Stabilizing versus leveling

[ripple963]

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

[routlaw]

Yes have done this for years. Level and stabilize and not to worry. That said I do make every effort to get as level as possible before with blocks etc before setting down the jacks.

Hope this helps

[topgun2]

2 hours ago, ripple963 said:

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

ripple963 - 

First - 

Welcome to the Forum.  There is a TON of information here and it is amazing what one can learn by simply "poking around".  There is also the Oliver University where you can find videos and help on all sorts of things involving your Ollie.  Please do not hesitate to contribute to the Forum with your own ideas, mods and travel experience - pictures are especially welcome (they to say 1,000 words).

Second - 

You can use the "search" function to find previous "threads" that just might help with what you are looking for.  Unfortunately, our search function is not what one might call "the best" and there have been posts here over the past few days regarding ways that you can use to help refine your search and to actually speed up that search.

Third - 

Your question - there are numerous threads on the Forum regarding this very question.  There was a time a number of years ago when Oliver actually noted that our jacks could be used for both stabilizing and leveling - and - jacking one side of the scamper in order to change a tire!  However, due to a number of "issues" over the years, Oliver now only recommends the jacks be used for stabilization.  Having said this, there are many of us who still use the jacks for all things even to include tires changes/bearing service, etc..  Please note here that if you are inclined to use your jacks for purposes other than those recommended by Oliver, you do so at your own risk and should take ALL of the proper precautions in order to protect yourself (and others) from all relevant risks similar to what you do when jacking a car/truck wheel off the ground.  If you intend to do this then I'd highly recommend that you read everything that you can find here on the Forum so that you are aware of how to do this properly without damage to your new Oliver and/or the people near you.

Forth - 

Congrats on the new Oliver!  The longer you live with this camper the more friendly it becomes.

Bill

[Mike and Carol]

We use ours for leveling all the time, have for the last 10 years.  I’ve also used them to change tires.  As Bill mentioned, this has been discussed a lot here, if you want more data do a search and you’ll find lots of opinions!  Mike

[John Dorrer]

4 hours ago, ripple963 said:

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

Yes to both. I used one to change a tire. After I level, I have used one rear jack to tweak a side.

 

[BigTexas]

With all the cautions mentioned above, I do what others have mentioned.  Get the trailer close to level using lifts or blocks under the wheels, if needed, and then use the jacks the last few inches to make the trailer level.  The jacks are pretty robust and seem to lift and support the trailer without problem.  Having said that, I also highly recommend the use of blocks under the lifts to  reduce the amount they have to extend.  

I read this forum weekly if not daily and find it a valuable resource of information for owning, using and enjoying your Oliver.

[ScubaRx]

On 2/11/2026 at 5:46 AM, ripple963 said:

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

We do use them for leveling and have done so since our first Oliver bought back I early 2008. 
 

Advice:  Chock the tires fore and aft, then unhook the trailer and move the truck.

Raise/Lower the front jack first to get the trailer level front to rear. 

If the trailer is not level side to side, use the jack to raise the low side to level. Then lower the opposite side to stabilize it. 

Make sure you place a block between the jack foot and the ground. That way when you forget to raise them before driving away, you won’t ruin $1200 worth of jacks.

Routinely check the bolt that holds the foot plate to the inner jack tube. If this bolt works loose, you will lose the foot plate that will cost you close to $40 to replace. 

Edited yesterday at 05:39 PM by ScubaRx
Suggested clarification

[Wayfinder]

@ripple963 welcome to this awesome group of members. Like others have mentioned, I also use my jacks to level my 2016 Elite II. However, a few things maybe not mentioned here. I have already replaced the old Lithium grease in both of my Jacks in early 2023. So with 7 years of use, the original grease was indeed getting a bit dry or stiff. I think I got them just in time. Greasing jacks is also in the Oliver University video library. Put that on your long-term maintenance schedule. You should not need to worry about that until at least 2031/2032. Wow that seems futuristic to type. Anywho....

I'm always worried about bending a jack foot (round plate), so I always keep small, thin oak blocks in my truck in order to level out any blocking I use for my jacks - also good for leveling outside tables for cooking. We don't always get to be on nice level ground.

And yes, like others, as long as Oliver does not change the jack models, I completely lift my Ollie off the ground for maintenance. I ONLY do this on completely level concrete/pavement if I can. As mentioned, I also use lots of good blocking so the jacks do not need to lower much. This reduces wear and the jacks do not rock back & forth nearly as much, making for a VERY stable camper. Good for normal camping and maintenance. SAFETY FIRST though.

