BackofBeyond
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Posts posted by BackofBeyond
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The diagrams for #359 are located in the front of the owners manual. Just in case you don't have web service right now.
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Ok I got the pics loaded - see up one post.
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I went with Lear, although my research indicated there wasn't much quality difference between them. I had two local dealers, one of each brand, both were responsive to the quote process.
I went with the Lear simply due to the manufacturing process video I found on YouTube. Both companies had a video, I liked the Leer one better.
So far I am happy with my purchase, great color match, fits and looks great, no leaks, and have not found any flaws in any part of it. Happy customer. I'd post a pic, but seems not workable currently.
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Ok lets see here- NOPE - I cannot post pics. Is there something I need to do differently?
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my rig. Pics will not load. Sorry
Looks like the pic problem is resolved.
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. Can you share what you have since we have the same tv and Oliver?
Well, having the same set-up - here is my experience.
The GMC comes with a 2 1/2" receiver, but also includes the 2" reducer. You only need a 2" ball on either sized ball mount. The Oliver safety cables have overly large hooks that do not fit into the holes on the GMC tow hitch. You will need a clevis or some other intermediate attachment - as Randy has indicated. I used a weight rated carabiner type - from Tractor Supply.
I have the Anderson, have towed with it several times, have towed without it - also. The Ollie tracks very well, is well balanced, and tows like it isn't there. With the 3/4 ton GMC, the Anderson is not needed. Save your $$. If you feel you want one, I'll sell you mine at a reduced price. Oliver will install it - takes about 1/2 hour - simple. If you go with a standard ball mount, your height to top of ball needs to be approximately 24.5 " for a nice level position on the Ollie.
The Anderson has vertical adjustments, the Oliver tech will set it up as part of delivery -if you go that way.
I am very pleased with the GMC towing performance, and how well the Ollie tows behind it. You will find yourself doing 80 mph and thinking its about 55 mph.
Get yourself the front and rear Weathertech mats, some nice HD front and rear mud flaps, and your set. I also put a Leer cap on mine, looks great, provides ample additional storage, and is very handy. Pic attached- no it isn't, seems the forum is still having issues.
Have a great experience.
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Nice pics Bill. We have been out West a plenty - but not in the fall. That will have to be on the plan for later. Although, I am headed out to AZ around turkey day week, perhaps if the weather is appropriate a side trip may be in order. Me and Harley have the time, the Ms, well she may pout...she has to , umm , work.
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That is a pretty cool unit.
powerful yet dead simple to understandGiven I've paid for the one I've got, and now I know how to get the most out of it, it will have to do.
Each time we take the Ollie out, I learn something. I
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Follow - up. When you (I) think something is not working correctly, you (I) "really" read the manuals, break out the tools and testers, and figure it out yourself. So once home, that's what I did. My system is working just fine, but I now fully understand the system, and how the various components work, and how to test the converter function outputs, overcurrent and polarity fuses.
Were I to design this system, I would probably include a little more system information hardware. Blue Sea and Zamp have appropriate hardware, but as I've come to understand our systems are a balance between cost and customization - I get it, but as a tinkerer who likes to "know" I suffer here..
The led lights and the led bar across the top indicate system status and battery charge, but it is nice to understand the multiple LED "meanings" or codes. Now I know - and will move on to other "inquiring minds" non problems.
John D, The progressive power monitor remote on my unit is located up in the corner of the rear compartment -above the TV, no need to move the bedding around.
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I've used a cover on a previous RV. It was a pain to use, but did a nice job of keeping the unit relatively clean. You must keep it tight to the rv and securely fastened - otherwise heavy winds will eventually tear it apart.
I've priced a Calmark and for the $$$ it seems just "ok". However, I prefer a hard roof structure overhead, and a lighter weight fabric cover for the stuff that accumulates over time. My issue is structure design (movable or permanent) and where I decide to locate it - I have no zoning or space issues.... and for the $700+ cost of the CalMark I can almost cover the $ for build material and build what I want. My issue is electrical - I would want to run a 50 amp service to same spot ($1000 material), which would give me a nice permanent location for multiple RV's. (the sewer is there currently)
In either case, cloth cover or hard cover, a long term power supply is really nice to keep up battery charge. However, one can use the alternate solar port and plug in and use as a trickle charge - I have a small solar panel I use to do similar on tractors and stuff.
