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Add "inspect tailpipe" to your checklists. @Lake Guntersville SP

Chuckle of the day!

@Steve Morris Thanks for you site-to-name list you maintained for this year's rally. It was very helpful to have it bookmarked on my phone to cross reference who I was face-to-face with. Hopefully someone will take up the torch for next year's rally. I know many of us have already reserved out site for next year.

When we lose one of the furry members of the family, it is a devastating day. We offer our condolences, and hugs. I know it's never an easy time. Sherry

We are staying at a hoity toity resort RV park in Bend OR, $210 for 2 nights. For the low rent spots. I think the best spots require your first born child. I seldom dump into a raised sewer pipe, so I never bought a sewer snake, I thought it would just gather dust. So I improvised with the ramp for the 1-Up bike tray. I dislike hookups that require you to lay your fresh water hose on ground that has been irrigated regularly with sewage spills, so I bypassed that area. Off to the ocean tomorrow - Tillicum Beach CG USFS, we will have to rough it once again. Then I can fret about rogue waves and tsunamis instead of germs. We lost one of our Australian Labradoodles the day before we departed home, we had to euthanize Zadie. Zack, her son for ten years, is quite lost and forlorn, as are my wife and I. John Davies Spokane WA

Please add your info at the bottom of your posts. There are instructions on how to do so. See above examples. It makes our responses much more accurate knowing the TV and your Ollie info. Thanks and good luck! GJ

If you (or someone) were to organize even a small caravan, you'd likely have a great time. Back in 2010, a few of us organized a trip we called "the mountain eggroll." We had 5 Olivers, and my friend's Casita. It wasn't a long trip, but it sure was fun. The longest run was from south of Asheville to PlumTree campground, via the Blue Ridge Parkway. (We did turn a lot of heads.) Two weeks, three weekends, bunches of fun visiting small regional festivals and restaurants. Probably doesn't seem like a big number, but the work is much the same. And, at the time, it was over ten per cent of the existing Olivers, so not a bad turnout. 😀 Lots of great memories, and we're all still in touch. A number I count as very close friends. We did a mini reprise two years ago. Only three trailers were able to attend--folks we have camped and sailed with on a regular basis. The weather was pretty bad, so we did our own Wolly Worm races, inside our pole barn, near Asheville, and bailed out of our reservations for a campground near Banner Elk. (Marcel, though a slow starter, won the wolly Worm race.) We've caravanned with just two trailers through eastern Canada, Montana to Alaska, Kansas to Colorado, and a number of other routes with Oliver friends. It's work. And so worth it, small scale. We've made lifelong friends in our small adventures. I personally wouldn't be up for organizing a big caravan or camping event, either. Not at this stage of my life. Maybe some of you younger folks will take the baton? I know I've said it before, but leaving the door open a bit, invites new friends, and adventures, into your life. PS, for any of you wondering, we released the wolly worms humanely back into the wild, after the race.

Well... This thread may not get much mileage because it's happening during the Ollie Rally in Alabama. But here's an initial SITREP for all y'all that will capture our Sea of Cortez beach adventure over the next week or so... We're in Ajo, AZ ATM and about ready to launch on the 100+ mile trip to the beach later this morning... More to follow!

Added friction hinges on doors added over the weekend. Predrilled holes and simply added 2nd hinge set - along with Handle. Yes there is a door holder on back side but have had kids around yank them off in past. (Little weary of someone not being careful)

Mileage seems about the same, but it sure does feel slick. I’m sure washing will be easier too.

How cool would it be to have a shot of 4 or 5 Ollies parked along the bulkhead sidewalk at Rocky Point...? La Playa Bonita RV PARK #1.pdf

Making the border crossing.... Entrance to the Playa Bonita RV Park - roughly $35/nite... Magnus' intro to the salty water of the Sea of Cortez... Casablanca at the beach - tide goes WAY out in the AM...

