Mike and Carol

We’ve been hauling our Oliver around now for 6 years without one and have done fine. Since we like many of the public campgrounds (National and State Parks, COE, BLM, FS, etc) we often have to manage our black tank use. We’ve had to unhook and go dump and then return a number of times. Seems like a tote would be handier in those cases. They do take up space. Just something I’m considering. Mike

We don’t have one but I’ve thought about it since we more often than not do not have full hook ups. Since the black tank is 18 gallons it seems that this size would be just right to empty into when the level gets to around 70 or 80 percent, and at 15 gallons should not be too difficult to handle. Mike

That’s probably the nicest Trillium I’ve seen. They do great work! Mike

The only time we wish we had more room is when we camp during periods of lengthy bad weather and can’t spend time outside. We spend a lot of time outside. If the weather is cold we set up the Clam and fire pit and have a nice outdoor living area. Otherwise, we’re out under the awning enjoying the weather. Mike

I used your verbal instructions on doing this (not sure where we discussed it, probably in a desert in Arizona somewhere) and it made a big difference with how smooth our cables worked. It’s been a few years so I probably need to do it again. Mike

In the past (2016), an owners manual was provided in an “Oliver” notebook. Not sure how many pages, but it was about 1.5” thick. It has a good number of pages about the Oliver and then has all the specific component manuals photo copied. We carry it in the under-the-pantry storage and I’ve referred to it often. I have bookmarks and pages folded down for reference. Other add on things that we’ve done have their instructions/manuals inserted into the pockets at the front and back of the notebook. Mike

A big difference between the 5.7L V8 gas engine in the Ram 1500 and the 6.7L I6 Diesel engine in the Ram 2500 is running on the interstate with RPMs below 2,000. Even uphill, when the 5.7 downshifts and RPMs go up to 3,000 or more the Cummins just purrs along at 1,800 or 1,900. Only on steep inclines does the diesel downshift to over 2,000 RPM. Mike

I towed over 60K miles with two different Ram 1500s. 5.7L, 3.92 rear, 8 speed. Both did a fine job towing my Elite II. Both had a comfortable ride. However, there is a marked difference between them and my Ram 2500, 6.7L diesel. Also, the new Ram heavy duty trucks have a very nice ride, comparable to the 1500s. A 2003 one ton will have a rougher ride for sure, but will pull markedly better than the Tundra (even though the Tundra does a fine job towing!).

What routlaw said. There is a world of difference between an Elite II and a 27’ Airstream, size wise. If the AS seemed right to you, the Oliver will seem small. If you frequent Airforums, you will see that Airstream does have quality control issues. It seems that it takes about a year of fixes and repairs and maybe a trip to the factory in Ohio before things are right. Most AS owners don’t seem to mind because of the “cool” factor, nice interior appointments and size. We also looked at AS and really liked them when sitting in the showroom or on the lot. As far as a bigger Oliver, I bet they are currently at the drawing board looking at how it might be implemented. I don’t think it will happen in the near future, though. A trip to the factory is a good idea. You’ll be able to experience the size and learn about Oliver’s manufacturing process and QC. Mike

We also have business cards that the place that did our logo made for us. They have our names, email, cell # and Hull # plus our Star Logo. It’s not something I thought about but when they offered to make them we said why not? Mike

Amazing work - really adds some warmth to the fiberglass interior. Oliver should offer a full “Foy” package as an option! Mike

I will try this the next time we dump! Still learning….!

I’ve had my eye on the Diamondback for a while. We had Bakflips on our half tons and I liked them a lot. I’m not as happy with the Bakflip on my 2500, it’s harder to handle and leaks quite a bit. You’d think that with just one more section it wouldn’t be that different than the half ton model but it is. Mike

Congratulations! What a nice retirement gift to yourselves. We did about the same and have enjoyed our years of Oliver travels. We’ll be at the rally and hope to meet you there. Mike

You’ll get to know your trailer pretty quick. Each time there’s a little glitch you’ll dive in and learn all about it. We were new to RV’s when we picked up in May of 16 and the learning curve was steep but rewarding. It is our home on wheels. Don’t hesitate to reach out to all the experts here! Good luck! Mike

Nice work! Yours is becoming a most unique Oliver. Mike

Me too. Sometimes there are a number of possible causes to a problem. If we all chime in with what we’ve experienced and the solution that worked for us then we’ve probably covered most all of the bases. It looks like that’s what happened here and like Mike says, teamwork works! Mike

I saw the same Oliver again in Boerne today. Ralph, I hope it was you because I was the guy waving like a lunatic as we passed in front of Home Depot this morning! Mike

I think any reputable place that does fiberglass work should be able to do a proper repair on your door. As far as stoping leaks, if it isn’t going to be very long some kind of tape should work. I carry a roll of white duct tape and a roll of white gaffers tape (leaves no residue). Butyl tape will also work. I just bought a roll of 3M 4412N Sealant Tape that I read about on the Airstream forum. Folks over there are using it to seal around roof appliances on their trailers. I haven’t tried it yet, but it gets good reviews. Mike

Ralph, I figured it might be you. It was in front of Boerne Middle School. I had just seen a Casita on Main Street so must’ve been another Bluebonnet rally attendee. Hope it went well. Mike

A suburban anode is fairly common. Any Camping World or most RV dealerships with repair/parts department. I have an attachment that goes on the end of my hose that goes into the anode hole to help clean all the deposits out. Mike

If I remember right (that’s a stretch these days), Raspy might be bringing his Xplore to the rally. Mike

Don pops in here every now and then. You can PM him to see if it was his and he could probably answer any questions. Mike

TST supplied little stickers and, like Bill, I have stickers on each monitor so I know which one goes where. Actually, I’ve never had them all off at once. If your TPMS is telling you that one tire is low, I would remove the sensor and check with a gauge then fill if necessary. I carry a small tire compressor I got at Lowes a few years ago. It doesn’t fill fast but is good for “top offs” when necessary. Mike

I’ve done this in the house and it’s quick and easy.