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If the tires are still on the ground it’s not too much.

These Camco jack stands will stop the wobble. Just snug them up, don’t try to support the weight of the trailer. We’ve quit using them, and the x-chocks. Just something else to have to mess with. You’ll get used to the movement.

I’ve found that I have to run the left and right rear stabilizer jacks down far enough to the point that it lifts the trailer a good bit (and leveling it) and takes a portion of load off of the suspension. The suspension flex is what is allowing the rocking, so you have to make the jacks carry the load a bit. I use the Andersen jack buckets so the jacks aren’t extending very far, so not much flex in the jacks themselves.

John, you’ll be ready, you won’t know everything but it sounds like you are like me, I learn best hands on. There wasn’t much on line when we ordered, I watched YouTube videos on towing, dumping, electrical and so one, not Oliver specific but just RVs in general. I tried to pay attention at pick up. Carol had her iPhone videoing a lot of it. I retained less than 50% of what I was told and had to review what she captured. Our two week return trip was at full hook up sites because I wanted to practice dumping without holding up other campers. We used the return trip to learn and try out as many features as we could. It’s a good idea to stay in Hohenwald more than one night in case you find something wrong. Fellow owners are a great resource. We initially had a solar issue and a black tank issue that were difficult to diagnose and caused me to do deep dives into both, learning a lot. We met some other Oliver owners before pickup. They’ve remained friends of ours and always answered their phone when I called with a question. I’m amazed at how the knowledge base on the forum has increased over the years, there are a lot more smart owners here these days able to help and mentor. Don’t sweat the things you may not know yet, a little camping time will fill in the blanks. You’ll be ready! Mike

I felt (nervously) ready at delivery time. The only towing experience I had was of an OEII that Phil allowed me to tow on our factory tour day (I came prepared for that). Make sure you take that tour if you can. I notice that you did not mention the Facebook owner page (I have not used this hardly at all because I generally do not use Facebook, perhaps others can comment on this?). I hope you will plan on at least a few days near Hohenwald at delivery time so you can test all of the systems before you leave the area. Our first RV was the OEII delivered in 7/21. Before that I spent about 2 years looking at it. Much of that time was spent doing the things you are already doing. Having lived in the OEII for about 13 weeks total, I have experienced several problems (nothing major), some of which required cases, some of which I was able to figure out on my own, and a few of which were user error. I also spent a great deal of time evaluating my tow vehicle needs, studying the technical aspects of towing such as cargo weight needs, hitching mechanisms, etc. This is important and can save you legal trouble should you get in an accident (you want to be sure you are within all weight specs and are otherwise towing safely). You will need the Andersen weight distribution hitch with your Expedition. Your background will at least partially determine the ease with which you handle problems. I am a (retired) software engineer and homeowner, and have acquired experience with carpentry, electrical, and plumbing along the way. Your ability for problem solving and your determination will contribute greatly. The most likely problems are going to be electrical first. Your option list will determine what you have to learn. You will very likely have an Energy Management System (EMS) from Progressive Industries. I strongly recommend a thorough reading of that manual. In our case, we have the Lithium Pro package, so a thorough read of the Lithionics, Xantrex, and Zamp materials was critical. These readings (plus the owners manual) helped me understand how the base electrical system was connected and how the various components behave together. BTW, get a meter so you can diagnose problems as they come up. At campgrounds, you will want to test power on the pole. A 30A to 15A adapter plus a 15A circuit tester (a cheap device that plugs in and lights up with a combination that tells you whether or not the outlet is properly wired) is a great way to sanity check the outlet. If you notice strange behavior like the Xantrex flipping back and forth between shore power and inverter mode, you may want to monitor the voltage at the pole. For plumbing leaks, learn about the PEX fittings. Many can be hand-tightened to stop leaks. Also learn about Sharkbite fittings which can be purchased at a big box hardware store and can be used to make tool-less repairs. Ultimately, you should read all of your appliance manuals as well. We had an issue with the Norcold not cooling. It was cause by bagged food blocking a sensor on the fins in the upper right rear of the refrigerator compartment, causing ice to form there. A Facebook thread found by Sue pointed to that. For trailer leveling, I use the LevelMate Pro by LogicBlue. I purchased it and had Oliver install it for me on delivery day in the closet because I was not confident that the attaching screws would be too long and pierce the visible side of the fiberglass. This system works like a charm, and I have verified its accuracy using a 4' level. I also use the Andersen leveling wedges, the Andersen trailer jack blocks, and heavy rubber wheel chocks I purchased at Northern Tool. We felt the increased excitement as our delivery time drew nearer, which I'm sure you are feeling as well. OEII is a quality product, and you will probably have at most minor issues. Happy camping! Mike