We all likely use additional jack stands when doing bearing/hub/brake maintenance. I will be putting on new leaf springs soonest and will have the camper jacked up for that too. I go slow when lifting the trailer, stopping for a moment in hopes of not blowing a fuse or other gear wear. Once you have your rig, add to your spare parts list the proper slow-blow fuse for the jacks. I think these days they wire all three fuses next to each other under one of the bunks. My rear fuses are near each jack. I have never found the front jack fuse if there is one in my hull. My used Ollie came with a nice aftermarket front jack and the fuse is outside with the jack. I have a new borescope camera now, I should look harder for the inner front jack fuse. LOL

Good luck and keep using these forums.

 

 

Edited Thursday at 11:31 AM by Wayfinder
minor fix

[Patriot]

@ripple963

Consider a set of these for your new Oliver. We installed snap pads on delivery day and they have served us well.  It advertises for a 2023 OLE2. Oliver has not changed the size of the leveler base plate to my knowledge. Keep in mind you will only need 3 snap pads. You could inquire with the company and see if they would sell you a 3 pack.

Congrats on your new Olive and welcome to the fourm! 

 

https://rvsnappad.com/products/mini-6-4-pack?_gl=1*1v0inyc*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbResXJ2E1axK6bHy80zoefux8nAjJbXwQ8Ok6W8Kv_TmK9BnMxXnMBoC3EkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADD4zBgubd1W_JWGft8lx6EV5EltU

 

Edited Thursday at 02:23 PM by Patriot

[Galway Girl]

Here’s a blog post we wrote showing the installation of snap pads on our 2019 back in 2020.   It is so easy! 

Blog with installation video

Edited Thursday at 04:23 PM by Galway Girl

[Rivernerd]

We, too, level and raise our Hull #1291 (2022) with the jacks.  But, we always use support blocks for two reasons:  (1) to avoid jack damage if we forget to raise the jacks before driving off and (2) to shorten jack travel distance.  See photo below of one of our three support blocks in place under the front jack.

Since that photo was taken, we have added Snap Pads, as recommended by Patriot, above.  We like 'em.

One caution:  ensure that the jack foot is placed on level ground, or the foot plate can be bent, requiring replacement.  If using the jack on a slope (such as on the side of  significantly crowned roadway), place tapered levelers under the jack foot to provide a level platform.  Don't ask me how I know...

[srthomsen]

On 2/11/2026 at 5:46 AM, ripple963 said:

 I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

This may be the capacity of the jack itself but it may not be the capacity of the jack as it is installed on the trailer.

The method of installation of the jack by Oliver may or may not be as highly rated but in any case, in my opinion, Olivers specs can't be more than the manufacturers specs.

That rambling aside I would prefer to use blocks or ramps to do the majority of the 'lifting' and use the jacks to fine tune that and stabilize.

[jd1923]

On 2/11/2026 at 8:22 AM, Mike and Carol said:

We use ours for leveling all the time, have for the last 10 years.  I’ve also used them to change tires.  As Bill mentioned, this has been discussed a lot here, if you want more data do a search and you’ll find lots of opinions!  Mike

Like Mike, I'll use them to change tires which OTT suggested years ago until likely lawyers got involved in policy (over engineering) .

Oh yes, we certainly all have opinions! 🤣

I don't like to level at a campsite with wheels/tires off the ground for days. I don't feel it's safe and will show reason to follow.

When you find out the leaf springs on your new Oliver are borderline in weight capacity and upgrade to (search for keyword) "Alcan" springs or the like, the Alcan suspension is so firm that when leveling you tires will quickly be lifted off the ground!

I had the bracket to one rear jack break. Good thing I was home servicing the Oliver and nobody was inside as the hull banged down, fell on the curbside! If this happened while sleeping, the person on the streetside bed would have been thrown into the center aisle and on the other side against the wall. I'm not kidding!

When camping I level with Andersen levelers and only stabilize with the jacks so to keep the wheels on the ground. I also find when using this kit I do not need or use additional wheel chocks. Chris puts them into place easily as I drive up them to level watching the LevelMatePRO app from the driver's seat! These tools work great! 😎

https://www.amazon.com/ANDERSEN-Accessories-Levelers-Leveling-Motorhome/dp/B01LYQ1Z8S/?th=1

If you go with LevelMate, get the PRO model, hardwire it hidden under the rear dinette seat out-of-sight, and never worry about access and battery changes.

https://www.amazon.com/LogicBlue-Technology-LevelMatePRO-Wireless-Leveling/dp/B01FGGSWPW/?th=1

Hope this helps!

