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01-26-2008, 12:12 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1982 Scamp 13 ft
Posts: 379
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I just found out that we're only an hour or so away from the factory where Oliver travel trailers are manufactured. We're planning to take the tour out of curiosity. From the web site, they look very similar to the Casita 17' but with more "frills." I'd like to hear what Oliver owners think of them.
Sandra
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01-26-2008, 12:34 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1989 Casita Spirit Deluxe
Posts: 2,055
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Quote:
I just found out that we're only an hour or so away from the factory where Oliver travel trailers are manufactured. We're planning to take the tour out of curiosity. From the web site, they look very similar to the Casita 17' but with more "frills." I'd like to hear what Oliver owners think of them.
Sandra
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Well, I'm not an Oliver owner, but we are starting to get a few around here. I think that you will find that most people think that what they have is the best. We just don't brag about it too much. Ah, I did say TOO much, right?
While it is true that it appears to have the same shell as the Casita (just like the original Casita did to the Scamp), there appears to be many differences from what I read. It all comes down to what YOU, as the consumer, wants. The best thing, IMHO, is the fact that it's molded fiberglass. Beyond the looks, there are some notable differences. Besides the double wall (no rivets throught the outside), techie stuff, plumbing, interior height, insulation, they have a different frame, different suspension system, etc. I think you are the only one that can know which one is best for you. For instance, my little 1989 16 foot would absolutely not work for some. It's interior height is only 5'10" and it doesn't have a built in grey tank.
We will be eager to hear about your factory tour.
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01-26-2008, 06:11 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Trailer: Oliver Legacy Elite 2008
Posts: 127
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Sandra,
I'm a newbie on the block. I've been considering the purchase of a FGRV for about 6 months now. After looking at the options and being realistic about my skills of making modifications (read zilch) I have reached a deal with Jim Oliver and his team.
I had some unique requirements which I've asked them to incorporate (beyond their usual options) and they've stepped up to the plate to deliver my "Wonder-Egg" cooked just the way I want.
Robert, the sales manager, has created an album of photos he'll be taking during the production process so I can watch as my new baby is born. Production should take 4 to 6 weeks. If you're interested in the manner Oliver creates its Eggs, you can view the process at:
http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii120/r...arks%20Trailer/
Pete Marks
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01-26-2008, 07:48 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Trailer: 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel Dlx / 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4
Posts: 1,125
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Pete thata cool to see your camper be born.... I use to work in a fiberglass place making boats.. let me tell ya its a nasty job an d I must say kudos to those who work in making beloved eggs!!!
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02-06-2008, 07:09 PM
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#5
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Commercial Member
Trailer: Oliver Legacy Elite 2008 / Jeep Wrangler 2008 Unlimited
Posts: 110
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Quote:
I just found out that we're only an hour or so away from the factory where Oliver travel trailers are manufactured. We're planning to take the tour out of curiosity. From the web site, they look very similar to the Casita 17' but with more "frills." I'd like to hear what Oliver owners think of them.
Sandra
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We called the factory, talked to sales, then went to see a Oliver in person at the River Valley Egg Rally In Van Buren Arkansas.
We were getting satisfactory answers at each place we checked on the Oliver. But it was the factory visit that "got us off of the dime" ! The unlimited access to the assembly line and tour of the facilities made our minds up.
There is something about a manufacturer that has the room and the plans to grow all under a roof that covers seven acres.
After looking at the quality "innards", you know the things that are hidden inside, between the fiberglass shells, we knew for sure that a Oliver was in our future.
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02-14-2008, 05:00 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Trailer: Oliver Legacy Elite 2008
Posts: 127
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Seven more 1st trimester photographs of the "Wonder-Egg" have been posted! (Thanks, Robert) I looks like some top outer shell action with holes cut and a few lower outer shell pictures showing the more or less naked shell and a more developed stage with holding tanks, plumbing, and some of the wiring showing up in view. Lots of fun seeing the early developmental process rolling right along! GO-BABY-GO!
