That's a good point. A surprising number of campgrounds (or sites) have a 25' limit. Some have even less. I think I'm 25' 4" so I always round down...
200 series camper suggestions? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter tincan45
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I'm a big fan of the Bean. It tows very well behind the 200.
Our ORV is 4 season rated and insulated in the same fashion. We’ve been down to single digits (F) with high <20F for 5-7 days straight with no water freeze issues. That is with the heat on set to 60F.
as to the camper size debate. I know a lot of people who started with a smaller camper and later went larger. I only know one person who started with a large one and went smaller, and that was when their 4 kids were out of the house.
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
We have our eyes on a ORV 21RD.
Apparently freezing isn’t an issue for you and I’m wondering about just how ORV accomplishes this. Their literature clearly states that the tank area is air duct heated via the furnace and they even offer a 12V heating pad accessory option IIRC. So far so good.
I have a somewhat esoteric question on your ORV…I could also call them and ask I guess LOL.
Do you happen to know if there is a return air duct in the underside tank area?
We have a 2016 22BHS, had it for going on 7 years. Completely happy with it. Had an AS before this camper and the ORV is better for us in every way.
From what I can tell the duct work goes through the underbelly and along the outside wall in the kitchen next to the plumbing. my suspicion is that the un-insulated duct goes through the under but and then vents in the living space. So I don’t think there is a supply vent and return on the underside. This is based on where I can see the vents and duct, I could be wrong, The underbelly is all enclosed.
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
We seriously looked at Black Series campers and ultimately decided they weren't for us based on our perception of their potential reliability, availability of parts and their country of origin, and discrepancies with GVWR as stated on the official plates on the tongue.
Here's an interesting article involving Black Series campers, among other things:
First empty trailers appeared, then came squatters. Owner of L.A. lot and neighbors are fed up - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-26/first-empty-trailers-appeared-then-came-squatters-owner-of-l-a-lot-and-neighbors-are-fed-up
"The property owner, Legacy Point, said in a statement that the campers were not authorized to be stored on the vacant lot and that the owner spent more than a year trying to get the owner of BlackSeries Campers Inc., which the company identified as Hongwei Qiu, to either pay for the storage or remove them.
Although Mr. Qiu acknowledged our ownership and expressed a willingness to pay the appropriate license fee, BlackSeries has not made a single payment for its use of our property,” Legacy Point wrote in the statement."
Here's an interesting article involving Black Series campers, among other things:
First empty trailers appeared, then came squatters. Owner of L.A. lot and neighbors are fed up - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-26/first-empty-trailers-appeared-then-came-squatters-owner-of-l-a-lot-and-neighbors-are-fed-up
"The property owner, Legacy Point, said in a statement that the campers were not authorized to be stored on the vacant lot and that the owner spent more than a year trying to get the owner of BlackSeries Campers Inc., which the company identified as Hongwei Qiu, to either pay for the storage or remove them.
Although Mr. Qiu acknowledged our ownership and expressed a willingness to pay the appropriate license fee, BlackSeries has not made a single payment for its use of our property,” Legacy Point wrote in the statement."
I ended up buying a used one, HQ17 and stillWe seriously looked at Black Series campers and ultimately decided they weren't for us based on our perception of their potential reliability, availability of parts and their country of origin, and discrepancies with GVWR as stated on the official plates on the tongue.
Here's an interesting article involving Black Series campers, among other things:
First empty trailers appeared, then came squatters. Owner of L.A. lot and neighbors are fed up - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-26/first-empty-trailers-appeared-then-came-squatters-owner-of-l-a-lot-and-neighbors-are-fed-up
"The property owner, Legacy Point, said in a statement that the campers were not authorized to be stored on the vacant lot and that the owner spent more than a year trying to get the owner of BlackSeries Campers Inc., which the company identified as Hongwei Qiu, to either pay for the storage or remove them.
Although Mr. Qiu acknowledged our ownership and expressed a willingness to pay the appropriate license fee, BlackSeries has not made a single payment for its use of our property,” Legacy Point wrote in the statement."
Also have my ORV.
For the Black series I have to say the parts made in China (frame, suspension, structure) is rock solid, as good or better then any camper I’ve owned (outdoor RV and airstream). The sad part is The parts done in the US: final finishing, plumbing, electrical, appliance install is complete garbage. All that said I’ve fixed most of the garbage and it was not hard to do, but I do most of my own work on the LX.
