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And, for those that have not seen it, the new show room.

I think most people can learn the skills, but I'm certainly not offended. You do have to want to, or be able, learn, @John E Davies. I've thought about this a number of times. I have a number of friends (men and women) who single hand boats and rvs. As for me, I don't think I'd want to. Or,maybe I'd get a van camper. Gift the Ollie and boats to our daughter, if I'm the survivor. But, that's after decades of camping with my husband. I just don't think I could repeat the experience, without him. It wouldn't be the same, for me. Probably different if it were a new adventure. There are just too many memories, after all these years, for me to want to camp the same way, in the same camper, without him. Might be different for him, and I actually hope so. I'm just hoping we have another decade or two together, to enjoy our toys.

Her experience was one of the most sad that I can remember, here. Much was indeed her "responsibility" but most of it was a poor hand dealt to her by life, and her (hopefully) temporary inability to overcome. She ordered an elite, sight unseen, after being unable to order an Airstream. (Several of us recommended against.) In her rush to close out her previous life,with a number of sad events, pretty much leaving her just alone with her and her dog, she couldn't or wouldn't find the time to learn from Oliver University. She was totally inexperienced as an rver, plus a brand new truck.. She was insistent that the rv lifestyle, fulltime, was the solution to her problems. It wasn't. Sadly. She picked up in a bad winter storm time. Did not leave a time cushion to return to Oliver for minor issues. And did not, and didn't learn or test many systems. One of our very kind members who lived close by even went to Davy Crockett for a day and night to help, but I think exhaustion and personal issues kept her from taking full advantage. I think she was just having a very rough time with life, in general. A new life change compounded everything. Most of us are very lucky to have the support of the forum, support from Oliver, our spouses or partners, and family. She had just us, on the forum, (and some of us, via text, and also Oliver factory) and for whatever reason didn't feel able or willing to take full advantage. I'm definitely not being critical . I know how devastated my brother was after his divorce, then losing our dad, my brother's bff. Life is not always what we plan, and we all react differently to letdown, life changes, and adversity. Time heals many pains, but not all. I truly hope she's sorted things out, and that life is better for her, now. I wish her well. In a happier time and place in her life, maybe she could have learned more, and enjoyed more.

She did have a number of issues, the ones that were not of her doing were actually easily addressed. We camped with her at a state park over by Houston and stopped by her trailer and had a nice discussion. Very interesting person, she certainly prompted a lot of conversations here. Mike

This is a picture of the new "Side Table" that was created when the lower fridge vent became obsolete because of the all-electric fridge. They did a great job on this and it is very sturdy. Will make a nice meal-prep or cocktail table.

Not offended here. RV skills are difficult and even impossible for some people.

I am not at all afraid to say this, I do not believe for a second that “everybody can learn how”; there are a few people who are just not cut out to “fly solo” with a brand new Ollie. There have been several members who had horrible problems adapting, essentially panicked, and they sold their trailers not long after. It is ALWAYS prudent to learn to tow, hitch and unhitch, and back a trailer, and rent a travel trailer for a week or two, to see if you are one of these (very few) scatterbrained “RV Handicapped Persons”….😬 before you commit to such a serious financial and emotional investment. Do NOT schedule delivery in the dead of winter if you are an RV newbie!! Frigid temps make adapting so very much harder! I hope I haven’t offended anyone. If so, I apologise. John Davies Spokane WA

Moonlight Mile sold her trailer not long after she took delivery (this thread is over a year old). She had many issues with the trailer and her initial camping experiences, some self inflicted, some not. Made for some interesting reading and lessons learned.

Lower Sunshine Reservoir, Meeteetse, WY. Be advised that the wind here can be a bit on the wild side!

How about bacon and eggs for breakfast at Horse Creek NFS campground, 8 miles north of Dubois, WY?

If you don’t already own one, buy and LEARN TO USE a good multimeter. Don’t leave home without it.

