Cameron

I always recommend that people rent a trailer for a trial run before dropping the $$$ on the Oliver. Try to rent a trailer that would have a similar size, layout and accessories as an Oliver. Take that rental out for a week or two and many things will become clear to you. Try to do at least a couple days boondocking also. I rented three different trailers (including and Airstream) during three different summer vacations and I can tell you that when it came time to put down my deposit on the Oliver, I felt very confident in my decision to buy a camper, and to buy the Oliver. I also learned that I needed a better tow vehicle. During those three rentals some mistakes were made (I'm not confessing) and lessons learned, which I'm glad weren't with the Oliver.

Hmm, I like it. I might have to put this on my to-do list. I'm currently using rechargeable puck lights but having one hardwired would be great.

I think size/space will be your concern. You're accustomed to the size/space of your motorhome, so downsizing to the EII will be a challenge. You may or may not be able to live with less space. I'd recommend renting a small trailer (smaller than the EII) and taking it out for a week or two to see if it feels too cramped. I went from backpacking, to small car camping, to pickup camping, to the Ollie, so from my camping perspective it has tons of space. I think that boondocking is really where the Ollie shines. If you plan to be in campgrounds with partial or full hookups you might be better off with a Jayco or something like that at much less cost. The higher cost of the Oliver is really in the build quality and components that are best used when you're out in the middle of nowhere down a dirt road on a cold night. In that application, there's nothing better. Regarding your tow vehicle (TV), check out the GCVW on the door sticker to make sure you're safely under the limit once to add in all the stuff you'd be taking with you (including all the options you want to get on the trailer). Many people recommend the distributing hitch, but I don't use one and have never had any problems that made me think I should get one. Regarding food and clothes, I think you'll find your experience in the Oliver similar to your motorhome experience. I've never had a problem with either. You can always make adjustment to adapt to the fridge and closet space. But if the trailer is just too small, well, you can't change that. I'm a big fan of the composting toilet and have found it very easy to use. Any concerns anyone has are very much outweighed by the freedom from the black tank. I don't have to dump, I don' t have to look for a dump, I don't have to pay for a dump, and I don't have to tow the weight of a full back tank.

I can't believe I waited so long to do this mod. It was easy! The only problem was trying to fish wires up to the cabinet above the micro for the controller. I did not succeed, so the controller is down behind the bottom fridge vent for now. It was in the high 90s when I did the install and only got down to 75 or so overnight so there was lots of hot air coming out of the top vent, thanks to those Beech Lane fans. Before going to bed I dropped the fridge cooling level down to 6, and it was 37.5 degrees when I woke up. I think I also learned something important. In the middle of the afternoon, while it was still in the high 90s, I put a plastic container with water in the freezer to make a chunk of ice, and I think that made it hard for the Norcold to maintain it's temp. In the future, I'll only do that at night or when the outside temp is lower.

I'm reading every word of every comment on this topic. I got my Beech Lane delivered today, and I'm hoping to put it in tomorrow. I was recently towing the Ollie in 113 degree heat and the poor Norcold wasn't so cold. I'm hoping the install goes as smoothly as some of you have described. I'll also take pics and provide a follow up.

Agreed. I was having some strange behavior with my original water pump. My trailer's a 2021, so I couldn't believe that the pump was going bad. Well, I changed the pump and suddenly had no problems. I kept the old pump, don't know why, but at least the water system is working properly!

Wow. Tell us more about that wrap!

I'd open a ticket with OTT Service. I bet they could get you all the info you need and maybe even walk you through it. Don't underestimate their ability and willingness to help out on even the smallest stuff!

Well, now I have to give an amendment. Just took off my tires yesterday to grease the zerks. The street side torque was good. The curb side wheels were way over-torqued and the threads were stretched on some studs. Boo. I gotta replace them now. It was the last rig they worked on that day at this shop and wasn't finished till 5:30. My guess is that the technician was in a rush, was using an airgun, and just jammed those lug nuts on while thinking of going home. Another reason to try to do more and more maintenance myself, with the help of these forums of course!

Just and FYI if anyone needs to replace their locking door handle. https://www.costco.com/compact-rvlock-keyless-entry-handle.product.4000235045.html

I love this announcement. It bolsters my faith in the company. First, let me say that because I live in California it's unlikely that I would be able to use the service center unless I happened to be nearby and happened to need some service. My distance from OTT has caused me to learn how to do things myself (thanks forum!) or get help from someone out this way. Nevertheless, I've been concerned by some of the recent developments with the company. My first contact with the company was way back in 2016 when I called to get information and spoke to Heather Oliver. Very cool. Then I met Anita in the old office and got a factory tour. Wow. It was clear that this family owned and operated company made the best quality trailer in America, and I wanted one. Yes, change can be hard, and yes, a business that doesn't grow is bound to die. But this announcement softens some of my concerns and shows that the company is listening and places customer satisfaction as a top value. Rodney's message is a good vibe. (you'll have to excuse me, I'm from California! lol.)

I'm amazed that the steps didn't rip off. Is an Ollie stronger than garage framing?

hi, I was able to get replacements from OTT.

pricey!!

I spent a week in the desert earlier this month where wind is common. I couldn't keep my awning out for even an hour before a gust would sent it into retraction mode. And that was with the awning out only a foot or two. With me for a couple days was a friend with a Lance trailer, also with an electric awning. He had this product and it seemed to work well even in the desert wind. Of course he disconnected and retracted his awning at night. I'm thinking about getting it and trying it out. https://www.amazon.com/Carefree-R019399-001-Awning-StabilizR-Kit/dp/B00NS7YIMS/ref=sr_1_35?crid=E0FJU2M7UHWC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SFBo6fI7vJjKWZfis5zs18LMsXXYkNMjNGnbwtWcuGFYVO9SYr8vnnra1zsydo0Y1fKeBkwt1LnanhIr9dGrLTka1-mIq1se7Y0j8y1E_i0w_iXKMhuGYWSF6dGyzqlaHB-ue6B5we2_aOGY5d8QVWk2rft5QzC2fSJY7b9NtSMjxJ8Pfe7SuTGEmzP0i70g5P2My_tadhuSwli0Oau9HdjftMhctJj9dOIEzYT76nRS0Rcv1XuwfxddYohhwH6y_DQmI8ibAJJHm5lGCm4zS0uAeOl_MOlGpP5MBylfXKs.AD1UZ4H2jKStSX3aFTaVnOBi_75hkMDHrpNP_DH4tOM&dib_tag=se&keywords=rv%2Bawning%2Btie%2Bdown%2Bkit&qid=1713721713&sprefix=rv%2Bawning%2B%2Caps%2C545&sr=8-35&th=1