BackofBeyond

From my view Oliver has over the years , made improvements on the product - many of which came from the owners suggestions. I am not on Ollie management team, but if I were to guess, there is probably some interest in new product, but fully realize the current demand has them fully engaged, and to take additional resources to develop a larger O - well - the return on investment probably isn't there right now - not to mention the lack of material and manpower and manufacturing space. Around here, everywhere you look, business is looking for employees. But you never know.

7000lbs has been the Ollie II max. As has been said many times, most modern 1/2 ton trucks, set up appropriately do a fine job as a tow vehicle for the EII. And as has been pointed out, the first place you run into problems is usually in the payload area. Manage payload and you are good to go. Just remember payload is not just about carried weight - braking and chassis systems need to be able to handle the load. #3/4 ton trucks are more forgiving in the payload area - leaves the driver to contemplate other issue...... After a few years in my truck, I've come to really appreciate the intangibles -. RB

I would have to get up to get the phone......

I use two of these Andersons - and have found them to be very user-friendly. Picked up a couple wheel chocks from Harbor Freight (cheap), this and a few well sized wood blocks and we are ready for most any spot. Quick, simple.

2018 F150 3.5L V6 w/ Max Tow Package 1693lbs Oliver average dead weight - ~650 or so. Now your at 1000lbs give or take. Subtract a full tank of gas and two adults and a big dog ~660lbs and have about 330lbs left. Round up 400lbs - that's still a good bit of stuff to add - but brings you to max. - if your not using a leer top or something similar. Last time I checked - Truck was at 7500 Oliver was at 6000 - half tank water. Theses days the Ollie is probably at about 6200lbs. Full of food, clothing, water, propane, bikes, other absolutely needed stuff , oh and a few liters of wine.... I do not think about payload - my TV has plenty of room for error. Listed at 2226. As others have commented - your payload is vehicle specific - usually posted on the drivers side B pillar. R B

As others have pointed out, The differences between brands, powertrains, and capabilities are certainly a personal preference - and should be made in consideration of the planned usage. Were I back at the looking stage - it would really come down to two things - Payload and the number of miles we planned to tow the Ollie. For our purposes - the 3/4 diesel was the clear choice. ( I so wanted to be happy with my old GMC 1/2 ton) Shorter distances, with few mountains or elevation, the 1/2 ton gasser would be ok. I've done both, the current TV is perfect for our needs, given the cost differential - for me it is justified by the other intangibles of comfort, ease of towing, and carrying capacity. To each their own, have fun out there. RB

Flat Florida - I love it.

Thanks JD, I'll put this in my memory. Darn I bet you scared a few folks with the Pics...love that rifle

I've done both routes - not one no better than the other - weather would be a consideration. In fact, I've probably done almost every route west, or back that can be done, all have there good and not so -- points. The multitude of neat/cool places on a route - well that may make the trip.

I don't worry or think about the up or the down. I tow with a 3/4 ton duramax powered truck. Going up, its no issue, ( tow haul mode or not) going down, hit the engine brake switch, and go back to listening to my spouse ....... Must admit - somewhere out west, there was a above normal - maybe 12% grade - I mentioned it to the copilot, she replied, hmmm. ok. Have fun

The original 2' SQUARE ALUMINUM rack. I currently have a Yakama bike rack mounted on it. In the future there will be an aluminum box, with the bike rack mounted on top of the front opening box.

Solar (and all the attending equipment), Composting toilet, front/rear LP connections, Front storage basket, rear storage/bike rack (old design), 30lb Propane tanks , Fiber granite countertops, All in that order. The extra couch cushions were a waste of $$

And this is perhaps what eventually put us in an Ollie - after years of camping out of a Van, out of a truck, and a backpack, the joy of just leaving and returning - without the put it all away, and get it all out again - and repeat! -- the TT has been much less effort in the long run. Not too mention the other plusses of the Ollie. And with the proper TV, you can bring all your toys, all your "I might" need this stuff, and - well you get the picture. Enjoy. RB

