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I've been meaning to write this for some time and it's primarily directed for us very few Elite I (one axle) owners. I was preparing, last summer, to take my 2022 Elite I Hull #1209 to Hohenwald just shy of it's one year anniversary. My primary issue was a fiberglass defect I discovered on the roof that several of you on this Forum suggested I get repaired. A week prior, I decided to install mudflaps inside the wheel wells on the Ollie. This required that I jack it up and remove and each tire to access the frame in the wheel well where I mounted an L bracket on which to mount the mud flap. I used a 4 ton bottle jack on the front jack point and once jacked up, a 4 ton jack stand under the rear jack point for safety. I carry both on all trips. Earlier I had installed a carrier and storage box on the rear bumper receiver hitch and posted it here May 13, 2023. At that time, I developed my technique of removing the spare by just partially sliding out the rear bumper receiver hitch assembly just enough to remove the cover and spare. The carrier and box stayed filled and connected to the hitch. I was about 90 miles SE of Hohenwald on a Sunday afternoon on a two lane highway when my EEZ RV Tire Pressure Monitor alarm sounded. My curbside tire pressure was dropping. I started looking for a place to pull over as I was in a long stretch of road with a railing and no shoulder. I saw an adequate shoulder about 0.4 miles ahead. I watched the pressure fall from 60 when the alarm sounded to 8 lbs as I got to the shoulder. There was no cell service so no AAA. My TV is a Subaru Ascent SUV. I've learned to travel lighter on each trip, but I had to dig for the jack and jack stand. Since then, it's easily accessible. It was inconvenient, but I was so thankful that I had just gone through the process of jacking up the Ollie and removing the spare. I tried first pumping the tire back up, but heard air coming from the base of the valve stem. At the tire store in Hohenwald the next day, it was the valve stem that had cracked and caused the incident. My purpose in posting is to strongly urge, especially Elite I owners, to at least practice and prepare for this scenario and I can't recommend enough using a tire pressure monitor system! Safe travels and I hope to meet more of you at Lake Guntersville next month. (We'll be in site E25) Ron

Update: 4/29/2024 8:18pm... Everything looks good, enjoy. P.S. Let me know if you have any issues. Update: 4/28/2024 8:48 pm... Migration completed. Still looking through and making sure all configurations are correct and the data is intact! Update: 4/27/2024, 7:13 pm... Running into some delays, uploading files and working with the host to make sure we get everything done right and perfect. Will update as time progresses. Thank you! --- Hello Everyone, We will move the Oliver Travel Trailer's website and Oliver Owners' forums to a new website host this Saturday evening, 4/27/2024. We will try to get this done through the night to minimize activity times. This migration is a necessary step to improve our website's performance. This migration is an enormous undertaking, and we are still determining an estimated completion time. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, but we assure you that we are working diligently to make the transition as smooth as possible. During this period, the website and forums may experience intermittent downtime, and you may encounter difficulties accessing certain features. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to complete this migration. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to providing you with an improved online experience on our new website host. Best regards, Oliver Travel Trailers

I'm unclear why you would think that. Your wheels have you at 7.8K pounds, well above the stated 7K GVWR. Which tires, axles and spring packs are riding under your Hull #045? How much does your trailer weigh full of water, gear and ready to camp for a 3 month long foray? The wheels and tires under my Hull #050 have a load rating of just over 13K pounds. The Axles are rated at 10.4K pounds. The Alcan springs can support 11K pounds. The Outlaw Oliver has always weighed well over 7000 pounds in its natural habitat. And, it has traveled over 100K miles, most of it with the tires sitting at 80psi all without a single issue. I'll be forever grateful for Jim Oliver's guidance and assistance in designing the most over built Oliver rolling down the road. But, there are those here that think I tend to over-engineer everything.

Thanks for the reminders! Like you, I have a box on the back that needs to slide out to access the spare, and my Michelins are now 6 years old. It’s time for new shoes.

I'd unhook from the water there until the plumber is long gone. You don't want contaminated water from where they worked on the lines to get into your system. Another reason to use from your own water tank when the other choices are questionable.

