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If you see water dripping from this bolt under the front center of your trailer look for a leak under the bathroom sink In my case it was a split in the sink tailpiece. The split was on the side not visible so I didn’t find it until I removed the tailpiece. I couldn’t find this style of tailpiece at any of my local hardware places including Lowe’s because most tailpieces are made for sinks with built in overflows. I finally found a tailpiece that would work at a place that had an old supply of mobile home parts. It was plastic instead of metal but it worked great. I will order another tailpiece, either this one or a metal one, to put in my parts box. Installed pictures. The stopper is better than the rubber plug used before I cannot understand why the factory puts that fixed caddy under the bathroom sink. Sure, it’s no problem to remove and replace, but the fiberglass won’t stand the removal and reinsertion of the screws many more times. And when you remove, replace, and recaulk the caddy you have to wait until the caulk cures enough before you can use the shower. I will be installing a marine deck hatch in its place.

As I said earlier, only the Elites made between 2007 and 2009 were delivered with the 5000 pound couplers. The next Elite built by Oliver was Hull #073 delivered in 2015 and was equipped with a 7000 pound coupler. The current standard OEM for both the Elite and Elite II is the 7000 pound coupler.

Hold up, ya'll. The top of his hitch says class 3 but the bottom says class 4. Which is it? @rideadeuce can you get a better image of that label?

I can't imagine what the first bath in 67 years must feel like - no wonder you like it.😂

I didn't realize I was buying a palace when I got my LE2. Ok, I opted for the thicker mattresses and the roof mounted air conditioner (what? that's standard?). I also purchased the upgraded lithium battery option. However, with all of the options I put on it, it will never be as comfortable or as extravagant as: To me, luxury has a different meaning and something I wouldn't buy for any amount of money. I bought my Oliver because it is the best built, highest quality travel trailer that makes the absolute best use of space in the industry. Lux? No way.

Agree….exactly what I did, using 3M Thinsulate SM600L and 1/2” foam pipe insulation!😊

It's the number in the casting that is most important. The strength is in the casting. The label gets added after casting of course, and after the sleeve and latch mechanism is mounted, and even later after painting. Since it is the label that was added incorrectly, btw, makes this a BD defect and not an OTT assembly mistake, since upon installation the label would be most apparent, and no technician would think they'd have to check two manufacturer markings to be certain of application. Thank goodness ours has 7000 LB on the casting and label. This is in a way a one-off defect, but what is unknown is the batch size. Did Bulldog make just one of these (likely not), or did they produce 100s like this in their manufacturing process? Bulldog must act quickly and communicate a recall.

I don't mind letting it run in the rain. However, I want a cover to keep the plastic and metal looking like new. *buys more wax and Armorall* Let me clarify, I keep mine under cover and don't let sunlight bake it or risk arcing electricity when water runs down the front outlets. I have a Cummins 4500i which includes dust covers and rain protection: Even though the covers protect it somewhat, it is still not rated to run in wet weather. So far, I haven't needed it since I have plenty of battery power. But if I did, I would run it under my truck near the back away from the diesel fuel lines. There is plenty of clearance and I position the exhaust out toward the rain.

That little generator tent is kind of cut, or not! 🤣 Just let 'er run in the rain, and if it's not running, get one that can. Most generators are built to weather the storm! Can't stop thinking of the cute lil' baby's bassinette to keep her out of the rain. Just run it, rain or not. It would be like me not running a truck or tactor, on a farm property, cause it's just raining! If the rain comes They run and hide their heads They might as well be dead If the rain comes..." (John Lennon 1966) Love you guys but think of your bigger travel issues and let your generator, be a generator! Or just go solar and don't even ever again think about it! I will never carry one again! Would if truly required, but not with battery technology today... The genset is now or soon becoming obsolete in RV life.

The Anderson has about a 10 time learning curve. Once you figure it out, its easy. Here are some suggestions: First don't mess with the chain lengths or their attachment points unless you are a professional installer or super experienced in the process. Doing so will surely cause grief. So, for Hooking up the Anderson tips I have found useful: Always have both side tires chalked. Ollie going for a down hill ride by itself will be costly. And could be deadly. Save yourself grief and strive to only hook up and unhook with Ollie and TV being very straight. You figure that one out soon enough. Loosen your chain nuts full loose is a starter step. Like FULL LOOSE with half the threads of the nut showing. If you have air bags, to a point, the higher you raise the TV, the looser the chains get. Raise up, couple up, hook up whale plate, then lower to runnng height, then tighten the nuts. Having some lubricant on the whale plate and locking pins greatly eases install. I use a can of spray lithium grease on mine. Have a rag or paper towels handy. If you find stranage stains on your leg or pants .... you know where they came from. GJ

And - while you are under there - it might be a good idea to put some insulation on those water lines. Insulation on the hot line will help keep the water hotter and insulation on the cold line ( and hot) will help prevent freezing of the lines in below 30 degree weather. Bill

You could mount a receiver in the corner of the front basket, to drop the handle of a golf umbrella into when it rains. ☺️

Make sure that you get SPECIFIC instruction as to the location. They are not very far out of the center of Murfreesboro but they are on a rural road and it is fairly easy to miss the "entrance" into the property. A good look at Google maps with the Satellite view will help. Tell the guys "hi" for me and see ya at the Rally! Bill

That is why I put my pair of dual-fuel Champion generators in the bed of my pickup, under the truck canopy, when it is raining. Even though I don't have the optional front 30A power connection, I have a 50-ft. 30A power cord that will reach the 30A connection on the driver's side of the Elite II.