[Steph and Dud B]

We never lift the tires completely off the ground when setting up at a campsite. We usually level with "Lego" blocks under the tires first, then use the jacks to take most of the load off the tires, so there's no tire bulge at the bottom. Sometimes I will also use a jack to help level side to side, maybe an inch.

[John and Debbie]

22 hours ago, Rivernerd said:

We, too, level and raise our Hull #1291 (2022) with the jacks.  But, we always use support blocks for two reasons:  (1) to avoid jack damage if we forget to raise the jacks before driving off and (2) to shorten jack travel distance.  See photo below of one of our three support blocks in place under the front jack.

Since that photo was taken, we have added Snap Pads, as recommended by Patriot, above.  We like 'em.

One caution:  ensure that the jack foot is placed on level ground, or the foot plate can be bent, requiring replacement.  If using the jack on a slope (such as on the side of  significantly crowned roadway), place tapered levelers under the jack foot to provide a level platform.  Don't ask me how I know...

What kind of tapered levelers do you use.  What's the advantage of the Snap pads?  

John

[Rivernerd]

On 2/13/2026 at 8:08 AM, John and Debbie said:

What kind of tapered levelers do you use.  What's the advantage of the Snap pads?  

When parking our Elite II on a crowned roadway, we use camper levelers for the jack, like those available through the link below, but upside down.  We put the curved side down, with the larger end toward the curb, to create a fairly level platform for the jack.  Ours came as a set of two.  We use one red/black pair to raise one wheel on the curb side, and the other pair, inverted, under the jack on that side.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/VEVOR-Camper-Levelers-2-Pcs-RV-Leveling-Blocks-up-to-8818-5lbs-Camper-Wheel-Chocks-Max-4in-Leveling-Height-Heavy-Duty-Curved-Levelers-RV-Camper-Leveler-Kit-with-Anti-Slip-Mat-Carrying-Bag-Level/7519497

The Snap Pads increase the surface area of the jack foot plate, so it is less likely to slip off a support block.

Edited Sunday at 07:57 PM by Rivernerd

[johnwen]

On 2/12/2026 at 7:16 AM, Patriot said:

@ripple963

Consider a set of these for your new Oliver. We installed snap pads on delivery day and they have served us well.  It advertises for a 2023 OLE2. Oliver has not changed the size of the leveler base plate to my knowledge. Keep in mind you will only need 3 snap pads. You could inquire with the company and see if they would sell you a 3 pack.

Congrats on your new Olive and welcome to the fourm! 

 

https://rvsnappad.com/products/mini-6-4-pack?_gl=1*1v0inyc*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbResXJ2E1axK6bHy80zoefux8nAjJbXwQ8Ok6W8Kv_TmK9BnMxXnMBoC3EkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADD4zBgubd1W_JWGft8lx6EV5EltU

 

Hi David...hope ya'll are well.  We're n Quartzsite at the moment.  Do these pads add any stabilization against rocking (IYO)?  They do not sell in 3 packs but will sell individually and that makes them a little more expensive than the discounted 4 pack of $121.45

Thanks :)

John

[Patriot]

15 hours ago, johnwen said:

Hi David...hope ya'll are well.  We're n Quartzsite at the moment.  Do these pads add any stabilization against rocking (IYO)?  They do not sell in 3 packs but will sell individually and that makes them a little more expensive than the discounted 4 pack of $121.45

Thanks 🙂

John

Hey John,

I can’t say they add to further stabilization of the Oliver. They do help to not leave a foot print on hot black top at campsites. And as far as grounding from any type of lightning hit I have no idea. I think when I bought ours they offered a 2 pack and then I bought a single. I agree not cheap from what they are made which I think is recycled tires? 
Hope all is going well at the Q and hello to Wendy from us!

 

Edited Saturday at 07:32 AM by Patriot

[John Dorrer]

4 hours ago, johnwen said:

Hi David...hope ya'll are well.  We're n Quartzsite at the moment.  Do these pads add any stabilization against rocking (IYO)?  They do not sell in 3 packs but will sell individually and that makes them a little more expensive than the discounted 4 pack of $121.45

Thanks 🙂

John

The shorter your jacks, the more stable your trailer will be. We use the round Andersen Jack Stands. The Jack Stands reduce the jack extension by approximately 7"+.

