Steve Morris

Yep, we've discussed this before. Even back when you and I talked on the phone shortly after ordering our Oliver. I need to get it weighed to have some real numbers. The platform isn't the limiting factor, it is the US ratings. The rest of the world has substantially higher GVW than the US with an identical truck (not car - it is a body on frame construction beefier than most full size trucks.) Up to 8400 (vs 7385) with a simple rear spring change and up to 9900 pounds with a rear axle upgrade - all certified by the respective countries. But that doesn't do squat for me in the US, legally. I do know that a lot of of US Land Cruisers have been roaming the highways and mountains out west with GVWs of 8-9000 pounds for many years without legal ramifications. But it only takes once. The question has come up on the Land Cruiser forum whether the door sticker cargo capacity (based on tire loading) is legally binding when it contradicts the metal plate showing gross axle weights and gross vehicle weights. The discussion between some lawyers, law enforcement officers, and insurance agents came to the conclusion that the GVWR takes precedence if the tires are up to the requirements. A court would have to be the final arbiter, though. Delivered dry weight of my Land Cruiser was 5715 pounds; 1670 pounds less than the GVWR. There are no options, so that doesn't come into consideration. Taking out another 190 pounds of seats and roof basket should have started me off with 1860 pounds to play with. Eight quarts of oil, 24 gallons of fuel, and 12 quarts of water take up approximately 260 pounds of that, and our fat asses another 340. Tongue weight was 550 pounds in travel trim with full water and bikes, and your 65 pounds for the hitch. Fridge and shelves are about 150 pounds. That leaves around 500 pounds for stuff. So, do I have another 500 pounds in there? I don't know. That's why I need to weigh the truck, trailer, and both combined to get accurate numbers. I do know that I'm not going to get a different vehicle. I've said before, that I know this combination is a compromise, and one I'm willing to accept for my use.

I bought a pickup almost 40 years ago, too. But then, I immediately turned it into a station wagon with a capper. I sold that about 25 years ago, and the two times I really needed one since, I rented it at Home Depot for $19.95. I haven't missed it at all, and replaced it with a subcompact turbo wagon. We didn't even have a pickup truck growing up on Grandpa's farm. Surprisingly, the Land Cruiser has a higher cargo capacity than some variations of Toyota's 1/2 ton Tundra. GVWR is 7385, max towing is 8100, max tongue weight is 750, and cargo capacity is 1360 pounds. And I've removed the 40 pound roof basket and 150 pounds of seats, before adding the fridge and drawers. The fridge was needed for the tiny trailer, and still comes in handy with the Oliver. Especially for preparing frozen food at home for extended trips. I get you on the tiny trailer. It's not for everyone, but we enjoyed it for seven years. It sure beat tent camping on the ground! But at 70, a little more comfort in the Oliver is very welcome.

Maybe you bring too much stuff? 😜 I came to the Oliver from a (square) teardrop, and backpacking before that. So compactness and comfortable camping go hand in hand. We routinely carry six chairs with us, but four of them take up less space than the larger lounger. My outdoor kitchen, which travelled in the tiny trailer, too, folds down about the size of a small Costco folding table. We easily travelled a month from Ohio to Florida last year, taking four seasons of clothes with us. We can easily carry the 12' Clam, our propane fire pit, a third 20# propane can, etc. for comfortable and fun excursions. We have yet had trouble fitting stuff without resorting to packing to the rafters. We even brought home a tree in the bathroom from last year's Oliver rally! I don't want a pickup. This is the vehicle I've aspired to for 40+ years since first test driving an FJ40, and I won't be replacing it with anything else. And it will hold its value and be more reliable than any pickup ever made. Hell, both it and the Oliver will outlast me, and my kids have already argued over who has dibs on both. 🤣

Absolutely! As in any hooking up/unhooking situation, make sure you have chocks in place. Only once have I had any binding where the ball didn't easily drop out of the hitch. Raising it a couple more inches and the truck dropped right out.

Or even easier, once you get the ball under the hitch, back up an additional 1 to 1-1/2". Then slip on the whale tail, pull forward to take out the slack, and drop the hitch onto the ball. Much quicker, and probably less strain on the jack. There are/were nine of us towing with a Toyota 200 Series. I think yours was the only LX, but I'm not positive.

Not as pretty as those western vistas. We’re in far western New York, just across the boarder from Erie, PA at Lake Erie State Park. Water, wine, a light breeze, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for a change. And kazoos!

Did you switch to a 12V DC TV, or stick with the AC version? When/if I replace mine, it will be 12V, and I've already converted the AppleTV to 12V. So I'll only need the inverter for the microwave or the air conditioner.

@Al T from Alberta I missed this when originally posted. Beautiful wrap on the Oliver, and beautiful bikes! Are those Santana titanium? I tried for years to get Deb to ride a tandem, since we ride at such disparate speeds. She's a slow gawker, and I try to at least get my heart rate above couch mode. After getting the Oliver, we got a pair of Gazelle bikes, so now she at least keeps up with the folks walking trails... 🤣 The same applies when kayaking, but there's no way I'd get in the same boat with her, else the sobriquet "divorce boat" would definitely apply. That is, if we both made it to shore alive! 🤬

I got it from MMH, but looks like the same bits and pieces, except I have a blank instead of the 2-3 to fill the last opening.

