BackofBeyond

To all, I apologize for my frivolity and thread obfuscations, obviously I had not thought through my reply, as childish as it was (It wasn't my fault - to be current and fashionable) Although, I must admit it was a fun diversion. As far as the washer, my first thought was the bike carrier attachment - it looked similar. Otherwise the underpinnings of the Oliver are very clean and provide little in the way of parts falling off. The older I get, the less I try to fit in and behave. I will try harder - but don't wager any coin on it. Russell

Perhaps Scuba, but according the build documents located remotely, in the cloud, stored on a solar powered processing unit,located in a dimly lit warehouse, hiding in a nondescript city, tucked away in northern outer Mongolia, guarded by well trained blind attack lizards, what appears to be a metal washer, is not listed in the build documentation. I suspect it fell off a lesser unit - some sort of ilk, say Airstream. But I'm just guessing here.

We picked up our twin bed Legacy Elite II just over 1 week ago. Has the AGM's, solar, Truma AquaGo® Water Heater , fiber granite, etc. - really everything but the Wi-Fi, Satellite stuff, camera's, table, upgrade bedding and cell booster. (5200 lbs. sticker at delivery) I added to my build a spare set of axle replacement seals and bearings, and a complete tire/rim (yes that makes two). So far I have been impressed with the overall integration of the sum of its "parts" into a very functional unit that is well executed. I've run everything but the heat system, plenty of that naturally right now. It is very impressive that Oliver has thought through the process and has included in the delivery the various items needed to actually use the unit - the hoses, adaptors, water pressure reducer, etc. There is a lot to like about the unit, many of you, as owners, know what that is, so my few "complaints" are as follows: 1.Don't understand the shower curtain process - it just doesn't work. Will find a better answer - probably figure out a way to keep water off/out of the Natures Head, and call it a day. 2.Had a small area of unfinished exterior surface prep (about palm size). A little elbow work. 400/600/1200 sandpaper and polish took care of it. 3. After one week of airing it out - the fiberglass and resin smell is still there - I expect this to diminish over time. Yes the AC is loud - but that was expected. The "22” Flat Screen LCD TV, Radio with FM & AM Dual Zone Audio Output, CD/DVD/MP/WMA/MP4, USB, Bluetooth & Remote Control" - whew -works much better than I expected, and the lighting and switch options ae really well done. The DC/usb port lights are annoying if you don't plug in the rubber cover. That's about it - so far. I have installed magnets to keep the bathroom door open, used 3m double side tape - works great. Re engineered my Thule bike rack to install on the rear of the Ollie. It works well and looks very similar to the former factory option. As they discontinued the factory option. Interesting that the tow cable hooks are too large to fit the hitch attachment locations on my GMC. Had to buy some heavy duty large carabiners to make the transition. I Amazoned a box of the recommended grease, a new dedicated grease gun, the Anderson wheel chocks, and the door magnets. Still have to source spare fuses - by the way, Oliver is now putting 2 amp fuses in the Natures Head circuit. I purchased a Gushill lock for the bulldog hitch, and also lock the leaver - thus theft now represents to much trouble - the thieves will move on to the next rube. Or unbolt the Bulldog…. Did you know Dometic fridge/freezer maintains 40 degree at setting 2. Inquiring minds and all. And the Heat/cool T stat is accurate - within reason. Towing was fine, The Anderson worked as advertised, but I have sourced a new TV, perhaps overkill with the 2500, but hey, a man and his toys. (Cindy likes the truck - a bonus) That's it - a satisfied owner - to date. As an aside - the purchase price for these units is hard to justify - unless and until you go through the details of the build, the standard options, and the execution. Take it home, crawl around, crawl underneath, poke it, pull it, use it - the value becomes much more compelling. With that - to all a good day!

Interesting Snowball. I'm running a 3.73 rear end, not sure why you derate for altitude, my diesel is turbo as are most, in the end its personal preferences. I put 30K on a 3.5 Ecoboost - it was an impressive engine in my XLT 350 Transit Van, altitude didn't matter to the little engine that could. Had the Van been rated to tow more I would still be driving it - with the Oliver behind it. I doubt very seriously any ecobost would out run a current Duramax truck up any hill , at any speed, at any weight above 5000 lbs . Just sayin.. With a smile .

