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WellWellWell, Seems MY furnace will not work ! Its supposed to be a light freeze tonight, so I figured I'd run the furnace to keep it warm. Mind you the thing worked fine two days ago. It cycles the fan, but not heat, and shuts off. If I reset the thermostat, it repeats same actions. Yea I have gas on, all other appliances work ok on gas. Fuses are good - no tstat if blown. Any idea???? So I move the Ollie and plug it in, run the heat strip to keep it warm. Still no worki on the gas Dometic. Darn Darn Darn. I'll call Jason in the AM see what he says. A miffed RB.

Over the winter I put a coat of Rejex on our Ollie. Having just returned from a week in Pensacola and PCB, I washed the Ollie and it looks great. The grim came off with little effort as did the bug splatter. So far I'm happy. I imagine I'll use up the bottle before trying anything else. At least one more coat. However, I may try something else on the interior. As for those pesky plastic window channel covers - NOTHING gets the black stains off of them. Best I've done is turn them a light grey. If I can find another of same design only black, I'll go that route. Surly there is a black window channel cover somewhere in the universe. RB

Rainman - yep, one of my first thoughts.:-) I do not plan to do anything, what little rocking there is, just doesn't bother me, and my SO, is so happy with the rest of her Ollie experience, it will fall to the wayside. I must admit, I really like hot water showers, heat at night, and a kitchen I don't have to put up each with each meal. Not something we had previously. Thanks all for the feedback.

During our last Ollie adventure, my wife says the Ollie "rocks" to much when parked and set up correctly. And I agree, there is some movement, but it doesn't bother me. It is her opinion, however, that a 4 point jack system would be more solid and secure, more so than the three point system we have. I offered to add two more anchor points, under the forward frame area - ok, - more in jest than actuality. Does anyone else feel the Ollie could be more solid feeling when parked? RB

Great solutions all. I am always amazed by the creativity and variety of ideas this forum produces. More often than not, something I see here prompts me to "go see" on my own unit. Thanks all. RB

As for the Airstreams, the interiors seem to appeal to me, the mixture of materials, material textures, and layouts appear well thought-out. Although the "spacecraft" looking exterior give the RV a cool factor, it, in fact, represents a weak point in the design. Given the frailty of the external material to damage, and the subsequent leaking and eventual floor rot, any prospective owners should be very wary. Given that the construction methodology of the vast majority of RV's are "stick built", covered in a skin, I view the Airstream as very similar, but covered in a substandard shell. Other than looks, I would rather have the various layups most RV manufactures use on their exteriors. Add to this a very low ground clearance, limited options, and a premium price, an Airstream is just a standard issue RV, with expensive lipstick. It is my opinion, sure, and thousands of Airstream owners would disagree with me. Not dissing the brand, but explaining why I do not believe the Airstream is the top "quality" brand. Were I to scrutinize the Oliver build in a similar fashion, it would be mostly directed to the materials used in the interior. It is not a quality issue, but more a interior design kind of thing. As great as the Oliver BOM (Bill of materials) is on the important stuff, the cushion material, fabric selection, and perhaps ducting layout could use a little more attention. Again - my opinion. To be clear, we purchased our Oliver after viewing the build, carefully examining the materials, design intent, and manufacturing process. I'm a function guy. Looks are indeed usually just skin deep. I will admit, the initial price shock was hard to overcome, but you do get what you pay for. I fully expect our Oliver to look and function as well in ten years as it did the day we took ownership. RB

I checked the data in my manual. Schematics weren't real helpful. I assume it was a 7.5 amp fuse you replaced. If there was nothing evident in the furnace internals, I would do a real good visual, from the Progressive unit back to the Furnace. Something happened. RB

I wager there is a connection! Without looking at the schematic for direction, I'd look at fan motor leads, and then at any control wiring that was visible. Something melted somewhere, the fuses blew, thus removed the current. Overland has a point, I'd be checking it out before using the system much more. Just guessing, the fan is largest current draw, then anything else in the control circuitry. Of course it could be separate from the furnace itself, could be in the wiring feeding the unit. I'd also be checking all the access points, cubby holes, etc., for damaged or burnt wiring. The smell should get you close. Take a look at the manual's circuit diagrams, they should help with locating and such. The fuse blew because something went wrong. The fact that a new fuse is holding indicates whatever it was - cleared. Doesn't mean all is ok. Let us know what you find.

