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Showing content with the highest reputation on 04/07/2024 in all areas
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PJ at Princess Craft has a video on one of their Elite II’s. She does videos on all the trailers they sell. They are going to be represented at the Texas Oliver rally at Inks Lake State Park in October and will sponsor a BBQ.5 points
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I guess I have mixed emotions on this. I love the quality of the trailer. However, I live in Northern Minnesota and there are no dealers close to me. I bought a barely traveled 2021 LE2 last summer in Texas. I did visit the factory before making my decision on purchasing an Oliver and was going to go the new route until the one I purchased became available. Phil mentioned the biggest downside was no warranty. I have no regrets and still won't no matter what happens. I look at it this way. Many of the systems are not proprietary to Oliver. A Truma water heater can get serviced at a Truma dealer and they'll be familiar with it. I had a mixing tank crack on my Truma water heater and a local dealer installed a new one, I would have done it myself but, the warranty through Truma didn't apply if I did not have a dealer install it ($500 labor above the water heater cost). Dealers may not understand the entire Oliver but they'll likely understand a problem I may encounter. I would also think that some dealers are familiar with servicing solar systems, inverters, and charge controllers. It seems like Oliver may be trying to get away from that kind of work and stick to Oliver specific items only, or at least until a full transition to the dealer network happens. For the benefits of all owners, I hope they decide to keep doing all service work! With the recent discussion on springs, I will be checking mine when I get it out of storage next week and will replace them myself if necessary. I typically work on and fix most things myself as it helps me understand things not to mention the fact that I like to do that kind of stuff. Not everyone can and I understand that. Hopefully their internal discussion will bring some kind of positive compromise for all. Either way, I'm not selling mine any time soon.5 points
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There’s nothing inherently wrong with using the rear jacks as levelers. In the early days, that was one of the of their main selling points. Then the lawyers got involved. The rear jacks are exactly the same as the front jack. Do you use the front jack to lift the trailer?4 points
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That’s the P-trap's job or in the Ollie, it's the one way valve under the kitchen sink topgun2 mentioned above. The bathroom has a P-trap and it creates a block in the vent system with water in the trap. The one way valve under the kitchen sink does the same with a valve. You said you don’t smell it anywhere else in the Ollie, so maybe you are bringing it inside when you enter the door, Mossey3 points
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I would not rely on a detector, if we smell propane, we shut of the tanks and start troubleshooting. Trust your instincts! Mossey3 points
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Well - there is a "one way air valve" under the galley sink that prevents grey tank odors from coming back up through the sink drain. Every now and then this valve can become "stuck" and what you will get is almost exactly what you describe. The "fix" is to get under the sink and give that valve a couple of light to medium taps with a hammer or something similar. Don't overdo the taps. If that doesn't do it - get yourself some grey tank deodorant and follow the instructions. Good luck! Bill p.s. this stuff can be found in the RV section (usually near sporting goods) in many WalMarts, or at most RV places and (of course) Amazon like THIS STUFF3 points
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We replaced the entire unit, and never looked back. The seal was broken on the old fan. It wasn't a huge job, and could have been done from a scaffold or ladder, on the outside, with longer arms than mine. The release mechanism, and bezel, on the inside are different, so my answer would be, I don't think so. Get the new fan, enjoy the overhead light, and don't look back. I think, personally, this should be an upgrade offered by Oliver. It's not a huge price difference, but I do so love an overhead light, and a fuse that can be replaced without tearing the fan apart. I was concerned several years ago, when we changed it out, that fan noise would increase over time. It hasn't, at least for us.2 points
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When you say "detector" are you referring to the CO/Propane Alarm? Or to a Gas Detector (a measuring tool that you brought, doesn't come with the Oliver)? Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Detector-Portable-Combustible-Explosive/dp/B07FSVCSSL Greasing the Zerks was an easy job, thanks to Jason's excellent video referenced above. The only thing I would add that really helped me out is one of those small mirrors on a stick that you can use to see better at the zerks that are sandwiched. You'll know what I mean once you get to the job. I found one of those mirrors for $1 at the "discount" basket at a feed n seed store last summer.2 points
