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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 31,411
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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.
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1996 FJ80. Last edited by Seahawk; 07-09-2021 at 06:34 AM.. |
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07-09-2021, 04:31 AM
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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.
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07-09-2021, 04:52 AM
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Location: Dahlonega , Georgia
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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 😊
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2002 Boxster S . Arctic silver + black top/int. Jake Raby 3.6 SS engine " the beast ". GT3 front bumper, GT3 side skirts and GT3 TEK rear diffuser. 1999 996 C4 coupe black/grey with FSI 3.8 engine . Rear diffuser , front spoiler lip with ducktail spoiler . |
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07-09-2021, 05:11 AM
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1996 FJ80. |
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07-09-2021, 05:21 AM
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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.
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1996 FJ80. |
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07-09-2021, 05:30 AM
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Model Citizen
Join Date: May 2007
Location: The Voodoo Lounge
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(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.
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"I would be a tone-deaf heathen if I didn't call the engine astounding. If it had been invented solely to make noise, there would be shrines to it in Rome" |
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07-09-2021, 05:37 AM
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Zink Racer
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 3,984
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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.
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Jerry 1964 356, 1983 911 SC/Carrera Franken car, 1974 914 Bumblebee, a couple of other 914's in various states of repair |
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07-09-2021, 05:48 AM
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I will ask when I go to the factory for the tour.
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1996 FJ80. |
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07-09-2021, 05:48 AM
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Zink Racer
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Spokane WA
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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.
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Jerry 1964 356, 1983 911 SC/Carrera Franken car, 1974 914 Bumblebee, a couple of other 914's in various states of repair |
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07-09-2021, 05:52 AM
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Information Overloader
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NW Lower Michigan
Posts: 29,339
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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. 
Last edited by Crowbob; 07-09-2021 at 05:56 AM.. |
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07-09-2021, 05:54 AM
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I need to get smarter before I waste anyone's time. Thanks!
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1996 FJ80. |
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07-09-2021, 05:57 AM
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1996 FJ80. |
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07-09-2021, 05:59 AM
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Information Overloader
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Location: NW Lower Michigan
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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#+/-).
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07-09-2021, 06:04 AM
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poof! gone |
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07-09-2021, 06:07 AM
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Quote:
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. |
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07-09-2021, 06:09 AM
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1996 FJ80. |
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07-09-2021, 06:13 AM
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07-09-2021, 06:37 AM
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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 
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1996 FJ80. |
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07-09-2021, 06:44 AM
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07-09-2021, 07:00 AM
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Information Overloader
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Location: NW Lower Michigan
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Meh.
Once I figured out everything is always qmy fault my life has become dramatically more simple! |
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07-09-2021, 07:41 AM
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