[William SJT]

One necessarily levels front to back with the tongue jack so why not for the side jacks? And, Oliver installs a bubble level in the basement right by the side jack switches. Is that bubble level there for a reason? Hmmm

[topgun2]

7 hours ago, William SJT said:

And, Oliver installs a bubble level in the basement right by the side jack switches. Is that bubble level there for a reason? Hmmm

Yes - the reason is that if you choose to use the onboard jack OR "legos" or "Andersen" type ramps, some type of device that tells you when you are level will be necessary.  Just because Oliver is recommending to NOT use the jacks (for leveling) does not negate the fact that you still need to level.

Bill

Edited yesterday at 08:05 PM by topgun2
added detail

[jd1923]

12 hours ago, William SJT said:

One necessarily levels front to back with the tongue jack so why not for the side jacks? And, Oliver installs a bubble level in the basement right by the side jack switches. Is that bubble level there for a reason? Hmmm

Hmmm…
First off, don't fool yourself that OTT has good reasons for all the things they do! If they did, our Mods section would not be 100s of pages long! I've spent 2 years making too many corrections and improvements! 🤣

"Why not the the side jacks?" You can lift the front jack as high as you want and at least the rear wheels will stay on the ground. Not true side-to-side where at about 4" of lift both wheels on that side will be off the ground.

No levelers, curb to streetside, might work on flatlands and campgrounds with asphalt pads, but will not work for those of us who camp on FS and BLM lands out West. The example below was our first trip in the Oliver (on Kendrick Peak AZ). Back then I only had the Legos for leveling which are a pain to stack under wheels, but good under jacks. And going without some kind of leveling blocks is just not safe. The Andersen levelers give us 4" lift and just takes 2 minutes to use. 😎

The other thing that is painful and inaccurate is fussing over a bubble-level when LevelMate technology is available. We get level as Chris places the Andersens and I'm still sitting in the driver's seat, reading the app while backing onto the levelers! It's that easy. Using a bubble level is analogous to still using a landline or a 90s-style flip-phone, when cellular technology is what it is today! Paper maps come to mind...

It gets me when Oliver Owners worry about spending $100 on a viable accessory after spending near $100,000 on an Oliver, and maybe that much money again on a tow vehicle. $100 in Andersen levelers, and another $100 on a LevelMate adds up to 0.2% of total costs!

Edited 21 hours ago by jd1923

[topgun2]

21 hours ago, jd1923 said:

First off, don't fool yourself that OTT has good reasons for all the things they do! If they did, our Mods section would not be 100s of pages long! I've spent 2 years making too many corrections and improvements! 🤣

No one (certainly me) has said that "OTT has good reasons for all things they do!".  As I would hope you already know, in manufacturing there are a myriad of factors that enter into virtually all aspects of even the smallest detail of any product.  In my almost 11 years of dealing with OTT products and personnel I believe that they are truly concerned and connected with virtually every aspect and they seek to make our trailers better in every way that they can while still producing a product that meets all of the requirements necessary/desired for the broad segment they are trying to serve.  Indeed, many of the "improvements" made to these trailers have been at the insistence of owners.  In my personal opinion, some of these "improvements" have actually made the trailers less desirable to me.  

 

21 hours ago, jd1923 said:

The other thing that is painful and inaccurate is fussing over a bubble-level when LevelMate technology is available. We get level as Chris places the Andersens and I'm still sitting in the driver's seat, reading the app while backing onto the levelers! It's that easy. Using a bubble level is analogous to still using a landline or a 90s-style flip-phone, when cellular technology is what it is today! Paper maps come to mind...

It gets me when Oliver Owners worry about spending $100 on a viable accessory after spending near $100,000 on an Oliver, and maybe that much money again on a tow vehicle. $100 in Andersen levelers, and another $100 on a LevelMate adds up to 0.2% of total costs!

 

You have made this point before without consideration or concern for any segment of the market that chooses (for what ever reason) to not be "bothered" with yet another electronic device.  I regret that it is "painful" for you to have to deal with those that (again) for whatever reason choose to not use a "LevelMate" or, perhaps, even cell phones.  I'm truly glad for your delight in the ease and simplicity you seem to find in using these types of devices.  I would certainly agree that they do have a place and time.  But, ALWAYS and in ALL situations is a bit of a stretch.