Our Honda EU2000i gen-set that's 1600W continuous and 2000W peak runs our Dometic 13.5K AC fine with the Microair EZ start installed. Only run one major appliance at a time with the gen-set, AC or Microwave or hot water heater. When charging the Battleborn lithium battery when it's between 70% & 80%, let the single 100AH battery charge close to 100% for around 60 minutes before running a major appliance. Right now we only have one 100W Renogy solar suitcase panel, but will probably increase to two 100W solar suitcases and we don't have factory solar or inverter. It takes a while for the single 100W panel to take the battery to 100% depending on solar charge conditions, that's why I want to increase to two solar panels.

The only difference between the smart shunt and the one that comes with the 712 display is the SS is BT enabled. The earlier 700 series monitors did not have BT. With the release of the 712 the SS became redundant for new installations.

FYI: I ran the a/c on my LE2, while it was in my driveway, for 2 hours the other day, that test took my batteries down to 50%. Two and a half days of good sunshine had them back up to 100% with nothing else running. We have the Lithium Pro package on hull 1213. I hope this helps.

Hello all, I started a new series of YouTube videos all about products, storage solutions and optimizing space for the Oliver, as well as a tour of my Oliver/decor. I have tons of great tips/products to share and really enjoy the challenge of organizing small spaces. My previous camper was a 16ft Airstream Nest so I’ve learned quite a bit about optimizing space and functional organization. I really hope to grow my channel for Oliver users since there are so few organization videos specifically for an Oliver. I’am not affiliate with any business, I do not get paid for links shares. It’s just me sharing ideas and products I love that work well in the Oliver. Please like and subscribe and I hope you enjoy the videos. Here are the links to the videos thus far.

Greatly looking forward to these...thanks in advance!

Sales told me that the folks at Truma had said that if the MICROAIR Easy Start system was installed in one of their AC units that the warranty would not be honored. This is the reason that it is not offered as an option. I copied this from this Site: Will My Generator Run a Truma Aventa RV Air Conditioner? You’d need a 3,000 Watt generator (or a 3,000 Watt inverter) to operate either model of the Truma Aventa. This is due to the power surge required at start-up. We have no information as to whether the Truma Aventa is compatible with something like our Microair EasyStart 364 to handle the initial surge, but that would be a good question for Truma!

The view of Torrey Lake while eating breakfast.

This is incorrect for all brands of lithium RV batteries. I don’t camp a lot of days, but toward the end of my second season with 200 AH of Battle Borns, they have only had 15 actual cycles…. because I rarely run the State of Charge very far down. Usually the panels catch up each day after a minimal discharge overnight. For a residence that has daily deep cycles from its solar installation, the cycles can add up very fast indeed. Going by the above chart an Ollie owner could expect six YEARS of once a day deep discharges before it deteriorates to 80% of its original capacity. I expect my BB batteries to essentially outlive me 😬 This is just one reason switching to Lithiums makes so much sense for owners when their lead acid batteries die, especially if they expect to own the trailer for more than three or four years. John Davies Spokane WA

Scoob - that makes perfect sense and I was aware of the differences between the two. My incorrect assumption was, when I saw the 712 with BT I assumed it was BT to the Shunt, not taking readings from the Shunt and sending out info via BT. I actually like the little display as a quick glance reference along with the ability to get the details via BT. Overall, I am pleased with the selection of hardware and the integrations. BL

We’ve been using our Q1000 for over 6 years now. You can replace the grill on one side with a griddle which provides a solid surface if you want to do meat on one side and a vegetable or something that needs that solid surface on the other side. It’s also good for bacon and fried eggs. Mike

Won't you also see the Smart Shunt as a third component? Are you sure they aren't just using the Dumb Shunt that comes with the BVM 712?

Ollie still in the wild - Love our trusty Weber Q1200. It will grill pretty much any of the meat, breakfast sausage, trout, or yard bird that we enjoy. Last night we enjoyed a little fire side “kickin chicken”. My bride enjoys chillin & grillin. 😊

One Pot Pasta Primavera Ingredients 1 zucchini 1 yellow summer squash 4 oz. cherry tomatoes 2 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon oil 4 oz. pasta 1 teaspoon salt 2 oz. goat cheese Lemon juice, optional Instructions Slice the zucchini and squash into ¼ inch slices. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Mince the garlic. Heat the oil in a high-sided skillet. Once hot, add the vegetables and saute until the squash is soft, about 8 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Add the pasta, salt, and just enough water to cover the pasta to the skillet. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes (this time may vary depending on the pasta you use). Be sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking. If the water boils off before the pasta is tender, you can always add a bit more. Once the pasta has cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the goat cheese to coat the pasta. Add the vegetables back to the skillet and stir to combine. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, serve & enjoy!

