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Starshine

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Posts posted by Starshine

  1. We agree with the above responses. Our sales person is Anita. We will be receiving our camper in a couple of weeks so we are still in the process. Anita has been wonderful. She has a great personality and is always available to answer questions. An additional plus is the entire Oliver family. They communicate well with each other. A few of our questions were about new equipment. If Anita was not familiar with it in her experience or company videos or manuals, she would research (talk to staff) and get back to us with an answer. We love her honesty, great sense of humor and effort to get us the camper look that we want. So far we have been extremely impressed.

    Audrey and Vincent

    • Thanks 1
  2. In July, we delayed our production order on our Elite 1 because we hoped they could give us the lithium batteries. Plus. like on Games of Thrones  "Winter was coming". We knew they were placing them in the Elite ll and questioned about placing them in the Elite l. Oliver was gracious enough to say they would get back to us. We understood it may require additional changes to the camper like a different solar controller/charger, battery mounting in tray and wiring. So, we kept our fingers crossed. Lithium or not, we are anxiously waiting for our camper scheduled for the end of March.

    • Like 1
  3.  

    A big congrats to Hull 735! Good luck on your adventures.

    FYI: Comparison chart Lithionics and Battle Born

    We will be picking up our Elite l this month, hopefully with lithium batteries. We purchased the Solar Package and specifically asked for the batteries. At the time, we were thinking Battle Born but after the above info it looks like it may be Lithionics. We will be glad to get either one during this pandemic since supplies can easily be depleted. Although we are not familiar with Lithionics we are impress with the effort Oliver makes to bring us the best products available for the price range. We checked out a few websites and I thought others may want to see the comparison chart below. We were researching the temperature range of the batteries. My concern is the hot Vegas temperatures in the summer. My husband is not so worried.

    Audrey & Vincent

     

     

    image.thumb.png.1c8c8fe62bdbd074e5adc22b76ae3677.png

    • Like 2
  4. SeaDawg saw it yesterday and loved it. Their attitude of stop and smell the roses is spot on. We are like Katie and Steve, I like planning apps but my husband, Vincent, like Steve enjoys following the data found on the touch screen display. He constantly monitors energy usage, battery level, charging rate ( smiles if it hits 150kw ) and so on. 

    As mentioned earlier, the Model X would have a difficult time towing up some mountains if it does not have a great battery range. (Depending on the distance and battery level, an X could beat an ice truck). Unfortunately there are not many chargers in some elevated and or isolated areas. Everyday Tesla is adding chargers all over the world. In the mean time, we ordered a Tesla Tri Motor Cyber Truck . We want the large battery not only for towing but to have plenty left for the outlets on the the truck. We will not need additional collectors with all that energy. Heard there may be a slight delay but we expected that to be the situation.

    Just like many EV owners or future owners, we enjoy traveling in our vehicles taking breaks to charge and enjoy the scenery. While charging there is a multitude of games, podcasts, news channels, music, Internet and Google Map to explore. However, If people in a hurry to get to their destination or live in an area that is very isolated than an EV is not for them. Luckily, for us we have the time. 

    So glad you order a cyber truck too. Can't wait!

     

    • Like 1
  5. 1 hour ago, John E Davies said:

    The Tesla receiver is a wonder, like the rest of the car. It is plug and play into the frame, so you can just store it away when not in use. I never knew that. Do they rattle?

    C0606E7E-5C2E-4D2B-91A9-58ED5B85FB09.jpeg.39053a3cc6615f6593f16e3ebde5f3d7.jpeg


    0B43B506-F43F-40D0-89FB-707A3C11235C.thumb.jpeg.6d330812c432ad5a2e30e1b73f9cd4f0.jpeg

    https://www.teslarati.com/how-to-install-tesla-model-x-hitch/

    However I am 99.5% ignorant about these cars, so this is no real surprise. I would not want to smash it hard onto a concrete driveway apron, but OTH the rear overhang is so short that may not be a problem, unlike, for example, a Ford Flex.

    John Davies

    Spokane WA

    No problem with our hitch receiver; not even rattling. We do have to add the electronic brake controller around $500. Wow, like that electric bike!

  6. SeaDawg your article above on the 2017 RPod180 is a great example of what we are planning to do with our Oliver. For 45 days, this couple towed 7,700 miles across the southeastern U.S. using a Model X and a travel trailer. They were happy with their 45 days round trip. 

    I must admit the RPOD180 is like the Casita both having a small TW, UBW, and GVWR. Plus the 2 of them like the Oliver are aerodynamically built. So our experience will require more charging but like the other Model X owners we are not bothered by the extra time charging. Unlike them, we charge for free so why we pay for breakfast, lunch or dinner, our Tesla eats free. A note, even if we paid it is not very expensive.

    Loved the article. Impressed with their mileage considering their Tesla has a 295 range and they were getting a cut of 45 to 60% depending on hills and wind. We figure on the 60%. Also, like us their average speed when towing is 55 to 60. East coast laws require towing vehicles to drive slower and most of our highways and parkways have lower speed limits anyway. Out west it is harder to go 60 when the speed limit is 70 but I worry about safety towing that fast not only for me but other people too.

