BackofBeyond

With just a little aftermarket modification to the "new" Oliver hitch platform the overall load rating can be vastly improved. Its basically the same attachment scheme as the prior unit, minus the actual mounting/rack hardware. Don't let the 1.5" hitch receiver deter you, a competent fabrication/welding shop will be able to economically get you where you need to be. Oliver is extremely conservative in their hitch load ratings...…. Search this forum, there are a few owners with good solutions. Check out bugeyedrivers post/pic as he has a custom hitch mount. Oliver is not the last resort in this space. Good Luck

I did the magnet hack first thing - works very well.

I loved this tune from the get go. My wife and I laughed out loud this morning watching the video. Thanks for the posting - great start to the day - I'm heading to I 65 - need a little fuel and some beer...

So true. I have always favored a truck, even when I had pretty much my choice of vehicle (Company perk) . There were a few times I would sub out a truck for a big SUV, however, I always returned to a truck. Modern trucks have really improved in ride quality, comfort, and drivability. So much so, I prefer to drive my GMC 2500 in almost every situation, over my wife's CRV - even when she prefers to drive. I LOVE MY TRUCK. Given close quarter living, yeah, I get it, go smaller.

They are more than adequate. In my mind much better than your first choices. Even if they are lumbering beasts. One thing you mentioned, is available service centers. There are Ford dealers in almost every town across the country. They all repair FORD/Lincoln. You may never need one in an emergency, but when you do, there you are. That is the main reason I sold my Sprinter, and purchased a Ford Transit - try getting a technical engine issue on a Mercedes resolved in the Utah back country. Long story. Good luck in your search.

Ah boredom. I was just playing, relax, its a good thing. Engineer, perhaps, intellectual, now that's a hoot. Hillbilly, redneck, country, backwoods, or similar, might get you in the same universe. As for campfires and parties - well, that's another matter. Getting out - as often as possible. Probably more than most. Although the next 6 weeks are a dud. Surgery and recovery you see. Good luck with your events. Life is short, have fun. Die young, as late as possible. RB

Appreciate your opinion, I was just musing about the signage - I prefer to stay out of the limelight. As for gun rights across the US, I understand them, and if not, know where to find the states individual firearms regulations. Yes, the poor woman in NJ was just an abomination of the law. I lived in NJ, I don't plan to go back, but one never knows. Our carry permit training specifically instructed us to inform law enforcement of a firearm present when in a traffic stop. Not sure I understand your warning. In fact, in TN, during a stop, the officer asked if I had a firearm on board, why - because my license information contained my carry permit information. I didn't and that was that. Deadly force is just that, it must be the absolute last choice. It is not a choice I ever plan to take, its just a last resort option. Thanks for the comments. RB

And I know my SO would love the event, please don't tell her, life is hard enough. :-)

I am still to trusting, nonchalance - If you will. For "camping", or whatever one calls it, The firearm is usually in the area - but not "handy". Each time I hear about a "close by" incidence where personal protection would have been advisable, I tell myself - you should carry more often. But I haven't so far. Near home, to town, around the home place, I just don't, - headed to the beyond, we bring the Glock, or whatever is necessary.... unless its 'BIG" bear country, we don't carry when hiking. Bear spray fits in the pack nicely, suppose it works on humans? My son, the Alaskan, has this really cool, large caliber handgun - now that gets ones attention - he carries it on all his hiking in the back country. Due to his "career" he's rarely not within reach of a firearm.

Ok, I get the first. But not in the posters context - I get my earthen sensual olfactory fix during spring garden tilling and planting. Try not to inhale to much - microbes and all... The second, I'm with JD. The bounty of nature, I get it, but Probably not a gathering I'm putting on my schedule. It appears a little unique for me. Well - why didn't you just say so in the first place - I'm an independent sort of chap - I choose my camaraderie - selectively. Sort of the- salt of the earth kind of folks,.... Ok I admit - I'm bored.

