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HD... I feel your pain. I too loved taking off on my motorcycle and just catching a hotel somewhere along the way... with little or no planning except a "general direction" in mind. That said... I've learned with the Ollie how to be nearly as spontaneous by becoming more and more aware of the Ollie's capabilities... AND I CAN SLEEP IN MY OWN BED EVERY NIGHT. It's also much cheaper than decent hotel rooms at today's prices! It's taken us a couple of years... and now with nearly 270 nights in our Oliver to get used to how to maximize all of it's strengths. As you learn how long your fresh, gray and black tanks last (the way you travel), you start to learn just how "free" you are. If you are just traveling, trying to get somewhere, a Walmart or Cracker Barrel work great because they are nearly everywhere. It's also very nice to have, besides your rolling hotel room... a rolling restaurant with great food and snacks, and a clean bathroom when the moment strikes. Let's not even talk about that quick nap! The Oliver is so self contained and easy to get in and out grocery store parking lots, fast food joints, gas stations, small towns and side streets, etc., that you will come to appreciate the amenities of your Oliver. It's also easy to get in to campsites that many would not be able to. Regarding planning; it takes a certain amount of planning to go see and spend time in those destination "hot spots" that we've always wanted to see. What we have found works best for us is to anchor your trip with reservations in those places that just require it... but allow time in between those hot spot reservations to be spontaneous (that place the locals told you you just can't miss!), time for medical or mechanical emergencies and to just allow time to shop for groceries and do the laundry. Of course I'm saying all of this and assuming that you don't have too many time constraints. If you are still working you can throw out everything I just said! 🙂 If you ever took Stephen Covey's class on "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"... all of this reminds me of the "lesson" of putting in the big rocks in the jar first (the things that really matter) ... and then sprinkle in the little rocks (smaller things that are fun... but maybe not absolutely necessary). Travel is fun, but I don't like it to be so much like work. I'm done with schedules and self inflicted constraints to be somewhere at a certain time. Time to relax, enjoy, be surprised... and stop in at that store in the mountains that serves awesome huckleberry pie and ice-cream.

The chains are necessary for the anti-sway function also. The chains connect to the “whale tail” at the bottom of the hitch ball tapered spindle, and any sway or turning of the trailer causes that ball spindle to rotate against the friction material of the hitch, damping the sway. If the chains aren’t connected to the whale tail then the trailer bulldog coupler just freely moves on the ball and there’s no anti-sway function. Here’s a pic from the Andersen website.

A sympathetic ear is sometimes all that is needed. So, thanks. I am still learning. I know many of you have cracked the code. You helped by describing your approach. I will make it my own

This is my first time taking a large trip in my Oliver trailer. I'm excited but also a little nervous. I'm looking forward to exploring new places and meeting new people. The trip is about 3,000 miles over 20 days with 12 stops. I am not liking the efforts here. Paint me exasperated. I used to do long motorcycle trips. I like being spontaneous. Motorcycle trips were easy. Trailer trips are not spontaneous. Trailer trips are not easy. They require meticulous planning. Am I doing this wrong? The number of accounts I had to set up, the number of crappy websites and the number of voice messages I left makes this almost bad as going to the dentist.

@HDRider - No worries, brother! There's a balance we use when planning for a long trip. We nail down details for the big ticket locations (reservations, time spent there, etc.). But.... we also leave enough time in between those "big tickets" to allow us to explore. We've always thought of the travel plan as a "point of departure" should we need to change routes for any reason. So, we use an "overall plan" such that we've got something to deviate from... We take our time when planning, but don't go too far down the rabbit hole -- it's more fun for us to approach planning that way. Be sure to keep us posted on your experiences with pictures... Cheers and definitely have FUN on your long OTT adventure!

We've stayed 2 times at Deadhorse Ranch for a week in the fall. It's one of our favorite places to go as there are so many things to do and see within a short drive. The town of Cottonwood has a historic old-town with many tasting rooms and food offerings. Some ideas in < 15 min drive include: Tuzigoot Natl Monument Historic Jerome (Mining town) Verde Canyon Railroad Tour Old Town Cottonwood Wineries & Tasting Rooms including the local wine university. Day trip to Sedona is about an 45min. easy drive. You can see some of our photo's of the campground and area here: Site 8 - Deadhorse Ranch SP Tuzigoot Nat'l Monument Jerome State Historical Museum Verde Canyon RR Tour in Clarkdale about 15 min from campground

