It’s hard to believe I’ve been on the road as a full-time RVer for 28 months now. And, harder still, to believe it’s taken me this long to write an Oliver Travel Trailer Review. I’d planned on writing this post at my one-year anniversary as a nomad. When that came and went, I had it on the schedule for the 18-month and then the two-year anniversary. In the end, I’m writing about it now. Just some random day along the road. But, at least after 28 months, I feel I can make these assessments with confidence.
Although you can do the math, let me say here that for this Oliver Travel Trailer review, I own the 2017 Elite II model. Each year, Oliver makes changes and adjustments. It’s possible that some of the items on this list as well as the next two weeks’ lists (5 more things I hate and 12 things I love) are no longer the same on newer models. Likewise, they may not be the same on older models either.
I started these posts with the more general topic of fiberglass trailers. In this Oliver Travel Trailer review, I’m talking about things I hate. Therefore, I wanted to fully explain my thinking and it takes a lot of words. So, the post needed to be divided between two weeks. The first six things I hate are here. And, next week, I’ll finish my thoughts with five more things I hate about my molded fiberglass trailer. And to properly balance things out, that post will be followed by the many things I love about the Oliver trailer.
To be fair, a few of the items on this list, I knew about before I made the decision to purchase the trailer. So, they weren’t things I discovered after the purchase but, rather, things I continue to hate.
Round Walls
This was my number one con of molded fiberglass trailers last week. And last week wasn’t the first time I talked about it. Still, I cannot create an Oliver Travel Trailer review without mentioning it again. The lack of square corners means you cannot optimize space in the overhead cabinets. Lack of flat walls means there are a limited number of places for artwork or space-saving gadgets like spice racks or knife magnets.
Uncomfortable/Cannot Convert Dining Table
Again, a repeat from last week. When you have a fiberglass trailer there are some things the structure itself dictates. As a full-timer who spends a good deal of time on the computer, I’d love nothing more than a comfortable, functional work space. Between the dining table, my bed with a mini desk as well as an outside foldable desk, I make do. But, oh, how I long for a desk with work space and storage and a back-supporting cushiony office chair.
Lack of Storage—Inside and Out
This “hate” is probably more noticeable to me as a full-time RVer. I’m sure people with a sticks-and-brick home base who take their trailer out for road trips don’t notice this nearly the way I do. But when you carry your entire life with you, space is king.
And this isn’t a case of needing to downsize more.
For example, I have an Instant Pot that won’t fit in any cabinet in my trailer. For a while I kept it on the bathroom floor. An Oliver wet bath is bigger than many other molded fiberglass trailers’ wet baths so there was still room to get in there. Turns out, I didn’t use the Instant Pot often enough to justify taking up that space. So, I moved it to the closet. The closet is actually decent space but it’s awkward. And if it’s full, getting the appliance in and out was a pain. Now, the Instant Pot travels in the van, in the passenger’s footwell. I don’t use it often enough for it to bother me that much but, still, it would be nice to have kitchen appliances in the rig.
Another example is in the bathroom where there is the tiniest of cabinets. That’s it for storage. It means bathroom items are piled on the floor around the toilet. I keep mine in little bins to prevent things from tipping over during travel. Then I have two bins of bathroom things above dining table and the first-aid kit (which I consider a bathroom item) lives in the closet. I know other owners, for example, who keep their toothbrushs and toothpaste in a kitchen drawer.
That’s the inside, but the outside storage it limited to one small bay that runs the width of the trailer but that only opens on one side. It’s a lengthy space but, even so, it isn’t large enough to keep the bins with everything I need for setting up at a camping spot (blocks, hoses, cords, wheel covers, etc. I end with some items in the bay and another big bin in the van.
Wet Bath and No Oven
Even though I knew both of these walking into the purchase, it doesn’t mean I can’t still hate them. Mostly, I feel like I have figured out a work-around. I generally stay at RV parks which have bathhouses so end up showering there.
