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Hello, new guy here. My wife and I took the plunge this morning and ordered our Legacy Elite II. We had been looking at trailers over the last year and had it narrowed down to Oliver and Lance. Not an apples to apples comparison but both nice trailers. Preaching to the choir here but the Oliver is in a class of its own. I've been lurking here for a while and want to thank you folks for all the help. All my questions had already been answered here. This is also our first (hopefully last) trailer.

There have been a couple of recent threads about security. If you do a search for “security” you’ll find some. There is a kind of RV lifestyle culture. We’ve found mostly very nice people while camping, some outgoing and some not. We have not had any security issues in any type of camping. We feel more secure when we’re way out there boondocking since there just isn’t much in the way of people around. But even in campgrounds we’ve felt safe and do not worry about security. No theft issues. Don’t try to engage someone in conversation if they are setting up or tearing down to go. Most of us have a routine that we don’t want interrupted and end up forgetting something. Once I had a guy stop me as I was backing my trailer in, Carol standing on the site giving me directions. I politely but firmly told him to give us an hour or so. Don’t be that guy!! In general, the vast majority of fellow campers will not just walk up into your site. We’ve had folks get to where they could announce themselves but not just walk up cold. Friends are different, of course. Some want to ask about the trailer or ask what part of Texas we’re from if they are too. Nobody has ever asked to use our bathroom, to me that would be rude. I have showed interested people the inside of our trailer, but not often and I am very careful about who I would let in. You can usually tell the difference between genuine interest and passing curiosity. In general, the RV life is pretty safe and people are generally friendly and helpful. We’ve met some great folks on the road. Mike

I worry more about bear and sometimes bison and elk (depends on where we're camping, and the season,) than I do people. I've never had anything stolen from my campsite. (My first solo rv trip was summer of 78.) We do make a habit of putting expensive items out of sight, and lock the trailer when we're gone for the day, but that's about it. It is basically considered rude to ask to use someone else's bathroom. Unless it's a potty training child's mom, you'll probably never be asked that question. If someone does, just say your tanks are full.... As far as showing your camper, it's easy and perfectly ok to say "not right now," or just "we don't feel comfortable with that" especially during covid times. Campers are usually really ok with that response. In today's world, we don't have the same concept of sharing as previous years.

I've never had any such issues either while boondocking in dispersed camping spots or in established campgrounds. Including never having had anything I'd left in the camp site for the day stolen (folding chairs, stove connected to 1 gallon refillable propane tank, etc.). I do know a few people who have had some minor but scary harrassment at night while in dispersed camp sites. These very few cases across a great many camping experiences amongst all the people I know sounded like other very drunk campers out for some nasty "fun" more than trying to steal or physically hurt anyone, but in the moment they did not sound great. One was somewhere in southern AZ in a very remote spot, and two were just out at the end of old logging road spurs in WA; all three well into night time.

More on a Larger Dinette Table A number of interesting ideas came up in the responses to my proposal that Oliver should offer a larger dinette table as an option, and for after-market sale to current owners. I wanted to provide some additional information for some of them. 1. As can be seen in the picture of my "new" table below, even after adding almost five inches to the table length there is actually still more than 26" of space in the walkway between the table and the refrigerator. Plenty of room for two people to maneuver. If I were to do it again, I would add a full 5" to the table, making the new table dimensions 27 3/4"W and 29" long. Then the walkway would be exactly 26" 2. I like the idea of a drop leaf and other expanding table designs when space permits, but in exploring design options for myself I was concerned that unless raised the drop leaf would block one from sitting down at the dinette. Also, I was concerned about sharp square corners being a safety hazard when the leaf was down, and wanted to preserve the rounded corners for safety. 3. For those who might to want to use their third bunk, if Oliver were to follow the same pattern used for its current table, the larger table could still be used as the filler for establishing the bunk. Probably with a couple of barrel bolts underneath and near the sidewall to lock the table in place when it was in the "down" position. 4. Finally, and just to gild the lily, I led the charging cables for our computers & smartphones up through the table edge under the window. When not in use they drop back down into the holes and are out of the way. Much neater than having them flop all over the place. Oliver ought to do a similar thing with its table(s). Thanks to all who chose to comment. John Shkor SailorAshore