The FIRST thing to do is get a torque wrench and check the rear jack bolts, 43 foot pounds, four bolts per jack. If they are at all loose the trailer can move around and the jacks may not operate correctly. Also check the front ones, they are smaller, hand tight with a box end wrench is fine. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/6812-check-your-rear-jack-mount-hardware-bottom-frame-bolts-were-1-turn-loose/ John Davies Spokane WA

I have used the jacks to change tires, balance tires, check bearings, many times. I would hesitate to lift the tires off the ground to stabilize the trailer for extended periods of time while we are inside. If we are off level that much I drive onto legos first, then use the jacks to stabilize keeping the tires on the ground. I do know of owners who stabilize with tires off the ground, I’m just not comfortable with that. Mike

Even if the tires are off the ground it’s technically not too much. Although Oliver no longer recommends it, there are owners (not me) who use the jacks for changing a flat tire. The weight rating of the jacks (3,000 lbs. for each jack) is sufficient.

John, you’ve seen our storage, covered and deep enough I can park all the way in the back and avoid any sun except at the very end of the day on the front of the trailer. I’ve not used tire covers because the tires never see sun while in storage. If your space gets sun on one side and the tires get that sun then I would get tire covers. When I had AGMs I plugged in to a 20a. With lithiums, I just turn them off. If your solar doesn’t get sun, either in a covered space or enclosed I would turn off or disconnect your batteries. If your panels get some sun then I’d let the solar do your battery maintenance. We’ve talked about getting an enclosed slot here in Boerne, but the extra cost doesn’t seem worth it since security is good. Could you get a spot that is more covered than your end spot? Mike

Sounds to me like your stabilizers aren't down far enough.

X-chocks between the wheels may help. https://www.amazon.com/X-Chock-Wheel-Stabilizer-Handle-28012/dp/B002XLHUQG/ref=asc_df_B002XLHUQG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312098740701&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9066806933936176184&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029558&hvtargid=pla-365326661179&psc=1 Also, are your stabilizer jacks fully extended, or are they on jack blocks? The further the stabilizer jacks are extended, the greater the potential for movement as weight is shifted inside the trailer.

With "brutal" sun, a fully enclosed space is perfect. Just back the trailer in, level it, plug into the 120 volt outlet with a heavy gauge 15 amp extension cord, be on your way. The type of batteries you have determines how you should store/ charge them. I would choose this over any exposed space in a desert climate. "Mouse" is fully enclosed in my RV bay, I do not have to worry about UV degradation, sidewall rot or rodents, and being out of sight makes it super secure. You will sleep better at home if you aren't worrying about that! If the tires are exposed for long periods, they should definitely be covered. Oops: If the solar panels can get just an hour exposure per day of sun, you don't need to plug in. Sun exposure to the hull will not hurt it, but you will definitely need to spend a lot more time cleaning and waxing the gelcoat. An inside trailer can go long periods and still stay nice. Mine gets a Rejex application every other year. If you want better recommendations, post pics of the potential spots with notes about sun exposure. John Davies Spokane WA

Upper Horse Creek, Dubois, WY.

A bit of a fixer upper! With a nice view of the Tetons out the back window. These cabins are located on the Elk Ranch just south of Moran Junction, WY. Bill

hi john, i took delivery 14 months ago and i thought i was prepared. i'd read the forums and made lists of things to check. i thought i was taking my time and asking questions and being very careful. of course, there were a bunch of things i missed. it's so true that the excitement really affects your ability to look at the trailer with a critical eye. like most new owners, i've had a number of issues pop up, and they're still popping. however, the service department is really incredible about answering questions, problem solving, and resolving any issues with the trailer. i've opened plenty of tickets in the short period since i've had the trailer. i recommend that after picking up your trailer, stay in the general area for a few days. try all the components. try them while connected to shore power, and not connected to shore power. look at all the forums and then check your own trailer. for example, if there's a post about someone finding a loose nut or bolt somewhere, check your trailer to see if you have that same problem. open up all the interior hatch doors (under the beds and dinette seats) and try to familiarize yourself with what you find in there so that you at least know what the inverter looks like and where it is. sounds like you're doing everything right so far, so i don't think there's anything else you can do before delivery. i think the immediate days and weeks after delivery is when you'll really get up to speed.

Removing the drwaers is easy if you do not over-think it 😬 It is easier if they are empty of any heavy objects. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/6734-how-to-drawers-remove-and-reinstall-your-galley-and-end-table-drawers-fix-loose-or-stripped-screws-and-glue-the-bottoms-for-extra-strength/ The fridge power cord is at the bottom front area of the access opening between the outer hull and the back of the cabinet (after you remove its four screws). Mine looked like,this: Good luck. John Davies Spokane WA

Mike, Great point, we use the half griddle as well. The full griddle is a no go as it reduces the heat in our experience. Bacon is usually micro waved and omelets are done in a nice skillet stove top! 😊 Breakfast is always hardy!

