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Just an FYI. We purchased hull #49 about a year ago and have constant issues with water in our dinette window. I did everything possible that the forum suggested to no avail. After more investigation I took a little pick and ran on the inside of the window tracks and the pick kept grabbing on something. Turns out the drains were stamped but not completely out. After some luck I was able to get all 4 drains clear. Not sure if this was an issue with earlier models or if we just got lucky! 😂 We have not had an issue since, knock on wood. Oops that's fiberglass.

I'm really glad that #49 found a great owner. "Buck" is in good hands.

Unfortunately we are finding quite a few issues the previous owner lived with. No worries, "BUCK" will be good as new and ready for more adventures!

I did something similar with my F350, but I’m keeping the 20” wheels to put back on the old girl when it comes time to sell Big Ruby Red. I’m also a big fan of Cooper AT3 Discoverer tires. Here’s a link to an older tire Expedition Portal tire review that you might find interesting.

My Ram 2500 came with 20” wheels and 285/60-20 Firestone tires. The tires weren’t so great, okay on dry pavement but that’s about it. At 30K miles I replaced them with 35/12.5-18 Cooper AT3 XLT’s. Same as on my trailer. Bought new 18” wheels and sold the 20” wheels and tires. After about 30K miles, it’s been a good swap, very happy with the results. Mike

A first spotting for me, and I’m glad I found you.

I would look for used or reman Power Wagon 17”x8” wheels, for example: They are forged and very high quality. a lot of PW owners change them for some odd reason. If you buy used, a local wheel shop can refinish them for you, one near me said $100 each. Of course that depends on condition, that is for ones that are very clean and straight. I would pick a size close to a PW of your vintage, don’t go larger unless you need the clearance. What is your intent in terms of roads? Do you need an All Terrain or more aggressive? Your Cummins will eat tires if you are not careful in your choice. You have a four speed auto? Be VERY careful about changing the overall gearing, it can move the engine rpm’s out of the sweet spot that gives those wonderful mpgs.. Power Wagon Registry Wheels OEM vs Aftermarket My 2006 Ram 5.9 had stock alloys and stock sized tires. I put on Cooper AT3 LTs and was reasonably happy with them. John Davies Spokane WA

Absolutely - YES! I've tried flashing high beams, waving out the window, and yelling (like that would do any good at 65 mph on the interstate with the other Ollie traveling in the opposite direction). All this and still getting disappointed when there isn't any (or doesn't seem to be any) waving back. I'm sure that I've missed a couple of Ollies in my travels because and I apologize if I didn't see you. Bill p.s. kind of difficult to miss that one sitting outside your garage.😁

Found our trailer outside of Seattle - a 2019 Elite II with the full bed option - which we wanted - in the classified section of the Forums. More expensive but very clean - no rust - housed inside - the owner (a mechanic) seemed very methodical - thanks for everyone's help! 🙂

Not qualifying for your reply criteria here, but I'm bored and want to chime in anyway... We ran Michelin Defenders on our 2015 RAM 3500 after we wore out factory Firestones (pathetic tires) at less than 30K miles. We were pleased with the 18" Defenders on the RAM and went through 3 sets before selling it in 2022. Actually went to 20" wheels when we bought the last set of sneakers for the RAM and liked the "ride" better with the 20"ers. FYI: still running Defenders on our 20"ers on the Tundra. Seems like there's a wider tire selection range for the 18" and 20" rims, if that makes a difference for you. Tire "type" (road, M&S, off-road, etc.) selection is clearly a function of driving style and owner's needs.

I know you didn't want to hear from us with half tons, but based on John davies' post, I will tell you that I have not had difficulty finding 17" tires that I can love, for my 1500 Silverado. A few years ago, I changed out to Pirelli scorpion at+, and I really truly like them . (My vehicle is also my daily driver, so around town and highway performance are both important to me, as well as braking in the Florida rain, and highway performance. As is noise. ) At 17", you'll likely find many more suitable choices. We really love the Michelins we put on our 2008 Ram. There are always trade-offs in longevity, performance in local conditions, and noise, in highway conditions. I highly recommend tirerack reviews and testing. Changing up from 16 to 17, as JED suggested, doesn't require a step stool for most people to get into the truck. 18 can be a slightly different story. Even with that, we installed smurf bars for my mom to get into my little Silverado, (my birthday present from my husband, several years ago.) Now that I have them, I like them too. (Just under 5'4", latest measurements 🤣, and, of course, shrinking, as we all do. I used to be a whopping 5' 4 1/2", well maybe actually 5' 4 ")

I assume that you are talking about the "Command" Velcro strips? If that be the case then I'd reattach those on the back of the pictures with some E6000. Let the E6000 dry overnight and then put the pics back up. I would not use the E6000 on the Velcro that attaches to the Ollie. Yes, it could be removed but it would be a bit of a bugger to get off the fiberglass versus just the plain "Command" strip. Bill

Absolutely wonderful! This is one of the few times that a "spotted Ollie" has been recognized and confirmed. Congrats to both of you!

