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I'm thinking, as this year draws swiftly to a close, a capsule of this year's adventures. We've had an awesome year, with and without our little Elite. We took the hull plaque to Chile/Patagonia and Antarctica, since we couldn't take the trailer. I hope you have had awesome adventures as well. 2022 in ten pix, for us . A pic of our last camp, this week, in wnc, rounds out the year, as we began and ended the year in the beauty of North Carolina.

SeaDawg, Beautiful photos of a great year!!!! Thanks for posting!!!!! Some of our Ollie TN & NC adventures during 2022:

Update on furnace not working below 45 degrees. Ended up being a faulty thermostat wire. Originally, the thermostat had an error code of E1 when we turned on the furnace during our first cold morning this fall. I rebooted the system, the error code went away and the furnace then worked fine above 45 degrees, and below 45 would cycle with the burner only staying lit for 5 seconds. This would repeat a few times during a 20 minute period with the blower running the whole time, then turn off completely. There where no error codes on the furnace circuit board. Then it just stopped working completely until the temps warmed. Finally it just stopped responding completely. Kudos to the service manager at the local rv dealer for an evaluation and repair. He talked with an Oliver tech who described the rather difficult process of running a new wire as the continuity was broken on 2 of the 3 wires running up to the AC. This apparently has infrequently occurred where the wire is pinched between the hulls during assembly. In this case, the wire was compromised and during cold weather the wire contracted enough to short. Then after more miles were driven the wire severed. I’m very happy to have established a strong service relationship locally. It was interesting that the local dealer was skeptical of the brand as it was the first one they worked on, but very complimentary after completing the work and engaging Oliver’s service department with constructive dialog to resolve the problem. Dometic HVAC system. Mark Hull 1111 Chelsea MI

Now Bill, you know that one can NOT have too muck truck.

I went over 10 so I'll post a link instead. 25 photos at the bottom, Oliver delivery to the last trip: https://stephndudb.blogspot.com/2022/10/2022-12-end-of-season.html?m=1

I fixed your link...

We used the Andersen for almost 6 years, 70-80K miles. There was some wear on the ball but not enough to be concerned about. I sold it when we got our 2500 and I believe the current owner is still using it with his Oliver, so it is going on 7 years. I did grease it occasionally. Andersen ball wear is not something I would worry about. Grease it, wax paper it, do it dry, it’s going to be fine based on our experience. Mike

Been planning for a travel trailer for several years getting ready for retirement. We finally purchased the new tow vehicle last year and got it paid for. We finally settled on the Oliver LE II and decided to place the order this week. We have a build schedule of March and deliver around the middle of April. We can't wait to begin this chapter of our lives and start exploring all the places we've only dreamed of till now. We aren't new to camping, nor are we inexperienced with travel trailers. We had a 34' Jayco Eagle with a super slide back in the late 90s. Sold it by around 2002 and haven't owned a camper since. We started researching brands about three years ago, watching tons of YouTube channels about full timing and all the other RV topics that are there for the watching. We started narrowing down the brands and models we like last year and the Olivers were at the top of the list. We did take the factory tour about a year and a half ago and were blown away. We are both semi retired right now, meaning my wife works part time for social outlet and fun money at a local farm market, and I work for myself at my own pace when I feel like it. We have several hobbies we enjoy and I'm also in the middle of remodeling our downsizer retirement home in the country in preparation for full retirement soon. We have two dogs, Border Terriers, at home. We have one married son and one grandson a year old. Part of our RV life will include spending extended periods in Texas with our son's family and enjoying our grandson as much as possible. We look forward to becoming seasoned Ollie owners and participating and getting to know the greater Oliver family.

