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Is Outdoors RV a Good Brand? Outdoors RV Problems & Reviews

• March 20, 2023 /
• By James V.

Looking for something better. That is the reason many small RV manufacturers get started in the first place. The owners are not happy with the quality of the current RV builds, so they try to improve on that failure and make a better product. Unfortunately, it is hard for these smaller outfits to get known.

From what we can tell, this new RV outlet and maker seems to be making some great models. The praise is pouring in about this brand but so are the complaints. It remains to be seen if this is a good RV brand or not.

To learn more about this company, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can make a smart trade-in or purchase decision. Every company does have its good and bad points.

Who Makes Outdoors RVs?

The company is called Outdoor RV MFG and they are based in La Grande, Oregon. It was started by Ron and Sherry Nash in 2009 and these are the same people who started Northwood MFG in 1993.

That earlier company produced top-flight RV brands called Arctic Fox and NASH. The word is in the RV industry, the name Nash is equal to top-quality. This company looks to be a small facility and their yearly production may vary.

As it has grown, the product line has expanded a little. They make about 4 travel trailer models, one 5th wheel model, and one toy hauler model so far. As they get more well-known, they should be expanding that lineup at some point in the future.

Their design purpose is to make those RV trailers for those people who like to be outdoors no matter how rough the terrain or bad the weather.

Who Owns Outdoors RV?

Originally, the late Ron Nash and his wife Sherry owned this company. This was back in 2009 and after they started it, they may have transferred ownership to Northwood Investments Corporation.

Until his death in 2019, Ron Nash was a major player in this company and his wife remains a principal to this day. This investment company was started in 1993 and it held ownership over Northwood Manufacturing and now Outdoor RV.

At the last count, there were approx. 400 employees and the company had a reported $100 million revenue flow. Northwood Investment is also headquartered in La Grande, Oregon.

The Outdoor RVs are supposed to be all-season models and they should be strong enough to handle extreme weather and very tough road conditions. These trailers are said to be built tough and can handle a heavy workout with ease.

Where Are Outdoors RVs Made?

The company makes all of its trailers in its La Grande manufacturing plant. They have all their business interests located in that little western city. The company encourages you to deal with their dealers and they have a find a dealer locator web page at this link .

The company does rely on its dealer network even though it is not as large as other RV makers. Their dealers seem to be few and far in between in many cases. We checked a couple of locations and the company seems to have skipped a few states as they developed this network.

The further east you go, the fewer dealers there are. This seems to be a western United States company at this time. Their dealers seem to go no further than east Texas and west Iowa.

There is very little representation in those western states though.

Is Outdoors RV a Good Brand?

At RV Insider, the website that rates companies by reviews, this company holds a 4.3-star rating. There seem to be as many negative reviews as there are positive ones.

From what we have read so far, it seems that this company spends a lot of time making its own chassis. This means that while these chassis may be heavier than other RV brands, they are more solid.

Keeping everything you can in-house is one way to keep an eye on the quality of your product. Also, some people have toured the plant and have reported that the employees and other staff are very proud of the trailers they produce.

As far as we can tell, and we checked several worst RV brands and avoid these brands lists and this company is not listed on any of them. They should be a good brand despite the complaints.

Is Outdoors RV Worth The Money?

From what we have read about these travel trailers, they do seem to be worth the money. Many owners have made comparisons between their Outdoor models and other companies’ models.

Their impression was that the Outdoor option was better built all around. That may be because Outdoor RV makes sure that the foundation they are building on is a solid one.

The company feels that you need a good, solid foundation to have a good trailer. Judging by most of the reviews, they seem to have succeeded. Of course, there will be those owners who have reported many problems with their Outdoor RV who will disagree.

In the end, it is really up to you to decide if the trailer is worth the cost. We have seen far more positive reviews than negative ones so right now the jury has decided they are worth the money.

Outdoors RV Construction

If you go to this link , you will find how this company builds its RVs. The materials used seem to be top-notch and some of the best you can find anywhere.

Here are some of the components they put into their RVs. Keep in mind, these RVs are made for the western parts of the continent:

- Mountain Extreme Thermal Pane Windows

- Triple Layered Four Seasons Roof Insulation

- Fully Enclosed-Heated-Insulated Underbelly

- 1″ Thick Thermal Insulated Luggage Doors

- Reflective Insulation Layer Roof, Slide-Out Floor, Entire Underbelly, Holding Tanks

- Custom-Built Cambered Off-Road Chassis

- Integrated A-Frame Chassis Construction

- Exterior Grade Tongue & Groove Plywood Sub-Floor

- Marine Grade Plywood Roof Decking

Those are just some of the materials they put into their trailers. As we said, it has been reported that this company takes great pride in its product so they are built tough.