Correct, IMO. But in the original scenario with the 3.5k# Dexters and "under-rated" 4-pack springs from China -- those springs will always be the weakest link in the running gear. Poor design - specifically regarding the short "2nd" leaf spring and questionable quality (at best) of steel will be a critical path to failure and breaking of the 1st leaf near the eyelet. Jim Oliver, lead OTT designer, had it right. He likely knew of this shortcoming since he insisted on configuring his personal rigs with the 5.2k# axles and higher rated (2,750#) spring packs. AND, the "Jim Oliver" configuration has yet to report broken spring packs. Owners having chosen to upgrade their rigs with Alcans or similar designed/rated spring packs are clearly on the right path and making an informed decision leading to significantly lowering the probability of spring failure, IMO. Do not second-guess your decision to toss the Chinese packs and upgrade your running gear to a more robust/safer configuration. For us, the 5.2k# Nev-R-Lube Dexter's with our new Alcans are close-in on our radar screen.

Proper training and practice, plus the proper gear combine to make the sport much less "risky". But that can be said for just about anything. Bill

Yes 💯agree totally worth the cost for us. 👍🏻 It lives in our TV.

@Ron and PhyllisFirst glad that it all worked out safely for you. And it’s always a good idea to check your spare periodically for correct air pressure IF you don’t use a TPMS sensor on the spare. As a part of our go to gear we always carry a floor jack, a tire temporary plug kit and we also have a portable compressor on board. (link) Not an advocate of running a plugged tire, but it will at least get you to a repair shop in a pinch. Safe Travels and hope to see you at the rally! https://www.amazon.com/40047-400P-RV-Automatic-Portable-Compressor/dp/B004B68XGC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2CXF2TAPW4C19&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Eys-V0OIft8RXPo9KyhLYMtEzTC1gVkd12IQ8QX0XsWgXT4wr-aQ3UNywG3dZFL50DToSh3Wv0fob50yoNsmRcRcgHxwz-S78KIlhwHb4OurfKZ4F-OX6GE_l_t2Ba2Wm9JIf2X1wjtHcrSxXsdwRvI16QVHnK_hFafbhZh2ZL1BsmgAMTdvek0kOlCLCHBwPe_wNBjfFxmqyyLDMtbvJSqrRbyR2UA2dkC8wSKrKlA.YXfRIKzFhg2jMU9BN2Pr1w-HMX_z-NSR68nn8Ji7Nuk&dib_tag=se&keywords=rv+air+compressor&qid=1714030907&sprefix=Rv+air+%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-4

In this scenario, I think the wheels and/or tires would limit most of us below that effective GVWR. Mine wheels are stamped with a 1950# rating.

Sounds good Jason. Thanks for the heads up!

I also carry the Dewalt in my truck behind the back seat. I like that it can use a battery or a 12 volt cable. It has no issue inflating the tires to 57 psi which is what I keep the Oliver tires. When inflating tires it is actually my go to inflator rather than my big compressor. I carry some 6x6 blocks which I have used to give me a stable base for the jack to sit on as well as an extra few inches height the two times I had to jack up the trailer on the side of the road (once for a flat tire and once when one of the drum brakes locked up). When my children learned to drive I made them change a tire on the car by themselves. They had to pull out the jack and spare, jack up the car, remove the tire and put on the spare, lower the car back to the ground and then pull off the spare and put everything back where it came from. I just quietly sat in a chair while they worked.

@Ron and Phyllis the odds were against you, but with your TPMS alarm and your cool head in finding a good place to park, you really made the best of a bad situation. Good lesson you shared and we're glad to know you two are fine. 😂 Thinking back to the half dozen trailers I've owned, never going with a single axle. Needed a trailer for our dirt bikes years ago and looked hard and found a used 12 FT flatbed dual axle. Dual axles generally come on 14 FT trailers and longer, most are 16 FT. I've had blowouts on dual-axle trailers where you lose a fender but all else is good. Thanks @topgun2 for the Dewalt compressor link. I need to get one of these when we resume spending on the Oliver (need a long break). We are a Dewalt tool family, having 8-9 20V batteries between my son and us. I bring a Dewalt handheld leaf blower to blow dirt road dust off the Oliver and clean the camping mat. My son got me this for Christmas: Amazon.com: DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B) : Patio, Lawn & Garden And you gotta have 1-2 of these for the campsite, or to change that tire at night if need be. I got everybody in the family one, so they would not take mine anymore: DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light, 100 Degree Pivoting Head, Up to 1000 Lumens of Brightness, Cordless (DCL050) - Amazon.com

Hey, @dewdev - sorry about that! Meant the cellar of the Ollie; we call it the garage, HA! But the point being, we have options when on the road if a road hazard sneaks up and bites us. Always carry one on the bike, too - used my mini 12vDC compressor and the mushroom plug kit to get a guy out of the boonies after airing down his tires too much and managed to get a pinch flat (plus he was going WAY too fast up a single track with rocks bigger than the size of baby heads).