My overall summary and impression it is a very good camper but only for someone who is going to use it off-road as they are relatively heavy and cramped when compared to other similar sized RVs. We take it places (like McCarthy and up the Dalton, TOW, Steese) I would never take my ORV. Also, I purchased it knowing that I was essentially buying a kit RV and there were things I was going to have to upgrade and fix right off the bat.
Only things I’ve had to do to mine is:
replaced the poly block hitch to a McHitch, mostly for convenience as that Polly block is a huge PITA when hooking up, and I also had this concern that eventually it might fail.
completely disassembled and re-packed the hubs (they are standard 10k lb Dexter hubs) and replaced the brakes (again due to crappy work on the US Side), from what I can tell the hubs were initially way over packed and they didn’t put seals in so the grease spilled out into the brake drums.
Solar (I have 600w) wasn’t working, fortunately, the first thing I did was got on the roof with the voltage meter. In about 15 minutes, I was able to figure out that the panels were wired in parallel, not in serial…. Which was an easy fix on my part. again this part was installed in California not in China.
So far I’d say I’m very happy with it but I paid $35k and also had a good idea of what I was getting myself into as I’d been looking at and researching them for ~5 years. MSPR in 2022 new was $89k
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FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
FWIW we liked the ORV's we looked at but they were hard to find and we could only look at 1 or 2. We really liked the ORV RD21 but thought it might be too heavy.
They are on the heavier side of things and they have only gotten heavier. The updated version of ours 23BHS is >1000 lbs heavier, pushing 9k lbs! And without any functional improvements. It has a larger slide out a little more headroom, real leather couches instead of cloth, but less storage.
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
As we've mentioned elsewhere we ended up with an Intech OVR Expedition. It's a great solidly built trailer that for me was a perfect platform on which to improve.
So far we've added:
- Redarc BCDC 50A DC-DC charger to charge the trailer from the tow vehicle while under tow, my favorite
- Rear camera for seeing what's behind us when towing, maybe this is my favorite
- Upgraded fan for shower with a MAXAIR - blows out for exhausting while showering and in for drying afterward
- Bluetooth module to Xantrex inverter so I don't have to open the battery box to look at inverter's front panel
- 2 100Ah batteries, total 4 for 400Ah
- Battery box heater so the lithiums will reliably charge in cold weather
- Replaced crappy tape Intech used to seal the front roof seam with better heavy tape and sealant
- A Tuson TPMS for tire temp & press display while towing
- Bray window protection film to the exterior of the front moon window so rocks won't shatter/ding it
But it's now OK enough.
This sewer hose caddy is widely available and easy to install and use. I have 2 on my camper, one for the main hose E-W underneath next to the tank connections and one N-S underneath for an extension hose in case I need extra length.
D&W Super Slider Sewer Hose Carrier — D&W
Available in 3 adjustable sizes, D&W superslider with swing doors is sure to fit any OEM or Aftermarket Sewer hose. Adjustable lengths mean better shipping costs and no need to be exact with ordering measurements. It also means that the carrier can be moved to different areas if the end us
www.dwincorp.com
These days, I'm a big fan of live outside trailers. I figure I'm on a trip to spend time outdoors, rather than cocooned in a trailer. Added benefit of them being lightweight, maneuverability, and offroad capable / compatible.
Here's a smattering of different trailers in the group I run with. I've probably camped with these rigs/friends couple dozen times so have had ample time to see them in action and trade notes over the campfire.
Taxa WoollyBear
My current infatuation. Just so easy and compact. Tons and tons of flat table like space without deploying more tables. Ergonomically excellent. Stable base for any RTT. Tows easy with minimal impact to MPG. Stores easy in any garage. Can be had for ~$10k all day lightly used. Doesn't bother with fussy built ins yet functionally works as good or better.
Off Grid Expedition
Nice hardsided sleep inside trailer with lots of storage, kitchen, and off-road chops. These start getting into larger sizes where that factor itself will always be an impediment off-roading regardless of off-road capability. It does bring a lot of capacity for luxuries with 180* awning, separate RTT for kids, etc. One major fault to these types of trailers is you still can't stand up in them and no bathroom. Good RTTs sleep just as comfortably, except in wind. For this size and class, it's a solid option.
