I have a 2020 Timber Ridge 28BKS, loaded with all our gear and 80 gallons of water it weighs right at 10,000lbs. Hands down the best travel trailer I have ever owned and I have had several brands. They are built for use off road and it shows in how they hold up. I already have over 140 nights in mine and it's still like the day I bought it. Keep in mind they are all built in high production factories so nothing is perfect and you will likely have some issues but the overall product is definitely better than 75% of the other stuff on the market. Another thing is demand is high and inventory is low right now. Every time I drive by the Outdoors RV factory they have lots of trailers sitting on the lot not completed due to missing components. This has driven cost way up and from what I have been told warranty items are taking a long time to get done right now. If you can wait till spring this MIGHT calm down.

Only cons I can think is they are expensive and I don't like the stabilizer jacks they come with. I cut them off and went with a much high quality setup. It's strange to me that a $40k trailer has $20 jacks on it.

 

Nash vs,Outdoors 🤔😳😂👍🏻🤷🏿‍♂️

 

For me it was the Outdoors had better floor plans for family use. Nash seems focused on retirees.

 

We got a Backcountry 28DBS and took possession a few weeks back. Maiden voyage deploys in a week or so. Yes - they are tongue heavy and I would recommend at least a 3/4 ton truck for the tow vehicle. GVWR is 11K on ours, and I haven't weighed it yet, but I'm thinking we will be right around what @Blderman 's is...~10K.

-jokester

 

2016 Creekside. Love it.!18 GMC Truck 1/2 ton . I get around 15 miles per gallon. Tow empty. I put water in just before I get to wherever I'm going. Can't wait to go on my late November elk hunt this year.

 

Outdoor Rv Blackstone 24RKS-B for us. Has 3 slides. It says they're towable with a half ton pickup, but I question how well that would work. Had an Outdoor RV Blackstone 28RLS prior to that. Definitely need at least a 3/4 ton fot that. Both have been good trailers with minimal problems, tow well, and are comfortable. I've also had Arctic Foxs, which were also well built as trailers go, but don't like the floor plans as well.

 

I have a 2014 timber ridge 27BDHS, LOVE IT. I have solar and 6v batteries, plus large tanks, can stay for a while in the middle of nowhere without using the generator.

Below from a roadside stop in the steens.

 

I'm interested in something in the 22' range. Should be more than adequate for my wife and I. Thanks for the insight and comments everyone. Much appreciated. Will have to take a drive to Pendleton soon and have a talk with sales folks there. I'm not against trading my 2021 1500 ram for a 3/4T rig but would prefer not to if I can find the right trailer and tow it safely.

 

Finn
Trading off a 2021 Ram could get spendy but used truck prices are up too.

In comparison I tow my 25 ft trailer with a 2500 diesel Ram. Never underpowered. But if you are limiting your trailer to a 22 ft, your 1500 should get the job done 99% of the time. Some hills like Emigrant outside Pendleton might be a little slow, but you'd be OK. I live with the 2021 and trailer for a bit before changing rigs.

As for trailers, they are all over the parking lot. Once you determine make and model, might try targeting one on the internet, anywhere USA. Then run your truck to where ever to retrieve it. I saved a few thousand buying out of Hales Corners Wisconsin.

One thing about RVs, lots of people buy them but might not use them as much as they intended. So used could be like new.

 

We're kind of in the market too and really like the Outdoors RV 260KVS and 280KVS. Both have extra wardrobe space, which is not something we've found in other manufacturers. The other quirky think we've see in all manufacturers is the placement of the television. I've seen motorhomes where the TV slides up from a cubby between the side window and the table, but have never seen a travel trailer with that arrangement. Or have it fold up and lock into place above the table.

The only downside I've read about Outdoors RV's is that the frames on some units rust. I guess it could all be ground off or sand blasted then use an actual rubberized-undercoating type material that will take the abuse better than black paint on the undercarriage frame.

 

We're kind of in the market too and really like the Outdoors RV 260KVS and 280KVS. Both have extra wardrobe space, which is not something we've found in other manufacturers. The other quirky think we've see in all manufacturers is the placement of the television. I've seen motorhomes where the TV slides up from a cubby between the side window and the table, but have never seen a travel trailer with that arrangement. Or have it fold up and lock into place above the table.

The only downside I've read about Outdoors RV's is that the frames on some units rust. I guess it could all be ground off or sand blasted then use an actual rubberized-undercoating type material that will take the abuse better than black paint on the undercarriage frame.

Every camping trailer and equipment trailer I own rusts, so it's not just ORV. I would pay $500 more for a trailer if they would take the time to do a quality paint job but I don't think any of the manufacturers care. In fact Snake River Trailer, of which I own (3) different kinds, states right in their warranty that paint chipping, peeling and rusting is not covered in the warranty. It's pretty pathetic.

POR15 is the best solution I have found for trailer frames.

