SeaDawg

I think it took us about three hours, to do all the windows, back over a decade ago. Fastest on a warm day. We've replaced a couple over the years. 20 minutes for one. Well worth the time.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/airstream-ranch

Scandvik catalog link. The one in above photo is likely the first, upper left. Our now 16 year old scandvik faucets in our trailer are still going strong, as are the 15 year old replacements we put in the boat. I like their quality. Good luck. https://www.scandvik.com/index.cfm?method=products_Category&catID=325

Back in the day,,several couples full timed in elites. Many of us still spend three to six months in our earlier elites, each year. Will you have a "base"? Tow vehicle? Pets?

Tito's! Always in the cupboard.

I think the coupler incident was a manufacturers problem Probably a one off, as said before. Hopefully However, everyone in that time period should check stamping.

Us, too. 40+ year old fiberglass boat. Built the house to 100+ year standards. We won't be around to see that, but, hey, maybe our daughter will enjoy it. My truck is 18 years young. Love it, every day.

They don't have to. So, why should they? I'd say, 2026 or better, before that happens, if ever.

That's our thought. We've talked about it, many times. Over the past 16 seasons, how would one of the others fared? Rubber roofs, interior rot, leaks, etc. I'm good with what I own, 16 seasons in. It was expensive, yes. The longevity, yes. Problem free? What? A few. Nothing major. In it for the long run.

Good for you that rooftop solar does the job. It does for us, most of the time. If we park in shade, or a string of bad solar days, we too have had the Coleman 100 watt panels (cheap at $1 watt) from Costco for many years. They work. The chintzy pwm controller onboard ours was not great. We rewired to send to our onboard controller. More complicated, more engineering required, but better connection, and less loss over distance. Portable solar is used by many here, either as primary, or secondary source. As secondary, most controllers play well with portable panels. Even if directly connected to battery, as I'm only guessing you do.Its not always evident which panels are supplying power, depending on your electronics. Simple truth is, batteries get charged, charging stops when necessary, and, done. We have solar on our house, boat, and trailer. Eay, quiet, and free. The coleman/costco panels aren't too heavy for me to deploy and move around, but aren't terribly efficient. They often do the "job." There are other much more efficient panels out there, now, with lighter weight, but, like you, we rarely use them,unless camped for a period of time, and, hey, we already own them. Right? Were I buying today, it wouldn't be the colemans. It is a great starter unit. Just big, and awkward to store, and carry, in my opinion. Vs power production. Not really meant for long distances of thin wire, beyond the short cable provided, in original oem package, imo. Back in the day, it was a great value. Today, I'd look for better production vs bulk_weight value. And, since most Ollie owners opt for a good sized solar package, it's a tradeoff. There are many suitcase solar packages ready or adaptable, or, made by ownet,that offer better bang for the buck, if needed.

Might be a y, not easy to tell from photo, but y capacity is still only 3600. The stout electric motors can surely pull more, but at what long and short range expense. Def not an x, based on door handle configuration. Not a safe combo for that big airstream, imo. We have a hitch on our tesla x, but choose not to tow. We have two perfectly capable trucks. Predictable. Battery chemistry continues to evolve. We'll all see what the future brings, if we're lucky enough to live so long.

Yup. For us, luxury is dry, warm, stuff that works. Easy tow. Easy entrance to campsites that sunblockers can't use. I never thought if our trailer as lux, til this conversation, but it truly is, for us. Loving my 2008.

2008. Times change, equipment changes. My guess is, a one off error We'll see.

Congratulations. Please test everything, before you leave. Happy camping!

I would call suburban customer service, for most recent updates. As your Ollie is now past 7 year mark.

Our 2008 elites priginal had a 5000, which is great margin for our smaller trailer. (Loaded for camping, mine weighs shy of 4k). I don't know what hitch Oliver uses on current elite 1 trailers, 16 years later. The inadequate 5k rating stamped could certainly explain the failure, on your heavier Elite II. I'm forwarding this thread to Oliver. Please open a ticket, and include photos of the hitch stamp, and failure, @rideadeuce.

Does Oliver still use a piano hinge on the door?

Frankly, though i hate to admit it, after 16 seasons, we've put a few dimples in from jacknifing. Not the end of the world. Usually. I've looked at the photos, and I'd say rare manufacturer's defect, and great catch, lucky you. Bulldog is best of the best. Imo. We inspect ours each season, but no issues 16 years in. I'm super glad no issues for you,,and your family. That's a big relief. Please do let bull dog know about your unique failure.

Ours "sags" if we're not level. (2008) Even the long piano hinge can't compensate for that. Can't say that that is your issue. May be something else. Best of luck. What year is your trailer?

I'd add in, our 2008 has been very well maintained, and updated, from a wonderful base hull, same as every Oliver since. Outside camping season, our Oliver, along with our boats, gets regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades as we (and our wallet) deem fit. In the Ollie world, our trailer is a classic. Our sailboat is a classic. Our ski boat is a classic. 58 tr3 is a classic. Our garages are full of "classics." Heck, At this point, I'm one, too. 🙂 our motto is, take care of your stuff, and it takes care of you.

We carry cheap lightes from harbor freight, for the tiny duty group 27 batteries, which wr jave

@The Loonies, I would not expect a 3way, on dc, to keep up, for a week. I think your batteries could deplete by day 5 or 6. 340 watts of solar doesn't "cover" the use of dc on a 3way. Much higher than a dc compressor fridge. If I were you, I'd clean out the fridge, turn it off, and sleep easy.

@John Welte, I have to confess, I'm a bit jealous. We love Tasmania. Hoping to get back again, and someday finish the big loop around Australia. We still have the northern section to complete the circuit. With a grand baby due any day, it won't be this year... Enjoy your time. You're with family there?

I was curious, too, @routlaw. I looked up the 19' zone Peregrine (first one.) It listed at $139k AUD, which at today's rate is around $90k USD. Pretty good price, imo, for all they got. We've had two wonderful camping trips in Australia. The variety of outstanding campers and features available there are amazing. But, they also have some run of the mill stickies available for those who don't or can't spend up. The base price includes solar and lithium, but other options can drive it up. Wait list (looks like sold only in Australia) is around 10 months. https://www.zonerv.com.au/off-road-caravans/peregrine/?hsCtaTracking=55468c5f-b426-4ed6-bad7-449500fda63d|2569a05d-413c-4476-b34e-6c897aded12e

Good luck. @jd1923 Likely, your solar won't keep up with battery capacity, unless you severely curtail power consumption. As in, no microwave, no inverter, etc. even in Arizona sun. We'll look forward to your reports. Weekend camping, no issue.