Like most things in life, every story has its own unique facts. Having a good amount of experience with the Mercedes diesel in their Sprinter vans, I went into my Diesel truck search wide eyed and skeptical - as I do with most things. Not to get to far into the weeds - with the vast amount of information available on the web these days, researching anything doesn't take long, and you can develop a good baseline of fact. Speaking of the GM Duramax - there have been several generations -all experiencing unique "issues" - the first generations had injector issues, the second had... - you get the idea. The ford power stroke is similar, as is the Cummings powerplant. The current generation of Duramax is a design that seeks to capitalize on the history of the past -and a 5yr -100,000 mile warranty seems to back that up. Ford is similar. Complexity - well, certainly todays engines are much more complex - look into a direct injection, variable valve timing, dual overhead cam, turbo driven, gas engine and compare to the older push rod V-8 - no contest. Its a sign of the times. Emissions regulation drive this complexity. No getting around it. Maintenance- oil changes and fuel filters are simple things, and as I do my own, its just the basic cost of oil and filters that drives the expense. As John stated, your travel plans may dictate your decisions. As we plan to put a vast amount of asphalt (not to mention gravel, dirt, and mud) behind us in the future, the GMC SLT w/diesel - and the Oliver are central in that plan. Worrying about equipment capability, reliability and less than optimum comfort is something I seek to reduce if not eliminate. This is not our first, (second or third) rodeo, and having made trade offs in the past, leaves me knowing I hope to do better this time around. This I know - there is no one correct answer, the truth lies with-in, satisfying yourself (and your SO...) is a wise and important goal. Set your objectives, decide on what you hope to achieve in a tow vehicle and have fun. The possibilities are vast. Good luck in the journey.

My two cents, having just gone through this decision making process. Having proved to myself my well traveled and always reliable 2004 GMC 4x4 5.3L, 1/2 ton was marginal at towing the bigger Ollie, especially where elevation is involved, I did a lot of research (for months as I waited on my ollie) on the 3/4 ton truck market. I ruled out Ram, nothing wrong with them, I just don't like the way they look. I was strongly leaning towards a Ford Power stroke diesel, and having driven several, including a 2019, I was price shopping, looking for a used or new crew cab 4x4. ( The "used" owners as a group, all $Highly$ valued their trucks) I considered a gas engine, in GM and Ford, but the fuel economy and power characteristics, just didn't meet my objective. The gas engines rev much higher when meeting their upper HP/Torque ranges (what I would experience towing) and the gas mileage is never much better than bout 14mpg, and less than 10 when towing - as best I could determine. Despite the upfront cost of the Diesel engines and slightly higher maintenance costs, I decided on the diesel powerplant - I figured my breakeven between the two powerplants to be about 100K miles. Additionally, the better diesel fuel mileage should bridge the gap on price diff between regular unleaded and diesel. All the first hand accounts I had from current owners of each related about 14/15 towing, and up to 20 when unloaded, freeway driving. With a grain of salt, I will see where I end up. TBD As the 2019's began to arrive, the dealers in my locality began to come of the prices of the 2018's, and a GMC dealer actually had a truck just like I wanted, and, at an attractive "beginning" price. Now mind you, I drove back and forth testing this truck against the Ford, and comparing. The GMC, I felt, was much nicer, and had a quality level in the interior that was superior to the Ford, (same trim levels). Power plants were comparable, Duramax vs the Powerstoke, however the GMC had a more robust payload rating (by 300lbs), and the GVWR and max towing were about the same. Compare the actual B pillar stickers, not the brochures, as options drive actual weight ratings. The GMC rode slightly better on the road, country and multilane, and actually felt more torquey. I also preferred the looks of the GMC over the Ford. In the end I went with the GMC, as they were much more price competitive, as the Ford people were not as flexible. Now to be sure, when my SO indicated she preferred the GMC, my fate was sealed. I purchased a 2018 GMC 2500 SLT Crew cab, 4x4 with the new diesel Duramax engine with Allison 6 speed auto (the powerplant was updated in 2017, basically 95% new design) The price ended up better than I had planned, and my first 300 miles have been satisfying. There are many options out there, when properly selected most will adequately tow the Ollie, my decision was what fit my objective. Power to spare, chassis designed for heaver tow loads, engine exhaust braking, and comfortable ride characteristics and spousal approval. What I settled for -heavy duty chassis, brake systems and powerplant that are more than a match for the Ollies 7k max load, and a fairly nice ride. Once I get the Leer 100 xlt topper installed I should be good to go.... well ok, I'm sure there will be more.....

