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RodgerS

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Everything posted by RodgerS

  1. This would not be helpful for you John, but for Airstream owners there seems to be a possible fix for hailstorm damage "Leave your Airstream out in the sun on a clear day. Many small dents -- such as those caused by a hailstorm -- will disappear as the sun heats the skin of the trailer, causing it to expand until the dent is pushed back out." Avoiding being caught in various kinds of inclement weather conditions, bumping into things, or being involved in an accident or rollover is probably a good idea for all trailer owners. I think some of the older trailers that used easily replaceable panels might be something worth lamenting. Another lament is the industry emphasis on bling, rather than effective build quality controls...instead of the emphasis being on after delivery inspections. AND providing timely and affordable repairs for RVs is a severe industry-wide weakness. But then they might have to also pay the service technicians better and train them to be troubleshooters, not just dump and replace components. Note: I'm an RVIA Registered service technician #100051 and very few techs have troubleshooting training and skills (factoid).
  2. By the way, I'm retired so unless it is a dire emergency I don't drive in snow storms, fog, hurricanes, earthquakes, at night or in traffic, etc.
  3. Thanks Bill, I'm planning on using a weight distribution hitch. You are right Mainiac. I'm not sure any color truck would be easy to see in the fog or in a snow storm, ...mostly good traction, fog lights, and simply staying off the road as much as possible is the best plan from my perspective, regardless of color. Planning accordingly, I would prefer the Volvo D13 (375-500 HP, 1450-1850 LB-FT.) if forced to drive in the fog or in a snow storm...whatever the color. Also to consider, a black truck is hard to see at night or in a deep ditch, a red truck is hard to see when there is a fire in the woods and hard to hide from the cops when testing its high speed capabilities, a green truck is hard to see in a green field and in the woods, a brown truck is hard to see at a lumber mill, in dry fields and the desert, and woods, and a blue truck is hard to see when driving across the sand at the beach. For camouflage, a green and brown combo would be helpful for hiding in the woods. To hide in a field of cows a black and white truck might work, but I'm not sure I want someone trying to milk my truck. Color is a tough choice.
  4. I agree that a white truck should be the best in practice. However, a light grey is not bad. It also goes that a white Oliver should be the best in practice. Thanks for the additional weight thoughts as I am likely to carry some extra water in jerry cans. Bay Area, California (Wine Country)
  5. A bit of humor this morning... I am in the process of pulling the trigger on a 2019 Ram 1500 truck, but it will likely take a few months before I take delivery as my local dealers are receiving their 2019s without the Ram Box and I want a Ram Box, darn it. I have chosen this truck primarily because of the comfortable ride of the truck, roomy backseat for my 100 pound Boxer dog, 360 degree visual, and active safety features. I was contemplating buying a Volvo D13 heavy hauler to pull an Oliver, an Airstream trailer, a Sprinter van, an off-road trailer, a pop-up camper, a 45 foot diesel motorhome, etc. But decided I want a trailer I can roll off a cliff and still heat hot water in the next day, and I get to argue whether or not I bought enough truck. I considered a recent Youtube post by "Big Truck Big RV" of his maximum matching of a Chevy Colorado z71 to an Apex Nano...Youtube video "2018 Chevy Colorado z71 Duramax! Full Review!!" And considered a match in an article published on the Oliver website between, as I recall, a Toyota Tacoma and an Oliver II. I had to do the numbers myself as these two authors seem to like to float their opinions and make me do their research so I can understand their opinions. Truck numbers rounded down and Trailer numbers rounded up to the nearest 100 because it pleases me. The following numbers are absolute, do not vary, are perfect, and unchallengeable because they we done by me and I know-it-all. Chevy Colorado z71 diesel 7,000 tr/1,200 pc matched to an Apex Nano 21 ft, single axle 3,800 GVW, hitch 400 lbs. 2019 Ram 1500 11,300/1,800 matched to an Oliver single axle, 5000 GVW, hitch 400 or Oliver double axle 7,000 and 500. I didn't bother with a Colorado or Tacoma, because my dog said NO.
