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Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/24/2022 in all areas

  1. I would hate to lose the propane function of the refrigerator. Even with a "more efficient" 12 volt compressor fridge, it's still using battery power. I'm more concerned about battery power than running out of propane.
    5 points
  2. I haven't really run the numbers over the years.. but it seems to me that the last big jump in price was 2015 to 2016. About 10k for a well equipped LE2. The price of the thermoplastics in fiberglass must be a big driver of this increase. Plus the OEM components have gone up during the 2022 order cycle and I don't think those increases were passed on. I really don't believe we are seeing opportunism with this increase. Everything is getting more expensive. I guess that's what happens when you print a bunch of money. Let's say that Oliver has capacity to build 400 trailers.... I know... it's probably a bit below that but it's a nice round number. Demand has been high and shows no signs of stopping. We could increase capacity and increase profit dollars by selling more trailers... but that comes with costs and risk. You'd have to expand production space and labor, which is expensive. OR... you could raise the price until you start to see demand drop... then you could gauge what price the market would bear and maximize profits. You still make more profit dollars but can more easily handle a downturn like the 2008 situation. To be clear... I don't believe that Oliver is engaging in a profit maximization strategy. I think they are truly walking the tightrope with profitability on one side and a possible decline in business (due to increased price) on the other. I want the company to be successful. That's how we get the support we need for maintenance and upgrades. The good news for current Oliver TT owners is...... Our trailers just went up in value. Plus FB travel trailers have always had a special / niche spot in the market. They may take a hit when the economy turns south.. but will bounce back when it recovers. Anyway... sorry for getting so long winded. Happy Camping!
    5 points
  3. Agreed. Every time someone unfamiliar with an Elite steps into ours, they're amazed at how many creature comforts of home are built into our tiny trailer. We have everything we need, in miniature, and nothing more. It's a complete tiny house on wheels, and a wonderful hard sided tent, that tracks behind our tow vehicles perfectly. No worries about tires scooting off into the ditch on a narrow mountain road. If the truck can do it, the trailer can, too. The other comment someone made last summer was, "you two must really love each other a lot, to get along in such a small space, for months at a time." While that's true, it's also true that every camper of any size lives bigger on the outside, which is where we spend most of our time. The interior can go from cozy to rather cramped, however, in several days in a row of inclement weather. But, it pretty much heats "with a candle," (or sporadic use of the furnace) in that cozy space. We have learned to respect our tiny bits of space, each, in those days, or we can always move on to better weather. As BoB suggested, more battery capacity would be great. The elite has a smaller battery tray than the II. Going lithium would fix that, I guess. And, im a bit quirky, I i know, but I'd love to see fewer standard features, frankly, in a great little boondocking trailer. We've used the ac only a handful of times, in 14 years, other than running and testing it in the driveway. We removed the microwave after it died from (I think) lack of use, and I love the additional storage in the microwave cavity. I personally wouldn't care for a power awning, either. Ditto on the fibergranite countertops. Heat duct to the bathroom? Nice, but it's easy to prop the door open at night. Increased solar? For sure. We now have 400 watts fixed in our sidemount configuration. If mold changes are in the offing, I'd suggest 8" longer, if the trailer could still work with a single axle. 6" to the bed, to make it a true queen, 2" to the entry. Wider? Not appealing to me, but maybe to others. A few inches taller, maybe, as interior height in ours is 6'1", in the walkway. Like trainman, I doubt we're really looking at mold changes, as that's ridiculously expensive, but who knows? I don't know what changes they're contemplating, but I'll look forward to seeing them.
    5 points
  4. Like SeaDawg, I've had my Elite 14 years. With the exception of the last two years, I've roamed around the USA and Canada 4 to 7 months per year. It has been, and still is, the perfect fit for myself and my traveling dog, Bosker, the little fellow in my profile pic. I'm on my second companion dog and my second tow vehicle, but still the original "Wonder Egg" which has rolled over 139,000 miles and allowed me to garner a treasure trove of memories and friends along the way. I believe Jim Oliver was being modest when his goal was to make a trailer that will "last a lifetime". With proper care, it will last several . . . I'm looking forward to seeing the new Legacy Elite when it comes out. While I can't envision a different trailer for myself, it will be great to see more Ollie owners out there with trailers that will last for generations.
    4 points
  5. With the exceptions of A/C and microwave, everything in your camper runs on 12 volts DC. Lights, water pump, fans (including the one in the furnace) radio, television, and controls for the fridge.
