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Take a look at the plumbing layout schematic in the owners manual. It'll make sense then.

Free is good too! A fair number of USFS (US Forest Service) campgrounds use a water pump that requires the person doing the pumping to also hold up a valve that diverts the water from a "drinking fountain" into the spout where you can fill your water container. Unless you were a gymnast this can be rather difficult to do. Sticks, pebbles and other assorted forest debris can be used to prop this valve in the open position but if you happen to have the "tab" from a can of soda or beer it works perfectly for this purpose. In addition, it gives you yet another excuse to pop a cold one. Bill

I now see that one of the great benefits of Oliver ownership is the vast knowledge base available on this owners' forum that one can tap! How amazing how our question could generate such a broad discussion. Boy, what an education! Seriously. Thank you all!

Just theorizing here - or, maybe it’s awning gossip? I read earlier that Girard’s new plant was built in Alabama. A couple of days ago, we got the call from sales that our awning will be switched to Girard. In just a few clicks it all made better sense. Their new plant is in Red Bay, AL, home of Tiffin Motorhomes and the corporate office for Van Leigh trailers. I would assume they have struck up a long term deal. I’m no expert but I’m pretty sure there’s not another RV manufacturer in Red Bay. So that puts Girard just down the road from Hohenwald. I’d say they can make a good deal to Oliver and, I think Tiffin uses quality products. They have a long reputation to uphold.

Oliver went from Fiamma to Carefree to Dometic to I guess now Girard. The switch from Fiamma was due to the terrible tragedy there and our trailer was one of the first with the Carefree. I’m not sure why Oliver switched from them. We’ve been happy with our Carefree and especially so with the Recaril fabric that you can’t seem to get with any other awning. It’s much tighter woven than Sunbrella and hasn’t stretched a bit since we’ve gotten it. It’s taut enough that we don’t need to slope the awning in the rain.

It's actually incorrect slang for an Air Admittance Valve. They are an easy substitute for having an actual vent connection where one isn't practical. I first ran into them in the 70s when boats were being required to retrofit waste holding tanks.

While nothing is entirely theft proof, when camping and especially boondocking in places where expensive gear is exposed, and especially vulnerable while away from the campsite (esp inverter generators), one way to heavily discourage a would-be opportunist, is a bolt-cutter proof lock and chain. Pictured is a 1/2” chain and lock. It would take a cutting wheel to break it. This chain is from Tulsa Chain. The lock is a Viro. We worry a lot less about our gear things are secured with it.

Thanks for the kind words regarding my craft. I consider an Oliver the best blank canvas to create a personal space of your dreams I make countertop upgrades for the Oliver along with other organization options. My countertops are relief cut so they sit down on the cabinet not on top of it, this is a classic look of fine cabinets. I offer Mahogany, Mahogany & Maple Strips, Poplar stained grey or dark brown to match the Oliver flooring option and Walnut with or without live edge. Below is a link to my PDF catalog and some sample pictures of my craft. It I can craft something for you please reachout to me. 48ocean@gmail.com or call my cell 516-635-5656. Foybles PDF Catalog Onward, Foy Sperring Hull # 227

Dakota Black was dropped when they switched to decor packages. Personally, I'm glad they kept Mont Blanc over the Dakota fiber granite because that was my choice when decor picks were ala carte. I can understand them needing to keep a brown option, although I don't care for the Alpine. Had they not offered the Midnight Decor (Flannel or Grey Jay upholstery and Mont Blanc counters) I would have chosen the Storm Decor with Wild West Ultra Fabric and Quarry fiber granite. With our chosen black overhead cabinet doors, the Dakota would be too much black. I agree there needs to be one non-black/grey/brown/tan upholstery choice. Navy would be a nice addition, but I think red ultra fabric would be awesome! Of course, it is easy to have the cushions reupholstered. Airstream used to have a red ultraleather option - more of a paprika/chili pepper color. I don't see it offered now.

I suppose if you were out of beer I could find you scrounging around my Ollie looking for a coke can pop top. I know you wouldn’t have any around your campsite. Mossey

Funny you should mention Foy's woodworking. He showed off his wooden night stand, pantry, microwave and dinette tops at the non rally last week. So I think the patterns are already created and he would probably put that together as a package. He follows the Oliver Facebook page more than the forum, so reach out to him there and ask if would make a custom order for you. Mossey

As we wait for such products to hit the market, I saw this DIY system by some full timer's and YouTubers. They started with a Casita that didn't have solar so the truck was their main solar bank. They have a shortbed truck with a canopy and set up for extended boondocking. Within the bed under the canopy they have: 1) Decked Storage system as a platform for tools and other supplies. 2) Front of bed - 2 extra cross bed fresh water + an extension tube leading to the tailgate area as a rear fill/empty port.) 3) Mid Bed - Within an insulated box - Solar Controllers and Batteries hooked up to 600W solar 4) Rear of bed - 12V/110V Compressor Chest Refrigerator Solar setup Includes: 600W Solar on Roof of Pickup Canopy 3kW Inverter + On/Off Switch and outlets 30Amp connector so they can plug in the trailer directly. Victron MPPT Controller + Bluetooth Shunt (for reading battery state on phone app.) 2 - Battleborn 100 Ah 12V LiFePO4 Pretty complete boon-docking setup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPmn9hjqDp8

Agree with the handyman quality somewhat. I'd be first in line for some Stickley quality pieces if they became available.

