BoondockingAirstream

Ahhhh Yes... Some find it that THEIR CHOICE's are always the BEST for everyone. As more information comes, all is taken under consideration. I ask questions when ideas conflict. With Minnesota Oli's post I have TWO options and find his option and choice to fit more into my original 2 5/16 inch ball and coupler. Had I all the options and the owner's reasoning in front of me at one time... that would be the best. Minnesota Oli's works for him and me. Now to sit back and get comfortable with the idea.

I had looked at a Bulldog 028462 Trailer Coupler for 2 5/16 in Ball, Tongue Mount Width 3 inch... for $109.24, 12,500# (tow Two Olivers at the same time). Big Balls and Couplers are stronger... in my opinion, even if it is overkill, it harms nothing. ? It is shown UNDIRLLED. Any commments why, not?

I also have to add John Davies... and others giving me suggestions to work with... Thank you if I missed others.

With help from Steve Landrum, Minnesota Oli and confirmation of Steph and Dud B... I can SEE the simplicity with this shank and ball assembly. Was it necessary to replace the used Anderson Ball Coupler so not to damage the new 2 inch ball? If you did replace the Coupler, did YOU have to drill the holes for the two bolts, or did you order with the two holes predrilled? The Oliver Anderson hitch is not something I am familiar, so want to get everything figured out in advance. I have no issue with the 2" Ball and Coupler as the weight of the Oliver is nothing like my Airstreams. Having Oliver towing hardware for 2 inch and my Equalizer Airstream towing hardware would be wiser. I do not need Sway Control or Weight Distribution towing with an F350 Diesel. I see 'light at the end of the tunnel'. Not just headlights of oncoming traffic... 🙂 Thanks for any additional information... especially about the pre drilling of the Anderson Coupler. I have already thought of making a template of stiff paper off of the current Anderson 2" Coupler and transfer it over to an Undrilled Anderson. Is THAT the way to go?

MNOlie... The shank and ball system is easier to find. It is interesting how many companies are into the Trailer Hitch business. It is the Ball Latch on the Oliver and apparently this can be purchased, but without the holes drilled for exact fit. I will be calling Oliver to see what their options may be. I do not run a machine shop... or have a handy drill press... or even the desire to fabricate the Oliver Ball Coupler on my own. I have a number of shanks. One for U Haul 2 inch. Others that come with a trailer I did not use, since buying a complete shank to trailer is best. Dexter supplies it all and you can vary what accessories you need. The F350 can easily tow on the Ball alone... and I am going that route. No Weight Distribution or Sway Control problems. It will be interesting how this works out... once the dust settles. The current 2" Anderson has the Ball frozen into the shank portion and the ball is a mess. So I also figure the Coupler is shot, as well. I like the KISS... keep it simple stupid. I am the stupid... at the present time, but will be using everyone's assistance on this Thread and work through all of the information, thinking this all out what works best for me.

"How on earth do you plan to use both RV's?" dewdev Punishment for Curiosity. (A strong feeling to know or learn something.) I also have THREE FLY RODS for fishing. When Off the Grid Boondocking... there are advantages for a shorter, narrower trailer for some destinations. The 23 foot Airstream is narrower than all the other Airstream Models... but had 14 inch, five lug wheels in 2006). Load Range C Goodyear 14 inch Marathons... worst tires for heavy Airstreams. We are unconventional in our trailer uses, where we set camp, what we need (like 16 inch Michelins on both trailers), clearances (added 3 inches of lift to the Airstream due to length and 16 inch Michelins). Also, consideration of the current depreciating money in savings at low interest rates. Our Oliver and Airstream will always have value, have a purpose, easy to sell and both are excellent trailers. We want the Propane / Electric operated trailer... ONLY. The trend is going ALL Electric, which does not work for us. Both trailers are 2019 Models, so can compare better and many appliances are from the same manufacturers. The Oliver will take more than two days to become competent of how everything works. My wife is the INISDE person and I, the OUTSIDE person. You are never too old to try something, different. Some people prefer to do nothing and succeed. We do not mind trying to do something different and hopefully find success in both trailers, different in many ways, but both are easy to Tow having a F350 Diesel 4x4. We will know by the end of this camping Season.

