BackofBeyond

I would think either is fine , Ford specked them- chose what you like, the more aggressive tread perhaps - but from the choices shown on the build pics I couldn't tell. Tire rack should know???

The Ollie is on some 2x10 scrap - its parked next to my barn - where I had installed a 30amp plug- back in the day - we were practice RVing 😃 Do not know if what I am using was the original design - but once upon a time - Oliver offered what you see - the platform - not the bike rack. It slides into the same brackets Oliver uses now. It is simple to remove. Oliver added their own bike rack - I know there are some out there in Ollie land. I mounted the Thule bike rails, additional 2" aluminum and such. I purchased the assembly from Oliver and installed it - - it was left over after they discontinued the rack system. Any decent fab shop can reproduce it. It is very stable and solid. I do not hesitate to put #150 on it.

Were I Oliver - an X on a liability waver_ would not suffice either. Hope it works out. Are you in Ohio? or close to GS. Seems a local would be better to work with. But I digress. RB Seems I remember Mr. Ford offering to meet customers demands on model T exterior color - you could have any color you desired - as long as it was black. Seems Oliver is slightly better in this respect......😀 I wish you well and look forward to the solution.

Inverter provides AC power from 2000 to 3000 watts on most Oliver's - 110V. (it gets its power from the batteries - inverts 12 VDC to 110/120VAC) The standard AC plugs only work if on shore power -or you have the inverter turned on (and have sufficient battery storage - DC power). The micro wave works from one such plug. Charging of many electronic gadgets can be done from the dc powered USB ports - powered off the DC battery system. As does the Oliver entertainment system, lighting, furnace fan blower, bathroom fan, roof fan, and at times the refrigerator. (I am sure I missed something) Most Oliver's have a remote inverter on/off switch/button. Later EI's are located on the port side rear wall/shelf. It is a black square. Batteries - direct current - volts of - 6, 12, 24, 48 or multiples. The solar panels slowly recharge the batteries. AC = alternating current - usually referred to as shore power. Most consumers use 120/240 volt single phase. Texas has a shortage right now. RB

The solution is simple - and most competent fabricators can build an appropriate solution. RB

Certainly - the bottom feeders in the practice if LAW cause havoc on the well meaning amongst us - but to often its initiated by unreasonable demands of customers - as they place undue overloads on TV's, pile more into an RV than its rated, and strain that poor little 11/4" hitch hanging off the rear. Oliver once provided a very robust rear "Rack" platform - and discontinued due to - well doesn't matter. Oliver continues to provide the basics of what could be a robust platform. I'm in the camp of - good start - I'll take it from there. Or copy the parts of the design I like - and go from there. Does any other SOB even provide a platform? I understand what Oliver is doing on the rear hitch option. In the end it is attempting to meet customer demands without giving them a potential weapon that could sink the company. RB

Almost a years backlog, Few if any pre owned on the market. Supply -demand and Oliver reputation - I'm surprised we don't see a temporary premium. As a portable house - put a few them on a lot - let the bidding start at noon - but don't tell too many - don't want a riot. Bids above the ask would be expected. Ok - news flash - Oliver is taking bids on moving prepaid customers to the front of the line - what's that worth to you. 🤑 RB

Well that is what Kuat says - which makes no sense to me. Perhaps the added up/down movement on the end of a 20' lever is the issue. For my two cents - serious users will need to modify the Oliver structure to accommodate a sturdy bike carrying platform. I use an older Thule - mounted on the former model of Oliver rack supports. Very sturdy, and still removable. The dirt and trash vortex created behind the Oliver is also a bit much - My MTB's feel at home, the road bikes - abused.😄 RB

I would imagine it is the 6,2, but with all this cold weather - as those bits and bytes flow across the country - it may have shrunk a few liters. 14 here this morning - wind chill - too cold. But we are good - feel for all those with the power outages and such.