That’s us, from Missouri ❤️ First time to South Dakota and first time boon-docking. So nice to run into you the other day.

Here’s a nice video on the last 100 years of Texas State Parks. I’m sure most states have a similar history. We’ve stayed at state parks across the nation and appreciate what they provide. BTW, H-E-B is a Texas supermarket chain headquartered here in San Antonio. https://youtu.be/1rHgTkBGv_w?si=qCcsBz99Cxvy1hmU

The Cooper AT3 is a really good tire, I had them on my 1500s too. I’d put them on my Audi S3 but they don’t come in 235/35-19! 🤣

Olivers are built much like a boat, on wheels. They are meant to flex. Fiberglass flexes. Even steel flexes. Big ships flex. Determining how, when, and how much is the big engineering question. We rarely even use the rear jacks, if camped for a night or two. I guess maybe because we're used to boats, we're not bothered by the little movement. Perhaps I'm "desensitized", since I'm used to everything moving around on a sailboat. The slight movement we feel is not an issue, imo. More importantly, we've never experienced any separation or other issue, like some sob trailers , like airstream. (16 years in, 150k miles) It does, however, give us a little bit of understanding of what happens, going down the road. If the hull didn't "flex" a bit as necessary, something else more catastrophic might occur. Stationary, at a campsite, you can add extra jack supports, if it's disturbing, without harm to anything, except extendimg your setup and breakdown time. Me. I'm in the it "is what it is" category, and happy to not have to worry about a tent in the wind and rain.

A brand new Oliver Elite 2 from Missouri - with a gray and silver front logo like mine!

I don't meet the requirements that you state above for those that comment. However, it appears to me that (as you say) most manufacturers are going to 18 inch wheels. That is the direction that I'd go if I were in your shoes. Good luck. Bill

Yep, pulled our Elite II once with our '08 GX470. Not a LX, but a similar Toyota 4.7L v8 (the Tundra 5.7L might work). It was fine around town, with the Anderson hitch, but I could not at all see it going down the 4000 FT drop on I-17 to the Phoenix valley and in the SLOW lane coming back up. Two weeks later, I found an older Ram 2500 Cummins so we can now climb anything! Love the GX on the Arizona dirt when not towing!

We use command strips for anything we attach to the interior walls. They seem to hold up well and don’t leave a residue if you decide to remove them. https://www.command.com/3M/en_US/command/products/?utm_term=cbg-chim-cmmd-en_us-ba-paidsearch-cpc-google-na-na-na-ne22&gclid=CjwKCAjwr_CnBhA0EiwAci5sivt6zGthV_k-A3PwrXFTiYYBZJ0Z9YfAg5n5SCk06uLCMTaARcbUzhoCnwYQAvD_BwE Patriot🇺🇸

We've had a couple random and "not-so" random Oliver sighting this year - and we don't know why, but we get all excited whenever it happens... We actually had a silver (same as our's) Tundra/Oliver rig pass us northbound on I-25 in CO a couple months ago - I woke up D and said, "Hey, Baby, that's what we look like rolling down the interstate!". She laughed and went back to sleep. Never really had that feeling in the AS community - know what I mean? Cheers and "Ravel-On!", y'all

Thank you, it was great to see another Oliver owner!

The interpretive Ranger-led presentation is well worth the time before you take the loop. Enjoy!

@topgun2, both great suggestions. The wild life loop at/near dusk is simply amazing. We saw so much...

If you have the time - be sure to drive Needles Highway since you are so close. However, do not take the Ollie with you. And, of course, the Custer State Park Wildlife loop road. I assume that you already know about Mt. Rushmore. Bill

The campground host says another Oliver came through 2 weeks ago!