The wet bath can still be a pain just because it’s so small which means no storage for bathroom items. And many people use their shower as a place for a laundry basket or a cat box because it is separate from the toilet but that’s not an option in a wet bath unless you want to move the items each time you need to use the bathroom.
My workaround for the lack of oven is multifaceted. In sticks-and-bricks, things like frozen dinners I would make in the oven rather than the microwave because I thought they tasted better. Obviously, now those go in the microwave. I also use my air fryer with regularity as I’ve discussed many times before. I have a tiny one and I’ve decided when it needs replaced, I’m going to go with something bigger. That’s how often it’s used. Finally, on occasion, something that is supposed to get baked in an oven, I can cook on the stove top.
I’ll be honest, though I don’t like being without an oven, it isn’t so bad. But that said, some days, I really miss the roasted vegetables I used to make. And, now and again, I wish I could make a casserole.
Condensation
Along the way, I have learned there are things you can do to mitigate moisture problems. Of course, I truly wished I’d understood this the day I moved into my Oliver. Instead, I learned it 30 days later when I found mold covering the bottom of my brand new, expensive mattress.
The nature of fiberglass is that is doesn’t breathe the way, say, wood or other RV material might. There’s nothing to be done but I hate that every time I change my sheets, I need to allow several additional hours to flip over the mattress and blast it with the space heater to ensure it’s completely dry.
The moisture problem has made many appearances on the Oliver Facebook group and forum. I even noticed that with the current year’s model, Oliver now offers a mattress liner to help with the problem. (The link is to a different brand; mine is Hpervent Aire-Flow but they are similar.) One note: I also have the same liner and, while it helps, I still end up with a moist underside of the mattress during the winter months and when I’m in humid climates.
Oliver Travel Trailer Review: The Dark Spot
When I first picked up my Oliver Travel Trailer, I did a long (words and photos) post introducing it to the world. One of the things I commented on was how incredible it was to me that a trailer as small as it was had so many lights. There are three sets of lights outside, four if you count the one on the electric jack post. On the inside there are airplane runner lights near the floor, lights inside the cabinets, individual lights over each bed (it would be each side of the bed for those who choose the King bed option). A lot of lights.
So, it’s almost in disbelief that I report one of my “hates” is a dark spot in the trailer. It’s near the entry door. I wouldn’t say I notice it when I’m going in and out at night because the outside light, once the door is open, makes for plenty of illumination.
How and why I notice it is because using the bathroom door mirror at night is almost impossible due to lack of light. The overhead light isn’t enough. The dining room light isn’t enough. The bathroom door is closed to use the mirror so the bathroom light doesn’t offer any help.
It drives me crazy.
My solution? And it’s not a great one. But I have a small battery-operated LED hanging bulb that lives on the hook between the bathroom and closet doors. When I need more light, I turn that on.
Why might there not be a light above the door? See number one on this list. Yep, no flat space. The door entry way follows the same curve as inside the cabinet.
To read about five more things about my Oliver Travel Trailer review of the things I hate, click here. And to balance things out here is 12 things I love about my Oliver Travel Trailer. In the meantime, what do you hate about your trailer or RV?
Links to Referenced SSL Blog Posts Above:
- Oliver Travel Trailer Review: 5 More Things I Hate
- Oliver Travel Trailer Review: 12 Things I Love
- Pros and Cons of a Molded Fiberglass Trailer
- First-Aid Kit for the RVer
- Step-by-Step Guide to Unhitching a Travel Trailer
- How to Grow Mold in 30 Days: A Cautionary Tale
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Hate is a strong four letter word. Obviously Oliver’s and most small travel trailers are not made for full time living.
I agree with the condensation issues, same in my Casita and I use a rather large dehumidifier for the space because mold makes me ill and was why I choose ( ignorantly I now realize) a fiberglass trailer.
You’re right “hate” is a strong word. But it has more impact than dislike. 🙂 Yeah, I use a dehumidifier too. All the same things help but there just is no getting around the issue fully. That’s for sure.