A good wax or Rejex job is great, but doesn't keep the "stuff" of the Ollie, just makes clean up easier. As usual (for me) its a matter of balancing $$$ against utility. But as I typed this out, the Oliver purchase price kind of flashed through my mind.....Guess it will be a nice hard cover, electrical service, and maybe even a picnic type pavilion. Ha Ha.. I'm crazy I know - but my wife keeps me in check... sort of.. ....her choice would be a cheap tarp from Harbor freight and a bunch of bungee cords.
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John,
From the photos I've seen I see no reason why you could not modify the structure to suit your needs. As you have removed the spare tire cover, easy removal of the unit is not a big issue. The cross support structure looks to be sufficiently sized to handle a 2" receiver and a 100 lbs. or so. If I was to do the mod, I would probably leave the current receiver in place, and bolt what I want over the top. Two bolts through the main support, and two through the current 1.25 structure. - very similar to the old setup that allows removal of the support frame. Perhaps the real issue is amount of weight the support can safely handle. The leverage on the receiver needs to be considered. From my experience, Oliver under rates, and over builds these type of structures, however, 200 lbs. hanging a foot or so off the receiver poses more downward pressure than a deadweight load.
I doubt Oliver will change to a 2" - I'm sure the 1.25 was specifically chosen to keep people from overloading the support structure. People being people.... I don't see the new design as an improvement, but a response to customers asking for a "bike" mount. NOT as a heaver duty mounting structure for "other" loads.
If you wanted to carry much higher weights, I would go back to the original Oliver design, with two 2" supports and design from there. If I was considering hauling a small cycle or such, that is the way I would go....
I really enjoy welding and fabricating these types of things, but as I am trying to reduce my tools and such, a nice new welding rig (MIG/TIG) is not in the cards (so says my SO) so I will just do without.
RB
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Seems my Zamp charge controller is offline - at night, but where do you pick up charge information when on shore power, and no solar charge? Or am I over thinking this. I'll give Oliver a call, the manual is very lite in this respect.
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I just leave the valve open, only close it when towing. No issues with smell, but then I have the composting toilet.
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1: Remove spare tire cover, clean, wrap and store it on a secure shelf in your garage.
Personally I prefer the looks of the tire cover. Without the cover the Ollie looks a little barren. I'll get around to remedying the carrier issue, its not rocket science. In the mean time, I'm enjoying the Ollie - here and there, and beyond.
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They have been emailed and will be mailed by USPS first-class mail today.
Got mine Sat. No issues here.
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Yes it is a bi**h to get off. I removed mine just before my last trip, not sure I could have removed it with out the 4x4 I had on hand. I thought it was due to my install, as I did the mounting, modification for my Thule rack, and all the drilling and such. Guess its a problem on most of them.
Before I reinstall I will flat file all the surfaces on the "male" ends, and liberally apply some aluminum specific grease. With a little more tolerance in the fit and some lube I hope to leave the 4x4 at home...….
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First trip since shoulder surgery, and new Truck set up, headed to Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN. Not a lot of miles on the rig, but for the 200 miles or so of this trip, fuel mileage was around 15mpg towing, up and down some hills, lot of country back roads, so far very happy. Pulling the rig is effortless, and comfortable. I have used the Anderson hitch on three legs of four, and I'm not sure on this truck, it makes any real difference. On return leg, without it, I could tell a slight difference, a little less solid feel, but that's it. I purchased it because I originally thought I was going to use my older 1/2 ton GMC. I don't feel the need it now. It is a pain to use at times, I may use it on long hauls, but not the shorter close by drives.
Only real issue with the Ollie has been with the Truma water heater -- seems it likes to set a code - resets with power cycle on/off. Will need to figure this out.
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After reading the posts on First Aid kits, I though a similar one discussing what tools and such the "well traveled" bring on their journeys to and fro. For whatever reason, I have gone from too much, the kitchen sink and all, to now minimizing what I bring. But with the numerous systems on my Ollie, I am considering a few things I haven't packed previously.
I usually have an mixed drive socket set, assorted types/sizes of screw drivers, a wire cutter, multi pliers, a smaller vise grip plier, needle nose, electrical tape, gorilla tape, and one adj end wrench. I am adding a multi gauge tester, and what I need to change out a bad bearing (TBD). I will include in my spare parts stash a bearing set, all the needed fuses, and a grease gun with OEM grease.
