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poliver

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Posts posted by poliver

  1. Hello Everyone,

    This is a big thank you to everyone at Oliver and in this forum for all of your great responses and assistance in the past months since I discovered Oliver and joined. Unfortunately, circumstances have changed having nothing whatsoever to do with Oliver. My desire to purchase a new Elite I remains strong. Oliver is, without a doubt, the best in the industry. But, for now, I need to postpone my order. I didn't want to disappear (for the time being) without thanking everyone at Oliver and in this forum. You all rock! This is my last post until I reappear. Thank you for everything and please know I wish everyone the best! 

    Happy trails,

    Pennie

    • Like 2
  2. 10 hours ago, SteveCr said:

    Pennie,

    I picked up LE2 hull 806 on May 19th and since have camped in TN, Ga, & NC. I just got back from 7 days at Cape Hatteras.

    My LE2 is absolutely fabulous.

    The factory build quality is very good. I saw evidence of that during a factory tour last December...and I see the same in the delivered quality.

    There is ZERO shoddy workmanship.

    Oliver stands behind their work. I have one small issue with the AC dripping...and Oliver has a mobile service tech coming to my house next week on their dime. 

    Not sure where you're located but my wife & I will welcome you/ya'll  to come see our LE2 (in NC). Seeing the factory first hand and an Ollie first hand will help the confidence factor.

    Regards,

    Steve

     

    I appreciate your post, information and offer Steve,

    Oliver Saleswoman Anita called me back after doing some research on her end. Her explanations about Steve's specifics were reasonable and reassuring. She knows I am new at this and as much as I read and watch on Oliver University, I will be learning on the curve, as I go. She also knows I will be living with them in Tennessee until everything is shipshape for a maiden voyage, with as complete an understanding of systems as one can derive from afar accentuated with some hands-on trials.

    Thank you for your invitation. Unfortunately, I do not live close--actually live near the hottest places in the USA this week--the great Southwest. I will be heading east in late September for delivery on October 4--great news for one who was given an original approximate day in June next year. If time permits and I can stop by, with pre or post delivery, that would be wonderful.

    At Oliver, there have been a few order cancellations of late. Some may be due to health reasons, some to individual situations, and some to the huge numbers of people who have hit the road crowding both public and private campgrounds, trashing some of these places. Who knows? They let me and others come in earlier than originally thought.

    I am plunging ahead with plans. I do not expect perfection. Life doesn't work that way--certainly not my own--lol! I am expecting a well-built, high quality TT with a fine customer service team behind it as well as some guidance (much given already) from the terrific community here on this forum. I will need much more, I'm sure.

    Thanks again Steve,

    Pennie

    • Like 1
  3. 7 minutes ago, JRK said:

    Pennie,

    I am not trying to discourage your purchase, but I have had numerous issues with my LEI that I picked up three months ago that have absolutely nothing to do with the appliances or equipment. The problems are all due to lack of craftsmanship, poor quality control, and a problem at the installation of the equipment and appliances. Axle issues-installed incorrectly, inverter mounting issues, installation of blinds, installation of hoses and faucets, lack of support for the composting toilet, poor electrical connections, and more. I was rushed through delivery for a few reasons - one of which the regular delivery person didn't show up to work on my delivery date. 

    Still, I wanted a trailer. I am content with the Oliver as the problems get solved - I have had no offers of taking the trailer to a local service center, only a discussion on how to do the repairs myself, except the axle, which I will probably return to Oliver on my next trip for a reweld job. A friend laughs at me for not buying an Escape, as he did, for about $15,000 less. He has had zero problems or issues in two years, and is comfortable going on beaches with it. 

    My point - nothing is perfect. This is not a plug and play device, or even a quality car. I have driven nearly one million miles in four different cars (Toyotas and Fords) in the past few years, with not one mechanical or device failure. Just normal wear and tear. The Oliver will have failures, as any trailer will. The range appears to be flimsy. The door hinges will likely fail. The bathroom door is exceptionally lightweight and seems frail. I am concerned about the door lock assembly. The window blind clips fractured (two of them). If you can't or don't learn to do the basic work yourself, you will be spending time and money at dealerships. Learn what you can and practice the basics. And learn the few quirks and tricks, like tilting the nose up a bit to be able to drain the holding tanks.