    3 points
  6. Truma Aqua Go and Aventa A/C are packaged at $3500. The reason for the bundle is to have a single controller. (I believe the Aventa also has a remote control unit) Truma Vario Heater may be added to the package but the jury is still out on that. No upgrades available with the Aventa A/C because Truma only sells them for new installs, not for replacement units... That may change in the future but I wouldn't hold my breath. That's all for now.
    3 points
  7. I replaced my 4 AGMs last January with 2 BB 100ah batteries. After a year of travel and camping those two BB’s were plenty. I just put in a third BB last month, not because I needed it but in case we swap out fridges sometime in the future. We haven’t been our yet with the additional battery but I’m looking forward to it. One thing I noticed with the Battle Borns is how quick they were back up to 100% once the sun came up. Plus the weight difference is pretty significant. Mike
    2 points
  8. I am not an owner nor did I get the survey, but...Quiet is always better than noisy for an AC unit. And a larger fridge would be so nice, but not with a microwave so near the ceiling. That is simply not safe. Not reachable for someone 5'3". And on a side note: Dearest Engineers and Designers of Oliver Trailers, While you are looking to "improve and redesign the Elite 1" why not also consider the Elitist III? You know, the OTT that is between 25-26 feet in length? It's the one with the full bath in the front, the walk around queen bed or wider twin beds, and that wonderful new larger fridge without the microwave on top! I think it is just 6-12 inches wider but still has so much storage space. I know I've seen one somewhere--in my dreams! Sincerely, HMD
    2 points
  9. I totally agree, living in the PNW. Between 8 months of gray skies and our beautiful luscious trees, direct sunlight is a summertime luxury. We rarely ever use 12volts, and only 120v when plugged in. It is pretty cool though camping under the trees canopy.
    2 points
  10. The need/requirement for use of a weight distribution hitch such as the Andersen system is based on the manufacturers specs for tongue weight limit of the tow vehicle. If you check the towing guides that are published by the manufacturers, you will find that most 1/2 ton pickup trucks have a tongue weight limit of 500 lbs. for a basic weight carrying hitch, and for tongue weights above that you need/ require a weight distribution hitch. And an Elite II will exceed a 500 lbs. tongue weight. And when you get above a 500 lbs. tongue weight you are probably starting to get really close to your payload/cargo limit of your tow vehicle (this is NOT the same thing as towing capacity) when you add in your camping gear, a bed cover or cap, a bed liner, Rock Tamer mud flaps, tools, etc. Here’s an example from Ford’s towing guide showing the tongue load limits for the F-150. And all the limits are based on assuming a 150 lb. driver and passenger. I don’t know about the rest of you but 150 lbs was a long time ago 😂
    2 points
  11. Weight of our 2021 Legacy II with 30# tanks & 390 amp hour lithium package was 5020# dry weight at pickup according to Oliver.
    2 points
  12. I know this is not exactly what you were asking for, but maybe this will help some. Our trailer trailer dry weight was 5300 by the sticker. We purchased a 2020 with solar and 4 AGM batteries and 20lb propane tanks. Lithium batteries were not an option for us. I believe the battery weight is around 260lbs (~65lbs/battery).
    2 points
  13. Omg, @Mattnan, that boat's a beauty! Thank you for bringing it up to the 21st century, and beyond its previous glory. Our sailboat is similar vintage. Seaworthy as all get out. And, hey, we've got some sass, along with classic style, right? I admire all the folks who restore old homes, old boats, and old trailers. It's truly a labor of love.
    2 points
  14. Anyone been to a boat show lately? Everything in the fiberglass world has seen enormous increases. Much of it, because of huge increases in materials cost. We've been looking for a few years at a possible replacement for our 18' sport boat. This year, we had a few problems to repair. But replacement cost ( much more than twice what it was new) led us to repair it, instead. Hull is good, 3.0 mercruiser engine runs great. We'll fix the rest. Investing in a solid older boat is far easier than hunting down a new one, for us. Beyond inflation, take a look at fiberglass price increases. I know it's a big jump. It will scare some folks off to something else. Honestly, I don't know what else they could do, beyond scaling back some of the luxury "standard" items included in base price. I'm sure the pricing decisions were difficult for them, too. Everything has been so volatile this year.
