BackofBeyond

You have not indicated which Oliver your considering, which may make a difference in TV selection. Several Oliver owners tow with a F-150 and have great experiences. I'm not positive, but I believe most have the 3.5EB I put 30k miles on a 2016 3.5 EB, it was a very nice powerplant, and given the right platform, I would highly recommend it for towing both Oliver models. Engine performance stats not withstanding, one must also consider/compare towing weight specifications: Max tow, tongue weights, etc. My experience has taught me that undersized powerplants rarely perform as advertised and leave the driver unsatisfied in most TV situations. Good luck in your search.

I'm sure it has been posted some where before, but what does Oliver currently use as its factory installed sealer of choice. I have a few places that are suspect, and would like to use the same product. Thanks

Could not have said it better. I am happy with the factory solar set up, although there is more advanced componentry, better systems, overall the Oliver installed system is fairly simple to use, relatively worry free, and trouble free. The techies among us would like to have more control, more features, etc., but then, as I stated somewhere else, I need to think more about where I am - camping, enjoying myself, and less about what I'm doing it in..... given time and budget - I could end up with a EII mounted on a Unimog chassis, and ….. and still be at home, dreaming up new stupid human tricks.... Dave, Debbie and Mikayla, enjoy your new Oliver, welcome to the clan. Hope to meet you in the near future.

In viewing the video it seems my owners manual differs slightly one the correct winterization process - perhaps a warning - to "consult your manual" should be added. It is interesting, however, learning about my particular EII, as I take on projects, prompted by the multiple post from this forum. As I have parked Ollie in my garage, I had decided not to winterize, but did so as a learning experience. Certainly learned a few things. I think I'm having as much fun working on my EII, as I have using it.

What should be a simple task, RV'ing that is, seems I have the ability to make it so much harder than necessary. The shear number of things I think I need, coupled with the "things" I dream up to improve the Ollie, it must be some sort of RV related mental condition. A clam shell, fine, But, certainly I could do better, wait, what about one of theses, and one of thoses, ohhh, look, a cool widget, get two. Please refrain from posting cool, attractive, must have, like to have, what about this - items --- with a whole winter ahead of me, I'll never make it, my wallet not with standing, figuring out how to haul it to and froe will be to daunting a task. Stress reduction - please. :-)

Jeesh. I am so undecided. I eventually need a "travel" generator, as my home gen set is much to big to deal with the unloading and loading. I'm leaning towards a Honda - if I go the 3000i route, I'd sell my other unit. If I go 2000, not sell.- probably should go with the larger Honda, and simplify my life. Or just not camp in the heat - as I've done for most of my life. Then - I don't need to do anything. Choices, choices.....

I went with the compost - with some experience under our belt, I'd go that way again. Yes it is a little work, setting it up, and eventually emptying it, but the black tank thing is about the same, and you don't use any of you water. The height can be solved with a simple step up "platform", and the dc fan uses little energy. I unplug it when the toilet is not "composting" (empty). We haven't had an issue separating the 1s and 2s. Keep a small spray bottle with some vinegar for cleanup. I believe in the end it comes down to personal preference - with your experience with rocket boxes, it shouldn't be a big deal. I went with the Truma - I like it very much. I have had a little experience with it setting a code, but I believe that was my fault - once left the propane off, and the other,, not sure. It is very simple to winterize. Again, probably personal preference. As for the other - I didn't need a camera, and generators - are like people, all kinds to choose from. Good to have another Ollie owner, wishing you well in your purchase and future travels.

JD , In all my years working with systems and people, some things you just cant "Stupid Proof" despite how much we try, but kudos for trying. I thought about a few ideas, but see my comment above, it seems there is a reason nature came up with natural selection...… however, given our elected officials, we continue to attempt to circumvent reality - some people are not stupid proof. YouTube is full of them, all in 1080p glory.... All in good fun. RB

Or verify before making a change. Not defending nor supporting the service folks , but personally, I almost always double check any service work, before I accept all is well. Especially if I have to travel a substantial distance. (example: a simple oil change gets a once over, levels and visual evidence a new filter is in place) Electrical issues too often give off spurious indications. Seems you could have gone through the process with your gen set - prove it out- while there, or insisted Oliver do similar. Perhaps the easy start is the issue, I would assume if they had replaced it, and still the problem persisted, you would be as unhappy, And still would not know the real problem. I look forward to you posting the follow up results, the central problem and the fix. Whether or not the service folks mucked it up - will be self evident to rest of us. I wish you well.

I thought I saw one last night - was that you...….

No doubt, the door is not in the same universe of fiberglass construction as the Oliver. I had several spots that needed wet sanding with 600, 1000,1200 then polish to get them out. I found these on my first inspection after getting the O home. Looks ok now. The other areas I mentioned were just lapses in the finishing process, they are all history now, the Ollie looks really good in its nice new coat of Rejex. I hope the stuff lasts as advertised - I have better things to do than -wipe on-- wipe off. Appreciate the feedback.