    Most importantly, enjoy and have fun. Don't take the problems too seriously, if you are able. My perspective - my wife of 48 years died three weeks ago. This is just a trailer, meant to be used to enjoy life.

    John

    Hi John,

    My condolences on the loss of your wife of nearly five decades. I’m so sorry.

    I’m stuck somewhat speechless John and truly appreciate your concern for me after what you’ve been through. I admit to being stunned at your Oliver experience. You are making me more nervous than I am already, being a real newbie. If Oliver is suffering a real QC issue, that is truly concerning! 

    Thank you for writing and again, please accept my condolences.

    Pennie

     

  4. 24 minutes ago, poliver said:

    I will check it out--as ever thank you for all of your input! I like the idea of adding T-Mobile to my current Verizon account. I already cancelled the Cradlepoint.

    Thanks again SeaDawg.

    Pennie

    What a great article! Much to ponder. Thank you as ever SeaDawg

  5. 3 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

    A few years ago, we bought a cell phone booster and tried it in the truck. It didn't help, at all. Tmobile had zero signal in our area to boost. 

    What gave me a significant boost in my Verizon signal was getting a new, better phone. We use my phone as a Hotspot for the tablet and my husband's phone. 

    His tmobile phone works great in much of Canada,  Europe,  and Australia.  And some parts of the USA. Verizon usually gives us great coverage in most if the usa, if there us any signal at all.

    Thank you SeaDawg! I may not need much more than I have already. Probably should just try it out first before I leap. 

    Pennie

  6. Hello group!

    Oliver's Anita let me know today that the company is building a "campground"/parking area adjacent to their service area allowing new owners to park there following delivery. It has been held up by lots of wet weather recently but the plans are moving forward. Plans include full electric, H20 hook-ups along with a dump for BW and GW to replicate a campground, so that us newbies can test our systems on-site and they will fix anything that is not working right away. Great news!

    Onward,

    Pennie

    • Like 1
  7. 18 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

    Before you invest heavily in a cell booster,  you might want to read this article. https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/guides/mobile-cellular-boosters/

    With newer cellphone and tower technology , you may not need or want a booster.

    I will check it out--as ever thank you for all of your input! I like the idea of adding T-Mobile to my current Verizon account. I already cancelled the Cradlepoint.

    Thanks again SeaDawg.

    Pennie

  8. 29 minutes ago, TexasGuy said:

    So the Oliver has built in EMS by progressive. I don’t add a second one on top of that but progressive does make ones you can plug into source directly.  I used the Fort Knox lock (with puck lock) for hitch lock. Small company in Oklahoma.  I got a Viair compressor.  I have Tireminder i10 but read a lot of good things about TST as well.  

    Thank you Texas Guy! I truly appreciate all of this feedback. I'm learning as I go. 

    Thanks again,

    Pennie

  9. 52 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

    If eliminating it doesn't change the price, not any point in doing that. It would actually be a big negative. With the ac install, the standard 14 x 14 cut is made, all wiring run, thermostat installed.  All of this makes a swap easier down the line...

    IF you even use the ac? We hardly ever have used ours. Depends in when , where, and how you camp.

    Now, if they would credit back the unit, still run the necessary wiring for the ac, and install a second but simple fan in its place (they use the same 14 x 14 hole,) that would be  nice. Then, you could by a recpro or coleman ndq for an easy swap for the fan. 

    Thank you as ever Sea Dawg!

    Time is on my side and I be asking Oliver for your suggestion. I live in a very warm, dry climate that will require some cooling at some point. 

    Thanks again,

    Pennie

  10. 3 minutes ago, poliver said:

    Thank you Mike for all the responses!

    1. 1. Will do.
    2. I probably need a cell booster.
    3. I'll check on that surge protector inclusion.
    4. I just got off the phone with Anita at Oliver for the past couple of hours--true that. I told her that there was not a great love for the AC unit. She gave me a detailed explanation about it and said it was the quietest they could find. I have some time and will work on possibly eliminating it although it may not change the price.
    5. Viair it is.
    6. The group consensus is that the idea for the genset I got from an RV blog on the net is overkill. I will be researching a different model. Group rules!
    7. Lots of love for the TST TPMS. I'm on it.

