Larry and Linda

I have been very unhappy with the Dexter leaf springs. I have towed my trailer 15-20,000 miles since purchase in 2021, 99% of the time on pavement. Last year 2 of the leaf springs broke and were replaced along with the shocks, since they bent the shaft on the shock when the leaf springs broke. This year I had another leaf spring break. I contacted Oliver and they told me they are now using Alcan leaf springs, starting with the 2027 models. I am thinking that's because they have had a lot of problems with the Dexter leaf springs. Reading through this thread it seems like many have had problems with the Dexter leaf springs. I have ordered Alcan leaf springs so we will see how they do when I get them installed.

We got our OLE2 in May of this year. My original thought was to get lead acid batteries and then upgrade to lithium later but found out you need a 3000 W inverter for lithium. So we got the 390 Ah lithium batteries with the 3000 W inverter and have been happy with them. We didn't get solar panels but did get a plug for a portable solar panel. In WI most campsites are shaded so I didn't think solar would be all that helpful. I have found I can run off batteries for 5-6 days and the batteries will be down to about 50%. I found out you can't run the microwave unless the batteries are over 80% but you can run a coffee maker. I didn't use A/C boondocking but found that with the awnings out to shade the sides and running the fan with the windows open in summer kept the trailer comfortable given it is well insulated. I did get the easystart so I can run the A/C with a 2000 W generator. Running the refrigerator off batteries when driving will take the batteries down to about 70% in 6 hours. The lithium batteries do charge quickly. When running the refrigerator on propane it is very efficient. I have had no trouble towing the OLE2 with my 2017 Tundra 5.7 L crew cab. It tows much much better than the 3 box trailers we had rented. In the about 5000 miles I have towed the Oliver I have gotten 10.2 to 11.9 MPG driving in the midwest. Overall I have been very happy with our Oliver LE2.

Thanks for your suggestions. Larry

Thanks for the responses I really appreciate it. Larry

We have finalized our LE 2 order. Now I am looking for advice on accessories for the trailer. I am planning on getting the Andersen ultimate trailer gear package for leveling, chocking and pads for stabilizer jacks. Would I need anything else? I have read that a water filter is a good idea? Do you have suggestions for a water filter. I have also read that you should use a polarity and voltage tester to make sure you have safe power at campgrounds? Suggestions for one of those. I understand you get a 30 to 15 amp converter plug with the trailer. Would you ever need a 50 to 30 amp converter plug? In looking at some campgrounds it looks like if they have 50 amp service they also have 30 amp service. We are getting a rear hitch on the back of the trailer for a bike rack. I have been looking at various models of that but many of them specifically say not for use on back of an RV or trailer. Does someone have suggestions of a bike rack for 2 bikes? I have read that some campgrounds require a sewer hose support. Suggestions for one of those. I did print off a list of tools, fuses and other things you should have. Is there any other things we should be thinking about getting? Thanks, Larry

Thanks for all the replies and information. Good food for thought. Larry

My wife and I have ordered a LE 2 twin model which we will be picking up in early May. I have some questions about options that we need to finalize by early Feb. I was planning to get 4 lead acid batteries to start and then when those die I would consider getting lithium batteries. Lithium batteries seem crazy expensive. I would think you could convert the connections from 4 batteries to the 2 lithium batteries, is that correct? We have decided against solar panels since most of our camping will be done at established campgrounds and in Wisconsin there are many cloudy days plus most campsites are shaded so we wouldn't get much benefit from them. We did order a plug for a solar panel so we could add a suitcase panel if we go somewhere where we would get lots of sunshine. My main question is getting 30 vs 20 lb propane tanks. The 20 lb tanks are more available and lighter to lift. The 30 lb tanks are bigger and would last longer. I do enjoy skiing in the winter and might think of staying in the trailer on a ski trip usually for 3-5 days. I am trying to figure out how much propane you need. I have read the forums and there seems to be a wide range of posts about how long propane will last heating with the furnace. One post said that with temps in the 20-30's you will use 4-5 gal of propane per day which would be a whole 20 lb tank plus. On the other end of the spectrum another post 6 days with overnight lows on the 20's used about 7.5 gal of propane. Another option would be to carry a third 20 lb tank in the truck bed. I would appreciate thoughts of those who have more experience. Thanks in advance for your help. Larry