hobo

Curious: while talking about air compressors and tires. Can someone tell me whether the tires on the Ollie has metal or rubber tire stems? This is asked relative to which TPMS system I purchase. EEZ for instance has some monitors specific to metal valve stems and other more attuned to the rubber ones. We haven't picked up our trailer yet so that's why I'm asking. Thanks

Just FYI from reading other threads; The actual running pressures for the trailer tires according to many current owners is around 45-50 PSI. Not the ridiculous maximum pressure listed on the tires. Didn't know if you were aware of that. I wasn't until some folks discussed it. Makes purchasing a compressor a little less complicated (at least for the trailer itself).

Based on the above, it doesn't appear that the hull number naming scheme has changed. Our hull # is 414 which was the very last 2018 model to go into production. The hull # above is clearly a 2019 model.

We haven't taken possession of our Oliver yet (will pick up 1 May) but I have a close friend who owns an RV repair facility and he HATES Airstream. He has shown me where the beauty is only skin deep on them. He said inside the walls, and floors they are a mess and prone to lots of issues to include wood rot, insulation failing, etc. In his opinion, the build quality of the Airstreams really doesn't differ much from any other stick built RV. Shiny, pretty, fancy, - yes. (at least for a while). But overall, people pay way too much for the stigma of owning an Airstream. He grimaces at the mention of working on one but they do keep him gainfully employed. His assessment was a major reason we went Ollie.

John, Got it. Thanks a bunch.

How do I get back to your March 22 2018 post? I am only seeing the one page which was obviously preceded by more info. Thanks.

John, I am trying like heck to download your checklist but am failing miserably. If not on this site, can you email me a copy? I can private message you to provide me email address. Thanks. BTW: I find your comments and inputs extremely helpful especially since this is new to me and my wife. Hobo

It would be interesting to see what Oliver says but here's the insight provided by my very good friend and next door neighbor who happens to be the president of a very successful homeowner's insurance company. He's also been on the board of several other insurance companies throughout the United States prior to his current position here in VA. I posed the questions as previously stated and he submitted that the relationship between Oliver trailer owners who have volunteered to show their trailers to prospective customers for some sort of remuneration (gift card, small amount of cash, etc.) does not constitute a material relationship with Oliver. In other words, that person would not be considered an agent of Oliver trailers nor would that person be considered an Oliver employee. In short, this would not be considered a business relationship. He did say that this could change if you were working under some sort of contract with Oliver where in fact you might be considered an agent. In the example of the dog breeding exercise, he said that since this was being done pursuant to a contract and that you were being paid to perform services under that contract, that is materially a business relationship and to that end, your homeowner's policy would normally not cover you for liabilities for accidents related to that activity. Now that's coming from an industry expert and not me personally although I concluded from the beginning that we're on our own if something happens when we show our Olivers to interested parties. Having said that, I will personally show my trailer if asked. I would like however for someone to follow up on the waiver questions. Hobo

I can assure you; the liabilities are yours, and NOT Oliver trailers. Even if Oliver Trailers referred them to you for a showing, you have volunteered to show your trailer and in fact, have agreed to accept payment ($250 Oliver gift card) for doing so if the visitor decides to purchase. Oliver trailers has no way of controlling the safety of either the inside or the outside environment around your trailer. It would be up to you, your homeowners insurance policy, and any RV policy you might have to cover expenses. As mentioned before, a "waiver" might help or it might not. I wouldn't depend on it to save your hide though. It's really no different than the liabilities you assume anytime anyone visits you at home.

Just curious: When we get our trailer home this spring, we'll be parking it in a covered shelter with a level concrete floor. When the trailer is in the storage mode, do we simply leave it parked on it's wheels or do we take some pressure off of the tires by lifting it with the jacks and then placing blocks under the frame? What's the best practice? Thanks

John, (or anyone else): How do you add a signature? I have looked on my profile but don't see that option. Thanks, Hobo

"Hi, My name is Hobo and I'm an Ollie-holic." Part of my 12 step recovery program is to quit looking at this forum. Too many great ideas about upgrades, additions and just cool stuff to have with us when we're messing around with our trailer. The thread on "Compact Tool Kit " just about had me falling off-the-wagon. Somebody please throw some cold water on me!

Have pretty much decided on the Honda EU2200i generator for our Ollie but was at an outdoor show yesterday and was talking to the vendor and he said I should purchase the EU2200i first and then purchase the EU2200i Companion later if I needed the additional power. I questioned why I wouldn't purchase the "companion" model first as it already has the 30 AMP female built into to it. He tried to tell me why using the 30 AMP plug would only give me half of the rated power and that I could use an adaptor on the standard model to use a 30 AMP cord. I said "OK" but when I do that, doesn't the "standard"model also only the deliver half the rated power?? He admitted "yes". Then I said, "then why wouldn't I purchase the model that has the female receptacle built-in vice purchasing the one that I would have to use an adaptor?" He was perplexed since I had taken him out of his comfort zone since I was taking him off of his rehearsed script. Now having said that, I did note that the standard model does have a 12V DC charging port which the Companion model does not. In my mind, that would be the only compelling reason to purchase that one first. I'm new to all of this; can someone tell me which way to go and why? BTW: The "Show" price for the standard was $899. The Companion price was $999. This is the lowest I've ever seen for these units. Does anyone else know of a source for these at this price? I would have to drive 2 hours each way to go back and purchase. Thanks, Hobo

Looking for specific suggestions for some good quality camp chairs. We have a pickup as the tow vehicle so space is not a huge consideration but we don't want crazy big either Secondly: How many chairs should we have with us? There are two of us but who knows when someone might swing by to say "hello"? I would think 4 chairs would be ideal but with the limited space available for the storage for all things camping, do you carry extra chairs (just in case)? Just wondering what the "norm" is here. Thanks

Overland, Any chance you could provide a link to the "refrigerator handle from IKEA"? I can't seem to find it on their website. Also, "VHB" tape? Thanks, Hobo.