    Thanks again Mike,

    Pennie

    3. You are correct Mike, a surge protector is built-in. Thanks again!

    Pennie

  11. 55 minutes ago, Mike and Carol said:

    1.  We use “The Collar” with an Abus puck lock.  Both from Amazon.

    2. We’ve been using our iPhones for hot spots so we can use our iPad or MacBook.  We have AT&T and haven’t any problems.  We do have the cell booster which is now 5 years old.  Probably need to start thinking about a new one….

    3. Don’t new Olivers come with a built in surge protector?  Ours didn’t and we use a Camco 30a surge protector.  My son just bought a 30a Progressive Industries surge protector for his new trailer.

    4. It would be nice if Oliver offered a quiet AC.  We use ours on when absolutely necessary.

    5. Viair makes some nice small air compressors.  Check Amazon.

    6.  4K Watts is overkill and much too heavy.  If you have a Tractor Supply, Home Depot, Bass Pro check out a small Champion.  We have a 2,000 watt that is very quiet and weighs 37 lbs.  The Westinghouse from Costco is also a good choice.

    7.  We also use the TST TPMS.  It’s been very reliable over the years.

    Hope this helps!  Mike

    Thank you Mike for all the responses!

    1. 1. Will do.
    2. I probably need a cell booster.
    3. I'll check on that surge protector inclusion.
    4. I just got off the phone with Anita at Oliver for the past couple of hours--true that. I told her that there was not a great love for the AC unit. She gave me a detailed explanation about it and said it was the quietest they could find. I have some time and will work on possibly eliminating it although it may not change the price.
    5. Viair it is.
    6. The group consensus is that the idea for the genset I got from an RV blog on the net is overkill. I will be researching a different model. Group rules!
    7. Lots of love for the TST TPMS. I'm on it.

    Thanks again Mike,

    Pennie

  12. 1 hour ago, SeaDawg said:

    I think it's really easy to get carried away on initial purchase, so I'm glad you're approaching this thoughtfully.

    I too, think solar and agm batteries are a great start for people new to camping. No maintenance to the batteries. Solar keeps them charged up unless you hit a string of bad weather, or use an inverter a lot. If you cook and make coffee on the cooktop when you don't have hookups, you really won't use that much dc power .

    Smaller genset for backup.

    As far as signal, we carry two different services, Verizon and Tmobile. If there's service available,  we have signal. Maybe look at a jetpack from a different provider than your phone, to cover the bases. (Neither service works in some of the remote spots we've camped, like the Yukon, but I  don't need to be connected every minute! You can buy a Spot or similar for emergency signal based on satellite for very little, and a reasonable annual contract.)

    Thank you as ever SeaDawg! I am trying to approach this thoughtfully. After all, it's just the rest of my life--lol!

    I also have Verizon and I like your suggestion about adding T-Mobile as they are good at coverage. Small genset coming up! That seems to be the consensus here--one I value great deal. I got the model idea I posted from the a regular column on the net and am glad I asked on the forum. This is such a great community!

    Thank you again,

    Pennie

  13. 7 minutes ago, BackofBeyond said:

    Yes. Thanks to the SeaDawg heads up  - I too have a handy dandy Westinghouse 2500. It is a very good generator for the money.  But honestly - I will probably never use it for its intended use - maybe very sporadically.

    As for AGM's - I have had very good experience with ours in the Ollie and in previous RV's.  A top flight LI install has  been reported to run in excess of $8k - that buys a lot of AGM's. - As has been stated - it just depends on your use and needs.  I am one of the few that pragmatically believe the LI systems are overkill for all but the most strident off roader/boondocker. 

    Our composting toilet has been very easy to use, no problems, and honestly much simpler to use than the old fill and dump,  - but then - some are not comfortable with the process. 

    We use the Tire Tracker TT-500 TPMS - works as advertised, fairly accurate in the air pressure monitoring and take the temp readings with a grain of salt. Does what it supposed to do.

    The Champion 4000 watt is a fine gen set - but more than you will want to tote around - at 80 + pounds- I would look in the 50 pound range - 2500 watts.

    Internet is highly location dependent.  With a decent signal -  a phone based hotspot has been more than enough for us, as has been the Oliver supplied powered antenna for the TV/Radio systems.