Outdoors RV Complaints

There will always be complaints. You will read most of them on the RV insider website and these owners are not that happy with what they bought. Some people thought the mattress and sofa were not that comfortable, that there was a problem with the holding tanks monitors and so on.

Other owners were not happy with how the company secured the microwave and the awnings. Saying they were not held in place very well and the screws came out when under no duress or pressure.

Others did not like the warranty coverage. They felt that they were let down when some dealers would not make warranty repairs on trailers they did not sell.

Some of these negative reviewers still gave this company and its trailers 4 stars in some areas and 3 stars in others. So their experience wasn’t as bad as they let on.

Outdoors RV Problems

There do seem to be some common problems many Outdoor RV owners will experience. When you look at the list, you will see that most of the problems may be in the quality of build category. This may be due to the fact the company wants to fill their orders as quickly as possible.

- Cupboard doors fall off- hinges not in securely may be the issue here

- Broken drawers- age-related issues are the common source of this problem

- Cold air getting inside- this may be due to faulty seals on the walls and roof

- Fog on the windows- again this is an aging out issue and the seals do get old

- Clamps on water pipes are too small- this would be a manufacturer’s issue

- Water heaters are not supported that well- minimal effort to provide top support for this appliance is the source

Outdoors RV Reviews

We have seen both extremes and all points in between. There are people who love these RVs and would not trade them in for any other model. Then there are those owners who feel they have an $80,000 piece of junk.

While it is hard to make the perfect RV, Outdoor RV does come close when looking at the reviews between these two extremes. Many of those in between reviews cite poor workmanship quality as the main source of their complaint.

They may have a point. RV makers and workers do not come with the best reputations. According to other reviewers and owners, Outdoor RV seems to have solved this problem with the way they build their trailers.

It is best to compare both sides with a grain of salt and look to make sure you do not have a negative experience if you buy one of their models.

Outdoors RV Mountain Series Reviews

Most of the owners tend to like this model series. The complaints are the same though. There may be problems with quality control when it comes to the build quality of each trailer.

However, there are many owners who have driven across the country to pick up their new Outdoors RV. That action says a lot about the quality of these travel trailers.

These trailers are supposed to be built stouter than the competition which has many owners or potential owners praising the company. According to one potential owner who toured the factory, the company is supposed to have some great building techniques as well as a quality control team at the end of the assembly line looking for errors.

With this information, it is hard to believe the complaints we read earlier as well as the common problems.

Does Outdoors RV Make Fifth Wheels?

Yes, they have one model at this time. It is called Glacier Peak and it comes with 4-floor plans as well as 2 & 3 slide-outs for each floor plan. The length of these floor plans goes from 27 to 31 feet and the trailer is supposed to weigh 9000 pounds.

The longer trailers will weigh a bit more as the F28RKS model weighs just over 10,000 pounds. According to the images on their website, the interior looks like any other RV made by a bigger and richer company.

These are all one bath, one bedroom floor plans, although you can sleep more people on the sofas, etc. This 5th wheel series should rival the competition and the quality may be better than Jayco, etc.

Does Outdoors RV Make a Toy Hauler?

Yes, they do and like the 5th wheel model, this company makes 1. This model is called the Trail Series and it looks to have 3-floor plans. Their length ranges between 25 and 31 feet long and the starting dry weight is 8000 pounds.

The garages on this toy hauler series are said to hold most 4 seat side by side vehicles. The 60 by 80 queen-size bed is said to be a loft style and it lifts up when your vehicle is in the garage.

Then it is built with the same quality of materials as the other trailers are built with. The photos also look like any other RV interior you would get with any other brand

Some Final Words

Sometimes it pays to ignore all the top RV brands that everyone knows about. The smaller companies need to try harder as they do not have the resources available to market their RVs as the big companies have.

But they may be better built which is one advantage this company has over its competitors. There will be negative reviews and complaints as not every trailer will be perfectly made. But Outdoors RV seems to try harder to be better than the rest.

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Outdoors RV Review: 28DBS Back Country Series

Table of Contents

Outdoors RV 28DBS Backcountry Series Review

Are you looking for a reliable RV that will let you experience all the thrills of the great outdoors without sacrificing modern amenities? If so, you may want to consider taking a closer look at the 28DBS Backcountry Series model from Outdoors RV .