As has been stated by others, in numerous posts, the voltage should always be verified - first, before assuming something else is wrong. Low (and high) voltage will cause problems that have long term consequences. For that reason, I carry a multi meter, just in case. Yes I know how the Progressive Industries EMS Surge Protector "checker" works, but training and past experiences forces me to verify. Once I know I have correct voltage and "amperage" capacity, as power wise, under load, voltage drop can become an issue. , I can move on to trouble shooting the rest of the problems. I am sure you have done this and its as simple as a weak capacitor. Good luck on your issue.

I currently have a very nice and well maintained 2004 GMC ext cab, 1500, 4x4 with the 5.3 (295 hp, 290 torque) auto trans w/tow haul mode. . I have put 160k on it in numerous situations, from hauling tandem axle trailers loaded with lumber or loaded with tractors and mulch, it has always done fine. Its rated for 7000 lbs. towing and up to 1000 lbs. hitch with a weight distributing hitch. From a chassis standpoint it does well up to its limits, but lacks in the engine department. Flat land, slight hills it does ok, nothing to brag about. However steep inclines and such drive the auto shifting up and down that drives me crazy and runs the rpms up, and the fuel mileage way down. I knew the Elite II would be at its limits. We picked up our new Oliver EII Thursday in Hohenwald and drove back to our home about 2 hrs. away. It was unloaded, and as stated on the paperwork 5200 lbs of weight. Sure enough, (with Anderson hitch) chassis wise it handled fine, was well balanced and felt solid. But the 5.3 was aggressively shifting up and down to keep 55 mph in the hills, -- on the flats it was ok, but in the hills it was not, just as I expected. I guess it was wishful thinking, me hoping I had enough power. If I was going to stay close by, or move to Florida, the old GMC would be fine, but alas, we have plans to show the Oliver the rest of the north American continent, so for us, a more powerful truck is in order. Not sure what it will be, but it will be diesel, and 3/4 ton single RW. My point is that although the weight capacities may be in line, you may not be happy with the towing power and performance. Which I believe is just as important a consideration. Hope your situation works out.

I can attest to that Rumline, when we were newly married and living mostly on "love", we resided right next to a train track, at first the noise and vibration was highly intrusive, but after some time, we rarely noticed when a train came rumbling by..... amazing what one becomes accustomed to.

Well Well Well , We won't pick up our Ollie until next week, and I ordered two pair from the big "A". Thanks guys, I'm ahead of the game-- for once...

I would be curious as to what a sound meter would register at various settings, and from different locations in the Trailer. From my experience, most are unpleasantly loud, however, one mans to loud, can be another's tranquility. I spent some time a few years back researching non ducted roof AC's, and the noise issue was common, never did find sound pressure data for comparison - this may have changed by now. Unlike comparing small gas powered generators - its common to compare sound levels, and outputs. Sure the RV design, set up, etc. will affect the readings, but any base line is better than subjective evaluations. Maybe when I get my unit, I'll take a gander at the issue...

While some people scour RV forums for information, reviews, and the millions of opinions they provide, others gain their experience through hands on ownership, actual walk throughs (a weekend in one), perhaps spending hours at the factory. In either case, opinions are formed, all valid, some not very accurate. Some of us, having spent decades in high end manufacturing, some with experience actually building van conversions, and living in them thorough out North America, can separate the wheat from the chaff, when perusing the various opinion sites., some never do. The numerous Oliver owners I have actually talked to, and questioned, were as a group very well informed and educated about their RV and the competition. Many are what I call experienced tinkerers, with backgrounds in engineering, trades, etc. They are always looking to make something "better", a sort of - if it isn't broke, break it - mentality. I too suffer from this malady, and have slowly learned to accept less than ideal.....somethings are just not that important.... As we began to understand what we wanted in a RV - one that would be as versatile and accommodating for our travel/explorer lifestyle as we envisioned, I started with a checklist, highly set on a super C with off road capability, one with good attention to detail, and quality construction. I ended up at Oliver, as it fit the bill for everything I wanted except for being a 4WD, with a chassis of its own. Unfortunately, all the others I considered, and looked at, were just second rate attempts at building a quality product. My comments after viewing the build process "If I was to build a TT, it would be similar - Oliver meets about 90% of my design criteria" After leaving the Oliver factory tour we visited several RV dealers, to compare product. Validation is a powerful tool. We ordered an EII. And I'll pull it with a well matched off road capable 4wd truck. Gives us what we wanted - in a little different setup. Oliver's are not perfect, thus the tinkerers, they are expensive, they are scarce (less than 400 on the road), and like the early Fords, you get them this way, or that way, with few options. Don't like it, buy something else. Want a used one - if you can find one - it will still be expensive. That's the market speaking. Oliver owners, and the participants on this forum, in my view anyways, try to tell it like they see it -have experienced it - - It would be inappropriate, I feel for me to second guess them, perhaps - even petty. I get the pic's John posted, it wasn't an engineering evaluation. Having viewed the mating process of the two out and inner hulls of an Oliver, I'll put my money on any Oliver in a roll over verses a conventional similar size TT. Respectfully, a future Oliver owner. #359 due very soon. PS: I reserve the right to revise and Extend My Remarks ... RB