John Davies and ChrisMI... The photographs are great and it appears that I can use an Anderson Bull Dog 2 5/16 system, which I did not know existed. I would just remove the current 2 inch system, purchase the 2 5/16 inch System? From John's photos... do I have to Drill the Holes that the bolts on the front of the Oliver secure the latch assembly? Or does an Oliver company parts have the holes predrilled and hardware to mount? I am beginning at point zero and the learning curve right now is... taking straight off, thanks to those giving me my options. I should, then, be confident that I can purchase the 2 5/16 Ball assembly AND the bracket with the locking mechanism... DOES NOT NEED ANY HOLES DRILLED AND WILL HAVE THE PROPER DIAMETER BOLT AND NUTS? John and I think the same when it comes to hardware. I knew the Equalizer weight distribution system / unit would never fit an Oliver. I showed the Ball and Shank as an example for size differences. So I do have: - The option to use a 2 1/2 Inch Shank to fit the F350 and Anderson hardware. Or have to use the 2 inch Anderson Shank only and no 2 1/2 inch and add the sleeve? - Have an Anderson 2 5/16 inch Ball and assembly and Ball Latch attached to the Oliver Frame and the 2 1/2 Inch Shank purchased as a Set? (This is a bit awkward for me after 16 years using the cup and ball system and MOST Oliver use Tow Vehicles that the 2 inch shank and 2 inch ball is never thought as the only option.) I will be OllieStreamed... fast. I began looking the Oliver over this afternoon and already found one common problem that Airstream and Olivers share. I will post that once the 'dust settles'. I am so impressed with the fit of exterior components and the interior of the Oliver II. Bear with me on my 'learning curve'. I appreciate everyone's time and help... it will be easier to understand when I physically do this change... and then... like John Davies... know each detail very well. I hope.... 🙂

I will rephrase my question. I WANT to USE my current Equalizer shank and 2 5/16 inch BALL to tow our Oliver. I will make what shank adjustments necessary to do that. What do I need to purchase to attach TO THE Oliver so I can? Has someone done this? I need to know what to purchase, removing the Anderson 2", and bolt on a 2 5/16 inch receiver ball to the front of the Oliver. So... I do not want to use the Anderson 2 inch coupler. I want to know where to get so the coupler on the Oliver to 2 5/16 inch receiver. I have everything needed for my Airstream and want to use it on the Oliver, but need to remove the 2" system and bolt on a 2 5/16" coupler assembly. Where can I find a source to purchase?

I am use to the Airstream and Equalizer Hitch. The Shank to the F350 is 2.5 inches and the Anderson I am replacing has a 2 inch shank. Using the shim on the 2 inch to fit the F350 sleeve of 2.5 inch leaves a lot of SLOP. Yes, I know some welding adaptions to remove the "Shank Slop", but with the 2 inch, sleeve to 2.5 inch... a lot more SLOP. What options, if any, do I have? I would Prefer... a 2.5 inch Shank and 2 5/16 Ball to connect to the F350 and attach to the Oliver II. The Ball on the Anderson is rough and I tried to force the 3382 WD Tapered Ball out and it is... STUCK. It is best I just do one of two options. 1- Replace the Hitch and the Ball and the Shank that is presently STOCK ANDERSON to the Oliver II. It needs to be replaced... all of it. 2- Substitute a 2.5 inch shank system to fit the F350 factory Sleeve, which fits my Airstream and purchase a System for the Oliver that will convert everything to a 2 5/16 inch Ball and attaches where the Anderson is attached to the Oliver. AND... the Shank of 2.5 inches fitting the F350. I photographed my Equalizer shank and ball that I currently use with the Airstream. Since the Airstream and Oliver 'may' be different heights when the trailer is properly attached, I may find it easier to have a Ball and Shank to fit the Oliver and use the current Airstream unit for only the Airstream. I realize the 2.5 inch shank is overkill... but this is a F350 Diesel 4x4... and even the Airstream needs to Weight Distribution... can tow on the Ball and no Sway. I include a photograph of the Equalizer Ball and Shank with numerous adjustments possible. Among those who experiment with or have already done this change, I value your advice. I am an Airstream owner for 16 years and an Oliver owner for 36 hours. Any advice, pro or con, will be greatly appreciated. Ray, Nancy and Dingo the Oliver 🙂