From a previous RV - we use a 2" Latex memory top, (I cut to fit) covered by a sheet, then depending on temps, a quilt or whatever. We use the quilts in our everyday life also. I originally purchased for backpacking but - we use them everyday in the winter - last few days for sure. Beware - these are extremely efficient - depending on the fill - we have 10 and 20 degree - you will stay warm. I sleep warm - so I am usually semi covered. Quality is top notch. RB

Interesting weather pattern - just a touch north and west of us the storm had a real impact. - drive 30 min NW - and its a different world. Much more ice around the hills and dales - not to mention the roads. We had heavy rain that at times attempted to freeze. I am sure it will tonight. RB

I am always a little wary of never lube - but then - what do I know.

We have migrated to what the backpacking crowd calls a quilt - Revelation Quilts (enlightenedequipment.com) - we have two - hers and mine. They are "spendy" but top quality and stuff into almost nothing. RB

2" ball. Your in the ball park with your hitch height- unladen. However, each situation may be different - based upon payloads, where you have stuff stowed in the Ollie, ext., After your all hitched up, and loaded as you would be for a normal trip - take the time to find a nice flat spot, and take a look at how your truck and trailer are setting. A slight bias to the front - lower in the front of Ollie - is desired. I actually run mine at level - but just barely. I am sure each trip and loading results change the ball weight in either direction. The Walmart just outside the Oliver sales and service complex would be a fine place to check your self out. Your settings worked for my 2004 GMC. However it didn't have the power delivery I wanted - so I upgraded to a 2500. Of course these are my opinions and worth about what one pays for them. 🤑 Happy Trails RB OFD

Mr. Cool - I would imagine normal maintenance will be about all you need to think about, but honestly, there may be some things you will discover - that as you deal with them - will give you a better understanding of your Ollie. In my experience - the more I did normal simple maintenance, winterized, used the boondocking water features, greased the running gear, changed bearings, found the best tire pressures for my situation, added TPMS, and on - the more comfortable I became with my Ollie. And if your one of those folks who is always looking to make something better - well - this forum has the expertise to show you the way. At no time have I regarded my Oliver as anything less than a really good TT. I am always amazed at how well it works off grid, how comfortable we are in BFE, and that I was so smart choosing Oliver.🤣 As others have alluded to - take the time to fully appreciate your Ollie - and it will return the favor. The worst angst you will likely experience - will be the waiting for delivery day! RB OFD

Well into morning, and no real change - still around freezing, no freezing rain, but there is a band headed this way - about Huntsville. Was a really stupid early AM pile up on 231 Huntsville - black ice is undrivable - I'm sure those folks in the pile-up had no idea until it was to late. Slow or fast - you just slide until stopped..... The really cold air is due tonight. A trip to the woodshed, Will stock up on firewood, stoke the woodstove, and enjoy the Presidents day. I might even spend some time on the bike trainer. Would not be a good day for an Ollie deliver day!! Try later in the week.... Old fashioned mother nature induced social distancing. Many Business are closing for the day, my pool session - included,,,,, Be safe out there. RB g

We have done both. As we are in the EII, we have more room, and thus don't rearrange each morning. We leave a covered topper on the regular cushions, (tuck a sheet around it) and either use a heavy comforter , down bag, or light blanket - just depends on temps. It all just gets moved to the rear - if we need seating. But not very often. RB

I'm pretty much on the same storm swath - currently its fine. We will see what tomorrow brings. In 20 years the worst of cold, icy, snowy weather has never last more than a few days. Given the last years restrictions - staying home will be almost normal. Come Friday - this will be a memory. Happy Netflixing all. RB

One destroyed tire (and wheel well) at speed will have you installing TPMS. My one experience on a boat trailer was enough - fun though - my wife who was driving at the time - freaked out - at 70 mph... TPMS she said YES.

Honestly - especially when on the larger interstates and thoroughfares - we often stop for RNR at about half tank mark, Not long - but a stretch - a quick break. And - sometimes - I motor on - all the way to 1/4 tank.....