It's not my intention to start a post complaining about Oliver attention to detail when it comes to the overall finish of the fiberglass shell - its smoothness, shine, or overall quality of the appearance, but rather to ask if anyone else has found a similar issue. As I carefully washed my Ollie - intending to really get it clean, ready it for an overall wax (Rejex) job, I noticed several areas, splotches of graininess, where the fiberglass was not as polished as other areas. Certainly not as smooth as the boat hulls I have owned. These would only be visible under the right light, right angle, looking for a "defect" kind of inspection. I thought a little light hand rubbing with some light compound would take care of it, but soon decided to try my buffer and some Mequires Ultimate compound - now that was the ticket - I had a nice slick, shiny, grain free surface. In short, I ended up buffing the entire top half - up to the waterfall line of the roof - and then applying the Rejex. I am certain the O will never look this good again. Once I finish the top - roof- I plan to do the lower half. I also found the Mequires worked well on the window frames and the "black" streaking comes of with a light hand rub. (second time doing this) I am probably a little to critical "weird" when it comes to paint finishes, especially on vehicles and such, but I am curious if I am the only one who noticed a similar issue. I honestly believe a "normal" owner likely wouldn't notice what I'm describing. It fear it will ending up looking to pretty to take out on the road - too bad - it's gonna get used and dirty! RB

Thanks for the reply Snowball. Having used trails of all types, across the country, I agree, horses - in large groups-really can muck up a trail. My worst experience was in Bryce - lets just say they left a calling card with their soil disturbances. I am sensitive to trail restrictions - and closings. As a former off road MC rider, who supported and maintained motorized use trails, I have my own thoughts about multiuse trails. I found there was usually one group that did the most damage, who did nothing to support the riding area. Although nowadays we usually hike, I get aggravated not by trail conditions, but by the trash people leave behind. Just torques me off. I prefer the harder trails for that reason. I have really enjoyed some MTB trails - Moab comes to mind, just amazing riding and scenery, and the really cool Uwharrie area in NC - where damage is not an issue, but these are not groomed trails. E-bikes appear to be the next thing up- it will be interesting to see how they progress in performance and how trail and off road areas deal with them. RB

Welcome to the Oliver family! As you have found, Oliver owners are ready and willing to provide unabashed feedback, suggestions, and support. As to your upcoming trek, I wish you well, however, from experience, you cannot over plan. (especially on this maiden long distance trip) Lets just say, I have earned a "PHD" in long distance travel, mostly without a trailer behind me, but the first several trips with my EII left me feeling like I didn't pay attention during the delivery walkthrough. I'm just cautioning, with the aggressive mileage you have on tap, you don't need any complications to muck it up. Although the trip itself is not my cautionary comment, rather, get as comfortable with your unit as possible. Take avantage of the delivery walk through, prove to yourself you know how to turn on, turn off, everything. Best practices for each system, and at least for the first several stop/starts, use one of the checklists from the forum to ensure you haven't missed anything before you take off each morning. Differing from others, the longer mileages you are planning are not unrealistic, heck, I've done similar - probably too many times, but try to plan for every possible situation. Long days/nights are doable but - Tornadoes - funny, the last thing I worry about. Your tow vehicle, however, I fear, will not leave you satisfied. As has been stated in prior posts, the numbers are important, factual, and you will be near the limits with a semi loaded Elite. Skiing at your limits is fun, travel and towing at the limits may not be so. I wonder what is the tongue weight ratings for your Audi? Seems to me you can't do to much research here. In any case - have a good experience, may the wind be at your back. RB

John, I did not miss the "failure" points in your how to posts. The shear pin effect you are advocating for in the design may or may not be a positive aspect of the install. I gave it considerable thought, and decided it was not something I wanted to include. I believe the rigid bar and rubber mat present additional protection to the fiberglass underbelly aft of the wheels, rather than present a risk to the cross brace it is mounted on. Rather than go into the why's , lets just agree to disagree. I appreciate your concern. Thank you again for the work you put in on the posts - it saved me some time . Interesting, the rubber flaps appear to be the same - I Amazoned mine, just chose whatever was a close dimension. RB

Thanks to JD's well documented post's I finished my mud flap install. I used similar sized aluminum square support, however, I used solid, rather than "tubing", mainly because my local supplier had a highly discounted 10' piece in the remnant pile. In addition to the lock washers I also used red lock tight on the nuts. (couldn't find any nylock nuts, when I do, I'll replace.) Similar SS nuts, bolts, washers, little different install overall. The cost of material was less than $60, and took about 3 hours total to fab and install. A drill press would have made the process a little quicker. I also reversed the flap, just personal preference [attachment file=152850] I have yet to figure out how to keep the pic orientation correct, or how to fix it in the posts.

