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So the TVs I have look at in person have between 1400 -1700 on door jamb sticker. This includes F-150, Expedition and RAM 1500. I will be towing the smaller LE I. I really like LE II plan but don’t need it with just me and dog and smaller trailer size is appealing. Plus a LE II would make it super easy to justify a nice diesel F-250 !

I would have to get up to get the phone......

Black Rock Mountain, a Georgia State Park. August 29-31, 2020. Elevation 3600+. Hot, wet and humid after the remains of Hurricane Laura past through Western North Carolina which is just 50 miles north of the park. But we were camping for the first time in 2020, so we just sucked it up. Mossey

You should read through these four topics - they'll give you a good idea of the pros and cons as well as modifications that other owners have done to make them work better: Yes, they're a little springy. How much so depends on the weight you put on it and how tall you set it. Also if you really crank down on the levers it will stiffen up a good bit. We have no issues eating on it or as a casual table, but I might find it annoying to type on - haven't tried, so I can't say for sure. In truth, I rarely notice. We've done a number of modifications to our trailer and this is one that we felt was really transformative. But for us, it took all the pieces coming together to make it work - folding tabletop, the side mount, cushions rather than mattresses, etc.

I think like a lot of Elite II buyers, we were torn between the twin beds vs the king. We chose the twin, but not so much for the size or comfort of the beds as it was the utility of nightstand and easy access to the overhead compartments. But we liked the idea of having a table and a large lounging area in the back, and so I set my mind on the idea of trying to have both. At first I designed a custom table for the back that would latch into the nightstand in the back with a pole in front, similar to how the dinette table works. I showed it to Oliver and they thought they'd give it a try, but as time went on and things got delayed or forgotten, I sort of gave up on that idea and asked if they would just sell me the standard table top and legs and I would figure it out. They did, and it was a big mistake since I could never figure it out. The table was just too heavy and bulky to put up and take down, and there was absolutely no place to store it. Plus the height with the standard legs was too short for the mattresses we had (another poor decision on my part). So on our first trip it was labeled the Albatross Table and it was just in the way the whole time. It didn't make another trip, just the two mounts screwed to the floor to remind me that not every problem has a solution. But the solution does exist in the Lagun table. I'd seen them before in the king bed model but I had sort of dismissed them as being too small to be of use. But that was before @rideadeuce started this topic about their upgraded table top. Their top was much larger, foldable, and just generally nicer looking than what I'd seen before; and so it clicked with me that with the Lagun mount, we could have a foldable table that could easily be stored or moved out of the way for access to the upper storage. Also the height could be whatever we wanted and unlike the table we had, could be quickly locked for travel. There were just two problems for us - the mount in it's normal location would block the nightstand drawer; and on top of that, we had opted for an access hatch to the basement right in that same spot where the Lagun is usually bolted to the hull. I needed a way to mount the table to the side somehow. So I made one of these - This contraption is made out of 15 Series extrusion from 80/20. I cut, mitered, and erector setted this little block and associated connectors to go beneath the bed overhang. The Lagun mounting plate (the vertical piece) bolts to the mount and then the whole thing gets bolted to the side wall under the bed in four places and to the bed overhang in four places. It looks complicated but if you have a miter saw and can play with Legos, you can build it. Here are some pics of the block in place so you can see how it mounts. The top two bolts on the Lagun plate bolt into the side of the bed extension, then there are two bolts on the block that secure vertically into the base of the extension, then another four bolts that go into the side wall of the base of the bed, opposite the basement. I marked and drilled for the two vertical holes first, then temporarily bolted it in place to mark all the other holes. You need to do this since not all of the surfaces are perpendicular to the trailer or one another. But the flat bottom of the bed extension runs parallel to the floor so if you use that as your starting point then the table top will end up parallel to the floor as well. The end result is extremely solid - The table top I chose is the 35" Nautic Sail top from Marine Teak. Look around on their site and you'll find a number of styles and sizes, any of which would be a great choice. (This is the same company as this one, btw, but they have more choices in table tops on their UK site.) I debated oiling it, but came to my senses and coated it in a couple layers of low gloss poly. Taking it apart to seal is no problem, but you do have to keep track of a number of shims that go under the hinges to make them flush to the wood. So here's the final result. I really like the versatility of the top. Use it folded, unfolded, bar height, table height, sideways, lengthways, stick it over the bed for travel or to get it out of the way, or...however. With the mounting plate where it is, we can raise the table hight enough to clear the nightstand and lower it enough that it sits on the bed locked in place for travel. As you can see, the drawer clears just fine. The table will work best once we have our cushions made to replace the mattresses, but we just did a quick weekend trip with it and it works well even as it is. And best of all, it fits in the closet -

We finally took Ollie on a camping trip out west and wanted to share a few photos. We visited Kodachrome Basin SP UT and it was raining, so will visit there again on our next trip. Have to say Ollie has great towing manners and very pleasant to camp in!!!!! Winslow AZ: Bryce NP: North Rim: Zion NP: Cedar Breaks NP area: Valley of Fire SP NV: Snow Canyon SP UT:

We're working on options for our Legacy Elite II this month (Sept 2020) Anyone have the Lagun Table? I see some posts about it but am looking for some specific pros/cons. How does it look (photos would be great)? How does it work? I hear: It's springy (how springy?) Blocks access to the night stand (when in use only?) inhibits the openness of the basement (Like putting in the lower access door) I'll be working remotely from the road and am looking to garner some more workspace.