Just to add, I ran across this product the other day, https://ruffwear.com/collections/safety/products/load-up-harness, as currently I keep Harley restricted in the "ext. cab" portion of my truck with a leash tied to the baby restraint anchor. Not the best answer in an accident, but it does keep him in his "place". Long term I must do something better. Ruffwear has a few other harnesses I may consider, that will attach to a seatbelt, and allow a little freedom. However, to much freedom and I have another "driver" trying to sit in my lap. 90 lbs. of Chessy, is not an optimum situation.

What a dastardly tactic....You escaped - with or without a good impression of the truck?

John, You sum up the contradictions in finding the perfect TV/RV/Off-road/HI-way vehicle very well. I too started out with an off road capable RV mind set, and after way to much consideration, evolved to the EII with an off road capable TV. However, I'll pick at one point, the ride of modern 3/4 ton diesel powered truck - its much nicer than you may have experienced. I held a very similar opinion, having owned a 2007 GMC 3/4 ton Duramax, had to put 500lbs in bed to just to tame the ride. Now, I just recently rode around in a 2018 Ford 3/4 ton, extra cab (or what ever they call it..) fully loaded out, diesel, huge towing specs. It was an amazing ride, no comparison to my previous big truck. I went looking for bad road, potholes, etc. just amazing. So, when I get over the price they want for these things, I may end up with one. Used, low mileage 2017/2018 ones are as scarce as hens teeth, and priced accordingly. Quite honestly wish I can get my old GMC there, but, I know its not worth the upkeep and effort. As for my dog, he doesn't care, as long as he's riding, he's happy. Course, the older I get, the more I'm like him, simple things make the day.

Roger S, FWIW - I built a very nice RV out of a Sprinter - loved everything about it except when it needed service - specifically the diesel engine. Mercedes does a horrible job supporting Sprinters. I towed a 16' tandem axle trailer with it, loaded with several motorcycles and 4 wheelers about 500 miles in fairly level terrain. Was fine, - slow but steady. I would not attempt to tow an EII with a Sprinter much to far, and certainly not in any elevation. I then moved on to a Ford Transit, high roof, 350 XLT, with a 3.5 twin turbo ecobost. Now that is a motor, but the van was right at the tow limits for hauling the EII around, So as much as I liked the van and my conversion, it is gone. For the time being I'll tow the EII with my 2004 GMC 4x4 5.3 stepside (155k miles and counting) Now, I know well the towing limits of this truck, I've hauled tractors on tandem axle trailers for many,many miles, and while the truck does fine, I know I do NOT want to haul the EII around the American West, Canada, and Alaska with it. (I've been all over the west and southeast, I know what a 10000ft + elv., pass does to a fully loaded marginal TV vehicle) Yes a properly equipped modern 1/2 ton truck will haul an EII around fairly well. But I know - from experience, the right tool for the job always makes life much more enjoyable, so I'll be upgrading to a 3/4 ton diesel in the near future. I know well the vehicles you have quoted, good vehicles, but to close to the marginal tow limits for me, to each his own, they would not be my choice. Good luck on your journey, and keeping you SO happy, that is priceless ;-) After 43 years, the phrase "Happy wife, Happy Life" really resonates with me.....

Shallow gal, Your post certainly resonated with me, as several years back I did the old tape measure trick, and to my chagrin, there was much more tape to the left than there was showing on the right - the time I (we) might have left. It was time to make a choice. We have always been explorers, travelers, and like many, getting caught up in the "making a living treadmill", left us knowing things needed changing. With the kids long gone, the house (and almost all the furniture) sold last year, we are transitioning to a life of "just go" and let the future unfold as it may. We downsized many times in the past, but last year was a severe downsizing - if it didn't get used, worn, or looked at in the last 2 months-it was gone. Funny a year later, I don't miss anything. Now we still have some farm and garden stuff, and barn where we rest our head, but, we are at a point, where leaving for long periods of time involves little more than lock the barn door and get in the truck..... We pick up our EII next month, and will ease back into the vagabond lifestyle we enjoyed many years back. Once my better half finally leaves the classroom, life as we know it - turns - around the next bend, and the next.

