one thing to consider about the Oliver, that I learned by reading at the Oliver forums very early on (link to forums at oliver home page) is the "dry"
weight seems to run heavier than other brands (comparing the 17' size). so depending on your tow vehicle's towing capacity the
weight may make the $$$PRICE$$$ issues moot - if the cost factor applies.
Their specs page used to advertise the 17' 'Classic' as
weighing around 2400# while not explaining that this weight was for a "not yet available" at that time stripped down model
. At least that's what I finally got out of them from persistent e-mailing.
For awhile it seemed that just asking questions about the weight of their units was almost taboo - at least that's the impression I got.
I see now their specs page describes the "dry" weight of the 17' at 3540# so it appears they are more up to speed about accuracy in advertising. keep in mind this is still before adding water, food, gear, etc... I think this weight still applies to the Classic and not the Elite, tho'
mainly the high weight seems to be due to all the stuff that comes standard that would be options, if available at all, on other trailers; in addition to the robust frame and double wall construction. but early on this did not seem very well explained, then more and more things seemed to come standard and the "option" was to delete things not wanted, rather than to add.
anyway, to me part of the
fiberglass trailer mystique is in the generally lighter weights compared to more ordinary trailers. so as the real weight 'just sitting there' became higher than my tow vehicle could even tow (3500#), and as the base pricing continued to rise as well, I ruled Oliver out of my short list for those 2 main reasons, among other things.
but to each their own FGRV, and it's still a 'light
er weight' unit compared to some. and they seem to be selling them so for those who fit the proverbial mold (haha!) it's something to look at as an option and it does appear to be well made.
1980 Bigfoot 15B17G
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