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Since we’re talking about simple mods, here’s one that I learned about from Ken @mountainoliver and was in my Camping for Dummies presentation at an Oliver rally 3 or 4 years ago. It’s just a 4X4 vinyl fence post cut to make a shelf for shoes under the bed. It goes on with 4 or 5 strips of the large On Command double sided tape. It provides a handy place to store shoes under the bed keeping the floor clear. We use these all the time for shoe storage.

Most trailers have their batteries there, have you thought about why Ollies are different? Because tongue mounted weight negatively affects stability and it loads down the back of the tow vehicle. . They chose rock solid, no sway towing performance over everything else. With the newer lithium batteries the effect is considerably reduced, but 300 pounds of lead acid batteries was the norm when the LE2 was first designed. I think the lithiums should become standard, then they could locate them in an even better spot, inside the cabin at floor level. John Davies Spokane WA

Finally back at the house. It was the awning battery. The freezing weather killed the original Alkaline batteries I'm sure. Will use Lithium this time. For future quick reference: Wind Sensor If awning is equipped with a wind sensor, it is located on inside surface of lead rail. P1. Slide sensor cover from sensor base. Then de. tach sensor from sensor cover. See (FIG. 😎 & (FIG. 9). 2. Remove old alkaline batteries and discard. See (FIG. 10). 3 NOTICE Do NOT use rechargeable bat- teries (NiMH, NiCD, etc.). Disposable Lithium or Alkaline type batteries are recommended. Install new batteries (size AA) in wind sensor. See (FIG. 10). Make sure battery polarity is matched cor- rectly to battery compartment. An LED will light momentarily (on circuit board) when new batteries are installed. See (FIG. 10). 4. Reattach wind sensor to sensor cover, and in- stall onto sensor base securely. See (FIG. 😎 &

When I explored getting the 2021 Ranger Tremor, which would fit in my short garage, I considered all those normal items regarding weight, etc. When I got to the fact the the gas tank was 10.x gallons - I stopped. Charlie.

The first time my wife and I went to Valley of Fire we were stopped at the entrance gate for about an hour. The "problem" was that the Park was being use to shoot a low budget film involving a race/chase scene on the fairly long straight road that starts right at the entrance. A McLaren , a Ferrari and a Porsche (whale tail) were chasing each other at speed basically starting at the entrance. The sound! The speed! The scenery! Sure did make that Park even more special. Bill

We went to Valley of Fire State Park today. Just an awesome park and the largest of Nevada's state parks. We did see an Oliver Elite II with a Utah plate parked in the Arch campground. What a beautiful spot!!!

I also keep my bulldog coupler cleaned and lubricated, and I also put grease on the ball as well. And yeah, the Bulldog will bite. I always wear gloves now when opening and closing the Bulldog coupler after getting fingers bit when the sliding collar snaps open or closed.

I added the bathroom door magnet catch, same as Mike and Carol. I also added a stainless cable tether to hold the access port on the propane tank cover do it doesn’t get lost. Some owners have lost the port cover by setting it on top of the tank cover and then forgetting to replace it, and then driving off. And a 7 pin plug holder from etrailer to keep rain out of the plug. A lot of trailer owners have commented about their trailer exterior running lights mysteriously being on when parked at a campground or in storage, and it’s because of water shorting out the 12v hot and ground with the wire for the running lights in the plug if the plug isn’t covered, draining the battery. All cheap upgrades but very useful.

My wife and I took delivery of LEII Hull 990 on 2/17/22. Among the options we chose was the Auto Drain, for $300. There is nothing "auto" about this drain switch, I had incorrectly assumed this switch closed the valve preventing back flow of grey water into the shower using some motion sensor to determine when the trailer was in motion. Not at all. The switch (mounted just inside the closet on the left side) flashes a red light continually when open, and no light when closed. To change state from open/close a rocker switch at the top must be held until the valve fully opens or closes. I find flashing red lights annoying, usually indicating some malfunction. I recommend avoiding this option.

I used to raise the pressure in the rear tires, but don’t anymore. I’ve never raised the pressure in the tires on my current truck. I’ve got about 15K miles towing so far and have noticed no unusual pressure changes while driving and towing. I also had the Michelin LTX tires on a previous truck and liked them a lot. I’m getting ready to change out the tires on my 2500 and am sure I will go with the Cooper AT3 XLT. I put them on my trailer last January and I like them. Why not have the truck and trailer match? 🤪. Mike

We have the rear camera and find it very useful. We use it when on the road while towing to see what’s going on behind the trailer, and also use it for backing up/backing into campsites. The monitor has a suction cup mount that attaches to the inside of the windshield in your preferred location.

