Camper Trailers
 

I am a few years out from pulling the trigger, but I like to research stuff in advance.

I have looked at Airstreams, the smaller stuff, and they are great.

After reading about some folks here experiences with fiberglass camper trailers I am convinced that is the way I want to go. After some initial searches, I found Oliver Travel Trailers:

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/travel-trailers/legacy-elite-2/

I am interested in this size of trailer or smaller. Does anyone here have any knowledge of Oliver or other fiberglass trailers?

Purpose of the trailer will be a mix of prepared sites and limited off road camping, beach, mountains, desert, etc. Also, oddly, for work. I hate hotels.

I have a Tundra in perfect shape so I already have a tow vehicle. I looked at small RV's but prefer a trailer at this time. The trailer will be stored inside.

Again, before I bother the Oliver folks (I am speaking at a UAS Conference in Huntsville the last week in August and plan on visiting the factory in TN) or their dealers, any real world experience with this brand or others is greatly appreciated.

Huge 1st World problem, I know.

What model Tundra? I forgot. My 2003 with the 4.7L engine really struggled with a 19 foot aluminum camper. The 5.7L in my 2017 would have handled it.
That Oliver looks like a nice unit.

I have no first hand experience with fiberglass trailers but lots of experience with traditional travel trailers . Having said that fiberglass trailers in my opinion are the best option in my opinion . Especially the style you are looking at . Are you thinking of buying new or used ? To my knowledge there are 6-7 different manufacturers in the US/Canada of this style camper .

The general design is the same it's more about floor plans/options and accessories that you want/prefer . Do a Google search of fiberglass trailers and you can research the different companies . I believe most of them use an aluminum frame and support structure to save weight and minimize corrosion . Are you planning on being a campground camper or a off the grid camper ? If off the grid think solar panels and extra batteries .

Part of your research check out the forums for a specific brand and check out the discussions . Good free advice . If you are not familiar with towing a travel trailer I would recommend getting smart on that . Safety can't be stressed enough , do something stupid and you can be looking at a crumpled heap on the side of the road . Have fun on your journey to RV ownership 😊

2015. It tows really well.

New since I'll keep it a long time - as long as time permits!

The rest of your advice is spot on and I will. I like to start here because I am always amazed at the knowledge base.

When I "mostly" retire, I plan on getting out of South Carolina during the height of summer and the trailer will enable that in a reasonable manner. There is so much I want to revisit after all these years.

(I know nothing about this stuff, but I like knowing about new stuff like this that I know nothing about)

I like the Ollie. It looks like someone did some homework.

One thing that caught my eye is that the plumbing and tanks are sandwiched between the hull layers. I'd sure be checking to see if there is access for repair and maintenance. My trusting nature says that most likely access has been designed in, but my bad angel knows that corners can be cut.

I looked into the Oliver's when we were shopping. I'd likely have one if my wife didn't insist on something bigger. They do have some type of owners network of folks who have them and are willing to show potential new owners their rigs since there is no dealer network. Pretty similar to the Lazy Daze model in the Class C world. Oliver's are heavier than Scamps, Escapes, Casita's as I think they are better insulated and do better as a "4 season" trailer. The dry weight of their bigger unit is close to that of my Lance 22 footer.

Perfect.

I will ask when I go to the factory for the tour.

We tend to camp with no hook ups so extra battery and solar have been nice. Our Lance is converted to use 4 6 volt golf cart batteries vs. the two 12 volt deep cycle. I have a portable solar panel. We just finished 6 days over the 4th in good sun and ran our 2 fans 24/7 as day time temps were 90+. I didn't have to get the generator out to charge the batteries at all.

Oliver is the way to go w/FG campers.

Higher quality, higher price.

Most other brands are insufficiently insulated for winter camping. Best bang for the buck is a used Scamp (pictured below-debadged, 16’) but build quality is hit-or-miss. Casita is 1/2 step above Scamp.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1625838795.jpg

Interesting. The website does mention "visits" to owners and I wasn't sure what that meant.

I need to get smarter before I waste anyone's time.

Thanks!

You are to blame for this, btw:D

I would not, and did not, hesitate buying used. Above is 2007 model. A minus is the smallish fresh water tank. Beware, 16’ is tiny but lightweight (2200#+/-).

that website is janky for me. they only have one model? the Elite II or something? anything smaller?

Ha!

That pic was today in the parking lot waiting for Jay’s Sporting Goods to open.

Just left Hartwick Pines State (MI) Park, heading to the thumb, then back up to Interlochen State Park.

Towing is a dream.

One of the biggest concerns is moisture control. The things are pretty tight. And don’t eat burritos unless your’re going solo.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/travel-trailers/legacy-elite/

reelly nice!! apples to apples, this is half of the cost of a comparable Airstream? i think i like the "Crispy" clean interiors of the Airstream, but damn..that Ollie is nice!!

