Ray and Susan Huff

A flat, uniform space for cargo. One of our family has a new Dodge PU and the rear seat folds and stows in the floor. I've not taken a close look at it to see how it works. I just know that, although we have passengers in the rear, more often than not, we don't. Not such a big deal for me at home because I have my own cargo carrying SUV. But when the PU becomes a TV I just think the flat area in back would be more efficient for cargo.

I'm sure someone does. However, if you leave your phone behind or the phone battery is dead, you need another way to unlock.

FYI: These are now listed as "Currently Unavailable" on Amazon. You must have bought them out 😊

And there's the old saying: Ford - Fix or repair daily. That being said, our 2013 F350 Super Duty 4x4 has been trouble free. But I still would like to have the fold down rear seats. 😃

Maybe @John E Davies will clue us in 😉

@John E Davies I'm concerned about your stabilizer jack. What is that hole in the center of the side (silver part - whatever that is). Looks like it is drilled as there are shavings under it. Just wondering.

Yes . . . . . just like in Google Maps you can choose the regular map view or Satellite view . . . . . What we like about it, compared to the nav in the MB motor home (the only other vehicle nav sys we have used), is that the BMW zoom view has much more detail. When you zoom in on the MB nav (Becker) you lose the detail. The best feature, though is being able to build a trip in google maps on your computer and send it to the car, or any other paired device. I don't know if BMW is still using this interface; ours is a 2015. We upgraded the stereo to Harman Kardon, but I don't know that this makes a difference. I think it is just better surround speakers.

True . . . . . I don't realize how much I rely on my car tech, especially cameras and blind spot detection, until I drive our pickup (which is only 2 years older). Can hardly figure out how to start it!

The factory nav in our BMW X5 is awesome . . . . . . it uses Google Maps so I can map trips on my computer and send them to my car or my phone. The system in the MB Sprinter MH has not so great map functions, but it is good when you get near your destination.

Hmmmm . . . . . I'll have to get a couple of those 😎

I wish our seats did this. My husband mentioned, just the other day, that he wished "his" pickup had navigation. Our van MH and my SUV do. Will have to do something if we keep the tech-free Ford.

I can relate! But, honestly, I have tried to meet my DH half-way. For 3 day trips I can forgo a lot of the shoes and a jacket for every weather possibility. I just pack a few layers and feel safe; I will get by. Anything longer, I can't seem to cross the line. I guess us gals just have too many choices when it comes to our wardrobes: It might get cold? . . . . thermal, down and fleece; it might rain? . . . . . waterproof jacket and shoes; abundant sunshine? . . . . . . tank tops, capris and flip flops. Not to mention bike clothes, hiking clothes, kayak clothes, out to dinner clothes . . . . . . etc. . . . . . . and all the associated gear. I didn't need all that stuff when I was working. When I retired I traded "career-wear" for "play-wear" 😀 My strategy was put to the test last Spring when we took our first ever, two-week road trip to the SW. It was the end of May and a snowstorm hit northern AZ. Me . . . . . I drag out my down vest . . . . . . DH only packed his usual jeans, dungaree shirts and T's . . . . . the closest thing he had to a jacket was a fleece 1/4-zip (he doesn't even own anything down (besides a sleeping bag); down is for "sissies". It makes me proud that 3 of our 4 boys have down in their closets. Actually, I'm a pretty good packer. I can get all my "stuff" in the two overhead compartments, a small wardrobe and an under-bed cubby (for shoes) of our small motorhome. With the Oliver, I can also pack a couple of totes in the pickup - no problem. I will have to commend my husband. Since retiring he has added a few items to his wardrobe: hiking shoes, water shoes, long-underwear, and a sun hat. but I still haven't convinced him to add a down jacket or quick-dry pants.

By tech, I am referring to all the cab "Gizmos" as well as all the computer engine controls . . . . . I understand that I am part of the generation that was raised without these conveniences and the majority of the target market was, thus the reason for them. I only wish there was a choice . . . . . I would rather not pay for features I can live without. As for the rear seat: do the seat backs fold forward, forming a flat platform for cargo? In our 2013 F350, the rear seats (split) raise up to reveal under the seat storage compartments, but I don't think the seat backs fold forward to make a flat platform - I know some newer Dodges have this feature.

I know there has been discussion and a lot of Oliver owners use an induction burner. I've been shopping for one for some time now, narrowing my choice down to a few. So, cutting to the chase: Aside from Overland's recommendation of the Volrath , I am considering the Nuwave Pro Chef and the Duxtop High End Full Glass, leaning more to the Nuwave as it has more precise controls and is NSF certified. Does anyone here have experience with either of these?