Thanks. I had heard they decided to continue production but was hoping they had an idea of when the newer version would be complete. I was advised (I think by Phil) some time ago, the new version will be wider and taller to match the interior width and height of of LE II.

We took our LE2 in for annual service this past week. I was told by Phil - our sales guy - that a redesign is still in the works but they are still working on the details. Date TBD. In the meantime they have resumed production of the LE and are still taking orders for the original

TORTILLA PERSONAL FRUIT PIES INGREDIENTS 1 can any flavor fruit pie filling 1 package flour tortillas (8") cinnamon sugar PREPARATION Spread canned pie fruit filling on each tortilla. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the filling(optional). Roll up each tortilla. Wrap each tortilla in heavy duty aluminum foil; seal tightly. Grill foil packets over low heat campfire using a grill guard or on a regular low heat grill turning foil packets over once until heated through (5 to 10 minutes). Unwrap and eat. These could also be put into an RV camper oven on low heat.

The lug nuts that Oliver uses are stainless steel clad and should not rust. Yes, these are not quite as shiny as chrome but the first dirt road will take of that issue.😃

I was concerned about possibly affecting wheel balance, but Oliver told me that wouldn't happen or be very slight. I was also concerned about the shape of the nut being correct to seat in the rim, but a careful comparison between the old and new showed that the new would fit properly. I have towed about 300 miles since with no issue. When you get your Oliver, check the nuts against anything you might buy. Mine is a 2021 LEII. I do not know if they changed the wheels on later years. The threads inside the nut should be at least as deep as the lug bolt. Some nuts are multi-piece with a welded cap, so the threads do not go as high as needed.

There have been multiple threads on the FGRV forum concerning trailer security. Everyone has their own opinion and method and I agree that, depending on your personal beliefs, they could include simple diligence, locks, fences, chains, whips, guard dogs, guns, cameras, claymore mines, trunk monkeys and a moat. Those folks that are un-inclined to subscribe to any of the aforementioned tactics seem to just rely on good insurance. I employ some of these methods myself but if my trailer suddenly sprouts legs and walks off, I want to be able to find it and perhaps use some of the other methods on those folks that helped it along. I started investigating electronic counter measure devices to do just that. I looked at the SPOT Satellite Messenger. I didn’t find the initial cost of about $150.00 too bad. It uses your GPS location and sends it and preselected message to communication satellites which route your location and message to the appropriate network to get you help. It is obviously designed for and intended to be used by a person while traveling in remote regions and it does have good coverage. The best service plan will cost about $200.00 per year. For those folks that may only travel a few weeks of the year, that might be beyond what they are comfortable spending. I continued to look. There are several out there but none seemed to do what I wanted or cost more than I wanted to pay. I finally found what I thought would do everything I wanted at a reasonable price and I installed it in the Outlaw Oliver. I have it set up so that: When the trailer is unattended and sitting still (either here at home or anywhere else) and moves over 300 feet, it will send a text message to my iphone that includes a hyperlink to a Google Map page with an icon on it indicating where the trailer is. It will continue to send these until I tell it to stop. If the door is opened it will set off a local alarm and send a text message stating that the door has been breached and includes the same hyperlink. I can call it with my iphone and it will send the hyperlink. If the main power source is removed (trailer batteries) it will send the hyperlink. There are internal lithium batteries that power it if the external power fails and it will alert you if these become low. I can text it and tell it to switch between tracking and monitoring. In Monitor mode I can listen in on anything going on inside the trailer via a hidden microphone. I can authorize up to five phones that can access it. Family can always tell where we are. If we push the “panic” button it will send out a help message to all phones. All programing is done via text messages and in addition you can arm/disarm it with an included key fob remote. There are dozens of other functions that it will perform. You can set up multiple virtual GEO fences that will alert if the trailer is moved into or out of. You can have it text you if it is going over a MPH that you have pre-set as maximum. It has an internal SD slot that will log all this data. The list goes on and on. This piece of equipment is (I’m sure) made in China, as its manual is printed in Chinglish and thus has somewhat of a steep learning curve but it cost me less than $50.00 including the SIM card with 200 prepaid text messages. There are no monthly fees. When you’ve used your allotted text messages, you just reload it with another $10 worth. It operates in conjunction with the GPS and Cell phone systems. And it works just like it said it would. I tried to upload photos of the aluminum mast and mount that I made for my remote control GoLight and the two antennas for the tracker, but I could not get it to work. I will work on that another day. I believe both of these items might be being offered as options on the Oliver Elite II.