Just received a call-back from Guntersville Lake State Park office... We've reserved Site A-6. Planning to arrive 14MAY and departing 20MAY. We're stoked that we got at site, there's still 4 site available for that timeframe, FYI. The staff there are absolutely fantastic and accommodating - very helpful. Looking forward to viewing a sea of Olivers at the rally! Cheers! A & D

Yeah, that sounded like a good idea when I installed my EZ Flex system back in 2015 and I did it because all the YouTube videos suggested it. And it would have been a good idea if there was about 18 inches of clearance under the trailer. A year or so later, I swapped them to the outside and replaced all the bronze bushings, wet bolts with added 45 degree angle zerks. Now I can get to all the zerks from the outside without jacking up the trailer or removing any wheels. I can grease them all in about 5 minutes. Before it was a struggle to slither around under the trailer on my back and usually took an hour or so and a ruined T-shirt.

New units all now have zerks inward facing upon request. They could have been swapped at a factory visit if requested...or by the owner to make it easier.

You'll either need to upgrade your TV or go with an LE1. The 4.7 is a million mile motor but it doesn't have the power to tow an LE2 in the mountains.

With just you and the dog, the LE1 is a way better choice. easier to park, easier to find sites out west, easier to tow. if I were single I would have bought one. Sorry, I had added a couple of comments to my previous reply before you replied. Do check out the iH8Mud forum. If you get off pavement the running boards will have to go .;) John Davies Spokane WA

Welcome to the forum. Since you live in Oregon, 100% buy the smaller Elite, you do not have nearly enough truck for an LE2. If you lived in the East you could get away with it for a while, but you would be EXTREMELY unhappy with the truck after your first venture into the high country. I consider the Land Cruiser 200 to be marginal for an LE2 due to limited payload capacity and short wheelbase. Don’t sell the truck! I love those older Lexus vehicles, I had a 1996 LX450 that I treasured, my oldest kid totaled it, but they were unhurt. My wife had a 1998 SC400 which was stellar. The build quality and comfort (seats especially) of the older high end Lexus products are unmatched. I would have bought a late model LX570 rather that the Toyota if they were not so very butt ugly….. Yours would be a terrific match for the LE1, and you would not need the weight distribution hitch. but you should consider replacing the soft cushy LX springs with Land Cruiser spec ones (or an Old Man Emu suspension kit) if you plan to tow a lot. If you will traveling into the back country you should install different wheels and tires if they are still stock.. Please post some pics of your LX. you did good, you got the 5 speed trannie plus VVT-I. https://forum.ih8mud.com/forums/100-series-cruisers.26/ John Davies Spokane WA

We received the replacement rubber from Pelland quickly and they sent an extra foot+ in length. Installed it last week, starting from the bottom, pushing hard to compress as much stock as possible. I used an automotive hose cutter tool. Cut it 1/4" longer at end and pushed in the extra length, so that when it shrinks, we should be good. The black does look so much better, as it is recessed, and the white frame is still prominent. Thanks all for your help! 🙂

I've commented in a few different threads about my experience towing with my 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 3.0L diesel. In 2.5 years, it now has 32K miles and about 5k towing my LEII. I thought I would post a follow-up that may be helpful for anyone considering the GM half-ton diesel as a tow vehicle. After owning Toyotas for almost 20 years, I have to say I was hesitant about the reliability of a GM product -- but it's been great so far. PROS: Power/torque more than adequate for towing an LEII. I just returned from a trip that took me over Loveland Pass, Rabbit Ears Pass and Berthoud Pass in Colorado. The diesel engine has absolutely no problem and no stress getting up and over. No noticable loss of power at high altitude and no high-RPM downshift that can happen with a gasoline engine. Fuel economy has been very good. I average 17 mpg while towing and the truck gets around 30 mpg in highway driving when not towing. In Colorado, diesel is now a little less expensive than regular again (yay!) but a year ago it was more per gallon so that wiped out any significant savings. 10 speed transmission is super smooth Automatic engine brake is fantastic on the long downhill runs. It's very reassuring to have it kick-in automatically and only touch the brakes a few times. I've always felt stable and in-control - even rolling all the way down Loveland pass at speed with traffic! GM trailer tow package and 360 degree camera package is excellent. It recognizes and remembers my trailer. It checks and notifies me of a wiring fault (I still check my lights/brakes manually). I purchased and self-installed the GM accessory trailer rear-view camera and it works extremely well. The live-motion back-up guidelines are super helpful (see photos). The truck monitors the TPMS sensors in my Oliver tires (had the GM sensors installed) and it displays on the dashboard screen. Comfortable and quiet ride both while towing and when being used as my daily-driver. You can barely tell its a diesel engine as there is almost no "clack" sound No problems in 32k miles so far CONS: Payload is around 1500 lbs (like all half-ton trucks) and that could be limiting for longer trips and taking more "stuff" Have to use the WD hitch (like all half-ton trucks). I find the Anderson WD hitch to be a hassle - but one that I can live with to be safe and legal. Squat from trailer tounge weight was not bad but a little more than I liked. I added Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS) and this reduced squat by about an inch without any noticible effect on ride quality. Have to mess with adding DEF fluid. When towing, it uses a lot of DEF and the guage is not very accurate. Best to top off before leaving and/or put an extra 2.5g of DEF in the bed to minimize anxiety about it. Maintenance may be a little more expensive. I only trust the dealer to do the work as independent shops may not be familiar with the 3.0L Duramax. Oil changes cost $120 every 6K to 7K miles. Overall, I'm very pleased with my decision to buy the truck as my TV and as my daily-driver. I would buy this truck again and defintely get the 3.0 diesel over the 5.3 or 6.2 gas engines. If I were more of a full-timer in towing, I would consider spending the extra for a 3/4-ton. This would be primarily so that I had more payload and to avoid the WD hitch. Hope this may be helpful for anyone considering the GM half-ton diesel truck.