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Just pointing out that Oliver doesn't consider the rear jacks to be for leveling. Of course, like everyone else, we use the front jack to level front to back. We then make minor side to side adjustments with the rear jacks after initially using ramp levelers when needed. It's not a question of the load that the jacks can handle. Using the rear jacks to level side to side enough to raise the wheels off the ground can be dangerous since the wheel chocks on that side could be rendered ineffective. Due to the potential liability, it's probably not wise for Oliver or their dealers to use the term "leveling" jacks.2 points
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We have a new HEB that just opened in March that’s just a few miles from where we live, no more driving into Boerne for groceries. HEB is based in San Antonio. They pretty much have a monopoly around here, except for Walmarts. No comparison between the two. If you’re here in the Hill Country for the eclipse, get your groceries at the nearest HEB! Mike2 points
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Nothing like some good HEB Pecan Coffee. Brought a supply home. Went to college at Trinity U. In SA with Howard E Butt, III, Chairman of the Board. He was a tennis player.2 points
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Don't forget that the drain vent is above the closet and you would be closest to it while entering the Ollie. Mossey2 points
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John, Consider a can of compressed air to help clear the window tracks of debris. This has worked well for me in the past. 👍🏻2 points
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I took a wet paper towel and ran it along the track. That seemed to take care of the fuzzy look. I will keep the night shades up a couple inches as I had them completely closed before. I did check the drain holes and they're free of debris. Thanks for your comments. John2 points
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Well, I did everything under the truck when I first got it last summer! Notice the new Bilstein shocks, these would have been installed in 5 minutes each with the bed off! New brake fluid all around, and larger later gen brakes up front. The lines and everything are perfect in this AZ rust-free truck. I did the diff with new oil and PT additive, everything. The supply line will be replaced with a new 1/2" fuel line included with the kit. Good to read of your project @Half Fast Hugo. I went directly with the full Fleece kit vs. a Fass or other frame-mounted lift pump since my truck was dealer retrofitted with an in-tank pump when it was new. I purchased new rubber hose for the tank filler and vent. The metal end of the vent line was rusty inside, so brushed that out. Great time to replace the exhaust hangers but the rubber on them is still supple. Painting no, don't really believe in paint on paint unless you were doing a frame-off, everything clean and sanded. Pressure washing yes, sure looks great after all the Arizona red dirt is gone! Before and after pics to follow --2 points
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Here's a nice video from Oliver (Jason) showing where the 16 grease zerks are and how to grease them, enjoy! make sure you buy a grease gun with flexible hose and a lockNlube grease gun style coupler like this.2 points
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I think they are making an unfortunate decision, unless they are giving up camping/traveling all together. My experience is that most bugs get worked out during the warranty period and shortly after. We’ve had years of trouble free camping, just normal routine maintenance (bearings, brakes, shocks, etc). Someone will benefit from their sale, an Oliver well broken-in and bugs worked out! Mike2 points
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Thanks for the confirmation of Oliver Travel Trailers' continued dedication to Oliver customers, past, present, and future. "Transition" is a common event in the life cycle of businesses as they mature and grow. With OTT's strong heritage and dedication to building a quality travel trailer that, with proper care, will last a lifetime, you have brought value to the market and joy to many individuals and families throughout the nation. I wish you and all employees of OTT all the best as your company evolves into the future.2 points
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Our Oliver being our first and last travel trailer I cannot comment on service from other RV dealers. I have heard from some on here and have friends that have SOB and hear their stories. I understand that Oliver's decision to move all their service (except for major repairs) to the new dealer network has made people very nervous about their new experience. I can do some of the normal DIY stuff but I get nervous when working with the electrical items yet. I am getting a new inverter in a couple weeks. Oliver offered to walk me thru installing it myself but I did not feel confident so off to the factory we go, about 10 hours for me. I do plan to pick their brains a bunch around the inverter and use. My opinion only - I think it would be good for all of us if Oliver went forward with the idea of training service at the new dealer network. Gives us options when we are on the road and need some service. I also think many here would feel better if Oliver continued to offer service at the factory. It could be a limited amount of appointments instead of their current service model if resources are an issue. After reading threads here for over four years I can see where Oliver has heard from Owners and have made changes/upgrades over the years. I believe that same will hold true in this instance. I think owners will post about their good experiences and not so good experiences and then we as owners can make more informed choices pertaining to where to get service. I am sure Oliver will be monitoring this as it moves forward and take necessary steps to correct and improve these experiences. We would like the choice to go to the factory for service if possible. I get to see the new toys they are offering in person, I get a reason to go try out some Tennessee State Parks and make a mini vacation out of it. All that on top of the quality of service I have received at the factory. I don't think I am going to consider throwing away our investment and retirement plans just yet.2 points