Overland: Are you referring to hiking trails, or designated off road bike trails? RB

Interesting products. Really filling a niche need in the cycling world. It is nice to see the marketplace is constantly looking to provide new avenues for the "boomers" (and others) for remaining active and outside. Although, at this time I personally have no interest in power assist peddling, I can see the benefits - as example, my wife who may struggle to keep pace, especially on steeper grades. I am sure the price point, however, will keep her on the people powered version - by her choice.... I have a few friends that use the e versions - due to knee issues (yes and advancing "worldly experience" ) and it has really opened up the scope of where and how long they can ride. I will need to transition to a full suspension people power MB, as my current ride is only front suspension - and my shoulder surgeon says he does not support my off road riding and the jarring it entails. As to area restrictions for E-bikes - I would suppose the authorities lean to viewing them as "motorized" and thus will seek to restrict - if not ban - them on the more popular bike paths. I hope not. I am often frustrated by the amount of control and restrictions that appear on our public lands. Usually trying to protect me from myself. I certainly understand the environmental issues of over use, and protecting the non bike people, but at some point it gets a little ridiculous. As for "cheating", to each his own, I look at it as an enabler - it helps one get started, takes them places they may not otherwise have ventured, and provides another way to enjoy exercise, the outdoors, and perhaps, may lead to full on pedal power. Win - win. Great topic Oliver owners.....

John, I like the Oliver logo - it rounds out the look on your unit. I was surprised at the interest people have as they walk past our ollie as they stroll through the campground. However, my attempts to "enlighten" them on the difference between it and other RV trailers usually falls on deaf ears. As far as while driving - haven't noticed - yet. I plan to add a front graphic - once we decide on a theme - but, but , but , yes dear, I hear you, It looks fine as it is...…. RB ;-0

I wonder - is this topic an Oliver phenomenon. Once you put that $$$ down, it becomes front and center in one's rv'n mind. Seems I wasn't that mindful, but I did visit twice (pre-purchase) , and called Anita a few times...…..maybe I was.

We do the following: Plug converters: 50 AMP to 30 AMP: 120 volt (house) to 30 AMP (any others??) -- I have a 30 to 15 converter, use a cheap voltage/continuity/phase/GFCI tester. I test every site before hook up, cheap peace of mind. No need for 50 to 3o in my mind External Surge Protection: (In addition to the built in one) Yes or No?? If yes, which one? ----No need in my mind. Wheel chock or “X” blocks: Which one? Both? How many of each? --- Doesn't hurt to have two, I use the Anderson block system and just use the smaller end as blocks. Probably make something a little better, probably out of wood. Extra 25′ potable water hose: (brand?) I have one, only because I had it already, and you get one with the Ollie purchase. Extra 25′ 10 gauge extension cord. - I have a nice orange 40 footer I Amazoned. Mainly for home use where I needed a longer cord. You may or may not use it, but for the $$ its good insurance. Jack stand blocks: which ones? I found a use for the pile of 2x10 cut-offs I had stacked in the back. I cut about 15 for blocking, store in the front tray. External water filters. On this point, is there not one already in-line inside the trailer? In either case, do I need an external filter too and which one? --- I use the Oliver supplied filter, pressure reducer, and hose. Hitch lock for BullDog 2 5/16″ coupler. Which one? --- For the $70K investment, I purchased and use the "Bull" by Gushill Industries - https://gushill.com/product/the-bull-bulldog-hitch-lock Extra grey water discharge hose: Yes/No? What if any accessories for discharge lines? ----- Nope For composting toilet: What kind of toilet paper? What kind of media and how much? ---- Regular, we put it in a trash bag, not the toilet Tool Kit: List of tools that are needed or desired. Is there a fairly comprehensive tool kit for RVers that already exists? ----- Several post on this, personal preference I would think. Mine seems to grow with each trip..... The rest - what pleases you. RB

Before I pulled down the side panels I called Jason (service) to gain an understanding on how the A/V is wired, and how it is designed to function. Now - I know what I wanted to do will not work - without a little modification to the TV antenna/cable wiring circuitry. So for time being, I just tied the external antenna directly to the TV. As it is just a short term storage solution - one my wife wanted - so I am "good" BTW - what a rats nest - If I open mine up, I'll end up attempting to clean it up a little, perhaps out of sight out of mind will have to suffice. ;-}

Bugeyedriver: Very nice! Looks very sturdy, not to mention "artfully" executed. Clears the spare tire for removal, allows for the rear sewer access, and allows for multiple after market fitments. Perfect. About what does Babcock charge for this receiver, what do you suppose is the load rating, what does the fixture weigh- approximately? RB

Congrats - wohoo! Welcome to the party. The journey begins - What part of the continent are you located. I'm within 2 hours of the Oliver facility, if I can aid you while in the area, just shout - digitally. RB

Yes, I concur, Randy, there are a few issues with the schematics. But I would guess they are much better than what you'd get from most other RV manufacturers. I'm currently trying to figure out how to get an external "air' antenna to work. Although there are two inputs on the side of the trailer, and there is one up in the top rear storage compartment - for the attached Wingard antenna - I have no idea on the actual circuitry of this overall system. I'll eventually figure it out - perhaps with a call to Oliver, but a nice schematic on where and how they ran the cables , connectors, etc., would have helped. The schematic provided is for power - not signal.....