Overreact much? I received the IcoTek 90° cable entry kit from MMH today. It's going to work great, and I won't need a box. I'm going to test drill different diameter holes in some thin plywood, and see how small I can go and still get all seven wires through. Then I'll go with the next larger size that I can find a grommet for. Antenna will be on a mast bracket hanging from the rear awning mount. As previously noted, my Pepwave MAX BR1 Pro is in the attic, and currently using the stub antennas. Yesterday I added a second SIM card from T-Mobile that I got through FMCA. Three months free (from my Mobile Internet Resource Center membership) gives us time to compare it with the Verizon plan through MMH. The router feeds my Apple TV and UefyCam security camera hub via Ethernet, and our phones, tablets, and Sonos Move via wifi. Later I'll add remote temperature sensing and hopefully a full Victron setup. The router and antenna on the tow vehicle may work for you, JD, and is an easy install. But I don't have a truck, and have no intention of poking holes in my lifelong dream SUV. And, I have devices that I want to be always connected, and that wouldn't be the case with the system in the TV. There are options we can all chose, and just because I'm not doing it like you, doesn't warrant that haranguing...

We’re 1360, so should be the same. Ten minutes later: Yep, I just needed to pull harder. Thanks!

We didn’t like the Tocha upgrade option, finding them too flimsy. So we ordered our trailer with the standard mattresses, and ordered KTT mattresses (the prior upgrade option) directly from the manufacturer. We like them better than our extra firm coil spring mattress at home. And like David, we have the AB Lifestyle custom mattress pad and sheets. Again, nicer than our home bed. I guess we need to upgrade our bedding at home, spend more nights in Curiosity! 😁

I’ve got 160 or so on mine. In over 7000 miles of carrying the bikes, it hasn’t loosened or wiggled more than the day I installed it.

Wow! Ours was delivered March 2023. I’ve tugged a fair bit more than what’s required to get the top off the “secret” pantry top, and it didn’t budge. I’ll pull harder and see what happens. Thanks!

My plans is/was to use this bulkhead fitting through the roof as a cable guide and into a utility box on the roof. If this fits in the Icotec 90 degree fitting, I’m golden! Just a drilled hole through the outer hull into the attic. https://a.co/d/0anCrU1v

Oh, that one. I was looking at the rectangular version. I saw that one before, but was concerned that the seven stiff antenna cables couldn’t make that radius. I’ll wait until you try. 😉

I know there are some sailors here. I saw this double ender at an inland lake in Ohio today. Couldn’t get any closer due to locked piers. Does anyone recognize it? Likely a swing keel since it’s probably trailerable. I want one!

I have not. I am going to mount it on the rear port awning mount using the Parsec pole mount. https://mobilemusthave.com/products/pole-mount-bracket-assembly-for-parsec-doberman-collie I will come down through that portion of the attic, since it is only single hull there, and use Icotec gland. I just haven’t figured what sort of entry box to use yet. I’m thinking something like this Winnebago roof port. https://www.winnebago.com/lifestyle/winnebagolife/gear/install-your-tech-gear-easier-with-winnebagos-new-roof-port

Understatement of the thread. I've seen what Claudia has done on her Oliver, and among other cool ideas, I envy the molded window vents. And I hear she's known in the Casita world for around 100 modifications to her trailer over the ten years she had it. I've got some catching up to do! Will we see you at the fall Casitas of Ohio rally at Cowan Lake State Park, Claudia? Matt and Sue will be attending again, and I'm trying to get two other Olivers to join us. @Golfnut and @Shawna and Scott

IN 2023, Oliver did away with the cubby underneath the nightstand top, and permanently attaching that cover. Has anyone removed it, or know how it is attached? Before taking delivery of Curiosity, I'd built one of the Laguna table mounts that fit under the twin bed extension, but never installed it. It just seemed like it would be in the way, and I'd still need to store the table and support when not in use. Then someone added drawer slides to the nightstand top, and we'd prefer to go this route. I've given the top a few tugs, but I don't want to damage anything, hence my question. Thanks!

I grabbed one of these when you posted it over the winter. Oddly, our Oliver installed receptacle is ass-backwards from yours, so it didn't reach the wall. I need to get in there and reverse it so I can use this handy accessory.

Yes, thank you!

Ron, where did you grab the AC supply for this modification? I’ve got two matching outlet covers, one for the front like yours and one in/near the basement. Thanks! I did the tether last year when I almost left the cover behind…

Thanks Bill! Copied to my Oliver folder for reference.

Interesting. Funds were loaded onto my card December 23, 2023. I've made three transactions since then, the latest just before leaving for the rally (had to stock up on wine for the trip!) I have not had a single service fee on my account.