    We don't anticipate any problems with the hitch or the brake controller. Like the Oliver Forum, Tesla Forum has plenty of info on how to install their brake controller and  working with hitching a trailer.

    Thanks for the sunny outlook. 

  7. SeaDawg your article above on the 2017 RPod180 is a great example of what we are planning to do with our Oliver. For 45 days, this couple towed 7,700 miles across the southeastern U.S. using a Model X and a travel trailer. They were happy with their 45 days round trip. 

    I must admit the RPOD180 is like the Casita both having a small TW, UBW, and GVWR. Plus the 2 of them like the Oliver are aerodynamically built. So our experience will require more charging but like the other Model X owners we are not bothered by the extra time charging. Unlike them, we charge for free so why we pay for breakfast, lunch or dinner, our Tesla eats free. A note, even if we paid it is not very expensive.

    Loved the article. Impressed with their mileage considering their Tesla has a 295 range and they were getting a cut of 45 to 60% depending on hills and wind. We figure on the 60%. Also, like us their average speed when towing is 55 to 60. East coast laws require towing vehicles to drive slower and most of our highways and parkways have lower speed limits anyway. Out west it is harder to go 60 when the speed limit is 70 but I worry about safety towing that fast not only for me but other people too.

    We don't anticipate any problems with the hitch or the brake controller. Like the Oliver Forum, Tesla Forum has plenty of info on how to install their brake controller and  working with hitching a trailer.

    Thanks for the sunny outlook. 

  8. 16 hours ago, SeaDawg said:

    I'm curious about a few things,  with an x as tow vehicle. (Which I'm sure is doable, within range limits.)

    I've read about issues with Tesla 7 pin connector wiring, as it's not the same as typical? Could be older models. 

    The hitch receiver is way low. Photos I've seen show safety chains almost at highway level .  I'd be looking at cables,, with velcro wraps to keep them off the roadways , maybe?

    Are you looking at solar panels? Fixed or suitcase, or both? To achieve best aerodynamic performance,  I'd be tempted to explore flexible fixed panels, like the sunpower panels we used on our sailboat hardtop Bimini. Negligible drag, and though more real estate per watt, they work very well .  Keep the rooftop as clean as possible.

    Plus a portable  pv system. Maybe, two controllers, piggyback wired. 

    Actually,  I'm really looking forward to seeing your towing reports, with an Elite I. 👍

     

     

     

    We have to look into the Tesla 7 pin connector wiring and the Velcro wraps. We were planning on getting the solar package. As far as aerodynamics and the roof, the air conditioner, vents and antennas already effect air flow so we figured it wasn't going to make that much of a difference. Collectors aren't new to us. We have had them on our house since 1983 starting with mechanical and then updating to solar. There are even solar collectors on our pool area pergola. Not sure the flexible panels would perform or last as well as the framed. The Bimini brand sounds like a good alternative if we need it. Usually we go with Panasonic and would do it ourselves but we figured we would leave the design to someone who knows our fiberglass trailer. 

    As always thanks for the info.

     

  9. We live on a NJ farm and have traveled to Las Vegas several times using a Model S and Model X with no problem charging. Since 2011 we have used Tesla charging stations all over the country. Tesla charging network has been constantly updating and there are many apps you can use when traveling the northern, mid or southern routes across country. So, we are comfortable traveling with a Tesla even thru the energy draining mountains areas like Utah. If there is a problem, we will take the southern route to Vegas and visit the Hoover Dam.

    Our Model X currently gets an average of 295mpge. Add an Oliver Elite I TT with GVWR of 5000lbs and TW of 340lbs and things change significantly. On a nice day with sunny skies and a flat road and no head wind we estimate we will get an average of 100mpge. Down hill or with a good wind 100 to 150 (150 is stretching it). Uphill is a challenge and would cut the mileage significantly. So, we would definitely rely on map planning apps that included coefficient drag data and charging stations. If we did do a long-range trip, we probably would rely on campgrounds like KOAs to overnight stay and charge as well at stations along the way. Time is not a factor so many extra stops for charging is OK especially since it is not too often that we take such long trips. Plus, Vegas is a stop off where we spend a lot of time with family and friends. Most of our travels will be spent at parks closer to home with a visit to Florida and Vegas once in a while.  As soon as we get the Cyber Truck it will be easier for us to do more boondocking across the country.

    We are aware of the negatives of pulling a TT out west but we have seen several videos where it is doable. Yes, a Casita is less weight but I have seen videos of people wasting energy driving them 80 mph and getting acceptable mileage. Several videos show larger frontage trailers that are longer, wider and taller than the Oliver being towed by smaller EVs averaging 100mpge.  We have even seen model Ys that have towed 19’ and 20’ Airstreams at a reasonable distance. We have looked at the Alto Safari, Airstream Bambi, Caravel, and Basecamp and other small campers for their aerodynamics but chose the Oliver. We have looked at ICE trucks for towing but found them to be expensive to buy just to trade them in 11/2 years and lose money.

