Popular Post Frank C Posted August 17, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 17, 2022 One of the great features of the Oliver trailer design is the fast and easy (no tools needed) access to ALMOST all of the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems through the hatches under the dinette seats and the beds, or by removing the kitchen cabinet drawers. One area that’s NOT readily accessible is the area under the bathroom vanity, even though there is plumbing, electrical, and furnace ductwork all tucked inside the vanity. The storage cubby in the front of the vanity is screwed AND CAULKED in place by Oliver at the factory, so access is a bit more complicated than the other areas. I recently needed to get into that vanity area for some inspection and maintenance, and after completing that I wanted to make future access easier (no tools needed and no caulking). I know some owners have replaced the storage cubby with a hinged marine access panel, but I didn’t want to lose the cubby storage. So here’s a detailed description of a simple modification I did, along with links to the parts used. Access is now fast and easy. No-Slip Clip-On Barrel Nut, for 0.025" to 0.15" Panel Thickness, 8-32 Thread Size https://www.mcmaster.com/94850A111 #8-32 x 1" Thumb Screw Stainless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FZVLZKD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share uxcell Edge Trim U Seal Extrusion, Silicone White U Channel Edge Protector Sheet Fits 0.5-2.5mm Edge 3Meters/9.84Ft Length https://a.co/d/1uWUZB3 Molex -3 Match Set - (3-Pin) w/14-20 AWG, Wire Connector - 2.13mm D, Latch Lock, MLX https://a.co/d/gapvioi 10 24 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 13 minutes ago, Frank C said: One of the great features of the Oliver trailer design is the fast and easy (no tools needed) access to ALMOST all of the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems through the hatches under the dinette seats and the beds, or by removing the kitchen cabinet drawers. One area that’s NOT readily accessible is the area under the bathroom vanity, even though there is plumbing, electrical, and furnace ductwork all tucked inside the vanity. The storage cubby in the front of the vanity is screwed AND CAULKED in place by Oliver at the factory, so access is a bit more complicated than the other areas. I recently needed to get into that vanity area for some inspection and maintenance, and after completing that I wanted to make future access easier (no tools needed and no caulking). I know some owners have replaced the storage cubby with a hinged marine access panel, but I didn’t want to lose the cubby storage. So here’s a detailed description of a simple modification I did, along with links to the parts used. Access is now fast and easy. No-Slip Clip-On Barrel Nut, for 0.025" to 0.15" Panel Thickness, 8-32 Thread Size https://www.mcmaster.com/94850A111 #8-32 x 1" Thumb Screw Stainless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FZVLZKD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share uxcell Edge Trim U Seal Extrusion, Silicone White U Channel Edge Protector Sheet Fits 0.5-2.5mm Edge 3Meters/9.84Ft Length https://a.co/d/1uWUZB3 Molex -3 Match Set - (3-Pin) w/14-20 AWG, Wire Connector - 2.13mm D, Latch Lock, MLX https://a.co/d/gapvioi Very nice job and attention to detail! 👍🏻👍🏻 7 2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka- “XPLOR” 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor North Carolina 🇺🇸 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katjo Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 52 minutes ago, Frank C said: One of the great features of the Oliver trailer design is the fast and easy (no tools needed) access to ALMOST all of the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems through the hatches under the dinette seats and the beds, or by removing the kitchen cabinet drawers. One area that’s NOT readily accessible is the area under the bathroom vanity, even though there is plumbing, electrical, and furnace ductwork all tucked inside the vanity. The storage cubby in the front of the vanity is screwed AND CAULKED in place by Oliver at the factory, so access is a bit more complicated than the other areas. I recently needed to get into that vanity area for some inspection and maintenance, and after completing that I wanted to make future access easier (no tools needed and no caulking). I know some owners have replaced the storage cubby with a hinged marine access panel, but I didn’t want to lose the cubby storage. So here’s a detailed description of a simple modification I did, along with links to the parts used. Access is now fast and easy. No-Slip Clip-On Barrel Nut, for 0.025" to 0.15" Panel Thickness, 8-32 Thread Size https://www.mcmaster.com/94850A111 #8-32 x 1" Thumb Screw Stainless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FZVLZKD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share uxcell Edge Trim U Seal Extrusion, Silicone White U Channel Edge Protector Sheet Fits 0.5-2.5mm Edge 3Meters/9.84Ft Length https://a.co/d/1uWUZB3 Molex -3 Match Set - (3-Pin) w/14-20 AWG, Wire Connector - 2.13mm D, Latch Lock, MLX https://a.co/d/gapvioi 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 2021 Oliver Elite ll Hull #732 Michigan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katjo Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 @Frank C Brilliant!!! 