I have home made, store bought, web purchased, etc. All work, well - except the Anderson's, plastic just slides around. If I wasn't so hard headed I would initially just head to the local Harbor Freight, cheap and reliable - in this case anyways. Good solid rubber wheel chocks - at a great prices. RB

and I would suggest - risk vs reward. I understand the concern around theft, personal injury, and the like. I will keep doing what's worked for the last 61 years. Use common sense, take appropriate precautions, and go enjoy the day. When young, we had little of value to others, now, older, somewhat more prosperous, we try not to be ostentatious with our stuff. Inside the Ollie, we put valuables - where ever- but out of sight. The really valuable - wallets, "puters" and such go into the truck, hidden and locked. Casual campsite attendance - similar - unless in use. If we leave for a time. lock the door - it keeps the honest - somewhat honest. I will admit, for years I rarely if ever worried about crazy, desperate people - who may pose a personal health risk. And as such, we now carry the appropriate defense hardware. My spouse is trained on hardware use, as am I, we both have and carry appropriate documentation, and have no qualms sharing this predilection. One thing I have come to discover is the fear, or perhaps its dislike, that many people have towards big, health looking dogs. Although our Chessie is a big lovable, muscled up, powerful - powder puff- some people are very "attentive" when he is around. I'll take it, its like one of those Security company signs - visible, but, not really actionable.. I must admit- I wouldn't want him pissed at me - as he has never shown to be an angry dog... well there was once this Fed Ex guy... What Harley does - is few get close without a warning signal or two. Secret hiding areas - ok, I doubt few casual crooks know about them - how many Ollies are out there- compared to the rest - well its not in my wheelhouse of concern. Instead of one of those "ask me about my Grandchildren" signs, perhaps I'll post a recent target practice sample and a small metal sign: "Ask me about my Glock". As far as the Tour video, I appreciate the effort, but to a recovering manufacturing addict, it just leaves me questioning their methods and processes. Not hating, it is just reality. As well as the products appear to turn out, Oliver has a long way to go in the manufacturing arena. I went on the tour, was satisfied they had a decent handle on small scale production, however, little if any documentation, visible process verification, etc. I digress. I like my Oliver, I appreciate the design, and I like showing it to others. Now if we can just get more time, free unfettered, time. Well, have fun all, life is short - enjoy it.

For those who enjoy a jaunt through the local flora and fauna, there are some good hiking trails in the surrounding countryside. I plan to take a stroll on a few of them during my stay. If interested give me a shout.

I found the same during my TV search. The only accurate numbers are contained on the Vehicle itself - usually somewhere on the driver side door frame/pillar. The owners manuals also contain the data, but are usually/sometimes generic in nature. The advertised numbers rarely matched the vehicles I actually test drove. The salespeople were not much better. In addition, it became clear to me, tow and payload ratings, appeared to be "engineered" differently between the manufacturers. "Class leading" claims, although a marketing tool, didn't appear to mean much in my search. TV preferences run the gamut from barely adequate to more than needed, as one who prefers a little overcapacity, especially in towing and loads, I went with a larger truck. I've driven trucks for most of my life and the size of my GMC 2500, although certainly larger than a F150, just isn't an issue with me. I understand how it would be to others, however. Good luck in your search.

ScentfreeinSC - Welcome to the Oliver family, the forum is a great resource for discovery and information on the Oliver products. We love our EII. As you have indicated a possible issue with air quality - please be aware that during the first several months the Oliver interior seems to have a lingering fiberglass resin odor (at least ours did) that does diminish over time. For us it was not a big deal, just something you may want to know upfront. I wouldn't consider the odor benign by any measure. It does go away. Happy travels.

During my first solo attempt with my same awning - I initially thought I had the same issue. However, I took extra time to fully go through every system at out pick-up process. We fully deployed the awning during the delivery process, all attachments, in/out, etc., - and I KNEW it had fit correctly at least once. I had my wife also deploy the unit at delivery - yet the first time we did it I felt like a dweeb. As the foot attachments right and left are the same, (on my unit) it seems weird that they would be of differing dimensions. Things happen. Time will tell on overall quality of this unit - I don't have any concerns - long term I shall have to see.... I don't use the black water tank, but I will check it out this spring, I'll cycle it and visually verify.

Hyper vent off the WWW - $12 foot at 40 inches wide - 12 feet is $144 plus shipping, and you would still have to cut to dimension and install. Seems Oliver has fairly priced the option. I don't yet have an opinion on the need to use an air barrier under my mattress. RB

Ahh yes - Christmas wish lists. Seems I am fortunate - I only ask for more time to take the Ollie out wandering - and less time working, puttering, and generally just wasting time. But HH and Good Sam, well that's just Lagniappe under the tree... Happy Holidays to all in Oliver land.