We have a 2019 Airstream International 27/28 foot and now the Oliver II. The Airstream is inside the RV Garage and the Oliver's home is outside. I have to back both trailers into the RV Garage. The Oliver is comfortable outside, on pavers, and sheltered for 40-50% of Summer daylight hours and catches Solar the other50- 60%. Boulder City, Nevada is always has nice weather. Even when it is... not... nice.

Canis lupus Dingo... an ancient lineage of dog found in Australia. Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Australian Cattle Dog domesticated and life expectancy to 16 years. A Dog that can handle High Temperatures, travel Long Distances, Rough Terrain, Protective of their Pack and faithful to their owners and herd children, when necessary. Our Oliver is now... DINGO, who was over 16 years old before passing among previous Blue Heelers we have traveled with. If our used Oliver gives us half the pleasure our previous Blue Heelers over the last 30 years... the name DINGO will be well earned. Our longest living Blue Heeler, rests in peace, within 40 feet of our Oliver this morning. This makes our pain in losing our friend, with the thought we are still traveling and exploring with fond memories for years to come. Dingo would have approved of our choice of an Oliver.

Fellow Booner... lively discussions revive the soul. Some are offended if you disagree with how the Moon rotates, which it doesn't. The longer the post, the more possibilities of improper verbs, misspelled nouns causing conflict with one another, causing a rupture within the English Departments at major Universities. I have spent more evenings in my destitute youth, sleeping on picnic tables overnight, then the next morning spend sunrise to sunset hunting fossils on Ranches in western Nebraska. A tent took too much time to set up and when driving a 1956 and stepped up to a 1964 VW Bug... with myself and a passenger, and my brother as a third person in the back... there was not much room for things, other canned Tuna, and Doughnuts. The drive from Independence, Missouri to western Nebraska was 685 miles to campsite. No more tent camping for us. Still have my first tent and our last tent. Makes my first tent over 50 years old... and at one time this tent style were used on Mount Everest by climbers. I may have to revise my estimate number for postings to Under 200, since I do not have an Oliver II, yet. And it would be foolish for a Neanderthal to burn the rope, before getting using it. Chiggers... my new friend is the curse of all insects. Oklahoma is home to the best... be good. I cannot help myself.

Two out of two examples, 100%. Myself and my Wife. Did it when young. Did it again in 2018... after selling the 25 foot Airstream... and went to 27 feet and never looked back. My survey is also accurate. I did the survey myself. I would suggest that dewdev and topgun2 do a survey of their town or city with more to question. I did my survey. My community was 2 out of 2. If you could survey a small town of, lets say 15,000 citizens and get some percentage, I would accept that as being accurate and rest my case like Perry Mason. I have a feeling that some post on the Forum just to get those weekly posting counts up. When I have 999 posts on the Forum... I will quit posting. Is that a fair statement? I may adjust to less than 300 posts, quit and let others who need to fill space on a Thread fill it up. After 300 posts, I would be struggling to come up with anything of any value to say. Already I am running into critical editorial comments and may need to hire an Editor to Fake Check further material I find written on the walls at the Maverick Service Station toilet door. I can easily see who is posting the most. I have been here for, what? Three or four years? I woke up from hibernating and needed to refresh my typing skills. Many mega posters use their cell phones and make the messages short. I use a keyboard and even add photographs to show what I am discussing. Maybe others should post more interesting material and start some Threads that will provoke some curiosity and discussion. I tend to find the same critics gathering like vultures ready to pluck feathers, when they should be soaring like an Eagle and let some of us... toss out ideas.