1 4 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 2021 Oliver Elite ll Hull #732 Michigan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Lessworker Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 Wow really nice, thanks for all the pictures. It will help when I do mine!! What edge seal did you use? 1 4 Sue & Harold Oliver Elite II Twin bed, Hull #508, Ram 2500 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank C Posted August 17, 2022 Author Share Posted August 17, 2022 34 minutes ago, 1Lessworker said: Link is in the original post. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewdev Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 57 minutes ago, Frank C said: Frank C. Great post - Thanks. For the wiring, did you just crimp each wire connector, or did you soder each wire connection? Have you seen any leaks around the edge seal? 3 2018 Oliver Elite II, Twin Bed, Hull #354 2024 RAM 1500, 4 x 4; Gas. 5.7L V8 Hemi MDS VVT Torque; 3.21 rear axle ratio Maine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank C Posted August 17, 2022 Author Share Posted August 17, 2022 1 hour ago, dewdev said: Frank C. Great post - Thanks. For the wiring, did you just crimp each wire connector, or did you soder each wire connection? Have you seen any leaks around the edge seal? I just crimped the pins of the Molex connector onto the wires. And so far no leaks when I water tested it. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Mike and Carol Posted August 17, 2022 Moderators Share Posted August 17, 2022 That’s some great work! Now on my to-do list. Mike 4 Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnesota Oli Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 Frank I think you hit a home run with this mod and also in the write up. Thanks for sharing. Paul 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rideandfly Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 Frank, Great modification! If Oliver is not doing this, they should!!!!!!!!! Also on my to-do list! 4 Bill & Debbie / 2015 LE2 #75 / 2024 F-150/5.0L / North Carolina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cameron Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 I never would have thought to do this until I read your post and now I feel I must do it. And I can, thanks to your super detailed instructions with parts and photos. 4 2021 Elite II #841, 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4, 3.0 diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csevel Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 Love this..wish I would have done this after repairing the courtesy/puddle light in the bathroom! Great work and on my list too! 3 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Sport 5.7L V8 2017 Oliver Legacy Elite II Hull #184 ~ "ILOVHER" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MnM Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 This is a fantastic mod. Both your work and your documentation for us all is super! Thank You! 2 Mike & Marianne Hermann, Scottsdale AZ 2022 RAM 2500 Hemi 4x4 Elite II Hull #1337 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobo Posted August 19, 2022 Share Posted August 19, 2022 On 8/17/2022 at 5:00 PM, Frank C said: Link is in the original post. Frank, What bit did you use to chamfer the holes in the fiberglass? Also, I assume you did that step before you enlarged the hole to 1/4"? 2018 Elite II, Hull #414 (the very last 2018 produced). Trailer name "2 HOBOS" . 2018 F250 4X4 Crew Cab, 6.7L diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank C Posted August 19, 2022 Author Share Posted August 19, 2022 15 minutes ago, hobo said: Frank, What bit did you use to chamfer the holes in the fiberglass? Also, I assume you did that step before you enlarged the hole to 1/4"? Countersinking/chamfering drill bits are available at any hardware store (Lowe's, etc.). And yes, holes were chamfered with the countersinking bit before enlarging the hole diameter (see photos in original post for sequence of steps). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobo Posted August 19, 2022 Share Posted August 19, 2022 2 minutes ago, Frank C said: Countersinking/chamfering bits are available at any hardware store (Lowe's, etc.). And yes, holes were chamfered with the countersinking bit before enlarging the hole diameter (see photos in original post for sequence of steps). Thanks. 2018 Elite II, Hull #414 (the very last 2018 produced). Trailer name "2 HOBOS" . 2018 F250 4X4 Crew Cab, 6.7L diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank C Posted August 19, 2022 Author Share Posted August 19, 2022 15 minutes ago, hobo said: Thanks. Here’s a picture of the type of countersinking bit I used first on the fiberglass to clean up/chamfer the gel coat surface. This one has a small enough diameter drill bit (1/8”) to fit through the original hole, so only the chamfered section of the bit touched the fiberglass to create the chamfered edge on the gel coat layer. Then after chamfering I used a 1/4” bit to open up the clearance hole through the fiberglass. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobo Posted August 19, 2022 Share Posted August 19, 2022 9 minutes ago, Frank C said: Here’s a picture of the type of countersinking bit I used first on the fiberglass to clean up/chamfer the gel coat surface. This one has a small enough diameter drill bit (1/8”) to fit through the original hole, so only the chamfered section of the bit touched the fiberglass to create the chamfered edge on the gel coat layer. Then after chamfering I used a 1/4” bit to open up the clearance hole through the fiberglass. Thanks for the pic. Perfect. 