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Thought some of you might get a kick out of my recent and current TV projects! I recently install and Edge Juice with Attitude kit which adds a performance chip replacing the ECM for fuel metering providing extra towing power and better GPM: Juice With Attitude (edgeproducts.com) We actually went from 12 GPM to 17 GPM, pulling the Oliver, on two recent trips in the mountains. Not at all a scientific test, since the first trip likely had more elevation ups and downs, but it is for sure much improved. Driving uphill in the mountains is now much stronger too. There are also gauges for fuel pressure, trans temp and EGT (exhaust gas temperature) for diesel engine safety when adding more power. This was a complex installation, with a dozen under the hood connections. I was very happy when the truck started up immediately after. The picture shows where I installed the Attitude display under the dash. They supply a hokey windshield mount, but I didn't want my view obstructed at all. It works nicely there. Notice above the fuel pedal, you can see where it connects to the OBD-II port for reading ECM and sensor data.1 point
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To Oliver Owners and Valued Customers, The Oliver team and family greatly appreciates and values our current owners and individuals that are considering the purchase of an Oliver. Without you the organization and Oliver brand would not be what it is today. As most of you know, Oliver Travel Trailers is going through a transition period and some of the decisions have created some questions and potential uncertainty as it relates to the direction of the company. Oliver is paying attention, listening, and monitoring all of the feedback and comments on the forum, social media, emails, and phone calls. Oliver Travel Trailers’ intent is to be very straightforward and honest with our owners, potential customers, and employees. Integrity is the foundation of the Oliver brand. Oliver feels an official company update is appropriate to help clear things up. The following are some key facts: The rumor that Oliver Travel Trailers is positioning the business to sell is absolutely a false statement. The Oliver sales team is still actively working with all new and existing customers to answer questions and assist in the purchasing process. If you are interested in purchasing an Oliver or have questions, please contact us directly. The Oliver service team is still actively providing technical support to our Oliver owners to ensure issues are resolved as quickly as possible. If you have technical support needs, please contact us directly for assistance. The decision to close the service department at this time has not been received well by many Oliver owners and potential customers. Oliver leadership is listening and plans to have discussions on this topic next week. Oliver will update our owners in the coming weeks regarding any changes. Again, Oliver Travel Trailers truly values the voice of our owners and potential customers. We’re listening and we care. Oliver Travel Trailers isn’t a prefect organization, but we are committed to ensuring our brand, our owners, and our future customers have a product and customer support that is the best it can be. Thank you for being part of the Oliver Family. Rodney Lomax Director of Operations Oliver Travel Trailers Sales & Service1 point
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Re-check that your valves under the curb side bed are in the proper position. There is a valve that if in the wrong position will allow city water to flow into your fresh tank.1 point
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You're welcome! I remove the bracket (2 bumper bolts only) then re-install the 2 bolts only through the bumper for travel so the lights are not blocked. This is easier than removing 4 nuts from the U-clamps. The telescope pole allows me to keep the pole inside of my OE2. Hope this helps!1 point
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I'm hoping this is the case. And I just noticed you are from Lutz. We are in New Tampa. 🙂1 point
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Tell them not to sell yet. All is not lost. "The decision to close the service department at this time has not been received well by many Oliver owners and potential customers. Oliver leadership is listening and plans to have discussions on this topic next week. Oliver will update our owners in the coming weeks regarding any changes." Oliver was listening.1 point
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I really like my Oliver. For me an Oliver is a lot of money. I'm 3 hours from Hohenwald as we come back from Florida in February we leave the Oliver there and they service it and do anything needed. I would not have purchased a Oliver if I thought they would have not serviced it. I don't trust anyone to work on it. I'm very disappointed with the thought of Oliver not doing service work.1 point
