topgun2

Yep - since the kitchen faucet is the closest to the water heater and usually gets used the most, I'd also bet that "stuff" from the water heater has clogged the aerator. On an old camper I had to not only clean the aerator but also leave it off for a few days and clean out the water heater in order to fully correct the problem. The only other possibility that I can think of wold be a faulty valve in the faucet itself - but, that is fairly unlikely. Bill

Don - great advice! I would add that I either take out all batteries (like from the smoke detector) and/or remove the related equipment from the camper when putting it to bed for the winter. I do, however, leave the four Trojan 105's in place. Given that I have a cover over the Oliver I do uncover it for two or three days about half way through the winter so that the solar panels can do their magic on those Trojans. Bill

Rumline - I thought that I did a short review of the new design in a previous post but can't seem to find it at the moment. Anyway - I only did a relatively short trip of less than 1,000 miles with it prior to putting Twist to bed for the winter. I did have a little bit of rain one day but I did not travel any real dirt roads. Having said that - the hitch performed great with no noise at all. In addition, the new design is easier to hook up because you do not have to get the "whale tail" up tight under the hitch ball post while at the same time aligning the holes for the pin that holds it in place. Since there has been precious little discussion about it on the Forum, I'd take that as a good sign that the previous noise problems have been taken care of. Hope this helps. Bill

Yes, it will be a big change in that all of these trucks are (at least to me) much bigger than the Taco I drove. I only have used the "tow/haul" mode on my F-150 once - just to try it out. But, since the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming have virtually no effect on pulling the Oliver, I never even think about using that mode. Yes, I know that the "tow/haul" mode uses more engine braking when going downhill and keeps the transmission in each gear longer when going uphill, but, it simply doesn't seem to matter that much with the weight of the Oliver. In addition, I tend to use cruise control whenever possible. Cruise control will automatically shift to lower gears when going downhill in order to use engine braking to help slow you down. I did set up the trailer backup system but really do not care for it. Guess that I "GREW UP" the old fashion way and habits die hard. Perhaps if I was backing up a boat trailer or construction trailer where the truck's camera can actually see something towards the rear of the trailer I'd use it. I found that the "manual shifter" in the console takes a bit of getting used to - no real problems but using my thumb to shift gears was a bit strange at first. Speaking of which - one of the screens on the dash has a list that shows which of the ten gears you are presently driving in. At times, when using the manual shifter, this list will disappear. There is nothing in the owner's manual about this and/or exactly how to get the list to re-appear on the screen! The fix is simple however - when in regular automatic transmission mode simply press the "+" button on the shifter. Even though Ford has reportedly tested this turbo 6 with a bunch of mileage, there are reports that if you plan to drive it well over 100,000 miles, the engine just might need more service. I believe that this is one of the reasons that "Bugeyedriver" chose the v8 in his new Ford. Finally, yes, for a truck, it is fun to drive! Just when you think you are having a blast in punching that thing, try the "Sport" mode on the trans. Still not as much fun as the motorcycle but it will catch your attention. Just can't imagine what that same thing in the Raptor feels like. I too liked the exterior design of the Rams, but didn't like the interior. I liked the reputation of the Tundra's and also their exterior, but didn't like the color choices and interior design. I didn't even look at the GM's - a company that can't seem to fix the front lights for a period exceeding ten years is not high on my list to start with. AND, I just guess that I'm not grown up enough yet to buy a Chevy. Bill

In the beginning (and perhaps middle) checklists are your friend. Consistency is my key - do everything the same way each time - that way nothing is overlooked. In a sense this is also very much like having a checklist except unlike a checklist my memory can not remember what was left undone in the event I'm interrupted while trying to do the same thing the same way each time. Interestingly I find with the Oliver that there are more of these interruptions - people see that I'm packing up and make it a point to come over and check out this "strange" camper before it leaves. This is when I MUST force myself to remember exactly where I left off. Bill