The very best feature of our EII is the ability to stay just about anywhere. Boondocking isn't for everyone, but it sure does work for us - some of the coolest spots to spend the day/night are not in a "park". In the many, many, years we have been "camping", I can't think of a time people were offensive or not friendly. Sure, some places just had too many people for our tastes, but generally the experiences have been great. I'll admit, these days I don't go unarmed, not because I'm wary, or worried, but it is not prudent to believe there will be "authorities" near by to deal with a situation. I have insurance on the Ollie, the house, and the auto's, and , in the back ground, out of sight, on us. Bugs, snakes, and animals in general - well that is called nature. We try to control the bugs access to us, we don't worry about snakes - they don't worry about us, and as for the other of natures creations, well its a pleasure to see them. The weather- well - heck, it is the weather. Best thing I can tell you - don't leave your awning out. If in doubt, roll it in. Otherwise, it is the weather. There is a lot of America out there, not seen on a TV, or monitor, or found on a computer screen, or an app, and certainly must be experienced to be fully appreciated. To do a good RV trip, to experience reality, one must jump in with both feet, get a little dirty, squash a bug or two, swat at flying bandits, run from a crawly slinky creature, and let go - just enjoy the chance of it all. It works for us, and our Ollie makes it all a little more enjoyable. When you have a full fuel tank, and plenty of provisions, always take the road less traveled, go where you haven't been. It is all simply my opinion, yours may vary. Enjoy your freedom. RB

Any of the big three are good choices. Drive them all - but it will probably be mid 2021 before there are sufficient numbers to do much comparison. Should I win the lottery - ha - I would trade out my 2018 for a 2021 GMC. Just because...... but honestly, I love my GMC. RB

Don't waste your money - it is inevitable. RB

Mike, Are you having much problem getting reservations ? In July, it was just crazy. Pics are great!

The best indication - Airstream owners that have switched or long to do so..... There are salient good features of both TT, as for exterior durability - here is no comparison. One hail storm and .... Oliver for the win Interior layout - the AS is wider, the Ollie is a little narrower, floor plans - 2 with Oliver, AS I'm not sure. Push Components and other options - Olive wins hands down. Chassis, clearance, and towability - Oliver by a large margin Warranty - factory support - Oliver is world class in this segment. Cost factors, apples to apples - Oliver is the value leader. Cool factor - depends on your values...... Oliver is a great TT.

In 35,000 miles, about 13K towing the Oliver EII, I have a pretty good feel for fuel mileage with my 2018 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 , with Leer cab high cap, while heading west from TN, is usually different than returning home, easterly, ---- grade and speed, city, Interstates, and stop and go all rolled into the averages the GMC is consistent. On big fast highways, averaging 60 to 70 MPH, we get about 14 MPG. (Fully loaded Ollie, full truck (leave the kitchen sink, got everything else) two humans and a dog) I have seen as low as 12, a and as high as 17 - while towing. Non loaded, around the farm home, I see 18 mpg on average. A trip to the big city, I'll see 20 mpg - at 70 mph, just cruising. But that is not the complete story the other expenses are also important - upfront costs are higher with the Duramax, oil changes are more expensive than a gas vehicle, add in fuel filters changes every 10K, and the obvious higher price of diesel, and the total costs are add up - more than a comparably sized gas engine - but not by much. (I do my own filter changes when possible) For our traveling pleasure the total cost per mile is totally offset by the the ride and comfort factor of the GMC - which are very high with my truck. Miles go by, hours pass on the way to where ever, and when we arrive at the end, we are not weary of the journey. That is worth something. Strangest thing is the wide gap we saw in diesel prices this year, usually in the $2.20 to 2.45 range (Not CA - add $2) and a few times below $2, once we paid $1.61. - I used to do a complete assessment of a trips expenses - but anymore is just a tally - doesn't matter- as it has always been in a Gaussian distribution ( Ha - how's that..) So there you have it - a real world sample on one couples TV experiences.

Or just throw in the towel and go to a 3/4 diesel - of your choice. Save a step......

But how fast with an Oliver in tow, now that is the question. National RV Drag championships may be in order. The off-road RV cross country race, or not. I find it very interesting - much faster, quicker, and costly than the old hot rods of my youth. We probably weren't as fast as we remember.....there is a song n there somewhere. I'll stick with my Diesel, steady and strong. RB

As it fills the handle does get harder to turn. It isn't something I find that difficult, especially compared with the efforts of having to dump a black tank. As to effort on ageing limbs, I'd say the composting is slightly ahead, either way - it requires work when it comes to emptying the composting unit every two to three weeks, verses the black tank much more often. Not to mention the required water. If I was primarily a "full hook up" camper I'd go with the regular toilet. But we try to stay away from "civilized" campgrounds and the composting unit works well for us.

From my experience - not much is legal in Cali anymore.

Welcome - great to see you on the forum;

Speed, just slow down, and you will be fine in a good many places. I've taken mine down some rough spots, go slow and the travel is not a big issue, unless its really large elevation changes in the road surface. Then its about clearance - The axle is fine. RB