What is the best trailer to avoid mold? I have severe allergies as well.
Hey Jenn, As I understand it fiberglass are best because mold only can grown on organic material and there is a lot of wood in a traditional RV. Another Oliver owner who has extreme chemical sensitivity has been happy with the Oliver. And she discovered that one of the Oliver flooring options (seagrass) is hypo-allergenic (or something like that so she could get it without having issues).
I don’t have a travel trailer, but we did have a 30 ft. sailboat in Florida. We used an ‘air dryer with fan, dehumidifier’. Yes, it needed to be plugged in so it may or may not work for trailers. Maybe attached to it’s own battery. Good luck.
Thanks, Barbara for that idea. I think there is a lot of commonality between RVs and boats so I bet that would work.
Debbie,
I am curious why you didn’t consider an Airstream? The Oliver and Airstream are about the same price, and used you could have found an AS.
While the round walls is the same issue, but AS have great storage. My 20’ Flying Cloud had a fabulous kitchen!
Wondering what RVs you researcher before buying the Oliver?
Hi Alison. You know, I did and didn’t consider an Airstream. I was really set on a fiberglass trailer from the get-go. But when I attended the Tampa RV Show, I went into every Airstream and spent quite a bit of time in that area. I love the look, the airiness and the space in them. I’d heard some of them have rivet problems which can lead to water problems. Water problems was the number one thing on my list to try to avoid if I could. Plus, as I recall, my full-loaded Oliver was about the same price-point as the Airstream basic. So I would’ve had to add another $20,000 or so to the price to get the solar system, composting toilet and other upgrades. Sounds like you’ve been very happy with your Airstream.
I don’t know if you ever considered an electric fryer. It will cook those vegetables you enjoy and you can even make a casserole in it, fry those veggie burgers and the lid keeps splatter down to a minimum. I am sure you have folding chairs for outside. Would you have room to set one up at your table so you don’t have to be bothered with the curved wall when you are working at the table? Lack of storage usually means we need to downsize yet again. For some reason clutter just happens.
Enjoy your drive to Alabama.
Love, Marie
Clutter does just happen! I haven’t looked at an electric fryer. I try to keep my dining room table clear so I can use it as a desk for a few hours every day. However, I do have an outlet at the seat of the dining table so I could definitely plug something in. Thanks for the idea. I made it to Alabama on Leap Day. Lots of spring rain but it’s a lovely area.
Hi Debbie, condensation goes away once we made it to west Texas. Do you have the basement access from the inside? It helps. My ice maker and instant pot share a bin in the van. Ken
Yeah, that dry air helps a lot, doesn’t it? I’m in Alabama now and, though it feels fine, I can tell the air is more humid because my towel isn’t drying by the next day’s shower. I think it’s time to go back to my fast-drying microfiber towel for the season. Good to know it isn’t just me who can’t find room in the rig. Ha!
Hi Debbie,
Keeping it real! Love your observations!
Take care,
Dean
I have a newmar Mountain Aire 2 years old and was thinking about selling it while its still worth something and buying a Oliver but I may just rent cabins on trips instead if I do sell it . The Newmar like your Oliver is not perfect just a different set of problems.
Really good point, Paul. I don’t think there is any perfect RV. Like you said, with different ones come different issues. The Oliver is great but I have to say, a cabin sounds pretty great too. Thanks for the comment.
After seriously considering an Oliver and even touring the factory, I went with a Bigfoot. It is one foot wider which adds a lot of extra space for roominess and storage. Larger tanks, larger refrigerator, dry bath, four person dinette with lots of storage under the seat cushions (that is where we keep our instant pot and air fryer). We are not full timers, but we spend five or six months in it during the winters and so far after 20 months of ownership, we are happy with it.