This sleek, stylish travel trailer is packed with features that make it an ideal choice for anyone who loves camping but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort or convenience.

We are proud to say that we have owned and lived in this model full-time for over a year now and we can confidently provide a comprehensive review.

In this review, we’ll take a look at the conditions in which it arrived and how it has operated over the course of our ownership. We will also discuss what we like about it and also mention some of the top complaints we have about it.

I’ll also go into detail about the upgrades we made, and why we believe it is such an excellent choice for anyone who is in the market for a quality RV.

Let’s take a closer look at what this model has to offer.

First, Let’s Take a Look at the Specs of the Rig:

• 100 gallons of fresh water capacity
• 80-gallon gray water tank
• 40 Gallon black water tank
• 170 watts of solar power
• Cummins Onan 3.6K On-Board LP Generator
• 8030 Lbs. Dry Weight
• Heavy Duty 5 Lug Axles
• Thermal Pane Windows
• 80 Lbs of Propane Capacity

What Makes the 28DBS Special? Things We Love

The Outdoors RV 28DBS is an excellent choice due to its quality construction, affordability, and dependability. Let’s take a look at all the features we love about this travel trailer.

True four-season RV

The Outdoors RV 28 DBS comes with numerous features designed to make your RV camping experience as enjoyable as possible.

One of the main features of the 28 DBS is its walls. Outdoors RV is a company that understands the importance of insulation in an RV.

The walls are 2 inches thick with foam insulation that helps keep heat in during cold weather. This makes it perfect for long-term camping or full-time living in your RV .

It also means you won’t have to worry about getting too cold or too hot while on your travels.

The Floor Plan Just Makes Sense

The interior offers plenty of room and comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to six people, plus there’s plenty of storage space for all our stuff.

We love the double bunk in the back of the RV. We use the bottom bunk as a bed for our 3 dogs and the top bunk is excellent for storage for all our dirt biking gear.

This RV also boasts a full kitchen complete with a microwave, refrigerator, three-burner range, oven, and pantry.

The living area comes with a dinette that seats 4 people and an option of either two recliners or a sofa bed, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the road.

Massive Water Supply (100-gallon fresh water holding tank)

The water storage system on this model is also quite impressive. It comes with a 100-gallon water tank capacity which provides plenty of options for cooking, cleaning, showering, and more.

Seriously, the 100-gallon freshwater holding tank has been a game changer for us because we can go longer between fill-ups, and we don’t have to worry about running out of water while boondocking.

Additionally, the underbelly of the RV is insulated and has the option to turn on the heated water tank, so you don’t have to worry about any pipes freezing during colder months.

Multiple Off-Grid Power Options

For power sources, the Outdoors RV 28 DBS comes with a Cummins 1350LP Generator and two Solar panels on the roof to gather sun and charge the batteries; four 6-volt batteries are included for additional energy storage capacity and usage when needed. You won’t be left without power anytime soon!

For a full walk-through tour of our Outdoors RV, you can check out this Youtube video .

High Off-Road Clearance

The bottom of this trailer is higher than many, so you’ll go up three steps to get in. This is owing to the trailer’s design for going into the backcountry. The higher bottom gives the trailer more clearance and prevents it from getting hung up on rocks or other obstacles.

Superior Suspension

Suspension is one of the most important aspects of any RV, but it is often overlooked by shoppers. The suspension on an RV helps to absorb shocks and bumps from the road, making for a smoother and more comfortable ride. It also plays a crucial role in managing the weight of the RV, ensuring that the entire trailer is properly supported.

Outdoors RV understands the importance of a good suspension, and that is why they incorporated shock absorbers and Goodyear E-rated tires on 5,200-pound axles. These features help to ensure that the RV can handle even the roughest roads.

Read More: The Best Four Season Travel Trailers for Full-Time Living

The Downside?

Quality issues.

Unfortunately, this is a common complaint about Outdoors RV RVs. While they are generally well-made, there have been some reports of subpar craftsmanship and materials being used.

We had a few minor hiccups after purchasing, such as dents in the flooring underneath the laminate and an AC unit that wasn’t working properly. Luckily, the customer service was top-notch and our dealer took quick action to fix these problems right away.

Our advice: If you do decide to go with an Outdoors RV, be sure to thoroughly inspect it before taking it off the lot!

