Mike and Carol

There are definitely things to like about the Black Series, especially the HQ 19. It’s a little wider and a little longer than an Elite II. The suspension is pretty heavy duty, the black and fresh tanks are larger, plus a separate filtered drinking water tank and it has good exterior storage. Inside, there’s a walk around queen bed, larger dinette, big fridge and a spacious dry bath. The frame and box are made in China and it is finished out in Los Angeles. Dealer support depends on the dealer, some good, some not so good. John’s (Raspy) dealer seems to be a good one. We were impressed when we were there. It’s not as 4 seasons as the Oliver. Tanks are exposed underneath but they are wrapping and will install a heat blanket if you want. Price is about the same as the Oliver. We’re still happy with our Oliver. Mike

He likes his HQ19 a lot. He had it at Quartzite in January. He’s done a lot of mods and is posting some of it on the Expedition Portal. We stopped by his dealer in Salt Lake City when we were there in the fall and agree that it is a nice trailer. He was going to bring it to the spring rally.

We’ve got the brown 5 sided Clam, a little smaller to fit in the bed of the truck. Yes, a 120lb woman would be able to put it up and take it down.

I agree with Steve on this. Get a 30a RV plug installed. We were parking in the driveway before and after trips using an orange Home Depot cord into the garage. Couldn’t run the AC during the summer. I had my electrician put in a 30a plug on the side of the house and now we can run anything. We’ve had fellow owners camp in our driveway use it to. It was well worth the cost. Mike

Oliver has been good about fixing defects on trailers even if the owner is not original. I’m talking about something wrong that was probably a manufacturing issue. Most used trailers have the kinks worked out and won’t need much work from the factory. Ours is four years old, we had a few warranty issues that were fixed both locally and in Hohenwald and we’ve been problem free for the last few years. So, our four year old, 50K+ miles trailer will have no warranty issues. They’re all fixed. On the other hand, there is something special about buying new and getting exactly what you want. Mike

I put one in my Amazon cart. Thanks!

If you don’t have a cover just drape the cord over the tongue so that the plug is pointing down. I used a cover for a few months, lost it and have been doing the “downward drape” for almost four years with no phantom lights.

We got the Vornado MVH in white, 3 heat settings, several years ago. It’s quiet and does a great job. Nice little unit. Mike

Tractor Supply sells a nice little 2000W Champion. Weighs 37 lbs and is as quiet as the Honda. I think normal price is $399, I got it on sale for $350. Works like a champ (pun intended). Gas only, not dual fuel. It kept us charged last fall at Grand Teton when the weather got very overcast and cold and the solar couldn’t quite keep up.

A lot has changed since March 6. At this point, we’re not going anywhere. Best to stay close to family, friends and our own health care. I also understand that full-timers in some regions are having a hard time finding open parks. I have a house so I’ll let the full time RVers use available camping spots. Mike

The answer is that you can run a space heater while on shore power. We have many hundreds of hours with our small Vornado space heater. It has three settings, the upper setting is 1500W. We can only run it at that setting if there is no other 110v draw. If we make coffee we either turn the heater off, or down to low or I have to reset the breaker. I’ve never had it pop the GFI. I would start there as previously suggested. I’ve replaced our GFI once, they do go bad. Mike

I agree with John on this. I routinely lift the back of my truck with the trailer jack. Not far, maybe an inch at most after the truck goes to normal level. Usually, just until the chains have some slack. It can’t be much weight. I’ve found the key to easy hook up is to get the truck and trailer aligned. Mike

We are disappointed that the rally will not happen in May, for good reason. On the bright side, we’ll have a chance to experience northern Alabama in the early fall. Might have the beginnings of foliage change. Also, might get some even newer owners who take delivery this summer.

Wait just a minute...., I resemble that remark! 🤣

As far as camping during this crisis I agree 100% that those that can should camp! We just got back from a trip and we’re already working an alternative trip this spring. Cancer and other chronic diseases don’t have the spike in cases that COVID-19 has had in other countries, such as China, Italy and others. We also spend millions of dollars on those diseases, cancer, heart disease, etc. The federal and state governments are trying to prevent a similar spike that we see elsewhere. If we could get people to stop drinking and driving vehicle deaths would be reduced. I agree the social media and news media are making this worse and taking advantage.

I disagree. Postponing the rally is about keeping people safe and well. In fact, there might be a monetary loss in doing so. Keeping production going keeps people in their jobs with income and provides products to people who want the Oliver product. I have confidence that the Oliver leadership team is making wise decisions not just trying to chase a dollar.

Shutting down production is a business decision for Oliver with significant consequences. Postponing the rally results in some inconveniences and disappointment. Two different categories. I don’t think they should shut down production as long as there isn’t a virus outbreak manifested in the region. Postponing the rally was prudent and should help “flatten the curve”.

Prudent decision. I notice on other forums that other rally’s are being canceled or postponed too. I’m sure Alabama the end of September will be nice. Mike

I thought the gallon freezer bags were clear....

Plus a rubber band to keep it in place! 😜

Liv, let me add to the welcomes. I hope you’re able to discover a lot! Mike

There are a number of owners towing with an SUV. The ones with the Audi Q7 and VW Touareg tow without the Andersen because the manufacturer says don’t use a WDH. There are also half ton truck owners towing without the Andersen. I would check to see how your suspension handles the tongue weight when you set the trailer on your hitch. The Andersen can correct any excess dip you may have. Airbags work too. I’ve not towed without the Andersen. I got it for my first truck, a Tacoma, then just kept using it on my two Rams. Mike

This is Lost Dutchman State Park outside of Phoenix this past January. It’s a big park and very scenic. There were a number of Olivers there in January, including the crazy Oliver owners in the middle picture.

I’ve had the front off of the bathroom vanity a couple of times. Four screws. Just pry off the covers, unscrew and break the caulking. What’s in there is what you would expect, hot and cold fresh water lines, HVAC ducting, black vent pipe and electrical connections for the water pump. If you add urine to your gray water tank is it still a gray water tank? Or does it become black? If you have urine in your gray tank and your traps go dry is there a sanitary issue since it’s a direct connection with your sinks and shower? If you have urine in your gray tank and forget to close the gate while traveling and have a back up in the shower pan, would that be acceptable? Also, is the plastic that forms the black tank rated for drinkable fresh water? How do you fill the “black” tank with fresh water, through the black tank flush port? These are questions that popped into my head as I read through this thread again.

Nope, not canceling any plans. We just returned today from the Texas gulf coast. The state park was full. Not sure if we’ll camp before the rally. If we do and the virus is real bad we might just go somewhere remote.