Leaderboard

All the U-Bolts supplied by Alcan have been 9/16". The OEM's (at least on mine) were 1/2". It is very important, if you buy the Alcans, to know before placing your order the diameter of the axles on your trailer. Most will be 3". Some of the earlier builds will have 2-1/2". One owner told me his (used) trailer had one of each. This, most likely, was from one having been replaced prior to his acquiring it. I'm not totally confident in the report that one owner said his axles were 2-3/8", but who knows? Measure them to know for sure. If you don't have a caliper or a micrometer or don't know what these are then you may have to result to the string method (but this does require some math.) You could use a C-Clamp as a poor man's micrometer. Just tighten it up on the axle just loose enough so it slides off, then measure between the jaw faces of the clamp.

Thanks Bill, this makes it clear. Not a defect, but a change in specs over time. I had it on my to-do list to measure but instead realized with your note and the picture @Mountainman198 posted that I had taken a pic last year. As you can see, ours is the 50" axle as well. You have the 5200 LB axle 50". So, do we know that these are no longer available, or just not stocked by OTT? I would like the 12" brakes eventually. Licky for you, they ran out of the 3500s!

This new freezer/fridge combo by GZ proved to be more efficient and better in every way than my old reliable ARB fridge. Bluetooth connectivity in cab monitoring was perfect every time. Temps in the unit were always within a degree or two even in the heat wave we experienced in D.C. It was nice to have a true partition for refrigerator items vs freezer items. Dual side plugs for power. Ran perfect off DC outlet in bed of truck or via GZ LiFePO4 solar generator. Not always needed on our week longs trips but for longer trips it is perfect for extra meat, milk, OJ, etc. Overloading the Dometic 3-way fridge just makes it not work effectively. LG compressor brought the temperature down quickly on initial startup. The only downside is the size, takes up a good bit of room but for us when needed is worth the trade-off. They do make a smaller version that is a single zone. .

Effective 8/1/2024 there are new pet requirements. There are now documents that must be filled out by your vet. The problem isn't going into Canada, it is coming back into the US. The US will not allow your dog back into the US for twenty-five days without the required documents. Review the documents and have your vet familiar with them.

I agree and have previously posted that DIY spring changes on the road is NOT something to even consider doing. However, as also previously posted, I woud NEVER suggest replacing the 1750 springs in kind. Not enough steel. For some the ALCON 2700 springs are an option. But also for others who want a more compliant but stronger spring, the logical alternatve is the Dexter 2400 pound PB4 springs. Always be aware that spring sizing can be too little or be "over sprung". Changing from 1750 to 2700 springs is a huge difference. Some at OTT have confidentially stated that they are a bit too "over sprung". But if your trailer is really heavy or your are a near full time boondocker then they likely would fill the bill well. GJ

I've been following the number of broken springs for over three years. All were four leaf springs and all have broken in exactly the same place and manner. Being a moderator here on the forum and an admin on the primary FB page, I've heard about or seen probably 30-40 reports of broken leafs. But because only about 10% of the owners are active on either or both platforms, I suspect the number of spring failures that have occurred is actually much greater than has been reported. There are well over 1600 Oliver TT that have be built. Elite I's comprise about 16.5% of them. Since they have always had the heavier 5-leaf spring pack and the 5200 pound axles they are the least likely to fail. I've not heard of any so far. That leaves nearly 1400 trailers that have the weaker springs all of which are subject to failure. As everyone knows, all the Elite II's built since 2022 have come with 5200 pound axles BUT they are still built with the 1750 pound 4-leaf spring packs. The springs are the weakest link in your suspension systems. I can not tell you that you WILL have a spring failure. There are many that have not. But I will promise you that, if you do, it will NEVER be in a convenient, dry, warm or cool, flat, smooth place. It will be on the side of the road or in a parking lot somewhere. Replacing one at home with all the tools you need is a challenge. Replacing one while you are on the road with no help will be daunting, dangerous and all but impossible. You WILL need more tools than you likely brought along. And all that's assuming you have all the proper parts with you in the first place. I've replaced a bunch of springs in the last few years and have some owners coming to Tupelo in the next few weeks so I can help them replace theirs. It is not an easy job but it is easier to be pro-active rather that re-active. If you are so inclined and can afford a set of the Alcan's, I highly recommend them. If not, buy a pair of cheap replacements to take along with you and some extra $$ to pay someone to install them for you. Don't forget to have a full set of new U-Bolts also as they are a one-time use only item.