Outdoors RV is known for building tough, durable trailers that can stand up to any adventure. And the Backcountry Model is no exception. With a heavy-duty frame and thick walls, this trailer is built like a tank.

But it’s not just built for strength—it’s also insulated for comfort. That means you’ll be able to enjoy your time outdoors no matter what the weather brings.

As you might expect, all that strength and insulation comes at a cost—the dry hitch weight is 995 pounds, and the overall dry weight starts at around 8,030 pounds.

We shook a few things loose

One common issue that many RV owners face is rattling or shaking during bumpy rides, leading to loose screws and objects falling off the walls. This happened to us during our travels, and our window valances were the first casualty after about 6 months of full-time travel.

We ultimately decided to take them down because we realized that they were bulky and not really our style. We replaced them with the blackout curtains they came with. The result has been a much cleaner look in our living space.

Over the past year, we’ve made a number of upgrades to our RV. One of the first upgrades we made to the RV before we even took it off the lot was we switched out our sleeper sofa for a recliner sofa. We loved the idea of being able to kick back and relax in a recliner, and luckily Thomsons RV had a decent inventory of recliner sofas, so we decided to make the switch. The dark charcoal color of the recliners ended up being much more appealing to us than the bright beige of the sleeper sofa. Not only did it match the rest of the decor better, but it also felt more inviting and cozy.

Oxygenics Shower Head

Another improvement we made was swapping out the standard showerhead for an oxygenics low-flow model . We highly recommend making the switch to anyone living in a trailer or RV. And with its low cost and easy installation, it’s a no-brainer improvement for any nomadic adventurer.

Victron Inverter

When we decided to upgrade our RV, one of the first things we knew we needed was an inverter so that we could still use power outlets while living off-grid. We chose the Victron Inverter for its rapid transfer technology and remote monitoring, this inverter has been the perfect addition to allow us to live comfortably off-grid.

Our biggest investment has been adding Starlink to our setup—this provides us with satellite-based wifi access so we can be connected no matter where we decide to camp. We now feel confident that we can do more remote camping and not worry about having access to cell service, as long as we have our trusty trailer with Starlink. What an amazing way for us to stay connected wherever our travels take us!

Final Thoughts

After thoroughly assessing the 28DBS Backcountry Series model from Outdoors RV, it is evident that this travel trailer provides an exceptional level of quality at an excellent value. Every detail was carefully constructed, from the first-rate amenities to the durable construction that will last for years to come. Those feeling adventurous will be thrilled with the smooth and effortless experience on the open road.

And while there have been some reports of quality issues, we think that these are generally isolated incidents. If you do your due diligence and inspect your RV before taking it off the lot, you should be fine! Even better, owners can rest assured knowing that their purchase comes backed with a comprehensive warranty and ample customer support should there ever be an issue.

All in all, choosing the 28DBS Outdoors RV is an absolutely worthwhile investment that guarantees long-term satisfaction.

Where Did We Buy Our Outdoors RV?

We bought our RV in Pendleton, Oregon, from Thomsons RV . We had a great experience working with the staff at Thomson’s, and we highly recommend them to anyone in the market for an RV. The sales team was very knowledgeable and helpful, and they made the process of buying an RV hassle-free.

And before we left the lot, they went over every nook and cranny of the camper, teaching us how to operate all necessary functions with complete confidence. With such an extensive introduction to our home on wheels, we walked away feeling secure that we’d be able to handle anything that came our way on the road. So a huge shoutout to Thompson’s for going above and beyond. 

Best RV Supplies for Life on The Road

After living on the road for nearly 4 years, we have compiled a list of the most necessary supplies that will make life on the road easier and more comfortable.

Water Bladder:  When boondocking, we love having a water bladder so we can get water from town to refill our travel trailer, without having to haul the entire rig. These are great cause when you’re not using them, they fold up small for compact storage. 

Outdoor Rug: Outdoor rugs help keep the dirt and mud outside the trailer. This one is super cute and extremely durable. 

Wheel Chocks: Definitely a must for making sure your RV doesn’t budge while boondocking.

Holding Tank Treatment:  Keep those nasty black tank smells at bay and use my favorite holding tank treatment.

You can also check out our comprehensive list of 25 must-have emergency and safety supplies for your RV

We hope this review was helpful! Do you have any additional features you love that we missed? Any complaints we forgot to mention? Leave them in the comments below! 