Isn't there a LAW that comes into effect just as soon as you throw out or donate that "thing" that you have not used in ten years, you suddenly have a real need for it? Both my wife and I came from families that had very limited means. Because we take care of our things they tend to last a very loooong time - we both are still wearing some of the same cloths that we had in high school! We actually get enjoyment from finding new uses for things that no longer can be used for the original function. However, at some point, enough is enough! We have just got to start getting rid of "stuff"! But, the Velcro on our finger tips makes it so hard to do. Bill

These days the market is filled with really nice trucks. I believe that in reality there is very little difference between the four major brands. Yes, one brand touts that they are the best in class in this while another brand is the best in class in that. Can most drivers really tell the difference in having an additional 200 pounds of towing capacity (and that assumes that all towing capacities are measured the exact same way.)? Yes, there is a certain nice warm nostalgia in remembering taking a ride in those old trucks with Dad to the fishing hole. But, today's trucks are safer, faster, more comfortable and reliable no matter the brand. Bill

Yes, I have a 2017 "Ecoboost" 3.5. I also had a 2011 Ecoboost 3.5. The new one is better and the 10 speed new transmission is smooth. Mine is the "FX4" - 4 wheel drive, off road version, 6 foot bed, and, is the super cab (1/2 door in the back). I got the off road version primarily due to the inclusion of slightly stiffer ride, larger gas tank and tow brake controller in the package and this cost was cheaper than buying and two of those separately. Bill

Overland - sorry to hear about the trouble, but, I'd bet that the battery protection deal DID its job and your batteries are OK. I've never had a similar problem to yours with my Oliver. However, I have been greatly surprised by Anita, Jason and Richie when they have either emailed me or phoned me on weekends and/or after regular working hours to answer questions. Over the two years that I've had my Oliver I have tried to obtain as many phone numbers and email addresses of the Oliver staff as I could. Hopefully one of those will get a response. Within the past two months another owner told me about getting a call on a Saturday from Scott Oliver regarding a problem they were having. The real surprising thing about this was that Scott was vacationing at the time and not even anywhere near Hohenwald. Bill

Its great that we all have choices and as someone said," beauty is in the eye of the beholder". But surely there must be a reason, other than lemmings and/or stupidity, that the F-150 is the best selling truck on the market. And, can anyone explain to me just why it is that when you are driving down the road and see a truck coming towards you with either a driving light or head light out, 90% of the time it is a GM product? Bill

My Oliver Twist says a big HELLO to the human Twist. Hopefully the two of you will get a chance to meet at the Owners Rally. Glad to hear that everything is going well. Enjoy the ride and that nice new Ollie of yours! Bill (and Twist)

Ray - April 2 is a good date. Weather will be OK in TN by then and a southern route will get you some very nice weather. Make sure that you let Santa know about YOUR new sled. Bill

Don't understand what the problem is - write a fairly good sized check to a privately held company and wait a couple of months before you see anything in return? Add to that the problem with getting financial information on that company and the anticipation of getting a camper that one hopes will last them a long while. Finally, when one reads the sales contract there is little there that would tend to give the buyer any sense of protection. Having said that - this really is one "stand up" company. Unfortunately that is all too rare in today's world. What little financial information that is available is solid. For me, the single thing that made me feel a bit more comfortable was the virtually unanimous glowing reports that current owners kept giving Oliver and its people. Once you take delivery and/or get to meet more of the people that are associated with Oliver I'm sure that you will wonder just where did all that concern come from. I too took delivery of my Elite II in mid-February. Those long winter months seemed to make the wait even longer. I bet I watched Windcrasher's YouTube video (all 1 hour and 20 minutes of it) 50 times! However, before you know it you will be watching the weather reports and praying that it doesn't snow anywhere near your delivery date. Bill

I used to use those bars in my old campers that had bigger fridges and they worked great. With using the bars I seldom had to worry about that first opening of the fridge door after setting up and finding a third of my fridge contents falling out onto the floor. However, with the smaller fridge in the Oliver I usually have it fairly well packed and there is little shifting of the contents. But, I still use the bars if I plan on heading down rough roads or if I have the fridge lightly packed. Bill

On the weather reports I'm seeing it sure does look like much of the Northeast is getting hammered. Hope that those reports are a bit overdone. Bill

Basic answer to your question is - no - I do not have experience with these wireless versions. However, with something as important as braking, I sure would want some heavy assurances that they work in all circumstances. Bill