Growing up, my family camped a lot. Many times near the end of the trip, if I had used and soiled all my T-shirts, my Mom would have me wear them inside out. She figured it looked better to the bears. When we are nowhere near a washing machine, I have to admit thinking about that experience and our sheets. Turn them inside out and swap sets, and it looks like clean sheets for all. Fortunately, my better half overruled the thought pretty quickly. However, it would be easy to put another set of tags on the back side of the sheet if one was "Sheet Side Dyslectic"! 🙂 GJ

That's cheating...

While having the Truma retrofit done which usually takes two days, we opted to book a two night stay at Meriwether’s Retreat Bed and Breakfast. This is without question one of the best B&B’s we have ever stayed at. Miss Melissa the owner is an amazing sweet gal catered to our every need and then some. The homemade breakfast Quiche, fruit, granola and all the personal touches that she provided were top shelf! Our stay was excellent. We wanted to pass on this awesome place to stay if your going to need accommodations while your Ollie is being taken care of! Patriot🇺🇸

When replacing the black tank valve, used a piece of double sided tape to hold the nut while threading into it:

Hi, We do not use the camper during the winter. It’s stored on the side of our house. I have a collapsible storage bin that I store anything loose in while towing. The graphics are from Roommates, purchased on Amazon. They are decals that go on and off very easily leaving no residue. I used them in my previous camper as well. They work great on the fiberglass walls. We do indeed travel with all the pillows. We each sleep with two pillows and the small ones go on the dinette seat against the wall when we go to sleep. I’am incredibly organized (to the point of OCD…lol) and have a place for every single thing that goes in the camper, my camper is very easy to keep clean since everything has its place. I’ll be happy to post a video when we have it fully loaded, our first trip out won’t be until mid June though. In the meantime there are a few videos on my YouTube channel showing some of my organization items I use. lol at the red pull tab! It’s my way of being actually human and not perfect!🤷🏻‍♀️*It actually drives me crazy that it was sticking out*😬😂 Here is the link to the pantry organization video. The link to the pantry bins are in the drop down menu area of the video.👇🏼

Very pretty graphics in the bath. Matching towel, even! If mine looked like that, I wouldn't mind so much leaving the bath door propped open ... 😀

Do you use the trailer while it is parked long term? How do you stow all the small stuff when on the road so it doesn’t rattle to pieces? Are the graphics easily removable? Do you travel with all those huge pillows? It’s indeed very pretty but IMHO it is neither practical nor easy to keep clean when actually camping… Can you please post a link to the pantry bins? And pics of your interior when full of food and clothes? BTW you forgot to tuck the red pull tabs underneath the cushions. They clash, color wise. It might make somebody think that there is an emergency exit hatch underneath. 😉 Thanks. John Davies Spokane WA

The original "oldest" , the one that started it all, is the John Oliver trailer, on display in Hohenwald. We all benefit from the labor of love of the twins, Jim and John, and the continued efforts of their family, and the extended family of Oliver employees. A side note: both our 46+ year sailboat, and our 2008 Oliver, are hulls #12. How very cool is that?

It depends on definition. @Bshaffer owns #10, and is a second or third owner, and has done amazing renovations on the ultimately cute red jelly bean, and is sometimes active here on the forum. I see her more often when I check in on Facebook group. We have #12, as original owners. Pete , @bugeyedriver is just a month or so younger than our hull #12. (14, I think, and original owner.) #3 contacted me years ago. I don't know if they still have it. #3 is the storied trailer owned by Mountainborn, where it all really began, for marketing. We bought ours, after seeing a grainy video on another site, and visiting the factory with the late Robert Partee. I've been in touch with a number of original and second owners over the years. Still friends with a number of those from our "small group" days of camping together at unofficial rallies. Very close friends with a handful, whether they still own their Ollie or not. Others, we camp and sail with on a regular basis. (Obviously, we're all older. Some don't camp anymore.) A number of the early trailers are still out there, somewhere, but not in touch with the forum. Truth is, our now 15 and 16 year old trailers have stood the "test of time." And, it's been exciting for all of us "older" gen owners to watch the progression and evolution from the original Elite I. We tend to pick and choose pur updates, but continued ownership, and the reliability, is a testament to the product. Personally, I can't say enough about the support and family feeling we've received from Oliver over the now many years. It's a great corporate culture. So many great people. Before Mountainborn, I never knew there was a Hohenwald, Tennessee. Now, it's one of our favorite towns.