  6. "Any forum is an accumulation of participants’ experience and/ or opinion. A number of people here have given their experience and opinions." I agree with that and have always understood that. There is also a need for group cohesion as well. I just wish that more people would take much greater care with their opinions, and I'm not talking about the sweetness of their words, as if they could be held accountable for those opinions. The RV environment is complex and rapidly changing, and mis-information is rampant in the RV industry across all forums, mfgs, dealers, and repair facilities...based on my experience. Best of luck for all of you who have invested in your RVs. Cheers.
  7. I think Oliver Trailers might want to put a sticker on their trailers quoting BackofBeyond that "Any information you glean from the forum is worth exactly what you paid for it." That has been proven to be true to me.
  8. I think I'm tired doing research for others.
  9. I'm kind of disappointed I had to post the following (after reading the "experienced advice I'm supposed to rely on" posts): I think I was fairly clear I was looking at a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited, eTorque engine, towing package that includes the 3.92 axle, air suspension, 4x4. I had the salesman send me the specific truck's "Vehicles Capabilities" printed sheet (not the msrp sales sheet stuck on the window of the truck or the sticker on the door that doesn't include the PC) for the specific truck on their lot I demoed for the vin number I wrote down. Per the VC sheet for that vin number "Maximum Payload 1,840 lbs.," "Maximum Towing 11,340 pounds. "
  10. Thanks for the comment Rumline. Yes, I am aware of the payload issues you mentioned. Thanks. My research indicates that the 2019 Ram 1500 payload range is between 1,700 and 2,300...with the realistic range between 1,700 and 1,900 loaded up with lots of options. Of course, one has to confirm the actual payload of the truck, as optioned, prior to closing the deal. The new tow limits exceed 12,000 pounds, but I can do with a bit less. Again have to confirm prior to closing the deal. I don't have kids, but I will probably take some light stream tackle and some light art supplies with me. The wife might take her camera when she does come along or even fly out or drive out to meet me. I plan to buy the eTorque, the Ram box, the Limited, and just about the whole nine yards. Since my daughter considers me a R....t, a B.d F....r, and unworthy of someone worth listening to AND my son has no R.....t for me and considers me a l...r...I'm free to spend their very substantial inheritance on traveling both stateside and overseas (six zeroes and increasing) now that I have disinherited them in my will. Call that W...e P.......e. (Hope this doesn't break forum rules...did my best) ================ I agree with Back of Beyond that a lot of trucks are running near their limits, based on my readings in a lot of forums. I will abandon buying an Oliver if I determine the Ram 1500 I buy is not up to the job, and instead pull the truck with a used diesel motorhome. I will take light exercise equipment with me, but would ideally take a full gym along. ================= I thought I might like to re-enact my youth, but I'm having too much fun being a senior citizen getting ready to throw the dough around.
  11. I think I fit the same target market that kwrjrpe fits into, just my wife and I (and the dog). I remember watching an Airstream youtube couple video - they had started with the large 30 footer then downsized to a 27 and wished they had downsized to a 25. My wife set the length restriction - must fit on the 26ft driveway...don't you dare pay a monthly storage fee. The legal papers are almost finalized, so my 2nd and much larger than my 1st cash infusion will be coming in soon. All good things come in good time. Note: I worked for a short time as a service advisor at an Airstream dealership...fortunately my wife was not impressed with the Airstreams she looked at. First the truck, then the trailer, because the length and weight of the trailer is settled.
  12. That's basically how I understand it as well John. Much of the need for diesel braking seems to follow the huge 5th wheel trailers where the more savvy owners seemed to opt for 1 ton dually Diesel trucks as a minimum or even larger, including up to semi-trucks. That's why I value owner experience/advice, whether mine or others. Despite my strong desire to get a Toyota Tacoma I was willing to change my mind once I discovered the new safety features and 360 view, and yes I know that the forum members are correct that fundamentally I should be driving a 1/2 ton truck or some of the other tow vehicles mentioned based on all my research and the numbers.