Those who Tent Camped in their youth are less likely to move into a RV or Trailer. They most likely put a camper on the back of the Pickup Truck... and lived in comfort. Those who spend more time Off the Grid... immediately recognize the benefits of a Trailer. An RV... limits your options for Off the Grid Boondocking. A Trailer up to 30 feet... can go to many places for those with driving skills, that most have none to brag about. We went from tent, 23 foot Airstream, 25 foot Airstream and stopped with a 27 foot Airstream, which is 28 feet long. If you tend to back into things, cannot judge the height of tree branch clearances, depth of ruts or pot holes in a NFS or BLM dirt road, width of a road, sage brush and Aspen leaning onto the sides of the 1.5 wide lane... etc... Stick with the camper on the pickup. The 25 foot Airstream Safari was a perfect length. After one season Tent Camping... photos... no more Tent Camping for the Blue Heelers. Waking up in the middle of the night with various parts of a Blue Heeler in your face... is an experience. That is why an Oliver II is an attractive length and if we find one used... as it has to be ONLY Propane and Solar Independent. Plugging into anything for power is OK as long as it a 'Rock or the side of a Tree'. Those who want to argue the point... start your own Thread. You probably have never OTG Boondocked with us, before. If once, probably not a second time. We are like Star Trek trailer towers... 'Go where Human Beans do not Dare'. The majority of Campers... are social Human Beans. They live to have company and chatter about things that many find... unusual... like their previous illnesses and why their hair has turned... purple. But that is another story, or lie... you chose. I recall when the Tent was optional. As long as you could find your 4x4 vehicle... things were good. Modern GPS has fixed that issue. What is your story? If you never tent camped... start your own Thread. You have no clue what we are discussing. Two daughters were results of... tent camping. One big reason we went to an Airstream. ...and if you are posting... photographs are proof that you are not reading a National Geographic and cutting out illustrations. I offered to fly the National Geographic flag when I was 16 years old, collecting fossil mammal fossils in the Badlands of Nebraska. They did reply. No flag... I did it anyways for many years.

Paper Plates, paper napkins, stainless steel flatware and no complaints. Personally, I like to discourage neighbors from inviting themselves to have any Meal with us. My wife is an excellent cook. I am an excellent eater. Since I have a high activity metabolism... I can eat at will, never gain weight and drink 60 ounces of water a day. If I am swimming in a lake... maybe twice as much. That is... Will I eat this or that? You Betcha... This is good. That is not... kind of eater. Neighbors: Be Aware... We have two Blue Heelers. Uninvited guests get to see our Blue Heelers clean off our plates with the 'Canine Licking Sterilization Process' and then they are stacked neatly, onto the kitchen counter. The Heelers already lick my face, so why not our paper plates, as well?

West of Albuquerque, New Mexico is the Space Alien dropping off point. Often 18 wheelers and Trailers in Tow spend the evening. If you are not looking... you will miss the exit. I hate to disappoint anyone. Nothing happened after Sunset or Sunrise to wake us up and the Blue Heelers. Another disappointment near Meteor Crater, which is further west from here.

Excellent and interesting signs. This sign is posted in a small town in Nevada, across from a Casino and a Denny's where we spend the evening at the large gravel lot to the East. There is a RV Park with trees a bit north and this sign is to persuade 'campers' to squeeze into a small space, if possible. No facilities, truckers find it convenient, as well. The Double Cheeseburger and Fries is good for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or a 'snack' for those of us who burn the calories wandering the canyons, mesas, mountains and have a wrist GPS in the event we get lost. The GPS gives us direction to go, distance and if it were not for the canyon walls... the one mile short cut... is closer to 4 miles to access our camp.

I know. You and a few others have a good Sense of Humor. A rare commodity today. Do you always fill your Scuba tanks with 'hot air' or laughing gas? Or just a rumor? ******* Now... seriously things WE DO when away from our trailer. Your TRAILER is the most valuable item left at a campsite. Remember that. It will cost $1,000's if a typical thief uses a crow bar for access into your trailer to take your hot dog buns and a six pack of beer. We leave our front door unlocked. We leave our outside storage door unlocked. We always retract our AWNING when no in or near the Trailer. A Secure Locking assembly on your Hitch. I like the ACE lock mechanism. If a thief damages any locking mechanism, it is going to cost you money to have it cut off and replace... but it did it job. Made stealing your Oliver and everything within. If it is ever recovered... it will be stripped of anything of value. At a Campground... lock it up. Others notice someone wandering with a spring steel nail remover in hand. This is the 99% most likely place for problems. (Yes... you can say you have never, ever... had a problem. Great. But you have not Rolled Over your Oliver, either. Takes a good alert experienced driver... 🙂 Between Grand Junction, Colorado and Ouray, Colorado is this roll over Airstream. The highway coming into Ouray from the South... is a real hum dinger.