Thanks for suggestion. Those are pretty darn cool. If the RV was just for me, that is what I'd be looking at (or their toy hauler version). The other unit I was contemplating is the Conqueror off road RVs. However, Conqueror doesn't have an internal shower, only an external one. Not real appealing to most women. I think if the quality of the Black Series proves to be good, they should do well within that market.

At this juncture, sounds like you've ruled out the BigFoot and the Oliver. Seems as though the issue is resolved; your only other mentioned option was the Lance. As you say, "To each their own." See you on the road.

Also, Which brand? 3M or Suntec? In the 3M world, I think there are different grades, thicknesses. Can you touch on that point if you happen to know? I heard there are some 3M products that don't yellow as much as others. Thanks

From my limited perspective (only been into the Ollies for about three years doing research), seems most buyers (almost all) pretty much max out on the factory options relative to what goes on the roof. The only item we didn't order for ours was the satellite dish. If you're looking for a semi-clean roof, you're not likely to find it in the used market. Knowing how the Ollie is constructed (double hull fiberglass) I for one wanted the factory to install anything that I might ever want up on the roof vice me having to worry about it later.

I would recommend a trip to the factory for a tour. You're talking significant $$$ for anything you're considering so a quick trip to Hohenwald is time and money well spent. I believe once you have gone through the factory and seen one up close and personal, you will be able to make an informed decision. Again, I was sold on a Bigfoot as was my wife (due to size and purported "quality") but when we actually saw an Ollie, the decision was easy. Sounds like you're an experienced RVer so you will instantly see what the Ollies are all about. Doesn't mean you'll decide to purchase one, but at least you'd know the product. Just a suggestion.

I don't have our unit yet but am wondering in the "tool box" are Olivers primarily SAE or metric? My guess is major structural components are SAE but many if not most accessories are metric. Probably need a complete set of both but wanted someone to confirm my suspicions before I start piecing it together.

I seriously considered a BigFoot 25 foot trailer but after actually looking at one, although good sized, it is your traditional wood frame, wood this, wood that...ect. trailer. Wood floors with vinyl covering. It's also wide. When I looked at the underside it was a mess. All in all, a heavy duty version of a traditional maintenance plagued trailer. The unit I saw was less than a year old and there was rust and peeling paint on the frame already needing attention. I was leaning heavily toward the BigFoot until I saw an Oliver. Game over. My wife and I both agreed immediately that the Oliver was a much better product. Also, the BigFoots are built in Canada (west coast) so support would be poor for those of us on the east coast. NO CONTEST! Oliver is a much better unit at the start and will be so for many years to come.

John, I agree. I recently re-wired my BriMar equipment trailer removing all original wires, replacing all lights with LEDs and best of all, replacing the crappy little house-hold metal junction box (yes the factory did that) with the box you used above. Neat, easy to read what goes where and not a box full of wire nuts, weird colored wires, and who knows what. else. Nice job.

We are the proud owners of hull # 414 which was the very last 2018 model produced. We however, won't take delivery until 1 May due to some scheduled medical procedures (hip replacement) that will put a "hitch in my giddy-up" for a couple of months. We're excited to see others taking delivery of their units and having such good luck. We too plan on being at the rally in May.

Absolutely agree with topgun2's assessment. Oliver's first priority must be to ensure a consistent flow of the production of a quality product for their own survivability. I think we can all agree they build a superior product as evidenced by our purchasing them. They in fact offer several factory options when ordering to tailor to the needs of most folks. I personally wanted a 2 5/16 inch Bulldog hitch on my trailer and was told that they wouldn't do that as a factory item during production but I could have them do it as an after-the-fact speciality item. It cost me $261 to have them remove the factory 2" coupling and put on a larger one that they purchased separately. (Now I will have both as I paid for the original one and therefore want it too.) I have zero need for it, but I did pay for it. (Anyone need one?) I have noted too, that Oliver is VERY careful to research from an engineering aspect, any and all changes or upgrades they make to their trailers. I am sure due to the litigious society we live in today, if they added (for instance) a custom shelf extension or a different appliance and it failed for some reason, or someone cut themselves on the bracketry, they would potentially find themselves liable for damages. Not necessarily from the Oliver owner but perhaps from someone visiting the trailer. For a small time operation like Oliver, one such lawsuit could be financially devastating. I can fully appreciate Oliver setting a single standard and sticking to it for production efficiency. In 1909 Henry Ford advised his production and management team that the consumers could have “any color - so long as it is black.” Kind of what we're seeing here. Can't wait to take delivery of our unit this spring and take advantage of all the great ideas the current owners have offered up as upgrades and additions. Hobo