Welcome to the family John and Susan Like many of us on the forum, as a hands on type, you will find a few upgrades, fixes, and just cool additions that the Oliver owners have found worthwhile. My better half and I have spent some time on the Durango - Silverton line. It was some time ago and we enjoyed the ride immensely. Will have to check out the Chama. We are boondockers from way back, and our EII is set up for that, as we enjoy the harder to get to, less crowded places. However, we have found in the Ollie, everywhere we stay is like a 5 star hotel, comfort and hot shower go a long ways. :-) Hope you bring your Casita to the Rally in May. It will be a good opportunity to meet and greet the Oliver family and learn about your soon to be new Oliver. Texas isn't that far, considering we have spent a good deal of time in the state, both travel and living. I hate to admit the number of miles we have put behind us running back and forth on I-20. As for perfectionism, I am trying to reform. Almost perfect seems good enough these days. Makes living a lot more enjoyable. For me anyways. Looking forward to meeting ya'll, if not at the Rally, somewhere down the road. RB

Thank you all. RB

I tried a search on the forum, no hits, so -- Does anyone have any documentation in their manual on the Fairview LP auto regulator. I know it is a simple mechanism, but as I was de-winterizing the Ollie, I was trying to be diligent, and noticed the manual said to reference the manufactures booklet, and I have none. Got everything else though. Looked online, never found anything. I assume, with the little black lever in the center position it auto switches when a tank empties, and when you select right or left, that's all you get. I know this was covered in my pick-up review, but my memory is not what it once was, nor as it ever was. RB

It is amazing to me what some businesses do to entice you to use their credit agency. When I purchased my truck, GM wanted me to use their credit, I said no thanks I'm using cash. Says the dealer - Well it will save you $1000+ if you finance. Ok, I ask - is there a minimum holding period, minimum finance amount, early payoff fee - none, no. I made my best deal, and used their $$ Risk free. I pay one note, call GM financial, payoff entire thing, receive the title in one week - saved decent cash. I asked - why don't you just give me the $$ upfront, and leave out all the other . Seems people don't pay off the loans early most of the time.... Was a tough decision, using credit - haven't done that in a long time. It pays well in modern marketing it seems. RB

I just don't understand this comment. You should fully. As the other folks have advised, your best bet is to review your situation with a Financial planner who has a fiduciary role : someone who is bound ethically to act in the client’s best interest. My one piece of advise: DO NOT make any moves with your money until you fully understand what you are doing and feel confident with your choices. There is no reason to make a hurried, bad decision, especially with retirement funds. Take your time. JD's comment on Wells, are fair criticisms. But, you get what you pay for here, and we are all free..... Good luck, please keep asking if your unsure.

At first look I did a double take, "you store the gen set on the roof". I need me one of them "portable lift system", but I digress. Nice home set up. I'm holding out on a gen set - If I need AC I'm either in the wrong place, or I'm at a spot with shore power. But again, seems I've got everything else, but the sink and a gen set.....

Nan, Many pull Oliver EII's with a 1/2 ton truck. What you must pay attention to is the tow ratings of the individual truck/vehicle you intend to purchase. Payloads and hitch weights are important, along with the total weight the TV can safely handle. Each vehicle has its ratings posted on a label - usually- on the inner door or body door pillar. Use that and not what a salesman tells you. I would suggest you learn all you can about tow ratings - what the numbers mean. There are plenty of web sites that can help you with this. If you have a friend that is knowledgeable, hit them up. I personally never trust the salespeople. Their interests usually don't match yours. All of the large US manufacturers make decent trucks. I wouldn't limit my self to any one dealer. I haven't looked, but I would bet there are some 2018 3/4 ton GMC's on a lot near you. If your dealer wants a sale they can find exactly what you want - or you can do the same - the GM web site can do it also. I just did a quick search - found two within 30 miles of me in mid TN. I am certain there are some in GA. RB

Overland, The bolts on my unit are not quite long enough to drill and safety wire. I imagine I'll do as JD mentioned - I'll take a punch and put a small "dent" in the thread ends. Won't stop the bolt from loosening, but should prevent the nut from coming completely off the bolt. When I grease the Ollie I'll also double check each bolt for secure. Not a bad idea to do visual each fill up. I usually do a walk around anyways, I'll add this to my look see. Thanks folks for this thread. RB

Excellent Vide0. Thanks.