 

What is POR15?

 

It’s what they should be using in the factories.

All Products

Find a wide selection of anti-corrosion products and maintenance coatings at POR-15. We also offer embroidered hats, automotive repair kits, and solutions.

por15.com

 

Fresh water capacity is a concern for dry camping. Our 24RKS carries 80 gallons ...... handy but heavy.

 

We're on our 9th rv just purchased a 2022 24krs backcountry Father's day weekend. Best built trailers in my opinion. Comfortable, great floorplans, a ton of options. I highly suggest a 3/4 ton or add airbags as the tongue weights are hefty. Mine is 940#. With the backcountry we got the onboard propane Onan generator 3600W and 200W zamp solar. I've only ran the generator to make coffee in the mornings. With any rv upgrade the batteries to 6v or better. Good luck on your purchase.

 

2020 Blackstone Titanium 280RKS.

Big and heavy (loaded with water and everything else, well over 10k)!

IMHO, best production trailer on the market right now, especially if you are taking anyplace but paved RV parks. We've had ours off the beaten path a couple times, not super concerned about it, unlike other trailers we've had (this is our 7th travel trailer).

We have four 6-Volt AGM batteries and 2 170 watt solar panels on the roof.

It's still a travel trailer.....so things shift, move, and even crack. Just a reality. But it's well built, even with that.

Did I mention it's big and heavy?

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

I pull a 21DBS with a 2014 F150. I need to install airbags at some point, as was previosuly stated the toungue weight is a lot fo the size of trailer. I got the smaller trailer because of my tow vehicle, having said there is more than enough power, and it handles that trailer just fine. My issue and they have addressed it int he newer vehicles, is the 6 speed transmission. There is zero torque in 4,5,6 and little in 3. I can run cabbage hill at 65-70MPH, it is warm when I get to the top on a 90+ day. I get frustrated with the shift points, even in tow mode on the 6 speed. It lugs you down to 2k before the shift happens, then slams up to 4.5-5K. If your not goign over a pass you can feather it shift when you want. Going over a pass though its not feasible. This can be programmed and I'm going to try that. I think for my size trailer, or one slightly bigger, one of these new 1/2 tons with a 10 speed would work. Now if i was pulling it A LOT, I'd look into a 3/4 ton diesel or possibly even a new 1/2 ton diesel. Theyre just better suited for towing.

Note from earlier said 15 MPG's pulling, I'd kill for that. Im getting around 5, but there's no where i go that I'm not going over a substancial pass or two living here in NE.

 

BarbD - do you have the 5.0 or the 3.5 twin turbo?


I was towing my 24' Stealth toy hauler - 6500lbs dry - back and forth to the coast and was getting hot - swapped out the tstat and it seems better, but it still got warm.

I like the power band of the 3.5...never really got over 3500 rpms...but felt like another gear would be good.

I had the 3.73 gears with the max tow package.

Sold the trailer, but I am not sure I would be comfortable towing that weight with the temp issues again.

166,000 miiles.

Oh and 7.6 mpg average towing to Astoria and back...same going to Millican and back.

 

I've got the 5.0. I get 8 on the flats, but I am almost never pulling on anything flat, everywhere I go seems to involve going over tolgate, cabbage, ladd (which is short). I'm not positive what gearing the rear end is, but that could explain the lack of torque in the higher end of the tranny. I'll bet the new 10 speed would pull it much easier, the hole seems to be between 2 and 3. This is a reconstructed title and I put a new motor in it three years ago, I married it when i made the decision. I really hope reprogramming the shift points will cure my towing ale's, or at least keep me from wanting to swear and bang on the dash when it waits to down shift at just under 2K in 3rd and roars to 5500...

To the OP. take your rig with you, tell them you want to pull cabbage before you buy it, bring a load distributing hitch too.

 

I've got the 5.0. I get 8 on the flats, but I am almost never pulling on anything flat, everywhere I go seems to involve going over tolgate, cabbage, ladd (which is short). I'm not positive what gearing the rear end is, but that could explain the lack of torque in the higher end of the tranny. I'll bet the new 10 speed would pull it much easier, the hole seems to be between 2 and 3. This is a reconstructed title and I put a new motor in it three years ago, I married it when i made the decision. I really hope reprogramming the shift points will cure my towing ale's, or at least keep me from wanting to swear and bang on the dash when it waits to down shift at just under 2K in 3rd and roars to 5500...

To the OP. take your rig with you, tell them you want to pull cabbage before you buy it, bring a load distributing hitch too.

I had a 5.0 in my last f150. I loved that motor, but mine was not stock. I put a Roush Performance Kit on it, exhaust, air-take and super charger. My truck did have the 10 speed tranny which I hated, but that's another story. I also did a Roush performance tune on the truck. I promise you that the truck will be night and day different than the one you have now. You will hate your gas mileage though, but oh man when you floor it that truck would come to life.

