SeaDawg

You already have solar on your list. If you plan to boondock a lot, that's the single option that would be on my "must have" list. If that includes agm batteries, I'd definitely like to have those instead of FLA. How many watts of solar in the Legacy Elite I package? We've done really well with 200 watts for many years , until we installed the 12v fridge. Then, we needed portable solar, and some days, a small generator to keep up. We don't have the composting toilet, nor the shower curtain, so I can't comment. I do think the composting toilet will save some water. I would look beyond your current items to portable solar (not necessarily Zamp, which is heavy and pricey), a small generator, and a better battery monitor than the Zamp, if you want to boondock a lot with 2 batteries, you'll want more information than the Zamp monitor provides, imo. These are not on the options list, but our of pocket, I think . I would limit other additions to the trailer which use power. The included 6 gallon water heater worked fine for us , til it died. We added an inverter, then wound up removing it because we didn't use it. We originally had a microwave, but removed it,when it died ,and really enjoy the additional storage. Our television is unplugged. Stereo usually turned off at the breaker. We cook outside, or on the lo stovetop, including coffee. No kuerig for us. This is my opinion,only, but, based on 13 seasons mostly without power. If you plan to camp often with power, it's another ballgame .

Before amazon lockers, I used ups stores as a pickup location. Figured out where I'd be and when, called the store, made sure they offered the service, and had my package shipped there. That involved a small fee paid to the ups store at pickup, but the last time I used this method, the vendor wasn't on Amazon. If you're at a campground or rv park with an office, the office may accept a package for you. Check ahead to make sure, though. Not everyone wants that responsibility.

I haven't seen the gx touch in person. Maybe this weekend? We may (or may not) mask up and brave the St. Pete boat show, since a lot of rain is predicted. Definitely (and sadly) skipping the Tampa RV supershow.

I'm with you, there. 13 seasons in, still happy with our choice. Looking forward to the next decade of camping.

But, if they gave you tpms stems with the truck, as they sometimes do, you are golden. I know a lot of newer trucks have the option to install tpms monitors in/on the trailer tires, so it is integrated with the truck system. We'll see what yours has, eventually. It's also unlikely that you will suffer a flat on the trailer in the first 1000 miles. In the meantime, as I said, chill. You have enough to finish at your current home.

It may be more cost effective for an aftermarket tpms. That can also wait, awhile. Chill. Just a bit. I know this is a big life change. You'll get there!

Did your rebel come with an integrated system for the trailer tires? The sensors? Our Ram is a 2008. The time works only for the truck. We have an aftermarket system that works very well for the trailer.

Probably best to continue Google search, if the Black Series is your desired trailer. He's posted some youtubes. Doesn't really post here much anymore. Sherry

The x chock design wouldn't give SherMica any help, as she's buying a single axle Elite, but I could see that being of assistance in a couple ways with the Elite II. I'd probably invest in a good hidden GPS tracking device if I were nervous, and the usual locks that most of us get. The cable lock could be useful for other items, too. I do like the barking dog recording idea, though. 😄

Deploying John's python cable would undoubtedly be easier than hardened 3/8 or 1/2 inch chain, and lighter to carry. You can buy some types hardened chain by the foot at Tractor Supply, and some hardware stores, if you decide to go that route. But, I'd definitely add a sock to help keep it from marring your wheels. Try picking up a few feet of 3/8 or 1/2 inch chain, like transport chain, grade 70, at TS and see how you'd feel tugging and lugging that around. It's useless to spend the money if you don't use it because it's a hassle.

Bill, coincidentally, I'm shopping for a new topper. The 1.5 memory foam one we've used the last 3 or 4 seasons has developed a tear. Latex is heavier to move around, but I'm guessing better cushioning than my previous inexpensive 1.5 inch memory foam. I've never had a latex topper. 1 inch is definitely more "manageable" when you have to go into the compartments. A full size topper is probably big enough. I bought a queen because it was in sale, but I had to cut it down. For a mattress pad/cover, going over the topper, I recommend queen size, and tuck it in. Full size is really difficult for me to work with.

Welcome to the forum, and thank you for your service. Tennessee offers so many beautiful camping opportunities. Sherry

Probably something to note is that a "base" Oliver includes many items that are options on other brands. A few posts back, you talked about the sliding battery tray. That was standard even on our 2008. I haven't shopped for an Oliver since 2008, but I have seen a number of lightly used Ollie postings that included the original invoice. To find out what "loaded" means, price wise, for you, I'd suggest you call Oliver, work through the build sheet, and see for yourself. You've already had several posters explain their builds and pricing. Oliver sales staff doesn't bother and harass you. They're really nice, and very busy. Oops. Edit to add, you have a build sheet now.

