Mike and Carol

A good thing to know is what your tow vehicle will be. There’s probably someone on this forum that could offer their experiences with a vehicle the same or similar to yours. Oliver will install and adjust your Andersen, they’ve been doing it a long time! Mike

A combined gray/black would be a no go. I’m okay with the Oliver fresh and gray tanks but I sure wish the black was bigger than the advertised 18 gallons. It’s the limiting factor for our boondocking time. Mike

Agree with comments above. Ventilation is the main preventer of condensation. We keep a vent open almost all the time and have had very few issues with condensation. We shower, boil water for coffee, cook and even breathe inside our trailer. Mike

Does the refrigerator cool down on propane?

Which refrigerator do you have? We have the Dometic and keep the temp control right in the middle and the setting is always on auto so that we are on propane with no shore power and on 110V when on shore power. After 5 or 6 hours is the refrigerator still cool? Could it just be cycling? If on propane does it stay on? Mike

I’ve never had an issue with turning and my storage box. I also don’t lock it because I only carry my homemade blocks, Camco legos and rubber chocks. If I had the power cord in there I’d lock it too - it lives in the basement when not in use. Mike

Fred, welcome! The tour is a great idea and most of you questions can be answered there. Those that can’t wait for the tour can be answered here anytime. Mike

We used a local tire dealer to change our Oliver stems to metal and balance with the TPMS sensors mounted. We did it outside of a bay, it was no problem for them. When we replaced our 5 year old BF Goodrich tires I wanted the Coopers that Oliver is now using. I used our local Discount Tire and they had no issues with mounting, balancing and installing them on our Oliver. My one experience with Costco was that they would not install 16” tires on my Ranger because they didn’t show on their computer. They were standard on the 4X4 Ranger I had. I asked what they would install on the standard 16” wheels and they told me I would have to get new 15” wheels. OK. Back to Discount Tire. I’ve also used Tire Rack for wheels/tires. They ship to a local dealer who does the install. Mike

When we ordered we asked for 110V outlets in the closet and near the nightstand. We also asked for USB ports on the nightstand. They didn’t do the USB ports or the 110V outlet near the nightstand. When I pointed that out, they said “oops, we’ll fix that”. 10 minutes later it was fixed, both were done. Point is, installing additional outlets is not a big deal. So if you need an additional outlet it can be done fairly easily. Mike

If you didn’t turn the tank off it should keep running while on the move. Is it off when you stop? How do you know it shuts down once underway?

Agree with Steve and Sherry. Assuming you have a 3 way fridge. If the propane is turned on the fridge should run whether you are traveling or stationary. I don’t know why it wouldn’t work on propane if the tank is open while traveling. If it doesn’t work on 110V when plugged in to shore power, check to see if it is plugged in to its 110V outlet. You will need to remove kitchen drawers and the plywood panel behind to see if it is plugged in. I wouldn’t run it on 12V, your batteries won’t last long, especially without solar. I’ve never considered running my fridge off the inverter, not sure that outlet is even connected to the inverter. Our preferred power is propane unless on shore power, then 110V. We’ve never used 12V. Mike

I have to agree with JD on this. Our city chip seals every few years, including the street we live on. I’ve never seen anything like that. Even driving right after they’re done there is little to no tire residue. Mike

Yes, go with E rated tires.

Looks great! Congratulations and enjoy your journey into the world of RV-ing. Mike

You might have an issue with the hitch itself. I’ve never had a problem, 4 different trucks/hitches/balls. Maybe it isn’t opening fully? Mike

Great suggestion - you should get a badge for that!!

Welcome and congrats on your upcoming Oliver! I’m not a tire expert by any means, but I’ve learned a lot from sites like Tire Rack that lists specs and provides explanations of those specs. There are some pretty knowledgeable members here that can give some good advice. Stand by! Mike

We much prefer back roads to interstates. A leisurely drive through scenic areas is what we enjoy. Thanks. Mike

I’ve been looking at the map of Maine and notice there aren’t many east-west routes across the state. If you wanted to head west from Acadia into NH or VT is there a recommended route or any to avoid? Mike

I just got a “Rookie” badge. Should I be happy?

Hi Kendra, There is quite a difference between tent camping and “camping” in a travel trailer. We view it more as traveling while pulling our “home away from home” that we park in campgrounds, on beaches, in the woods and mountains. Yes, I would recommend renting a trailer, or if you don’t have a good tow vehicle (TV) rent a class B that you can drive and live in and then take a trip to a scenic spot. Our Oliver is our first travel trailer. We like the lifestyle and the ability to travel and see and experience this great country. Lots of experts and opinions here, so ask any questions you have as you start to explore! Mike

That’s not me, but I did tow with a Tacoma my first year that looks just like that Tacoma! Mike

the new badges

Oliver did the fresh water mod when we had it in for a service a few years ago. No charge. Mike

Welcome, Don. I’m sure some Elite owners will reply. We’ve been towing the Elite II for over 5 years and it’s an easy tow. The lighter weight of the Elite probably makes it easier and the single axle makes it more responsive when backing. Mike