FYI: This is exactly what we learned from Dexter and OTT last May when we switched ours out. Turned out that OTT had the correctly sized D52s in stock for our model year (luckily) so we didn't have to wait 3 - 4 weeks for the special order from Dexter. The price was $825/ea from OTT but that included the Dexter 4-pack 1,750# which we didn't need. Just as an interrogative comment: Since installing the Alcans in March, we've logged 6,750 miles on them and since upgrading from the D35s to D52s in May, we've logged 3,729 miles on the axles. We've experience zero issues and frankly, cannot "feel" or observe any differences while under tow. I "base-lined photographed" each of the aluminum angle cross members prior to installing the springs and have checked them several times since and haven't noted any cracked welds or other damage. At the 5,000-mile point, we last checked the 3" x 9/16" U-bolt torque - all good. Granted, we didn't wonder off on any long unimproved roads except for a few short jaunts into BLM and USFS campgrounds.... FWIW: We'll continue to keep a weather-eye on the running gear (as we would anyway), but our peace of mind and overall confidence in Casablanca is significantly better than before making these improvements. Cheers, ALL!

Jucy's is OK. A much better burger can be found at Bubba's Fat Burgers in Gilmer, TX. My local go to.

So after some time trying to sleep with 2--3 kids in the Ollie and not wanting to mess with taking down and setting up the dinette table. I thought there might be an easier, simpler way. First, we tried a solution that worked well once the base was setup but after some time it became clear it was too time consuming and cumbersome for us because we had to stuff it in the back of the Tundra. My search for something different was based mainly on the requirement that it could be stowed easily in the travel trailer. Finally, I decided to try something. I bought two 24x27 sheets of HDPE 3/4 thick and cut them to the width of the space between the mattresses and then routed a channel for them to sit on top of the rails firmly in place. This is how it turned. Please excuse my wood working skills. 20 in x 24in with 1/4 in. channels. Worked perfectly. Very sturdy and stows under the mattress on top of the moisture mat. If you have a router, the materials were less than $100. I used the color dolphin grey. Best, Mike

I believe you when you say it's tricky to setup all the various "booking sites" and having to save a number of various login's and passwords. Here's our coming season - August through December showing our Planned Stops....all but 2 are pre-booked. We started planning this back in December as we needed to book Florida sites that early. Used RV Trip Wizard for planning and a variety of other tools to actually find specific sites based on pictures of the sites. Hope you have a good trip. Craig

Forgot to add the picture

Good trips do take a bit of planning. I've worked scheduling a bit in my career and it's hard work, not so much fun. I believe traveling in the east would be more difficult, though I have not yet experienced RVing in the Eastern US. When we plan our 3–4-week trips out west, I will book a campsite for say 3 nights, then plan to boondock 2-3 nights, leaving the campground with batteries charged, freshwater tanks full and waste tanks dumped. We repeat this cadence of planned/unplanned stops though I have also researched viable FS and BLM sites and have all the right maps on my Avenza Maps app. We use Campendium as we travel to fill in the other overnight locations. Not truly spontaneous but feels that way when not knowing exactly where we are staying every night! Another criterion in our travels always, is to stay longer and drive less. When younger I would drive through the night no problem. Eight years ago, I drove from home in Prescott to Austin TX, 1100 miles with truck and cargo trailer, left at 5AM and arrived after 1AM! I was alone and didn't feel like getting a cheap hotel in Van Horn TX or somewhere, been there, done that. Traveled 1000s of miles without enjoying the ride. NOT ANYMORE! We've only been RVing for 5 years now, and my goal is to drive only 100-180 miles a day, 2-3 hours on the road, spending 90% of the trip enjoying the camp more than the road. I will also drive an hour longer not to be on US Interstates. We're now planning our trip to Inks Lake Texas for the October Rally. Staying with friends in Ruidoso NM on the way. It's 8-9 hours there and many would drive it in a day. I'm thinking a boondock in the White Mountains somewhere between Payson and Show Low AZ, driven through there and always wanted to stay. If we find a great camp, we'll stay 2 nights. Next stop somewhere between Pie Town NM, or as far as the Bosque Del Apache Wilderness. No campsites booked and we'll see our friends 3-4 days after we leave. When leaving Ruidoso, it's 8 hours to Inks Lake and we will reserve a campground or RV park, say near Big Spring TX, since most of Texas is private land like points east. This will make two 4-hour days. Home to the Texas Rally in 9 days, then 5 nights there. After the rally, I have another week scheduled time off, though they have not booked me to teach the 4th week. So, we will have 1-2 weeks to return and have no plan. I like to have some plan when leaving and less a plan for the return. Thinking to join Harvest Host to be more spontaneous on the return trip. This is how my scheduling brain works! 🤣 Hope this helps, we hear you! "3,000 miles over 20 days with 12 stops" in the East, is not an easy plan! My initial thought is to reduce the number of your stops (that's a very quick 1.67 days per stop). Regardless, you will have a lot of fun and have great memories later!

