Moderators Mike and Carol Posted March 17, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 17, 2023 Cortes camper - some nice features but some not so nice. Double hull, lightweight. Interesting. https://youtu.be/KoZVLSFQB-s 3 Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 36 minutes ago, Mike and Carol said: Cortes camper - some nice features but some not so nice. Double hull, lightweight. Interesting. We looked at those as an alternative. If they make a larger size with a double axle, they will definitely be after Oliver’s market for the E2. Kirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom and Doreen Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 Looks like a nice quality build. I do like the awning / swing-out windows. The refrigerator is a nice size too although I would prefer a true marine style refrigerator that you find in some of the over-land camper builds that have separate slide out refrigerator and freezer sections. Overall I would still choose the Olly given the quality build, components, service support, and styling. 3 Tom & Doreen • 2023 Elite ll • Hull #1321 • 2023 Tundra Platinum Crew Max • Cheshire CT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph and Dud B Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 That company got off to a rough start. Apparently, the CEO was indicted for fraud a few years ago. Here's a link: https://casetext.com/case/united-states-v-spivak Their initial website was pretty sketchy looking. Today, their 27 footer is just a CAD drawing with no wheels. Be interesting to see if they can hang in for the long run. 7 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...
Patriot Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. 😊 An interesting attempt to copy the The Legacy Elite. They might carve out a tiny market share of the fiberglass TT industry. I just don’t see Cortez Campers as a competitor in the same fit/finish class as an Oliver. Actually not even remotely close. Interestingly enough they are actually listed at the Charleston RV show today for $52,981.00, a slight difference from the below internet price. Patriot🇺🇸 A dealer listed this one in Charleston SC. 😳😳😳 3 2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka- “XPLOR” TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles. XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box. North Carolina 🇺🇸 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBL Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 And now for something totally different. This is an interesting design but I can only imagine the price! It will likely be made from pure un-obtainium! (A rare material that takes it way out of my reach!) Doubt that it will ever see light of day but, it might. Check out this new concept Airstream. Brian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 M&C: concur - very interesting. I'm liking the two-tone paint option - wonder if Oliver has ever considered offering a 2-tone??? 2 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 topgun2 Posted March 18, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 18, 2023 17 hours ago, MAX Burner said: wonder if Oliver has ever considered offering a 2-tone??? This too has been discussed here on the Forum many times. Oliver did produce 4 Olivers (red, blue, black) plus, of course the white ones we all know and love. Simply put - the man-power cost of adding color as compared to the volume of units produced simply didn't make economic sense. This primarily is due to the need to get every spec of color out of the equipment and environment where the shells are manufactured prior to producing anything of a different color. Bill 1 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...
rideandfly Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 Speaking of a different color, the new US built egg shaped Barefoot camper, 3,000 pound GVW weight, originally designed & built in the UK, is available for around $47,000 to $49,000 at dealers. https://nucamprv.com/barefoot-camper/ https://www.rvtrader.com/Nucamp-Barefoot/rvs-for-sale?make=Nucamp|765337120&model=BAREFOOT|764982013 1 2015 LE2 #75 / 2024 F-150/5.0L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivernerd Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 23 hours ago, Mike and Carol said: Cortes camper - some nice features but some not so nice. Double hull, lightweight. Interesting. I find the standard tank heaters on the Cortes intriguing. Some folks would love to have those on Olivers. Oliver aggressively markets their products as "4-Season Travel Trailers," yet offers no tank heaters. Does anyone have experience with tank heaters? Are they 120V only? If so, not much help when on the road on below-freezing temps. If 12V, how large a battery bank is required to operate them? Hull #1291 Central Idaho 2022 Elite II Tow Vehicle: 2019 Tundra Double Cab 4x4, 5.7L with tow package Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators topgun2 Posted March 18, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 18, 2023 1 hour ago, Rivernerd said: yet offers no tank heaters There was at least one Oliver Elite II that has tank heaters. It was ordered by a guy from South Carolina that did what I believe was oil shale work in the northeast during the winter. Bill 2 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...