I would be more concerned (depending on ambient conditions) with the generator overheating with a tight fitting cover. Something like an umbrella like cover vs an enclose would be my preference.

Thanks for everyone's comments. Not sure about running any generator in the rain that isn't specifically designed for it. See label below from Honda's EU2200 manual which is what we have. On the other hand, please don't ask me if I have carefully read the entire manual before operation. I have enough trouble with my hair as it is...don't want any of those zzzzap-curls! I've gotten enough of those in the past 🤯

We used the same one that @topgun2 refers to: The "O-ring" keeps paper goods nice and dry inside when the wet-head is being used as a shower... Here's a pic of our install/mod: Cheers!

@jd1923 brings up a good point regarding the future of the portable GENSET and RV life. IMO, it will remain a key item on some RV'er's pack-up checklist - it will not on others, as camping style will dictate its place in the future. The more rigs configured with high-capacity lithium battery banks and large solar module arrays the less (if at all) a GENSET will be needed. Our Honda 12+ year old EU2000 hasn't seen the light of day on a camping trip since we've owned our OTT - as our Oliver's configuration supports our boon docking needs. We're still packing it, but it has become a tertiary-level backup item. Other owners, w/o large solar and battery AH storage capabilities, use and rely on their GENSET for their style of camping because it's used to recharge their batteries - all good! Others don't need a GENSET because they choose the RV Park camping style - still ALL GOOD! So, the GENSET may still have a place in the future of RV'ing but perhaps in a different way it did say, 10 or 15 years ago. Regarding the cute GENSET "tent" - save your money, IMO. Most modern generators are happy providing needed AC power in most weather conditions. We've had our's running famously in rain, sleet, and snowy conditions. In the later, its important to keep the air intake area cleared of accumulated snow - but otherwise, never experienced a problem. Cheers!

Good eye. The sticker and the mold identification are inconsistent. The sticker has a bit missing and some black overspray from previous year's touch-up. I believe that the wrong sticker was applied to the Class III 2 in coupler. Which also adds to the intrigue on how this all happened. I tried to take some better pictures not sure if they show up any better. But I did find a new sticker picture for the Model 3B and it was for the 7k coupler (last picture). So looks like there is a mismatch on identification. Appreciate your input. Best, Mike

Not if you were a tent camper for 67 years. It is pure pleasure! PS: I'm 6'3 225 and love our wet bath! 🙂 GJ

Magnesium for sure. GJ

Safety John says when hooking up, the TV should be off, in park, and with emergency brake set. GJ

I don't honestly know how the ram 1500 air system works but on my truck I can select "manual" mode to prevent the air suspension from auto-correcting. The other method is to turn the ignition off thereby deactivating the air pump.

It sort of looks like THIS one. But, take a look at Mossemi's comments in his post above dated June 28, 2022. Bill

We use magnesium. Used aluminum once and got a buildup of aluminum hydroxide in the tank. It looks like clear slime and is caused by a reaction between the aluminum rod and certain types of water.

However, the Yamaha has a smaller motor and will not run some A/C units with or without an EZ start as a result... despite being a 2000 watt inverter. Both the Honda 2000 EU and 2200 EU inverters will.

As I recall, Oliver has been sent a link to this thread. Given the gravity of the error, it would be appropriate customer care, in my judgment, for Oliver to provide an answer to this question. I also recommend that all Elite II owners with 2" couplers verify that their Bulldog couplers are rated for 7K lbs.

Concur, 100%! Although it could use a B-17 Flying Fortress navigator's plexiglas observation bubble instead of the bathroom fan for us tall dudes.... just say'n

We used Two 100 Watt Costco Solar Panels that they sell new in the box for just under $100. I bought three. Two to use and one as a spare. Each panel comes with instructions and wiring. The Airstream had an external connection for Solar on the Battery Box that holds the two 12 volt AGM Interstate Batteries that now can be purchased, also at Costco. I am not an electrician. I am not a Solar Installer for a Travel Trailer lot. You connect the + to the + side of the battery and the - to the - of the battery with the +/- of the Solar Panel. Diode is yellow when Charging and Green when batteries are charged. I could run a long thin pair of wires to place the Solar Panel against a milk crate with some rocks added, and move it with the Sun. Then I bought a second panel added it and charged faster. I sold the 25 foot Airstream and gave them one panel and now have Solar on the Roof of the Oliver and the Airstream. Easier for sure... but the Costco panels I have two left and if I need them in the future... repeat what I did previously. My rooftop Solar Panels provide us with all the 12 volt power we need. If they do not keep up with our simple needs for minimal power... add a panel, lean it against a Milk Crate and back in business. If anyone is curious I will try to find some photographs of our Portable Solar System for $100 and double it for $200. Better than the Honda that came with the Oliver that we never use. No Air Conditioning or TV while Off the Grid Boondocking. If you NEED Air Conditioning and Television... look into an expensive Generator that needs to be hauled around with gasoline. Been doing our own Solar since 2006. I am a Neanderthal, but common sense and two thin wires was MAGIC to ME. You may want to explain how you managed to ADD portable Solar for the price of a roll of wire and some wire connectors and go Human Bean. Like me.

