Are you tired of cycling through cheaply-made RVs that fall apart after a few years of use? Oliver travel trailers may be what you need. This RV brand has staked its reputation on manufacturing high-quality fiberglass campers that last a lifetime—a bold claim in the RV industry.
But is this claim true? Do Oliver travel trailers outlast the competition, or are their “lifetime” claims a marketing gimmick? Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Oliver lineup, how long they last, and the features that may make these travel trailers worth your consideration. Let’s get started!
What Are Oliver Travel Trailers?
Oliver travel trailers are luxury, built-to-order fiberglass campers. There are two models; the single-axle Legacy Elite trailer and a tandem-axle Legacy Elite II trailer. https://olivertraveltrailers.com/
The Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II have a double-shell fiberglass construction, which offers more insulation and durability than models with a single hull. Additionally, these trailers have modern interiors to maximize space and functionality.
Who Makes Oliver Travel Trailers?
Oliver Fiberglass Products (OFP) produces its travel trailers in Hohenwald, Tennessee, starting in 2008. In addition to RVs, this company manufactures other fiberglass products, including the best-selling Safe Step walk-in tubs and showers. It’s safe to say OFP knows a thing or two about producing quality fiberglass products, but do they really last a lifetime? Let’s dig a little deeper.
Do Oliver Travel Trailers Really Last a Lifetime?
Even the oldest Oliver trailers have only been on the road for about 15 years, which is hardly a lifetime. Still, the double-hulled fiberglass shells on many of the trailers they produced in 2008 look like new today.
One Oliver owner, Sherry, bought her travel trailer in 2008. It was one of the first Legacy Elites. She says, “We had the trailer in to a local shop for service in April. There was a line up to see an 11 year old trailer that still looked brand new. We get that comment all the time at gas stops and campgrounds. Yes, we take care of it, wax it twice a year, and regular maintenance. But we don’t “baby” it, and it’s stored outside…We’re confident the trailer will be enjoyed by the next generation when we’re gone, or no longer able to go camping.”
Another Oliver owner, John, said, “The hull and frame are SUPER excellent, as is the hardware. Everything else – appliances, suspension, brakes, etc – is typical off-the-shelf RV quality. Not very well built, but easy to repair or just toss and replace with new when they fail… Ollie owners tend to be older, their trailers will long outlive them.”
Like many fiberglass RVs, you can expect the hull of an Oliver camper to hold up well for many years. However, you will likely need to repair and replace the individual components and appliances over time.
Also, it’s crucial to recognize that the term “lifetime” can be subjective and influenced by various factors. Regular maintenance, responsible usage, and proper storage can significantly extend the lifespan of any travel trailer. If you want your Oliver travel trailer to last a lifetime, you’ll need to do your part and adequately care for it.
Pro Tip: Keep your fiberglass camper looking fresh as new with our guide on How to Remove Oxidation From RV Fiberglass.
How Much Do Oliver Travel Trailers Cost?
The Legacy Elite starts at $65,500, and the Legacy Elite II starts at $73,500. This may seem like a steep price for a travel trailer under 25 feet long. However, the price makes more sense when you consider the build quality and longevity of fiberglass RVs and the not-so-standard features included with every Oliver.
How Long Is the Wait for Oliver Travel Trailers?
If you’re ready to purchase an Oliver travel trailer, don’t expect to get the keys and drive off into the sunset tomorrow. Each Oliver travel trailer is built to order, so you’ll need to factor in the time it takes to design your rig before it enters production. Once they finalize your design and you’ve paid the necessary deposits, the build process typically takes about six weeks.
Oliver Models
Are you ready to place an order for one of these Oliver travel trailers? Let’s take a closer look at the trailer options from this brand, so you can make the best choice for your travels.
Legacy Elite
The Legacy Elite is 18 feet 5 inches long and has a dry weight of 3,700 pounds. The GVWR is 5,000 pounds, giving you 1,300 pounds of cargo-carrying capacity for your adventure gear and camping supplies. The fresh and gray water tanks hold 32 gallons, while the black tank holds 15 gallons. This unit sleeps three people comfortably.
You’ll find a wet bath and a storage closet for hanging clothes inside the Legacy Elite. There is a rear seating area with a table and a small side dinette. Both spaces convert into sleeping areas. The galley kitchen features a sink with a high-rise faucet, a stainless steel microwave, a 2-way refrigerator, and a flush-mount 2-burner stove.
In addition to the four-season double-hulled fiberglass shell, you’ll find a custom molded fiberglass propane tank, spare tire covers, and custom slide-out battery storage. The Legacy Elite also has a power awning, power leveling systems, and an electric tongue jack.
The interior has LED lights throughout, including courtesy floor lights and reading lights. You’ll also appreciate the full surround over-head lighted storage compartments for your knickknacks. Other impressive standard features include a Dometic low-profile porcelain toilet, MaxxFan deluxe ventilation system, and thermal pane windows.
Legacy Elite II
The Legacy Elite II is five feet longer than the Elite at 23 feet 6 inches. It’s also the heaviest of the Oliver travel trailers, with a dry weight of 4,900 pounds and a GVWR of 7,000 pounds. However, this is good news if you have plenty of gear. You can carry up to 2,100 pounds of cargo with the Elite II. The fresh and gray water tanks hold 32 gallons, and the black tank holds 15 gallons. This unit also sleeps three people.
The Legacy Elite II has a wardrobe closet at the front and wrap-around storage cabinets overhead. The galley kitchen has the same features as the Legacy Elite, only with additional counter space. Opposite the kitchen, a small two-seater dinette converts to a bed. At the rear, you can choose between a five-seater dinette that converts to a sleeping space or two twin beds. This unit also has a wet bath.
The Legacy Elite II has all the same luxury features as the Elite. However, you’ll also find upgraded chassis features, like Dexter E-Z Flex suspension and quad shocks on dual Dexter leaf spring Nev-R-Lube axles. This model also has Nev-R-Adjust 10-inch electric brakes.
Pro Tip: Keep your Oliver travel trailer safe while on the go by discovering Why Your Travel Trailer Needs a Weight Distribution Hitch.
How to Decide Between the Elite and Elite II
Deciding between the Elite and Elite II is a tough choice, as both travel trailers offer the same standard features. When making this decision, you want to consider how much space and cargo-carrying capacity you need for travel.
The Elite is a suitable choice for a solo traveler or couple with minimal gear, while the Elite II is better for a couple or small family that plans to haul more cargo. Also, the Elite II has a double twin bed option. The twin beds might be best for couples, but a family with kids may benefit more from the five-seater convertible dinette.
If you plan to boondock or spend significant time off-grid, the Elite II has an optional solar package that’s more robust. This upgrade includes four AGM batteries, 400 watts of solar, and a 2,000-watt inverter.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to boondock, however, we always recommend investing in a set of lithium-ion batteries. We’ve tested them against AGM and flooded lead-acid RV batteries, and they blow them out of the water.
Is Oliver a Good Travel Trailer?
No matter which Oliver travel trailer model you choose, you’ll likely be happy with your purchase if you’re a solo traveler or couple and you don’t mind the price tag. These campers come with creature comforts and can withstand years of travel in various climates. Current owners praise Oliver travel trailers, and the company stands behind its construction claims, offering a five-year limited warranty on the fiberglass body and aluminum chassis undercarriage. Just remember, how long your Oliver lasts will largely depend on how well you care for it.
Which of these Oliver travel trailers would work best for your next adventure? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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