My break time is over Sorting Thousands of Casino Dice... but had these signs to add. Montana Forest Service, Zion National Park when you are towing OUT at the South End and pay $15, Nevada (NO Fish at Fish Lake... These are for Lithium Evaporation Ponds and create Sink Holes in the process when drawing the salt brine from deep underground.

Traveling can be an adventure and sometimes even worse. Signs are put along side the road to WARN or ADVISE those who are new to the area. Like YOU and Myself! I take photographs of some that are interesting. Here are a few. Do you have some 'special signs' as well? Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada

We travel with two Blue Heelers. They travel in Pet Porters on the back seat, with a blanket folded on the seat to protect wear and tear. When loading our Heelers, I extend the Petstep to their Pet Porter and each Heeler is happy to walk up the ramp and into their Pet Porter. The Petstep is also convenient to use for access in and out of our trailer. We raised our trailer with a 3 inch lift and swapped out from the stock 15 inch tires to 16 inch Michelins. This raised the first step higher and the Petstep is good for Human Beans, as well. The Petstep was purchased some years ago, so you will need to search the Internet. It is 72 inches long unfolded, 36 inches folded at the hinge and 17 inches wide. I keep it in the back of the tow vehicle and pull it out at Service Station stops and anytime have traveled some time and we all need to get out and stretch our 8 legs. It will take a few prompts to push the back of your dog to get the idea... and they catch on quickly. I did, myself when adapted the ramp into our trailer. When using the Petstep as a ramp access to your Oliver, I place a small footstool support near the middle of the ramp to reinforce it. If you dog(s) jump out of the Pet Porter, they will step onto the edge of the door frame, first. Then quickly go forward with their front paws to the ground. We do not want to injure the shoulders of either of our 'working dogs'. We may walk miles when we hike to explore areas we chose on a map as a 'places of interest'. Your Dog will quickly adapt and it even works for us. You may notice we have two Solar Panels mounted on the roof of the trailer and I added a portable from Costco (100 watt with Controller included for $99.00) for EXTRA charging. When our AGM Interstate batteries are fully charged, the remote shuts off the power to the batteries... all... by itself. Just a FYI. I am posting this for your Dog. This is not some kind of advertisement. Your dog will lick you when you least expect it... and a ramp.

Thank you Mike and Carol for such a positive statement. My "heart soars like a bird'... Little Big Man film. Boondocking is a choice, not the only option for using one's tent, RV or Trailer. I have walked the Oregon Trail in Wyoming and except for some exceptions... only the wind survived what erosion could not.

I am more curious how YOU Off the Grid Boondock, as would others with Olivers. Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons to many at a RV Park is primitive camping and do not mind bumper to bumper traffic. Most people do not buy their Trailers to enjoy Nature... tent campers do. Trailer owners prefer the comforts of their Trailer over primitive Tent Camping. I have hiked and we did not use Tents at high elevations. I am well versed in Archaeology, Geology, Paleontology, Mineralogy, Hydrology, Underground Water Supplies and other outdoor activities. Man left footprints on the Moon. Without an atmosphere, they may be there for centuries. With the Hydrology Cycle of Water on the Earth's surface... footprints are temporary. Ask the Anasazi Indians... which spent a long time throwing trash, which are now illegal to pickup today and countless footprints that no longer are to be found. I love to debate any issue I have experience. If many are offended, I apologize, and will depart as quickly as I arrived. My intent is to provide some information that is otherwise, not discussed on a Forum of this nature. If people are offended, I understand and would advise that the Moderators discuss my intrusions and eagerness to add to topics I am familiar. If the consensus is that I am too focused on the Outdoors... that is because I spent most of my life... outdoors. Please tell me I am stepping over my welcome and I shall take the... proverbial hike, and happy to do so.

