topgun2

Yep - you are not alone at least back to hull #117. Bill

In case anyone is still sitting on the fence THIS article might help. Bill

Your hull number will only be 3 or 4 digits long while your VIN number will be a bunch longer - for all Olivers no matter when they were built. The VIN numbers used to end with the last 3 or 4 digits being your hull number, but, that is no longer the case. Hopefully that clears up the confusion?🤔 Bill

THIS is the one I purchased back in 2019. It is a 12.5 foot model with 330 pound capacity. Please note that I don't weigh anywhere near that capacity number 😁 but thought that the ladder just might be a bit more substantial with the higher rating (I was correct). I'll admit that I've not used it a lot - it usually simply sits in the closet waiting for a problem while I'm on the road. At home I use my regular ladders in that they are easier to get to and I don't have to get things out of the Ollie closet. Bill

In the seven years I've owned #117 I've never been below 87% FULL with my four flooded lead acid Trojan batteries and stock factory solar. Having said that I should note that I very rarely camp with hookups, travel alone almost 90% of the time and am very frugal with any electrical usage. I even use "Luci" lights at night versus using house batteries. Bill

For what its worth - I carry my collapsible ladder in the closet. A bungee around the vent pipe keeps the ladder firmly against the wall between the closet and the bath. Bill

Oliver will send it to you "free". Just let them know. Bill

NYC can be a wonderful place with all kinds of things to see and do. However, be absolutely sure that you and all in your party amplify any "spidy senses" that you have. Really trust those hairs on the back of your neck - if they even have you thinking about them it probably means that you are in the wrong place. Get out of that place as soon as you can. If you do not know the city and/or any people that are familiar with it then your best and safest bet would be to arrange tours. Bring $$$$$$. Bill

Actually - that is remarkable.

John - A fair number of these ladders seem to be very much alike and simply offered under different brand names. The one that I purchased has a fabric case and I waited around for a couple of months - using Camel, Camel, Camel to price shop - before I got it on sale. While I checked to make sure that the one I bought had reasonable reviews and ratings I didn't necessarily want or need the absolute best ladder out there. This was due to the fact that I didn't plan on using it that often since it would mainly be for emergency purposes while on the road. Be sure to get one that is at least rated for 25 (I went 50) pounds over what you think the heaviest person's weight that will be using it in order to allow for clothing, boots, and things that might be carried along with the user. Bill

I'm not sure that I understand. This type of battery (sealed AGM) was considered to be the most desirable battery on the market when they first came out and it has only been since the lithium craze that they have lost their luster a bit. Both my 2017 Ford and my 2021 Subaru have this type of battery as original equipment as do many other vehicles on the market. These batteries do not spill acid, do not require regular maintenance and they last a reasonable amount of time. As with any battery, they should be cared for properly - kept cleaned and charged properly. Yes, in ideal conditions they might not last quite as long as the old regular lead acid batteries that required a bunch more attention but the other benefits generally outweighed this factor. Of course, lithium batteries are now considered to be superior. But, that superiority come at a reasonably hefty price - at least in the short run. Bill

JD - See THIS for a bit more info on this Ollie. Bill

Sarah - Welcome - glad both you and #25 are here! If only she could talk - the stories she'd tell. And, it appears as though there are still many more adventures to be had. Have fun! Bill

Oliver doesn't offer the old style un-sealed lead acid batteries anymore. The batteries in the last two pictures are sealed batteries. However, FrankC's battery picture above with the 12V blue label on them ARE flooded cell lead acid batteries that are NOT sealed. Therefore FrankC's batteries do need distilled water to be added to them every so often while the batteries in the last two pictures are sealed and there is no way to add liquid even if you wanted to. Bill

John - I don't specifically know if the Brightways are gel or not but from the description below it would appear that they are AGM. This sealed lead acid battery is an non spillable, deep cycle, maintenance-free, valve regulated (VRLA), rechargeable battery. Able to be used with a wide variety of applications; it has a wide operating temperature, long service life and deep discharge recovery. Compatible replacement for Trojan T-105 This battery has automotive style post terminals as well as stud terminals. Meets or exceeds the OEM sealed lead acid battery specifications. We supply only brand new, factory fresh, high quality batteries. These batteries are completely spill proof and leak proof. To better understand terminals and connectors click here. What makes this Bright Way Group battery different The key to this battery technology is the porous glass mat separators, which completely absorb and trap electrolyte (battery acid). Golf cart battery arrives fully charged, ready to go. Where you can use this 6V 220AH battery Alarm panels, UPS Backup, electric power systems, emergency backup power supply, emergency lighting, railway signals, aircraft signals, communication power supply, gate operator equipment and solar.

Yes, there is a difference with AGM (absorbed glass mat) being the newer of the two technologies. For a full explanation - simply Google "sealed lead acid versus AGM. Bill

OK - here's another "strange" point of water entry - the top cover on the bathroom fan. If the screw hole in that cover have not been caulked or taped over water can enter. This usually simply causes water to drip from the fan on the interior but that water can run between the hulls to other places. Bill

Agree with the advice above -- And, if you are going to store your Ollie for a period of time - say three months or so - you might want to cover top of the bowl with some Saran Wrap type of material. This helps prevent the liquid in the bowl from evaporating as rapidly. Bill

Sure - but - just think of all the money you'll collect with your garage sales and downsizing from that large 5th wheel.😁 Bill

Alberta and Randy - Both SeaDawg and JD are correct. Your tank should look something like the picture below when it is done. Note that there is no issue with using your tank as it is presently configured with the exception that you can not use ALL of the contents of that tank.

Those sensors are great and a good idea for those of us that ride "out there". With regards to e-bikes - there are a couple of relative new ones that now have a range of up to 100 miles. From what I've seen - neither of these bikes were of the folding variety. Unfortunately but not surprisingly the cost is between $4,000 and $7,000. If one were to want to use these bikes versus getting a new car or truck then the price certainly would make sense. Bill

I agree with JD on the product ID and with his assessment as to the job that was done in the picture. However, Dicor can be made to look presentable but it takes a fair amount of work and/or skill to do so. Bill

Anyone that is considering NOT using a weight distribution hitch with a half ton truck (or less) certainly must be aware that in doing so they are potentially exposing themselves to a fairly sizable amount of liability in the event of an accident regardless of just who may be at fault for that accident. This is in addition to the manufacturer of the vehicle just may NOT authorize any warranty repairs if the vehicle was used for any towing that exceeds the manufacturers recommendations for either ball weight and/or total weight towed. Bill

My TPMS (EEZTIRE) has a re-chargeable internal battery that lasts up to 60 hours of active monitoring (the monitor shuts itself down if the tow vehicle is not moving and restarts automatically when moving) which equates to about a week of actual travel time. Certainly it can also be hardwired but I've not done that due to the ease of use without having even more wires to deal with. If your TPMS has a re-chargeable battery you might want to consider giving it a shot before doing the work of pulling those wires. Bill

If you're just now sending in your "build sheet" then you should have a bit of time to make your final decisions on fabric. Assuming that this is the case then ask for those samples as suggested above. You might also ask for some pictures of a choice or two to see what they might look like in an actual Ollie - the Sales office does have cushions made up in several of the fabrics and all they have to do is take those into a display trailer and snap a couple of pics for you. Good luck! I found this to be the hardest part of ordering my Oliver (yep - even harder than writing that check! 😊). Bill