An update on the required documents. There is an online document you must submit, including attaching a photo of your dog. The documents must include the dates of travel and should be submitted just prior to your trip. Then there is a document that must be filled out by your vet and you need to have that document when you cross back into the US. The document must include the micro-chip # and the rabies vaccination # and must have an ink signature by your vet.

This is not entirely accurate. Lew just sent me out U-bolts that were 1/2 in. for my 3500 lb axles with 3in tubes. The only problem for me is if the replacement U-bolts are 9/16, I will have to drill out the U-bolt plate so they fit. Easy to modify. Bottom line and the reason I first posted about the U-bolts is to point out to be sure you measure your axle diameter or get your spec sheet from Dexter before ordering. Lew has no way of knowing what you have except experience and an educated guess due to Dexter’s non-conformity building their axles.

Well, I finished putting on new connectors on all the brake assemblies. Much like @John E Davies article in 2018, I also saw a marked voltage improvement at each assembly, at least 100 mV or better. I have gone for two 20 mile test runs with the rig and no errors from the RAM and I've been able to reduce the brake controller gain from 8.5 to 6.0 or 6.5. Will continue to fine tune that in up coming travels.

I don't, but a good many have failures on both sides at the same time. They may not both break at the same time as they tend to flatten prior to actually failing.

https://rvfridgeguys.com/norcold-evaporator-door-spring-holder-w-spring-619042-fits-left-hand-side/ Most people show it out of stock. I've purchased from rvipgrades before. Not rvfridheguys. But both show it still in stock. Good luck.

I asked same question to Dexter and was advised it indicates a 3” axle dia.

Agree! Be sure to re-torque after road miles as suggested by MaxBurner and others. It is normal for the U-bolts to strech. Mine got an additional 1/2 turn on the first re-torque and a 1/4 turn on the second. Will check one more time in 500 miles and suspect it will be nill. GJ

I suspect that they could. But as you noted, I too am wondering. Their, and about all 5 leaf springs are made for stiffness by the extra leaf. The weight of the steel is a good indicator of the weight bearing capacity. The initial ALCANers were asking for a 2,000 pounder and were mis-informed as to the true capacity and stiffness of their product. When I saw the ratings jump of almost a thousand pounds per leaf (1750 to 2700) my red flags went up. That's how I got to the Dexter capacity upgrade of the PB4 from the PB4B. One thing to keep in mind is that ALCAN's speciality is off road applications. Their focus is not on an easy ride for the load, but surviving punishing situtations encounted by the Baja and Mountain Racers and those inspiring to be. Hence their recommendation. Per several experts that I trust, this is way over-sprung for general use for the majority of the OE2 Fleet. But on the other side of the coin, it may be a good choice for those super heavy or more serious off road users, Expecially if they have experienced whitness marks from banging of the axle U-bolts against the subframe. Those owners need a 5 leaf. Point is this is not a good/bad discussion. It is all about each owner's trailer weight and use. GJ

Looks to be about the same size as my Dometic dual-zone, which I carry on every trip long or short. It has proven to be the ultimate ‘overflow’ alternative to complement the Norcold 3-way!

I've read the inverter power button must be on and you power it ON/OFF from the remote panel. Not familiar with your model, so that's all I got. I believe @rich.dev and @Rivernerd and several others have this model.

Your passport gets you in, and back out. If you are traveling with pet(s), make sure vaccinations are up to date, and carry a copy of their record(s). Don't carry weapons (or ammo) of any kind, as Canadian border patrol asks a lot of questions, and weapons are very restricted. Easier to leave them home. Check the latest rules on foods you can bring in, and amount of wine/beer/alcohol. (This is also true on re-entry to US.) We've done the crossings many times, and only once been searched (I think the border patrol had never seen a trailer like ours.) But, be prepared to be honest, and stay within published limits. There are still "random" checks at times that can take awhile. Usually, after a few questions, you'll quickly be welcomed to Canada by professional and courteous border agents . The folks around Montreal drive pretty fast, in my experience, but quite safely. Don't miss Quebec City. Camp somewhere nearby, and spend at least a day. It's historic, beautiful, and elegant. Like going to Europe for the day. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-safety-consumers/bringing-food-canada-personal-use

Good to know and better than advertised functionality! Thanks for sharing.

No, the only spring they make for these axles is the 2750 pound version. I changed out our original 5-leaf springs for the Alcans and I honestly can not tell any difference in the ride or the handling. Tali did most of the towing during our recent 5000 mile trip up to Maine and she said she could not tell any difference either.

That is the correct torque settings. All 1/2" bolts should be torqued to 65 pounds. All 9/16" bolts get 90 pounds.