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yes. And when we came home tonight, i could smell it from in front of the trailer, too So, I'm back to thinking that's the most likely culprit. But the drains smell like nothing, so not sure how it could affect inside??? Be that as it may, we are doing the "clean the grey" tank stuff tomorrow.1 point
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I agree. Just find a mobile RV company and build a relationship with them and also with one of the new dealers. We are 6+ hours from Hohenwald and loved stopping in late February on our way to Texas. We also have a relationship with a dealer in Indianapolis that worked on our truck camper and did a Norcold warranty repair on our Oliver fridge. I have options in the works and haven't seen the sky falling yet🙃1 point
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Another first today: the dreaded emptying of the NH "compost". Truth be told, I've had much worse experiences changing baby diapers. But don't tell my wife 🙂 Yesterday we made all the reservations for our trip to the rally in AL. Starting in RI. Stopping in: Delaware Water Gap (4 days), Gettysburg NP (3), Shenandoah NP (11), New River Gorge NP (12), Mammoth Cave NP (4). Now to go buy a grease gun and figure out what a zerk is, and how many of them I have.....1 point
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We had no doubts, either! Thanks for the well written clarification, Rodney! The Oliver family and business always comes through with the best path going forward. Cheers!1 point
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Ours was one of the tight ones! Good site though. So far it is always easier to drive out than back in!1 point
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I've been out of pocket for about a week while moving into a new home so just now catching up. It seems that change is hard for a lot of people. I can understand that. However, one thing hasn't changed. Oliver still builds great trailers. They have legendary quality and service. I don't see that changing. So, the service department in Hohenwald is shuttering for minor repairs. Does that change the quality of the trailer we own? Or does it just take away a fringe benefit? As I understand it, they will still take service calls and will handle major repairs but are handing off the minor repairs to local service centers. This really isn't any different than what I have already experienced. I have had a few problems since taking delivery, and it was handled this way without issue. I think we trust OTT to remain the legend it has always been.1 point
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@John Dorrer John, we used a cover prior to our Ollie Hangar and pool noodles really worked well on the sharp 90 degree solar panel and rear bumper corners. I found that using a little gaffers tape to secure the pool noodles really helped keep the noodle in place. The gaffers tape is similar to duct tape but will not leave a glue residue when you remove it. here - https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Premium-Grade-Gaffer-Power/dp/B00LMNYFHI/ref=sr_1_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kVU2X4gKhAp6LTbtD0ttAYQB5ypdxczKUApEmnFt6fD5VBRqjwKwhy30PsFfnY3tcTYrM11BcDq3_tHS3JMVU0Y0RpgcHlthTbBqwkbZ52MSkiuhghrQ136AWEalaXMrLHqS5eAJFNc18IFrwDY39tAXU9ybQPGDBl6gBtuMq6PbzvatViHzFxYmxu-G9GfRH5hQlQjaT_hWOFZXUuKO0uCFgCZ7I8luHGGFBTPixWVrIxVg60NB0_uKiUtWtbYg11HMHbwCY9XoNWvjYMI9_1OWstopxowoxhg30ZgTsOc.Jql5lqpSwwFO6oKrJgeMn0-MCkddi8Kyt96QgcAVnSI&dib_tag=se&hvadid=634419446280&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9009957&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1250299019061540131&hvtargid=kwd-10053117&hydadcr=6394_13298173&keywords=gaffer+tape&qid=1712369909&s=industrial&sr=1-61 point
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@John Welte To answer your original question on the best portable electric dehumidifier. I am sure there are other options out there, but this is what we use and it has worked great for the last few years. We also really like how quickly our Truma in dehumidify mode works. We also keep our frig door slightly cracked open during storage while running the dehumidifier. Naturally mold and mildew usually will not thrive with moving air. https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Breeze-Electric-Dehumidifier-Portable/dp/B01HXVUT7C/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/142-3394087-9918246?pd_rd_w=FhzcQ&content-id=amzn1.sym.2b132e63-5dcd-4ba1-be9f-9e044543d59f&pf_rd_p=2b132e63-5dcd-4ba1-be9f-9e044543d59f&pf_rd_r=S2BGQD30T201BAZKD05G&pd_rd_wg=P44kG&pd_rd_r=624683bb-794c-4efb-b5ee-829214442647&pd_rd_i=B01HXVUT7C&psc=11 point
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H.E.B. yes, lived in Texas for 9 years and grocery stores are more expensive EVERYWHERE else! Publix in Florida is EXPENSIVE. We have Fry's (Kroger) and Safeway in Arizona also EXPENSIVE! Austin has Whole Foods, some nice items but yes, EXPENSIVE. Phoenix has a specialty store, part of Bashas (volume cra@p) named AJ's. Come to Phoenix on your winter travels, go to AJ's for sure. We head to the valley and beyond every winter. When we stop at AJ's we have amazing meats to grill and deserts (amazing bakery) to last for the week!1 point