  13. "I was warned before purchasing a trailer that there will always be problems." Yes, however the quality of the trailer's materials, design, and build process does matter in a big way. "Oliver Travel Trailers factory is not exactly easy to get to or even a smart idea as a service center for probably most of us who own one." Access to factory repair and local service centers is an industry-wide problem. So yes, Oliver or Airstream or whatever, ones diy capabilities and attitude also mean a lot.
  14. I can live with whichever the wife wants. I have both a qualified RV service repair and RV electrical specialist designations, so can take care of most repair and maintenance issues myself. However, my preference is an Oliver and I get the choice of truck. So....we will go to the Airstream factory first, my wife was not impressed with the bling and the name recognition stuff when we looked at Airstream a few months back, plus she likes a white interior, so probably will order an Oliver at the end of the day. Just guessing based on what I know about my wife.
  15. As of Saturday Aug 25th, The blind spot monitor on the Ram will cover up to a 30 foot trailer and some say it is better than relying on tow mirrors. The 360 degree view is not available at this time if you option the tow mirrors or without the 12 inch monitor, and the 360 degree view is a sweet option I would really like to have. One can buy add-on tow mirror extenders and enjoy both options. The advanced safety group features are really nice, as well as the ram box cargo management system, and the air suspension option. Can't say enough about this truck's interior from the Laramie up...some are calling it the Mercedes Benz of the trucks. (I have a big advantage, don't really want to lose the clk for a Porsche, so I can get the truck and keep the clk) Looking at about $70k before tax and lic, and my local dealers in calif don't seem inclined to offer MSRP reductions at this time beyond special incentives.
  16. The diesel option will be coming later, so the Hemi with e-torque would be the choice if I purchased today. (Note: the Limited interior with the air suspension is very, very nice.) I don't see any lack of availability of the 2019's on the near horizon, in fact the dealers are loading up and selling well as I understand it, so it is an option just to take the wife for the factory tours earlier than later and choose the trailer first...and wait for the diesel. I understood the need for the diesel much more on the mid-size tacoma, but it is unclear, and seems less likely to me, at this level of trailer, if I would regret not getting a diesel. (Diesel braking is really the issue I think) The wife is going to China in October for a month so.....................
  17. Time has been on my side. Wife has reconfirmed she is ok on a small travel trailer if it fits on the drive-way and a mid-sized truck. Have resolved my issue of a diy sprinter van build or a mid-sized truck, in favor of a full-sized truck - my $$$ so my choice. Am planning to purchase a 2019 Ram 1500 rather than a mid-sized truck. The 360 degree visual option and extended trailer blind spot assistance made the difference for me, as well as the interior and ride of a Ram truck. Will order or purchase the truck sometime within the next two months and will update at that time. Prefer an on-the- lot purchase, but difficult to find with my mix of options, so may have to order, but I'm patient. It is down to either an Elite II or a 23 foot Airstream. Next step will be factory visits after the first of the year, then wife will decide. Meantime am heading down to the Porsche driving experience in L.A. to get some track time.
  18. FYI... I have decided not to buy a chevy truck and Oliver trailer. I have decided to focus more on overseas traveling, and to trade in my old Mercedes CLK for a new Porsche Macan GTS AWD. Best of luck to you all and kindest regards. Rodger
  19. I don't own an Oliver and have only been on this forum a short time. The owners seem pretty happy, more than other forums I have been on, lots and lots of forums, and I think it fair to make an assumption that you can successfully and happily work through any "questions." I started more from the reverse as I'm planning on buying an off-road truck and was thinking about whether an Oliver would be a good match...as always a combination of experience, technical issues, and judgment. Since I have a hybridized concept of my tour/destination travel plans and I don't plan to commit until 1st quarter 2019, this gives me a bit more time to consider this idea or instead buy a Van and an off-road truck I don't plan to dingy. Being that my wife may only join me occasionally, that confuses the issue a bit. You may wish to look at and visit with the owner of a very slightly new/used Oliver listed for sale in this forum.
