Leaderboard

I have been a regular browser of the forum as a guest for quite some time now. I don't own a travel trailer or any sort of RV. I do, however, dream of travelling with an Oliver trailer and seeing all there is to see in Canada and the USA. My wife wonders why I visit the forum. As I see it, lots of people buy lottery tickets and dream of what they will do if they win. I skip the ticket buying and go straight to the forum to dream about hitting the road with an Ollie in tow! Given the significant number of people visiting the forum as a guest, I might not be the only one who enjoys the forum for this reason. Yesterday I acted on Bill's invitation and I am now a registered user of the forum. I may, from time to time, be able to contribute to the discussions. I am very familiar with national parks in Canada, having lived and worked in them for many years. Perhaps I may be able to provide a bit of trip planning advice to someone considering a trip north of the 49th parallel? Despite my chosen user name, Oliver ownership, for me, is not likely to happen "someday soon".

Welcome! Hopefully it won’t be too much longer than SomeDaySoon. Hanging around here will help prepare you for whenever your Oliver adventures begin. We’d like to do some parks in Canada, it’s nice to know we have someone familiar with them. Mike

There are a lot of opinions on tow vehicles, but a tour of any campground shows that the vast majority of people choose full size pickup trucks, 1/2 ton and up, as their tow vehicle. And that’s because it’s about a lot more than just the rated towing capacity of the vehicle. The payload (cargo) weight rating and tongue weight limits are important too, but as John mentioned above, also cargo volume (space) is a major issue. We tried towing with large body on frame SUVs (a Ford Expedition EL extended length, and a Nissan Armada), and found that while the towing weight capacity and cargo weight rating was adequate, the bigger issue with the SUVs was not having enough space for all the things that go along on extended long camping road trips. Things such as bicycles, outdoor rug, camp chairs, awning screen, folding picnic table, clothes drying rack, portable grill, Andersen jack buckets, leveling blocks, large rubber wheel chocks, X-chocks, portable solar panel, water filtration system, generator & gas can, portable waste tote tank, tools, some spare parts, roadside emergency gear, etc. It’s all stuff we actually do use on trips, some folks can get by with less 🙂. And a lot of the camping gear gets dirty/muddy at the campgrounds, so better to store that stuff in a truck bed than the carpeted/upholstered interior of an expensive plush SUV. We finally ended up with an F-250 which meets our needs.

I'm glad you joined our forum. My gut feeling is that everyone has something to share, maybe they just don't realize their knowledge is useful and would be of help to somebody. Welcome from Hull #050.

A quick internet search on the specs places it somewhere just below the capabilities of a newer model 1/2 ton pickup and way ahead of a '92 Ford Ranger.

SomeDaySoon - Thank you for joining - it wasn't really very difficult (Was it?). Certainly we can use any help that you are willing to provide to include your knowledge of Canada's National Parks. If your goal really is to see all there is in Canada and the USA - I'd strongly recommend that you get started. Every single time I hit the road I see something new and that's even if I go back to the same place that I've been before. Simply put - there is not enough time and the sooner you get to it I'm guessing that there will be even more for you to find. If there is anything that we can do to help your journey - please - ask. Welcome! Bill

And, some of us don't carry folding picnic tables, nor bikes, awning screens, massive tool kits etc, etc. Some people camp a lot, in home state. Others travel a lot. Either way, what you carry depends on your own judgment. I think it's important to point out what you really should have, if you feel the need to carry a lot of gear. It's also important to recognize that some of us DON'T carry a lot, and don't "need" it, and don't need a huge truck. It all depends on our individual camping styles, and where we go. I've been super happy with my Silverado 1500 for over a decade, and it's my daily driver. But, my mom (88) now has a hard time getting into the cab, even with my smurf bars. I'm considering replacing it with an suv. (My husband's truck is way bigger, and impossible for her.) I'm watching the new , and used, offerings. I love my truck. And I can borrow an suv from my son-in-law, but that's cumbersome. I hate change, but, hey, sometimes it is what it is. Sometimes, we have to look ro the happy medium.