Ok, heard back from Jason. They were supposed to put a 20 amp fuse there. So, F52 should be 20amp. Jason is looking into it to make sure this was just a one time thing or if during manufacturing they are putting to small a fuse in all of them. Jason was quick to respond! Thank you all for your help!

The purpose of a fuse is to blow from too much current and to protect the receptacle and the trailer wires from burning up, you are overloading the circuit! You have three options. Stop using that large panel immediately, replace it with one that is about 150 watts or less. Or Use the suppled alligator clips and connect the panel output wires directly to your batteries. This assumes that your suitcase includes a charge controller! Some do not - never connect unregulated solar panels to your batteries! Or Rewire the trailer connection with a suitable (higher amperage) socket, 20 amp fuse and larger (heavier gauge) wires. Be safe, please do not set fire to your trailer! John Davies Spokane WA

If you go to Ollie Modifications under the main Forums tab in the blue banner at the top of the page, you will find all kinds of modifications that owners have done to their Olivers over the years. Some of these mods are inexpensive and simple while others are involved and can be expensive. Also, if you attend the annual Owner's Rally there are multiple chances to view some really interesting Olivers. There's even one where the interior décor gets changed numerous times a year (Foy & Mirna). Make it your own!

We are probably one of the ones with a lot of outlets. We have 8. The one outside, outside of the bath, in the closet, under the dinette, microwave, kitchen overhead, under curbside bed and attic. We use them all, just not at the same time…. Mike

John, consider the bigger Ecoboost, it will give you a lot more reserve power at high altitudes. John Davies Spokane WA

The current location for the batteries provides a semi-climate controlled area when the trailer is occupied. In cold weather camping, if you have lithiums, they have four sides that are at cabin temperature. On the tongue, if you’re camping in 20 degree weather then your batteries are at 20 degrees. You might be able to figure out a way to mount the batteries under the dinette seats somehow. I’d have to look at it. Mike

My 7 pin cable isn’t quite long enough to reach back to the jack post.

After all the discussion, I discovered that by WD40 and Oil I was able to clean up the 2" Coupler Assembly. The previous owner said he was told to Oil and then Don't Oil... so he Did not Oil and the mechanism was all 'gummed up'. I am an Oiler and I Grease my Ball and moving parts when towing. With elbow grease, and a fine steel wool... the Coupler SNAPS And the Collar slides over with no effort. I am GREASING the Ball and Oiling the Bulldog. Every time we are detached, I wipe everything down, clean the coupler and all Hitch Parts that need grease. Has worked since 2006 on Airstreams... and as of today... the Bulldog will SNAP at anyone who gets close to it. Grrrrr.

Spent $1.87 at Lowes for a Nickel 'Ethan Pull' and installed it above the black standard handle and slide... drilling through the white frame. Two holes, 3 inches apart and the screws go through from the back side. About 8 minutes, after getting the drill bit selected, holes level and done. Now we have A CUSTOM OLIVER... and the $1.87 and my $0 Labor will make it so much desirable from all of the others, except Mike and Carols Custom Oliver. Your magnet is also a good idea. Where did you find that? Now you have a Custom Custom Oliver. Nut and Bolt or adhesive? Other Oliver Owner's must have come up with some great simple ideas. The previous owner of our Oliver has some of these self vacuum hangers in good spots. If those are 'custom'... ding ding ding... Custom, Custom Oliver. 🙂 I was pleased to discover the screen door has an Aluminum Frame and not plastic.

If the pressure in your tires raises much more than 10 degrees above ambient air temperature it is time to consider adding air. However, you must take into consideration things like road surface (black asphalt is hotter than white concrete on a summer day), and, is the tire in direct sunlight. Remember, for most general highway driving it is the heat in a tire that causes most damage to the internal structure of the tire. Bill