Just to be clear - your batteries should charge as you are traveling down the road from your tow vehicle as well as from your solar panels (depending on just how much charge your batteries actually need). But, you are correct with regards to boondocking and parking lots, rest areas, etc. I've been in fairly heavy shade with it raining for four days straight and have not had my batteries go below 85% of full!. Now, I've got an Elite II with four batteries, but, unless you plan on spending a bunch of time in conditions not suitable for solar I would not worry about it. There are a number of fellow owners with the Elite that spend a bunch of time on the road and/or in the Oliver without additional solar help (I'm thinking of Bugeyedriver and Seadawg here). On the other hand, if you are planning on being in conditions that require air conditioning, you do know that your batteries and solar will not take care of that for you. In most, cases the only practical solution to that problem is the use of a generator. With regards to your last question - I would assume that you are correct, but, since my Oliver does not have this "now standard" solar port I really do not know. Certainly someone at Oliver knows the answer - try Jason Essary (931-295-6654. Bill

Mmoren - The Oliver solar package works well for most people that have it. It will charge your batteries even in the shade - just not as much as it charges them while in full sun. It will also charge while you are rolling down the road and while stopped for lunch and while sitting in your drive and while being in a place where either you can't or don't want to put out "portable" panels and you don't have to store them, move them or (for the most part) worry about them. The bottom line is dependent on just how you plan to use you camper. There is a reason that the solar package is one of the more demanded items on Olivers, but, again, it depends on how you intend to use the camper. Bill

John - I got rid of that double post for you. Nice truck but I hope that they put it all together for that $135,000. Bill

Bruce - An Elite II is basically 5,000 pounds empty with a 500 pound tongue weight. What this means for you is that you would be able to put approximately 1,200 pounds of "stuff" in your Oliver and you would be right at the maximum towing capacity of your jeep (note that the Elite II can carry up to approximately 2,000 pounds of "Stuff"). The 1280 payload is a bit tougher to figure - you have to add up all the "stuff" "weighing" on or in your vehicle. So, the tongue weight mentioned above (500) plus what the driver weighs (say 200) plus what the passenger weighs (say 130) give you a total of 830 pounds out of the 1280 allowed. Now you have to add all of the other "stuff" that you might have in that vehicle - lawn chairs, chocks for the camper, blankets, emergency roadside kit, etc. Bottom line is that it appears you can tow the Elite II with your Jeep, but, you do not have very much room to spare. Bill

Scouter - With regards to your Christmas week problem and stopping by the Mothership - I'd call Anita in the Sales office and ask her if someone could meet you there for a short look at an Elite II. They are very accommodating people and if they can arrange it I'm sure they will. Bill

Canoe - I really don't know the answer to your question. I suspect that the panels can stand that much weight, however, if it was me, I'd want to get at least some of that snow off given the amount and the heaviness of wet snow. Bill

Not like our Olivers attract much attention anyway - so, why not put a flashing red light on the outside. Not withstanding the above, I too like the idea of putting a readout on the outside street side. Certainly would save the walk about looking to see if all was OK. But, to save the attention gathering, I'm thinking about something with a flip up lid - see it when you want, hide it when you don't. Bill

Pete - I too loved my Taco and still miss it. However, you are really going to love the ride on long trips and Boskar has sooo much more room to play in the back. All of this while getting at least the same if not better gas mileage. Not much question in my opinion as to just why the Ford is the best selling truck out there. Even though the sun came out yesterday afternoon and melted just about all the snow off both primary and secondary roads, the temps last night dipped to 16-17 degrees! The thin blood of these southern boys just find that a bit cool. And, there's nothing like a bit of black ice on those roads to make one pay attention going around that next mountain curve. Forecast for Monday is low 50's and snow will be a distant memory. Bill

As of 10:30 am Saturday there are reports that Highlands, NC has 18 inches on the ground. To make matters interesting, the temps are forecast to be down to 24 by 8 pm. So, the roads will certainly freeze. Should be fun here in these here mountains for a day or two. With the wet snow the sled goes like crazy - at least until they plow the street. Bill