If you have an iPhone, you could put an Airtag between the walls with a hidden fish line to recover it for battery replacement. If you have a composting toilet you could even put it in the black tank. Even if the thief had an iPhone and knew enough to know one was in the trailer, he’d be so frustrated trying to find it, he might dump the trailer.

I found these videos somewhat helpful - they are focused on the Elite II, but the generic information is good. What to expect at delivery answers some of the questions. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/travel-trailers/videos/ The University location has some info up to 2020 trailers, but not for the 2021, yet. However, the 2020 info should be mostly applicable to the 2021 models. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/oliver-university/ SherMica - when is your delivery date? I would like comment from others on my perceptions of where to buy stuff. I do not normally like WalMart, for now dumb reasons, but they used to have a great RV equipment supply area. Usual reasonable WalMart prices. Everything from water filters, grounding adapter plugs, fake grass floor mats for under the awning. Camping World of course has stuff, but they tend to be higher priced - but you know that you will probably find stuff there. Harbor Freight will have some items. You can get a basic tool kit there, if you need one. They have varying levels of tools. I use them for tools that I use in the field that I may lose or forget. Their bags and cases (like Pelican) are pretty inexpensive and durable. Tractor Supply, one of my favorite stores, has a trailer supply section (not RV specific), and my favorite clothing store, Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops has an RV section. Keep a notepad nearby as you drive and sit about the campground. Make a list of what you think about that you wish you had, or actually need. I have accepted that I forget stuff, so keep notes. I learned that many years ago from fiction writers who keep a notepad on their nightstand to remember brilliant ideas when they wake. John

SherMica, On your pick-up day, ask whoever gives you your walk thru if you can use their parking lot after your orientation to Maneuver, Backup, Make Turns, just to get a feel on how your entire package handles, especially stopping. Maybe ask them for a "Backing up lesson...with you as driver", just make sure your copilot is okay with a stranger in the cab with you... If you have never towed anything before, just take your time when you drive (i.e. no DRIVING FASTER than you can react) have your eyes sweep Straight ahead, Left & Right. And if no Topper on the TV, then you can have that view also. As I remember, the roads from Hohenwald to DCSP are not High Speed Interstate Rated. They are somewhat windy and meandering, so you can drive 35-55 or slower. Make sure you stay on your side of the yellow lines, and at the same time make sure you do not slip off the passenger side of the road. [When we are born, we cannot walk and chew gum at the same time, it is a learned process; I gave up gum years ago and my walking/driving has not suffered from it…] THE BEST THING I LIKE ABOUT TOWING AN OLIVER IS IT IS NOT WIDER THAN MY TOW VEHICLE, so I can see if the ZOMBIES are trying to get in that side access door I forgot to check/lock before I took off. I believe your "Ram 1500 Rebel 4x4" is about 82" wide, not sure if that includes the mirrors or not. I believe the LE I is 78" in width, so you should be able to see both sides of #731 (to be named later...) with a quick glance in each mirror. When making Right-Left turns, drive slow and do not cut them too tight. Practice your turning in the OTT Parking lot to get a feel for space/distance whilst looking in your mirrors. In addition, remember, you only get points for CURBIES when skateboarding… Concerning theft of your Vehicle or #731... Sometimes bad stuff happens to nice people thru no fault of their own. It is just stuff, as mentioned by others, and that is what insurance is for. Be SMART, Be AWARE, Be MINDFUL, but do not Be AFRAID. If you are going to live in fear of theft, then maybe, we should have had the "is this really for me" discussion months ago. Finally, “Stuff”, we went thru checklists of others, and made our own, bought some “stuff” before, and some additional “Stuff” after we picked up. I did order some “Stuff” we ended up not needing/using, but we did okay (Wifey was in charge of the “Stuff” list). Purchases of “Stuff” were minimal on the 3-week camping trip home, I believe we looked at “Stuff” at a Camping World, but no purchases. Christmas was a completely different story, Santa has a Workman’s Comp Claim against us for all the “STUFF” he brought us, but hey, we were home. And Wifey does not know it yet, but she is going to get a bunch more “STUFF” for Valentine’s Day… The best gift of all was a replacement set of those “Black Hard Rubber Chocks” I drove over and away from at a camp in AL. At the time, I thought our camping neighbors were being rude by laughing at us as we were driving away. Which reminds me, there is a “Towing Checklist” for when you are preparing to get underway, it does not hurt to review that each time. It is cheaper than replacing damaged or left behind “Stuff”. Enjoy the Adventure, Bryan (and Maggie),

