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Oliver Factory Tour: Pls Help Interpret My Findings?

CopilotCompanio
Explorer
Explorer
Any specific suggestions? I don't want to find myself saying, down the pike, "I wish I would have looked more closely at that".

I've updated this thread with 50+ pictures & 10 videos but I'm still not so sure how to interpret what I'm seeing?
DH: Designated Curmudgeon
Lupรฉ the Rescue Dog: Self-appointed Tattletale
DW: Copilot & Companion
No offense intended. Sarcasm is my strong suit.
69 REPLIES 69

theoldwizard1
Explorer
Explorer
CopilotCompanion wrote:
... I am also an engineer & intrigued by the thought that a fiberglass eggshell is less likely to leak?


marpel wrote:

- One of their marketing hypes is less propensity for leaking due to fewer roof seams (along wall/roof edges). However, they still have roof vents and A/C which breach the solid roof. Is the method of sealing the roof seams similar to conventional trailers and if so, how is this any better?

This intrigues me also !

The Jayco Magnum roof is arched to prevent any puddling, but it still has a seam along the edge and seamed are where most leaks occur. So flashing and caulking on Oliver roof vents and A/C unit is something to inspect carefully.

Durb
Explorer
Explorer
If in the market for an "egg" style trailer check out fiberglassrv.com. They have a forum dedicated to Oliver trailers. Don't sign on the dotted line before checking out BigFoot. They are also moulded fiberglass but with regular interior finishes not fiberglass like the Oliver. The Bigfoot trailers are 8'-3" wide as compared to 6.5' to 7' width of the Olivers. This allows for a full bath and separate shower plus considerably more interior space and storage. They are also of superb build quality and are in the same price range.

Happy shopping.

Raymond1943
Explorer II
Explorer II
I actually met the owner of Oliver Trailers about six or seven years ago in one of the western states. I was in an A class parked overnight in a small gravel lot just outside of a small town. Do not remember the exact town; may be in Montana or Wyoming.

When I awoke the next morning, a very interesting TT was parked next to me. Later I walked over and introduced myself to the owner and inquired about the TT. It did not have a brand name or any markings on the trailer. The owner stated the TT was a prototype he and his son were considering manufacturing. They had some type of business/factory in Tennessee. Their primary business was not related to the RV industry.

The owner stated that he could not find a well made TT so he decided to manufacture his own TT. That trailer had the best quality materials and best workmanship I have ever seen in an RV. The fit and finish was superb! It had many extremely well designed features; I do not remember all of them, but I was highly impressed and I do not get highly impressed very often. The TT was no longer than 22 to 24 feet, but did have a tandem axle.

The owner said they had not manufactured many units because the RV market had taken a downturn. He was hoping when the market picked up, he could start manufacturing and selling the TT. He did not state the price range for the TT.

I would think the price for a TT of this quality would be at the higher end for TT's. If I was in the market for a smaller TT I would definitely check out the Oliver TT's.

TurnThePage
Explorer
Explorer
hussbuss wrote:
These are well built trailers. Better quality than the mass produced junk being by most manufactures today. I ran into one of these at Road America where we were camp hosting this summer. Had a chance to talk to the owner and tour the unit. He was pulling with a VW I believe a Tourieg Diesel. I also questioned the ball hitch. WD hitch not needed or recommended by factory. He has pulled over 10,000 miles with it and no sway problems. Unit is well balanced. Cute little trailer but to small for us. He travels alone. His wife doesn't like camping.
Just to be clear, they offer a wd hitch as an option on their website, but their photos never show it actually installed. Agree on your other observations.
2015 Ram 1500
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE

marpel
Explorer
Explorer
Have been researching a new trailer over the last few months and am quite interested in the Oliver product, so hope you report back on your findings. Actually wish I could take a tour but it's a bit far from Vancouver Canada (although have toured the Escape factory up in this area, also a fiberglass product).

So, wondering about the following:

- Am hesitant about the wet bath and wonder if they are considering a full bath model in the future (or if the current models can be converted to full bath with separate shower).
- how thick are the walls and what is the R-value? (the Escapes I looked at have extremely thin walls with only sheets of Reflectex, or similar, between the inner and outer fibreglass skins).
- it appears they only market permanent single bed configurations, with the ability to lower the dinette table to accommodate a (temporary) larger (queen) bed. Any factory option for a permanent queen bed?
- One of their marketing hypes is less propensity for leaking due to fewer roof seams (along wall/roof edges). However, they still have roof vents and A/C which breach the solid roof. Is the method of sealing the roof seams similar to conventional trailers and if so, how is this any better?
- although heavier than my current trailer, the width is narrower and the edges are radiuses all the way around, especially at the rear. Have they done any tests comparing their trailers and wider traditional trailers, and have any data on the difference in mpg performance, with similar vehicle? (I'm presuming, though heavier, the narrower width and radiuses edges will make for an easier pull - hills should be similar but flat highway driving should show a benefit).

Am looking forward to your comments after your tour is over.

Thanks,

Marv

hussbuss
Explorer
Explorer
These are well built trailers. Better quality than the mass produced junk being by most manufactures today. I ran into one of these at Road America where we were camp hosting this summer. Had a chance to talk to the owner and tour the unit. He was pulling with a VW I believe a Tourieg Diesel. I also questioned the ball hitch. WD hitch not needed or recommended by factory. He has pulled over 10,000 miles with it and no sway problems. Unit is well balanced. Cute little trailer but to small for us. He travels alone. His wife doesn't like camping.

TurnThePage
Explorer
Explorer
I'm curious about the tongue configuration. How does the generator box fit in? Based on the photos on their website, I don't see where you can attach your preferred wd hitch either. Looks to me like the fiberglass cover goes a LONG way forward on it.

I'm also curious how roomy the restroom/shower is. Don't want to go into too much detail, but I wouldn't appreciate having to wedge myself into a corner to do my business.

Just how well insulated is it?

And last but not least, I'm curious how comfy those cushions that make into a bed are.
2015 Ram 1500
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE

CopilotCompanio
Explorer
Explorer
Cooking is a creative outlet for me & I'm having difficulty getting past the kitchen facilities. But, in addition to being a woman, I am also an engineer & intrigued by the thought that a fiberglass eggshell is less likely to leak?

I dunno how competant I am but will submit a report to the best of my ability as requested!
DH: Designated Curmudgeon
Lupรฉ the Rescue Dog: Self-appointed Tattletale
DW: Copilot & Companion
No offense intended. Sarcasm is my strong suit.

theoldwizard1
Explorer
Explorer
From their web site, they appear to be built like a fiberglass boat.

A uniform first layer of gelcoat is critical. Laying in spun/woven mats and wetting it out should be the step. Do they use more than one layer ? What type of a mat are they using.

I would be surprised if they used "chopper guns" to build up thickness. These are fast but nowhere near as strong as glass matting.

The floor obviously has to be thicker/stronger that the rest. Typically this is done with some kind of "core" material. Balsa wood was used (perhaps still is) for many years until people realized that one tiny crack would allow water intrusion that would rot the wood. Repairs were difficult/impossible on some boats.

Also pay attention to home the shell is attached to the frame.


They look like nice trailers ! They do offer several factory "premium" option that no other TT offer. I would like to hear your report.

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
Take photos of everything, from all angles. Lots of photos!