end compartment like where the Zamp one is located, or under the bed, is that the whole area heats up, especially if you put it next to the inverter, which gets toasty. Did you see this thread? https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/5329-how-to-victron-mppt-solar-charge-controller-underneath-the-street-side-bed/ You will definitely get a little better charging performance by installing an MPPT unit, but the cost/ benefit ratio isn’t that great. You would probably be better off getting a 100+ watt portable suitcase panel, and if that proves to be inadequate, then you can consider changing the main controller to a more efficient one. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/5478-how-to-remote-mount-the-controller-of-a-suitcase-solar-panel-not-inside-the-trailer/ John Davies Spokane WA

And a nice handle too. Makes my 6x6 pine look a bit pedestrian! Way to go! Bill

We have been fortunate in having had a 25 foot C-Dory Cruiser, which we could tow, and a Ranger 29 (classic) which I didn’t tow. There certainly is overlap with travel trailers. Lots of good times and memories with the possibility that we might get another boat some day. We kept the boats in marinas and used them as our condo on the water in SF Bay. We don’t really need a place to stay down there anymore and boats = $$. (ranger=$$$). One of the selling points of the Ollie was the marine grade hardware and clean interior. If being a landlubber gets too much for me, there is also the option of a bare boat charter, which we have done a couple of times in the PNW. I agree with Ralph, when they tell me I’ve won the big powerball (which I never play), a Nordic or an American Tug could definitely make the cut.

Payload will be a limiting factor - just depends on what you take with you in the truck. Yes - It will be more than you think - esp over time. Secondly - as has been mentioned - just drive the TV with something comparable in tow. Give it a good workout in multiple situations - you will find your answer. As for the numbers - you are right near the cusp of not enough - doable - but if you go a lot, too many areas with varied terrain - you may find you're not quite satisfied. As JD said on paper it looks fine - ...."No hurry" across Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, SD, .... No thank you- Warp speed for me......the Ollie tows just fine at 70mph. The cats meow is a 3/4 ton 4wd, diesel - but I digress. Good luck and happy trails. RB

Just put a coat of tung oil on it.

I faced a similar decision as you when I finally pulled the trigger on my 2020 Oliver II. I purchased my current tow vehicle many years ago, choosing the most capable tow vehicle at the time that would fit in my low height urban garage. When it came time to buy an Ollie, I could not find a better tow vehicle that would fit in my garage aside from a few $100,000 plus vehicles like BMW, Toureg, etc. They wouldn't work for me because I need a very capable off-road hunting vehicle on many of my camping excursions. My current vehicle has a GVWR of 5,720 lbs, 7,000 lbs towing capacity, 700 lbs max tongue weight, but only 1,120 lbs cargo capacity. The engine develops 320 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM. It has a towing package and auto-height adjusting rear air springs. From the numbers you give for your current tow vehicle, you should be safe towing an Oliver II and you will likely feel safe when towing, but only if you have the discipline to pay attention to how you load the trailer and how well the Andersen hitch is set up. The sway control built into the Andersen is not really needed in normal towing, but could be invaluable in an emergency maneuver. The real benefit of the Andersen hitch in a marginal tow vehicle is the ability to actually achieve the rated cargo capacity which requires precise weight distribution between the front and rear axles. If you are under the GVWR of the tow vehicle when towing, but the rear axle is 300 lbs over its max axle rating (and the front axle is 300 lbs under its max axle rating), safety will be compromised and you will be out of spec even though you are at or under the vehicle GVWR. I suggest that you load your tow vehicle how you would normally drive without camping gear (i.e., driver, passenger and dog?) with a full gas tank, and then weigh it, recording the weight on each axle. Then put a known wight (say 200 lbs) into the front of the truck bed and re-weigh to determine how much of the additional 200lbs falls on the front axle and how much falls on the rear axle. Now look at the headroom left on each axle (how much below max axle weight rating). Lets say for example that after weighing the vehicle with 200 lbs cargo in the truck bed, you have 800 lbs cargo capacity left (GVWR minus combined weight on both axles) with 300 lbs of headroom on the front axle and 500 lbs headroom on the rear axle. If you expect to run your Ollie II with 600 lbs tongue weight plus 50 lbs for the Andersen hitch (total 650 lbs), you will need to shift at least 150-200 lbs from the rear axle to the front axle. The Andersen can do that. If you need to shift much more weight than that to the front axle, then your tow vehicle probably won't work (can't be set up safely) without running with an empty truck bed. As many have said here, you will have issues associated with the under powered engine as I do. That said, I have never found that to be a trip killer based upon the way I have used my Oliver. I don't mind occasionally dropping to 55 mph on long hills and I have become used to the noise and poor gas mileage associated with the frequent need to operate at the higher RPM of the engine's torque band. I also typically tow almost exclusively at 5,000 ft altitude or lower. If there is a 30 plus mile an hour headwind, I may just put off travel until the wind changes I would never choose my current vehicle to tow the Oliver II and you wouldn't choose your current one either. However, if it comes down to starting with the tow vehicle you have and upgrading later, or not getting the Oliver, my vote is choose the Oliver if the current tow vehicle you have can tow the Oliver safely. Lot's of great new tow vehicles will come on the market in the next few years including SUV's like the 2003 Sequoia and hybrids and electrics. I am very much looking forward to upgrading my tow vehicle, but it is not urgent.

