topgun2

Yep - been there done that too. There are a number of solutions but all tend to stem from the same place and you are on the right track - lube. However, I would not recommend over doing it. Something as simple as paraffin wax or the next time you have whatever regular wax that you use on the rest of the Ollie out, spread a little on the threads of either the cover or base plate. Bill

than Lover's Leap

You can't put them there - that is where I store my ladder! 😁 Nice job but ya simply got to get to work on those projects before serious camping season starts. Bill

as Olivers travel

when along came

the muon wobble

More than likely - if I owned a 3/4 ton TV I would not use the a weight distribution hitch. A case can be made for all of the "what ifs" in the world but at some point a person can simply get carried away with just about anything. As long as each person is at least aware of all the risks involved, the legal constraints, and the potential risk that they just may be putting others in, then they should be able to determine what the answer is for their own purpose and comfort level. Bill

I'd guess that a "rubbing compound" is a bit too aggressive at this point. I'd start with just a simple polish of your choice followed by the wax as you mention. Bill

Pat - I believe that it is recommended by Andersen to leave those "Chain Adjuster Threads" (the assembly right near the red bushings) dry. I've always assumed that this was because they didn't want these to change tension during normal operation. With regards to other WD hitches - I've used an Equalizer WD hitch on previous RV's I've owned and from that experience I believe that the Andersen is at least as easy to use AND does a better job - particularly with "bounce". Bill

Pat - This is really nice praise from a guy (and gal) that seem to know just a little about working with wood. I echo that praise. Also, it is nice to see that you and your phone are back on speaking terms - 😃 Bill

I would not worry about the Louisiana heat. I basically agree with both Mike and SeaDawg. However, as SeaDawg points out I would take additional steps to control moisture - both via ventilation and some type of humidity control. Even if you remove cushions and contents there will still remain a small portion of plant based material - i.e. wood - that can be harmed by humidity. For winter storage I use a couple of large containers of "Damp-Rid" and certainly a de-humidifier would also work. Having your air conditioner set to 80 just might not work as well for humidity when it is 75 degrees and 90 percent humidity on those "cool" southern nights. Bill

the spaghetti junction

Well ... Indeed, as JED points out above, there is the potential issue of "jounce control" or bounce control if you prefer. And, there is an arguable added "safety" factor on two possible fronts. First is the fact that the Ollie is attached to the tow vehicle in at least one additional place via the "whale tail". Certainly this can be argued in that one already has the hitch and the safety chains and it is extremely unlikely for the bulldog or ball on the hitch to fail. But, for those that profess to like multiple backups ...... Second, there is the issue of emergencies. What happens to this entire hitch "system" in the event of a catastrophic event such as avoiding a animal in the road or another driver or a suspension failure or a ?????? Would the Andersen actually provide additional safety? Or, with anti-sway functions supposedly covered via a tow vehicle's internal software, would the Andersen only add to the problems making the catastrophic event even worse (of course in using the Andersen one would have turned off the tow vehicle's anti-sway function). And, even with a 3/4 ton tow vehicle would the weight distribution aid in the control and distribution of various forces encountered during the event? Bill

But - inquiring minds simply want to know.🤔

Have you considered taking it out to lunch?😋

Let us (Moderators) know if we can help you with posting your pics - we'd be happy to help. Bill

down the Interstate

Bugeyedriver also towed and Oliver Elite I with a mid-sized pickup for many thousands of miles. While not an Elite II I would guess that he has some stories to tell - about his towing experience that is.😁 Bill

within the Oliver's

where buffalo roam

I have never towed my Oliver Elite II with a "mid-sized" pickup. However, I did tow previous RV's with a Tacoma. It was OK in that it never let me down. It did make it up western mountains and had enough brakes to handle going down those same grades. However, I never really liked the sound of the engine as it worked really hard on many of the steeper grades. AND - what I was towing weighed just shy of 4,000 pounds versus the Oliver's 6,000 to 6,500 pounds. I'm certain that I would have switched (for safety and comfort reasons) to a larger Tow Vehicle but I had already do that by the time my Oliver came along. My reason for switching earlier was gas! One time when traveling west on Interstate 70 I was headed into a 40 mph head wind at a vehicle speed of 60mph. My gas mileage was 4 miles to the gallon! With the small gas tank that is in the Tacoma I was stopping about every hour and a half for gas and was constantly worried that there would not be a station when I needed one. I actually really liked my Tacoma but I really do not believe that it makes for a very good tow vehicle for the Elite II in all but the very narrowest of circumstances. Bill

on lithium mushrooms

resulted in the

IL-T I've used a K&N for the engine air intake for years now and have been very happy with it. Bill

FWIW - I log in and out at each visit - its no big deal. But, I'm not using Apple products and I don't get emails as you are getting them. Bill