Vorsheer XOC
Brings all the off-road capability with 35s, axle-less suspension, and clearance. Unfortunately even as it's super capable and robust, this starts to become too much size and weight off-road. Ergonomically in a word, it sux, and we never use its kitchen as it's so high up. Makes awning and RTT hard to deploy too.
As robust as it is, my friend has had to replace the suspension as it fell victim to its own size and weight. Granted we've rock crawled with it too, but that's what it's sold to do. Not a great idea to actually rock crawl for many reasons. And parts can be hard to come by.
Less would be more.
Wildcard homebrewed DIY trailer
Built on a HF trailer frame in my backyard over a couple months, this one is small and sweet. The theme plays out over and over where smaller can be better, and less is more if one is looking into a real off-road focused trailer. Can't tell it's behind you and it will follow everywhere.
Simple straight axle, leaf springs, and 31s will go everywhere the tow vehicle can. And then some. IMO, independent offroad trailer suspensions are the biggest sham. Trailers don't need to articulate the way a vehicle does because they are tripods. Articulation can be a liability because of rollover. What is more important is low center of gravity, aired down tires, and a robust straight axle. Benefit is these common axles can be serviced with parts just about everywhere.
Bonus picture, it's small but sets up big.
GFC Platform Camper on Ranger Raptor on 72Weld Portals
This is where my mind is currently. No trailer might be best but hard to host a family of 4. Max off-roadability.
Airstream 27FB
Can't win any off-road prizes and unfortunately more than half my trips aren't compatible bringing this. But when it comes to extended road trips, the style and comfort is unmatched IMO. 40mph winds coming off the coast here and no one wanted this spot. The aerodynamic shape and insulation had us sleeping like babies all night.
iKamper Skycamp 3.0
Off-roading, I prefer no trailer or camper. With some planning, I can host my family of 4 with comfortable sleep, water, bathroom, and fridge. Key to this is the aforementioned Skycamp and a swingout kitchen box and water on a hitch carrier. Maximizes technical capability and speed off-road.
Here's a smattering of different trailers in the group I run with. I've probably camped with these rigs/friends couple dozen times so have had ample time to see them in action and trade notes over the campfire.
Taxa WoollyBear
My current infatuation. Just so easy and compact. Tons and tons of flat table like space without deploying more tables. Ergonomically excellent. Stable base for any RTT. Tows easy with minimal impact to MPG. Stores easy in any garage. Can be had for ~$10k all day lightly used. Doesn't bother with fussy built ins yet functionally works as good or better.
Off Grid Expedition
Nice hardsided sleep inside trailer with lots of storage, kitchen, and off-road chops. These start getting into larger sizes where that factor itself will always be an impediment off-roading regardless of off-road capability. It does bring a lot of capacity for luxuries with 180* awning, separate RTT for kids, etc. One major fault to these types of trailers is you still can't stand up in them and no bathroom. Good RTTs sleep just as comfortably, except in wind. For this size and class, it's a solid option.
Vorsheer XOC
Brings all the off-road capability with 35s, axle-less suspension, and clearance. Unfortunately even as it's super capable and robust, this starts to become too much size and weight off-road. Ergonomically in a word, it sux, and we never use its kitchen as it's so high up. Makes awning and RTT hard to deploy too.
As robust as it is, my friend has had to replace the suspension as it fell victim to its own size and weight. Granted we've rock crawled with it too, but that's what it's sold to do. Not a great idea to actually rock crawl for many reasons. And parts can be hard to come by.
Less would be more.
Wildcard homebrewed DIY trailer
Built on a HF trailer frame in my backyard over a couple months, this one is small and sweet. The theme plays out over and over where smaller can be better, and less is more if one is looking into a real off-road focused trailer. Can't tell it's behind you and it will follow everywhere.
Simple straight axle, leaf springs, and 31s will go everywhere the tow vehicle can. And then some. IMO, independent offroad trailer suspensions are the biggest sham. Trailers don't need to articulate the way a vehicle does because they are tripods. Articulation can be a liability because of rollover. What is more important is low center of gravity, aired down tires, and a robust straight axle. Benefit is these common axles can be serviced with parts just about everywhere.
Bonus picture, it's small but sets up big.
GFC Platform Camper on Ranger Raptor on 72Weld Portals
This is where my mind is currently. No trailer might be best but hard to host a family of 4. Max off-roadability.