Congratulation! Love your graphic! Did you guys design this yourselves or use a service? We want to have our graphic ready to go at pickup as well. Only a couple of months to go. Please post pictures when you get a chance so those of us waiting can live vicariously through you until our turn comes 🙂 Cindy & Charlie

With regards to the time it takes to complete jobs - I like to think that after all those years when I simply didn't have the time to do things the way I knew they should be done, I now have the time to really do it "right". So what if it takes me a day (or two or three) to do it? So what if I have to wait until I have the chance to get that exact correct part or shrink tubing or glue or varnish or sandpaper or .... ? My days of doing things in a hurry are over - unless I'm preparing to get on the road with my Ollie. And even then I start planning just as soon as I can for the next trip so I don't have to rush when the time comes. To me, this is one of the real joys of retirement. Bill

Being a retired Body Shop Mgr. for a large DFW auto dealer I'm pretty much into keeping my stuff in top condition. After one year of ownership I intend to lightly buff the trailer with Meguiar's Fine-Cut Cleaner, this is a machine use product, but most of the time I use it with a polishing rag in small areas, but for the complete trailer I would machine buff. I then use a quality fiberglass wax, that would be your choice as some work different then others. Any products that you just wipe on and off, I wouldn't use as you are just covering over the problem and in time the degraded fiberglass will built up. This is what I do, I realize that we all do what works for us, I just do what works for me. trainman

I'm sure glad I started camping with a trailer some 45 years ago, it seems that I'm doing it pretty much the same way and using the same setup items that I did back them. trainman

I have the lock off of the door right now (2020 Elite II). The hole size is 2" and the thickness of the fiberglass is 10mm. So D is 1 above. I have the short cam offset reversed from what I can tell. Worse case is just to re-use the same cam that's on the stock lock. I found the correct Southco locking compression latch with the overmolded keys here: http://www.uglyfishinc.com/southco-m1-deck-hatch-marine-enclosure-latches-p/m1-2x-xx-x8.htm

While I love remote backpack trips and boondocking in a spot we have all to ourselves I also love the social aspect of car/camper camping in campgrounds or shared dispersed sites. We definitely have a growing network of camping friends with whom we are staying somewhat in touch. Not everyone wants this but it's pretty easy to find the people who do if you're at all outgoing - e.g. exchanging pleasantries while walking near the campground etc.

Yeah out at the coast we have learned to be super careful about leaving things unattended that the racoons, and crows might have interest in. The racoons in particular often come in organized groups. Crows and squirrels are the day shift and the racoons come on toward the end of twilight. During one racoon event, where we'd had several around and above us (they travel quite fluidly in the evergreen tree canopy from tree to tree), after I thought that with the help of our big dog we'd motivated them all to move to the next site, I walked over from the picnic table to our van where my wife was doing some food prep up at the counter inside. There was one racoon with back feet on the ground and front up on the step into the van, cooly watching her and deciding whether there was a move to be made. Seeing me, it decided to follow the rest of the gang to try to find easier pickings. Crows and ravens are SMART and definitely watch what's going on and swoop in when the opportunity presents. I pretty much assume anything we leave out on a picnic table or fire pit grate or whatnot is going to be investigated by these birds when we're not right there. Bears are no joke in some areas! Down in CA they know what coolers look like and will break into locked cars to get into them. Up in WA they're not that bad (yet - our population is growing and a lot more newbies are getting out which may train them in unfortunate ways. It's sad because a fed bear usually ends up a dead bear as they become troublesome and trapping and moving usually just sends the problem elsewhere. In WA we mostly just have to be smart about food storage - in a hard sided container (a camper like the Oliver counts! but so do "bear canisters" while backpacking etc.) or carefully hung from a tree (i.e. while backpacking where bear canisters aren't required). Yeah we think way more about that than about security from people but for sure we lock our bikes if we are leaving them unattended and I'm careful with camera gear and such.

