Ray and Susan Huff

We built a fork mount for our pickup bed when we towed a 5th-wheel. Transporting bikes in the bed with the fifth-wheel hitch, considering the turning radius of the trailer, requires a bit of customization. The fork mounts are inexpensive - less than $20 if you don't prefer name brand (Thule, Yakima, etc) and can be mounted to whatever works in your situation. We attached ours to a 2x6 that spanned the width of the bed, placing it up against the cab-end, then secured the bikes with straps to keep them in place. I have seen fork brackets mounted to the front rail of the pickup bed; if you are opposed to drilling holes in the bed, fork mounts attached to a tension bar (made specifically to keep cargo from sliding in the bed) would work well. Google bike fork mount pickup bed DIY for inspiration.

I find I hang very few clothing items; I roll and store them in nylon packing organizers. Rolling creates fewer wrinkles and I think is more compact. It's also easy to find things as opposed to having them folded and stacked. Other Elite problem areas for me: 1. The Elite does not have the pantry; if you aren't dependent on an oven, you could opt to delete the microwave and have a pantry above the fridge.; perhaps carry a small toaster oven in the pickup 2. The Elite galley counter has no space between the sink and the cooktop and thus, fewer drawers under the counter. 3. Overhead cupboard space is proportionately smaller in the Elite; there is no overhead cabinet in the bathroom 4. The Elite does not have an exterior access basement. For full-time, in an Elite, you will certainly need a well designed and organized tow vehicle storage solution. Definitely downsizing, unless you're moving up from tent camping. I'm sure you'll get a lot of good advice from other Elite forum members.

I can't imagine not having our home to come to whenever we want roots. I know there are many retirees, and those who can work on the road and have not yet retired, who full-time in an RV. For one, I couldn't work on the road; too many distractions. And I'd be lost without my big kitchen where I can bake up a storm. I just wouldn't be the life for me. I would miss my yard, vegetable garden and all things familiar . . . . . oh, and family . . . . . Another consideration is, if your full-time plans include a partner, can you get along in tight quarters and still be friends at the end of the day 😁

I wonder if this isn't what Advanced RV reclining beds are based on.

Noise is a point I hadn't thought of, maybe because I spent most of a day figuring out ways to secure our gear in the camper van so we could hear the radio in the cab.

We just sold our class B+ Leisure Travel Van mainly because it restricted our ability to explore the areas around the campground. And, if you do choose to drive around to see the sights, you have to secure everything in the cab first. Not having to hook-up and unhook were two things we thought would be nice, but in reality, parking a small trailer with no slides, etc isn't that much bother and, IMO, a small travel trailer is easier to level than a 25' long chassis RV. A huge downside to a motorized RV is that it is another vehicle to maintain, license and insure. In our case, my husband's vehicle is our tow vehicle so having a TT doesn't require another vehicle for towing. When we had the camper van, it cost around $1,000 per year to insure plus licensing fees, which can be over $1,000, depending on your state of residence. If you only plan to use your RV a couple of months out of the year, that's a lot to pay for it to sit idle. Every type of RV has pros and cons. You would be smart to rent one of each type to see what fits you best.

We are deleting the microwave. We could carry a small one, if we decide we need it. If it's just for warming things, a small, low wattage oven would do fine. As it is, we plan to use the space to store our small toaster oven which, to me, is more useful than a microwave. In addition, microwave ovens sold for RV use are mediocre, at best. Regarding the microwave/convection upgrade: For those considering the upgraded microwave, we had one in our camper van. I used it as a convection oven once, just to make sure it worked. For one, it heats up the inside of the RV. And, in our installation, there were reports of the oven overheating and shutting down with prolonged cooking times. Bottom line is, which microwave option you choose depends on how you will use the Oliver. Part-time vs full-time' shore power vs boondocking, do you want to fire up the generator just to warm up leftovers?, and the type of on the road cooking you do are all considerations. The answer, as any accountant will tell you, is - "it depends".

We don't have a dog . . . . nice for cleaning off dirty feet, but I could live without it. Sure would be nice to not have to worry about leaky connections or freeze damage.

How much do people actually use the outdoor shower? I would like the option to at least drain it and have a cutoff valve for Winter use.

I see . . . . . the front wheel must be removed since the handle bars wouldn't clear the top of the cap. We like to carry our bikes with both wheels attached. I'm hoping our bike rack solution will work.

What took you so long? lol Kidding aside, congratulations on soon becoming an Oliver owner!

Great way to spend Thanksgiving . . . . . we're picking the last of the tomatoes . . . . . still have carrots and green onions in the ground. Beginning to put the garden to bed for the winter. I'm going to miss the fresh vegetables!

When the hitch is mounted in the receiver with the ball attached, it should measure 23-25" as stated by your rep. You need to measure with the truck on level ground and after loaded with whatever you are hauling. I don't know if this measurement takes into account the hitch weight, which probably affects the height of the ball as well. (I could be wrong about that).

You have a few days on us . . . . 32 days and counting. Look for our Elite II, Hull #699. It will be the one without the TV antenna 😀

Regardless of weight, exemption does not apply if the vehicle is, "towing or being towed".

We live on the Oregon coast and are isolated from some of our favorite camping spots, unless we drive where "carry chains" is a requirement - usually from mid-October through mid-May. Our pickup is 4wd with snow tires, so it is exempt from carrying chains, unless we are towing. We like to be able to go camping year-round, so towing is likely to happen during those 7 months. I agree, if all vehicles are required to have chains installed, it is best to stay off the roads, unless absolutely necessary.

Yes . . . . can you possibly post a picture of the bikes loaded. Our pickup is a long bed, so perhaps the wheels won't need to be removed. The long bed also poses the problem of how to reach cargo up by the cab.

Funny you should mention that. I recall, as an inquisitive youngster, asking Dad to explain antimater. Wish I could remember his answer!

I think I know the answer, but just checking . . . . . . are RV fuses the same as automotive? And are they all the standard size (not mini)? Someone posted on FB group that Oliver supplies a fuse kit at delivery? Is this currently the case?

Oops!!! . . . . . . Thanks for pointing that out . . . . . 100 days would be awesome . . . . . . or maybe an Oliver powered by Mr. Fusion . . . . . BTTF fans will understand

True . . . . . . but with 100 "theoretical days" that shouldn't break the (battery) bank.

You are amazing!!! We don't don't have plans, as of yet, to put a cap on our pickup bed; hoping our 1up rack will work with a dual hitch adapter and we can have a tonneau cover. Will know in a month or so (delivery December 7). If the bike rack doesn't work out, a storage solution, such as yours would make a great Winter project!

True . . . . .

Thanks for clearing the air lol

I'm a finance person, so familiar with Excel spreadsheets. Way back when I was in college (not so long ago second time around), I learned how to use Excel as a database, but since learned Access, which took some doing. Now that I'm retired, I fall back on Excel for planning. I just need to remember the data base functions to use it more effectively. I know, there are better tools in today's world, but I don't want to waste precious time learning new tricks, "old dog" that I am. And you don't want to know how many little notebooks of info I have laying around, the result of paper/pencil planning