Alaska is a great destination, and getting there is just part of the fun. Canada and Yukon are just a great trip to pass through, but watch out for free range Bison in eastern BC. By the way they blend in very nicely at dusk... We spent 35 days on that trip, pre Ollie. We only had 3 days were we had definite plans, the rest was all free form - "planning - what planning". . Will go back with the ollie (July 2018 delivery) next year I expect. A few things to remember: 1. Gravel will destroy everything behind the TV, and do a good number on the TV. Protection is a must. JD has good ideas on this. And there is a special kind of mud/dirt that stains plastic car parts - jeeze it didn't want to come off. At a few organized campgrounds we used their rv wash stations to remove the road grime - well worth the time. 2. Fuel was no issue, we just assumed 3/4 full was time to start looking, never got below 1/4. Cost - well it is just more....Unleaded was plentiful, diesel was as well. 3. The milepost was OK, but hard to really keep straight. Will look at something different next time. Don't assume a store or gas stop is open and in business just because its listed as so in trip planner. Just sayin.. We Always looked to go a route not well traveled, and not a repeat. We went almost everywhere, including a week long raft trip on the Talkeetna, a fly in trip. very cool.(one of three "I had to plan for" places.) Anchorage is not a place to discover IMHO. 4. Phones were usually worthless, except in well developed areas. 5. Crossing the borders - Not a big deal, just follow the rules. Food, weapons, etc. Had some sticks of firewood I had forgotten, when entering the US into AK, the Customs dude called me back to rear of van - asked me "You got this in US - right" Yes Sir! 6. CC and cash - just depends on how you travel. We used CC for gas and camping fees when available, cash is best changed at banks. Didn't really worry about the exchange rates and fees on CC. Probably will look at CC fees next trip. 7. Take your time, leave stress at home, getting in a hurry - just pisses one off -especially during road construction areas. Let it all roll off your back, and it will be a great trip. Bugs were not as bad as I expected, Bears were not an issue- well except in Denali and Valdez - just carry bear spray and common sense. And brush up on running faster than all but one of you party.... Now go have fun. PS - my son lives in Fairbanks - absolutely loves AK - Says he is retiring there, so I guess I be making a lot more trips....

John and Mark - thank you for your work on this subject. As a fairly decent mechanic - I even have tools..- I don't believe I will have issues keeping the brakes serviceable. And Mark, thanks for the primer on the Ford system - it will come in handy one day. One thing though - for what Oliver charges for these trailers - I expect the axles and brake systems to be trouble free, not something I will change. If they turn out to be less than expected I will be looking to Oliver for answers. Time will tell. But if history is any indication - any problems with anything on my unit - well - I'll just fix it and go on. Unless its a system failure -. This forum is a great tool - thanks again all.

And a good tool storage idea - double duty!

To be clear, I love music, of many genre's, and I also equally enjoy the solitude of just being out "there". I usually get my fix through ear buds, or something similar, and usually when I am exercising. I don't consider sharing a tidbit of my musical tastes as condoning any type of noise pollution. I often find the constant cacophony of noise in the common campsite/rv park overwhelming and a nuisance. Big rigs, kids, generators, the constant back and forth of vehicles are all distracting. And that my friends is why "we" have invested in an Oliver - it gives us what we want in comfort, with an ability to go where the noise makers usually don't. However, to be honest, I do enjoy, at times, some of my selections at very high levels, blasting forth from my barn/garage. Yea, I love old vintage equipment, big amps, great sound! Now, I am out there, in my own little rural world, wildlife haven't complained yet (more distracted by the dog!), and the neighbors are to distant. To each his own - silence can be enjoyable - the following is cool.

Lastly to remember my brother from another mother, long departed, he loved this album and this tune.

I'm liking the variety here, some of which takes me back in time, Saxuality , Candy Dufler made me think, it was 1990, what a time for me then, and Joe Bonamassa, saw him at the Ryman, he was incredible. Here to of my many favorites. the best lyrics ever...

OK, and lastly, one of the greats, and usually on my system -

There was a time when Cindy n I would go see Kenny Wayne at small venues in Shreveport LA. He was usually at local events. One of my favorite live recordings of his was at one such small event, my that was in a universe long, long, ago.