That said, we've enjoyed campfires and conversations with people from all over the globe. My Christmas card list includes camping friends across the US, Canada, Germany, the UK, Iceland, and Australia (and elsewhere.) Most campers are people just like you, but from somewhere else. It's still ok to just say "not now," or "we're just getting settled in", or "we're not into visitors right now."

I checked out your link to level mounting instructions. As usual, they were very clear and nicely laid out. I'll bring the bits and pieces to do so on my maiden voyage at the beginning of December and do the mounting down south before coming back to the wicked frozen north. Thanks on that John.

I don’t have the built in surge protector, I use a portable at the pedestal. Once I plug it in and flip the breaker it takes about 45 seconds for it to pass power. It’s done that since the beginning and I assume it’s checking the circuit. Maybe that’s what yours is doing. Mike

After four camping seasons I still get the direction wrong the first few times I use the jacks. After that my mind accepts that “Up” means “Trailer Go Up”. Which really does make sense, especially for the rear ones where you cannot see them moving. And for clueless owners who don’t know better. 😀 For the tongue it is harder to accept because you are watching the ram come down. I guess I could rewire just the tongue switch, that would make things really interesting.... I too find that stuff just takes a whole lot longer to accomplish than it used to, in say 1990. I mentally think “1 hour to do this... no worries!.” - it usually takes me half a day or more. And I have to watch closely for mistakes that would never happened long ago. There is a reason old people retire from working..... John Davies Spokane WA

SeaDawg, just reread your post. I realized you weren't asking about a truck. Yes, our pick up date is 9/9/2021

Thanks guys. I guess "all my questions" up to this point. We have an F-150 with the tow package and 5.0 liter engine. We figure that's good to start.

Gap - I've had no problem with the 6 inch footprint in that the diameter of the Oliver's jacks is basically 6 inches - see Mike's picture above. This includes fairly extensive boondocking. I'm not sure that the 8x8's would really give you very much and would be just that much more difficult to store. Both the Camco and Andersen style "buckets" are nice but as I mentioned earlier - they can not be laid on their sides when a shorter length is desired and I would guess that they are a bit more difficult to store - round things (difficult) versus square things (easier). Bill

We only ordered these upgrades on our Elite II, confection microwave, outside LP quick disconnects, powered door lock, and the bike rack, which we don't use and we now carry our ebikes in the pickup bed. Everything else is standard production items, and the white fiberglass counter top are beautiful and classy looking. We did not order any electronic upgrades and to date we haven't needed them, plus we don't Boondock and don't intend to. Would I have ordered it differently if I could start over, NO trainman

I use wood blocks similar to Bill’s. Mine are 6” and then I use legos to raise them where I want them. I’ve got one for each jack (3) and then one additional that is a little over 4”. I also carry a few short lengths of 2X6 for odd situations.

First, thanks to John for the incredibly detailed install photos and notes on the Bulldog upgrade. I’ve been considering doing this update to the larger Bulldog coupler. Still undecided. I’m under 6,000 lbs for my loaded weight, but I’m always a fan of overkill/big safety margins. For me the one worrisome single point of failure in the whole towing setup is that EVERYTHING is held to your tow vehicle by a single 5/8” diameter hitch pin holding your hitch into your tow vehicle receiver. So no matter how large the bolts on the Bulldog, or whether you use the Andersen hitch, etc., we all still have to trust that one single hitch pin (with safety cables as the backup in case of failure). And I’ve found that a lot of the off-brand hitch pins don’t even list a weight rating. I’m using an Andersen stainless steel locking hitch pin and Andersen claims a shear strength of 30,000 lbs. so I guess I’m ok there. Maybe the Bulldog upgrade at my next service visit to Oliver.

Thanks John. The walk to the restroom to dump the bottle will be much better next time with a cap!

I agree with this. All the other bits and pieces are just nice to have. Everything you might have forgot or didn’t know you wanted can be purchased at Tractor Supply or Walmart just a minute or two drive from your pickup. All you absolutely need is payment and proof of insurance if you paid for the trailer via a secured loan. If you’re paying with cash, I don’t know if proof of insurance is required by law in TN or not.

