trumpetguy

Buy used if you can. Hopefully the bugs will have been worked out. These issues must be related to unit volume. Our 2015 was virtually free of factory defects. The heater, and fridge were supplier problems. The only gripe I had with the factory was they failed to plug in the TV to the Furion head. Oh and they did not wire the inverter to the shunt. That made for some interesting read outs on the Blue Sky IPN remote.

Quality control is an issue throughout the RV industry. It must be related to the large number of units coming off the lines. While companies such as Oliver and Airstream rank high in Quality the human element has much to do with the problems. A close friend just bought a 2015 Class C. The dealer told them they were smart to buy used because there are so many problems with new units that are aggravating for the owners. After a year or so most of the issues are corrected. Take my advice and stick around Howenwald a few days while you perform some "sea trials". Use everything in or on the trailer. Fill and dump the tanks. Run the fresh water fill system. Task ALL the systems. Find some rough roads and hit them hard. A one night stay at the local CG is just not enough. Happy ⛺️

Quality control is an issue throughout the RV industry. It must be related to the large number of units coming off the lines. While companies such as Oliver and Airstream rank high in Quality the human element has much to do with the problems. A close friend just bought a 2015 Class C. The dealer told them they were smart to buy used because there are so many problems with new units that are aggravating for the owners. After a year or so most of the issues are corrected. Take my advice and stick around Howenwald a few days while you perform some "sea trials". Use everything in or on the trailer. Fill and dump the tanks. Run the fresh water fill system. Task ALL the systems. Find some rough roads and hit them hard. A one night stay at the local CG is just not enough. Happy ⛺️

Your comments verify why it may be a good idea to stay close to the factory for more than one night. Haul the new rig around and visit several campgrounds. We had a furnace fail during our delivery cycle and it was easy to stop by and have it repaired. There are several campgrounds within fifty miles of Hohenwald so stay awhile. Sort of like having the runway in sight when the engine fails.

I like the Magnum hybrids because they will kick in just enough juice if the generator is not quite powerful enough. This will save batteries when dry camping. They also have great chargers built in.

It wasn't upside down on my iPad. Don't know what happened. Apologies.

This is for the member who messaged me about the appearance of the Atwood Air Command [attachment file=20160410_202601838_iOS.jpg]

I replaced the original Coleman Mach 8 with an Atwood and was very happy with the unit. Snowlakemike owns that trailer now so maybe he will chime in. I solved the thermostat issue with a digital thermostat controlling a relay to the AC. Exactly like some Casita owners have done. My AS has Dometic Briskair II and I did the same mod for it. I would buy another Atwood if needed, but check the service first because someone told me Dometic bought Atwood last year.

Good point Mike. The AS may have larger overheads but the rear overhead in the Ollie should accommodate several packed cubes.

I camp with five of these cubes. Three large, one medium, one small. Tshirts in one, shorts in one, underwear, socks, medicine, etc. When I need something, I don't have to rummage through different items to find what I need. All the cubes will fit in an overhead compartment.

C'mon now Pete. That's just mean.????

Just more proof that we are all different, and how wonderful to be able to choose that which suits our lifestyle. God bless America for giving us the freedom to pursue the lifestyle we so enjoy. "Hail to the rest of the road"

Chixter. If you decide on the AS definitely buy used. We found a terrific deal on a 2007 International CCD 28 for only $34,500. After some redecorating, new furniture, 16 inch wheels with Michelins, and a 500 WATT solar system we are still under $50,000 and enjoying a very comfortable trailer. We have camped in 95 degrees here in Florida, and 20 degrees at Grand Canyon with snow on the roof. Always comfortable. The ONLY negative part of the AS is maintenance. They do require regular sealing with some Dicor, or Vulkem. That's where molded fiberglass wins hands down, and is the only reason I would consider giving up my AS for a larger Oliver.

I love the windows in our Airstream. What would prevent Oliver from adding more windows in a larger trailer? As far as size goes The best selling Airstream is a 25' model. The extra three feet in length is big, but even bigger is the 8 foot width. A 25 foot x 8 foot Ollie would be sweet. 31' maybe too long.

Recon, Our journey was Casita, Oliver LE II, Airstream International. We truly loved our Ollie but it became a bit small for us in advanced age and with joint issues. We also love the Airstream, but if Oliver ever makes an affordable 28 footer I will be first in line. Fiberglass over aluminum any day. If you search my user name you will read more about my rationale for switching. In a word...size does matter.

After a trip west where gasoline stations were scarce at times I bought two of the Sceptre gas cans based on Steves experience. Instead of the purpose made $35 wrench needed to tighten and remove the caps I just use a strap wrench. I did buy the special filler spout. These cans do not smell or leak. They are in my truck bed at all times. I put a multi fuel carb on my Honda Genset and carry a 20 pound tank back there as well.

Sherry it was scary. We found a vet in Brevard who recognized the symptoms and gave her some aggressive meds.

Be sure to vaccinate for Leptospirosis. We failed to do so and almost lost our Bichon when we were at Mount Pisgah Campground. She must have just licked where the bacteria was living and got so sick.

Do a search for leaks on Airforums. Airstreamers have to contend with a lot of leaks so they are a good resource for products. Not kidding. I own one and it's just part of the experience. Dicor, Vulkem, Sikaflex, Tolleys, etc.

Airstreamers live with leaks as part of the experience so they are excellent sources of information. Sign up on airforums.com and search leak repair. I use a combo of products...Dicor, Vulkem 116, Sicaflex, and Tolleys to keep my tin can dry. When I added solar to the roof I had the installer use VHB tape instead of screws to eliminate yet another area for leaks. Fiberglass trailers are a piece of cake to maintain and repair.

Before we sold our Ollie I considered cutting a hole in the bottom of the storage compartment and running a permanent 90 degree elbow through the bottom with a bayonet fitting for the slinky. this was following a black tank "event" in a commercial Campground where the hose disconnected from the factory fitting. What a mess. Thankfully it was 6:00 AM and I was able to get it hosed off before anyone was awake. it may not be visually appealing but the conventional sewer connection on the side of most trailers is much more practical, and easier to use.

We did have a bear attack our Ollie on a dark night in North Georgia. He was pushing on the door which rocked the trailer, and then he ripped the fridge access panel off the trailer. I turned on the scare lights and yelled through my bedroom window and he left. It was pretty traumatic. I don't believe a flashlight would have been useful because I was not about to open the door. That said I have a headlamp with 1000 lumens powered by2 LI 18650 batteries. Love it.

I have used a front receiver by Drawtite. A Swagman rack works perfectly. I had to use an extension bar and anti rattle device but was happy with the setup. I have changed tow vehicles and will add the same setup to my Ram. I heard a story of an Oliver owner whose GPS took him down a narrow road into a dead end. He was able to unhitch the trailer, turn the truck around, and using his front receiver push the Ollie back to a place wide enough to turn around. So Many uses for a front receiver.

I have used a front receiver by Drawtite. A Swagman rack works perfectly. I had to use an extension bar and anti rattle device but was happy with the setup. I have changed tow vehicles and will add the same setup to my Ram. I heard a story of an Oliver owner whose GPS took him down a narrow road into a dead end. He was able to unhitch the trailer, turn the truck around, and using his front receiver push the Ollie back to a place wide enough to turn around. So Many uses for a front receiver.

Overland. I had the 13500 Atwood. To be fair I can't remember if the Honda 2000i will start and run that unit or not. To be safe invest $300 in the Easy Start.