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02-14-2008, 10:24 PM
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#7
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Member
Trailer: 17 ft Oliver Legacy Elite
Posts: 93
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Well, my Oliver will be ready in a couple of weeks and I bought it because of all the "frills"! If you ask them about a change or something they don't offer(and that's not much) they bend over backwards to accomodate your request. I really enjoyed my Casita Liberty but for full timing I felt the Oliver extras were better for me!
Chuck
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02-14-2008, 10:43 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1982 Scamp 13 ft
Posts: 379
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Chuck,
Inquiring minds want to know...what kind of "frills" did you order in your Oliver?
Sandra
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02-14-2008, 11:03 PM
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#9
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Member
Trailer: 17 ft Oliver Legacy Elite
Posts: 93
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Went with the Elite, plus dual pane windows, hi rise with xtra suspension, extra battery, and 15" tires. The Elite is std with TV, entertainment center, 3 point power levelers,day/nite window treatment, satelite dome,slideout battery tray,outside shower, chrome wheels,parquet floor, wind out power cord and built in sewer hose and connection.
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02-15-2008, 10:56 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1982 Scamp 13 ft
Posts: 379
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Wow--sounds great! I'd love to see pics when you get it.
Sandra
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02-21-2008, 11:22 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Trailer: Oliver Legacy Elite 2008
Posts: 127
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So THATS how they do it! I've been wondering about the beautifully formed storage compartments found in the Oliver. Now I see all they do is take some super-duper heated fiberglass, strap it on a frame, latch it to the mother-of-all-suction-machines and throw the switch. POOF! Instantly formed cargo holds . . . whooda thunk it?
'See more at: http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii12 ... 20Trailer/
_________________
Pete & "Oscar, the Smiley Dog"
_____________
TV: '08 Tacoma Double Cab w/ Tow Pkg
RV: "The Wonder Egg"
'08 Legacy Elite w/ 4' lift; Solar;
Cell phone signal amp; Ham radio wired; etc . . .
March delivery
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02-22-2008, 09:57 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
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Sorry, but I'm pretty sure that's not fiberglass.
Vacuum formed plastic has been around for many many years. Maybe Peterh will weigh in here.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
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02-22-2008, 11:22 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Trailer: Oliver Legacy Elite 2008
Posts: 127
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Byron, Yeah, I'm sure you're correct . . . makes more sense. Anyway it's a COOL video watching the creation of the cargo holds! Thanks for the clarification of what we're watching.
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02-23-2008, 02:20 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2005 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
Posts: 1,555
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Yep, that's vacuforming. You build a wooden form of the shape you want the plastic to form to on a table with lots of little holes in it and a standard shop-vac (honestly, that's all it is) underneath (kind of like a reverse air-hockey table), then pull a frame containing a sheet of heat-formable plastic heated so it sags significantly (1" for every diagonal foot of the frame) over the top and switch the vacuum on. Done right it makes a beautiful, formed shape that exactly matches the positive. Works with everything from ABS plastic to Lexan/Polyglass.
The resulting product is the right shape, but it's pretty floppy. It looks like Oliver blows fiberglass chop at the formed pieces to give them the structural rigidity they need; the back seats of police cars that have contoured cutouts for the arms of cuffed suspects are made exactly this way.
There are limits to the technology, though. As the piece to be formed gets larger it gets harder to evenly heat and bring down smoothly & at the right temperature over the form without causing defects. You can see what I mean if you look at the photobucket pics of the much smaller forming they do in the video: the stills show sags at the top and bottom edges of the formed piece where the plastic did not get laid down smoothly enough. I've never seen it done with something as large as the entire interior of even a small trailer; they must have a horrendous defect rate.
--Peter
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02-24-2008, 01:03 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2008 Oliver Legacy Elite
Posts: 904
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We just picked up our new Oliver last week, and I wanted to clear up a potential misunderstanding about the interior.
The interior shell is NOT plastic, it is strong molded fiberglass with a smooth gelcoated finish. The Oliver is built from four fiberglass molds, inner and outer, both upper and lower.
