tallmandan

I thought I would follow-up on this after my install. Might be helpful if anyone else has a 2020-2022 GM vehicle with the advanced trailering feature and is considering this accessory... Everything went well and it was easier than expected. The "transparent trailer" view feature requires that the camera be placed within a certain zone at the back of the trailer and on the Oliver, the only plausible location is to mount on top of the spare tire cover. @Cameron shared a photo above of the camera installation that Oliver did for him, and it looks great. I decided I didn't want to drill holes in the spare tire cover as the camera is not compatable with non-GM trucks and I might move to another TV someday even though I love my Silverado 3.0L deisel. The other challenge is that you must still be able to remove the spare tire cover if needed, so I needed a plan for either easy removal of the camera or lots of slack cable inside. As it turns out, I have both. There is plenty of room to run the cable in the channel between the aluminum crossbars and the fiberglass under the trailer on the curb-side. This is where the propane line is located and runs all the way from front to back. The cable is well protected and tied in with several zipties along the way. The plug-end of the cable that plugs into the truck bumper port can be unscrewed to make it smaller and now it fits easily through the gap at the back of the diamondplate bumper and fiberglass to route the cable into the storage area in the bumper. Then it is easily routed into the chanel where the propane line is to run all the way to the front. To scure the camera, I elected to use this high-strength plastic Alfa-Lock Velcro product that utilizes 3M tape. This allows me to remove the camera if needed and replace it easily yet it has a very secure hold. I will only need to remove it if I need to access the spare or, alternatively, I can leave the camera secured and pull the excess cable up through from the bumper storage space. Since the camera is mounted on a horizontal surface, this seems plenty adequate. Finally, I used a few stick-on plastic retainer clips to hold the cable around the outside of the spare tire cover. The look is not as clean and good looking as Cameron's install from Oliver but I'm happy with it and it seems plenty secure. I will see how this it goes this travel season. If the Alfa-lock Velcro fails then I will try 3M automotive tape and rely on pulling through the extra cable from the storage space when I need to remove the cover. Hope this is helpful for anybody else considering this accessory install. Dan

I just took my LEII to Discount Tire to have them take off the wheels and install the GM TPMS sensors. I pointed out the jack points on the trailer. The trolly jacks they wheeled out did not lift the trailer high enough to fully get the wheels off the ground. The guys wanted to lift it by putting the trolly jacks under the axles. I was uncomfortable with this and they went and brought the tech mananger out and he told me they would not put anything under the trolly jacks or use anything else due to their safety protocol. He assured me they would use 4 trolly jacks and lift the entire trailer evenly from both axles and there would be no problem. I finally agreed and everything went just fine. No problems. TMPS works great. Just sharing this if anyone else goes to a tire shop. Discount Tire was was great to work with by the way. Very professional and they had 5 guys all working on my trailer at one time to do it right. They only charged me $10 per wheel to remove, install TPMS sensors and then reinstall. Highly recommend Discount Tire as I've always had good service there.

Ask 10 people and you’ll get 10 different answers. I’ll second the comments by Jim on considering the GM 1/2 ton with the 3.0L Duramax diesel and 10 speed transmission. So far I’ve put 13k trouble free miles on my 2021 Silverado 1500 3.0L and about 4k towing our Oliver. That’s not much but I’ve been very pleased. No doubt a 3/4 ton has more power and payload - if you need it. When you consider cost (3.0 diesel is only $950 upgrade over gasser) and amazing fuel economy in a full size 4x4 pickup, there is a lot to like. It’s a new, from-the-ground-up designed engine and I worry a bit about reliability but so far it’s flawless. Smooth and lots of torque at lower Rpm. Tech and towing package are great

I'll second what Mountainman198 said above. I purchased a used, year-old 2020 LEII and it has the solar package/4 AGM batteries/2000W inverter. All of our camping was boondocking last year in places like Rocky MT Nat Park, Custer SP, Canyonlands and forest service campgrounds with no hookups. The 4 AGMs connected to solar always had plenty of power for our needs. Now, we don't have any need to use the A/C where we camp. We had no problem running the heater all night on several trips. We watched downloaded netflix shows on the TV at night. I ran a small coffee maker in the morning and a toaster. My wife ran a 750watt hair dryer. No problem. Now, we were always in the sun where the solar would recharge nicely. I suppose I might have trouble if I were camped in the shade - I don't know. I think the lithium system is surely teriffic but I don't feel I "need" it for what we do and where we camp.