If you read the Oliver TT FAQ and scroll down through the page you will see what items you need to bring and what Oliver will provide. We also received a detailed list from our sales person well in advance of our delivery date. We did a lot of reading and research and asked questions on the forum which was extremely helpful. I seriously doubt your going to see Oliver post Amazon links and or photos to suggested locks & chocks and the mountain of other things you can purchase off Amazon. This forum and Oliver University is a very good resource of information and a great way for you to learn and decide what items will work for you. Continue to read and do your research and you will be much better off than someone handing you a list. If you put the time in and work on a comprehensive list you will reap the rewards later. This approach has served us well as fairly new owners. A salute to Oliver for providing a mountain of information readily available for its owners and future owners. 👍🏻🇺🇸 here- https://olivertraveltrailers.com/travel-trailers/frequently-asked-questions/

If I remember correctly, our Oliver came with #3 . . . . . but I might not have been paying attention . . . . . "Squirrell!" We, too, have several of these locking hitch pins; the one I saw at delivery may have been one my husband pulled out of the tool box 😊 I do feel the need for some sort of coupler lock, for peace of mind. Going off on a hike is not enjoyable if the entire hike you are wondering, "Will the Ollie be there when we return?"

John I get what your saying. But if someone wants to take the time with tumbler pick tools or power cut off tool they are on a mission to steal certain items if they want it they will get it, I’ve said this on several posts Locks are a deterrent only. There are several ways if it was me I’d simply unbolt the basket and take the whole enchilada. 😳 You do the best you can and hope for the best.

When our locking bike rack isn't attached to the hitch, we remove the dual mount receiver and place it on the floorboards of the pickup. When we get a pickup bed tool box, I imagine it will reside there when not in use. When unhooked from the TV for short periods of time, we don't worry about the receiver "disappearing". We also carry a single drop hitch and ball (we have several!) if needed. I suppose we will sometimes use the single hitch when the dual hitch isn't necessary (not carrying the bike rack). We've yet to tow with the bike rack in place; maybe next week we'll give it a go.

Here is a simple mod I made to hold my hitch when I park for any length of time. Better than having your shin whacked every time you walk by the rear of the truck and having it roll around in the truck bed. Pictured is a two inch rear bumper hitch for Rvs cost about $25.00 bolt on to the bottom of the storage basket. The lock is keyed to your Tv ignition key no need for extra keys. There are many uses and options you can use this hitch for. I plan on making a work cook table for the grill which will slide into the receiver. Or a seat to be able to work off the tailgate of the truck.

The "bulldog coupler" is the connection point bolted on the trailer. The bulldog coupler connects to the Anderson trailer hitch ball which is slid into the "receiver" on the tow vehicle. When you hook up that the "Bulldog Coupler" is lowered down onto the "Anderson Hitch Ball" as shown below: That picture of the hookup is from John Davies...(thanks for the great post John.) Have fun with your new Ollie. CS

You can buy a hitch pin lock at Tractor supply in Hohenwald if you don't find it before you leave. It may turn up. We have one milk crate in the back where we keep all the setup items. (Blocks, chocks, locks, water hose and filter.) You will also find organizing easier when you actually get to use your Oliver, and see how all the pieces fit.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Judging from many questions on the forum, you are not alone in buying a trailer without towing experience.