Early in our traveling days in our 2008 Oliver Elite, we realized that shoe storage was a problem. Either we were tripping on the ones that seemed to always litter the tiny floor space or digging through the bottom of the closet in search of two that matched. Tali likes to have her hiking boots, sandals, wet shoes for showering, and her ubiquitous flip-flops. I don't wear sandals, never use any shower other than our own, and literally haven't worn a pair of flip-flops since I first tried them some time around 1956. I've worn the same boot for a couple of decades or more. It's the only pair of shoes I own. They are Original Swat's in desert tan. I buy them 2-3 pairs at a time at a local Army Surplus store for about $75 per pair. They will last about a year and are the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. By the time I move on to a new pair they are looking pretty ratty. So, my shoe storage solution is simple, on all our trips I take only one pair of shoes. I never intentionally go bare foot so I'm either wearing them or they're "stored" on the floor at the foot of my bed waiting on me to get up and put them back on. Problem solved, for me at least. Tali doesn't necessarily see the simplicity in my plan.

We saw a northern lite truck camper on the way today. If we were truck camper folks, that would def be my choice

Yes we are considering Northern Lite. After looking at a number of companies we liked Northern Lite the most. Closest to an Ollie in build quality. We have a line on a nice used one. Hope to hear from Ford in the next few weeks on the status of our order. There is actually not much difference in price between the comparably equipped used and new and by ordering we can get a camper package that includes rear stabilizer bars. The truck will be certified for in bed camper. I am not sure what that really means. Sounds good?

Nope - Remember that the "ball" is in one piece connected to a "shaft" that extends from the ball down through the "body" of the Andersen and comes out at the bottom - this is where you then attach the "whale tail". When the trailer is attached to the Andersen there are two points of contact - 1 - the ball and -2- the whale tail. When the shaft "rotates" inside the body it creates friction and the "brake" material inside that housing expands due to the heat. This, in turn, applies more and more pressure on the shaft as friction is increased due to these rotational forces inside this body. When "sway" occurs - never have I heard of this happening with an Oliver - the rotational forces are greater and greater as the sway gets worse. The friction and thus the braking material continues to expand until there is enough force applied to the shaft to slow the rate of sway/rotation. This is how the Andersen controls sway - which basically we Ollie owners do not really need. Greasing the ball will tend to allow the ball - hitch connection to move more easily against each other than intended thereby negating the "benefit" of having this connection force help to move the shaft inside the housing. Yes, you still have the whale tail that will rotate that shaft but you are then relying on the whale tail's connection to the trailer via the chains to slow the rotation while when the ball is "solidly" also connected to the ball and therefore the shaft and therefore the whale tail you have all things moving (or not moving) at roughly the same speed/force. In older models of the Andersen grease ( and water and dirt and all kinds of stuff) often seeped down into that "brake" material somewhat negating its functionality. But, with the newer designs this old problem has been virtually eliminated. Bill

Congratulations on your decision to buy. For us it was difficult to commit. My wife was hesitant to buy because they're expensive, but we did order an LE2 that we pick up in less than two weeks. Your time to pick up will go fast. Maybe we'll see you on the road. John

We have always struggled with what to do with our shoes other than a pile at the bottom of the closet. After much thought, we came up with the idea of a rack suspended below the lower closet shelf. This is two shelves made of 1/4" MDF suspended on threaded rod, with 1/2" PVC concealing the rod and providing some stability. It is set back just far enough to allow the clothes hangers in front to move freely. As a bonus, the offset from the black vent pipe leaves just enough room to snugly tuck in the extra piece of hypervent. Looking forward to road testing it in the coming year!

Apparently either on his feet or at the foot of the bed. 😁 Bill

If anyone is thinking about a portable firepit this is a great deal! Limited-time deal: Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit with Cover & Carry Kit, 19-Inch Diameter 58,000 BTU, Black https://a.co/d/h3rh1tq

GJ I used bags made by Air Lift in Michigan. They were a bit more costly than the Firestones and were more highly recommended by the dealer (Les Schwab Tires, a chain in the Northwest). Mine are the 5000 series and have twin nylon fill lines. So far I am very happy with them. I will occasionally have to top them off a few pounds but leakage is minimal. They are rated to 100# but I find 35 - 45# does the job quite well. They will lift the rear end so adjustment of the Anderson hitch was necessary but simple. A set of heavier shocks would help as would tires with tougher sidewalls than those that came with the pickup. They have tamed the porposing greatly. Jim