I've towed my '17 LE2 about 12,000 miles in two years with my '20 Tundra TRD Sport and find it more than adequate. I think the Anderson WDH is an absolute must with any half ton and I personally wouldn't leave home without it. The issue I have with my TRD is that the extra bells and whistles reduce payload. I pack light but if I were to tow in the mountains out west carrying more gear, I no doubt would want a 3/4 ton pickup!

@SomeDaySoon, I'm sure you can add to the conversation on Canadian campgrounds, among other things. A lot of us truly enjoy the welcome of our northern friends and neighbors, and your beautiful Provincial and territory parks. Welcome from #12. Love your chosen screen name, but I'll probably be listening to that old Judy Collins song (that I loved) in my head for awhile....🤣

Unless you only travel with one other person you are going to find the cargo volume to be extremely lacking. Eventually the aftermarket will come up with a full length cargo floor going across the second row, but it hasn’t got there yet. You could pull out that third row and build your own platform, or commission a custom build…. But what a PITA to have to do it. They need to offer a non- hybrid stripped model (no third row, no hybrid battery poking up out of the deck) for people who actually use the truck for other things than carrying a kid’s soccer team. Then they could add extra fuel capacity there to compensate for the big fuel economy drop. If you plan to tow a lot, you won’t get great mpgs with the hybrid anyway. I like a lot of the truck’s features, and hate a few, but would never buy the hybrid. If you haven’t seen one in person, go to a dealer and take a close look. Compare the cargo area to a 2022 model with the IRS instead of the solid axle. I looked at a TRD Pro (my favorite) and was pretty darned depressed afterwards, and by the $80k sticker.…. John Davies Spokane WA

This is the things that you learn by watching (on the Forum) the problems, little discoveries, etc... and more importantly what they did to resolve the problem. After a while, you will develop a level of confidence in your ability to handle most anything that comes up in your travels. Bigger things... might require some support from Oliver... or can be fixed at home in your driveway where most likely you have access to more tools. I tend to go around my Ollie after I get home and check, clean, adjust, fix or whatever while things are fresh in my mind. Then after it's washed and waxed I put the cover on it while awaiting the next adventure.

2017 TRD Double Cab, used Sumo Springs, which are easy to install. Loaded everything down and headed off on a 5000-mile trip with the Elite II in tow. Went from North Idaho to Middle Tennessee and back, including side trips. The Tundra did a great job at all posted speeds. I was selective of what I took along and did not officially weigh the rig but I felt I was nearing capacity. Moving forward, I will be looking into an HD pick-up, something like GMC 3500. I would like to take along more things I consider essential for long trips. Would like to add a canopy with a bed slide and not worry about being overloaded. But if I was just going to vacation once or twice a year and do some local camping the Tundra is more than adequate.

Glad that was it. It’s one of those collective knowledge items that you get from this forum. I don’t think it’s actually documented anywhere in any of the instruction manuals.

Make sure both valves (hot and cold) for the outside shower are turned off. If they are left open it allows cold water and hot water to mix in the plumbing system.

Nice mount there, do you have pictures of how you wired that in? Would love to copy this one but didn't see a good route for the wires and want to learn from a good setup. Thanks! Brian

Here's a close-up of JD's favorite part - the self-adjuster! It appears to be a good design (perhaps not). The spring is very straight and evenly stretched. I disassembled one brake assembly completely, lot's of work and some cussing will be involved in getting these back together! Good maintenance would include applying some silicone grease (I use Napa Sil-Glyde) on the shoe contact points and inside the adjuster. This is a good product for all automotive brake systems. I have a full set of drum brake tools, from back in the day when my '67 Buicks had drums all the way around. A tool to compress the shoe pin springs and another to stretch the springs.