The original D35s were Spring Center = 50.5"

We have reconsidered our trek through that part of Canada. The objective of this trip is visiting friends on Lake Ontario on the NY side. We already have 12 stops planned over this 3,000 mile trip. I did not see anything close to our route that prompted me to go through Canada. All that said, we will do Canada soon, maybe next year, to see the things ya'll have mentioned. This is our first big trip and that one will be a big one too, with our focus on Canada. I hope we can do another biggie this year to the Rockies. Ya'll pray for me and my wife.

Streetside rear on my E2 sheared at the usual spot. Curbside rear was flattened and starting to form a slight “S” shape. Front two springs appeared normal.

Life on the road sometimes requires stopping to do laundry! Here in Cody, WY the best laundry is the Cody Laundromat. Now that this chore is done and restocking at Walmart is done the regularly scheduled activity of fishing at a higher altitude is to be resumed. A special hello to the Ollie II that was headed east towards Cody last week after they left Yellowstone National. Bill

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.

Not as pretty as those western vistas. We’re in far western New York, just across the boarder from Erie, PA at Lake Erie State Park. Water, wine, a light breeze, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for a change. And kazoos!

If you’re keeping track. My 2017 hull 208 has a 50.50 in. 3500 lb. axle.

I’m sure you’ve heard that necessity is the mother of invention. Nice solution to your challenge. Mossey

I agree with Frank with a very important additional point. The tapered shank is only held inside the aluminum housing by a snap ring set into a shallow groove. I would highly suggest that if the whale tail is not used, a collar and the safety pin be used it hold the assembly together.

I think that's a wise decision. It should allow you more time to explore the designated area. Save the Canadian prep for the Canada foray, another time. Plenty to see on the south side of lake Ontario, and western New York. We try to avoid i90 in NY State (The 90) . The tolls are ridiculous, pulling a trailer, since you have 4 axles. The 90 isn't that scenic, and it can be quite bumpy at times. From my brother-in-law's home near Rochester, to my sister-in law near Buffalo, would run over $11, for about 75 miles travel. We take us20 instead. Plenty of other routes, more scenic, and slower.

Another thing I wondering about, if the axle SC spec did not change from 2015/2016 to 2017, there could have been enough fabrication tolerance (Oliver welded axle mount) to allow the 50.5" to fit, just a thought for now.

GJ... the "red light" on the battery blanket switch is all I am going by. And I agree that the true test is to measure any draw going to that blanket independent of the red light. While I have the electrical tester... it's a case of having a tool... but not absolutely certain how to use it to it's potential. 🙂 I have a neighbor that might be able to show me if can get his attention long enough to teach me some basics. FYI: We came home from a short trip... and it's sitting out there, now with the ceiling fan on about 50%.... running 24/7 and the battery is staying at 99 or 100% all the time???? Of course the solar panels are keeping up with the drain.

Rant over. Back to real life.

I wondered the same thing. Ours was curbside rear. The other 3 still had good shape.

There's been a lot of blowback from Canada on the dog policy. I think it's being relaxed. We'll see. Both our countries are low risk for rabies. Vancouver is beautiful. Camping on Vancouver Island is quite amazing. We've always found our neighbors to the north to be very good campers. We've enjoyed every trip.

Good luck with the fishing and cooler temps! It was 56 here in Lubec, ME, this AM :)

Sorry for the late reply, but we were traveling in our Elite II this past weekend! I did the firmware update. I have had no [20] inverter error codes since then, but the battery State of Charge also has not dropped below 50% during that time either. I recommend you do the firmware update. Available here: https://xantrex.com/library/firmware-updating/

I would check the amp draw from the batteries when toggling the heaters on/off.. Use clamp on amp meter, 712 Smart or what ever gizzmo we have on the newer Ollies.

I originally thought I was mistakenly shipped 1/2" u-bolts but after I learned that I should be measuring the diameter of the threaded section, not the smooth section, I realized that I received the correct parts.

