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I sent Timken pictures as they requested. Lets see what happens.

When I switched from my previous 1/2 ton GMC to my 2500 GMC I used the Anderson a few times - mainly for comparison with/without. About the only difference with it - was the rig felt a little more steady, solid at speed, but not much. The 1/2 ton got a lot of benefit with the WDH, and I would have used it religiously. For anyone needing a WDH, I'll let mine go - cheap. I do not have a use for it with the larger truck. RB

And Lastly - I got a response from RDV bearings the Amazon seller - they stated " these are 100% GENUINE TIMKEN BEARINGS MADE IN USA" Timken has asked me to send a few pics of the bearings and packaging - which are very similar to those John D posted, but with the additional QR stamp. I am thinking the bearings are as advertised. All have a great day, go camping, which will help one stay away from crowds. Sounds good. RB

All good stuff, -- John - you make a good point - is this really all that important - probably not as much as it is made out to be. I have wondered about the position Dexter takes with their supplier - and considering the shear number of components they sell, they must have done due diligence on the quality and reliability of the bearings in their components. I'll continue to monitor the wheel at each stop, and use the pressure/temp system to monitor while moving. Perhaps I will catch a catastrophic failure before it happens. However, the frustration we feel when trying to verify authenticity is real - and unfortunately permeates every facet of the consumer driven society. I may keep on this journey - just to find out the answer. It pisses me off that somewhat (or better) intelligent folks..... have such a hard time trying to find out this answer. Thanks too all for the comments. RB

Yep, I have already done that through their web site. Amazon also has the ability to question the seller, lets se what they have to say.... And the seems pretty cool. In about 20 more posts we will have this figured out..... RB

All good points and send a caution to the buyer. I contacted two bearing supply distributors in my general area, and the response was not what I expected. Seems business must be too good. The bearings I reviewed from RDV bearings are not comparable to those I got from Dexter - at least to a critical eye, much better in terms of machining, fit, soundness. Perhaps there is a way to ascertain the absolute origin, and maybe authorized dealers never get fakes. It begs the question as FrankC has pointed out -" The Chinese are great at copying product, all the way down to the packaging details."- -- thus it seems almost impossible to prove. So when RDV tells me they are an Authorized distributor, where do I go to prove this claim... Maybe Timken will verify?? They were not $5 - as I stated the cost was $11 and $12 per. very similar to what the one USA local seller offered me - but gave no way to contact them about purchase or shipping...…, Seems this Corona virus thing is also highlighting the fact that a very large part of our drug industry supply is manufactured in China, and also under suspicion...…. Ah globalism...

There have been days when any spot was a good one.....

Not changing plans, just not gonna hug or touch anyone.......perhaps my SO........... 6' circle of personal space, upstream....

Seems there is a good amount of conversation concerning wheel bearing quality. I'm not gonna argue, for or against, but I did manage to find USA made Timken bearings, on the WWW site that sounds like Paragon...… but starts with an Amaz ..... mine came from RDV bearings - set 4 - are the L44649/L44610 and set 17 - are the L6811/L68149. About $22 per wheel not including seals. With Prime shipping is free. For what it's worth - they look to be visibly superior to the china bearings I purchased. RB

What John said!!! Never having to buy ice is a great thing. A few years back, we were in AK, and had a week long wilderness river trip on he docket. We had some frozen Alaskan caught fish in the ARB - I had a single house battery in my van - specifically for the ARB - the fish remained frozen - and the battery was no worse the wear - after the week it was all good. I must admit I wished my Oliver fridge/freezer was of a similar build. RB

we have used an ARB for many years - it sips power, and is very rugged. Highly recommended.

We also use a secondary cooling - an Arb AC/DC powered, don't remember size. Generally it stays connected to the Oliver power systems. It also has the low voltage shut off feature for those occasions it may be in the truck - but the 2500 has two decent sized batteries. It really adds to the storage capacity - and is very versatile. Cooking is outdoors mostly - Weber Q, and at times the trusty old portable LP cooktop, rarely use the microwave. If we have time I'll play around with my Dutch ovens.

I can see something being fairly viable in the near future, Just don't think I'll be in the first adopter group. I would like a smaller SUV electric if we were to stay in one general area. To be 20 again, my these would have been a good option. RB

Topgun, buy it - I'll try it out at the rally...…….;-)

Were it me, I'd unbolt the thing - and bolt up a new 2" receiver tube. I have the old style - much better design, with a lot more adaptability, and stronger overall. . But as Trainman said.

Very rarely. I believe the darn thing in low would pull until it tipped over on its back. I only like to engage off road. But it is nice to know there is an option.

Welcome to the newest members - Sojourner and Patriot. I hope you enjoy your new Oliver as much as we have in the last two years. What a great idea - I know I would have appreciated this at my first rally. Russell n Cindy n Harley...

However, we are an opiniated group. All well meaning and if I must say so - an extremely good looking "rafter" of Oliver owners. I see one of the pic's of the door latch has a metal inside door handle, mine is plastic, do you know if the metal one will mate up with the OEM latch. As for the damage, the idea to repair with a large SS plate to spread out the load is a great idea - one that can be done pre damage. I'll put this on my growing list.

nice!

And that would be - what? Yep most modern 1/2 ton trucks are adequate TV's. And for more money, size, power, efficiency, a 3/4 ton truck is a "fine" TV. I don't have a concern on what others use, but I do believe when prospective buyers ask, I think I have a responsibility to give them the benefit of my experience. Ford, Ram, GM, etc. something I believe is a personal subjective choice. Overloaded, underpowered, towing requires additional equipment, and etc., are usually objective measures that can be rationally evaluated. Undies, I prefer swimwear in the mornings, the pool reg's require them.... That's most of us - Rebels - thus the Oliver... when a nice Forest River would do just fine. Next month, next year, next decade - will be at it again, the pleasures of a life well connected. These forum topics are really good for mental stimulation..... Ha, have a great day all, panties, err - undies, and all.

Well said Bill!

There are advantages and disadvantages for all the available choices. As for the diesel Duramax GMC - my experience - Cons- higher initial cost, higher operating costs ( diesel and oil/fuel filter changes) , and for some more difficult - harder - to park/maneuver. Pro's - much better towing fuel mileage (15-16), decent unloaded fuel mileage (20+ hwy, 15 in town) absolutely superior towing and long haul comfort, no need for WDH, and generally a better vehicle for heavy duty use. I loved my previously well used 1/2 ton GMC truck - and would have used it to as a TV for the Oliver - but the long trips were just not what I wanted. And the payload would not handle what I took along with the Oliver EII. The 2500 was just better. I sadly sold the older GMC to a happy new owner. To each his own - we all have valid opines here- well almost... 😉

MY input, buy whatever brand - size that fits your needs - but please make sure the payload of the vehicle you are considering meets your needs. Just because the towing ratings are in the ballpark, doesn't mean the payload is sufficient. AS for me - I do not consider any 1/2 ton truck sufficient to tow a fully loaded EII. Not because they can't, or aren't capable, but because I've towed a good deal with them and a 3/4 ton truck. I'll take a diesel powered 2500 any day given a choice, and a bigger pocket book. Good fortune, RB

However, if the law has changed, seems Oliver should provide the chains, Think I'll give them a call.

I like the cables, chains are fine also - have them on all my other trailers - but I'm not changing them out just cause.