Airstream 27FB
Can't win any off-road prizes and unfortunately more than half my trips aren't compatible bringing this. But when it comes to extended road trips, the style and comfort is unmatched IMO. 40mph winds coming off the coast here and no one wanted this spot. The aerodynamic shape and insulation had us sleeping like babies all night.
iKamper Skycamp 3.0
Off-roading, I prefer no trailer or camper. With some planning, I can host my family of 4 with comfortable sleep, water, bathroom, and fridge. Key to this is the aforementioned Skycamp and a swingout kitchen box and water on a hitch carrier. Maximizes technical capability and speed off-road.
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FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
I looked at these.This sewer hose caddy is widely available and easy to install and use. I have 2 on my camper, one for the main hose E-W underneath next to the tank connections and one N-S underneath for an extension hose in case I need extra length.
D&W Super Slider Sewer Hose Carrier — D&W
Available in 3 adjustable sizes, D&W superslider with swing doors is sure to fit any OEM or Aftermarket Sewer hose. Adjustable lengths mean better shipping costs and no need to be exact with ordering measurements. It also means that the carrier can be moved to different areas if the end us
They look great but I can't tell what the ID of the pipe. I have the CAMCO Extreme hose kit
(RhinoEXTREME RV Sewer Hose Kit - 20 ft - https://camcooutdoors.com/rhinoextreme-20-sewer-hose-kit/)
and the connectors are too big for the hose carrier that's on the trailer.
(I neglected to mention that there's a tube on the trailer but the ID is 4 in. and too small).
I started looking a t these PVC monsters due to the ID of 6" PVC.
Do you know the ID of these pipes?
6" PVC is expensive!
Campworks
Fully composite
Solar
Goes anywhere
Made in Colorado
Solar
Goes anywhere
Made in Colorado
I just went out and measured mine. I.D. Is 4.5”.I looked at these.
They look great but I can't tell what the ID of the pipe. I have the CAMCO Extreme hose kit
(RhinoEXTREME RV Sewer Hose Kit - 20 ft - https://camcooutdoors.com/rhinoextreme-20-sewer-hose-kit/)
and the connectors are too big for the hose carrier that's on the trailer.
(I neglected to mention that there's a tube on the trailer but the ID is 4 in. and too small).
I started looking a t these PVC monsters due to the ID of 6" PVC.
Do you know the ID of these pipes?
6" PVC is expensive!
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
Thank you! I have to get out to trailer's storage lot to measure the hoses as they're stored in one of the trailer's storage bins. I submitted the question to their customer service site but you got back to me first!
We used the mission overland for a few seasons and upgraded to the AOR Odyssey last fall. AOR is better in every single way, tows great, small enough to get most places, and plenty of water/power/storage for extended trips.
ADGU drawer set with the sleeper system when I'm out solo or quick rip with friends on more technical trails.
ADGU drawer set with the sleeper system when I'm out solo or quick rip with friends on more technical trails.
Always impressed with InTech. Not perfect, but really good and reliable. I’ve spent maybe 250 nights / 25,000 miles in mine since 2019. No problems to note.As we've mentioned elsewhere we ended up with an Intech OVR Expedition. It's a great solidly built trailer that for me was a perfect platform on which to improve.
So far we've added:
I'm thinking of attaching PVC pipe on the bottom for sewer hose storage; I'm at a loss as to how best to do it at the moment.
- Redarc BCDC 50A DC-DC charger to charge the trailer from the tow vehicle while under tow, my favorite
- Rear camera for seeing what's behind us when towing, maybe this is my favorite
- Upgraded fan for shower with a MAXAIR - blows out for exhausting while showering and in for drying afterward
- Bluetooth module to Xantrex inverter so I don't have to open the battery box to look at inverter's front panel
- 2 100Ah batteries, total 4 for 400Ah
- Battery box heater so the lithiums will reliably charge in cold weather
- Replaced crappy tape Intech used to seal the front roof seam with better heavy tape and sealant
- A Tuson TPMS for tire temp & press display while towing
- Bray window protection film to the exterior of the front moon window so rocks won't shatter/ding it
But it's now OK enough.
Always impressed with InTech. Not perfect, but really good and reliable. I’ve spent maybe 250 nights / 25,000 miles in mine since 2019. No problems to note.