I thought some might like reading this https://chevytrucks.org/common-3-0l-duramax-problems/ My readings tell me it is a good engine/transmission combo in a good truck. The stringent emission regulations stress the heck out of a diesel.

I continue to be happy with my 2020 AT4 1500 with the 3.0. I have about 50k miles on it now. I use it as my daily driver in San Francisco with lots of stop and go. City driving only gives me about 15 mpg. I'm actually on a cross country drive now without the trailer. I set the cruise control at 80 mph on I-80 and am getting 24 mph. I've pulled the Ollie for about 4,000 miles and never had a problem, also getting about 15-17 mpg when towing, depending on speed. Plenty of power, super smooth, and I don't use a WDH. Overall, it's great. But, there are a few little things that bug me such as: gotta put DEF in, the motor oil is more expensive than oil for gas engines, it does burn a bit of motor oil which GM says is normal (all engines burn some oil?), diesel in the last couple years has been more expensive. Ditto on the rear camera (GM OEM) mounted on the rear of the Ollie and the trailer TPMS (also GM OEM) that are integrated into the truck's software.

Nice review. It’s always neat to read reviews on any diesel power plants. I am very pleased with the power and comfort level of our SD 1 ton diesel. No concerns about cargo capacity, or a WDH were complete game changers for us. We have a low mileage family owned hand me down 2004 Ford Ranger as our daily driver. So the SD is really just for extended travel and towing. I will put a plug in for Open Roads Fleet Card which we use regularly when traveling to purchase our diesel fuel. It can add up in savings on fill ups for sure. We like the user friendly app as well! https://myopenroads.com Patriot🇺🇸

Great information for folks thinking about this truck for a LE2 tow vehicle. Nice looking rigs, too!

I agree with you comments. Have the 3.0L Diesel in my 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4, CarbonPro. The motor has plenty of power. I think the 3.0L Diesel would handle 3/4 ton. I am very happy with my truck. 19,500 miles 4600 miles towing LEII 15 mpg w/heavy foot The GM TPMS is a plus.

https://www.pellandent.com/RV-Window-Seal Match the profile of your window seal to a profile on the Pelland Enterprises web page, link above.

A major problem with using the stock 1.5" receiver is that all "RV rated" bike racks are made for 2" hitch receivers. There is no law that I know of that requires using an RV rated unit but, given the potential liabilities, I opted to do something along the lines of what John suggested. The forces at work on a bike rack, that far behind the closest axle are much higher than on a car or pick up. To me, the minor expense of stepping up to a rated. unit was worth the piece of mind.

All the restrictions in the LOLOHO video are a bit overwhelming! We were there in mid to late September a couple of years ago and it was wide open, although Road to the Sun was closed about halfway due to snow. We stayed at Two Medicine campground, it has its own entrance and road on the south east side of the park with some spectacular views. We had to drive around the south side of the park to get in to the western entrance. It’s on our list to return to, there’s a lot to see and do. Mike

Glad you found the source of the problem! Interesting that the previous owner must have lived with that issue since Hull 49 was new. Bill