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2021 Outdoors RV Back Country Series 21RWS

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Outdoors RV Creek Side Mountain Series Travel Trailer

Enjoy four seasons camping with the Creek Side Mountain Series travel trailers by Outdoors RV. These models are built tough with mountain extreme thermal pane windows, triple layered four seasons roof insulation, and a fully enclosed, heated, and insulated underbelly. 

Inside, you'll find roto-torqued "Outdoors Tough" cabinetry, full extension 100 lb. metal drawer guides, and laminated fiberglass slide out flooring to withstand your adventures. The rugged fiberglass front cap features lower diamond plate rock protection, and the integrated A-frame chassis construction adds durability. Full bath and kitchen amenities come standard on these travel trailers, as well as comfortable sleeping arrangements and plenty of storage space.

Head for the mountains in a Creek Side Mountain Series travel trailer by Outdoors RV!

Travel Trailer

• Length: 24 ft 1 in
• Weight: 5650 lbs

3 Available Now!

• Length: 25 ft 10 in
• Weight: 5900 lbs

9 Available Now!

• Length: 26 ft 9 in
• Weight: 6100 lbs

7 Available Now!

• Length: 24 ft 10 in
• Weight: 5600 lbs

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Creek Side Mountain Series Features:

Standard Features (2024)

Climate Designed 4 Seasons

• Mountain Extreme Thermal Pane Windows
• Triple Layered Four Seasons Roof Insulation
• 1” Thick Exterior Shower/Luggage Doors
• Thermal Insulated Skylights & Bedroom Vent
• XL Furnace (Extreme Camping Heat System)
• Unique Heated, Insulated Holding Tank Design

Built Tough Off Road Performance

• Rugged 2” Bonded Aluminum Frame Walls (Every Wall)
• All Slide-Out Walls Bonded Aluminum Frame (Including Roof)
• Laminated Fiberglass Slide-Out Floor
• Custom Built Off Road Chassis
• Rugged Integrated A-Frame for Strength & Ground Clearance
• Protected Junction Box Behind Front Cross Member
• HD KYB Gas Shock Absorbers w/ XL Shock Plate
• Angle Iron Frame Shackle Supports
• Rugged Goodyear E Range 10 Ply Tires
• XL Armor Guard Protected Bumper
• Marine Grade Aluminum Entry Steps
• HD Big Tube Rear Ladder
• Rugged Rubber Diamond Plate Luggage Compartment Flooring
• Friction Hinge Wind Resistant Entry Door
• Metal Designed Slam Latch Luggage Doors
• Hardwood Drawer Fronts (All Drawers)

Off Grid Camping 

• Progressive Dynamics 4 Stage Converter w/ Built-In Charge Wizard
• 80 Gallon Fresh Water Capacity (Most Models)
• Battery Disconnect Switch Protected Inside Front Luggage Compartment
• No Boundaries Off Grid Solar Ready Roof Port for Up To 510 Watts
• Door Side Portable Solar Port for up to 200 Watts
• Interior & Exterior Energy Saving LED Lights
• 2 XL 30lb Propane Tanks
• Single Basin Farm Sink w/ Protective Metal Basin Grid
• LG Solid Surface Countertops
• Sunken Range w/ Glass Front & Sealed Burners
• Glass Top Range, Knife Rack & Granite Designed Backsplash
• Bottom Mount Metal Sink w/ High Rise Pull Out Faucet
• Pot & Pan Drawer (Most Models)
• Residential Height Countertops
• Full Extension 100lb Metal Drawer Guides

Living Room/Slide Out/Dinette

• Vaulted Radius Ceiling Providing Approx. 5” of Addl Headroom
• Dual Pane Living Room Skylight w/ Shade
• Ultra Leather Furniture & Dinette Seats
• 12V Triple Charge Station (Charges ipads & Cell Phones)
• Mountain Dinette w/ Family XL Table
• XL Dinette Drawers
• XL Panoramic Slide-Out Windows
• 12V LED Living Room TV
• HDMI Bluetooth DVD Sound System
• Mountain Comfort Premium Mattress
• 12V USB Ports by Both Night Stands
• Drawers Underneath Both Sides of Bed
• XL Bed Night Stands
• Plywood Bed Support w/ Bed Storage
• Porcelain Toilets
• USB Charging Port
• Convenient Water Pump Switch
• Shower Skylight (Extra Head Room)