@Galway Girl, forgot that your trip is in November when I wrote the info above - sorry. That makes weather a factor I didn't mention of course. The Million Dollar Highway does close in periods of snow but if the weather is good and the road is open, it's worth the time

Craig, Looking at your route, I'm envious as a trip to Southern Utah/Grand Canyon is on our list! I noticed that you are going through Durango. I don't know if you've been through SW Colorado before but the San Juan Mountains just North of Durango are one of the most spectacular senic areas I've ever been. If you haven't been, you might want to consider camping near Durango. Then leave your Ollie and drive just your truck up the "Million Dollar Highway" to Silverton, over Red Mountain Pass and down to Ouray for a day trip. Scenery from this highway is outstanding and you can experience the historic gold and silver mining history. If you have time and are really up for adventure, consider driving your 4x4 truck most of the way toward Yankee Boy Basin just SW of Ouray. The road is good gravel for the first half and then becomes more and more difficult/rough but the Alpine scenery just gets better and better as you go.

@albert, I think the determining factor is whether you go out of cell-coverage into remote areas and have a safety problem or a communication need. I see that you are from Colorado as well. We find we are camping quite often in places with no cell signal such as Bear Lake Campground in Rocky Mountain Nat Park Since dogs are not allowed on trails in a national park, we had left our little dog at home with a neighbor coming over to our house to take care of her. I have a Garmin InReach Mini like @topgun2 mentioned. It allowed us to text our neighbor to check-in and answer some questions that came up. From a safety perspective, if there are others around then you have someone to ask for help, but if you camp remote or you hike remote the Garmin InReach is worth having and it works well. I opted for the cheapest, year-around plan with Garmin andI believe it's $12/month. I hike and fly fish in remote places by myself and take the InReach Mini every time to check-in with my wife and it shares my GPS location to her automaticallly. Like John, I use the InReach for communication/safety but rely on downloaded maps & GAIA GPS Maps in my phone for navigation.

Hi John, I understand the Calmark cover is excellent but also more expensive. Thought I would share that I purchased the Classic Accessories SkyShield cover https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KHX27HS/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1 last October and have been very happy with it so far. The fit is not custom but the 15-18ft size is a pretty good fit once the straps are snug. Time will tell if it holds up to the sun and weather but so far so good at about a third of the cost for a Calmark. I've copied here a post that I wrote on the facebook group about how I get the cover on the trailer by myself with a 5 foot step-ladder... Lay it out flat on a clean driveway. Now fold it back from each end toward the center (roll and fold about every 2 ft. Once you have both “rolls” against each other at the middle, take several webbing straps and secure them around both “rolls” toward each end to hold them together. Now use a sturdy A-frame ladder at the middle of the trailer and carefully pull up the cover and heave the end over the trailer between the solar panels and the air conditioner unit. Move the ladder around to the other side and carefully pull the cover until it is roughly centered over the trailer. Remove the webbing straps and now unroll the cover each way toward the front and back (alternating with the ladder on each side). I’m 6’ tall so I’m able to do it myself with the ladder but may be tougher for someone not as tall. When you take it off again repeat the same steps in reverse order and store it in the rolls and it’s ready to go on next time.

John, thank you! This is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. I'm assuming that Oliver installed the camera bracket by drilling holes and did they drill another hole for the cable or does this pass behind the spare cover? Are you happy with the camera system? Does it function well as a back-up assist view? (I'm actually more interested in the back-up assist view than I am in the "invisible trailer" view) Thanks again, Dan

I'm interested to install the GM rear accessory camera that connects to 20-22 GM trucks with trailering camera package/camera accessory port near the hitch. I've read the manual online and I understand the mounting position for correct "invisible trailer" view is at the top of the spare tire cover. I know there are at least a few Oliver owners with this set-up. Can you please share how you mounted the rear camera? I'd rather not drill holes in the trailer or the spare cover if possible. I'm considering the 3M automotive tape and feel this would be sufficient, especially if the mounting bracket is on the top surface of the spare tire cover. I'm planning to run the connecting wire on the underside of the trailer along the propane line on the streetside. Anyone have any experience, advice or photos to share? Thanks in advance!

