Leaderboard

Here's what we ordered: - 2023 Oliver Legacy Elite II Twin Bed - Standard Mattresses (KTT mattresses after receipt) - Standard Fabric - Midnight - Hypervent - Omnidirectional Antenna (local weather etc. if we don't have cell service) - Street Side Awning - Frosted Cabinet Doors - Convection Microwave - 20 Gallon Propane (to keep tongue weight down) - Front/Rear Propane Quick-Connects - Standard Toilet (with possible AirHead composting replacement) - Full Truma Package AC, Furnace, Water Heater and Antifreeze kit - Lithium Platinum Package - Backup Camera - Rear Bumper Receiver (to be converted to 2" after receipt) - Anderson Hitch - Aluminum Storage Basket - Basement Door - No Graphics Delivery Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Status: Thrilled beyond belief!! A huge thank you to everyone here who has helped us through the entire process over the past ten months! Your support cannot be understate. I can't wait meet all of you! Steve and @DebM Mock-up of the graphics that are on order from Robin at Banana Banners (using one of the images from this forum for a background - thanks to whomever I stole it from) "curiosity" logo used with the kind permission and encouragement of Curiosity Software Ireland

Congratulations. i love your tow vehicle! Heritage Edition? “Daniel Boone, when asked if he ever got lost out in the wilderness, replied, "I can't say I was ever lost, but I was once bewildered for about 3 days.” John Davies Spokane WA

Thanks, folks!!! We survived our first night without dying. Although the propane/CO2 alarm went off after we were in bed. I had the ceramic heater going under the table, and the furnace set to 60 in case the electric heater didn’t keep up. I pulled the fuse, opened another window a crack, and I’ll check it this morning. Ryan, our delivery specialist, told us ahead of time that they go off with all the new stuff smell Yes John, an HE. I was one of the silly 1200 that paid extra to get less stuff 😉 Important first thing done, so everything else is gravy!

Very nice. You guys are beaming. Should be warming up when you get home. Safe travels!

While the reach is problematic, removing and replacing the condensation layer, the heavy latex bed, foam topper and the bedding is the bigger problem solved. Oh, do I dare mention the 5 pillows my wife keeps on the bed? Charlie

Looking real nice. Enjoy the heck out of it. Bill and Mary Ellen #1352

Congrats on your Oliver! Wishing you many safe miles and big smiles as you begin your adventures! David and Kathy

Curiosity is also the name of the boat that a popular YouTube couple uses for their boat - Gone with the Wynns. Bill

Paul Harvey mode on: “And now, for the rest of the story!” The inspiration for the came from a video by the “From She To Me” YouTube channel, which is the travels of a couple our age in their class B van. The voiceover for a recent trip was “Every one of our journeys begin with curiosity. What will we discover? What challenges might we encounter? What will be the lessons we learn?” I paused, replayed that scene, and paused again. Epiphany moment! I turned to Deb and asked how “Curiosity” sounds for a name for our new Oliver, and she was all for it. Then I looked at various images for graphics inspiration. I saw the corporate logo for Curiosity Software Ireland, and thought I’d fiddle with something along those lines. On a whim, I wrote to them asking permission to use their logo. Surprisingly, not only did they approve, but enthusiastically so, offering original graphics files and their endorsement. They plan to tell our story on their social media blog. Crazy how both events happened!! Serendipity! (which was my original thought for a name.)

And now the real fun begins! Making that shiny new Ollie all YOURS. Congrates! Bill

Congratulations ! Have some fun, Safe travel’s

Congrats from Hull # 1045, Jolli Olli. Happy Travels.

Congratulations! See you out on the road - Mike

Our trip started and ended in Houston. If fuel prices this year are like last year..... Bring a really big wallet. That said, our trip was worth every penny and was OUTSTANDNG! GJ

There have been several solutions to the dreaded fresh water tank drain valve location. I had not seen this DIY "fix" to the problem. Now it's easy to drain the tank when needed without lifting and straining to reach the valve in the bottom of the hull. By leaving the factory valve in place, it can be used if winter weather becomes worrisome. Charlie

I always just open the existing drain valve when we are 25 miles or so from home and let it go. Our valve is very easy to get to.

Congrats on your great looking Ollie,from a fellow Buckeye.. we will see you at the rally!!

😁 Yea, I’m a tea snob like some people are about coffee. The kettle on the stove is one that I use with my outdoor kitchen from the Hiker squaredrop. I usually just steep loose leaves in a 20 oz tumbler with strainer. But at home I use a traditional bone China teapot. Didn’t want to chance using that travelling so bought the Coffee Gator French press to try. So far it works fine.

Katanapilot Great trip! How was hauling the Oliver into McCarthy? Boondocking or camping along the road east of Chitina? Started in once and quickly decided the road would quickly reduce our old stick and staple trailer into it's component parts. Backed out with my tail between my legs. Heading back to AK next year and thinking the Oliver might be up to it.