Last I spoke with them this past Spring they did not. As they are a custom shop, might be worth a call to see if they would make a set. If you do call, please report back here what you are told.

Great write up Steve. Thanks.

If this would allow it to be run off a honda 2200 Id definitely be amenable to swapping my dometic for the truma. I was a little miffed that i was forced to go with the truma furnace in the 2023 despite not wanting the truma package which meant furnace and AC control are now on separate panels. I didnt want the truma package because i dont want to 1.) buy another generator when i already have a 2200 and 2.) have to haul a bigger generator around.

If the axle label is missing, Dexter engraves the axle serial number on each axle. I gave Dexter the serial number off of one of Ollie's axles a few years ago and Dexter emailed this axle spec sheet back to me. With this information a Dexter dealer should be able to supply an axle built to original specifications. At the end of this informative video, Dexter mentions engraving the serial number on each axle in case the label is missing.

Just curious, what's your SOC when you're reading 11-15amps? Your 50amp Victron charger may only allow lower charging amp at higher SOCs. FYI, we're getting 25-28amps with SOCs below 70% on the road. As the SOC increases we're seeing 10-15amps (our's is a 30amp charger unit).

This is what keeps me interested in the Oliver forum. I was tipped off to a problem in the making which had the potential of turning into a uncomfortable situation where I would not have had the control over time or place of the inevitable outcome. Then I am able to access multiple perspectives from fellow Oliver owners on research and solutions to the problem. This greatly speeds up the processes and helps illuminates the possibility of over looking a flaw in ones thinking. One thing we have to keep in mind is that there are always multiple ways to resolve a problem and we may not always agree with each others solution. Thanks to all who contribute to this forum.

Spring Replacement Build Sheet: Somewhere up above here in the scores of pages of this thread is a suggestion to get your Dexter axle build sheet(s). I did so today. You will need to record the serial numbers of your axle(s). I took photo's. Then call Dexter at (574) 295-7888, Option 1. Ask them for a copy of your axle build sheet(s) and give them your e-mail address. That's it. Be sure to keep a copy of your build sheet(s) in your trailer so that down the road you are not wishing you had it. Great Customer Services from all four of the Dexter areas I have spoken to today. GJ

Called Dometic and the RM24 dimensions they gave came out to 11 Liters for the freezer useable space. Suspect this does not include the hollowed out space of the door itself. GJ

Thank you for your post. Yes it's massive freezer is unusual. Sadly it is only 83 liters total size or 2.9 cu ft. I think the Nova Kool R5810 is the best choice for total use of the OTT refer cavity at 5.8 Cu Ft and 11 liters freezer space as the Dometic we have now use. Still keeping my eyes open on the topic. GJ

In addition to the NovaKool referenced above, Isotherm has a newer Elegance model with a larger freezer - the Freeline 115 Elegance (CR115EL). It appears to be 2 inches taller than the Cruise Elegance 130, with the same width/depth H:31.4" x W:20.7" x D19.5" +2" door depth proud of flush). Not sure if that fits in the available Oliver spaces or not... It *appears* to have the functionality of the Intelligent Temperature Control built-in with its "ECO" mode (267 W/24Hr vs 418 W/24Hr for the Elegance 130 without the ITC). Slightly less overall volume (4.1 cu ft vs 4.6 cu ft for the Elegance 130) but a much larger freezer compartment (32 liters vs 6 liters for the Elegance 130). Some places show it as 12vdc only, and others seem to have a 12vdc/120vac version. Its compressor is bottom-mounted but has the same Danfoss/SECOP components as the Cruise Elegance 130. https://www.westmarine.com/isotherm-cruise-115-freeline-stainless-steel-fridge-freezer-ac-dc-internal-mounting-system-3--side-flange-20597779.html?cm_mmc=PS-_-Google-_-DSA>Galley%20%26%20Outdoor-_-Null&creative=638403958720&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=OutdoorandMaintenance&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsIn0rtiQ_QIVCVVyCh3eMAqFEAMYASAAEgIt0_D_BwE https://www.indelwebastomarine.com/us/products/product/show/freeline-115-el/ https://defender.com/en_us/isotherm-cruise-freeline-115-elegance-refrigerator-freezer Could be worthy of investigation for those that want/need a larger freezer space.

I believe in this case 3” references the spring arch. Edit: my mistake. I responded too soon. You are likely correct in it being axle diameter

Love the look of the Atmos installed! Now we need an updated Oliver design, also with a squared rearend, affording a 36x80" (half King) bed without the rear radius. Just a pipedream, as we could never afford another Oliver, camping and working on this old hull forever! 🤣