Easy enough to find out. Deduct the tongue weight of the trailer and then the weight of your bodies and anything you've added on to the truck after market. Then you'll know what's left for 'stuff'.

Susan, We enjoy meeting Ollie owners everywhere we travel! 🙂 Met Ollie and Casita owners, they shared fine cobblers with us: 😋

Hummingbird - John has a point - if you haven't already done it, watch every video you can (of course assuming that you really are interested in the Oliver). After I had already placed my deposit I watched what at the time was just about the only video out there some 75 times! However, to me, there is nothing like being there. You get to touch, smell, feel and look into the eyes of the people on the production line. Sort of the difference between watching a game on TV and being there in person. But, depending on your timing and level of desire, you might want to choose the option that fits your situation best. Watch videos, take the shortened tour or wait for the full thing? Heck - if you have the time, why not do all three? Bill

1050. Less than the spec sheet. Options add up: Moonroof, running boards, etc, etc.

+1 on the quality of Foy's work. Both items make the Oliver's interior look even richer. As a side note, my wife and I tend to shower before going to bed. We place the shower mat outside the shower and replace it when we're done. This prevents either of us risking wet feet when we get up during the night to use the bathroom.

For whatever reason I had never tried camping overnight at a Cracker Barrel. However, I thought that I'd try one out and was so impressed with the one in St. Joe, Missouri I stayed there on the way out to Wyoming and again on the way back. This Cracker Barrel welcomes RV'ers. The RV parking area is actually the first thing you come upon when entering the grounds. Since the front of the restaurant faces the Interstate, that means that the building is between you and the traffic noise. There is plenty of landscaping with mature trees and this also helps reduce the noise level. On one side of the property is a motel but it is the back of the motel that adjoins the Cracker Barrel and on the other side there is just woods. So, once the restaurant closes at 10pm it really is fairly quiet - no ear plugs! If you decide to try it, remember to park facing out. Not only does this make leaving in the morning easier but it also prevents you from being partially trapped if there is a delivery being made to the rear of the building. GPS: 39.774065, -94.794746 Bill

Be a bit careful on just pulling in. Mainiac is right in that most Cracker Barrels do have dedicated RV/oversized vehicle sites in the parking area. But, asking the Manager is always a good idea given I know that there is at least one that does not allow overnight parking and some town ordinances may get in the way of allowing the Cracker Barrel to say yes. For the Cracker Barrel in St. Joe, I got WiFi from the motel next door via my WiFi Ranger booster. Bill

You can just pull in and stay. They have a brochure that shows all the CB in the country. It may indicate which ones have overnight spots? I find they usually do have RV 'reserved' sites. I usually do let them know I am staying, if they are open, by letting the server know. They usually have the manager stop to say "hi" and OK. Most are open at 6 am. I have found them to be quiet, reasonable level as we don't unhook, and no cooking required. Some times even free WiFi.

I use two of these Andersons - and have found them to be very user-friendly. Picked up a couple wheel chocks from Harbor Freight (cheap), this and a few well sized wood blocks and we are ready for most any spot. Quick, simple.

Jordan, your truck is similar to my "older" truck in terms of towing capacity (mine is 12K lbs) and Payload (I have 1543 lbs). One big difference is my curb weight is 7657 lbs. (just weighed it yesterday on a CAT scale). With these numbers, towing the Ollie is certainly not going to be the limiting factor for our TV - it's going to be payload. I've weighed all the items I'm taking and I know (mostly) what stays in the truck and what goes into the Oliver. I'm ok with my payload, but it's closer than I thought it would be. Here are some of my planning numbers that may help you assess whether or not payload is going to be an issue for you... 1. These weights are already built into my curb weight, but something to keep in mind. I've added a massive fuel tank (+252 lbs when full) and a full camper shell (+300 lbs) along with some HD suspension/steering (+ 175 lbs) over the years. Will you have to add any weight to the truck to get it the way you like it? 2. I always carry tools and emergency stuff (+169 lbs), the Rock Tamers (+41 lbs), some camping gear that won't go in the trailer (+65 lbs) and of course me and my wife (+320 lbs). Has anyone else ever weighed their tools? I think I carry way too many with my "hope for the best, plan for the worst" Reacher mentality. 🙂 3. On the way to pick up the Oliver, I'll have the extra gear that will be put into the trailer (+655 lbs). I'll still be under my GVWR by 300 lbs, but that's pretty tight, so depending on how the truck rides I may not fill up the massive fuel tank all the way to provide more buffer. 4. Once we pick up, I'm unloading a bit more than the tongue weight (if my estimate of 620 is close) so all should be good there too. 5. I'll have to keep an eye on this as I'm leaving home some things that I would normally have like my generator (+70 lbs), my solar suitcase (+41 lbs), an extra propane tank (+33 lbs) and our dog (+75 lbs). Fingers crossed that the Ollie has enough storage to make room in the TV for these extra things when boondocking, etc.