    2 points
  15. In our 2008 Elite shorty, the manual thermostat is mounted in the small kitchen.
    2 points
  16. @ScubaRx, I think the new trailers have a 110 vizio, not 12v, like our trailers. Our 12v/110 fridge uses roughly 60 to 70 amp hours, per day, if that helps in your estimates. We get that overnight usage back from solar on decent days, and run fine throughout the day. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Usual overnight consumption is 24 to 30 amp hours. We manage most of the time, in good weather, with solar, even with only 2 x 105 ah agm batteries, in good sun for the portables, because we also conserve power. But, the Honda 1000 comes in handy in rainy days, or cooler weather where we use the furnace. That furmace fan uses a lot of power.
    1 point
  17. I'm 6' 3" and the twin works best for us all things considered. (No dog, great night stand drawer and counter top, etc.). We had OTT only provide one set of couch pillows. They store nicely on the kitchen table/seats. If we had two sets of them, that would a PITA.
    1 point
  18. It’s funny that you mention that. Oliver did away with the flooded cell solar option and made the agm upgrade more expensive. Looking at the two lithium options…the 630, because it is uniquely able to fit that much capacity in the battery compartment, is more appealing than ever. Add that to the fridge always pulling power and I could see myself upgrading to 630 for 2023 units. I’m planning on 3 BB batteries this fall. If I had a two way fridge I’d probably want more…
    1 point
  19. Hey Steve... Would you still feel the same way with the 630ah Lithium package? I am thinking the extra power would run that fridge for a long time. Granted there would be other draws from the battery bank and the solar would have limited replenishment (thinking 2-300 amps in a sunny day). Would that change your mind? BTW... asking for an "in real life decision" not just wondering... and I would value your opinion. Hope you are well and look forward to seeing you in May. Scotty
    1 point
  20. 1 point
  21. That chart is really bizarre and confusing. Don’t rest your hand on the jack when it’s fully lowered or the jack will fail. 🙂
    1 point
  22. Here is an interesting warning chart that I have never seen for a jack, this is part of the IMAYCC owners manual. I changed the metric height to inches. I don't quite know how to interpret it, there is no Capacity figure for the lower part of the Y axis, other than the "0" that is in the corner for both axes.... Does this mean that the jack can support zero weight when fully collapsed? What is the capacity at say 10"? Maybe this is why some of these scissors jacks collapse, you exceeded the zero weight capacity. 😉 I think I will contact the manufacturer on Amazon to see if they reply. BTW, a hydraulic jack rated at 3 tons would support 3 tons anywhere in its range of travel.... John Davies Spokane WA
    1 point
  23. I will say it was around two months ago that the dealer told me the time line on orders for the Wranglers. I do get on the Wrangler Forum and the time line has come down some, but this mainly depends on which model Wrangler you want to order and certain options, some are still six months out. I want the Willys Sport (base model) model with only A/C option, It will have the 6 spd. manual trans and is still a well equipped vehicle, it will list for $35,000.00. Like I said in my previous post it will be a TOY and shifting is my thing in a Jeep, it my choice. trainman
    1 point
  24. I really think Oliver could use the next 6 months to make the transition to a new solar controller and inverter/charger. Combine that with a large 7 inch screen that interfaces everything…would be a HUGE upgrade that would cost them very little. This would help future sales IMO and would be a far superior setup.
    1 point
  25. It’s an upgrade package along with the truma tankless WH.
    1 point
  26. My sentiments exactly! We bought our 2019 Elite II in fall 2020 and just calculated ours as well. We would be spending a little over $26,000 more if we ordered what we have as a 2023 model. SO glad we were able to find ours and purchase it when we did. As an added bonus, it came with some things I like that are no longer available!
    1 point
  27. On a cost per foot basis, it is the more expensive of the 2 trailers. I do wonder what changes they are contemplating. As Seadawg stated, we love our LE1 just the way it is.
    1 point
  28. And, I meant every single word. If you have the time, and we've had a lot, obviously, in 14 years. This has been the best, for us. I hope all of you can experience and enjoy even half of what we have. No matter which trailer you choose. My husband and I have spent many hours over the last few difficult years, reflecting. We've often said we'll never regret any of our traveling. We'd regret it more, if we had not gone. Whatever trailer/van/ motorhome/tent/truck camper you decide on, camping is the best way to see our, or any other, country. (We've also camped in many other countries, in rentals.) Our Ollie has made it easy to explore much of the USA and Canada, at our pace. It's truly our second home. Small, but comfy. Perfect for us. We'll keep on going, till we can't.