Looking good! Congratulations, Mossey

No issues with reaching my drain valve either, then again at 6’3 I have fairly long reach/arms. I usually open the valve at home and just water the yard. Patriot🇺🇸

We're heading up to Alaska this summer - 2023. Here's the map of our route. I see Costco's in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Prince George BC. Any tips on Diesel along the routes we show below? Craig - Hull 505

The 2023 Rocky Mountain Fiberglass Rendezvous will be held at Camp Hale (Leadville) July 18-21, 2023. This is a very enjoyable event and several Olivers have been in attendance at recent rallies. https://sites.google.com/site/rockymountaineggrendezvous/ There is no place better to be in the summer than the Colorado Rockies.

Long install post- I decided it was a gorgeous sunny North Carolina day and just a good day to install the new tinted glass and blind I ordered from Zarcor. I made this a stand alone post as this window install was a bit different from other installs I have read about here. It appears the Lippert now uses a sealant on the exterior window frame which adheres the frame to the door frame opening. They also use a similar sealant on the interior of the exterior frame, which holds the glass FIRMLY in place inside the window. I could not remove the old opaque glass from the old frame. I decided since this really appears to be a one time use sealant that purchasing a new exterior frame would be required. Reusing the old frame and compromised sealant was not an option for me. You will see where the sealant on the old frame came off after removal from the Ollie window door cut out or frame. Some of the old sealant came off on the old opaque window. I was glad I had purchased a new frame through Zarcor to do the install. The new frame was $28 plus shipping. Once I removed the old frame and opaque glass, the install was pretty straightforward. The new window frames use what appears to be a ratchet mechanism which once both frames are sealed together they lock into place. No more rope caulk or screws to tighten down when you sandwich the new window interior and exterior frames together. Zarcor sends (16) little plastic tabs (pics) that release the frames from each other. Without these tabs you cannot remove the frames. Below are a few photos to help describe the process. It’s not terribly difficult; just take your time and read the instructions. We are really happy with this mod and like the idea of seeing who is knock knock knocking on our Ollie’s door. $175.00 for this mod including shipping from Zarcor. The staff at Zarcor made this mod seamless by answering all questions I had before moving forward. Just really great folks to do business with in San Antonio,Texas. This is a fairly easy window mod and I would highly recommend it if you prefer being able to see who is knocking at your door. Take your time and remember be gentle as your working with plastic and glass. link - https://www.zarcor.com/rv_products/rv-door-window-kit/ (16) tabs provided by Zarcor to remove existing frame. You insert equally around slots on the exterior of the interior frame edge. You will see the slots. Ratchet mechanism that holds frames together. Likely to speed up window/door plant assembly production cut costs. After removing the interior frame, a thin bladed puddy knife can be used to separate seal. Old frame and compromised sealant - Another photo of old exterior frame after removal- Throughly clean off old sealant off door frame- Installed new frame, and tinted glass, my bride was a tremendous help with an extra set of hands 🙌 👍🏻. The blind install was again pretty straight forward and it works great! It attaches with several small Velcro tabs. The blind can be operated with the interior screen door closed, just slide screen door plastic opening for access. Finished exterior - we like the way this tinted window matches the rest of our glass. The contrast of the tint vs natural light -

I’m so happy for you both! Those smiles on your faces are so heart warming! I wish you so many wonderful and safe adventures in your beautiful new “Curiosity” Oliver! Welcome to the family.❤️

That’s a good idea. It does have to be thin like this so it might work. Thank you

They're getting a new hybrid diesel electric sailing trimaran this year-- curiosity 2. (They're hoping to live on the electric and solar alone, I think.) Love the name. Love the logo. Glad the Irish were enthusiastic to share.

And for added embarrassment, Aaron Wolters from Oliver just finished filming us for one of his owners videos. Hopefully, the memory chip gets lost… 😂

Vic: From an Engineer's perspective, the ultra long moment arm of the assembly loaded with two heavy E-Bikes gives me concern for even good highway use. However, with the G-Forces induced by rough roads, and worse if taken off-road, my concern rises to grave. Under such conditions, be advised that: Due to the moment arm length and heavy load, that it would be prudent to counter balanced (by additional front of trailer loads) to somewhat restore your Ollie's great antisway characteristics somewhat. There is a significant potential for your added hitch, and/or the OTT components supporting it to unexpectently fail. I highly recommend your shortening the moment arm to a minimum and reduce the load if possible. As pictured this design IMHO is an accident looking and waiting for the worst possible opportunity to fail. GJ

Welcome to the Oliver family. Sorry we are currently in Maryland assisting with birthing of Gotland lambs.

