justjames Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 Greetings! We're the new owners of Hull 693 and are excited to hit the road. The last few years have allowed a fair amount of tenting and two years of truck camping. The Ollie is a huge upgrade! We're planning a couple of local shake down runs and then in late summer we plan to head into the northern Rockies and follow the temps south for several weeks. Next year the plan is Alaska. I have spent several hours on the forum trying to get a quick education but I realize there is much to learn. My first question is about coupler locks. What is the current recommendation for securing the coupler while out exploring? Thanks! 3 2021 LE2 Hull # 693 Twin Bed plan with 340 solar, Zamp controlled and 3-100ah Battleborn batteries. 2023 Silverado 1500 up front. James & Tennie Central North Carolina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katjo Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 Congrats and welcome to the Oliver family! 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 2021 Oliver Elite ll Hull #732 Michigan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dehne Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 Hello and welcome to the family. If you do a search on this site for hitch locks there is a lot of info. I like the Proven Industry model 2178-B around 280.00. 3 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...
rich.dev Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 10 minutes ago, John Dehne said: I like the Proven Industry model 2178-B James, If you have the 2" bulldog trailer coupler then like John said the Proven Industry model 2178-B, if you have the 2 5/16" bulldog trailer coupler then model 2516-B. The Ollies come standard with the 2" coupler, the 2 5/16" is a optional extra. 3 2023 Elite II, Hull# 1386, Lithium Platinum Package (640AH, 400W Roof Solar, 3000W Xantrex Inverter), added 400W Renogy Solar suitcase with Victron MPPT 100/30 CC, Truma water heater & AC TV: 2024 Silverado 2500HD 6.6L 10-Speed Allison Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators topgun2 Posted March 2, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 2, 2023 Or - You could always go with one of these - 😁 3 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...
Moderators Mike and Carol Posted March 2, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 2, 2023 Welcome, James! Here’s what I use: I won this at an Oliver rally, seems to work pretty well. I also use these. This Bulldog collar is used by many owners. I lock it with an Abus lock, both from Amazon. 4 Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountainman198 Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 I bought a cheap 2"hitch ball, cut off the shaft and secure it in the coupler mouth with a collar and abus lock. When underway, the collar and abus lock remain in place to lock the coupler to the hitch. 3 2021 Elite II, Hull# 898 2018 Toyota Tundra, 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9l SRW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CnC Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 We have both the Proven (shown by John Dehne) and the Bulldog lock (shown by Mike & Carol) . The Proven is very heavy and requires a bit of a head stand to unlock it. Hence, we use the Bulldog most often 'cause it's just easier to use. I think leaving RV parks with folks around the Bulldog is my preference. I think leaving a remote boondocking site the Proven is my preference. Charlie. 4 Arizona | 2020 Oliver Elite II Twin bed Hull #617 | 2021 Ram 1500 e-Hemi 4x4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justjames Posted March 2, 2023 Author Share Posted March 2, 2023 Wow! Thanks for all the fast responses. 2021 LE2 Hull # 693 Twin Bed plan with 340 solar, Zamp controlled and 3-100ah Battleborn batteries. 2023 Silverado 1500 up front. James & Tennie Central North Carolina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 Hello justjames and welcome! We use the Proven Locks also. I followed a recommendation by AlbertNTerri and ordered the Ft. Knox puck upgrade. It is an impressive lock. Much heavier and more solid than the puck lock that came with the Proven Locks. In addition, the key is many times more complex. While not cheap, it seems like a worthy purchase, if you opt for the Proven Locks. https://ftknoxlocks.com/shop/ols/products/abloy-sentry-cylinder-in-ft-knox-steel-puck-lock-body Good luck, Kirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul and Santina Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 Bought a 2” stainless steel ball bearing and “The Collar” trailer hitch lock for bulldog-style couplers - works great 👍🏼 3 ‘22 Ram 1500 4x4 Eco-diesel | ‘22 OTT LE2 hull # 1056 | Eastern VA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylor.coyote Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 We use the same hitch lock systems and are happy with its function. We like the small size for storage. The down-side is we grease our hitch ball. This results is the 2" locking ball becoming greasy. We wrap the "greasy 2" ball in a small work rag when storing. 2 2016 Legacy Elite II, Twin Beds, Hull #124 Tow Vehicle: 2019 Ford F250 4x4 / Short Bed / Crew Cab / 6.7 Diesel Fieldbrook, Ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph and Dud B Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 We use a Fort Knox lock: Bulldog Sliding Collar Coupler Lock Includes Cobra-Sidewinder puck lock - https://a.co/d/j6wdOhm Less expensive than the Proven and easy to use. I think the yellow makes it clear there are easier trailers to steal. As a side benefit, the yellow shows up well on my backup camera, allowing me to align the truck easier before hitching. We're also considering a wheel lock to use in addition to the Fort Knox in more secluded or long-term situations. 