Wow, Thanks David, That is just what I was looking for, first hand recent accounts of travel in Mexico. I suppose Baja was my intended destination, that and farther down the pacific side of the country. I've been to Mexico on business - was impressed by some things, and not so on others. It can be dangerous in some respects, but as has been mentioned, so can be the US. Heck, I've been to Baltimore, the shady and the decent spots and East ST Louis by day, and a few other less than desirable places. I think it just requires a little common sense for the most part. Yes I have a good deal of the US left to explore, all in due time. Europe, South/Central America all in the mix, one has to have dreams..... I have some lofty goals on the distant horizon, one being getting back on a surf board - actually surfing agian - and Mexico has some great places. I am not fond of the surf in the Gulf (Florida) and So California is just too crazy. With some additional research, I'm confident the plan will fall into place just as I'm fully healed, and retirement a normal day. I can see a few winter months on the BAJA peninsula - its penciled in. RB

Wow. gets my creative juices going, https://www.ebay.com/itm/Oliver-Tractor-Grill-good-condition/292989613460?hash=item44378ab594:g:TzwAAOSwbTJcewXh:rk:1:pf:0 Wrong color for my rig, but hey, its a cool idea

As future generations take over for the founders, more often than not, cashing out replaces running the business. No evidence, rumor or otherwise, indicated the Oliver folks are in this camp. It would be a sad day, I believe, to see this happen. I quite enjoy knowing the folks running the company are founders and family - blood of the founders- so to speak. Corporate ownership - rarely if ever works out-in the long run.

To add to JD's comments on the topper - I researched the topic quite a bit, ended up with a Leer - very happy with it.

Welcome to the forum DGward. The lithium's are nice, but just don't make the cost/benefit grade for my tastes. Perhaps long term, after the AGM's have met their demise. The composting head works well, for me, but I think its a push when it comes to overall effort, but wins on the boondocking test. The solar, for its user simplicity, is a good set up. Had I to do it all over again, I would have tried to find what I wanted in a newer - used Oliver EII, at a reduced price, but as I was near/entering retirement, I just decided to go all out, and get exactly what we wanted. You can't take it with you - the $$ that is. Good hunting, RB

That will be a great TV. I drive a 2018 SLT version. I personally don't favor the Ram, for a variety of reasons, but don't let that steer you. The 3.5 turbo F150 is a fine powertrain, I really liked the one I had. As you are starting "new" perhaps a 3/4 ton TV should be in your test drive group. My suggestion, really nail down what your RV dreams and realities will be, long distance hauls, over hill and dale, extended stay, months at a time, long term holding of the TV. Or will it be short trips, weekend type getaways, probably just RV for a few years. Why, because a decent 1/2 ton may be more than adequate, or, the cost of a HD diesel, with the bells and whistles, may be more fitting. As for brand and model, that's a personal choice. Test drive as many as you see fit, narrow it down, and test drive some more. Then when you believe you have what fits your dream, ask the group for feedback. And we will all tell you something different, Ha, Ha. The search can be a lot of fun, if you treat it as such. RB

Welcome Granitestaters - Glad to have you part of the Oliver family. There are many threads on tow vehicles, a simple search will get you the latest. There are many opinions on the subject, all depends on what you are looking for in a TV. With a clean slate, (and a large pocket book) you have a vast selection to choose from. The folks on this site have a good amount of real world experience and I'm sure will steer you in the right direction. RB

John D - you are spot on, I never get under a jacked up anything, without a secondary support. I don't change/remove wheels without secondary protection, unless no choice in the matter. I've almost killed myself to many times, unwittingly, (well , ok I knew it was risky) to do so, wittingly. :-) The older I get, seems the wiser, and much less in a hurry I become. Nine lives of a cat, pretty sure I'm down to a few less..... RB