Bill and Mike inspired me to make a better block for the tongue jack. Price was right; had some off cuts from beams we sawed a few years ago, so made one for the Oliver and one for a camping buddy. Frank

Certainly a small air conditioner is a bunch cheaper and a bunch easier to buy and put on/take off as compared to a CalMark cover for the entire Oliver! 😁 Bill

Ain't happing any time soon! Bill p.s. A former Oliver Elite II owner owned one of those small "tug boats". He went by the name - Windcrasher. His boat was really very nice as were his many other "toys".

I have thought this out for some time now, long before I even knew of Olivers, so my answer is quick and steeped in personal preference 25’ Nimble Kodiak with diesel inboard Trailerable, durable and step-up/down is easy for when you do some canal cruising or the great loop. Not the sexiest or most efficient hull shape but bulletproof and roomy for its size

Great shots.

Yep, I had the same problem last year in the same location. Carolina wren's love a good protected spot. I got a cover for the A/C, and I haven't had a problem since, but they could still get in if they tried hard. I will see how it goes this spring. Hmm, maybe I should go check now! 😃

I finally got around to adjusting the pitch of the two awnings today. Instructions were on pages 197 to 199 in the 2021 Legacy Elite 2 Standard Features manual. I wanted both awnings to be lower at the rear of the trailer so water would run off in that direction, and away from the entry door on the curb side. The curb side awning was already somewhat lower to the rear of the trailer, but I increased the pitch to lower it slightly more. The street side awning was pitched in the opposite direction, which didn't really matter since there is no door on that side, but I like symmetry, so I adjusted them to be the same. The adjustment is really easy, and you almost don't need to use a 17 mm wrench. With the awning fully extended, and lifting the awning arm slightly to relieve pressure on the adjusting cam, I was able to turn nut by hand (CW to raise, CCW to lower whichever arm you're adjusting). Like many mechnical tasks, it took longer to figure out how to do the job than to perform the job. I didn't need to adjust the elbow height of the hinged support arms, because they still retracted properly after adjusting the pitch.

Seeing an Oliver in the West is definitely a rare event, but maybe I'm just easily excited. 2008RN, I live in Redding, CA. With my grown kids living in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA I expect to be taking my Ollie on many camping trips in the Northwest. A Northwest Oliver rally is a great idea.