    Were it ME - planning a new purchase - I would not spend to much time worrying about this, that, or the other changes - get some time in your Oliver - you will find comfort spot. 

    Interesting thought - your idea - order the Oliver without the AC - and then call KatanaPilot - for the install of the better unit!!! Oh wait Olive is not in this mindset.......

    Wishing you well in your outfitting.

    RB

    Thank you for all of your feedback and thoughts RB! Very, very helpful!

    Pennie

    • Like 1
  14. 4 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

    I agree with John. The agms are fine to start. We still have agm, and I  wouldn't even look at lithium if we didn't have a compressor fridge. I may stay with agm, anyway, even with the increased draw of the fridge, because we rarely have to run the generator, with 400 watts of solar.

     

    Once again, thanks SeaDawg. I'll possibly invest in an additional solar panel to augment the 230w. See how the money flows--lol!

  15. 6 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

    That generator is way to big and heavy. We recently bought a Westinghouse 2500 at Lowes. It runs our saws, charges batteries, and runs our ac. At around 600 normal price, it's a nice smaller unit, with plenty of features, inverter technology, and it only weighs 48 pounds, so I can lift it. Pull cord start, but pretty easy, and I  have no difficulty starting it. (If you have the strength to lift it, you have the strength to start it.)

    Our other generator is a Honda 1000. Very light, quiet, will charge the batteries. Won't run the microwave or a hairdryer or any tools.

    Champion makes a nice generator around 2000 watts that would charge batteries and run the microwave, but probably not the ac. 

    Keep looking. 

    Thank you SeaDawg! Gotta keep searching', searching'....

  16. Hello again group! Thank you for all of your well-wishes and thoughts. Some questions for everyone:

    1. What manufacturer/model do you recommend for locks: hitch, trailer, etc.?
    2. What is the best set-up for the highest quality internet connectivity?
    3. What manufacturer/model do you recommend for a surge protector?
    4. Do I ask for a replacement AC? If so, what model?
    5. Air compressor?
    6. I think I already found a generator--the CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology. Thoughts?
    7. Which TPMS system?

    Replace the shower head?

    We've only just begun...

    Anything else you think should be on the list of necessities...

    Thank you all in advance

    Pennie

  17. 15 minutes ago, John E Davies said:

    Pennie, do plan to boondock much? The AGMs are perfectly fine, they just don’t have a lot of reserve for days spent unhooked in gloomy weather. Lithiums are better but they have their own issues, such as heat intolerance. You could try the AGMs for a couple of years, and when they inevitably fail 🙄you can decide if you want to go with a drop-in lithium solution. I can’t comment on the shower track, but the Cradle Point sounds like very expensive snake oil… I do recommend the Natures Head. All the other electronics and doodads are a personal choice. As a full timer your choices may not mesh with those owners who spend a few weeks each year inside that small space.

    Get a good large TV, one with plenty of secure room for your stuff.

    John Davies

    Spokane WA

     

    Thank you John. I'll take your advice and cancel the Cradle Point and investigate alternatives. Rather than full-timing, I'll be spending a fair amount of time with friends and relatives all over the country, but when I'm not, I'll be boondocking. The smaller space is fine for me. I've been planning on it for quite some time--the LE 1 is far superior to a pod or teardrop.--lol!

    Honestly, I cannot afford to do this and get a larger TV than my 2018 Chevy Colorado Redline with the 3.6 V6 with auto 10 gears and tow package. People here have already let me know I can comfortably tow the LE 1 with my TV. I posted pertinent stats in a different thread previously and no one disagreed with my TV. I believe what I have will work for now.I would prefer a duramax but I'm retired, so need to watch funds carefully. 

    I read about all of the problems associated with the composting toilet--and funds are limited. I know I'll probably need a generator and so much other stuff that Oliver doesn't supply.I will be dipping into retirement funds to pull this off...But, time is on my side, yes it is--lol. 

    Thanks again for your reply and any other thoughts you have (or will). 

    Pennie

    • Like 1
  18. 8 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

    That was fast!

    October is usually a really nice time to camp in Tennessee and Western North Carolina.  By the middle of the month, the fall colors are usually at their peak in the High Country. 