We also use Cracker Barrel. Usually a very good experience. The Cracker Barrel in Florida City on the way to the Florida Keys can get busy with all spots full and a bit loud from people coming and going at all hours. We stayed going to and returning from the Keys. Most of the time Cracker Barrel is a great stop after a long day of driving. The staff has always been terrific.

We have a RAM 4x4, 1500 'Limited' trim with the 3.92 rear end. The payload is an issue for us. All those 'options' add up and our payload is MUCH less than advertised in the brochure. The accurate number is on the door panel and then you have to deduct your tongue weight. Deduct the truck 'cap'/cover and two recumbent trikes, cooler, and all the little things and it's not looking good. While we are well under for towing specs, the payload is an issue. We'll be upgrading to a 3/4 ton next year.

Our LEII is still in production so I can't give you weights on it yet. We pick it up in mid-October. However, from what I have seen the dry weight of the 2020 LE2 is 4900 lbs and the GVWR of the trailer is 7000 lbs. Spec Sheet Our tow vehicle will be a 2019 Ram 1500 5.7l V8 and has very similar capacities as your vehicle. Payload capacity: 1665 Towing capacity: 11,765 Curb weight: 5235

Otters!

That IS exciting news. And now you are even two weeks closer. While Mother Nature is sure to do things her own way, you are right that your chances of bad weather are less in early December. Hopefully it works out that way for you guys, Bill

We visited many of these places in May, 2019. Beautiful part of the country. I especially liked Valley of Fire, and the North Rim GC was spectacular (maybe not now since the fire). We did not get to spend much time in Utah, so plan to go back that way. Had hoped it to be this Spring (2020), but we all know how that turned out. The area around Sedona, Cottonwood, and Jerome were amazing as was Payson, AZ, and the Mongollon Rim. One of the highlights of the trip was camping two nights at Lee's Ferry right on the Colorado River. I had just finished reading the book, The Emerald Mile. An Interesting, true story, of the man who broke the Colorado River Run time (in a wooden Dory). Great read! https://grandcanyon.com/news/the-emerald-mile-fastest-through-grand-canyon/ I heard that that boat, named the Emerald Mile, is still hanging in a workshop somewhere, I think around Flagstaff.

We usually cook and eat outside, and we often have the need for paper towels outside. Our simple solution is to hang the paper towels outside using a cord and two suction cups. With a longer cord, we have also placed one suction cup on the tow vehicle and one on the trailer to create a clothesline.

Since you brought it up, we are camped at Wasatch Mountain State Park, and this is their golf course.

I grade my 2019 Ram 1500 4X4 excellent for towing my Oliver Elite II, description of vehicle below. I will say here I'm pretty much an upgrade buyer, that is I wouldn't let money make my decision for me and if I though I needed the 2500 for this setup, that's what I would have gotten. I personally think many guys purchase their tow vehicle just because the bigger vehicle gives them bragging rites in the camping grounds and they like being seem that way. I'm not going to say here that I haven't done the same thing at other times in my life, so I know where some of you are coming from. Our main decision was the better ride with the 1500 over the 2500 and so far it was the better choice for us. Yes, we use the Anderson and personally I didn't really notice much difference with or without it, but it was required to meet the vehicle towing ratings per Ram. trainman

Or, you could turn on the air conditioner! Plenty of “white” noise there. 🤣🤣

Thought I would add my completed curtain rod project. I used Overland's style so the rod would be a little higher to decrease the chance of another mark on my bald head. I drilled a 1/16 inch pilot hole, used a countersink to smooth hole to a little bigger that 5/32 inch. Then drilled a 5/32 inch hole in center of countersink. 5/32 inch is the suggested pilot hole for a # 10 machine screw. Sealed everything with 3M 4200. The machine screws worked perfect with no cracking of gel coat and everything pulled up tight.

We asked for the one in front of the toilet but Oliver gave us the one over the door by mistake. So I ordered the parts and installed it myself, and now we have both, lol, though the one over the door just get used as an occasional towel rod. It wasn't hard, but I did have to do a lot of eyeball work to get it lined up just so against the curved front wall. I put mine higher and in front of the cabinet to give more headroom over the toilet and I lined it up with the bottom of the cabinet door so that when open the door sits on the rod at 90° and acts as a shelf. Very convenient. The curtain keeps the toilet area very dry, with just a little splash around the sides.

I found high-quality sheets and mattress pad on Amazon that are for designated as Cot mattresses size (30" x 75") same as Ollie "Twin" beds less the radius angles on the corners. We'll see how they work out. Much cheaper than custom Sheets and Mattress Pad. Mattress Pad $33 each: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JK0YEDU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Sheets 600 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton $57 each: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072L4N5Y7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 We'll see how they work out. Nice little tip to look for Bedding for Cot Mattress dimensions and more accurate than RV Bunk bed dimensions (who knew)!!!

This is what we installed. It has worked out very well. The wife is happy so I am happy. Hope this help. Greg