John, If I were buying today, I would definitely opt for Oliver installing the solar. Or, at the very least, prewire. 200 watts of solar have given us so much freedom of choice on campsites over the last 13 years. As far as equipment, the Zamp panels that Oliver installs are highly rated, high efficiency (over 21 per cent, I've read, which is quite amazing, actually), and US manufactured. They have long warranties. I'm assuming Oliver will continue for some time with the legacy 170 watt panels, since the new Zamp obsidian panels aren't available yet in more than 100 watts. (The obsidian series panel is really a beauty!) I think they're worth the money in fixed panels, but I would personally hesitate to invest that much in portable. I don't have any personal experience with the zamp controllers. In our 2008 trailer, we have BlueSky mppt controllers and monitor, and progressive dynamic charger/converter. We don't have an inverter. The customer service from BlueSky is absolutely top notch, and the equipment, though perhaps not state of the art, has proven to be extremely reliable. When we added wattage this year to the trailer, we opted to add another BlueSky controller, rather than switch brands. On the boat (600 watt) install, we used Victron equipment, primarily, though we have a Xantrex xcpro inverter charger. We chose the Victron gear this time around because of its extensive use in marine installations, (better future proofing opportunities for integration of systems), a better water resistance rating, and its ease of installation. Plus the bluetooth 🙂 capability. We've been very happy with the Victron equipment so far, a little over a year. We had installed the Xantrex just a year before the solar, or we'd have opted for victron there, as well. As far as batteries, we started with lead acid in 2008, but have had agms since we replaced the original set. I, too, would love to have lithium, but the boat will likely need batteries next, and we'll start there. We're still exploring brands. Sherry

Varmintshooter, Glad you found a stopgap solution. Good luck with your decision, too. The important thing is, you're able to go camping while you work together on the "perfect choice." Happy travels!

I'm curious about your Tab 400 boondock, which is actually a pretty cool trailer. Did you have the Alde heat system? The Dometc coolcat ac? How did/do you like them, if so? Also, I've always wondered about the pullman/drop down sink in the bathroom. Was it great, or a bother? I've always thought the alde heat system would be a great addition. Nucamp kind of moved ahead on that front.

Well, I'm in Florida, from Minnesota, summers often in NC mountains. My little 9 lb dog would never qualify as a guard dog, but her hearing is better than mine. I get a little low growl when something, or, someone, is strange. Including deer, turkey, manatees, dolphin, bear. And, people. You should definitely pick a trailer that fits your needs . From your posts, you may, or may not, need to look beyond the two brands we are discussing here, so far. Sherry

I get that. The first class c motorhome I borrowed from my parents, almost 50 years ago, had a wet bath so tiny that I, at a whopping 5' 5" found it easier to sit down and shower than fight the walls. I got used to it in a hurry. I managed through an entire summer of adventures. (Worse, it was difficult to turn around, even brush teeth in the tiny floor space in front of the toilet.) Wireless cameras are pretty inexpensive these days. I'd look at mounting one on the front of our trailer if I felt the need. I don't, because of where we camp. Few things happen in the boonies. Our dog would probably hear someone before the camera alerted us, anyway.

We often keep the laundry basket, mop, broom, bucket, etc in the shower of the rvs we deliver to Alaska. A minute to unload, another to reload after showers. In our boat, the dry bath shower often doubles as a sail locker, plus mop and bucket. (Second head on the boat is a wet bath. We also added a handheld shower to the sink and toilet room of the big head, so it's basically a wet bath, as well.) Same deal. Probably the biggest selling point for me in dry bath. Lol. A bit of extra storage.

The airstream globetrotter 23fb is quite pretty. But, it would never work for me. We always seek out campsites with beautiful views, and some solitude. Back in the early days, I often posted photos showing the view from my big rear window, as most of those view campsites are back-in. The globetrotter 23fb devotes the best real estate in the trailer , the entire back end, to the bathroom. Which doesn't even have a tiny window to the view. What would be my view from the big front pano windows, lying in bed? The back of my truck. And that, only if I got up on my elbow, and twisted my neck around, because the twin beds are forced to orient to the wall between the salon and the bedroom by the little hanging cupboards at the foot of the bed. It's really my belief that as design is geared more to people who spend a lot of time in resort style parks. That's all good, and it's been obviously a successful market for them. I'm just not part of that market segment. Btw, "lipstick on a pig," that popular American phrase, has been used by many politicians over the past couple decades. But I don't think the late John McCain was one of them. I won't go into it further here, as we have a policy to avoid politics on our discussions. It keeps things oriented toward camping and trailers. 😉

The smaller Elite is more of a rare sighting in the used market, because there are far fewer of them. We have certainly enjoyed ours for the past 13 years. Great boondocking choice.

Susan, is the TV a Visio now? Is it still 12v, or must you use the inverter or shore power to watch tv?

Carl, here you go. These are pretty rough and quick, and dimensions may be slightly different in a newer Elite, but this will give you an idea. Btw, your cabinet doors, of course, are different (drop-down doors instead of sliders), so openings may be larger for you, too. I do think Oliver should post dimensions of the new gen Oliver Elite. I really like the Skubb dividers from ikea. I use them at home, too. And, color-coded packing cubes for clothes keep our stuff organized, while taking advantage of the odd shaped spaces of the cabinets.

It's pretty difficult to build a dry bath in the narrowed footprint of the Oliver. The tradeoff is for a solid reason, though. I'm good, with the trailer readily following the truck tires, on narrow roads. We can easily live with the relative confines of the smaller bath. The bath is minutes a day. The towing path is every trip, and especially helpful on narrow roads and steep dropoffs, so common for us.

Since I'm originally from tornado and hail country, Oliver was a natural choice. A number of years ago, our Ollie sat through a big hail storm in North Carolina. We were at dinner at a friend's home, came back to hailstones the size of steely marbles. Deep. Not a ding or dent. I look at Airstreams every year at the Tampa rv supershow. The outfitting and decor is lovely. I remember the George Nelson clock in one a few years ago. (I'm a big fan of George Nelson, Isamu Naguchi, Jens Risom, and honestly most things and designers mcm. You'd certainly know if you walked into my home...lol.) But, in my trailer, and my home, my concern is less about replaceable decor than durability and sustainability. For me, the Ollie is a big win on both.