    SeaDawg, I just can't wait! The opening was sudden, surprising and wonderful. I jumped. I'm looking forward to seeing fall in that part of the world as I'll be taking the advice of some here and camping for a while, testing systems. 

    Thanks once again for all of your great help!

    Pennie

  19. Just now, John E Davies said:

    Cool, have you decided on all the options yet? That will be a wonderful time for a road trip, mountain passes excepted. What route do you plan to take returning home?

    John Davies

    Spokane WA

     

    Thanks John. For my route, a lot depends on the registration process, plate, etc. I will need to figure that stuff out but will post it when I know more. This is all very sudden. 

    Options: I am asking for your learned advice (as well as the thoughts of others in the community). I think I am going for the Lithium Pro package which has 2x 230w solar panels with charge controller; 2x 6v AGM batteries (260 AH total); 2,000w inverter and Micro-Air Easy Start. Also, the Shower Track package and Cradle point. I'm considering the back-up camera (I don't possess your wiring skills--lol, but can learn them later). Any thoughts on these or others I may want to substitute? 

    Thank you in advance!

    Pennie

  20. 4 minutes ago, Time2Go! said:

    Congratulations! Something similar happened to us. We ordered the last week of August and our original delivery date was mid-May 2021. When we paid our deposit our sales rep sent a message saying that they had an early February delivery date come open if we would like to move up so we jumped on it. It was less torture waiting on 5 1/2 months for delivery instead of almost 9 months.

    Those months went by quickly with all the reading, watching videos and asking questions here. We weren't new to RVs but did downsize from a 42' 5th wheel with 5 slides to an Oliver LE2. It's funny but inside the trailer we have empty drawers and cabinets! The things that were in outside storage compartments on the 5th wheel are now under a Leer Topper on our truck with a bedslide. It all still works and we are really enjoying the ease of pulling and parking the smaller trailer.

    Again congrats!

    Cindy

     

    Hi Cindy! Thanks for the well-wishes. I think a song goes, "You've got to be ready..." You were and I'm glad I was as well. Huge difference between October and next June. I have lots to do, much, much more to learn, many questions to ask, etc. Although this is my first experience owning my own trailer, I will be learning and working on a keeper that happens to be the best made. 

    Onward!

    Pennie

  21. Hello Group!

    This is a special greeting. While talking about placing a deposit yesterday with Oliver Saleswoman Anita (and filling her in on the previous day's 2008/09 used Hull in Houston) she let me know that there was a surprising opening for a 2021 LE to be started in August for an October delivery. She told me that people on the move-up list ahead of me had been contacted Oliver the day before but no one had gotten back with a response--and it was now 2:30 pm there. She asked me if I wanted that date. I told her I would need to call a few people to see if these new arrangements would work and I'd call her back shortly. When I did, she said the other party was needing to switch places with me, which I agreed to in a heartbeat! My world changed in a minute. I went from scouring the universe for a used hull to making quick plans for a late September trip to Tennessee--six days on the road (maybe). Wooo-hooo! Needless to say, my deposit was sent followed by paperwork from Oliver and we're on!

    Louis Pasteur wrote that chance favors the prepared mind--and I've always thought this to be true. All of my research over the last few months has seemed to pay off. I've was in the right place (time, and product)...

    "At last...my love has come along..."

    Pennie

    • Like 6
  22. 3 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

    Pennie, have you seen an Oliver yet? Especially our smaller Elite?

    We looked at literally  a hundred trailers before we saw the Ollie, back in 2007 and 8.

    It's really important,  imo, before you commit,  to see, touch, and imagine yourself in the space.

    Living in a travel trailer us life in miniature.  We're very happy, but you need to make sure it's good for you, especially if you go full time. 

    To me, its perfect. Compact. Everything we need. Not a lot more. We add what we need, but thoughtfully consider any big changes 

    If you haven't seen one yet, Anita cab get you in touch with an Elite owner somewhere near you.

     

    Hi SeaDawg,

    I have not seen an Oliver in-person yet. Anita offered to put me in touch with one nearby and I will probably do that. I'm pretty good at imagining myself in different spaces but will take your advice next week when Anita returns. Thank you--and everyone else for your thoughtful suggestions.

    Pennie

    • Like 1
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