On a 2-year-old jack adding grease has nothing to do with this. Don't think it's about maintenance you could have done. Many run these VP-3000 jacks for many years ignoring maintenance. I would check the switch. Given it works to lift the trailer, the mechanics of the jack are working. As it takes much more work on the motor to lift vs. lower. If you are in a fix while traveling, you can pull the switch to find three wires. Connect the center wire to one to lift and the other to lower. Hope this helps!

Going to call Dexter tomorrow to see if the 5200lb is available with our HF (hub face) 68.75" and SC (spring center) 50.0" specs off the shelf or if ordered how long of a lead time is needed. Will see.

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.

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!

Our original Dexter 5200lb axles built in 2014 installed by Oliver have HF (hub face) 68.75" and SC (spring center) 50.0". There is a difference, SC 50.0" older Dexter axle on our LE2 and SC 50.5" newer Dexter 5200lb axles on LE2s, overall difference of 1/2" or 1/4" per side. Our axles were originally for an LE1, but Oliver ran out of 3500lb axles and installed LE1 5200lb axles instead, as mentioned previously. See shop order notes below:

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

@jd1923 the Google interwebs revealed that at least going back to 2018 RAM owners reported their trailers clicking. And yes I am a RAM owner. eTrailer explains that this is the truck ensuring the magnets are working and could use the brakes if needed. And as I learned, if the trailer has some questionable grounds or connections, the truck thinks there are no brakes, and gives up trying after a while, sometimes in the disable state. I'm not sure that's good logic or bad to disable the brake altogether. I rather just have the message remind me to check my brakes instead of completely turning them off. This could be my last RAM.

He wrote me again this morning in answer to my thank you reply. He spelled out reasons why my display was not working. I replied as follows: “On our Oliver Forum, Sherry writes re you and your company. How great you are and how reliable the Blue Sky products are. She is just about always correct! I’ll let you know after I get new inverter and LiFePO4 batteries installed.”

Everything has been said, great info here from many members. It's a long 17-page read! 🤣

Within 5 minutes of texting Dexter with a screen shot of the axel label, I got a text and an e-mail with the document attached. Wow! Thanks for the suggestion.

The way I read your label, the model # is D52, but the weight rating is 3500 lbs. Yes, springs are rated at 1750 lbs.

John, if you haven’t already, contact Dexter and request a spec/build sheet of your axle/spring assy. You will have to provide them with your axle serial number. Attached is a copy of my build sheet with all the info on the axles and springs, under “shop order notes and options” you can see my axles are 3” diameter. The axles and springs are supplied from Dexter as an assembly, D52 = 5200lbs capacity and the springs are 1750lbs capacity.

When we ordered our Oliver in 2020 we opted out of the Hull # rear display. I ordered and installed this custom graphic in the front for a quick glance while we are camped. We finally decided on the name “XPLOR” on the rear as it’s just how we roll.😊🇺🇸

Odd that they don't use hull numbers for tracking since that's probably the easiest/most obvious way. Owner name would be the least efficient, for reasons @Wayfinder stated. While I wouldn't mind having our hull number on the back, I'm sure others prefer their anonymity.

Awesome photos Mike! We are sure thinking about a Colorado trip soon! We had a ball in Telluride last fall. Ouray is such a cool little slanted town. Found a perfect parking spot right on Main Street.

I started a separate thread just for the axles as there will be interest in that for some time to come. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/10347-new-axles-may-not-fit-all-older-sub-frames

Have you seen the dude? Personally, Chris and I are not beard people, don't get the big beard thing, let alone a naming your battery company as such. Beards, tattoos, piercings, young people needing a good bath and shampoo... I'll stop there. I would say that if there is a new viable battery company, producing great product in Athens TX (not just a website, would want to know of the manufacturing facility), I would support them. I prefer the small co vs online reputation. We have driven through Athens TX, a cute East Texas town like many others, a good half dozen times traveling from Georgetown TX to UT Tyler TX for Adam's tennis tournaments during high school and college. Love all the great small towns of Texas! In East Texas they have a local burger chain named "Jucys." Hey @Jason Foster what do ya know about Jucys? Can you FedEx overnight me a 3/4 LB butter burger with fries? (make that 4 orders!) Jucys Hamburgers | Best Burger in East Texas

I rotated mine last year, only because I had the wheels off to do bearings. No other reason, except for why not, but yes otherwise it's just a waste of time. Keep this a secret though! You would not want to start an argument with a trained sales associate at Discount Tires. 🤣 They might want to invalidate your warranty.

I put these tool kits together soon after buying my 2012 Chevy 1500 4x4, which now serves as my current TV; where the Oliver goes, they go! The small individual pockets have assorted sockets and driver bits, as well as other accessories.