I was told Oliver did not add a Victron Multiplus when they switched to the solar controller because of space constraints. However, one huge advantage Victron has over the competition is the ability share the sources of power at all times. It can pull from the generator, solar, and batteries to easily power the AC. This would allow a small generator to be used while shallow cycling the batteries.

Finally - for those trout fishermen out there - a 17 inch fat brown trout.

I'll see if I can find the other thread

I have an elite, so the experience is different. With either trailer, like @Mike and Carol, I'd never take the tires off the ground, for more than a quick tire change . Imo. For many situations, from what I've seen camping with elite II owners, the Anderson levelers (or similar) are the real deal. We have one axle, so we just use wood blocks on the low side. And extra blocks under the jacks to shorten the "throw." And, maybe you do need the camco jacks, if you're very sensitive to changes. There's a device that can help you get truly level, Bluetooth. I'll see if I can find the thread. It's quite awesome (I've seen it in practice, we don't have it. We don'tneed it, with two of us.) On the sailboat, we get used to being "off level" on a heel. Takes awhile. In a camper, you're usually not inside enough to get used to it. Different circumstances. I carry a small bullet level, but mostly depend on the feel, and a half-filled water bottle on its side. If I'm comfortable, the fridge is comfortable. We often don't bother to put jacks down for one night stays. Never do, at a Walmart, cracker barrel, etc., as it's poor etiquette.

Perhaps a nice bottle of wine might help?😁

I've pondered doing this but have been afraid to. How much lifting is too much?

Yes, there are owners that use those jacks under the front to give 4 point stability. We run our jacks down far enough to take some load off the suspension. I also use 8” blocks on the Camco legos to reduce the amount the jacks have to be extended. We have a little side to side motion, not too much and we’re used to it. Most RVs have four jack points, Oliver has three and I think it makes a difference. Mike

" Carol had her iPhone videoing a lot of it. I retained less than 50% of what I was told and had to review what she captured. " That's a good idea. Thanks Mike

And one last fish picture - an 18 inch cut-throat trout landed on the Buffalo Fork River near Moran Junction, WY. Bill

A 15 inch cut-throat trout caught on the Wind River just west of Dubois, WY. Sure is a challenge trying to catch and land a fish while holding the camera and videoing at the same time. Bill 1409432380_VID_20220818_113639684(2).mp4

Hopefully the viewing of the photos posted above has now been fixed. Bill

John, have you ever towed and slept in any trailer beside your Coleman? If not you should consider renting a travel trailer for at least a long weekend. Pick one with full amenities including black tank. This will give you plenty of learning time including how to dump 😳 You can poke around inside all the cubbies and compartments and identify parts. You most likely will see lots of raw plywood and junk cabinets held together with a few screws and lots of staples. You will also see poor quality windows and little to no insulation, cheap weak steel frame (most likely rusty) and poor tires and suspension. All this will make you appreciate the fine build quality of your new Ollie, and you will have a head start figuring out the basic plumbing, heating and electrical systems. If you run into something confusing while camping in it, you can always take some pics and post here in the forums. Just remember to be where your phone works well… https://rvshare.com/rv-rental/beaverton/or?location=Beaverton%2C OR&lat=45.4887993&lng=-122.8013332&cancellation_policy=Flexible&from_year=2016&max_length=26&min_length=18&rv_class=Travel Trailer&towing_weight=9200 If you don’t rent one, visit a few dealers and ask to just look around on your own to see their details. Or go here in a little over a week: 2022 Portland RV Show The main thing is to not stress too much. My sister is just a few miles from you. She bought a 5x7 teardrop a few years ago and she is still pretty much completely clueless about, well, everything. But she does enjoy it a lot, even though she and her husband have to push it back into campsites by hand…😳 Just last month they were doing that, blocking the access road, and two husky young men jumped out of their truck and took over😬. They had it nicely positioned in a few seconds. There are some jerks here and there, but also lots of helpful folks; on the whole everybody you meet will be interested in your Ollie. Don’t feel alone! If your Expedition is not completely up to date on maintenance, get that done in the next month. Change drive train fluids, make sure the tires and brakes are fresh and good, have a load test done on the battery. A five year old battery and tires are “aged out” and more likely to fail. It is best to change them rather than have to deal with a failure in the middle of nowhere. Have the entire vehicle looked over before your momentous looong road trip. Buy a TPMS for the trailer and install it promptly, and make sure your Ollie tires are set to around 50 psi at most. John Davies Spokane WA

Launch my Himars

Can you see this? Copied

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!