2 Stephanie and Dudley from CT. 2022 LE2, Hull #1150: Eggcelsior. Tow vehicle: 2016 GMC Sierra 6.0 gas dually 4x4. Our Oliver journey: Steph and Dud B's RV Screed Where we've been RVing since 1999: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph and Dud B Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 Incidentally, I also use a heavy duty long shackle padlock to secure my safety chains to each other and to the front basket. That makes it harder for a thief to just wrap the chains around a ball and drag the trailer away. 2 Stephanie and Dudley from CT. 2022 LE2, Hull #1150: Eggcelsior. Tow vehicle: 2016 GMC Sierra 6.0 gas dually 4x4. Our Oliver journey: Steph and Dud B's RV Screed Where we've been RVing since 1999: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justjames Posted March 7, 2023 Author Share Posted March 7, 2023 Thanks for all the input, I decided to go with the Proven. 1 2021 LE2 Hull # 693 Twin Bed plan with 340 solar, Zamp controlled and 3-100ah Battleborn batteries. 2023 Silverado 1500 up front. James & Tennie Central North Carolina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim and Frances Posted March 7, 2023 Share Posted March 7, 2023 Congrats on your Ollie and welcome!! You might want to check this out...the Lock Picking Lawyer...Like others mentioned above, we went with the Collar with Abus 20 lock (see review of this lock here at timestamp 4:25). We also insert a ball sans shaft like pictured above. His voice calms my nerves LOL! SE Texas | 2021 Elite II Twin Bed # 927 "Lucy" | 2019 F250 FX4 6.7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Welcome justjames! We recently joined also - Hull #226, we use the Proven Industries coupler lock as well. Good choice. QUESTIONs to the group: 1) What's an efficient and clean way to keep the Andersen chain assembly off the ground when parked? and 2) Where does one find the US map of "states travelled" for the forum signature block? Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!) 2022 TUNDRA 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca" HAM call-sign: W0ABX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E Davies Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 46 minutes ago, MAX Burner said: QUESTIONs to the group: 1) What's an efficient and clean way to keep the Andersen chain assembly off the ground when parked? Two bungee cords, one at the whale tail shackles, and one at the midpoint of the chains. Simply drape them over the tongue. You can keep the rear one in place all the time, even when towing. Use the front one to secure your 7 wire cable to the top of the hitch when towing, to prevent dragging and damage….. John Davies Spokane WA 2 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...
Mountainman198 Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 47 minutes ago, MAX Burner said: What's an efficient and clean way to keep the Andersen chain assembly off the ground when parked? I use a bungee cord hooked into the Andersen whale tail pin and wrapped around the Bulldog coupler when parked. 1 2021 Elite II, Hull# 898 2018 Toyota Tundra, 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9l SRW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Mike and Carol Posted March 15, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 15, 2023 2 hours ago, MAX Burner said: QUESTIONs to the group: 1) What's an efficient and clean way to keep the Andersen chain assembly off the ground when parked? If you don’t want to use bungee’s just swing the whale tale back and rest it on where the cables are fastened to the tongue. The weight of the chains holds it securely enough. 1 Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Thanks! BTW: where did you find the US Map for your signature block? Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!) 2022 TUNDRA 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca" HAM call-sign: W0ABX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Mike and Carol Posted March 15, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 15, 2023 33 minutes ago, MAX Burner said: Thanks! BTW: where did you find the US Map for your signature block? I just googled “US map of states visited”, there should be a few to choose from. 1 Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 5 minutes ago, Mike and Carol said: I just googled “US map of states visited”, there should be a few to choose from. Mike, You and Carol are running out of map to color in! Good for you!! 😊 Continued safe travels! David and Kathy 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...
Moderators Mike and Carol Posted March 15, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 15, 2023 11 minutes ago, Patriot said: Mike, You and Carol are running out of map to color in! Good for you!! 😊 Continued safe travels! David and Kathy David, we’re still stuck with 5 states in the lower 48 and Alaska. I guess we better start knocking them out. Steve and Tali have hit them all! Mike Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 Mike & Carol - duh! That was easy - thanks again! 1 Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!) 2022 TUNDRA 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca" HAM call-sign: W0ABX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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