Be careful to check on the open/close status of these campgrounds before you go. Last year I know that the Merriweather Lewis campground was closed due to staff shortages (probably Covid induced). From the current pictures online it appears as though the pavement at Busby has been improved since the last time I was there. As ScottyGS says - some of the facilities can be a bit rough - closed restrooms, broken pavement, lack of general maintenance - but the restrooms that are open are generally fairly clean. Water is available at the Merriweather Lewis campground (a spigot on the drinking fountain right near the restroom) but I didn't check at the other two campgrounds. Therefore, be careful to have your fresh water tank at least half full. Emerald Mound is (by far) the best of the Native American mounds. Unless you are REALLY into that I'd wait until near the end of the Parkway to visit Emerald and leave the others rest. Be sure to stop at the "Old Trace" since you will get an idea of just how many people, horses, wagons, etc. it took to wear a path this deep. Finally, a short stop at the French Village will get you a chance to "drive" an old tractor (see below). Bill

We also have the rear view camera, however the factory installed one was stolen out of our truck a few years ago so I installed a different brand. Truthfully I really didn't like the factory installed one anyway, too gangly with all the wires and monitor was terrible. I installed a Fusion which was marginally better with the monitor and more importantly with a significantly smaller footprint. If I had it to do again would have bought another brand. Maybe Oliver has also changed the brand of rear view cameras by now compared to the original we had. They are very useful however, and wouldn't want to be without one.

My sales person noted that it also can be used as a nighttime security camera....

For any meaningful size changes to be made, the molds will have to be changed. It's the plugs that are expensive. That is the piece that the molds are pulled from. Whether it would require new plugs will determine how much it costs Oliver to make said changes. My prediction is same width and height as the OEII. I've been told several times that it takes longer and is more trouble to build the Elite because of working within the size constraints.

I thought I would mention I ran into the same problem when I hooked up my Zamp 230 watt portable panel. It is rated at 12.6 amps and I blew the 10 amp fuse so I checked wire size and length and found that I could switch to a 15 amp fuse. I thought that would do it but no It showed I was still not connected to the battery. Checked the fuse and it was not blown, a real head scratcher. It ended up having two inline fuses installed on the positive wire between the battery and the side solar port. I changed that 10 amp fuse to a 15 amp and I was good to go. My Oliver is a 2019 so I don't Know if yours is wired the same way or not but I thought I would share.

I have been using RVParky for my trip planning lately. It is free. You program your route (town to town). At each stop, you can then cllick "Find a campground" and see what CG's are available near each town and it has reviews by other people that had visited that CG. RV Parky will tell you the distance between your stops and total route distance and the time of travel. It will also give you an idea of the amount of gas used on your route. I have planned a few trips but have not tested it yet, but will be making my trips this summer, fall and early winter.

We are having our new OEII delivered tomorrow. When in Hohenwald in and making the decision on which one to get, we agreed the the OE hit all the marks except in height and width. I’m 6’3 so it was no surprise the height was an issue, but we both also felt that the width was confining and that did surprise us. We left feeling that for us, the perfect rig would be the OE if the same height and width of the OEII.

The cold tire pressure listed on your door sticker should be calibrated to your GVW and rated axle weights, so there's no need to go over that unless your manual says otherwise. On my dually, I actually lower my rear tires slightly below the sticker pressure in the off-season - when I'm not towing or carrying cargo. I put them back up to the sticker pressure in the spring. If I don't do that they wear in the center of the tread from overinflation over the winter.

I have started the ticket and will definitely keep the thread updated with what I am told. Thanks again!

Rear ceiling has 120v over the curb side bunk and USB over the street side. 120v under the forward dinette seat. 120v and USB over the kitchen. There may be more but those are the ones I am sure about.

I used my table saw. Set the fence like I was ripping a board. Mike

I believe they deleted the outlet’s in 2020 outside the bathroom and the bed side night stand.

Theft. I realize that the door has a key on it, but given how expensive these batteries are, couldn't that lock be defeated by someone who wanted to steal the batteries. I would hope that no one has had that happen, but think of all the catalytic converter thefts that have been occuring, and those are small change compared to these batteries.

Several posts with photos about Diamondback covers at this link.

I would not want to have thousands of dollars worth of lithium batteries sitting on the tongue of the trailer. IMHO...

We did the same, but strapped our cable holder onto the front jack post with zip ties. When I put the jack cover on it covers the 7 pin plug and holder to keep it dry. Cheap mod to keep water out of the plug. Mike

If I remember I ordered the door magnet from Amazon. It’s been a few years. We stuck both magnets on with On Command double sided tape. It’s been secure for 4 or 5 years not. We don’t even realize it’s there, just part of our custom Oliver! Mike

That’s only 12volts DC to the compost toilet fan, same as the bathroom exhaust fan. Low voltage so no chance of getting electrocuted.