We live in San Antonio and our RV storage place is expanding and I have options that I haven't had until now and need to make a decision. We have few freezes but the sun is brutal most of the summer. Enclosed: most secure, most protected, most expensive. Question: Do I need to plug in (only 20A) to keep the batteries charged since no sun to have solar do it? Covered: currently have an end spot so more exposed to the sun. We have the Ollie cover so we can do that, but not convenient and do we have to plug in (same question as above)? Covered, but not necessary to put the Ollie cover on it. Exposed Do I need tire covers? Any thoughts on how to smartly store an Ollie in between uses would be appreciated.

I have been reading the forum for the last year, looking at videos and the Oliver University. There's a lot to learn. I have read most of the manual. I don't feel confident that I will be ready. Have you all felt ready by delivery day? Any tips on what I should be doing to be more ready. I am more a hands on learner so I think that I will learn more on the walk through. Just feeling overwhelmed. John

"If your Expedition is not completely up to date on maintenance, get that done in the next month. Change drive train fluids, make sure the tires and brakes are fresh and good, have a load test done on the battery. A five year old battery and tires are “aged out” and more likely to fail. It is best to change them rather than have to deal with a failure in the middle of nowhere. Have the entire vehicle looked over before your momentous looong road trip. Buy a TPMS for the trailer and install it promptly, and make sure your Ollie tires are set to around 50 psi at most." The tires are new, maintenance up to date. Battery is new. Good advice to have the Expedition looked at as you suggested. I do have a tpms. I think that's a must have. Thanks for all the suggestions. Thanks also for making your enclosed storage area big enough for two Olivers. That was great foresight! Glad we don't live that far from you. 😂🤣 John

I am more hands on too. I will try to ratchet down the overthinking part. Thanks for reassuring me. John

Many thanks to John Davies for including instructions on drawer removal, and removal of the access panel behind the drawers. The Oliver video linked below includes instructions on removal of the access panel, and shows where the fridge plugs into the receptacle behind that access panel. Legacy Elite II Drawer Removal & Components Hope this helps.

I can see them now! Great pics! Mike

The problem just might be my trying a "new" way to upload pics directly from Google. I'll work on it a bit later to see if I can resolve the issue. Bill p.s. Apparently if you try to "drag" photos into the Forum directly from Google (Android) photos they will only be able to be seen by other Android devices. If the photos are imported into a computer first and then "dragged" or uploaded into the Forum everyone can see them regardless of using Android or Apple devices.

I found a Norcold service manual online and it says for the A Default Code: No AC power available to refrigerator. Possible reasons: AC cord is not plugged into power board or the F3 fuse is open.

@ChrisMI, my understanding is the multiplex (which we don't have, boat or trailer) is a hybrid. It figures out what you need for "extra, " and goes from there. I'm not sure many owners could understand, or take advantage of it, but it's a really nice system, from what I have read. I could "possibly " use it on our boat, but our very infrequent connection to shore power would probably render it useless. Probably, ditto the trailer. It is , however, a very interesting concept. Much of the investment depends on your camping/shore power practices, imo. For users, half time shore power, maybe a different story.

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.

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

Not exactly. The numbers you used to arrive at this conclusion are accurate: 10x the voltage, 10x the amperage. But, the voltage output from the generator is supplied to and used by the trailer's onboard battery charger. The amp output of the charger determines how many amps are going into the battery.

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

honking class A

Another thought although unless there is an extreme difference I doubt that it could explain the kind of difference you are seeing - have you checked the cargo loading of the trailer? A fully loaded fridge plus loaded closet plus loaded kitchen drawers plus .... could be placing too much weight on the curb side. Bill

We keep it simple when camping. One of my favorites is burgers. Fire up the Blackstone grill, throw on some bacon, then add sliced onions. Put the burgers on. The aroma never fails to arouse hunger in neighboring campers. Put bacon on the burger, add some cheddar cheese, onions on top. A glass of red wine tops it off. Now I need to go camping. Mike

You say you want to secure the trailer while it is still hitched to your truck. What you have purchased will do that. The lockable hitch pin ensures someone can‘t easily remove it. The collar lock ensures someone can’t easily open the bulldog hitch and remove your trailer from the ball. I don’t think your nice rep understood your question. The yellow Reese lock is for when you are unhitched to secure the bulldog hitch. You can use the collar you purchased for both situations, both when hitched to your truck and in combination with the yellow Reese lock (or any number of others) when unhitched. Since you already have a lockable hitch pin you don’t need another one. Mike