Nope... all directed towards Oliver Trailer owners. I get an idea to present and go for it. I have a 27 foot Airstream currently. This is my third since 2006. This is the maximum length for Off the Grid Boondocking for me. The 25 foot was the best, but none on the Dealer's Lot for sale, other than some longer Airstreams in 2020. Posted a WANT on the Oliver Wants for an Oliver II 2018 to 2020. Will see how that develops. If you go to the Airstream Forum... you will pick out 'my style' of posting. I find Oliver Trailers to be 'kissing cousins' and BOTH are Tied for Number ONE for OTG Boondocking. Once I own an Oliver... I will know it inside and out, as I know Airstreams. The 2019 may be the last of the Propane / Solar / 12 volt models that work for me.

Boondocking Off the Grid: We do not Wash Dishes... we use disposable paper plates and paper bowls. Dixie 10 1/16" Paper Plates- 186 pack for $19.09 Dixie Ultra 20 ounce bowls 135 count, Costco $14.19. (As examples for prices delivered.) Coffee Cups: I use my US Army cup since 1969 and my wife the second cup. I suspect the cups are now 70 years old... when made for GI's. Water is precious when Off the Grid. Paper plates can be wiped clean, depending on what was put upon them. We have never become ill, food poisoned nor disappointed in using disposable plates. They can also be used to start a campfire if you are among the campfire users. We are not campfire campers, but do not object to others who are. Hot water is using the Cook Top propane for the amount to wash stainless flat ware and cooking pots and pans. Cold rinse or whatever is left of the hot water. Never fire up the five/six gallon hot water tank. Those Off the Grid campers who like to shower everyday... may eventually camp for days and wash up when leaving the campsite. It is easier to use the cook top to heat water, wash up and rinse. Everyone may have a variant method to keeping the Cooking and Bathing to their comfort levels. A fresh running creek or edge of a river is a Jump In, linger a bit and Run out to dry off. Ahhhhhh. Refreshing and... an eye opener on a hot day. Get a bowl of hard water, soap up on shore, rinse off in the running river. Your hair will be stiff with hard water... so maybe had just left that out of the washing routine. No... your washing will not kill fish nor poison the water supply down stream... Our routine is... if we start the morning clean... after two hours hiking... wasted effort to leave clean each day. Hats maintain hair maintenance and wildness. Fresh water into the face....aaaaahhh and dry. Fill the Dog's water bowl. Not bowel... they take care of that themselves in the Forest or empty Prairie. We have found some, RV Campers, who need to shower every day OTG at least once, maybe more often. They are always needing to fill their fresh water tanks, propane tanks and looking for Dump Stations in... nowhere USA and hauling excess weight in the process. We manage to dry camp for weeks, much like serious Tent Campers who hike the mountain trails for days or weeks. We were tent campers up to 2006 with our first trailer. This was a dramatic change. But our conservation habits have remained. Water is for drinking... First. We follow National Forest guidelines for Cat Holes solid waste in the wilderness. Showering using the outside Shower is great. If you prefer some modesty... a Shower Tent next to the trailer. We used the tent one season. Never since. No pickup truck accidents in the area we showered in the buff... but we keep our fingers crossed. If any of this makes you 'queasy' (unpleasant nervous or doubtful feeling) do not go Off the Grid with us. If you have ever been at a Hunter's Campsite... you know. If you think a RV Park without hot showers and flushing toilets is primitive for your standards... do not go Off the Grid with us. What are your Off the Grid survival options? Obviously many never lived in a Cabin in the National Forest without running water, interior plumbing and maybe had some electricity for appliances. As a kid... I did not realize that sinks in the kitchen had a pipe that drained the sink out through the wall. That is why the grass was greener and taller. The outhouse... a Sears catalog was great for browsing and an unlimited paper supply. I have been accused as having a mind of a Neanderthal. It is true... not only the mind of... We all have our quirks. Myself... I am just getting started. But... when things begin to fall apart... I am ready to take on anything. Wyoming Yaaaaaa Hooooo.