Mountainman198

This is the direction I would like to see as well. One of the US Spring manufacturers (St. Louis Spring) said they would replicate the springs on my E2 with USA sourced 5160 spring steel if I would send them a new one to copy. Knowing what I know now, I certainly would have paid a premium at time of purchase of my Oliver for USA made springs. I would like to see Oliver investigate this path. Now that they are at dealers, it would certainly further set them apart from the rest sitting on Chinese suspension. I cringe now knowing that my trailer went 25,000 miles supported by a $150 set of springs (again, not Oliver's fault. The entire RV components industry has gone to the cheapest possible cost model without regard to quality or safety).

The curb side rear spring was in the process of failing as well. Starting to flatten with the rearward end starting to invert. I have attached the tag from the springs on my trailer. According to Oliver, they are made by Emco

I most certainly will. Waiting to see and touch them first and confirm the measurements and specs are right (should be no issue). Once I have confirmed this I will share the info and contact details.

On the way home from the SW this year, I had the pleasure of experiencing a broken LR leaf spring while underway. It broke in the usual place (see pic). Fortunately the broken spring was noticed quickly and I found a safe place to overnight and perform the repair the next day. Unfortunately, I was not carrying a spare spring. After finding a pair of springs locally and installing them I made it home the next day. What I found when inspecting my broken spring was what appeared to be a defect in the steel (see pic). In no way do I blame Oliver for this failure as the trailer spring market is monopolized by Springs made of Chinese steel and Oliver, like all other manufacturers source from the same pool of components. In fact, after opening a service ticket, Mike was extremely helpful in getting me the specs and info I needed. I decided that once I got the trailer home I would replace all four springs with the best springs I could find. Preferably from a US company, made in the US and with US made 5160 spring steel. What I did not appreciate was that there did not appear to be any trailer parts sources which met this criteria. This was not proving to be a simple task. Everything I could find in the RV aftermarket was sourced from China. No exceptions. The only good news I found was that Chinese springs are cheap ($35-55ea). I remembered a Spring Company from my offroading days and gave them a call. They had a set of four springs which fit the measurements provided by Oliver Service and were made in the US with US 5160 spring steel. Cost is $150/ea spring but since I had already spent a fair amount of $ upgrading to stainless lugnuts and US made Timken bearings this did not prevent me from placing the order for a set of four springs and new ubolts. New springs should be here later this week. I will update with pics once I get the springs and also once I install and of course again after towing a few thousand miles.

Have not heart of a travel trailer being stolen but a Buddy shared Ring video of his 20’ enclosed trailer being stolen from his driveway. Had a hitch lock and was supported by the electric tongue jack (power disabled). Video shows thieves backing to trailer, hooking safety chains to trailer and dragging it off down the road with sparks flying from the jack. Took all of 5 seconds. Trailer was never recovered. I use a tongue lock and carry good insurance. If someone wants it badly enough they will take it.

Thanks

This morning I was stopped in a parking lot in Lake Havasu City, AZ, while sitting in my truck with my trailer in tow, planning my route and drinking coffee when a woman sporting a big smile approached. We have all had this happen before so I rolled down the window and prepared to start answering questions about Oliver Travel Trailers. Not this time. The woman introduced herself and I was caught a bit off guard as I knew there would not be yet another request for me to show the inside of my messy trailer. Her name was Evon Oliver. She asked my hull number then the discussion quickly turned to Family, growing up in Michigan and things to do while in Lake Havasu City. What a wonderful surprise this morning talking to a delightful Lady.

After seeing this thread I checked my tanks. Sure enough, a small amount of surface rust is forming along the bottom of the ring. I had some of thjs black rubber door edge guard left over from when I installed the screen bug covers on my water heater so figured I would try it on the tanks. Fits great, eliminates the metal on metal contact, stays on when removing tanks to fill and does not impact height of tanks and hold-down. can’t remember where I bought it but do recall it was about $10, maybe at TSC?

I just did a quick search on 5L stackable bins and I believe this is the link as the price, material, description and dimensions match. https://www.target.com/p/5l-stacking-bin-with-lid-white-brightroom-8482/-/A-86300286#lnk=sametab

I bought them at a brick and mortar Target, so unfortunately do not have a link

Tired of my books scattered all over the trailer and staring at the wasted space under the streetside twin bed “wing”, I installed three plastic bins that I found at Target ($6/ea) and installed using command velcro strips so they can be easily removed for cleaning. Now my books have a home, are easy to access while in bed and don’t fly around on rough roads. Bin dimensions/ea are roughly 5”Hx5”Wx14.5”L. I installed them about mid-way up the wall under the bed so there is still toe room underneath and books can still be removed easily.