    1 point
  29. Actually, i wouldn't likely trade up. Even for $1. Yes, I'm one of the originals. Hull #12. This week is 14 years. Mine won't likely/hopefully be available for a very, very long time. If our daughter decides to sell it, after we are permanently 'camped,' it might go on the market. Hoping our daughter keeps the legacy boats and our trailer. Her decision. At that point, hey, up to her. We'll not be able to speak up, and she'll have to use her judgment. We love our little Elite. It's been our summer home (150 days a year) for 14 seasons, and hope for many more. My hope for improvement in the new model? Taller head height, so folks taller than us can enjoy what we enjoy. Maybe get the fridge a few inches off the floor. Maybe shed some weight. Other than that, it's the perfect trailer, imo. Perfect boondocking machine. Seriously. When we can't physically camp anymore, I will still keep it for our daughter. It's been paid for a long time ago, and we're way ahead in the value of memories. My trailer doesn't owe us a dime. We are owing it, imo. I suspect you may feel the same way. The trailer is "small." Our experience has been huge.
    1 point
  30. We just saw the price increases as well... and of course calculated what our specific order would have cost as a 2023 model. It's now $10,747 more. I'm glad we have ours locked in because I'm not sure if I would have been able to swallow this higher cost!?!? Obviously it's because of the rising cost of various raw materials, shipping cost and so on... so I'm guessing that the Airstreams are going up as well. It is interesting that now you can upgrade to the Truma a/c instead of taking the standard Dometic. I would have liked to have that option. Nevertheless.... we are looking forward to our May 2 pick up date... and the Guntersville rally.
    1 point
  31. It's been comforting to see how active this community is - and knowing many first timers have come before us also reassures that we will figure it out too, maybe with a little help from our "forum friends." I just ordered bedding for the camper...only 9 months to go until Delivery and I just can't wait that long, so trying to get the accessories now to keep myself occupied. The wait is the worst!
    1 point
  32. That Plexus looks really super, but the price is hard to swallow - most epoxies have a relatively short shelf life, so once opened it may not last very long. The JB Weld in the big size is affordable and I have used two year old product without any issues. Plus it works very well on non plastic parts. The fuel access door on my car popped free from the hinge, I glued it back successfully, that saved me having to buy a used door and having it painted by a body shop. I am a JB Weld Fan Boy. John Davies Spokane WA
    1 point
  33. I'm a newbie too -- don't have my truck or my trailer yet. Since I was shopping the truck with the trailer already set in my heart, I had great advice and suggestions through my Oliver Sales members. Since that time, I've discovered this forum and the many excellent members who provide so much great advice. A LOT of it is already organized -- I'm still learning where to find information about topics, whether on the Oliver website or here in the forum. My tour wasn't at the plant but here in Florida, and it blew my socks off. After drooling over the website photos and videos, the in-person tour with owners model really did put the cherry on that float!
    1 point
  34. Everybody talks about "overkill" like it's a bad thing. I love overkill, you can't have too much power and torque going up and down hills. and the longevity and mileage of a diesel is phenomenal. And besides all that, you already own this truck. I doubt anyone will trade even with you (maybe...) so how long will it take for the modest savings in gas vs diesel to surpass the price difference between the old and the new truck. Plus, you will be able to tell a big difference in your towing experience. I've towed our Oliver Elite II with three different vehicles: 2014 GMC Sierra SLT 1500, 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD High Country, 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD High Country. All were 4x4. The GMC was Gasoline, both Chevrolet's diesel. No comparison. If you do decide to downgrade to a 1500, be very aware of your cargo carrying capacity, you very well may not have enough truck to carry your gear and tow the Oliver safely.
    1 point
  35. Yep, that was our conclusion, too. Even if we had to wait until 2023 and retrofit a new A/C, that would probably be less expensive than buying a 2023 model.
    1 point
  36. The short answer for me is yes. If I’m not happy with a product I am not inclined to keep it. There are now over 600 Oliver trailers out there. Periodically, someone posts about not being happy because something was wrong when they picked up their new trailer. So, my unscientific conclusion is that most folks are happy. If they have an issue they get it fixed and then go out an enjoy camping. I’ve been very open about the issues I had, how they were fixed, and the reliability since. It’s our own fault, the majority of owners rave about the quality and durability of their Oliver, and rightly so. Potential buyers then believe that they will receive perfection. If your “unhappy complaining” to “happy camping” ratio is skewed toward the “unhappy complaining” side then maybe it’s time to make a change. The vast majority are happy campers. My $.02. Mike
    1 point
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