For sure we went overkill. Considered the 3-8” chain at about half the price (and weight) and it would have done the trick, but doubt we’ll regret experiencing the extra peace of mind from amped security of the 1/2” chain. Two generators, two bikes and propane equipment, etc, would be a hassle to replace. As noted, the lock wasnt inexpensive either, but necessary to complete the system.

Through the discharge at the bumper, ie: the 25'. Also, depending on build maybe loosening a couple of clamps?

"Oliver's m.o. for the past two or three years has been to carefully study what owners want, have researched, implemented, are satisfied with, etc., and then do something different."

And speaking of scopes, I have used this for my drain pipes at home as well as inspections in the Ollie while searching for wiring pathways. The only issue is the 23 feet length is sometimes a hassle dealing with. Mossey

I admit that it’s nice to find the dump station empty and no one waiting, so don’t rush the process and make a mistake if someone is waiting behind you. They'll get their turn. And remember, if I am in your way while driving down the road causing you to flash your lights or beep your horn, I think to myself, if you had just left 5 minutes earlier, we wouldn’t have even met. I do find it quite common that the driveway to the dump stations often slopes in the wrong direction and the front of the trailer is lower than the rear. I sometimes raise the front of the trailer with the front jack while still attached. And on occasion, I have used leveling ramps to raise the rear of the tow vehicle. Mossey

As so many have said, getting the right product to meet one’s PRIMARY usage need is the issue. We primarily needed 1600 lbs load carrying capacity for our SxS and secure storage for our generators and other gear so went with the heavy DB option. As for leaks, we’ve been in many a torrential downpour without a problem BUT our Silverado 2500 HD truck bed rails are level and flat all around and the bedliner is sprayed on, insuring a level surface. In contrast, one of our Ollie friends has a new Ram 1500 with the 400 lbs DB. his bed liner doesnt set flat on his rails and compresses under the the compression of the DB clamps ... creating a dip at the clamp, and thus a makes sealing more of a challenge. With so many options, it’s a bit crazy-making, challenging and fun(?) to make THE perfect decision. One of my college professors had a good line about making decisions amongst several good options, “go with the option that makes the most sense.” You can always change your mind if something comes along that makes more sense.

Read about it here: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-fiamma-shooting-orlando-20180314-story.html Mossey

They do have scopes designed for a septic tank 'colonoscopy'. Some home inspectors have them, as well as folks that pump septic tanks. It would be a quick look as no more than 40', less if the flex pipe is removed (recommended). If all else fails it would be an easy thing. A flashlight and mirror might do as well.

We have an older unit with a manual system. It takes under a minute to deploy or retract. That said, and with arms, we still bring it in overnight. There are plenty of sailboats out there that heel over and scoot through the water with less fabric out there. And if you hear yours start to luff during the night, you best be getting up. Hate to think of the Oliver heeling over, and 'scooting' through the campground.

There is also a magnet on the back. Makes it stick to the TV and becomes hand free. Might stick to a belt buckle??

It is the Girard GG750 according to the owners manual in the University and the length I have learned from Sales is 16' on the Elite II.

We not only raise the front of the trailer but also raise the passenger side to make it flow better. Works for us. Andrew

First thing I would try is to raise the front of the trailer to see if that helps. The gray tank is flat and sensitive to how level the trailer is. The black tank sits higher and is more square so it drains easier. If raising the front of the trailer doesn’t help, then I would check the gate which is under the street side bed closest to the pantry. I can’t imagine that the cable would come lose on such a new trailer but it would be worth a look. Mike

As John Oliver explains in the winterization video of Oliver University you WILL want to connect the hand pump to the city connection and pump antifreeze through the outside shower, after normal winterization procedure is complete.

We routinely camp on Lake Seminole, FL, for the excellent fishing and wonderful nature (including plenty of alligators). With the closing of our favorite North Florida Corp of Engineer campground (River Junction), we were forced to try out Three Rivers State Park in Sneads, FL. This is a small, but quite lovely, campground (was much lovelier before Hurricane Michael leveled most of the trees). Much to our surprise, another Oliver pulled in after us. What are the odds. We spoke briefly, but I do not recall the name nor Hull Number (it was in the 500s). The next day, after I returned from a very productive fishing trip, the Oliver was gone. Other than the hot, humid Florida summertime, I highly recommend this campground, and, if you are senior (65+) it is only $8 per night.