We had a catastrophic brake failure on one wheel of our fifth wheel. A spring broke and part of the auto adjust mechanism fell inside the drum, leading to further parts thrashing around inside the drum as we drove. My first indication was unusually high temperature in that tire, reported by my TPMS.

You will be dissatisfied with your towing experience with this vehicle. It’s just not enough truck for an Elite II.

Auto drain valve? One more thing to break, IMO. I like the KISS principle here. TPMS? We also have the TST system. If you plan to bring it to your delivery, take some time at home to program it for the correct tire pressures before you go down. One less thing to do in Hohenwald.

There are also sites where you can have them alert you to "open" sites. I've used Wanderinglabs.com twice with positive results both times even though the campground that I was trying to reserve was originally booked solid. Good luck! Bill note - Wanderinglabs.com does not make a reservation for you but only alerts you that a campsite has become available. You still have to call or go online to make the actual reservation yourself. I assume that the similar sites work in a like manner.

For those of you who love state park camping, especially because of the lands and ecosystems they help to preserve, here's an article from the Dyrt that provides a thumbnail on each of the 50+ Florida state parks that offer camping. (NOTE: we're a big water state, so some state parks offer only boatslips or walkin tent camping. This article discusses campsites.) Why is it so hard to find a campsite here? Florida is roughly 1/5 the size of Texas, with half as many state parks, and over 2/3 the population of Texas. Probably 1/4 of our land is protected wetlands. We're a straight shot south from Eastern Canada and New York state, via 95. So, we get a lot of winter visitors, and struggle happily to support them. We welcome and love tourism, because many of our businesses depend on it. But have just a bit of patience with us. Our traffic in season can be equally as frustrating to residents and visitors. My advice is to find campsites outside major metro areas, and drive in for visits to attractions and beaches in the tv. Our cities and beaches are really, really busy with visitors, and winter residents. We have a lot more to offer than just beaches. Our rivers, wetlands and springs can also be very beautiful. Some of our state parks are home to very old species, and vegetation not found anywhere else. Take it slow, follow some of the secondary highways, and you'll see some of Florida that many Florida residents never see . Many of those older and smaller fishing, railroad, and agricultural towns are awesome, and rich with history, but today struggle economically. "Seeing" Florida in 2 weeks is impossible. But, seeing even a part of it is very rewarding. https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/florida-state-parks/amp/

Also look at city and county parks such as Manateee Hammock in Titusville, Moss Park in Orlando, and Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake in Orlando.

Most trucks sold today with trailering option will have the hitch (2"), trailer brake module, and will all be adjustable on the dash of truck from the factory with this option. Our new Ram only requirement is to push the trailering option switch on the dash and the computer does the rest, if not mistaken I did have to set the trailer brakes one time on the first pull and I think Oliver did that upon delivery. Note this option from the factory will reset the transmission and engine speeds for trailer pulling, it does all the work for you, no manual shifting required. trainman

If you're in the Cape Canaveral area, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is worth a visit: drive down the Black Point Wildlife Drive for birding. Someone we met there also recommended the Orlando Wetlands Park which is run by the city of Orlando but is east of there near Fort Christmas , across the road from Christmas, FL. This was a great spot as well.

I started trying to pre-book my Yellowstone return to San Antonio leg and my brain hurts in just trying to decide where to go, so many campsite choices out west/north, how long to stay, on a daily basis....or which direction any this point. Leaning towards the Badlands, as I've never been there.

Rleog, nice job, that looks great. Just a word of caution, this doesn’t really matter on the Ollie tongue beam which is massively oversized, but generally you should not scribe or scratch lines into a stressed aluminum part, for example a bike rack mount. That could lead to a crack forming after several years. This mostly applies to aircraft, where parts tend to be smaller/ lighter/ and thinner, but it is good practice to just not do it. For steel parts, no worries. Thanks for the kind words, enjoy your bigger safer cooler hitch. John Davies Spokane WA

In making good use of our time between now and the time we take delivery of our Ollie in May, I have been ordering a few items that I know we will need and use. Our Andersen levelers arrived today and I spent a whopping $7.68 with a 20% coupon on a plastic tool box from Harbor Freight. I like to keeping all our camp gear organized and so here are a few pics of the tool box. Nothing fancy, but I think it will get the job done. Hope this might help anyone thinking about storing their levelers. Just passing forward an idea. 👍🏻 Happy Camping!