The Red "Jelly Bean" Hull #010 owned by Brandi Schaffer is the lowest numbered hull that I know that is still on the road. It was originally delivered in January of 2008. She said that she'll be at the rally. Larry and Betty Harmon (mountainborn) bought the first Oliver sold Hull #003. It was delivered in September of 2007. I have seen it once since Larry sold it over 10 years ago. The Black "Gambler's Edition" Hull #009 was spotted behind an old building in Reno or Las Vegas several years ago. I don't have any more current info about it. But, if you take it one step further and look at who has the lowest Hull number AND is the original owner that would be Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh (SeaDawg) in their Hull # 012 originally delivered in February of 2008.

@Katjo: We also bought our Ollie used after a couple years of ogling over our friend's, reading threads, selling our SOBs, and then finally dropped the hammer on "Casablanca" back in March. So, we're new at the OTT ownership thing - but we're really loving everything about it. Been doing quite a bit of business with Ryder back at the Mothership's Parts Team - he's been helping us out routinely on many levels. One surprise we had (and there's been quite a few) was discovering the secret compartment below the pantry hatch about 7 weeks after we brought CB home. The PO didn't mention it during our walk-around inspection/intro. But inside (SURPRISE!) was a brand new kitchen sink cutting board made by Foy! I had just previously made one for my wife from an extra bamboo cutting board we had - so like I've said to her many times over the years, "ONE is None and TWO is ONE!" HA! Looking forward to hearing some more experiences along these lines from others! Cheers, y'all!

Love that pic. Says a lot.

Are you pulling our leg? Are those stickers?

There are six more scattered around the interior… all different, of course. John Davies Spokane WA

You'll be very pleased with the outcome. The Wonder Egg's owner isn't nearly as old as Twist's owner, and he looks much better. 🙂

I concur! CGI is currently in Texas and yesterday they applied 2 ceramic coatings to The Wonder Egg after a very impressive prep. I've maintained #14 rather well over the last 15 years, with a semiannual wash and wax / polish. It stays in its protective barn when not out traveling. Seeing the CGI 4 man crew work over the exterior for 5 hours with their professional detailing tools was a sight to behold. And all of that was simply to prepare The Wonder Egg for meticulously applying 2 complete coatings of Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating specifically formulated for gelcoat surfaces. CGI members have a passion for creating a perfect mirror finish and the results are phenomenal. A high quality work and product for a high quality trailer is a great way to go. CGI Detailing will be at the 2023 Oliver rally. I recommend you stop by and check them out and take a look at all attending Olivers which have received their services. My 15 year old "Wonder Egg" looks better than its first day out of the factory and into the wild. Thanks, guys!

We look at the press release for WHY and HOW phrases: Winnebago is likely pitching this to the board and investors as something that not only Pays for Itself, but is an accretive move that generates incremental revenues and strengthens Winnebago's market position for the future. What type of acquisition is this: 1) Technology Boost for Winnebago Engineering 2) Secure the critical technology as a supply chain vertical integration move. WHY Statement from Press Release: "The addition of Lithionics will provide Winnebago Industries with enhanced technological and engineering capabilities to offer consumers more differentiated products with innovative electrical solutions, as well as bring strategic sourcing benefits and secure a critical area of its supply chain. " HOW will this be integrated and paid for in the long run from press release: A key phrase is: "Lithionics will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries." Unwinding that means that Winnebago's business strategy likely had several elements at play: 1) Supply Chain Stability ...the current sagging sales in the industry could take out one of their key small but strategic suppliers. Often it's way cheaper to acquire a private company with key technology than to invest to build it yourself or seek a replacement supplier. 2) Existing revenue from OEM sales by Lithionics is immediately accretive to Winnebago. It makes their overall $ revenue higher This new revenue helps Winnebago offset the acquisition cost. 3) Strong signs that the eRV market along with auxiliary device market which require high quality batteries exist and is growing fast. Winnebago has tagged this the eRV2 market. They've got several cool prototypes running now. They all feature an all electric van chassis for driving...and of course Lithionics for the house batteries. This is an opportunity for Winnebago to capture a new segment of the OEM High Energy Density Battery market. ( If Winnebago was facing a BUILD NEW CAPABILITY or BUY OUR WAY IN decision ...this one clearly came out BUY.) All 3 of these strategic elements have immediate and lasting value to Winnebago. Result: A guess on how things will play out.... Short term - 1 YEAR Lithionics will be left to run the show as is for at least a year as Winnebago figures out how work with Lithionics management to segment the market, and then define Winnebago In House Brands vs. Ongoing Lithionics external brand. The longer term goal would be to create differentiated branded offerings in the market and continue to support and sell to other RV and Trailer Manufactures who can't afford to invent new battery technology. This could play out as an exceedingly good strategic move by Winnebago. Look at the 14:20 second point on the video below for Steve from Lithionics describing the new battery and charging system they designed "for Winnebago" as a proprietary design.