HERE's another air compressor that is getting rave reviews with a couple of YouTuber's actually replacing the ViAir. But, its not so much about the compressor as it is being prepared in the first place. Bill p.s. Besides DeWalt a couple of the other battery powered mfg (like Ryobi) have a similar tool.

We use the same compressor, minus a few of the attachments. It appears to have gone up in price, but IMO, it’s worth the expense.

Won't be so bad in the morning if you'd cut back on the jolly juice.

Same, but mine is in a Subaru Outback.

My inverter automatically turns off when not in use but because of old habits, I just turn it on when I need it and shut it off as soon as I am done.

Proper use of aluminum

Yes but I'm afraid I might cry myself to death afterwards.

For sure. I had some parameters that I had to work within so I went with 10' wide and 10' 6" tall. Adding that extra 6" was the max I could increase the height with a 12' ceiling and that extra 6" required bigger door openers as it was. That should fit the Ollie and my TV without any issues. Might regret it if I ever get anything bigger but I am having them put down class 5 out 12' all the way down the one side in case I ever want to put a lean-to on or if I have any visiting Ollies!

So, we built a ramp for the R90 to get it into the bed of the "War Wagon" and would routinely take it on camping trips to have a fun mode of transport whilst boon docking with the "'Ol Rivet Smasher"! Sadly, we can't manage that option anymore with the TUNDRA, but we still have the ramp. This pic was taken pre-Magnus at Catalina SP near Tucson - D with our sweet "Willa"... Kinda miss those days, but Magnus and Oscar are making up for it! HA! Ya'll keep the shiny side up!

All of a sudden, the Dexter 2400 pounders don't seem so radical after all. If proven to be the case, then maybe a rethink of running your tires at 40 or 50 PSI is in order. Likely maybe 28 PSI???? But the great news is that those ALCAN's are great springs and will certainly last ten life times. Maybe 100 life times! Steve, please tell us that your post was just a joke! Please. My condolences to those "early adopters". GJ

Removed: Old Xantrex inverter, transfer switch including ac legs IN/OUT, charger from PD4000, Trojan batteries, Battery tray Mods: Wired Outlet and microwave circuit directly to breaker, mounted pos and neg bus bars using Star board (heavy), Pulled all wires from battery compartment except 4/0 pos and neg, ran wires for Epoch battery remote battery on/off switch and external battery level indicator, COM port from battery to MP2, Re-used all electrical wire (Used some new lugs and heat shrink), removed 10/3 main shore AC from EMS to PD4000Installed: POS and Neg bus bar, (2) Epoch 460 ah batteries, battery wire zip tie holders Waiting on MP2 stand to give lateral support since it will be mounted horizontally. May still bond starboard to fiberglass wall to fixate MP2 but it weighs 49lbs so I want the extra support from stand. We shall see if it fits with some modified aluminum support for feet.

Chris and I met playing tennis in 1991, and 3 years ago we transitioned to Pickleball for the community and it's also a little easier on our older bodies! Chris has competed in a bunch of tournaments with her Ladies partner, and we have played a few mixed doubles together. Loved our visit to St George for this tournament last year and we are playing it again this week: Selkirk Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah | PPA Tour So, it had the makings of a great Oliver trip. Thought we would boondock a first night just 2 hours from home, then 2 nights at Valley of Fire Nevada on the way. Starting tomorrow, we will spend 3 nights at a St George RV park right in town to be close to the tournament. This was our first night, off Signal Rd in Wikieup AZ (pics below).

Jason - Thanks for the "heads up"! Don't work too hard - we appreciate all you do for us. Bill

Ditto. I highly agree as we all learn best by doing the task in ideal conditions. When it happens on the road they are able to do what they need to do safely and with confidence. I would also add giving them a learning experience with: Battery corrosion removal Oil change Windshield wiper replacements Engine air filter cleaning and change when needed Each was a great confidence builder for them, and results in far less worry for Dad when they head down the road. Even more grins for Dad was watching the next older train the next younger on the process. By the time my youngest (daughter) got to do them, she had watched it before and was on autopilot. Took Dad three days to lose the Perma-Grin. GJ

Did you ask why @Mountainman198 was told (in writing I assume) and sold springs rated at 2K LBS?

Hi Kathlyn, I must have missed your post while traveling last month. A belated welcome to you. We met a lady full timer while camping in Anza Borrego. She was in a 16’ Airstream Bambi, pulled by a Toyota Tacoma, had been on the road for a couple of years, and was very happy with the lifestyle. It sounds like you would do quite well as a full time RVer.