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This has always been a problem for me. Just how do you get those things out? It would seem you have to lift up and remove the glass but I can't do that either.... John, I also am in Portland and store my Ollie outside uncovered. Wish I had a cover but that's another story. In the winter, I keep the trailer plugged in with one of those oil filled radiators going inside at its lowest setting. I leave the bathroom window open a crack, unless I know a big freeze is coming. And also have my shades closed, though you may want to try leaving them open an inch or two for ventilation. I also always have some short pieces of paracord stuffed in the weep holes of the windows to aid water drainage out of the track. This was talked about a while back and it really helps keep the tracks dry. Those narrow weep holes do not drain water very effectively, but the paracord sucks the water out like a lantern wick. Some folks use pipe cleaners, but I have lots of paracord so use that with great success. Keeping those tracks clean is also important as Topgun2 mentioned. It's one of my least favorite maintenance jobs! Still trying to figure out an effective way to do it. With all of the above procedures employed, I have never had a mold issue. As for getting the mold out, maybe a distilled white vinegar/water solution as an alternative to bleach? Hopefully someone will have a solid idea. Good luck, Dave .picasa.ini1 point
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We loved all things HEB when we lived in San Antonio. HEB actually made our wedding cake and it was excellent. Great bakery, deli for sure. Nice of you to leave a card! 👍🏻😊1 point
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John - I assume that the attachments in your post above are pics of your windows. Please repost those in that I do not believe that the ".heic" extension on those files is an acceptable format in the platform we are using for the Forum. Surely your location does not help given all the moisture you probably have. The solutions will all have to do with keeping those tracks clean and drained and a bit of moisture control. Bill1 point
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Not at all. The bulk of owners rarely need major service support and while the service resources are more constrained now the build quality has remained the same. Over the years I’ve looked at Escape, Big Foot and Casita and factory service was never in the equation. The Oliver is complex, but the essence of the trailer remains unchanged.1 point
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Best of luck with your decision, Zodd. We were fortunate enough to have gone through the same decision when service was running strong. Service is what sold us ours...period. We're all hoping for a good outcome concerning Oliver and us both. When the dust settles we'll see and keep hoping until then. We're so happy with our 2022 E2 and have no reservations with our decision. But at $25ooo more for one now and having to get service elsewhere?...I can feel your pain. If this forum goes on, as strong as it is, someone will find a few good repair facilities across the country (some have already shared their experiences here on the forum) that we can all benefit from and help each other on this wonderful forum . I feel so fortunate having the moderators (ya'll don't get paid nearly enough...lol) and membership to draw help from! Hang in there! Blessings, John & Wendy1 point
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I see that many owners think that Oliver Travel Trailers is a big money maker or at least a profitable venture. OTT is only a small slice of the parent company, Oliver Technologies Inc. There are at least nine more divisions besides OTT. They also make the Safe-Step walk-in tubs. They make a whole line of items for the mobile home industry. These are the parts that most people see in Hohenwald and know about. They also have other manufacturing facilities around the country making a multitude of other products. Some of these are owned by the company and some are ventures fully owned by individual family members. As far as houses go, the family has different residences all across the US and I'm sure if any of them want a house in Bermuda they can get it. I knew Jim Oliver personally and he was proud of the Oliver name and everything he put it on. He instilled in his family that same desire to produce a quality product that could last longer than a lifetime. I'm going to say that the company is going to be fine and they are not planning to sell.1 point
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The big RV manufacturers are closing plants right now. Tiffin abandoned their new 5th wheel line. Sales are down across the industry. I can't see anyone wanting to buy a small boutique trailer manufacturer at this time.1 point
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Ralph, I'm beginning to wish we had followed suit with the lithiums :) At least our A/C is now tolerable via Truma! Oliver did a good job with that. John1 point
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There are many Ford dealers in San Antonio, I’ve been to none of them so can’t give any recommendations. Ford of Boerne isn’t too far outside of San Antonio, just about 15 miles north on I-10. I bought an F150 from them 20 years ago (not helpful) and my mother takes her Escape there for all of her maintenance and likes them a lot. Mike1 point
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I towed our Oliver with two different Ram 1500’s, similar to yours but neither had airbags. I used the Andersen with them. Mike1 point
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Definitely this and as soon as possible. Someone out there is hauling a potentially loaded down trailer with an under-spec hitch and, unlike Rideadeuce, the failure could be catastrophic.1 point
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@NomadLife thanks for posting, let us know how your shake down of that mod works out. It appears to be a very solid mounting set up.1 point
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