Our situation is similar. We took delivery in mid-November, drove our Hull #1291 back to Idaho, then garaged and winterized it for the winter. Per Lithionics' protocol, I did the "run down and recharge" cycle a couple of weeks ago. For our Lithium Pro package, I was surprised that, after shore power was disconnected, it took a couple of days with just the 12V lights and the battery heater drawing power to run the batteries down to reserve status. Next time, I plan to turn on the inverter and run a 120V space heater to see how much that speeds up the "run down" process. I recommend you make it a priority to do the "run down and recharge" cycle soon, to maximize the life of your lithiums.

We always empty ours in between trips even it’s only a few weeks.

Yes it does need to be raised enough to remove the screws that the cups are attached with. You can see the screws in Steve’s picture. I flipped mine over on its back while it was still on the roof. That made it a little easier to remove the old gasket and sealant. But before removing or raising the AC, you should remove the plastic evaporator cover under the foam insulation. That will allow you troubleshoot a little further. It is attached with press in tabs around the perimeter and a few screws. I was then able to use a measuring cup to put water into the drain channels to pinpoint the leak. Mossey

Everything oxidizes when left outside and in the sun, so not doing anything will defiantly speed up the oxidation process. On ours I buffed in once a year with a good marine fiberglass compound and our trailer after four years looks just like new, yes it does require getting up on some scuffling (ladder not recommended) with a buffer and buffing it, not a fun job. Like I have said many times, being a retired body shop manger for some 30 plus years there is no miracle product that will stop oxidation, but removing it is possible and that's buff it off. The ceramic coatings my be the best way to go for some, but for myself, it's just a coverup and in time your will still have to have it buffed to get down to the original gel coat finish to get the original luster of the trailer back to where it all started. I realize this process may not be able to be done by many, so I would do what works for you, a nice metal building would also work, plus it does bring value to your property. trainman

We had our 2022 coated (with two coats - supposed to give 5 yrs of protection). It isn't necessary, but WOW what a shine and no more factory swirls! Also, VERY easy to clean. You can do it anytime, but it shouldn't just be coated. There needs to be a good polishing in prep. I am VERY happy with the result. Also had PPF put ont the bottom 1/2 of the front to protect feom gravel, rocks, etc. Waxing is ok, but every 6 months is too much work and not as much protection - in my opinion.

Our TV paint is completely covered with XPEL.com 8 mil paint protection. It really maintains a nice shine and protects the paint from road rash nicks and dings etc. It’s also completely ceramic coated which does not mean maintenance free. A little easier to wash yes. I use a ceramic fusion spray every third or fourth wash to maintain the ceramic coating glossy shine. It is highly recommended that a PH neutral car wash soap be used when washing a ceramic coated vehicle to extend the life of the CC. To keep our CC looking it’s best for the long haul there is a little additional elbow work involved to keep it looking great and shedding water at least in my experience. (Link below) We are going to continue to maintain our Ollie with simple washing and waxing. After long trips we typically give our Ollie a good detail after we arrive back home and so far this has worked really well for us. We have found all XPEL products work extremely well. https://www.xpel.com/ceramic-coating-fusion-plus Patriot 🇺🇸