2 2018 Elite II, Hull #414 (the very last 2018 produced). Trailer name "2 HOBOS" . 2018 F250 4X4 Crew Cab, 6.7L diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dehne Posted August 19, 2022 Share Posted August 19, 2022 Nice job and write up. I also will add this to the list. 1 John & Chris Dehne Manchester, MD. 2021 Elite II twin Hull# 901 “Fiberbeergrass” 2021 Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4 Life is good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dorrer Posted April 3, 2023 Share Posted April 3, 2023 On 8/17/2022 at 2:42 PM, Frank C said: One of the great features of the Oliver trailer design is the fast and easy (no tools needed) access to ALMOST all of the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems through the hatches under the dinette seats and the beds, or by removing the kitchen cabinet drawers. One area that’s NOT readily accessible is the area under the bathroom vanity, even though there is plumbing, electrical, and furnace ductwork all tucked inside the vanity. The storage cubby in the front of the vanity is screwed AND CAULKED in place by Oliver at the factory, so access is a bit more complicated than the other areas. I recently needed to get into that vanity area for some inspection and maintenance, and after completing that I wanted to make future access easier (no tools needed and no caulking). I know some owners have replaced the storage cubby with a hinged marine access panel, but I didn’t want to lose the cubby storage. So here’s a detailed description of a simple modification I did, along with links to the parts used. Access is now fast and easy. No-Slip Clip-On Barrel Nut, for 0.025" to 0.15" Panel Thickness, 8-32 Thread Size https://www.mcmaster.com/94850A111 #8-32 x 1" Thumb Screw Stainless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FZVLZKD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share uxcell Edge Trim U Seal Extrusion, Silicone White U Channel Edge Protector Sheet Fits 0.5-2.5mm Edge 3Meters/9.84Ft Length https://a.co/d/1uWUZB3 Molex -3 Match Set - (3-Pin) w/14-20 AWG, Wire Connector - 2.13mm D, Latch Lock, MLX https://a.co/d/gapvioi I have to remove this because one of the bolts holding the propane housing to the trailer came off or was never installed properly. I have to access this area to install the washer, locking washer, and nut on the backside. Also, I want to check the duct work as we get little hot air. Oliver said it was due to the distance from furnace to the bathroom vent. There is some merit to that. Did you cut any of the duct off? I purchased the silicone edge stripping to use instead of re-caulking. Will that keep the seal watertight? Appreciate any feedback. John & Susan Dorrer, 2013 F250, 6.2 gasser, 4x4, 2022 Legacy Elite 2, twin beds, Hull #1045, Jolli Olli - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank C Posted April 3, 2023 Author Share Posted April 3, 2023 57 minutes ago, John Dorrer said: I have to remove this because one of the bolts holding the propane housing to the trailer came off or was never installed properly. I have to access this area to install the washer, locking washer, and nut on the backside. Also, I want to check the duct work as we get little hot air. Oliver said it was due to the distance from furnace to the bathroom vent. There is some merit to that. Did you cut any of the duct off? I purchased the silicone edge stripping to use instead of re-caulking. Will that keep the seal watertight? Appreciate any feedback. Hi John, so far the silicone edge seal has been watertight, but I also have a shower curtain setup I made that covers part of the vanity as well, so it’s not getting a lot of water running over the cubby anyway. And I did not make any changes to the ductwork in the vanity at all, just cleaned up the wiring a bit as shown in the original post. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewK Posted April 3, 2023 Share Posted April 3, 2023 John Dorrer, I used butyl tape to seal the edge all of the way around and trimmed off the excess with a plastic razor blade. It creates a very clean edge without having to use caulk. I really dislike the caulk and try not to use it if at all possible. Andrew 3 Andrew 2019 Legacy Elite II 2018 BMW x5 35d Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dorrer Posted April 3, 2023 Share Posted April 3, 2023 Thanks guys John & Susan Dorrer, 2013 F250, 6.2 gasser, 4x4, 2022 Legacy Elite 2, twin beds, Hull #1045, Jolli Olli - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewdev Posted May 23, 2023 Share Posted May 23, 2023 I find that the McMaster barrel nuts have a thinner gap (thickness) than the thicker panel they go on. Trying to force them on the thicker panel makes the nut portion not straight on. This does not let the Thumb screw go straight in and thereby going in at a slant and is also very hard to engage in the nut. It likely does not seal the hole as the washer does not seat flat. Any ideas on correcting this situation short of make the panel thinner? Is there another type of nut that could be used? Thanks 2018 Oliver Elite II, Twin Bed, Hull #354 2024 RAM 1500, 4 x 4; Gas. 5.7L V8 Hemi MDS VVT Torque; 3.21 rear axle ratio Maine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now