Standard Features

• – Designed for Mountain States & Western Canada
• (Reflective Insulation Layer & Two Layers of R-7 Fiberglass Insulation)
• Fully Enclosed-Heated-Insulated Underbelly
• 1" Thick Thermal Insulated Luggage Doors
• Reflective Insulation Layer Roof, Slide-Out Floor, Entire Underbelly, Holding Tanks
• Thermal Insulated Bedroom Ceiling Vent
• XL Furnace for Extreme Camping Heat System
• Exterior Shower Protected by 1" Thick Thermal Insulated Door
• Rugged 2" Bonded Aluminum Frame Walls (Every Wall)
• All New Rugged Fiberglass Front Cap w/ Lower Diamond Plate Rock Protection
• HD Laminated Fiberglass Hardwall – Front, Rear, Side, & Slide-Out Walls
• Eco-Friendly Laminated Wall Cut Outs in Dinette – 40% Thicker Cushions
• 78 Gallon Fresh water capacity
• Custom-Built Cambered Off-Road Chassis
• Integrated A-Frame Chassis Construction
• Xtra Tall 24" Power Tongue Jack w/ LED Light
• Off Road X4 Suspension – MorRyde Alltrek CRE 4000, HD Shackle Kit
• KYB World Class Shock Absorbers
• 15" Rugged Mud Flaps
• Rugged “Armor Guard” XL Protected Bumper
• Heavy Duty 5 Lug 4000 LB Axles w/ Off-Road Brake System (All Models)
• 15" Goodyear Endurance 225 E Range 10 Ply Radial Tires (Safety/Warranty)
• Laminated Fiberglass Slide-Out Floor (Slide-Out Models)
• Laminated Aluminum Frame Slide-Out Ceiling (Slide-Out Models)
• Roto-Torqued “Outdoors Tough” Cabinetry (All Cabinets)
• Off-Road Clearance Lights
• Radius-Crowned Full Walk-On Roof w/ HD Big Tube Rear Ladder
• Exterior Grade Tongue & Groove Plywood Sub-Floor
• Marine Grade Plywood Roof Decking

See us for a complete list of features and available options!

All standard features and specifications are subject to change.

All warranty info is typically reserved for new units and is subject to specific terms and conditions. See us for more details. 

Due to the current environment, our features and options are subject to change due to material availability. 

Manu-Facts:

Outdoors RV Manufacturing was born in 2009 with the vision of owners Ron and Sherry Nash. Our company focus is to design and build recreational vehicles for the customers who desire to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the terrain or weather.  We call it "mountain tough four seasons camping."

Just like the picturesque mountain valley where our factory is located, the RV adventurer of the Western United States and Western Canada will find beautiful pristine alpine lakes, rugged snow capped mountains, lush rain forests, beautiful desert landscapes, and incredible ocean views to explore. We here at Outdoors RV are proud  RV owners and love the outdoor lifestyle in out many adventures we have had customers tell us that they wished a manufacturer would build an RV that was designed for our backyard versus the industry standard that is designed for the pavement and the 3 summer months.

Outdoors answers the call in designing three different series of RV's, two based on how you camp (backcountry series & mountain series) and one being the premium trim package.

Let you outdoor adventures begin!

• Standard Features

Designed for the Primitive, Off-Grid, BLM, and National Forest Camper

Standard 170 watt solar & on-board generator….

Back Country Series – Available in 4 Travel Trailer Floorplans From 21 to 29 FT Floor Lengths

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4-Season, Off-Road, Off-Grid Camper Trailer: 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

Icehouse manufacturer uses cold-weather expertise to build the rugged Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 four-season overland camper trailer.

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Overlanding in the dead of winter, surrounded by snow and rarely seeing the thermometer climb into double digits , probably seems counterintuitive to the majority of RVers who tend to seek out much warmer climes. But, if you’re one of those adventuresome types who enjoys everything Mother Nature has to offer and embraces four-season off-grid outings, winter camping is both exciting and invigorating — if you have the right RV.

That’s where an Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 travel trailer comes into play. This 26-foot RV is one of the best couples’ overlanding-type trailers built for off-grid use and extreme weather conditions, winter and summer. 

In short: The 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 has a hefty price tag and requires a big vehicle to tow it. It’s also a premium all-weather camper trailer that offers up impressive comfort. It excels at extended off-road and off-grid travel because of its state-of-the-art suspension and robust solar and battery systems.