We do not boondock 100% but have done enough to know the real limitation is black tank capacity. When we camp "off-grid" where potable water is available, we use it and campsite drains if available. You can always pump water into the fresh water tank or you can carry extra water in the TV and dispose of grey water responsibly. "Black water" is not so easy. Vault toilets reduce some of the demand, but if you will be using the "onboard facilities" and haven't opted for a composting toilet, keep this in mind. I think of boondock camping in an RV as tent camping with a comfortable bed and accommodations for those necessary nighttime visits. On extensive trips we try to fit in occasional SP or RV park stops so we can dump tanks, shower, and do laundry.

For those without the Truma, what about the outdoor shower? Slow, as well, I suppose.

Sorry . . . . . already done . . . . .

What to bring/what not to bring and where to store what you do bring? Having owned several different types of RVs (TT, 5th-wheel, small MH), I know It takes many attempts to get this right. For me, a new RV presents a fresh start. Moving from a van with a fair amount of basement storage to a small TT where some items will need to be stored in the TV, what to bring and where to put it will be my initial challenge. Once the basic organization is achieved, sometimes by trial and error, I will move on to fine tuning the details and adding little personal touches to make our camping experience more enjoyable. Being an efficiency freak, I will savor every minute of this process; my husband, on the other hand, will just be shaking his head (perhaps this is how we have managed to be married 44 years?). Not to worry - past experience tells me my efforts will be rewarded, and he always appreciates the resulting organization. With this in mind, know that each of us has a unique perception of what is "necessary" for camping. Some desire the comforts and conveniences of home; others just want to leave home behind and simply enjoy nature in its raw state. Most of us fall somewhere in between. The first step to organizing your Ollie is determining where you want to be in respect to home vs nature. My preference puts me somewhere in the middle, but my personality often gets in the way. The what if side of me results in too much stuff, but my efficiency mindset is troubled by the inconvenience of digging through all this stuff to access what I need. In the end, much (or maybe I should say, most) of what I thought was necessary interferes with the enjoyment of our camping experience. My best advice comes from the old adage, A place for everything and everything in its place. You will waste less time finding what you need and have more time to enjoy your reason for camping - whatever that may be. One of the many features that attracted me to the Oliver is its overall simplicity; nothing is complicated or overstated. That being said, I expect efficiency will be attained much quicker than in previous RVs. Keeping things simple will be top priority as we settle in to enjoy our new Oliver. The only thing holding us back is waiting for it to be built! What have you done to organize your Ollie?

Great advice, not having to move something every time you want/need to use it. With this in mind, I'm starting a new topic on Organizing your Oliver. Not sure whether this should be - in Modifications or General Discussion. I'll put it in the latter. I don't know how to insert a link to the topic; perhaps I can do that after the topic is created?

Thanks for the idea . . . . My husband is hard of hearing . . . . . the more speakers, the better 😁

Or maybe I'll just get used to looking at the TV 😉 Can the cabling be secured so it doesn't hang down like in this picture?

My husband won't go for watching movies on a computer, even my 17". Might go the tablet route when my laptop needs replaced.

We are ordering a 2021 Elite II twin. Although we do not watch much TV, we do want the option of watching a movie when foul weather forces us inside. I am thinking of a way to camouflage the television when it is folded up. Elite II owners, tell me if this is a possible solution: Using a tension curtain rod mounted between the left and right cabinets, hang a curtain that just covers the TV, without obstructing the rear window too much or interfering with the screen when the TV is deployed. I understand the 2021 entertainment components are changing, so it might be hard to determine until we see the new TV installed. Also, is it possible to place the cable routing so it doesn't hang down as it does in some photos on the Oliver site? Perhaps a velcro strap on the back of the TV to hold it up?

I would hesitate to purchase the first year release . . . . and way too much tech for my taste. Unfortunately, as automotive designs progress, this is only going to increase. Has Ford redesigned the crew cab rear seat so it folds flat as does the Dodge? That would be useful.

Thanks for the pictures. Is that a 2 gal or 5 gal bucket? It looks like the rear of the storage compartment has a fair amount of space. We are definitely ordering the access door at the base of the nightstand. It will be a good place to store things you want inside access to . . . . . and maybe a laundry hamper, extra shoes . . . . bottled water . . . . . the possibilities are endless! At less than $200 for the option, it is money well spent.