 

We presently have a 24RKS-B Blackstone, and previously a 28 RLS Blackstone. Both are/were pulled with a 1 ton crewcab longbed diesel. There is no substitute for the vehicle weight, suspension, and power of the tow vehicle. What you can get away with in a tow vehicle vs what is most safe and nonstressful are not the same thing. I don't ever want to go down a long grade and have the feeling my trailer is driving my truck.

 

That would be hell on wheels so to speak. I will be seeing what is available actually starting today that my bank account can survive LOL. Pricing when I bought last December and what it is now does go in our favor. It may take more time than we want but with winter around the corner we won't be taking any long trips. A couple shake down trips before venturing away from home to far.

 

Oh and ORV's have heavier than listed tongue weights. There is a great ORV group on bookface (if you are so inclined).

 

Questions for those of you who own these trailers: are the water tanks located between the floor and sealed bottom, or as on some, above the floor under a bed, or?

Do they come with water heater bypasses and winterization stuff installed---if not, is any of that hard to get to?

Finally----I see apparently some of you have 6V batteries. Are those factory installed????

My Cougar has been pretty reliable but we will want something smaller than 30 feet, and the Creekside series looks intriguing down the road.

TIA
G

 

Questions for those of you who own these trailers: are the water tanks located between the floor and sealed bottom, or as on some, above the floor under a bed, or?
Do they come with water heater bypasses and winterization stuff installed---if not, is any of that hard to get to?

Finally----I see apparently some of you have 6V batteries. Are those factory installed????

My Cougar has been pretty reliable but we will want something smaller than 30 feet, and the Creekside series looks intriguing down the road.

TIA
G

The water tanks are sandwiched between the underbelly and floor, fully insulated and most have 12v heater pads.

Yes, full bypass and winterizations setup with easy access under the sink and at the water heater.

The dealer will install 6v batteries. I am one of the few that doesn’t like 6v. They are expensive and with solar tech so good now you don’t really need the storage capacity of 6v. Also if one of the 6v batteries fail you are out of operation as you trailer won’t have 12v going to it anymore.

ORV is on a different quality wise than Cougar. However, Cougar does have some nice features that ORV doesn’t have. But I would take the quality of ORV anyday.

 

We really wanted to look hard at ORV, based on their reputation. Unfortunately, we didn’t like the floor plans that were available in the size range we were interested in. Appeared to be pretty nice trailers, and definitely better built than the majority.
In the end, we went with a Grand Design, which is also a nicer make, but not necessarily for all of the reasons of an ORV.
We tow ours (~6,000# dry) with our Tundra, with no issues. It is, however, imperative that the WDH is set up correctly. Bread the directions and follow them to the letter. Don’t let the dude at the trailer shop slap it on and walk away. If he ain’t taking measurements, it ain’t right.
Would a 1-ton do better? Yup. But, I have no shortage of power. Ripping up the pass just needs more throttle. With the hitch set correctly, there is no nasty bouncing or sway. Never feels out of control, and my knuckles are a standard pink hue when I crack that first beer at camp. Brakes are on all axles, and the combo stops great.

congrats on the new purchase! I’m sure you’ll love it.

 

20bd early last month bought from Apache in Happy Valley. Towed home with my 2005 5.4.....towed great, but hit the cat scales on the way back. Over payload by 300lbs. It wasn't a surprise as I knew these trailers were heavy. Within a week locked in on an in transit 2500 CC Ram with the 8 speed/6
4. Truck showed up a few days ago. Can't wait to take it east for hunting season.

ORV's are heavy with a high percentage on the tongue. My Backcountry has the on board Onan, 80lbs of propane/plus tanks, dual lead acid batteries for now and all the crap I've already loaded into the front storage bay adding to tongue weight. 110 gallon fresh (hot water included) should help balance some back off the tongue, but adding a huge chunk of weight to the already heavy trailer. It would have pulled the guts out of the Ford. Trailers fairly tall at 11 1/2' which will ad drag as well. Forgot to mention my heavy weight distribution hitch that takes weight off your payload as well.

The 20BD was the smallest in the lineup for the Backcountry series and I was convinced that no 1/2 ton would be suitable for this trailer on the payload end of things.

 

Are you sure the hot water heater adds to the 100 gallon fresh water spec. I'm pretty sure it includes the hot water heater. So, actual fresh tank is 90.

 

It lists them separately, but in full disclosure I haven't measured it.

 

I understand, but the hot water 10 is included in the 100 fresh. It's still a LOT of water.

 

I find that very misleading. Good to know though.

I've done a complete drain on the system so I'm going to pick up a flow meter and just see how much it actually will take.

 

I can't speak for your 20BD but my 28 BKS is listed as 80 gals fresh with 10gal WH and 90 gal is exactly what it holds......unless my gauge is off.