Hitch parts definition based on your pix...you'll be fine and we hope to see you on the road some day.

It will all make a lot more sense when you see the system put together. You can try your hitch lock without the hitch. Run it through the holes in the "square thingy," your truck's "receiver, to make sure it's long enough, and whether it's the right diameter for the hole drilled in your receiver.

SherMica, If you camp somewhere and leave your camp to drive off...you may want to consider adding a lock for the whole coupler like this one from Progressive Industries. (The big yellow thing the rep is telling you to buy is another form of this type of "Wholer Coupler Lock". They are hard to defeat (compared to other locks) but they are not cheap. We use this lock for peace of mind when we leave our trailer alone and take our truck out sightseeing. The model for the 2" coupl the Progressive Industries 2178-B: *B stands for Bulldog Coupler* https://www.provenlocks.com/collections/2-trailer-coupler-locks/products/model-2178-b Here's a "youtube" video here to explain how it fits on the Bulldog couplers used with Olivers. Video of Progressive Industries Lock for Oliver Finally, here's a pix of it on our Oliver. We put this on any time we're disconnected from the trailer and plan to be away from our campsite. Craig & Rose Hull 505 - Galway Girl

You may still want to purchase the Reese ball lock, or something like it, for use when you are camped. Most of us do. It's one more key to carry, but one more lock to make your trailer a slightly less attractive target. The ball bearing John suggested is a good idea, and no key. But it's not readily visible, and would drop out if the lock on the bulldog collar were defeated.

Interesting... I did the Yukon River Quest three times (450 mile canoe race) and the race officials tracked each of us with Spot devices each year. I have used InReach more recently and think it is a better device and service. There might be better devices that are designed for tracking stolen cars/RVs than the Spot or InReach which both offer rescue services. Mike

I was just looking (again) at theft recovery gps devices a few days ago. The problem is battery power. I do think the inreach is a great idea for hikers. Next time our daughter goes on a hiking trip in Colorado, I really want her to carry one.

Which inReach model do you have? The majority of our camping is in locations with cell service. The times we’ve been without, we didn’t venture far from our campsite. I can see where satellite based communications has better coverage, something to consider.

last Fall I took a 4000 + mile trip on Route 66 as my "Break-in" maiden voyage in my 18.5 Elite. I knew I would be taking several side trips and some were very remote. VERY ! Before leaving, I went to Fastenall and purchased a bag of the locknuts that holds the Oliver trailer hitch to the trailer frame. Each time I needed to leave my trailer and explore in my truck, I removed the trailer hitch/coupler and put it in the back of my truck. On more than one occasion, I had some gawkers staring at my trailer wondering how I towed it. I never told them. I kept my coupler safely locked in my truck. It is long, but fit in my truck Each time I hitched up, I would use a new nut since they are one time only use. Low tech, inexpensive, and discourages the not too resourceful thieves.

Thanks for the informative post. You left out one crucial fact .... The name of the unit you bought! Can you post a link? FYI the SPOT is a very nifty device, but the website interface where you store your profile and and emergency info and text messages is very clunky and not at all user friendly. The device itself is simple and can run 12 hrs per day in Tracking Mode up to two weeks on a set of lithium batteries. It has no external power connection, and you cannot use cheap AA batteries, so it would get costly for long term trailer security. Also, all the features are manually operated, you cannot set up any sort of automatic transmissions. Because it has no external antenna connection, it must be placed with the SPOT logo facing the sky. Ideally at a window location facing south, but in a fiberglass enclosure just about anywhere would work, just not directly under a piece of dense equipment like the A/C unit. It is also unreliable under dense tree cover or in steep terrain, it requires a decent view of the heavens. If you use it for hiking and want the tracking to work, it should be carried high up on a backpack facing the sky. Here is an article I wrote when this was brand new technology.... http://www.spokanister.net/ktm_SPOT.html I've used a Gen 1 SPOT for many years and recommend the optional emergency rescue (SAR) insurance, which could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the event you actually have an emergency in the boonies. Even if you don't use it for trailer security, I recommend a SPOT for anyone who travels away from _reliable_ cell coverage. John Davies Spokane WA USA