Art and David, Great photos!!!!! Love Flag photos!!!!!!!!

Sounds like you’re gonna DIY the bearing overhaul! Did the same last May, went with the Timkens as well, from Summit Racing. The CRC degreaser and brake cleaners I used worked great along with a parts cleaning brush and drip pan. I also ordered a brass drift punch for use in driving out the races and the Red Line CV-2 grease that John E Davies highly recommends. I found placing paper towels under the spindle prior to installing the bearings useful in keeping grease off the underlying brake components. Since the wheels are off and grease likely leaked from the rear seals, take time to throughly cleanup residuals and wash the tires. If you haven’t done so already, now would be a good time the replace the grease zerks with the angled variety. Many install 90°, but I choose 45° from Grainger’s. Good luck with your endeavor!

I would guess about 70 or 80% of owners are members. A lot of trailers are on their second or third owner, so those trailers would have 2 or 3 forum members. Others join to look and get info before they order a trailer - some order and some don’t. Some are members while their trailer is being built. As far as I know once someone is registered they stay a member even if they sell and never log back on. I can remember some years ago when if we got 20 online it was a big deal! Times have changed! Mike

Thanks Bill

Your pic got me to think’n, mine are different so did some research. I have the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric brake setup, 2020 OLEll, 579.

Be careful if a shutdown happens it can close National Parks Oct 1. We are heading to mighty 5 in Utah soon and the Utah Governor stated yesterday that Utah plans to keep their NP’s open by paying the operating costs from Utahs budget. 90% of Utahs campgrounds are Federal Parks and many communities rely on camping public to survive.

Ditto: We had a call to Truma at one point and their first question was if we had an outside shower. Same issue fixed Truma as well. Hot and cold shower valves must be off or hot and cold water mix and the heater will run and only produce lukewarm water.

Frank, Holy cow! That was EXACTLY the case. How in God’s creation did you learn that? Many, many thanks.

See my reply to your other post about the camera. The wiring can be accessed via the attic. You will need to remove the two self tapping screws/bolts at the bottom of the left (curbside) panel and pull down the insulation. You should be able to locate where the wires from the camera come through the roof. Follow those wires about a foot to 18 inches and you should come to the pin connector I mention in the other post. Bill

Chris - Hopefully its not too late - but - I'd email ASA (assuming that this is the camera you are talking about) and tell then that your camera has a moisture leak. Chances are they will tell you to send it in (with a return authorization number). They will "test" it for the failure you told them about and if it has really failed they will send you a new camera. This process takes right around 7 business days including the shipping time. Good luck! Bill p.s. unless you cut the wiring then the camera is connected to the power wiring via a "pin connector". Simply depress the latch on the side of the connector and pull it apart. The new camera will simply plug right back into that connector. Then just follow the instructions above to get the new camera to "pair" with the monitor.

Wonderful WX here in Almont CO right along side the Gunnison River - phenomenal fly fishing... Currently mid-60's, no wind and wall-to-wall sunshine! Magnus and D got their bike ride in this AM - 3+ miles at 8,100'MSL.

My 2018 F150 SuperCab, 6.5 ft bed, Coyote 5.0L V8 has pulled up over the Rocky Mts several times without having to lose any speed at all. The RPMs may rev high in the 3500-4000 range for a brief time, but that is well under the red line. While towing my 2008 Elite, I always put the drive train in the "Tow-Haul" mode, which locks out the 9th and 10th gears on the 10 speed transmission. "Tow-Haul" mode greatly reduces transmission gear hunting and reduces stress on the transmission. Non towing MPG is around 23 at posted highway speeds and 14.0 while towing at 65MPH. (My truck is short enough to fit inside my garage)

I'm missing two black weep hole plugs, but I had completely forgot about them as I blocked them with white Gorilla duct tape, strong stuff. They blend in too well to remind me. I just now looked at them, after nearly 2.5 years outside, and they're still perfect. Maybe I should pull the other two plugs to match. I'm getting a bit of water inside with heavy rains. Or, like my walk-in door, maybe the frames are leaking. Since I pulled off the door fame off the hull and resealed, it's been perfect, no more leaks. Super easy job. I have a post somewhere in the forums. No vid yet, not sure how to organize content.