  20. "The differences in quality and design are apparant with even a casual look and don’t really require a lot ofsupporting data. Just take a look. The picture of the wreck bares this out well." Without seeing at least one overturned Oliver for comparison, overturned under similar conditions like at similar speeds, the picture alone is not persuasive to me. There are, in my opinion, a lot better ways to advocate for the Oliver's quality and design compared to the other choices out there. For example, a brake discussion, or a frame discussion, or as some pointed out the susceptibility of an Airstream to hail and other not uncommon events one may be subjected to vs an Oliver. An Airstream is a great trailer for comparisons on specific issues. Anyway, if I buy a trailer, any trailer, I'm gonna assume that if it rolls it's toast...which is why this whole thread, from the start, has been more curious than useful to me. My Fly on the Wall thread has been the most valuable because the critical issue is, as always, the level of truck, a weight distribution hitch, sway, an exhaust brake, etc. relative to whether or not I should be pulling an Oliver with a Colorado or a larger truck. At this point, a Mercedes van without a toad seems like a more appropriate solution for me...with a ZR2 as a fun vehicle for local activities and around the town...simply because of its mobility, simplicity of solution, and DIY options.
  21. "First, you have to narrow the field." The most important way for me to narrow the field was to rent a motorhome and take my wife on a trip. After that trip, I knew a large motorhome or 5th/truck was out. My choice is now down to a mid-sized truck z71 pulling an Oliver trailer, OR a Mercedes van/no toad for touring and ZR2 for light off-roading locally. When the 2019s come out, I will decide.
  22. "I think it’s a false assumption that just because a trailer is built better, the rate will be lower." That is not my assumption or point. Actually, if a trailer is better built, the trailer costs more to buy, which is true about Olivers, which means the insurance should be higher because the claim payoffs would be higher and the insurance rates higher. However, if a trailer is less susceptible to rollovers and if the trailer is less susceptible to damage whether rolled over or not, and therefore the insurance company paid claims are less and the company, based on past experience data, can project lower claim payoffs for the future, then the insurance companies would offer lower insurance rates for that particular model/mfg. State Farm has lower rates for good drivers because the paid claims are less for good drivers.
  23. I'm retired. My point about insurance is not about having or not having, but how much it costs comparatively. If the trailer is so wonderful in avoiding rollovers and accident damages, the insurance rates should be reduced compared to other trailers...called a reality check. Poor construction and poorly built are opinions that mean nothing to me without the specifics. Poorly built can mean several different things - quality of materials, quality of putting the materials together, or quality controls for verifying quality at all levels of construction. For example, the Airstream mfg, dealers, and their owners constantly represent conclusions/opinions on quality of materials and quality controls, but it takes a lot of work to break down the specifics and compare them to other trailers. When you do, it is not so simple and not all blue sky and happiness. When rolled the interior and exterior of an Airstream collapses as an empty can would if stepped on. I have not seen a picture of a rolled Oliver for comparison and I did look on the internet for such pictures. I would say the apparent relative number of units on the road between Airstream and Olivers means I would expect to more easily find examples of this for Airstreams. My quick research indicated that Oliver crashes are difficult to find on YouTube. That can be because they are non-existent or simply have not yet been posted, but also because there would be less instances due to the relative on-the-road numbers. I don't know. As to trailer brakes, the big reason for having a diesel engine with an exhaust brake is the importance of engine braking relative to trailer braking going downhill as I understand it. Certainly, when studying the big 5th trailers that was critical. In other words, one of the reasons I like the z71 and zr2 is that the diesel engine for that truck does have an exhaust brake. On my list of worries, control going down hill is very important. Yes, the brakes on the trailer are also important. Sway is important, etc. And as I understand it for off-road, the diesel on the z71 adds a lot of useful torque for getting out of and over traction problems. A comparative on construction. Born free motorhomes, and Born Free last I looked has gone out of business, their big advantage, as they represented it among other things, was a heavy steel rollover cage. I am not aware that Olivers have that, right? and...having a rollover cage may help a lot with personal safety but that doesn't mean the trailer or motorhome won't be totaled. I'm not sorry I'm having trouble understanding. I am use to talking with smart and knowledgeable people who are not often challenged...and usually benefit from just stating their opinions and having others respectfully act on their advice and nod their heads in agreement...but are not always on top of their game...nor can explain or back up their opinions/conclusions. I have no problem challenging John because he gave me the impression of someone who is a stand up guy, and doesn't have to to be babied or have others run cover for him.