I found Oliver trailers sometime during 2017 - I was seriously considering a class C 4wd - of the Elkhart clan. After much consternation - it finally jelled in my mind - the trailer was the more flexible platform - with a 4wd TV. I toured the Oliver factory - visited Oliver at least twice before purchase - and we took Ollie home July 2018. As someone with decades of manufacturing experience - I recognized Oliver was perhaps at the top of the heap in RV manufacturing - but just decent -in the whole. Has my ownership experience been perfect, great, good, met my expectations, or worse. Since I began reading this forum - a constant reoccurring theme has been the various questions, concerns, and praise for the OLIVER quality level - and in a few threads - some - second guessing the purchase altogether. Personal consternation over real or perceived quality issues that arise within days, weeks- or months of delivery. And too their credit - forum members are always eager to help - often with personal experience on an issue. We see repeat issues, we see obvious defective build issues, we see a very responsive service group and we see owner mods that make Ollie better, and we see a community of like minded caring Oliver Owners - a preponderance of them with previous RV experience - or - who are handy with tools, and repair procedures - and have no problem fixing many of the minor things that can go wrong with RV ownership. Lets face it - The modern Oliver RV is a complicated multi system RV that relies on its many parts to work correctly - together- to deliver the experience a new owner expects. As good as the forum experience aids and supports the Oliver brand - when your Ollie let you down - soon after writing that check - good intentions don't help much. So what is a reasonable, realistic customer expectation level for the new Oliver owner at purchase. Is it acceptable to have any of the systems inoperative - at delivery- or within days. Is it ok for a system to be less than fully installed. Is it ok for the delivery day process to be less than top shelf. Is it ok that the service department is relied upon to carry the day - too often. Or, does knowing RV's are historically hit and miss on the quality front, and with Oliver's reputation in mind, we look past the initial disappointment. It's not a Toyota after all. (I couldn't resist poking) Your opinions - your feedback - are important - here - and to me - I can be very critical on the subject - but I attempt to temper my comments - and expectations, due to my time in the trenches of manufacturing hell. I believe Oliver is connected to this forum - as it is a feedback loop, and an important first hand accounting. I also believe - we owe it to ourselves, a personal responsibility - to educate and learn about our purchase - and try to understand the issue at hand. But where does the line of responsibility begin and end. You put $$ down, eagerly waited months, happy anticipation for delivery day, and you fully expect your high dollar purchase will be 100% perfect - right? Well - at least be fully usable. So, after 2.5 years of med/heavy use, at least 4 trips to Oliver service for R n R, a few phone calls for info on this or that, does my experience meet my expatiation. Well - mostly - because I expected less than perfect. I understood the Oliver was only as good as its components and the build process - itself. And I inform and educate myself on the product, as best as I can. Yea Oliver is better than SOB, so what, I bought an Oliver, Would I buy my Oliver again. Probably. But if I was a normal ordinary customer - new to the RV world, my view may be less generous. I don't bleed Oliver, that is Scotts job, but I do care about the brand and how customers feel about their purchase - as I represent Oliver with my purchase and continued use. It is much more pleasant to promote than to defend. So, for those of you out there with less than favorable experiences - hang in there - Oliver will get it right, for the satisfied of you, happy trails, and for the rest of us, well - we're never satisfied anyways - well - not for long. 🙄 RB OFD

Nice charts - Purple is usually one my favorites but not here.🙃. Real time this morn - 28, overcast, miserable - not a happy Valentine's. Netflix it will be.... March cannot come soon enough.

As I have come to realize - Oliver does such a fine job supporting all customers - an extended warranty is just part of the deal - it may cost some after a few years - but hey - they stand behind it.... Fan dude....

As I don't know what Oliver provides any more - The basics - You will most likely be on a 15 amp circuit - perhaps 20 - that is shared with other needs of the dwelling - and I believe Oliver supplies the 30 am to less - adapter. Water- they give you a hose - long enough? - site dependent. Any hose will do in a pinch - but the non smelly ones are preferred. Wheel chocks - I love my Andersons - work in most places - but again - site dependent. It is always nice to have a few extra wooden spacer blocks for the jacks. Have fun - it will come to you - grasshopper!😃 RB

Purchased the Truma propane gage. Easy to use, simple, and accurate - just like the hot water trick - really.😀 I'm not sure why I am so anal on this topic - I can never remember the settings - in the middle - left - right, leave both tanks open, leave just the one - on. The damn thing is green, no red, no wait - turn the other tank on. Watch this - hold my beer - damn, the tank is empty. RB