When I was making my decision, it really was between the Oliver and the Bigfoot. So many thing I loved about the Bigfoot. And, truth be told, if I’d been able to see one in person, I might have gone that way. And all the reasons you mentioned were my reasons too. I’m glad you are happy with it. If we ever cross paths on the road, I’d love a tour. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Every sane person knows that nothing is perfect for EVERYONE. Some people are meant to own certain things, and some folks are NOT. If one is the type of person who likes a lot of kitsch about (knick-knacks, and bric-a-brac, lots of pots and pans, a ton of clothes, a ton of cosmetics, etc.), or one wants to live in any type of RV as if it is a HOUSE, then the Oliver is not for you! You’d be better off with a Grand Design Fifth Wheel. We own an Oliver, and LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it! However, we are not the types that find it necessary to have decorations on every wall and many accouterments along for our journey. I have an Instant Pot but leave it at home in favor of taking along a lighter weight Can Cooker that can be used inside and outside on the campfire. The Can Cooker is very easily stored in the bottom of the closet. And because we have a composting toilet, we store our minimal amount of shoes (two pairs for each of us) underneath the seat where access to the unused black tank is located. Recently, we both had a trip where we needed 10 days’ worth of clothing for each of us. GREAT SPACE in the Oliver with room to spare for a collapsable laundry basket. We also had 10 days worth of food, our dishes, spices, pots and pans, a coffee pot, a first aid kit, and toiletries and paper products, but nothing was stored on the floor around the toilet. Used a tablet and computer at the table, NO PROBLEM. AND I use a CPAP at night, and that wasn’t a problem either. LOTS OF SPACE FOR TWO PEOPLE–no problem at all. We do have an Oven; Oliver now offers a Convection Microwave that does double duty as both a microwave and a convection oven–this is available as a retrofit as well. And we chose the option of having Hypervent Condensation Matting installed under the mattresses–NO MOLD PROBLEM (also available as a retrofit). The bottom line is if you believe in the “Marie Kondo” lifestyle of never owning purposeless stuff, the Oliver is just fine. However if you want the exact same space as a home, NOPE! Get a Fifth Wheel!
Thanks, Lizzie, for your comment. I hadn’t heard of the Can Cooker so will definitely look that up. I knew Oliver offered the convection oven though it wasn’t an option when I bought. That was a little scary for me but I’ve been surprised by how easy it has been to get away without one–between the stove top, microwave and an air fryer, I only miss it once in a while when I think I’d like to make a casserole or something similar. That’s also a good idea about shoe storage under the dining seat. I haven’t sued that space yet and keep thinking I should.
Hi Debbie,
Wondering if you have tried the FROLI bed systems to eliminate condensation under the mattress.
Thanks
Richard
…Oh and knowing what you know now would you buy the Oliver again?
That’s a worthy question for sure. And the answer is yes I would. I realize no RV is going to meet every single need one has. Oliver checks off enough boxes and is such a high quality RV that I would probably would purchase it again. Thanks for the question Richard.
I have certainly heard of the FROLI and know many RVers who use and like the system. I ended up going another way. Basically the trick is airflow, whatever system you use. Are you using a FROLI? If yes, I’d be curious what your experience has been with it.
Hi Debbie,
I normally don’t leave messages but I was laughing so hard reading your “hates” on the Oliver. You are so funny but of course not so if our experiences are not what we expected and difficult on our daily living arrangements. My eyes are set on the Oliver (deciding whether to get the 1 or 2) and try to gain knowledge as much as I can especially on the experiences of Oliver owners like you. I appreciate it and will continue to read your other “hates” and “love” article! Stay safe :).
Thanks, John. I appreciate your kind words about the post. I’m glad to hear you are set on getting an Oliver. I don’t think you’ll be sorry. Best of luck as you move forward and jump into rv life and ownership.
I do not normally make comments but considering your “hate” post thought we should discuss the majority owners, and all the owner review videos and testimonies from owners that are very happy with the Oliver. Have you seen them here? https://olivertraveltrailers.com/travel-trailers/reviews/