This is a good example of why we always fill the fresh water tank with the RV park plumbing system via our fresh water hose & activated carbon filter. Once the FWT is full (indicated by water exiting the overflow tube near the main hatch steps), we stow the hose/filter for a tidy "look" outside(*). This way - using the OTT water system is exactly the same procedure whether we're boon docking or staying at an RV Park (usually with unknown water pressure unless we ask). This practice exercises the water pump "ON/OFF" procedure used by OTT owner/occupants. If you're feeling "froggy" - as your FWT begins to drop in volume, use your 6-gal spare fresh water container to exercise your "boon docking" water valve procedure by topping off the FWT with the spare water. Then reposition your water valves, refill the FW container, and stow it and the hose. (*): Don't you just love seeing that SOB at an RV park leaking precious water everywhere from their fresh water hose connections that's spread helter-skelter between the hose bib and the trailer?

I have the Elite II and have tire pressure/temp monitors installed. I have yet to remove a tire but I don't think it will be an issue since the stabilizer jacks will comeplete lift the tires off of the ground.

Gotta love those awning lights!

We have had a Goal Zero 400 Lithium power pack for 4-5 years. I got it as a back up to run my CPAP if home power goes out. I have taken it on every camping trip from truck camper to Oliver. I store it in the closet. I used the other night when we had severe storms for my CPAP and we charged our phones and my hearing aids. When we take our truck fridge, I use it overnight to power the fridge, and then plug it into 12-volt in the truck to charge it back up. I have their solar panel that I can take, but I find it bulky to take on a trip.

Are you going to 'spray foam' the walls & ceiling. I see we are about 1° in latitude of each other. One delta is, you have the 'water effect' and we have 'flat plains effect'. So moisture vs. NONE. But we still get -10~20° for weeks at a time. I believe spray foam and a boiler system for floor heat is the way to go. SNYSDUP winters-over in that environment, I just do not own it... Are those trees, or tilling's in the background between excavator body & bucket? Regards, Bryan

https://goalzero.com/collections/escape-ecosystem-off-grid They sell lots of different integration kits for off-grid use. So It can definitely be the primary power in ones TT but my specific application is trying to use it in conjunction with a Multiplus II. For me, I believe it will have to be used boondocking for powering external equipment only. But all in all, tremendous upgrade for the GZ line of solar generators. LiFePO4 finally.

This is unfortunate as many of us were quoted weight rating of 2k. Mine are installed so I am running them as I do not want to go back to the cake that Dexter installs on their axles. I know of at least two E2 owners who have towed with these springs (one for 5k miles and another for 1.5k miles with good results. I head out Thurs on a 1.5k mile trip with the Alcans. Thanks for posting this after speaking to Lew, Steve. I guess at this point it is tow forward and observe. Stay tuned.

I love me a Boxer!

We spent a few years together. An '08 R1200R at a home we had in Lakeway Texas.

...or aluminum and rivets!

...with all the Touratec options possible!

True, but our Oliver’s could surely withstand more “tree” impact than a sticks and staples!

Important for Ekrano and EPOCH battery users: If you use or plan to use the Ekrano display with the EPOCH batteries and Victron COMMS you must go in under Settings and go to Services and change the VE.CAN 1 to CAN BUS 500. Works like a charm now but literally no-one at EPOCH or any installer I talked to knew how to do this. Once done the batteries BMS talk to the Victron Components and take over charging parameters/needs. If you are using the Cerbo GX just plug into Can Bus port.

Very nice work Mike and I am talking about the write up and installation. Keep us posted with your progress. Is the stand for the MP2 a Victron product? I haven’t seen it before. Mossey

Very good choice with Epoch batteries, I mean, if Will Prowse gives it a thumbs up it must be good!😊 HERE’S the Review by Will Prowse

Packed to the gills. I felt like a German mechanic changing a water pump connecting batteries but I am happy with the result. No maintenance and they have remote monitoring and shut offs so they shouldn’t need to come out.

Yep! I placed a dish towel over the top of the door to keep the door from closing over the winter. If placed correctly, the door stays open but the light switch is depressed, shutting off the light. Or, add a separate switch.

Compress the spring so that the straight portion touches the contact above. The rounded part of the spring will hold one end of the bulb and the other end of the bulb sits in the round opening in the bracket below, that wraps around the lens and connect to the other contact (terminal).

Nice video and LED bulb.

Oliver must have started doing that labeling with the 2023 model year. Our late 2022 doesn't have the labeling. But, now that I've seen yours, I think I'll grab our label maker and add some of my own. Thanks for posting!