topgun2

Since my Elite II didn't come with one of those fancy solar plugin ports, I simply took one of THESE and wired it as seen in the photo above. Then all I have to do is connect my regular wiring pigtail that is normally connected to my tow vehicle to the solar panel. Having said this and since I believe that you are getting an Oliver that has the solar port, I'd simply do what BackofBeyond recommends above. My specific brand of panel is not sold under its same name anymore. However, again as BackofBeyond mentions, there are plenty to chose from. I would not buy one bigger than 100 watts or smaller than 25 watts - the smaller = cheaper (make sure that the panel has a solar charge controller included) and also = less money lost in the event of damage or it growing feet where it walks away. Bill

You could always use a small portable solar panel to charge your batteries like several owners on the Forum do (me included). Of course this depends on a number of factors - access to sun (i.e. lack of shade), secure enough place such that someone doesn't walk away with your panel, etc. I use a 25 watt panel which I think is the bare minimum that you could get away given the 4 batteries and I make sure that these batteries are fully charged before putting the Ollie into storage.

I'm always a bit leery of reports such as this. While the 4,000 responses are statistically significant, there are way too many of these kinds of reports that can still be skewed to say and/or represent almost any viewpoint. However, most of what is said here seems to verify what is being observed in the real world. And, it gives a basis from which to draw your own conclusions that is not based on "guesses". Bill

HERE is a statistical study of camping in 2021 based on a reasonable sample of just shy of 4,000 survey responses. Unfortunately, it does not address any information concerning the supply side of the function (i.e. additional camping sites). Bill

Or ---- You could simply ditch the white window molding and get the black. Once and done versus dealing with the funk and grey. Bill

WOW! The person that backed into that spot really did a fine job! Just got to believe that Maddie and Baxter helped. 🥰

My take on it is this - if one thought that they used to be able to go cross-country with a lot of flexibility then in these times they simply will need to have even more flexibility. Yes, perhaps it is a different kind of flexibility but it is now more important than ever. This past summer I was fortunate enough to get a reserved site in a Yellowstone campground for 10 days. Every single day there would be sites open where people with reservations either didn't show up, cancelled at the last minute or left early. And, every single day there would be those people who simply just showed up at the right time and got one of those sites. Definitely not the way I prefer to travel but these people (for the most part) knew that they were taking a "flier" on getting a site and were prepared to move on if they were not successful - they were flexible. During this same trip I spent four days on the road driving to the West and another four days driving to the East all without a single reservation. Knowing that I might run into issues finding a place to park for the night, I had 4 or 5 different places already identified in the event my first choice was taken/full. Not once did I have to resort to even my second choice. Lucky - perhaps, but, I was prepared. We have purchased one of the most flexible campers on the market and if outfitted correctly it is capable of keeping us very comfortable is a very wide range of situations. In these times we just have to be as flexible in our planning to be able to enjoy ourselves no matter what situation we encounter. Bill

I used to have a picture of an Ollie that had the front sprayed with Rhino in black. I thought that it would be ugly but was surprised that it really didn't look too bad. I've been told that this Ollie is/was owned by one of the Olivers but I've never confirmed that. Perhaps Jason in Service might be able to tell you for sure? Certainly a picture would help you decide if that is really the way you want to go. Bill

"Another"?🙊🙉🙈

Yes - do the repair. Over time the gelcoat will continue to chip away at the edges and you risk cutting yourself on those edges if left as is. p.s. in and of itself, moisture will not do much to the fiberglass. However, moisture, dirt, grime, grease, etc. will make the area look worse and worse over time. Yet another reason to fix the ding.

Glad you got it fixed. I too have had "issues" with my audio system from time to time - once every two years or so. I suspect that the "computer" chip(s) that run the thing gets "confused" and finds itself in a loop. In any case, a system reset - paperclip into the small hole on the front that is marked "reset" normally does the trick. Bill

I'm not sure how this product compares to other spray on paint protection films that have been out on the market. Several years ago I used one of these sprays for two years in a row. To apply I had to mask off the areas where I didn't want the spray, apply several coats, quickly take off the masking (or else the edges would be ragged). Cheaper than having the paint protection film applied - not counting my time involved with the spray product. But, this spray stuff had to be removed at the end of the season - harder to do than I had thought it would be. The main body of the sprayed areas was fairly easy but there were areas that took a bunch of time and polish to get off. Bottom line is - I had the film applied and have not looked back. It has lasted now for three years - yes, it does have a few nicks in it but nothing major and I'm fairly certain that given the roads I drive every summer there would be far greater damage to my Ollie. However, if I were planning a trip to Alaska I'd use something much heavier - like yoga mats and the like. Bill

Ah - come on guys - there's a bunch to still like. I'm sure that the frame is good as are some of the windows and how 'bout dem axles. Heck! There's still at least one tire there that simply has to be good.😆 Bill p.s. JD - I've got a couple of friends over in Idaho that just might be a bit insulted and come a callin'.