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195

• Length  26’1”
• Weight (Empty)  5,500 lbs.
• GVWR (Loaded)  9,920 lbs.
• Suspension  Independent w/air
• Fresh water  60 gals.
• Gray water  60 gals.
• MSRP  $143,000
• Highest R-values in RVs (R18.75 walls/roof, R15 floor)
• 21” of ground clearance to skid plates
• Air-adjustable independent suspension (±5”)
• Heated enclosed underbelly
• Dry flush toilet
• Heavy-duty chassis w/articulating hitch
• Composite side, roof, and floor
• 60-gallon fresh/gray water tanks
• Big price tag puts it in the Premium category
• GVWR requires full-size pickup/SUV for towing

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

The tandem-axle X195 is the product of Imperial Outdoors, owned by Nelson Industries . This Wisconsin-based company has built up a stellar reputation over decades of building custom ice-fishing houses. That expertise transferred nicely into the design and manufacturing of this rugged camp trailer — and its smaller single-axle, 21-foot twin, the XploreRV X145.

See my review of the XploreRV X145 .

XploreRV X195: Extreme Temps Rated

The X195 trailer’s body utilizes a one-piece composite roof, sides, and a floor that are nearly 3 inches thick, and that encase block foam built to withstand the rigors of extreme weather (120 to -40 degrees F). The walls and roof have an R18.75 value, while the floor is rated at R15. This design is the best insulation and heating system I’ve ever seen in a camp trailer of this size, a testament to its icehouse DNA. 

“We spent a lot of time designing this camper from what we learned in building high-end fish houses,” says Steve Geary, Marketing Manager for Imperial Outdoors/Nelson Industries. “The block-insulated walls of our coach are almost three inches thick, so they really add to the ability to retain heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

My wife and I were amazed at how well this design kept the subfreezing temps at bay during one of our midwinter outings where the outside temps never got above 20 degrees.

The 14,300-BTU Truma Combi Eco Plus , which is both a furnace and tankless water heater, never struggled to keep the interior a cozy 72 degrees. It also made the shower water instantly hot, even when the outdoor temps hovered in the lower teens. It’s an amazing piece of equipment, and so quiet you forget it’s even turned on.

Windows Matter

“The one-piece composite floor and roof construction with lightweight acrylic thermopane windows (with nitrogen gas charge and built-in shades) also contribute to insulating against extreme weather conditions by reducing the opportunity for both heat and cold transfer,” says Geary.

The thick window shades on the living area windows act as another level of insulation from the heat/cold of the outside, and the separate window screens let fresh air flow during warm weather without letting in pesky bugs. 

Another nice touch are the window locks in the living area that can be opened in varying degrees to cut down on the heater and A/C use. Each window has four locking latches that can be set to just crack the window open for a breath of air seeping by the seals to prevent condensation you’d get in the winter. Or, the latches can be rotated to allow the windows to open from one-third to full.

Bigger Is Better, in This Case

The 26-foot X195 is roomy and a much more comfortable setup for a couple or a family with one or two youngsters than its single-axle near-twin. The interior measures just over 19 feet long; it’s 6.5 feet wide with a ceiling height of 6 feet, 3 inches. The interior is built of composite materials and the upper cabinets have high-end latches, hinges, and support struts for the lid.

That extra 5 feet more of interior floor length than the X145 allows the use of a larger dinette/sofa to sleep a third person, and placing the full-size RV bed in front in a north-to-south orientation makes for easier access.

Across from the dinette is the galley. While the smaller X145 had a little fridge and single-burner cooktop, the X195 is much better equipped for multiday stays with a stacked 6.9-cubic-foot freezer/fridge and a dual-burner cooktop. It also has a slightly larger counter for improved prep space. 

Camper Trailer Bathroom Done Right

The bathroom in the XploreRV X195 is identical to that found in the smaller X145. It’s bright and roomy for a trailer of this size. The shower easily accommodates 6-footers and has a sliding glass door to separate it from the rest of the bathroom. The sink is deep and the vanity is spacious.

When you check the specs, there’s no black-water tank. That’s because the XploreRV campers use the Laveo Dry Flush waterless toilet system, which is popular in the marine industry. It’s a really sweet setup. We spent nearly 5 days camping off-grid and came to love the Laveo toilet for its simplicity and efficiency.

After a half-dozen or so uses of the toilet, sprinkling a little gelling agent after each deposit, the “flush” button is hit. The inside of the toilet spins around, sucks, and seals the waste that’s been deposited in the shiny mylar bag, and then pulls the sealed waste downward leaving another clean, new silver bag from the replaceable cartridge in its place ready for use. Check out the process in this video .