  24. http://olivertraveltrailers.com/blog/is-travel-trailer-insurance-necessary/ Reading the below from the Oliver website, I see no representation that an Oliver is better or any less destructible than any other trailer when it comes to mishaps or that an owner can not suffer a total loss. If you want to argue that Oliver owners are better at choosing appropriate towing vehicles, better drivers, better at avoiding accidents, and maintaining their Oliver, will never have to worry about fire, rust damage, water damage, totaling their trailer in an accident, that would be an interesting discussion and the trailer is probably worth twice what it costs new. "When considering new travel trailers for sale, many people forget to take insurance into consideration. Although it is not a requirement in any state for fiberglass travel trailers to carry insurance, they can be very expensive assets. It would be very foolhardy for anyone not to properly insure one, no matter what the value or the size. If the trailer is being purchased with any sort of financing, the finance company may require insurance. Even if it doesn’t and the trailer is a total loss, the finance company will still be owed the entire outstanding balance of the loan. Some automobile policies will provide basic coverage for a trailer, for others it needs to be specifically added on. Some auto policies specifically exclude trailers. Before looking into what additional coverage may or may not be needed or wanted, it is important to check with the existing insurance company to find out exactly what the policy covers. Once the limits of the existing policy are known, consideration can be given to what additional coverage is appropriate. For a small, secondhand pop-up trailer which costs a few hundred dollars, it may not be worthwhile to purchase additional insurance. However, some fiberglass travel trailers can cost tens of thousands of dollars, often more than the value of the vehicle towing it. For these, a fully comprehensive trailer policy is the smartest option. As with any insurance, you hope you never need it, but it is essential to have in place if you ever do. There are several different types of travel trailer insurance offered which depend on the usage. There are policies which cover extensive road use, for example, and others where the trailer is occupied full-time for all or part of the year. The only situation generally not covered by a specialist trailer insurance policy is where the trailer is parked full-time. After determining the appropriate type of policy for the trailer’s intended usage, the items which can covered are similar to those in an automotive insurance policy. These include: – Total loss replacement – Liability coverage for personal injuries – Collision coverage – Comprehensive coverage for loss from fire, theft or severe weather – Coverage for personal possessions – Roadside assistance – Emergency expenses – Parked trailer coverage The last item is especially important to consider. Parked trailer coverage provides insurance while your trailer is parked in an RV site or campground and everyone is away, hiking or biking for example. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of the reasons that insurance should be considered when looking at new travel trailers for sale. It is also not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of the reasons to have trailer insurance or the risks to be insured. What it is intended to do is to provoke some thought about how best to get some peace of mind while enjoying a new travel trailer.
  25. With all due respect and gentle kindness. Apparently, you are saying that an Oliver would not flip over? Or are you saying that if an Oliver flipped over there would be no damages or just a few scratches or minimal damage? Do your insurance rates reflect your point of view? I'm all for reasonable and sensible advocacy for an Oliver or an Airstream, as opposed to cheaper trailers on the market. My personal considerations for considering buying an Oliver include a lot of factors, mostly in the realm of quality and quality control. But, having spent a good five or six years in depth, I mean deep in depth, on a variety of RV forums, which included a wide variety of trailers, tow vehicle, and motorhome mishaps, I really have no clue what your point is.
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