kaylesimon

Thanks Guys. I did look at the durango, which was helpfully right next to the Ram 1500 in the showroom, and it looked more like something I'd be comfortable driving. But it also had all these seats I really do not need. So maybe truck makes more sense for me. I think at this point it's time for me to A) go to a ford dealership and ask for a test drive of one of the 150s, and B) Measure my garage to see if it will fit in there. And then we'll go from there. My son, a college junior, called me last night to say how much he likes the look of the Oliver. When I told him about the TV issues, he said, "I don't really see you as a truck person, mom...it doesn't seem environmentally responsible." And I said, "well, maybe we're going to find that I've actually BEEN a truck person all this time, and we just didn't know it. " Living on the east coast will do that to a person.

Thanks so much everyone. Here are my takeways thus far: Weight Distribution Hitch: Oliver now offers this as an add-on. There is a distinct dislike for them on the forum, but that appears to be related to the fact that they couldn't be added to the older Olivers without cutting into fiberglass. I'm not completely sure whether there are other "cons" to adding this to my Oliver, but if it doubles towing weight, and Oliver themselves are offering to add them, it seems like no brainer. Towing Ratings: 5,000 is too low. I need to look for something over 6000, or do you think 7000 should be my minimum? Tongue Weight: Having read comments on the forum it sounds like this needs to be around 550 min. Diesel Trucks: The Cult of the Truck strikes again. *Sigh* I promise to go and check some out, because clearly I need to open my mind to that. I care a lot about economy and comfort and the electronics, and would like to avoid a massive vehicle for daily driving, so that leaves with a very short list: there is going to be a new Chevy Colorado. not positive there are any to see quite yet, may not be until later this year. The Ford 150 EcoBoost 2.7L can tow 7600 lbs. Routlaw, is yours the 2.7 or the 3.5? If I am willing to go full size, there is the RAM 1500 eco diesel and the Nissan Titan turbo diesel. Diesel SUVs: I could look at the Mercedes GL (7500) and M class (7200) vehicles, as well as the Lexas LX (8500), the Invitiy QX56 (8500), the Audio Q7 (6600), and the BMW X5 (6000), the Porshe Cayenne V8 (7716). I have to look up tongue ratings on these if I want to consider them, because sometimes SUVs have lower percentages for that. But first I'll have to consult my wallet and visit some trucks, because these are all VERY expensive. Wheelbase: Longer wheelbase equals better towing. I'm not sure how long is preferable. You are all great teachers, trying to be good student, but right now I'm feeling disappointed at the cars that will work for me. I do understand that other small trailers are much lighter than an Oliver and that there are many good things that come with that weight, but I had REALLY hoped to be able to trade the CRV for something I could get excited about. Maybe someday I'll be the person on this forum telling someone else in my present predicament how I got dragged kicking and screaming to a truck and now I LOVE it. I hope so. kayle Oliver Elite buyer, late 2015

I have made the decision to purchase the Legacy Elite (18'5") and am now putting together a list of possible Tow Vehicles. I have read the forum on towing here, but most of the comments were related to the 22' Oliver (understandable). Part of the reason I selected the smaller-sized Oliver is so that I can avoid select a vehicle that is not such a behemoth as the large trucks and huge SUVs that one might want for something larger. Having said that I love that the quality and weight of the oliver is what it is, compared to many other trailers of it's size, and I want to make sure I can not only tow it, but tow it with complete confidence. So where is the sweet spot? Are there Oliver Elite users on this forum and can they tell me what they've used? Thus far I have the following vehicles on my list, all with factory installed towing packages where offered: Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4 Runner, Toureg TDI. What would you add, what would you remove, and what would be at the front of your list? I currently own a Honda CRV that is not in the running; if i have to trade it in, I want to do my due diligence and make a great choice. Thanks!