connor77 Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 I have an Elite 2 on order and I'd like to hear from owners that have newer models and get their feedback on overall wiring quality. I'm interested in neatness of work, appropriate use of connectors (like butt connectors instead of wire nuts), tie wraps appropriately spaced and just overall layout and quality. My brother does high end home theater installations as well as marine electronics installations and I've helped him on some projects. He's super OCD and the quality of his work is impressive to say the least. I'm wondering if, once he starts to look at the trailer, he'll want to redo some of the wiring. Obviously without voiding my warranty. Thoughts? I've read several threads from owners that have older models. Just curious to know what the feedback is like on the later models. The forums are incredibly helpful. Lots of great information from people genuinely interested in helping others and willing to share their great ideas and modifications. It is very much appreciated. Thanks to all... 2 2021 Elite 2 Hull # 832 "Bucket List" 2021 F250 7.3L Gas / 4.30 AR / Central Maine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted October 3, 2020 Moderators Share Posted October 3, 2020 Can't help you on the topic (ours is a 2008), but, I would like to welcome you to the forum. 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes.... 400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries . Life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connor77 Posted October 3, 2020 Author Share Posted October 3, 2020 Thanks SeaDawg - I've learned a lot from all of your posts and experience... 2021 Elite 2 Hull # 832 "Bucket List" 2021 F250 7.3L Gas / 4.30 AR / Central Maine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overland Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 I'd be interested to know about the current state as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewK Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 I have found the wiring to be very good. Easily accessed, bundled well, wire loomed, secured and clean terminations. Andrew 1 Andrew 2019 Legacy Elite II 2018 BMW x5 35d Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhncb Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 Andrew, Didn't Oliver put a cover on that buss bar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators topgun2 Posted October 3, 2020 Moderators Share Posted October 3, 2020 Back in the day prior to Oliver having "issues" with a host of production quality control things, each Ollie was individually wired. Sometimes by one person, sometimes by another and even sometimes by a combination of people. Then in order to get better control of quality control many things were "standardized". Indeed, one of those things was wiring. Now, all wiring for all campers is done the same regardless of what options any particular camper is destined to be originally outfitted with. So, if one does the factory tour they get to see relatively large tables where the wiring is laid out and on these tables are diagrams of what color wire, connector, splice, etc., goes where. This process insures (as far as anything that we humans are involved with can be) that each and every Oliver that comes off the production line is wired the same and is proper as per current electrical code. In addition to the benefit of having a new Oliver already wired for any options that are to be added after original delivery, the relative ease of completing the wiring on a large table right at waist height should make things like splices and connections much more secure than the way it was formally. However, is there is "possibility" that a connection, splice, buss bar cover, screw, clamp, etc., could be or not be tightened or placed in the "right" location? As long as humans are involved, of course the answer is yes. Bill 1 2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist" Near Asheville, NC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewK Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 1 hour ago, bhncb said: Andrew, Didn't Oliver put a cover on that buss bar? They did not but all lower hull positive connections are under the bed and negative under the dinette. Andrew Andrew 2019 Legacy Elite II 2018 BMW x5 35d Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhncb Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 13 minutes ago, AndrewK said: They did not but all lower hull positive connections are under the bed and negative under the dinette. Andrew Just curious. It's not required but my 2018 came with a cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E Davies Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 (edited) AndrewK, those "highly visible" locations under the dinette and bed have always looked pretty nice. How about the hidden areas, behind the round access potholes, or up in the rear attic behind the two side panels? That is where the older hull numbers had problems, where the main harnesses connected to the peripherals like radio, solar controller, switch panel, etc. Those were a mess.... I agree with bhncb - that main positive bus bar needs a cover, regardless of where it is located. A negative bus can make do without one. A dropped wrench on that big exposed hot bus could ruin your day and maybe burn you. You have to plan for the worst case scenarios, not hope they will not happen. Have Jason send you a cover!. Thanks, John Davies Spokane WA Edited October 4, 2020 by John E Davies 1 SOLD 07/23 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhncb Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 6 minutes ago, John E Davies said: I agree with bhncb - that main positive bus bar needs a cover, regardless of where it is located. A negative bus can make do without one. A dropped wrench on that big exposed hot bus could ruin your day and maybe burn you. You have to plan for the worst case scenarios, not hope they will not happen. Have Jason send you a cover!. To be clear, I wasn't trying to be critical. I don't know about RVIA, but ABYC would not require a cover given the distance to the circuit breaker connection. From a personal preference perspective though, I'm with John. There are a number of nearby sources for ground potential and one particular conductor that I addressed is the outside shower flex hose. But I'm sure Oliver probably looked at it as a way to save a few dollars and you can't fault them for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overland Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 I’m pretty sure that those bus bars come with covers. My guess is that it was lost in production. Andrews wiring is so much nicer than mine. They’ve definitely improved. One thing that I don’t like though is all those wire clips screwed into the hull. I’ve discovered more than a few of mine that went all the way through. Take out the screws and you see daylight. Good thing Oliver doesn’t build boats. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overland Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 (edited) What I’d love to see Oliver do is glue in a 1x2 strip of PVC all the way down both sides of the trailer and then attach everything to that - plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Edited October 4, 2020 by Overland 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connor77 Posted October 4, 2020 Author Share Posted October 4, 2020 Overland - I like that idea. The thought of removing a screw and seeing daylight is disturbing. The strip of PVC (or better yet - Starboard) wouldn't cost much at all... Thanks for all the feedback thus far. Andrew's pictures made me feel better about the wiring and I watched a Youtube video supporting topgun's message of improved consistency in the wiring department. 2021 Elite 2 Hull # 832 "Bucket List" 2021 F250 7.3L Gas / 4.30 AR / Central Maine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhncb Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 2 hours ago, Overland said: I’m pretty sure that those bus bars come with covers. My guess is that it was lost in production. Bluesea has two part numbers for the bar, one with and without the cover. It would be worth the time to call Oliver and check though since they used to be covered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E Davies Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 The bus bar cover itself ..,,, https://www.bluesea.com/products/2715/Common_BusBar_Cover_for_PN_2301_and_PN_2303. If you have a marine supply close by you can find it for maybe $4. John Davies Spokane WA SOLD 07/23 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewK Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 2 hours ago, John E Davies said: The bus bar cover itself ..,,, https://www.bluesea.com/products/2715/Common_BusBar_Cover_for_PN_2301_and_PN_2303. If you have a marine supply close by you can find it for maybe $4. John Davies Spokane WA John, I emailed Jason per your suggestion. Andrew 1 Andrew 2019 Legacy Elite II 2018 BMW x5 35d Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Landrover Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 8 hours ago, AndrewK said: John, I emailed Jason per your suggestion. Andrew My only input on the wiring with years of different Rvs its the best wiring I have ever seen. 3 Grant 2022 GMC Denali 2500 HD 2019 Elite 11😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E Davies Posted October 4, 2020 Share Posted October 4, 2020 1 hour ago, Landrover said: My only input on the wiring with years of different Rvs its the best wiring I have ever seen. Are you referring to mainstream Elkhart RVs? John Davies Spokane WA SOLD 07/23 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Landrover Posted October 5, 2020 Share Posted October 5, 2020 7 hours ago, John E Davies said: Are you referring to mainstream Elkhart RVs? John Davies Spokane WA John The mainstream RV wiring are like rats nests Airstream included Oliver has the best wiring I’ve seen. I’ll admit wiring is one of my weak points. The Oliver is easy traceable A least my 2019 Ollie is. 6 Grant 2022 GMC Denali 2500 HD 2019 Elite 11😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time2Go! Posted October 6, 2020 Share Posted October 6, 2020 Here are some in-production pictures I took mid August during our tour. It might give you some idea of the hidden wires that are between the inner and outer shells before they are put together. We were very impressed with the quality. 4 3 Charlie & Cindy / Cleburne, TX / 2021 Elite II Hull #743 / 2013 Ford F250 Diesel 4WD Supercab States we've camped in our Oliver: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connor77 Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share Posted October 9, 2020 Thank you for the images. I continue to appreciate the importance of quality wiring especially in this type of application. If re-work is needed due to poor workmanship it is probably very difficult. 1 2021 Elite 2 Hull # 832 "Bucket List" 2021 F250 7.3L Gas / 4.30 AR / Central Maine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray and Susan Huff Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 I'd like to see a side by side comparison of Oliver and SOB electrical installations. And I'll bet not many assembly lines are as organized as Oliver's. It's good to be small! Ray and Susan Huff Elite II Twin "Pearl" - Hull#699; delivered December 7, 2020 2013 F350 6.7l diesel Super Duty 4x4 long bed crew cab 1UP-USA Heavy-duty bike rack 2017 Leisure Travel Van Unity Twin Bed (sold) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choied Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Just got a chance to look at this post. The 400s are definitely cleaner and neater than the 200s...oof. 2016 RAM 2500 LARAMIE MEGA CAB 4X4 2017 OLE2 - King Bed - Hull # 253 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators topgun2 Posted February 14, 2021 Moderators Share Posted February 14, 2021 (edited) From another thread - I just noticed that there are a couple of great shots of that water heater by-pass valve - see photos 2 and 4 (from the top) above. Bill Edited February 14, 2021 by topgun2 2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist" Near Asheville, NC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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