    We have looked at both the Elite and Elite II and love them both. Most of our travels will be just my husband and I so the Elite is perfect especially if we do a lot of hiking, biking, and running. We hope to get back to a lot of outdoor adventures.

    As far as Fenske’s hypothetical trailering scenarios, I thought his Model X video of a family driving a Model X up a 1-percent grade at 75 mph is unrealistic. Why would one use speed to carry a load up a mountain? The higher speed would affect his outcome. It sounded a little bias to me. Of course, an ICE vehicle will do great against an EV when elevation is included. Why would anyone doubt it? Watching results of the aerodynamic shape TTs and Teslas pulling them makes me feel we will be just fine. I hope to start building our Oliver Elite I this month to find out.

    Thank you again for all the input. It really help us to make a final decision. There were so many points that I jotted down from above:

    Be aware of traveling conditions including weather, speed and road inclination. Safety! Emergency -What If.
    Anita has on our list a composting toilet and other items mentioned above.
    If we could find a cheap ICE vehicle it should be something to consider.
    Are we letting the tail wag the dog or is this what we really want.
    Buy an adequate trailer for your car or truck.
    Plan your mileage correctly between sites.
    Charging stations anywhere. We see them even at gas stations.
    Aerodynamics is a major factor when towing.

    Audrey 

    • Like 1
  10. Thank you for the responses. We have a Tesla X and have pre-ordered the Tesla truck along with 650,000 people. Knowing Tesla, the delivery date will probably be pushed back so we don't expect to see it for another year or 2 (already has been 1). Itching to get back into traveling and exploring the country we have decided to buy an Oliver Elite. We know the  Tongue Weight on the X is 500 and the GVWR  is 5000 lbs. It can tow an Elite I with Tongue Weight of 340 and GVWR of 5000 lbs. This gives us up to 1300 lbs of Net Carry Capacity to play around with since we don't want to push it to it's limit. The Tesla Model X could tow the Elite II but it would have to be down to the bones to do so and would not go far at all. 

    We have watched a ton of videos on You Tube with the Model X and Model Y towing Casitas successfully but no Oliver owners. There have also been other RV models like the Alto, mentioned by SeaDawg, and multiple types of Airstreams. We liked watching all of the above because of the aerodynamics of the trailers and the information on wind resistance and elevation. So far we are hoping for 150 mile range between charging. This of coarse depends on the wind and elevation. Oh, a major factor the speed brings me to another question for later on about people that tow over 55 miles per hour. Some dangerously racing down the highway at 80mph chewing up their energy source.

    Since March we have been going thru a lot of different scenarios including buying the Elite II and a new truck then selling the truck when we get the cyber truck.  We decided, with just the two us, why not get the Elite 1 and enjoy ourselves during the two year wait period. Our build date is now; we have to decide now. Anita, our helpful sales person, thought there were a few Oliver owners with Teslas and suggested the forum. We had tried months before but thought we would give it another search and post a question.

    Your responses have been right on and we appreciate the extra feedback. Looks like a lot of people are waiting for the Tesla Cyber Truck like us to do some fun towing.

  11. 7 hours ago, mossemi said:

    I ordered 1 - 100 Ah 2 weeks ago at $924.00 from an online solar company, my bad.  I did receive 2 by mistake on Tuesday.  I am now waiting for their response to the over shipment.  Maybe they will offer me a special deal.

    This looks like a great deal and I can envision lots of Ollie's with new batteries for Christmas.

     Mossey

    Can the Battle Born batteries be used as a direct replacement for the AGM batteries in the Elite?  Do you have to modify the solar charge controller?

    Audrey & Vincent

  12. Vincent is 5'6" and I am 5'2".  So the Elite should fit us fine.  I found this table in my basement that has a 24" x 20" table top with an 8" leaf. Underneath is an extender that pulls out for support. We love this versatile table because we don't have to be careful using. We are looking for something similar but cute enough for an Oliver. The wood look is beautiful but we have a lot of brown natural wood in our home so we are going with black or grey colors. I love Corian but realize it is not very practical in that spot. Again, thanks for all the advice. We will keep perusing this forum for much needed information.

    I've posted some pictures of our basement table. It is a hand me down standard leaf table.

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    20201121_103904.jpg

  13. During this pandemic my husband has turned into a real minimalist. He started with the basement followed by the bedrooms and into the rest of the living areas. Now he has turned to downsizing our Oliver to an Elite. Since he will be doing most of the driving the final decision is up to him. We checked out a beautiful Elite to compare models and now I am in love with both. Having studied the Elite II I have to now familiarize myself with the slightly smaller size Elite. So how would adding 4" to the table affect an Elite? Enlarging the dinette table may make it look just too big in such a small area. Plus, like Mainiac stated," the aisle is only 24inches wide."  I just notice SeaDawg has an Elite and may help with some information on the aisle size with the Elite dinette. How do you manage the aisle with a 4" add on or an added fold?

    Our build date is in December. Glad to have all this information to help us out.

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