Riverside Campground, Gila Box Riparian National Preservation Area, Safford, AZ. BLM campground $5/nt. Worth the 3 mile drive in on mostly paved, mostly single lane road.

Peggy, I like your plan to flip the door. I understand your desire to find a permanent solution to hold it open. Interim to finding your final solution, something like a command strip toggle hanger might work. The toggle can swing down to 90 degrees from its point of attachment on the ceiling and may be able to hook to the cabinet door loop handle. Command strips are strong (these hold 2 lbs) and most importantly, remove without damage to the gelcoat once you find your final solution. This is what I would use until the final result is found. Good luck. FYI...I have seen them in blister packs at Walmart. https://www.amazon.com/Command-Medium-Hanging-Adhesive-Organizational/dp/B00U82D03O/ref=sr_1_8?crid=HX2SMGYE8E7Z&keywords=command+strip+large+toggle+hooks&qid=1701652055&sprefix=command+strip+large+toggle+hooks%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-8

Same here. I had a similar concern to what many have over the description given on the website when ordering. Upon receipt I was happy to see that the seat on the new solid SS nuts was that of the expanded, continuous style (like a bulge acorn) and not the scalloped style of a regular acorn. I see no reason why these lug nuts would not seat and perform the same as the OEM lug nuts. The only issue I had during installation was that the new nuts are larger, forcing me to buy a larger 6-pt socket for my torque wrench and breaker bar.

Before you re-apply the GE silicone, I would contact Oliver service and find out the exact sealant they use. The sealant they use returns to bright white after a light scrubbing with Roll Off and a microfiber cloth. I don't have the exact brand and product they sent me when I replaced the bathroom window or I would send you a pic.

I do the same, using a number 6 paper filter into a stanley thermos. Makes even better tasting coffee than my 70's 1500W Norelco or vintage W. German-made Krups

Dates for 2024 as posted to the Casita forum on the fiberglassrv.com site: 2024, Feb 5-11: 2024 Quartzsite Gathering The annual Quartzsite Gathering will be February 5th thru 11th, 2024 at Dome Rock! Once again this will be a "No Host" get together and everyone can do as they please, visit with friends, make new friends, ask questions, see mods, sit around a campfire, tell jokes, sing whatever you want to do! The town of Quartzsite is only 3 miles away and has pretty much all you need, gas, food, places to eat, dump facility, trash dump station, and lots of RV vendors. Come when you want and leave when you want, find a spot you like and set up camp. This is a total dry camping get together so come test out your boon docking skills! Best of all it is on BLM land and totally FREE and the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets you will see anywhere! The 2023 Gathering was a great success after the pandemic with about 125 trailers attending so 2024 should be even better. See you all there! Location-- GPS: 33.643617,-114.304752 Last year was my first year and I met and camped with several other great Oliver Owners as well as many Casita, Scamp, Escape and Bigfoot owners, I am hoping to attend again. Anyone else planning to be there this year?

My 3500 is a bit newer than yours (next gen( as it has 17" wheels. I would not go to a larger wheel on mine as I like taller sidewalls than most new trucks have. I find that a taller sidewall rides better and handles better when towing. If I had your truck I would stay with the 16's. Keepin it old school, Man!

I have installed this 4 four pin accessory connector in-line and just before the 7pin socket. I don't have a part number but I bought it at a local trailer supply. It is unplug, plug and play. This modification gives you a additional flat 4 pin connector on a pigtail which can be used when the 7pin socket is occupied (since the use of the 7pin often blocks the access to the integrated 4pin socket). As I recall it was less than $30

The switch could have been turned off and just not turned back one when the new batteries were installed as the panels would need to have their power feed to the controller interrupted to avoid damage to the controller when the batteries were removed and new ones installed.

I just got around to doing my annual bearing maintenance and switched out all lug nuts to the ones recommended above by ScubaRx. They are super high quality and fit perfect. As a side note, I did not find any cracked sheathing on my old lug nuts. Likely had to do with spending most of the year out West and use of a 6 point socket. Thanks Steve!

Seqaucker suction cups are really secure and have a strong hold. I have the suction rooftop rack for my car. Ended up using it on the dent in the fender of my Tundra to successfully perform paintless dent removal, the suction is that strong. I will look for the waste band as it ould be great to be able to move it outside/inside as needed.

Joshua Tree. Highly recommend

That is a handsome looking combo you have there. 😃 Have Firestone airbags on my Tundra as well, also set at 25 lbs. Reduced jouncing a lot. I think you will like the way the rig rides now.

Like many others here, I don't have a dog in this hunt as I already have my Oliver and do my own maintenance. I wish Oliver the best with this change as avoidance of "slick" dealers was a big deciding factor in making my initial purchase directly from Oliver.