Super helpful post! Thank you!

Update - Just spoke with Derek at HM he said they are still working on an LP conversion kit for the 3200i. Maybe 6 months out? I am on the order list when they have the product ready to go.

I reached out to Mike at Oliver Servce about this thread last week. GJ

When painting our 2015 LE2 7000# BD hitch, always tape over the hitch label. In addition to the towing capacity label also shows maximum hitch tongue weight.

Thank you to everyone who answered. I finally heard back from Suburban and part numbers 233514 and 233516 (one is an aluminum rod the other is magnesium) supersede all lower numbered parts. Now I guess the question is which is better aluminum or magnesium or does it really matter? I hope this info helps someone in the future.

Did our first night at #1 25F!!! Nice and warm inside.

We have used these for the last six years. They last us about three years.

Great idea! I always have 3 or 4 of the current year's brochures to hand out. Bill

Congratulations. I was a bit overwhelmed during pickup but after a night in their campground I reviewed all my notes and practiced turning things on and off. I had a few questions and found some minor things and it was great to walk over and ask them. Pick up extra Oliver Brochures to hand out to everyone who will want to know about your Oliver at fuel stops and campgrounds on your way back home! Safe travels.

It occurred to me earlier today that unless you have had your Oliver ceramic coated by CGI in Murfreesboro, TN, you would not get the reference to the chickens in the post above. Well, there are a number of these critters on the property used by CGI. As the story goes, Gavin brought home a couple because - well - he likes chickens. Somehow that couple grew to a small flock of all different kinds to include chickens with feathered feet.

We were going to, but it would have put us over our GVWR with our golf cart in the rear garage.

@rideadeuce If Bulldog does in fact send a replacement coupler, be sure to request the 2-5/16" coupler. Ask them to ship it to my house and I’ll buy you the beverage of your choice!😎 Mossey

OMG, I've seen a lot of automotive failures, but NEVER one of this kind! The Bulldog ("think Bulldog" means strength) should be an extremely strong hardened steel connection. I've towed 30 some trailers in my lifetime and NEVER would I contemplate this kind if occurrence! 🤕 Trailer hitches have issues, but NEVER of this kind! I'm a Mechanical Engineer with over 45 years of automotive restoration experience. This of course, is NOT, not right. This pisses me off! It appears that somehow you came out of this OK... Thank God, and God bless you and yours! You purchased a relatively new OTT, and tG your OTT did not break away and end up upside down in a ditch! You have a strong liability claims again OTT, Bulldog, and perhaps other parties. Not only should you not move, for a replacement, for a welder, or absolutley anything else. You have already good pics here but take another 100 pics at every possible angle. If your Oliver is insured, file a claim asap. And if so, don't touch ANYTHING. From our family to yours, God Bless you and yours! You must have good Charma, because without it... you would not be writing about this but instead living the reality of this disaster.

Great advice!

Maybe “Rugged” or “Durable” would be better?

Apropos of nothing, the first new version of the Bowlus Road Chief travel trailer I saw was being towed through Canby, Oregon by a Tesla.

Normally after loading for a trip and connecting our LE2 Ollie, our Tundra’s weight normally comes in around 300 pounds or more under gross weight and under both axle maximum weights. Even though our current 2022 Tundra has a lower gross weight than our previous 2016 Tundra, it has a higher load capacity, that I appreciate. We never get close to our current Tundra’s gross weight. Like I say, we never exceed any placarded weights and appreciate Toyota being conservative with their weights. This practice takes care of insurance concerns.

Read this entire posting, there is a link to the proper tool under a post by Townesw. Mossey

Sure am glad about that - given the "camo green" color of the pool noodle I'm sure you could miss it.😁

@John E Davies, I used plastic retainer clips for a while but the vhb tape on them didn't hold for very long on the shiny, waxed gelcoat. I've also been using a noodle for about a year now! I do want to put on some semi-permanent clips eventually - for looks, functionality and convenience. I have to find some decent stainless clips and I'll try 3M 4000 adhesive/sealant. Either way, "Secure the shower hose" has always been on our pre-departure checklist. 🙂

I covered the area to be drilled with blue masking tape. Then I did my layout on the masking tape and then used a hole saw and drilled in reverse. Worked pretty good with new drill bits. Mossey