I always carry several battery powered light sources and a multi-tool, rope, a rag or two, and tire gauge in my truck.
What am I missing, what do ya'll carry?
RB
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We look forward to meeting y’all face to face and getting to know you from the forum.
Well hello - Bruce and Vas,
Glad to see the Oliver owners group continue to grow. If you have the time after your delivery day/stay, you're welcome to visit at our place just about an hour or so east of the plant. There is a post on the forum with a few details. The puppy- soon to be big dog, will love the room.
We have been traveling for many years with larger dogs, our current pup is about 95 lbs, he loves traveling as much as we do, yes it is limiting sometimes, but it works out.
Russell n Cindy
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Owner of a GMC Canyon Diesel with the 2.8 turbo baby max. I love the little beast
Yes it is. In addition to my professional experiences with the manufacturing facility of said vehicle, I had a long conversation with a building contractor with same truck - he had nothing but praise, and many speeding tickets as evidence. Seems the fuel mileage was also very favorable. Fast and fuel efficient - go figure.
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Welcome to the world of Oliver!
You pose a question that will generate plenty of opinions, most will probably come from folks with personal experience towing an Oliver, and perhaps some from folks who will prefer to quote marketing data, and internet chat room factoids. In my experience, the folks in the Oliver forum are very kind and knowledgeable with their answers to these type questions.
What you choose matters not to me, however I would like to pose a few things that may make a difference in your choice. In every case - double check the actual ratings posted on the vehicle in question - the marketing blather and sales person are not reliable - usually.
Like you, we plan to spend large amounts of time traveling about the continent - and as so, what you carry, how much, and where it all goes becomes important. Space for "stuff" is limited in the Oliver, therefore the TV becomes somewhat of a storage unit. I am leading up to - PAYLOAD. Yes the tow ratings, powerplant, fuel type, and on, are important, but when you start looking at the "legal" ratings posted on each individual 1/2 ton truck like vehicle, you may find you are within the tow ratings, but have little room to carry anything else. And at the top end of the weight ratings the powerplant may also be in a similar position.
Additionally, the vast majority of 1/2 ton trucks will require some sort of weight distribution hitch.
Generally, when you find a truck rated to handle "all" the weight you will have in total, the powerplant, chassis, gearing, etc., will be more than sufficient.
I have a lot of experience with the Ford ecobost 3.5, it is a fantastic powerplant, and I would have used as my TV, except for the payload ratings of the Transit van it powered. A few adults, a large canine, and a couple cases of beer and I was getting close to fully loaded.
Because I wanted a truck with a camper shell for additional storage and convenience - I went to a 3/4 truck with a diesel powerplant - and 2400lbs payload, the rest was way more than needed - HP, torque, chassis components, and powertrain well mated for towing an Ollie. . One thing I didn't expect - was how comfortable and effortless towing was with this setup. Higher mileage, longer days, are not near as tiring as with my previous 1/2 ton.
I would love to talk to you about you international experiences - in a few years that hits our travel timeline.
Good luck in your search.
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KWRJRPE:
I would call Oliver and ask them, but when I asked (MAY 18) specifically about a center mount 2 inch receiver, Scott told me their experience was not positive with this set up. Thus, the dual arm mount, that bolts completely through the frame rails. It is very sturdy, however, it was discontinued. If you must have a center mount, visit a local welder who can fabricate exactly what you want. Keep in mind to leave room to access the spare, open and close the rear bumper, and have the strength to support your target weight. Given the current bumper system, you don't want to mount anything on it, use the HD frame rails.
Your best bet, ask if they have any of the old frames left lying in a corner somewhere, and request it loose with your purchase (get the bolts also) - then modify as you see fit.
RB
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I miffed I didn't think this up, I was in TS twice this week. Thanks Topgun.
Shakedown Tow - EII and GMC 2500 crew cab/4wd/Duramax - with Cat Scale numbers
in Towing an Oliver
Posted
I purchased the rears off of Amazon. Gatorback GMC Sierra Red Truck Mud Flaps - Rear Pair, I don't remember where I got the Gatorback fronts. I also purchased the rear mounting brackets at the same place, specifically fit for the truck. The bracket made mounting very clean. They are not hard to install - just remove the tires/wheel, and have at it.