@sgcausey Here is the link to the shoe organizer in my video. https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Hanging-Shoe-Shelves-Organizer/dp/B00K5NBQGO/ref=sr_1_2?crid=11AYPJJLMXNEU&keywords=whitmor+hanging+shoe+shelves+8+section+closet+organizer+grey&qid=1670222539&sprefix=Whitmor+Hanging+Shoe+Shelves+8+section%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-2

You nailed it regarding the rear stabilizer bar with regard to camper certified. That is the primary addition, as well as heavy duty springs including overload leaves. I really don't know if there is any difference in the axle, probably not. There's also most likely included a camper wiring harness and plug in the bed to power the camper. And of course the obligatory load rating sticker and supplemental manual for guidance on properly loading and securing the camper. You may get lucky and find a suitable truck on a dealer lot with the camper package included. There's still orders showing up at dealers for the MY 22s. Good luck!

Photo of scored 2-5/16" hitch ball attached. I guess time will tell (when we use the Oliver next spring) if the scoring gets worse, or just "settles in", after trying the 4-fold wax paper lube method.

Torque the set screw as tightly as you can. Mine was not properly torqued at the factory, and so came off during our 2000+ mile drive home to Idaho a couple of weeks ago.

Sorry, I wish it was commercially available in some form. I put it together from scratch. I had been thinking for a while whether there was some existing product that could be adapted to hang below the shelf, but couldn't find anything.

Great & Thank You. I will go and try to re-attach it ASAP. needs an allen wrench to snug it up.

It's a tight fit depth wise, but I was able to size the dimensions to provide a small amount of clearance to the plastic hangers shown in the picture. It could be scaled back a bit if just used for odds and ends, or if someone has smaller feet than my size 13's. I have about 13-14 inches of shelf depth on the left side, and the depth decreases as it follow the contour of the hull around to the right side.

That’s a very clever space saving idea you could use to store anything! Does it not interfere (enough depth) with your clothes/coats hanging? We hang all our clothes. I would like this just to fill the dead space back there to store odds and ends. We currently use an inexpensive hanging shoe rack.

We were in Ontario (Thunder Bay Area) for this summers adventure, and one of these rolled up. Mounted on a F550. I believe he was from FL, and had been all thru Canada on his way home.

"Well, nough said for now. The bigger connections will take place in person over the next few years." Welcome to the forum. It's a great group that can answer any questions you might have. I have found the members here to be very helpful. John

Didn't want to confuse the folks that have responded to my introduction, here's an update to my introduction. BTW I decided to change my profile name to Ollie-Haus to more personalize the Oliver connection and include a fitting part of our last name. Chris and Stacie (Woods) Neuhaus from Greenfield, Indiana. We've lived in Indiana for all of our 30 years of marriage and I've lived within 50miles of Indianapolis my entire life. Stacie has traveled the world, so to speak, in her pre-married years and I've pretty much kept it state side. We've always dreamed of exploring America together and prefer the back road method of eating local and getting to know the locals at the same time. We love what I would call the national attractions like everybody else, but really do enjoy the lessor known out of the way gems that can be discovered on the back roads. I'm a tradesman by career, I've worked as a certified welder, sheet metal fabricator, Machinist, Draftsman, and general machine repairman for over 40 years, including several years as a front line supervisor. I started out when I was 15 working in a vet clinic and quarter horse farm until I was 24 years old. I've also dabbled extensively in electrical work, auto repair, carpentry and wood working my whole life. Needless to say I am a little handy with stuff and a diehard do-it-yourselfer. Stacie ("WoodsHaus" on the forum) has worked most of her carrier in purchasing/procurement and retired about 5 years ago. Today she's an avid gardener, food preserver and connoisseur of the kitchen. She also is an avid crafter. Our dogs are my passion these days. I guess some of us always need something to nurture and care for. My experience in the vet clinic solidified me as a lover of horses and dogs, the latter being much easier to own and travel with. We have at the time two crazy Border Terriers (profile page background). Smaller dogs with very large hearts and desire to go places. They are very well mannered and don't make too much fuss except when we arrive and they have been at home alone. They love all people and do well out and about in public. We aren't as physically agile as we once were but are doing our best to stay fit and active as we enter into our retirement years. Hopefully traveling and exploring will be conducive to maintaining and strengthening our well being in the process. Well, nough said for now. The bigger connections will take place in person over the next few years.