Good morning! Bill

Other than dealing with the "extra" 6 inches or so that the adapter will add I don't see any reasons why it wouldn't work. Bill

Wow that looks like a real adventure! We would have to drive almost as far just to get to your starting point. Some day, hopefully soon. 🍻

For those of us who do not have street side awnings, this is a possible alternative. I’ve put my commitment in on Kickstarter yesterday, for a MoonShade XL, pre-order sale price of $445. As of yesterday, it was 50% funded in one day, so this indicates to me this is a popular item that is going to go into production soon. It’s 12’ x 9’ so should fit nicely along the street side, provide shade over the two large side windows next to the dinette and the rear bunk. It attaches with suction cups, 3m VHB, or you can screw or bolt anchors into your trailer. Personally I’m going to try the first 2 options. It’s a test of course, I won’t know how well it works until I try it. The price might seem high but I’ve seen and assembled the smaller version (MoonShade Original) and it is a quality piece of gear. I had to try something as my wife is still unhappy that I talked her out of the street side awning option on our trailer order. If you think you want one, I suggest you jump in now if you want the significant discount. If you’d rather wait and see, I’ll post a follow-up review with pics in the future and let you know how it worked out. MoonShade XL

I don't know the exact type of tape that they use, but on fiberglass boats I've seen a cloth tape applied to the raw edges of fiberglass openings. It would need to have a substantial adhesive backing. I'm thinking possibly a fiberglass cloth tape. To find the right thing may be a trial and error process. Quick search found this. It's not cloth but is designed to hold up to moisture exposure and permanent use. https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Decorative-Sealant-Bathroom-Protection/dp/B0BC4NL2XJ/ref=sr_1_70_sspa?crid=3QUZHKFMEOTNV&keywords=edge%2Btape&qid=1680097392&s=industrial&sprefix=edge%2Btape%2Cindustrial%2C96&sr=1-70-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQUEwQzNZWDdBVkFQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTU4NTIyM04xMjFYVFI4Qkw5TiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODgyMTg5MlkzV0lZS0UzNEpXOCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2J0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

Congratulations! A reminder to use your time the next 2 nights at Camp Oliver and over the weekend at David Crockett State Park to thoroughly inspect your new trailer. Hopefully you will find, and have addressed by the Service crew in Hohenwald, any production oversights before you head back to Ohio. My detailed inspection checklist can be found here, posted on November 24, 2022:

Not an aircraft tech, but a machinist and all around DIYer by necessity that has a proclivity for detail. This is the upgrade panel for our retirement remodel we're preparing to move into. My wife giggled when she saw this. The county inspector just grinned real big and asked, "Your work?". My electrician buddy from work just said, "Nice!". The panel it replaced was full of mud dobber nests and looked like a bird nest. I feel better now. 😉

Probably more pilots than A/C Techs in the forum - so, as we break 'em - you fix 'em, eh? Ha!

I have been following the discussion on this topic and just want to restate that with a mod done to the furnace duct system and zero changes to the water piping and adding no extra insulation I have tested in sub zero temperatures for two and half days with water system not winterized and experience no adverse affects. I have read about many different mods to accomplish the goals of a four season camper and the troubles to hit that goal. I will admit that I have not had the opportunity to do further testing such as how it would do traveling with the furnace on, or if parked and experiencing very windy conditions. I think the initial test show very promising results and the mods to the duct system were not that difficult to do. I know this is relying on the heating system functioning but even a house up in Minnesota relies on the furnace working to avoid plumbing freeze ups. I did my mods not so much to camp in the winter but to have a bench mark of what it could withstand if I got caught in a cold snap while out camping. Here is a link to a how to for anybody that is trying to get the Oliver ready for winter camping. Here are some temperatures in different locations in the camper during testing.

I used a heat gun and plastic razor blades to remove mine and it came off fairly easy. Used Goof Off to remove the adhesive residue.

Big Cat, I used plastic razor blades to remove the decal and WD 40 to remove the adhesive residue. It takes sometime and elbow grease. Our trailer is almost four years old and is stored outside in San Diego, CA. You could clearly see where the decal was. The area under the decal was still very shiny. We are reapplying a new decal so, it is not a problem for us. I suspect, with a good buffing the outline would disappear. Andrew

The key to backing up a trailer is to practice and most importantly, go slow! And don’t be afraid to pull forward and start again. It is often easier to back up straight if you start out straight. And don’t worry about it, we all had to learn at some point. And before I forget, figure out how you and your partner are going to communicate. Be it hand signals, walkie talkies, cell phones or your rear view camera. Mossey

🤪 That's already me with our tiny 8' squaredrop. The length of the Oliver will be much easier to back. I hope! We'll sit out in our chairs out and hold up score boards like at a diving competition. 😀

Oliver has a few videos on this topic including caulk recommendations in the Knowledge Base. Check to be sure the problem is not just clogged window tracks.

That the best answer I've seen not to pull my Oliver to Alaska, muddy mess, plus mosquitoes. trainman

Nothing will convert very safely... Oliver's gonna tell you that, from their standpoint, you should not use anything other than their 1-1/2" receiver.

This very thing has happened to me twice over the years. A phone call or Service ticket results in receiving a new grease cap and center hub "plug" within a couple of days. However, I too have resorted to heavier duty grease caps and I also carry a couple of spares with me on the road. Ones like THESE are easier to seat while out on the road. Bill

That was a great post. Thanks! FYI if you buy the special tool needed to remove your standard water heater pressure relief valve (which also works on your home WH) that axle cap driver nests beautifully inside it, to minimize space. Wrap both with stretchy mover’s wrap so they don’t rattle around in your spares kit…. John Davies Spokane WA

Impressive kid...

Good install job! Looks very similar to what I did a few years ago. Ours has operated flawlessly. It is very easy to open and close the blind without opening the door. The slider is accessible through the sliding panel for the door handle.