Our trailer is 7 years old. No ceramic. I wash after each trip and wax 2 or 3 times a years. Still looks pretty good. I’m thinking I’ll do the ceramic thing sometime in the near future. Just have to find a window when we’re not out and about. Mike

Hi John. Good point. One thing you said is "22 minutes". No way mine drains in that time. More like 5 hours. I remember shortly after I picked it up, I had to replace the pump and there were a lot of plastic shreds in the filter. I also seem to remember the first time I drained the tank prior it did drain faster. I have a strong suspicion I have some plastic filings caught in the drain valve. I will blow it out from the bottom with air, but likely that will be temporary as they will just float back down there. Probably will have to cut the line behind the valve, then blow out and reconnect with alligator clip. Thanks for mentioning 22 minutes!

Neil, Here's an updated diagram I created to augment the 2019 EII Manual. This "might work" for your 2016, but given the changes often made, you may want to use it as a reference. I can send you a version for yours marked up if you find it's different in a 2016 after inspection. I have this as both a PDF and JPG...and can edit it for you as needed. Craig Short

In addition, Cedarforks did some really nice schematics of the plumbing system. You might want to PM him in this regard. Bill

You could do that. As you flush it, most of the water will flow out of the overflow rather than the drain. But if I were you, I'd fill and drain it once, sanitize, and then flush with another full tank. Also, instead of just draining the chlorine solution out of the tank, run it through the faucets into the grey tank and let that sit overnight.

Here is a heads up on the drain tube that goes through the floor. That tube can pull out of the hole and if not caught all your tank water will be inside the trailer. As I was getting ready to open the drain, I noticed light coming through the floor, not normal, then I realized it was the hole for the drain. Something to keep an eye on. Stan

While I have the Elite II, my experience is that the fresh water tank does drain slowly. When I want to empty it I usually open that drain just as soon as I'm ready to pull out of camp. That way the tank is empty by the time I get to my first gas stop. Note that normally I only do this when I'm headed home. Hope this helps. Bill

If the handle is in line with the pipe, it is open. If it is across the pipe, it is closed..

The Smith's got the description of where that valve is located down to a science. I too remember my first venture into that area to try to find that puppy. I can now even find it in the dark! Yes, that picture does show the valve in the closed position. Bill

West Texas sunset.

Queued up last week at the Kingston WA ferry dock, before crossing to the Seattle area: The ticket taker took a single glance out his window, saw white fiberglass and wrote up the fair as "Under 40 ft" [attachment file=Oliver Ferry ticket.png] which saved us the price of a fast food meal... I don't know if he noticed that the Ollie was longer than "normal" as we passed by. [attachment file=Ferry Fares.png] I was hoping we could park at the extreme front end of the ship (it is not called the bow because the ships sail in both directions) so I could take some cool pics, but Mouse was buried deep inside. Taking the ferry is fun, saves about 90 minutes driving and 60 miles of gas in heavy traffic, and makes for a great way to get to or from the Olympic Peninsula and the National Park/ Pacific ocean beaches area. [attachment file=wsf route map.pdf] It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you time your passage so that you are not at peak rush time. We intentionally chose mid-morning on a Sunday, and there was zero waiting traffic to cross east to Seattle. Late in the afternoon would have been a different story.... If you don't study the schedule, you may end up waiting for several hours in a miles long line of RVs and day tourists. It can be very frustrating if you don't plan well. John Davies Spokane WA wsf-route-map.pdf

Pulled into Whitestar Campground on Twin Lakes in Colorado yesterday afternoon without a reservation and snagged a great campsite. When we walked up to our picnic table to check out view, imagaine our surprise, another Oliver!

We’ve only had a few adventures so far, but here’s a couple pictures. One is boondocking near Salida, CO. The other is my daughter reading during a rainy afternoon at Arapaho Bay CG- you can see that she has really made her little corner her own!