Yes that would be @Patriot who I'm acquainted with via the Super Duty Tremor forum. He has actually encouraged me in the decision to choose the Oliver. Also acquainted on the same forum with @Raspy who formerly owned an LE2. I got on the state park web site later today and saw a lot of the information. I'll call them in the morning and see what's available.

Try THIS for making reservations and getting more info on Lake Guntersville State Park. Around $30/night is the camping fee and I believe that there is a $5.00 fee for online reservations - but - you can always call them instead. If I were you - I'd call them and be sure to mention that you are with the Oliver Rally. There are sites that have been reserved for Oliver owners and hopefully all of them are not gone at this point. Another Forum member has one of those F-350's but I believe that his is diesel and a Tremor versus the King Ranch. Certainly more than enough truck to get the job done. Bill

I wondered if anyone did with trailers this weight. For decades, over a succession of under 2000 pound sailboats and now my squaredrop trailer, I've used a stainless steel ball and a four layer thick square of waxed paper. Never a squeak, no wear, no mess. A boat dealer told me about this method back in the '70s or '80s.

Been hitching mine dry. Approx 8000 mi towing in less than a year. No abnormal wear so far.

Wow, this is an old thread, I had sort of lost track of it. You should grease the ball, but you also should add a can of spray brake cleaner and paper towels to your tow kit, because you will have to clean off the ball every time you unhitch, otherwise it will soil your pants or bare leg. Bad words will follow! It doesn't matter what type of grease, but a product that comes in a tube is much easier to store and to apply. It only takes a small amount, where the shiny spots and wear are positioned. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Park-Tool-Polylube-1000-Grease-Tube/33294585 It does attract dirt, so clean out the cavity in the coupler every now and then, or it will just turn into valve grinding compound 😉 John Davies Spokane WA

So, update. We invested in the "waterless" Separret villa for our barn. I personally think it's a waste. (No pun intended. Lol.) I'd be better off with one of my luggage loos, at a much cheaper price. (Free, actually, I already own two.) Thank goodness, we installed a urinal for the guys. And almost no one uses the separret for solids. The dam for urine isn't high enough,,nor far enough back, for most women. The urine collection basin is too shallow, and too small, imo. It's too much of a learning curve for those unfamiliar with "odd" toilets. I don't think any guy over 10 years old would want to sit over that small space allowed for urine disposal, seriously. Too small, too shallow. Without getting too graphic, I think you understand. Install was simple. It looks very nice, it's highly cleanable, made almost totally of space age smooth and shiny plastic. The villa 9215 came with all adaptors to work with us plumbing. As toilets go, its rather pretty. That's the good news. But, urine is easily transported to the solid collection bucket, if users are not exactly situated and sitting totally upright. (Especially females.) Good news. It doesn't smell. Not much even near the vent pipe, outside. Unless someone doesn't sit perfectly correctly, and urine lands in the solids bucket. And, it's not "waterless." Instructions are to pour water after use, down the urine tube. Not a problem in our barn, with unlimited spring water, but definitely not an option for water saving in a trailer. We all make mistakes. This one, for me, was $900+. I read hundreds of reviews, prior to purchasing. I'm just ok with it, after an adjustment time, but I had a really bad experience with visitors last week. Oh, so gross cleanup. Even after an extensive training session. I told my husband I wish we'd just put a portapotty or luggage loo in that corner. Live, and learn.

Hello I just wanted to post what we had done to protect the front of the Oliver from the Belly Band down. We were going to Alaska for the second time the first was in 2012 in a Casita and I had lots of little rock chips in the front section from all the gravel and roads under repair, I knew I had to come up with a solution. It had to stops the rock chips, the road solution that they use and all the course mud in the rain and watered down road sections. I put it on as we started the ALCAN and left it on till I was well back into the states. We traveled the AlCAN up and the Cassiar down into Washington state. I used closed cell foam with non-residue duct tape and it all lasted more than a month of freezing temps, rain, heat, and many many miles. Here is a Pic of what I did at least this is a alternative for the question that pops up on line often. Thanks Gary