I'm definitly interested in the advancement of electirc vehicles including trucks but I'm not seeing the cost/benefit/capability equation for tow vehicles in the near term. I will be watching and cheering for development while I continue to drive my 2021GM 3.0L diesel 1/2-ton pickup for awhile. I have been extremely happy with it so far including the 30mpg highway (unloaded) and 16-20mpg towing my LEII. Most new vehicles have been in short supply/high demand but I understand Silverado/Sierra/Tahoe/Suburbans with the 3.0 Duramax Diesel have to be custom-ordered or are sold before they even arrive at the dealer. The demand is there and the combo of capability/range/value/price will be hard for electirc to match for a good number of years (for a tow vehicle). Passenger cars and light SUVs are another story though...

Saw this story come across my news feed. So pleased to have an Oliver! https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/tampa-bay-couple-bought-a-new-rv-to-avoid-trouble-but-discovered-defects?_amp=true

Welcome Andy! Congrats on your new Ollie. Enjoy Mt. Hood staying in your toasty trailer. We lived in WA for 26 years (Olympia and then Felida/Vancouver) before moving to Colorado in 2019. We were super lucky to find a barely-used LE2 a year ago here in Denver. We have loved exploring with it! Awesome places to take your new trailer around the PNW - Enjoy! Dan

Yes. Thanks for the photos and the link! I think I may order some

Hello @VBistro, We also live in CO (South of Parker) and I'm familiar with the Buffalo Creek area but have not been to that particualar campground. 2023 is a long way off to commit but we would try to join-in. Happy Holidays!

Agree with all the comments here -- there's nothing like a real wood-buring fire. However, fire restrictions in the West are growing every year and I expect to continue. The hassle of hauling the wood and the cost (must purchase firewood in the campgroud to avoid possible transport of invasive species or pine beetles) caused me to try a propane fire pit. This is the one we have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KY4S388/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It works well and we did enjoy it on several chilly nights. It's not the same as a wood fire for sure and it does feel kinda "fake." However, it creates nice, soft "dancing light" and some heat. We have 2 30gal propane tanks so I don't worry about how much propane we use -- but it doesn't seem to use very much for an hour or so in the evenings. Super easy to use and no smoke is a plus for sure.

Hi Nick, there are many here with much more experience and knowledge than me but, for what it's worth, I'll share my experience. I was lucky enough to find a used 2020 LEII a year ago. I bought a 2021 Silverado 1500 3.0 diesel to tow it. The consensus is that a 3/4 ton truck is "best" but your V8 F-150 will do just fine. As Mike said, the Oliver tows very well. That said, I always use the Anderson WD hitch. You mention a Curt hitch but don't know if you are getting the Anderson when you pick-up but I think this is a must with your F-150. I towed mine about 2k miles this season and always felt comfortable. The 7 foot width of the Oliver is also a plus when it comes to towing -- especially when you find yourself navigating through freeway road construction with concrete barriers tight to each side! We've loved our Ollie so far and you will too. 2020 LEII, 2021 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax 4x4

I use both Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto (work phone and personal phone) in my 2021 Silverado with tech package. Both work very well. The GM trucks have only an 8" screen but it's filled with the map except for a small strip down the side for icons to change apps. The zoom function works to see more or less geography in view. I have Gaia Map App subscription as well and it works through Apple Carplay but I haven't found much need for it yet. Google maps works for me and the key is to download my map area to the phone so I'm not relying on cell connection

I can't remember but I think it was on the Oliver Owners Facebook page that someone posted that they used this edge trim from Amazon on the fiberglass edges of the uppder storage compartments. I marked the product on my Amazon save-for-later as I have thought about it. It's black so it would only make sense if you have the black cabinet faces I think. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NL4C97O/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A339EJ58RW9U9H&psc=1 If anybody has done something like this, I'd love to see some photos... 2020 LEII, 2021 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax

Hey thanks for posting this! I have been thinking about this upgrade and just placed my order.