Did you stay at a Holiday Inn last night?😁 Seriously, thanks for the work you are putting in to this thread. Bill

Didn't work for me either. Certainly look through the Forum for threads on gaining access to the guts of the vanity - and then re-sealing it. Bill

Newbie to Oliver but not to the RV world - welcome, glad that you're here. Since used Olivers tend to sell very quickly, read as much as you can stand on the Forum and then be prepared to act quickly when a unit becomes available. Good luck and let us know what questions you may have. Bill

Rex - There are a number of "reviews" of this type of protection here on the Forum. Try the "search" function in the upper right hand corner of this screen to find them. Like THIS or THIS or THIS or THIS or THIS or THIS. And the list goes on ........... Good luck. Bill

If you stay on paved roads or go VERY slow on gravel roads then you will be OK. Otherwise - do what JD says above - Rock Tamers or the like. Bill

This morning I, unfortunately, read an article in the current edition of "RV Magazine" (page 54 - Tech Q&A) which talks about GM's L84 5.3 liter V-8 and L87 6.2 liter V-8 gasoline engines. Apparently (according to the article) there is a manufacturing defect in these engines for 2019 and newer models across most of the General Motors line to include Chevy and Cadillac. Also included are V-8 engines used in 2500 and 3500 trucks (L82, L84, L8T) Repairs are covered under warranty. Bill

Sorry but these new Toyota trucks are not due at dealerships until December and even then it will not be the full line until late 1st quarter next year. There is a lot of chatter because their trucks have proven to be reliable, comfortable hard working trucks over time and have a great, loyal fan base. Whenever a major manufacturer announces a totally redesigned line and its being the first major change from Toyota in its larger truck in something like 16 years, there will be great interest. I've said it many times on this Forum - there is not a "bad" 1/2 ton or even 3/4 ton truck out on the new market today. Comfort is subjective, interior design is subjective but all of the performance specs on these trucks fall fairly close to each other. In today's market - good luck in finding the "right" truck for your needs. Bill

In addition to SeaDawg's suggestions above on places to "go", there are always the use of a portable waste tank - I use a small size that is reasonably easy to handle (i.e. when full I can still pick it up to dump in a pit or regular toilet) - or, something like "wag" bags (plastic bags with dry chemicals in the bottom) for waste disposal like THESE. In over 25 years of RVing I've never had an issue with "going".

Whatever you decide on this question - do not stash it in a drawer.😁 Sorry for the bit of an inside joke here. Back in the not so distant past there was an owner who stored cast iron cooking things in the drawers. It took some time for this to become common knowledge. The owner also had serious problems with the kitchen drawers not wanting to stay shut when traveling around on curvy roads.

Any idea of what the hitch ball weight limit is for the Ranger? You're looking at a minimum of 500 pounds and up towards 600 pounds for the trailer you are thinking of. Certainly I have a bias in this discussion as I do not believe that it is either wise, comfortable or safe (in all conditions) to be towing with a vehicle that is marginal at best. Bill

Yes, I have experience with this method (not on the Ollie though) and usually it works. Obviously, the entire issue here is getting ALL of the water out of the system. Just as obvious is what happens if you don't get it all out. In the case of the Oliver there are a couple of "problem" areas - the anti-siphon valves (back flow) and the outdoor shower. Given the time it takes to do a "proper" blowing out of the system I have found that it is easier, and faster just to use the standard RV antifreeze. Good luck! Bill

You might try a PM (private message) to ScubaRx about overloading just about anything.😁 I'd guess that the "normal" or "usual" real world towing weight of an Elite II is something just north of 6,000 pounds. While that figure is below the maximum tow rating of the Ranger it is starting to get uncomfortably close - in my opinion. Most "experts" that I've seen caution to not go above approximately 80% of the maximum tow rating which is 6,000. In the medium to long run you would most likely be happier with a larger tow vehicle. There haven't been any (that I can recall) owners of a Ranger that have towed the Elite II here on the Forum. But, there have been a number of Toyota Tacoma owners that have towed the Elite II and all that I'm aware of have moved up to a larger Tow Vehicle. Good luck! Bill