Simple. No muss. No smell. And, no need for a black tank or an RV dump station. It’s a really neat and sanitary setup for off-grid camping that negates the need for a black water tank.

Xplore X195 Trailer Offers Abundant Storage

One aspect that makes one expedition/overlanding trailer a step or two better than another is storage space — or lack thereof. The XploreRV X195 has a lot of storage in upper storage cabinets, big drawers beneath the counter, and a pull-out storage area for cookware beneath the induction cooktop. 

More interior storage is located underneath the seats at the dinette. They are large enough to keep extra bedding, backpacks , clothing, or other bulky items out of sight but within easy access. 

Outside there’s an abundance of cargo brackets, grid panels, utility boxes, and accessories to bring along everything from a Hi-Lift jack and Jerry cans to mountain bikes and kayaks.

Abundant Off-Grid Electrical Power

One of the many features of the XploreRV X195 that I liked was the camper’s healthy 12V GoPower solar and Expion360 LifeP04 lithium-ion battery system.

The demo model reviewed was outfitted with the optional Stage 3 three-battery (1,080aH) package and Stage 3 (1,240W) solar roof panel kit. It also had the 2,000W inverter with a monitoring panel. Upgrading the XploreRV’s standard solar panel/lithium batteries to higher levels is recommended for anyone planning extended off-grid camping trips and who doesn’t want to power up a gas-powered generator. 

My wife and I spent 5 days camping off-the-grid relying only on the solar battery system under several days of overcast skies. We used the cooktop multiple times each day, kept the interior and exterior LED lights on late into the night, ran the furnace and water pump, and were still left with more than 40% power when we headed back into civilization.

Independent-Axle With Air Suspension

When it comes to towing, the XploreRV X195 (and little brother X145) sits atop a powder-coated, heavy-duty boxed-steel frame.

The trailer is also fitted with a Cruisemaster ATX Off-Road Independent Air Suspension imported from Australia. The adjustable air suspension allows up to ±5 inches of adjustment per side. At full lift, it provides 21 inches of clearance between the ground and the steel skid plates.

The skids protect the 60-gallon fresh water and gray water tanks mounted in the enclosed and heated underbelly. The plumbing and wiring of the X195 is routed well above the frame, as well. This gives those critical parts excellent protection from damage that can be caused by encounters with rocks and other large obstructions.

Also of interest to those camping way off the grid, the X195 rides on 33-inch mud-terrain tires with heavy-duty disc brakes.

XploreRV X195: A Smooth Tow

In addition to everything else under the X195 body, the frame is fitted with a Cruisemaster DO45 Plus articulating hitch that allows the trailer to swivel, pivot, and rotate separately from the tow vehicle. Most newcomers to off-road/expedition-style camping rarely consider the importance of the hitch. A standard ball-mount receiver hitch transmits a lot of jerking motion into the cab. 

The DO45 Plus hitch design greatly reduces trailer movement into the tow vehicle because it swivels and rotates with the trailer’s movement, softening the tow. A DO45 Plus hitch also provides a stronger, more secure hitching system than the traditional ball-mount. 

We towed the 5,500-pound (unloaded weight) X195 behind a 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4×4 over more than 50 miles of rutted, single-track, sometimes rocky snow-covered backroads in Oregon’s high desert. Never once did the trailer have an adverse affect on our ride quality or comfort.

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review: Final Thoughts

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 is a stoutly built, top-tier towable. It should hold up well through decades of challenging, overlanding/expedition-style four-season use, delivering a comfortable camping experience regardless of the season or location. 

The downside for the average outdoor enthusiast is the XploreRV X195 is also in the rarified air in cost of top-tier expedition-style towables, with a starting price of $143,000. Its price is surpassed only by the line of Australian-made tandem-axle Bruder expedition trailers. But even those don’t compare when it comes to keeping the occupants comfy when temps go to the extremes of summer and winter.

Find your local Imperial Outdoors dealer and dive into the specs of the XploreRV X195 camper trailer even further.

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A veteran automotive photojournalist with more than 40 years of experience as an editor, writer, and photographer for national 4×4, RV, boating, and outdoor consumer magazines. Over the years Bruce has been a regular contributor to such titles as Four Wheeler, Diesel Power, Off Road Adventures, Jp, Offroad, Sports Afield, Truck Trend, Motortrend, Trailer Life, Motorhome, and several boating publications.

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