I also saw a Oliver pass by us yesterday Florida I75 they were heading South bound around 12:30 pm near Ocala we were north bound heading towards Gainesville to Bass pro shop. Lol a little excitement. Look look there goes an Ollie.😛

It wasn't me. I was on the Corvallis to Lebanon overpass at 1430 (2:30PM) which is close to the 30 miles north of Eugene on Monday. We just came back from 4 nights on the coast. Great weather. We are in Sweet Home. Where do you live Fargoman? Someday we should make our own West Coast/ Northwest Rally with all of the Oliver owner out here on the other side of the world.

You can bet your sweet bippy it is, like unto a water slide. I have some commercial scaffolding that I set up when I need/want to work on the top.

"How long is your upcoming tour? You must be pretty fit." We figure about two months. On the last two cross country trips, I averaged 55-56 miles/day carrying about 58 pounds of gear in panniers. I have mechanical disc brakes that work very well. We start with low miles initially then increase as we get more fit. Leaving San Diego, you start climbing almost immediately which isn't too great. Depending on terrain and wind, some days are in the 30+ range due to climbing. I had one day leaving Cut Bank, Montana going east where we did 126 miles. Thanks for the info on that road.

I am camped at Kettle Falls (Lake Roosevelt COE) campground and the solar exposure is not great in the afternoon due to trees, so I set up the Renogy panel in a bright spot using 40 feet of cable. No worries, I am seeing a steady 6.5 to 6.8 amps, and the big rooftop ones are only putting out half that, and it is highly variable. Yay, I am pleased. Highly recommended mod! John Davies Spokane WA

Jim's legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the many customers that have discovered the unique "people first" business model he has established. Beyond that, everytime someone sees and admires an Oliver trailer as the many hundreds of them cross this great land and Canada, his legacy will shine on. The Oliver trailer is a very unique jewel in the RV world as Jim Oliver was himself. Good job Jim, now it's time to go home and rest.

Although Krunch and I did not know Jim or his family personally, everything we have ever heard was extremely positive. And in my experience, nothing I say will really make a difference at this time. But I will still say that we are very sorry for your loss and know that you all are in our prayers. With God, all things are possible, Mike and Krunch

Truly sorry for the Oliver family's loss. His effect on the area has been huge and he will be missed.

So very sad to hear this. Our love to Evon and the kids, and to the entire Oliver family. He and John had a great vision and created a great product. He will be missed deeply. Dave and Ruth Meilstrup

We are saddened to hear this news! As we ordered our trailer, we have been met with kindness and compassion beyond anything we ever imagined! The Oliver family's values have definitely been passed down to all who work there. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Oliver family.You have touched us deeply! With heartfelt gratitude, Mirna and PK.

My heart goes out to the Oliver family, and all of the workers at OTT. May you find solace in your time of grief and may your spirits soon be at peace. I will always fondly recall meeting Jim on Christmas Day, 2007, spending more than two hours with him as he showed me the early Oliver, the one with John's picture on the front. It was more than the trailer that impressed me. It was this friendly man, Jim, hearing his enthusiasm and vision for the Oliver Travel Trailer's future and his sincere concern for the care of all of his family and employees. With John's vision as a catalyst, Jim has truly built a LEGACY of a large, loving family and a robust trailer that will enrich the lives of countless families, enabling them to travel and see this great land up close, in a trailer that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Jim. May you rest in peace.

Mary Kay and I were greatly saddened by this news! We are thinking of and praying for strength in the coming days for the Oliver family. We are very thankful for knowing Jim. He will be greatly missed.

Shocking and sad news. We are so sorry to hear this. A great guy who will be missed. Our condolences to the Oliver family. Mike

I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Hopefully all of the immediate Oliver family knows just how saddened all of us are even those who never actually got the chance to personally meet him. There is no question that he has left this world a better place. Talk about leaving a legacy - obviously he left more than one or even two. Bill

We are deeply saddened by this announcement. Paul and I would like to share our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, all their children and grandchildren, and the Oliver family. Jim was a great guy, with an amazing vision. His entire family worked to make it come to fruition. He will be missed, by so many. Sherry