Ready to buy a LE2

[pjt]

I'm shopping for a LE2.  Any recommendation whether to buy direct from the factory or from a dealer?  Are there pricing negotiations or does everyone pay the same price?

[ScubaRx]

24 minutes ago, pjt said:

I'm shopping for a LE2.  Any recommendation whether to buy direct from the factory or from a dealer?  Are there pricing negotiations or does everyone pay the same price?

The price is what it is. The factory sets the price and the dealer’s sell based on the set price. I suppose some dealers might negotiate, but I suspect there’s not much wiggle room. 

[routlaw]

Agree with Steve, it's not like typical RV sales with the Olivers where you go on a lot and see them deeply discounted by thousands of dollars. Just doesn't happen with an Oliver. 

[pjt]

So for those ordering straight from the factory, there are no negotiations and everyone pays the exact same price?

I'm planning on the LE2 Platinum twin configuration.  I'm considering the composting toilet.  I think the only other options would be the second awning and upgraded batteries, both of which I'm not planning to add.

Anything else I should know before purchasing?

 

 

[FloraFauna]

We like our composting toilet. It is not maintenance free but certainly prefer it over the limitations of the small black tank.  

We do have the upgraded batteries and can go a good week or more with batteries and solar (but no ac).  

We do not have the second awning and for the locations where we camp, we are glad we didn't pay extra for it.  In fact, we use our curbside awning only about half the time and only fully extended in the middle of the summer.  

Personally, I liked buying directly from the factory and staying overnight in their campsites to learn and check out. I wish we had spent a second night there because there were issues we later discovered that could have been corrected right then and there at the factory.

[Wayfinder]

I've had my pre-owned Elite II (2016) since 2021.  And I interact with many other Oliver owners at rallies, such as Oliver rallies as well as general "egg" rallies, fiberglass rallies.  Those are the best!  

I don't have much in the ways of upgraded electronics, but here is what I "think" I know.  Maybe someone else will agree or not.

From what I've heard, hardly anyone stays with the heavy, low-powered AGM batteries.  Which I do have even today.  I would recommend at least going up the 390AH lithium batteries, which will include the 3000 Watt Inverter.  I would think, but not sure, it would make for an easier upgrade path in the future to larger lithiums if needed.

I also do not have a compost toilet, but would like one by default, but also not worth my time and money to convert what I have.

If NOT storing the camper inside or under cover, consider not having the "bulb seals" installed under the awning housing. They trap too much tree junk and makes it much more difficult to clean the roof. They can always be added later if you don't like a little rain dribble coming down the sides of the camper.

If you think you'll do a good bit of desert camping, I would get the extra awning, otherwise, save the weight & money and any other hassles that may come with more electronic equipment.

These is only my opinions.  Like ears, we all have them.  LOL

Good luck. 

P.S. No matter what you order, it will be the best trailer you can purchase.  Just remember, it's still an earthquake on four wheels with all standard RV parts & components.  Things will break, but you'll seldom ever need to worry about the frame or body falling apart or leaking. Also this site will be your best bet for quick answers and how-tos.

[topgun2]

2 hours ago, pjt said:

Anything else I should know before purchasing?

Either get the factory rearview camera or plan on installing one soon after purchase.

The second shore power inlet and second propane outlet can be very useful if you plan on doing a bunch of cooking outside, camping at places that have electric hookups and/or plan on a generator.

There is an old saying - "always give the man a chance to say no".  In the case of the Oliver, that would mean that you should negotiate your best price and then ask for a little help (discount) off that price.  In any case I would not expect anything more than 1 or 2 grand discount.  Or, perhaps you could ask for them to sweeten the deal with  something that caught your eye on the sales floor - camping rug, grill, chairs, fire pit, etc..  Perhaps Oliver has a floor model that comes close to what you are looking for and they might be interested in making you a "deal" on that one.  It never hurts to ask.

Good luck!

Bill

[Ollie-Haus]

4 hours ago, pjt said:

So for those ordering straight from the factory, there are no negotiations and everyone pays the exact same price?

I'm planning on the LE2 Platinum twin configuration.  I'm considering the composting toilet.  I think the only other options would be the second awning and upgraded batteries, both of which I'm not planning to add.

Anything else I should know before purchasing?

 

 

I will second the compost toilet choice. Never wait in line at a dump station, never waist a single gallon of fresh water flushing the toilet. With only 32 gallons of fresh water you can extend your dry camping significantly by economizing your fresh water. 
 

In the same line of thinking, getting the big lithium package empowers you to dry camp in complete silence for extended periods, and even use your AC for short periods before bedtime and replenish the batteries with the solar if you have good sun exposure. At the annual rally every year, there’s always a few people that ask the question, “ how hard/expensive is it to upgrade from AGM to the Lithium package”, and every year Jason has to explain it’s much more expensive then ordering it up front and quite involved. The entire electrical system, excluding the house wiring, has to be changed out. It can be done, and it can be DIY’d later for less, but the integrated system from the factory functions very well, and the components are premium quality. 

Second awning? I don’t think it’s worth the price for what it’ll get used for. 
 

Good luck with your decision, I think you’ll be very happy own an Oliver for your traveling future. Take the factory tour for sure!👍