I'd go smaller as well except for long haul trips out West, I prefer dual axles.

According to the website, you can customize the interior and exterior.

We'll see.

I'll take pictures at the factory in late August.

Oh, make sure to blame Crowbob:cool:

he is dead to me!! :D

Meh.

Once I figured out everything is always qmy fault my life has become dramatically more simple!

I haven’t looked at the Oliver’s, but definitely wait for the market to cool off before buying. Prices on RVs are stupid.


Another brand to look at is Grand Design. They are the conventional box shape but are very nice inside. Their quality and design is up there with airstream, without the price premium. We were ready to buy one last year, but every trip we wanted to take in it, the kids weren’t that interested in.

The only thing I have to add is that the fiberglass and non aluminum trailers seem not to hold up that well just sitting in the sun/elements. Everyone I know that has a giant fifth wheel keeps them in a covered carport structure.

Even the airstreams need a cover of some sort for storage. There’s lots of plastic bits on the roof that the sun will destroy if left totally outside all the time. They’ve also got a clear finish on the aluminum that will peel of not waxed regularly.

Dang it, now you guys have me looking at trailers. My tow rating is only 6000 lbs I believe, so I’d definatly need a smaller size.

I use to have a aluminum 26’ trailer. I liked it, but it was sometimes a pain to maneuver around. I had to be careful not to get in a tight spot.

The big problem for me is I would have to pay to store it somewhere.

Just remembered these trailers too. They are made in Canada and get rave reviews. They were just too small for us, but seem to fit the bill for what the OP is looking at.

https://escapetrailer.com/

If you want to go Solar, I'll hook you up

I'll call soon. I got your info from Mike.

I hope all is well.

Best.

Here is a nice setup. I already have the exact same towing rig. But I think the sticker price for that camper is something crazy like $230k, so it would be a used airstream for me, if/when the prices cool down.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1625860336.jpg

No question. I am in the homework phase...the only thing I have bought in my life on impulse are cars. I have broken even.

RV's are a fool's errand from a financial aspect, I know that. I am patient for this particular purchase.

Hoe you guys are doing well!

The Oliver is a VERY nice setup. I recently did a lot of work at an RV factory and am not impressed with the construction. The Oliver, being 2 molded halves, is SOLID.

I'd love to buy one of these, as long as I could put in a modern engines

https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.aae41e4d...sl=&pid=ImgRaw

I'd really love it like the above from STRIPES with the rear assault ramps and rocket launcher

Yep . The two piece fiberglass trailers are stout . Basically built like a fiberglass boat . Most traditional RV's are really built like crap . Not all but many . The death to RV's is water intrusion and traditional built have leak paths all over the place . Add to that they take a pounding on highways and water starts coming in .

I have read that GM lost money on everyone of those motorhomes they sold. The engineering was WAY ahead of it's time . Front wheel drive with air ride suspension with excellent build quality . Put a turbo diesel engine in it and it's perfect .

Dodge had a similar unit called Travco . It was roundish fiberglass design and usually came with the gas guzzling 413 V8 . Again throw a turbo diesel in and you have a heck of a rig .

John Ficarra has some funny stories about these.

https://youtu.be/Bf3lCTPZyyI

Same here; waiting for the market to correct, then it’s an Airstream 19 for us.

Thanks for the thread, Paul.

I'm not in the market right now but am interested in learning more for the future when I may be.

Just looked at CL and here's a used 17' Casita for $20K, which seems like a pretty good price for what one would get here. If I was in the market, that is. :)

2006 Casita Liberty Deluxe 17 Ft. - $19,800 (Astor)

Well-maintained. Weight 2,480 lbs. All factory upgrades plus custom upgrades too many to mention. 15" wheels and new tires, new awning, new electric tongue jack, electric brakes, tv and dvd, refrigerator works on a/c, d/c or gas. Garage kept, everything works--completely serviced by Robbins RV in Daytona Beach.
https://images.craigslist.org/01717_...6_1200x900.jpg

The GM motorhomes are the bomb, though I know it's a typical ADHD sidetrack to this thread. :D

They came with a 455 Toronado engine and transmission IIRC, which would have been a nice drivetrain if not a little thirsty. Quiet, smooth and torquey, though. I'd love to find one.

Paul,

On a quick internet search, I found only 3 of the Oliver RVs for sale. And they want nearly full price for 3-4 year old RVs. I think that is a statement in itself.

Here's something a little different - small toy hauler that doubles as a camper. Neighbor has one and it seems OK (depending on where you camp and what your "trailer goals" are):

https://www.trailerlife.com/rv-gear/rvs/tiny-trailer-no-boundaries-10-6/

Check out Bigfoot also for FG camper. The have 3 different sizes and are 4 season rated