A properly designed bus bar should have close to ZERO ohms resistance. I suspect that poor wiring construction practices are contributing and that there is more to this story. John Davies Spokane WA

This is great advice -- I've never heard of a vehicle or trailer creasing. Nothing like witnessing an event to drive it home. I watched a (poorly loaded?) travel trailer sway on the interstate and roll, taking the TV into the ditch. I'll never forget that. Winds are curious because they do unexpected things around static objects (buildings, other vehicles). I have some great straps for tie-down, and lots of big rocks, and they're necessary for daily living here. In spite of that, I've noticed very little blown debris on the roadsides. I had forgotten what it was like to drive down a highway and see pristine landscape, whether farm field, forest or rolling plain.

We use a Weber Q1200 (it runs hot), and a Camp Chef Ranger 2 burner. Both without regulators. I had a old aluminum stand for the old 2 burner Coleman camp stove, that I made a pine butcher block top that sits on the stand. It can hold the Weber or Camp Chef stove.

We are currently using a Blackstone 17 inch. I built a special rack in the truck to hold the two parts of it. It cooks really well and is now easy to pack. I run it off the onboard propane tanks.

We won one of these at the 2022 Rally. It was so big, I was barely able to get into our 3500 Silverado to take it home. I sold it within a week, never took it out of the box. Just way too big for me to consider.

Woke up early this morning @ 2:30AM and checked to see what was on the forum (true story). After seeing your post decided to order a set of shocks for our 2015 LE2 Ollie. Got back to sleep easily after making that decision! 😁

OK... SHOCKS. Back story: I noticed last week that we may have a couple of leaky Monroe shocks after doing a fairly major undercarriage power wash of our Ollie's running gear. That said, I ordered 4 Monroe replacements last Thursday and we wandered off for an extended Easter weekend at a lakeside state park in southern NM to get into some warmer climes. Anyhow, that was a 380+ round trip drill, right? So, as I was cleaning the rig this morning, FedEx arrives with the replacements - perfect frigg'n timing. I jacked-up and jack-standed the Ollie and commenced the shock R&R drill many of you have done over the years. Here's the deal... I'm fairly certain the shocks I removed on this drill were originals from the Oliver factory. The R&R went smooth as it could have. The only modification was adding fender washers on the upper and lower brackets and fresh nyloc nuts. At the end of the day - uplifted peace of mind regarding the running gear package. As it turned out (see pix) 3 of the four Monroes were Tango Uniform - they were just along for the ride and not providing any stability to the overall suspension system. A functional shock when compressed will expand to its fully extended length. The pic shows 3 of the removed Monroes compressed and not extending. Only one was marginally operational. Not good, IMHO. RECOMMENDATION: I believe these units were at least 5+ years old. So, if any of y'all out there are kinda like me and can't sleep at night when you know something's "not quite right" - and you may have 5+ year old vintage shocks, take a couple hours and check 'em out before your next road trip. Granted the Ollie suspension isn't "bomb proof" but it is somewhat robust as compared to other SOBs. With dual leafs and the Dexter coupler, the shocks contribute to stabilizing g-forces and actually aid in reduceing tire wear while being towed. That is... if the shocks are working as designed and not blown out. I'm planning to check them annually when I do my wheel bearings... Just say'n. Safe travels --- looking forward to seeing y'all down the road, until then; Cheers!

When I was researching the rear receiver, I was told by my sales agent that they had raised the weight limit to 150# Regardless, we did not opt for the rear receiver since our bike rack (1UP) is 2". We found a hitch to work between the pickup and the trailer