The vacuforming process shown in the video is used ONLY for the removable storage tray inserts. These custom insert trays allow us to use the available space in the cargo/seat areas without placing our stuff directly on top of mechanicals, wiring, tubing, etc. Because the inserts are easily removable, they still allow us access to all the above mentioned mechanicals, wiring, etc. when needed. We're very happy with the clean, neat finish they provide in the cargo/seating area, and they work out well for us.
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02-25-2008, 02:45 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Trailer: Oliver Legacy Elite 2008
Posts: 127
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SherryNPaul, thanks for clarifying that for everyone . . .
7 more pics have been posted on the "Wonder Egg's" production.
You can see the cell phone repeater topside antenna; cool pictures of the inner top (or the "yolk" of the egg) notice again, some of the dark sprayed on lizard skin insulation; a few pics of the Charge Controller for the 100w solar system, showing its size relative to a yellow legal pad.
You can see them at:
http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii12 ... mview=grid
Pete
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02-25-2008, 03:21 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1988 16 ft Scamp Deluxe
Posts: 25,697
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Here's some info from the manufacturer about the Lizard Skin Insulation
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward - 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Double Yolk - 1988 16' Scamp Deluxe
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02-26-2008, 06:58 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2008 Oliver Legacy Elite
Posts: 904
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Hey, Pete,
It's been fun to watch your egg's progress/gestation... on line and in person. We're in Western NC every 7-10 days, so we've scooted a little further west the last few trips and seen a bit of Howenwald, Oliver Technologies.... and your trailer in progress, as well as our own and others.
We bought a "demo" so we didn't get the cool lizard skin... I'm sure it would work out better in our humid Florida clime, but we're thrilled with the product we have. These Oliver guys are perfectionists, and they all so very obviously love what they're doing. What a talented, warm, intelligent bunch of people to work with. They're quality people building a quality product.
We added about six extras, including thermo pane windows, to the demo. No hassle, just pleasantries, and I think, a very fair price for extras. Thermo pane windows mean a lot in Florida... maybe as much or more than in Minnesota where I grew up. Dealing with heat is just as tough as dealing with bitter cold....
Anyway, we saw your Oliver last week, and it's looking good!!!! I saw your solar panel, too, but it was very carefully handled/guarded... it's a very special item around Oliver. The guys handle it like a real "egg", gentle handling, special storage, etc.
Incidentally, on the trip home from TN to FL, our little Oliver trailed along behind the Volvo like a dream. Sometimes, until we looked in the rearview mirror, it was like there was nothing behind the car.!! Through the hills of Tennessee, we would probably have been happy for the extra power of the Silverado, but with three of us travelling, we needed the extra seating capacity of the car. (2.4 vs 5.3...) One of the reasons we bought the Oliver was that we thought we'd be able to tow easily with the car or the truck, and we're happy that our original ideas have been proven to be realistic.
We spent a little more than we originally planned, but we feel we got extreme value for the price. It's solid, clean, and well-designed.
Anyway, just wanted to say "hey", and hope we'll get to meet you someday, since we've seen your highly customized trailer so much, we feel as though we know you at least a little bit!
Sherry
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02-26-2008, 07:12 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Trailer: Boler American (#3104)
Posts: 554
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Quote:
Incidentally, on the trip home from TN to FL, our little Oliver trailed along behind the Volvo like a dream. Sometimes, until we looked in the rearview mirror, it was like there was nothing behind the car.!! Through the hills of Tennessee, we would probably have been happy for the extra power of the Silverado, but with three of us travelling, we needed the extra seating capacity of the car. (2.4 vs 5.3...) One of the reasons we bought the Oliver was that we thought we'd be able to tow easily with the car or the truck, and we're happy that our original ideas have been proven to be realistic.
Sherry
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I hereby respectfully request a picture of your Volvo/Oliver Rig. Here or in the "Rigs"thread, whichever suits you best, at your earliest convenience, please. [b]Because we love pictures!
Oh, and because I am a Volvo fan. Thank you for your consideration!
Best,
Clive
244GL and 245DL
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02-26-2008, 07:18 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2008 Oliver Legacy Elite
Posts: 904
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Hey! My brother was the official "midwife" photographer! As soon as we get downloaded pix, I'll post! Maybe tomorrow?!
Sher
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