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Are Oliver Travel Trailers Worth Their Enormous Price Tag? The Ultimate Ollie Guide.By Kelly Beasley Last Updated: October 3, 2022 Oliver Travel Trailers are an elite brand of molded fiberglass campers you may not have yet heard about. Most people know about the Casitas and Scamps, but did you know there's a very similar style, Oliver, that's in a higher luxury class? It's true! Oliver Travel Trailers are basically the yacht of the fiberglass RV world. Only one other company makes them with as high quality as this, Cortes Campers. But they are brand-new in the molded fiberglass RV world. Anyway, the quality of Oliver campers make the more common Scamp campers and Casita campers look a bit 'lower-middle-class,' so to speak (though they are also pricey and well-made). So what makes these little RVs so unique, aside from the high-quality fiberglass shell? Let's dive in and see! Oliver: The Yacht of The Fiberglass Travel Trailer WorldInteriors are VERY similar to the way a yacht is outfitted and looks. The title above is not an exaggeration. High-quality yachts are made of similar materials and design. The materials used to create an 'Ollie,' as they call them, are of superior quality. There is nothing in the Oliver RV that can degrade or wear down in a lifetime. OBVIOUSLY there will be a few parts that will need replacing in a 20-year span or so, but for an RV, that's almost unheard of. Even the frame and steps are made out of aluminum instead of steel, so they won't rust. Another standout feature is the double-hull design. Unlike other high-quality molded fiberglass campers, almost all of the other brands use a single-hull design. This double hull allows for insulation to go in between the hulls, increasing the insulation value so well that this truly is the best 4-season fiberglass trailer out there. But it also adds weight to the trailer. There are pros and cons to everything, right? A Camper Likely To Outlive You!Do you think you'll live to 100? If so, there's still a good chance your Oliver will exist longer than you. That said, the company has only been around since 2007, so there's no proof of that length of longevity. But aside from an accident on the road, there's not much that can destroy the hull or frame. If well-kept, you can expect your Ollie to easily last beyond your lifetime. Four-Season CapabilitiesYes, we touched on this earlier. The double hull itself offers a layer of insulation with the gap in between the hulls. It also eliminates a good portion of condensation problems that happen with their competition. They put a layer of insulation in between also, so you'll stay more comfortable than you will in a competitor. This insulation also helps to block noises from outside. Only the Cortes camper also has a double fiberglass shell. On Oliver's website, they explain: "For insulation, we use an insulated double-sided radiant barrier, which is best described as follows: Reflective aluminum foil on each side of a 5mm (13/64 inch) polyethylene bubble center. *Polyethylene Bubble + Radiant barrier + Vapor Barrier + Air Gap Barrier." It also features double-pane windows, an 11,000 BTU ducted furnace, and "a quiet and efficient Dometic Penguin II roof-mounted air conditioner and the MaxxAir Fan Deluxe." These things combined provide a superior environment inside when it comes to temperatures. CustomizableThe Oliver camping trailers are only available direct from the manufacturer (and only custom) if you're buying new. They are not sold at RV dealerships. (Yay for not having to deal with RV dealers! Yay for excellent service and talking to people who know what they are doing!) Therefore, just like when building a house, it's your job to pick every available detail when you order. Some Standard Items:
Some Optional Items:
Are Olivers Rodent Proof?Hallelujah, they ARE! These trailers are rodent-proof. The only way they can get in is for you to invite them through the door. We're not even sure why they don't promote this as one of their selling points. Unlike traditional RVs, the two-piece molding prevents openings for critters to enter. All of the components are located inside the camper hull, so there are no exit/entry points for critters. They do have 13 condensation weep-holes underneath the trailer but they are screened to prevent outside entry. Additionally, the insulation material in between the hulls is non-nesting. There's nothing for them to get to nest and really, not many places they would want to nest. Win-win! What Models Does Oliver Make?Oliver travel trailers only produce two models:
The Legacy Elite comes with a single axle (2 tires) and is 18 feet 5 inches long, and it weighs only 3,700 pounds dry. The Legacy Elite ll comes with a double axle (4 tires) and is 23 feet 6 inches long. It weighs 4,900 pounds dry. Each has a side dinette that breaks down into a 75" x 30" bed. Oliver is currently (as of Spring 2022/making 2023 models) ONLY selling the Legacy Elite ll (The Legacy Elite is under review for new revisions and is not available for order at the time of publishing). Let's take a closer look at each! Oliver Legacy Elite(The Legacy Elite model is not currently in production, but we're covering existing/used models.) The Oliver Legacy Elite trailer is the smaller of the two products Oliver produces. Seats/SleepsIt sleeps up to three and seats up to six. The dinette turns into a 74" x 52" bed. The side dinette also folds down into a 23" x 71" bed. SizeIt's the smaller of the two lengths at 18 feet 5 inches long. Floor PlanIt offers only one floor plan, shown below. Bed area converts into a dinette. BathroomAll Olivers come with a wet bathroom, fully equipped with a shower and toilet. Weight3,700 pounds dry. Maximum weight (loaded) of 5,000 pounds. Other Specs (2021 model)GVWR 5,000 lbs Tongue Weight: 370 lbs approx. Fresh Water Tank: 30 Gallons Black Water Tank: 18.5 Gallons Gray Water Tank: 32 Gallons Outside Height Incl. AC: 9 feet Outside Width: 6 feet 6 inches Inside Width: 6 feet 2 inches Oliver Legacy Elite IIThe Elite ll is about 5 feet longer than the shorter version. It is 23 feet 6 inches long. Seats/SleepsIt sleeps up to three and seats up to seven. SizeThe Elite ll is 23'6" long which is 5' longer than the smaller Elite. Floor PlanThe Legacy Elite ll offers two different floor plans:
Dinette at end converts into a bed.
BathroomOf course, this model also comes with a wet bath, including a shower and toilet. Weight4,900 pounds dry. Maximum weight (loaded) of 7,000 pounds. Other Specs (2021 model)GVWR: 7,000 lbs Tongue Weight: 490 lbs approx. Fresh Water Tank: 32 Gallons Black Water Tank: 15 Gallons Gray Water Tank: 32 Gallons Outside Height Incl. AC: 9 feet 8 inches Outside Width: 7 feet Inside Width: 6 feet 7 inches Brochures Check out their brochure and build worksheet. Brochure has tons of info. With build sheet, you can see 2023 build prices and packages they offer. Boondocking In An OliverIs an Oliver trailer good for boondocking? It absolutely is, and additionally, it might be one of the best boondocking rigs in existence! There are many reasons for this. First, it has a double-hull design with insulation in between, making it very well insulated. All the plumbing is inside the unit, it has a lithium battery upgrade available, AND it has excellent capacities for its tanks (grey water tank, black tank, and the all-important fresh tank). On top of the camper being small and agile, all of these features make it a superior product for dry camping. With the lithium batteries, you also get solar. They also offer a composting toilet option. How Much Do Oliver Travel Trailers Cost?Currently, at time of publishing, Oliver was not taking any orders for the smaller camper for 2023. They were only making and taking orders for the Elite ll (the larger of the two they make). The Oliver travel trailer price for the Elite ll starts at $73,500 (It has seriously jumped in price this year, just like many other things in this time of inflation). And that's the bare-bones price with no add-ons. What Is A Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer?Let's make sure you understand the difference between a molded fiberglass trailer and travel trailer models that have fiberglass siding. There are trailers with fiberglass sides, and there are molded fiberglass trailers, and they are VERY different: Molded FiberglassMolded fiberglass travel trailers come in two or four pieces. They only have ONE seam between each molded half. They are comprised of a top and a bottom that are connected together in the middle. The middle connector point is the only seam. If a molded fiberglass trailer comes in four pieces, it's similar to a two-piece trailer, except it has an inner and an outer hull. So, two top hulls and two bottom hulls. Still, there's only the seam in the middle. Fiberglass-SidedConversely, fiberglass-sided RVs have only sides made out of laminated fiberglass, and they come in many separate panels. Typically two side panels, a front and rear panel, a roof panel, and the floor. In other words, there are roof seams. Roof seams are the #1 source of leaks. The panels are connected and then sealed to stop leaks (this is how 'regular' RVs are made. They are very prone to leaking due to many long seams). To put it simply, with a molded fiberglass RV you have MUCH less chance of water penetration due to there being many less seams than you find in a traditional, fiberglass-sided RV. Oliver Travel Trailer Luxury FeaturesThe company offers many luxury features, some come standard, and others are optional. Things such as:
Not many RV interiors compare to this brand in luxury and quality. (Check out other nice trailers.) Why Are Molded Fiberglass Campers So Popular?The molded fiberglass camper is very popular for a multitude of reasons. First, the fiberglass and frame are nearly indestructible, so the trailer lives a long life AND holds its value. Additionally, they are small and compact. They are often very light, capable of being towed by many different types and brands of vehicles. Lastly, they are cute! They aren't the boxy traditional travel trailer we're all used to seeing. Do Oliver Trailers Hold Value?The Oliver holds its value exceptionally well. It's nearly indestructible, in demand, and not many are made every year, creating the perfect storm for holding value. Not being able to order one and get it even within a year causes many buyers to look at used models. There aren't many used for sale out there, so naturally, supply and demand keep the used price quite high. Oliver Trailer ConsDo these campers have cons? Sure! Almost everything we've covered above is a pro, so here are some cons for you to chew on:
Manufacturing Plant TourHere's a really easy to follow and educational video. It's a walk-through tour of the Oliver manufacturing plant relaying interesting facts about the campers and the process of building them. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Much Do Oliver Travel Trailers Cost?The Oliver travel trailer price jumped BIG time in 2022 (as have many other things). Currently, the Elite ll starts at a whopping $73,500. How High Is The Interior Of An Ollie?The interior height of the Legacy Elite is 6'1. The interior height of the Legacy Elite ll is 6'6 (2021 models and older). Are Oliver Trailers Still In business?Yes! Oliver trailers are in business and are in high demand. Where Are These Travel Trailers Made?Oliver makes their RVs in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Are Oliver Trailers Worth The Money?Oliver trailers are high-quality small campers that do depreciate, but hold their value fiercely. Whether the Oliver trailer cost is 'worth' the money is a personal call. They are one of the most expensive molded fiberglass trailers on the market per square foot, and the price very well might be beyond your budget. If you have the money to spend and are looking for a high-quality product from a top-notch company, whether the Oliver travel trailer starting cost of $73,500+ is 'worth it' is completely up to you. What Is The Largest Oliver Travel Trailer?The largest Oliver trailer they make is the Legacy Elite ll. It is 23'6" long. What Is The Smallest Oliver Trailer?The smallest Oliver is the Legacy Elite at 18'5" long. How Much Does An Oliver Trailer Weigh?Here are the weights of their 2021 and earlier trailers: Legacy Elite dry weight: 3,700 lbs Legacy Elite ll dry weight: 4,900 lbs Note that they weigh more once one adds water, propane, goods, food, etc. to the camper, and the axles are only rated for 5,000 and 7,000 pounds respectively. What Is The GVWR Of Oliver Trailers?The Ollie has two camper lengths. Here are their GVWR's (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or the maximum the trailer can weigh): Legacy Elite: 5,000 pounds Legacy Elite ll: 7,000 pounds ConclusionOllie's are high-quality molded fiberglass campers that are highly sought-after but will decimate a regular person's wallet. The look and materials that make up the camper are luxurious and sturdy, and they hold their value impressively. The result is an almost indestructible RV and it will easily outlast you if well-kept. The only reason to not love these campers is - well, you decide. The company has owners (ambassadors) that are willing to let you come look at their tiny campers. Simply contact them on their website to get set up with a nearby owner for a look. Now it's up to you to decide whether you can afford and/or want this unique camper to call your own. Hello! I'm the co-founder of Camp Addict, which my biz partner and I launched in 2017. I frigging love the RVing lifestyle but in December of 2020, we both converted to part-time RV life. Heck, I lived in my travel trailer for over 5.5 years, STRICTLY boondocking. I learned a lot about the RV life and lifestyle during those years. Now we share what we know with you here at Camp Addict. After that many years of wonderful full-time travel, it was time for something new. These days, I'm often found working from my new Az home, and sometimes plotting and scheming whether or not to start collecting farm animals (or plotting my next RV trip!). Other Articles You Should Read Do Oliver trailers hold their value?Oliver Travel Trailers hold their value really well, in line with most other molded fiberglass travel trailer brands. What is this? Oliver is a small RV brand that focuses on quality over quantity.
Are Oliver travel trailers worth it?Oliver trailers are high-quality small campers that do depreciate, but hold their value fiercely. Whether the Oliver trailer cost is 'worth' the money is a personal call. They are one of the most expensive molded fiberglass trailers on the market per square foot, and the price very well might be beyond your budget.
Is Oliver trailers still in business?The 2023 Oliver camper trailer is the latest in the proud tradition of high-quality fiberglass products made by Oliver. We feature high quality, low maintenance, easy setup, and superior towing ability in our luxury camping trailers.
How much do Oliver travel trailers weigh?Large and in Charge. |