If you are looking for an external add-on solar panel the Renogy 100w Solar Suitcase is priced now at $187. I paid $219 a few months ago. I'm very pleased with how well it works with the included waterproof charge controller. The included case in very nice as well. I would not say it's light weight but thats because it's well built. https://www.amazon.com/RENOGY-Foldable-Suitcase-Without-Controller/dp/B00LXG4AXS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=30E4LIP4PIHPL&keywords=renogy%2B100w%2Bsolar%2Bpanel&qid=1637861790&sprefix=renogy%2Caps%2C251&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMjc5Vzg0SldWVkJCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTUzMTc1MzNBWDlaMEJWS09aSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTg2MTY3M1ZMQlJRSk05VUo3VCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1 EDIT: Sorry - that is the link for the panel WITHOUT charge controller. The panel WITH controller is still $219. I didn't realize when I posted. Link with controller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JVBVL3/ref=twister_B07W1267XJ?_encoding=UTF8&th=1 2020 Elite II, 2021 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax 4x4

@Islandgrl I have our Elite II (with solar roof panels and 4 AGM batteries) in storage now for the winter. I wrote a post about a cover I found and a 100w Renogy portable solar panel that I am using to keep the batteries charged while the rooftop solar panels are covered. Its in the "General Discussions" forum. It's been in storage for about a month and the external solar panel is working great to keep the batteries fully charged. The panel has it's own waterproof charge controller on the back of the panel and the included battery cable/clips stretch to attach directly to the battery bank. With the cable routed to the bottom corner of the battery compartment door, you can fully close and lock the door. My external panel is only receiving morning sun by its location but that has been enough so far. This Renogy external solar set-up is good quality and I plan on using it to supplement the roof panels if/when I end up camped in a shaded spot by purchasing a 30 ft cord. 2020 Elite II, 2021 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax diesel

I went to look at the window sticker from my Chevy 1500 3.0L Duramax and the axle ratio is 3.23. I'm not an engineer or a mechanic but I believe that is to favor fuel economy which is a main selling point of the the 3.0L deisel powertrain. I'm sure a 6.6L 2500 truck has more power and stability in towing but I'm just saying that my 1500 has performed well for me in towing my LE2. I've been more than satisfied with the low-end torque/power and it feels comfortable to me in handling the task of towing. I do use the Anderson weight distributing hitch which I believe you would not really need on a 2500.

I agree with those here who say a 3/4 ton truck is the ideal tow vehilce for an Elite II. However, I elected to buy a 2021 Silverado 1500 with the new 3.0L Duramax Diesel. I bought it in December of 2020 before prices went crazy and now have 10K on it with mayby 2500 miles towing my Oliver. As other's have said, the limitation is the payload spec like all 1/2 tons but we have not found it to be a problem for us as we don't take that much stuff. If I were buying the truck JUST to tow then I would have got a 3/4 ton diesel but it's also my daily driver. I've been a long time Toyota fan and it was really hard to sell my trusty 2005 4.7L Sequoia but the new Silverado 3.0L Diesel has been outstanding. Flawless performance so far (only 1 year and 10K miles). The 3.0L diesel is matched to the 10 speed transmission (believe it is the same trans as in the Ford 1/2 ton as joint project but not completely sure). The low-RPM torque of the diesel matched to that 10-speed transmission is teriffic. I live in Colorado and tow my Oliver to and over 9,000-10,000ft without any struggle at all. I've been really impressed. Now, add the other features that I have come to really appreciate - 30mpg on freeway when not towing and and 17-20mpg when towing, automatic engine brake is fantastic to hold back on the long downhill runs, GM advanced trailering package with 7 cameras and 360 view is really nice. @Keith-n-Jill maybe take a look at the 3.0 duramax if you can find one. They are scarce as well. GM is also now putting the 3.0L in the Tahoe and Suburban if that's of interest. 2020 Elite II, 2021 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax

Actually there are three zippers down the curb-side and I was able to access the door without removal after loosening the straps. will report back after the winter on how it held up.