About 500 days ago the area where I live was badly hit with a "hurricane" that literally destroyed several towns and this area is still dealing with the issues caused.  One of the things that simply didn't work during this storm was the cell phone network.  Perhaps in the eyes of some (actually most if looking at the current stats regarding cell phone ownership - some 95% of adults in America own them) having a land line for phone service belongs in the "stone age".  But, I'm sure glad that we still had/have ours when this happened.  I've never felt the "need" for being perfectly level or perfectly comfortable, or virtually perfectly almost anything else since my days in the Army.

Again, I'm sorry that "It gets me when...".  I believe that people do with their money what they want (within the law of course).  With cell phones to LevelMates, to Oliver's and beyond people can spend money as they choose.  Yes, I do wonder sometimes about these choices that people make.  Heck, I even question my own sanity from time to time but I sure don't let it bother me.

I'm sorry too that you have had to spend "2 years making too many corrections and improvements!" to your Ollie.  From reading most of your posts I believe that some of these "corrections and improvements" had to be made due to the neglect or mistreatment your trailer suffered from its previous owner(s).  Others things that you have done, indeed, correct, improve or update original things done during manufacturing. 

Finally, I prefer to believe that much of our "100's of pages long" Mods section here on the Forum has more to do with improved technology, materials, design and related factors than it does with Oliver not having good reasons for doing what they did.  As an example - I believe that you have basically rewired your entire Ollie (and nicely so too).  You did this because you saw "problems" with the original wiring that (for good reason) caused you concern.  And, since this original wiring was done during the original build your assumption is/was that Oliver was somehow "bad" for allowing the wiring to be completed in this manner.  But, as with many things, there is more to the story than what one usually sees by only observing what they can immediately see.  Back when your trailer was built, Oliver didn't have "in house" electricians.  They knew how other RV's were wired but felt that if they hired certified electricians they would get the best wiring for an Oliver available.  From the history I know, there were as many as three individual electricians (I'm sure that they knew each other given the small town/area around Hohenwald) that usually came into Oliver after normal working hours to wire our trailers.  This is why not all trailers produced at that time were necessarily wired the same.  After "problems" were being reported by owners, Oliver felt that they should have more control over how the trailers were being wired in order to reduce the number of "quality control" issues they were having.  Once Oliver took this area "in house" they standardized the wiring for all trailers.  This meant that all trailers would be wired with the same wiring harness and would, therefore, actually cost more in wire but less in installation as compared to hiring these "outside" certified electricians.  These same type of issues were the reason for the switch from BlueSky to Zamp solar controllers even though Oliver was chastised for not having an MPPT controller, These same type of issues came up with the switch from 16 inch to 15 inch tires and with the orientation of the propane stove and with window blinds and with interior design choices and with .....

In my experience, Oliver has no comparison (not even close) to any other company in the world that I've ever been associated with or done business with.  They have consistently done things for customers that are far and away beyond anything that might be considered necessary - regardless of warranties or any other related legal issue.  If Oliver has a fault in this area I believe that it lies in the lack of marketing all of the things that they have done other than letting the final product speak for itself.  Does this mean that I believe Oliver is perfect?  NO!  But the company and its product are the best thing on the market even at the price of $100,000.

Bill

 

[Patriot]

1 hour ago, topgun2 said:

No one (certainly me) has said that "OTT has good reasons for all things they do!".  As I would hope you already know, in manufacturing there are a myriad of factors that enter into virtually all aspects of even the smallest detail of any product.  In my almost 11 years of dealing with OTT products and personnel I believe that they are truly concerned and connected with virtually every aspect and they seek to make our trailers better in every way that they can while still producing a product that meets all of the requirements necessary/desired for the broad segment they are trying to serve.  Indeed, many of the "improvements" made to these trailers have been at the insistence of owners.  In my personal opinion, some of these "improvements" have actually made the trailers less desirable to me.  

 

You have made this point before without consideration or concern for any segment of the market that chooses (for what ever reason) to not be "bothered" with yet another electronic device.  I regret that it is "painful" for you to have to deal with those that (again) for whatever reason choose to not use a "LevelMate" or, perhaps, even cell phones.  I'm truly glad for your delight in the ease and simplicity you seem to find in using these types of devices.  I would certainly agree that they do have a place and time.  But, ALWAYS and in ALL situations is a bit of a stretch.

About 500 days ago the area where I live was badly hit with a "hurricane" that literally destroyed several towns and this area is still dealing with the issues caused.  One of the things that simply didn't work during this storm was the cell phone network.  Perhaps in the eyes of some (actually most if looking at the current stats regarding cell phone ownership - some 95% of adults in America own them) having a land line for phone service belongs in the "stone age".  But, I'm sure glad that we still had/have ours when this happened.  I've never felt the "need" for being perfectly level or perfectly comfortable, or virtually perfectly almost anything else since my days in the Army.