I agree with Mike. The only place we've ever stopped that I felt uncomfortable was a walmart parking lot in what I felt to be a sketchy location. We both agreed, and moved on to a Cracker Barrel a bit further down the road. The only thing I've ever had "stolen" was actually a newbie mistake. We stopped at a campground on the Blue Ridge, and left a table at the spot we selected to mark it as occupied, and went back to the Dropbox to register. We got back to our campsite, and the table was missing. Then I saw a van camper drive up, with my table in the back. She stopped and dropped it off, with sincere and profuse apologies. She thought the table was "left behind." It was one of her first times in a campground. After reading the registration policy, she realized what she'd done. By and large, most campers are honest, regular folks. And fun, and helpful. That said, there are a lot of "new" campers out there. Just put what you care about out of sight if you're gone for the day.

Susan - No problem at all. I think that you will find this leveling process somewhat more simplified with the trailer versus the van. You simply level from side to side first while still attached to your tow vehicle. Then you level from front to back. If you need the front of the trailer to be just a little higher then you can simply use that front jack to raise the trailer even while still attached to the tow vehicle. If you need the front of the trailer to be lower you either must raise the rear of the trailer - put more levelers of some sort under the wheels on BOTH sides - or un-hitch to be able to use the front jack to lower the front of the camper. There are other variations on the theme here but you probably get the idea - side to side first and then front to back. Bill

You should have received one, it would be unpleasant to transport without one..... especially if nearly full. File a service request and they will send you one, but check all drawers first, it may be there in the galley. John Davies Spokane WA

If I stored my trailer in a paid by the month facility I might have some concerns about thief, but we store our trailer at home where I feel pretty safe with it there. When camping I've never had anything stolen from the campsite in 45 years of camping, but I do lockup our ebikes as they are expensive and could just be rolled off, or put in the back of a truck with not too much effort. We do camp when to old people camp, during the week and try not to camp on weekends when the wild ones are out, haha, oh we are the wile ones. trainman

Never . . . . worrying about security takes the joy out of camping. Everything we take along can be replaced, though it would be an inconvenience. As far as personal security, I feel safer boondocking than I do in some improved camping facilities; we try to steer clear of high crime areas and I do not camp without my "body guard" of 40-something years 😉

I don't usually chime in but I'll give one suggestion we use. Easy to put up and down is a Clam with the side panels and put a propane fire pit in the middle you can be in the windiest, rainiest, coldest temps and sit pretty. we have had 6 or seven people sit around the fire pit for hours so something to think about. the newer one with the flaps on top keep the heat in better as well. Happy travels. Thanks Gary

All of the above + weight of the vehicle off road and the quietness! After 3 diesels, I’m really enjoying my 3/4 ton gasser. I’m sure there are hills where I will slow down. But, what do I care, it’s Saturday! (Oblique reference to another ongoing thread).

Don: Here’s a list of what you’ll need for each fastener. The coupler, spring shackles, and EZ-Flex pivot will require two wrenches. A socket on the torque wrench for the nuts, and some other type to apply opposing torque to the bolt heads so they don’t rotate. This is critical for tightening the shackles and EZ-Flex pivot. I’d recommend standard chrome (non-impact) 6 point sockets as specified for each fastener. Bulldog Coupler: 3/4” socket and a 3/4” combination wrench. OTT says 80 ft lb. Lug nuts: 3/4” DEEP socket with a short (3-6”) extension. Dexter says 90-120 ft lb. Spring shackles: 11/16” socket for nuts. Use a 13/16” socket with a breaker bar close to the same length as your torque wrench to hold the heads. You may need a deep socket to clear the grease fitting. Dexter says 30-50 ft lb. EZ-FLEX center pivot (assumes at least one wheel removed): 7/8” socket with the short extension for the nut. The same 13/16” wrench you used for the shackles to hold the bolt head. Dexter says 65-75 ft lb. The chain hardware, auto, big box home, or farm supply stores all carry decent quality tools at competitive prices.