That was my thought - you mentioned #720 as current, minus the #300 which leaves somewhere around #420, seems a decent SWAG to start out with. Now I do not know what a recommended minimum tongue weight would be on an Ollie or otherwise. Seems one would want to consider a safe range, just to accommodate casual loading of the interior areas. According to the numerous internet sources it can be somewhere between 7% - 20 % of loaded trailer. For my application 10% of my initial loaded EII is right at +/-600 pounds - more than enough in my mind. I would also wonder what the Oliver's rear frame would handle given its a stout rear frame. I know what I was told by Oliver - but I don't buy it... I've put 300 on mine and it didn't flinch. I didn't measure the tongue weight, but with it loaded at approximately 180 lbs., the Oliver sits level with the truck and tows like a dream - with and without the Anderson. As for the quoted cost for the Gen 3 - I agree, it is steep- must be design, material, labor, and accounting for future warranty costs - that's the answer I got when I questioned prices on several of the options I purchased.... LOL SWAG =- sophisticated wild ass guess -for those wondering... RB

That would be my concern. I would be more inclined to reduce the tongue to some where around #600, and then experiment with the weight hanging off the rear end. Just a SWAG but I would think #300 would be a good starting place. I look forward to the results of your experiments.

NO, Seems there is plenty of other things to think about, this will not make the cut. Probability is pretty low, compared to say, the 80k lbs. truck next to me, running at 75, merging into my lane without a warning. But thanks anyways.....

I did a similar mod - but getting in and out of bed - is just a pain. Not sure how many times I'll actually use the larger bed set up. I like having the option however. I use a single board set-up, fabricated some aluminum removable hangers, and it installs at same level as cushions, between the opening. Plywood stores under bed area cushions when not in use, hangers - in a drawer. KISS principle in use. RB

Trainman, Our Oliver EII is the first factory built RV we have purchased - having spent 43 years camping without the conveniences of a full fledged RV, Solar or not. The vast majority was tent camping or Van equipped for camping - usually boondocking, or in unimproved campgrounds. I chose to equip our Oliver with the full solar package, AGM's and inverter - because of our experiences. Yes I think the package is expensive, but quite honestly it works well, is simple to maintain, and it adds a huge amount of comfort options when we are not in an area with shore power. We wanted to be fully self contained - and short of AC, we are. We don't usually go where we need the AC, but when we do, its usually at a place with shore power. I haven't decided if I'll purchase a handy dandy gen set - or not. Having camped over much of the US, BC, Yukon, and Alaska - I can attest to basic closure of public areas to dispersed camping east of the Mississippi. We have been singing the praises of Western states camping for years - the shear amount of area open for dispersed camping - BLM, FS, and other is simply unmatched elsewhere. Not to mention, we like to stay at elevation - and the cooler temps inherent there. We envision staying out "there" for extended periods of time, with water our only limiting factor - and we have that somewhat covered. In short the solar give us almost unlimited options, and true to our form, we don't have to plan - much. Just depends on where we want to end up. OH- and the days spent getting to "Back of Beyond" - stopping and resting at the wally worlds, rest stops, Cracker Barrels, and such is also much more "convenient" - no gen needed, and as comfortable as any motel, hotel, campground and FREE. To understand loads get a "kill a watt" it will give you all the info needed to understand what's going on with the various appliance power draws. Not to mention the information you can get from the power monitor on the progressive remote. Keeping the microwave - over the additional storage bay - was a debate we had at order - we rarely use it, but it is nice to have for some things- still not sure we would go MW again. I like to cook outside - when possible- and my little propane stove fits that option. Enjoy the Ollie. RB

Thanks John D, I am not totally happy with the unit that came with the Oliver. It works fine, but I much prefer to adjust to suit my needs, not to mention the gauge and coolness factor. Looks like there are two similar units on the big A, one a little cheaper in price with a different gauge. Other than 120 vs 160 psi they look similar. Another "thing" to buy the Oliver. Thanks.....;-)

I too would like to understand the details of your quality issues. As an owner of a mid year 2018. I have relatively few complaints, certainly not of the "Elkhart" variety. But then I've not had extensive time living in it since purchase. It tows like a dream - looks great, fit and interior finish are great, everything functions as it should, and overall I am happy with the quality. Sure there were a few things I have "fixed", most involve exterior finish where a few rough areas needed a little polishing, etc. I've made a few modifications that enhance my usability and ownership experience, but they were not quality related. I share my experiences on this forum because of the knowledge sharing the forum provides, and the benefits I gain from of other Oliver owners experiences. In respect to your issues, it pains me to hear your not satisfied. For myself, I would expect the Oliver management to deal with you directly, and fully respond to the issues you bring them - directly. What you hope to gain here, sharing your problems on the forum, I am not sure, but I am interested in understanding the Oliver response, to the quality defects you have, perceived or not. I would be surprised if yours go unresolved. RB