Again, I'm sorry that "It gets me when...".  I believe that people do with their money what they want (within the law of course).  With cell phones to LevelMates, to Oliver's and beyond people can spend money as they choose.  Yes, I do wonder sometimes about these choices that people make.  Heck, I even question my own sanity from time to time but I sure don't let it bother me.

I'm sorry too that you have had to spend "2 years making too many corrections and improvements!" to your Ollie.  From reading most of your posts I believe that some of these "corrections and improvements" had to be made due to the neglect or mistreatment your trailer suffered from its previous owner(s).  Others things that you have done, indeed, correct, improve or update original things done during manufacturing. 

Finally, I prefer to believe that much of our "100's of pages long" Mods section here on the Forum has more to do with improved technology, materials, design and related factors than it does with Oliver not having good reasons for doing what they did.  As an example - I believe that you have basically rewired your entire Ollie (and nicely so too).  You did this because you saw "problems" with the original wiring that (for good reason) caused you concern.  And, since this original wiring was done during the original build your assumption is/was that Oliver was somehow "bad" for allowing the wiring to be completed in this manner.  But, as with many things, there is more to the story than what one usually sees by only observing what they can immediately see.  Back when your trailer was built, Oliver didn't have "in house" electricians.  They knew how other RV's were wired but felt that if they hired certified electricians they would get the best wiring for an Oliver available.  From the history I know, there were as many as three individual electricians (I'm sure that they knew each other given the small town/area around Hohenwald) that usually came into Oliver after normal working hours to wire our trailers.  This is why not all trailers produced at that time were necessarily wired the same.  After "problems" were being reported by owners, Oliver felt that they should have more control over how the trailers were being wired in order to reduce the number of "quality control" issues they were having.  Once Oliver took this area "in house" they standardized the wiring for all trailers.  This meant that all trailers would be wired with the same wiring harness and would, therefore, actually cost more in wire but less in installation as compared to hiring these "outside" certified electricians.  These same type of issues were the reason for the switch from BlueSky to Zamp solar controllers even though Oliver was chastised for not having an MPPT controller, These same type of issues came up with the switch from 16 inch to 15 inch tires and with the orientation of the propane stove and with window blinds and with interior design choices and with .....

In my experience, Oliver has no comparison (not even close) to any other company in the world that I've ever been associated with or done business with.  They have consistently done things for customers that are far and away beyond anything that might be considered necessary - regardless of warranties or any other related legal issue.  If Oliver has a fault in this area I believe that it lies in the lack of marketing all of the things that they have done other than letting the final product speak for itself.  Does this mean that I believe Oliver is perfect?  NO!  But the company and its product are the best thing on the market even at the price of $100,000.

Bill

 

Bill, 

Very accurate and well stated. 

Thanks for your thoughtful and respectful insight and most importantly your input! Without question based on our ownership and traveling across the country field experience Oliver is the best TT traveler on the market. As our good friend Rodney you to say -“Everything you need and nothing you don’t”. 👍🏻🇺🇸

- David 

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Patriot

[Mike and Carol]

I’m probably a minority here, but I like my bubble level.  It’s used everytime we set up.  Generally accurate although it does take adjusting every so often.  I haven’t gone for some of the electronic/automatic upgrades (digital door lock, motorized black/gray tank gates, auto levelers, etc).  I like simplicity.

It’s instructive to remember how Oliver Travel Trailers began.  Jim and John traveled around in their Casita(s) for their fiberglass businesses.  When it came time to get a new Casita they decided they could make their own.  They did, and sometime around 2007 the Elite I was born.  They were not RV industry experts, just experienced RVers who used their fiberglass experience to create a new travel trailer.  The mechanical parts (electricity, plumbing, etc) have evolved over time with the early trailers not being very standardized.  When I look at the newer models compared to those built when ours was, they’ve come a long way and have continued to refine and make improvements. Those of us with 2015/16/17 trailers don’t have that benefit of lessons learned over the years but we still have a solid trailer.  Our trailer is 10 years old, just over 110,000 miles and can/does pass for a new trailer (thanks CGI guys).  All systems work fine and reliability over the last 6 or 7 years has been outstanding.  Mike

Edited 5 hours ago by Mike and Carol