ADKCamper Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 I like the heated tank concept. I *assume* this is electric, but have the same questions as Rivernerd above. Interesting thought - for trailers with propane heat, I wonder if its possible to make double-hulled tanks, with the fluids in the inner tank, and the outer tank being essentially an air plenum that you run the hot air through on its way to the other end of the trailer. If the air around the (inner) tank is above freezing, the liquid in the tank will not freeze. If you didn't want to run the furnace output directly around the tanks, you could instead use a separate blower (either manually switched or on a thermostat) to cycle cabin air around the tanks and back into the cabin space again... assuming that the furnace would run as needed to maintain the desired cabin temperature. Very little additional electricity would be required (more 12v watts for slightly longer furnace blower run-times). This design would use slightly more propane to heat the trailer's interior to the same point, but you'd probably have warmer floors as a bonus 🙂 3 Tom & Holly 2018 Oliver Legacy Elite I #409 - 2017 Silverado 1500, 5.3L Gas, 4x4 Z71, Dbl Cab, Std Bed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRM Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 On 3/17/2023 at 11:21 AM, Mike and Carol said: Cortes camper - some nice features but some not so nice. Double hull, lightweight. Interesting. https://youtu.be/KoZVLSFQB-s Love to have a fridge that size.. 1 2010 Elite II, Hull #45. 2014 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD 5.7 with tow package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Mike and Carol Posted March 18, 2023 Author Moderators Share Posted March 18, 2023 3 hours ago, Rivernerd said: I find the standard tank heaters on the Cortes intriguing. Some folks would love to have those on Olivers. Oliver aggressively markets their products as "4-Season Travel Trailers," yet offers no tank heaters. Does anyone have experience with tank heaters? Are they 120V only? If so, not much help when on the road on below-freezing temps. If 12V, how large a battery bank is required to operate them? Outdoors RV and cousin Arctic Fox offer tank heaters, on some ORV models they are standard. My understanding is that they are 12V so you can use them while driving. We recently looked at a few ORV models at Princess Craft, the same dealer that made this Cortes video. They also carry Intech trailers, all very interesting. Mike 1 Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators bugeyedriver Posted March 18, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 18, 2023 Very interesting product. With that petite 5 Ft tall salesperson it looks absolutely HUGE on the inside! 1 Pete & "Bosker". TV - '18 F150 Super-cab Fx4; RV - "The Wonder Egg"; '08 Elite, Hull Number 014. Travel blog of 1st 10 years' wanderings - http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Burner Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 I'm thinking a heating pad upgrade for the Ollie is a good idea (if you're into winter/cold camping). Amazon has several options for holding tank heating pads - thermostatically controlled, nominally "ON" about 40F and "OFF" at 68F.... Some of the brands don't get very good ratings, however. Here's one option with a "3-pack" of heat pads: https://www.amazon.com/Heater-Holding-Gallons-Toggle-Switch/dp/B07ZJJ7MB6/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=316H654FZVYJR&keywords=rv%2Bholding%2Btank%2Bheater%2Bpad%2B12v&qid=1679165067&s=automotive&sprefix=rv%2Bholding%2Btank%2Bheater%2Cautomotive%2C150&sr=1-2-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&smid=A1V7TJOE3FVDYM&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSVFMOUVOMTE2T1c3JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzg4MTk1SzBLWFJWRlpXUkI2JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NzE0MzFHVEw5Q1hQQkdCQTgmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1 Just FYI... 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...
Geronimo John Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 1 hour ago, ADKCamper said: I like the heated tank concept. From my understanding of Ollie winter camping it is not a problem with freezing the tank water, its all the water lines that are at risk first. GJ 1 TV: 2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Tow, FX-4, Rear Locker OLLIE: 2018 OE2 Hull 342, Twin Bed. OLLIE DIY’s: Timken Bearings, BB LiFePO4's, Victron 712 Smart, 350 Amp Master Switch, Houghton 3400, Victron Orion DC - DC, 3000-Watt Renogy Inverter, P.D. 60-amp Converter, Frig Dual Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Drawer Straps. TV DIY’s: 2 5/16" Anderson System, Nitto recon’s, Firestone Rear Air Bags, Bilstein 5100’s, Mud Flaps & Weather Tech all, installed Ham Radio (WH6JPR). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph and Dud B Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 8 hours ago, rideandfly said: Speaking of a different color, the new US built egg shaped Barefoot camper, 3,000 pound GVW weight, originally designed & built in the UK, is available for around $47,000 to $49,000 at dealers. Just saw one at an RV show today. Cute, but no storage and forget the shower if you're over 5'5". 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 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 6 hours ago, Rivernerd said: Does anyone have experience with tank heaters? Our last fifth wheel had heaters on all tanks, plus heat tape around the exposed tank discharge plumbing outside the trailer. Nice setup and it all ran on 12v. Didn't use it much so can't speak about battery draw. 1 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...
Guest Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 I ran across this trailer during my egg camper search. Although it has a double hull, I thought of it more as an Escape competitor, given the price. I do like the large frig and oven, but that one person table up front, exterior batteries, and some of the finishes kept it out of consideration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 5 hours ago, MAX Burner said: if you're into winter/cold camping) It can be an issue for anyone living in the Rocky Mountains, the northern US, or most of Canada. We have had several worrisome drives in the past couple of decades heading south for a spring or fall trip, having hard freezes on our way to the warmer climates. Kirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rideandfly Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 5 hours ago, Steph and Dud B said: Just saw one at an RV show today. Cute, but no storage and forget the shower if you're over 5'5". Yep, very small. Looks like it has Dometic Seitz RV style windows. Our previous camper had those windows. Leave them open when it rains. 1 2015 LE2 #75 / 2024 F-150/5.0L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph and Dud B Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 13 minutes ago, rideandfly said: Looks like it has Dometic Seitz RV style windows. Yes, it did. And they are very nice. 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...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted March 19, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 19, 2023 On 3/17/2023 at 3:06 PM, MAX Burner said: M&C: concur - very interesting. I'm liking the two-tone paint option - wonder if Oliver has ever considered offering a 2-tone??? If you like two-tone, you could always take your trailer to a marine painter, and get a nice finish, one or two part poly. Lots of mega yachts do the same. 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...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted March 19, 2023 Moderators Share Posted March 19, 2023 Cortes built their (imo goofy floorplan trailer) unabashedly by copying/cloning/creating a mold plug from a used Casita , creating an "unusual", unfriendly, and weird floorplan. Look closely at their videos. Fit and finish is lacking. The ceo/owner is now the wife of indicted original owner. I've been following them for over two years. If I were in the market, I'd steer clear, honestly. I'm not in the market, as I'll never likely sell my Oliver, but I'd be very cautious if I were looking now. I haven't checked their site lately, but here are a few screenshots, from about 25 months ago, where they were happily using a Casita as a base for their molds/plugs. 1 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...
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