We DOWNSIZED from a 43' BIG RIG to a 19' TRAVEL TRAILER! How & why did we do that?! + FULL TOUR
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- Опубликовано: 15 июн 2024
- After more than 20 years of full-time RVing in Big Rig diesel pushers, we just bought a little 19' camper. We'll tell you why we made the switch, how we were able to downsize so dramatically, and how we landed on our new 2024 Outdoors RV Creekside 19MKS Titanium Series camper. We'll also take you on a full tour, inside and out, and share some of the cool mods we're doing and gear we've installed.
www.thervgeeks.com is the place to read and subscribe to our blog. We create original articles on a wide variety of RVing topics, providing information and insights to RVers of all experience levels.
@rvgeeks is also where you'll find us on Instagram.
Thanks to @outdoorsrvmfg for making such an awesome rig, @thompsonrvinc for the fantastic purchase and delivery experience, and @mytsolar for the amazing off-grid electric upgrades, including @battlebornbatteries @richsolar and @VictronEnergyBV for the lithium batteries, solar panels and electronics suite, respectively. @truetopper4418 also installed the coolest updated take on slide toppers we've ever seen!
We're also using great gear from @rvsnappad @mymagiccarpet4544 @PacificLockCompany @MicroairNet @QuickZipSheet @Scuvvers @HughesAutoformersAnaheim @realtruck @MobileMustHave @Technorv @VIAIRCorporation
Peter Knize & John Sullivan host The RVgeeks RUclips channel and create original articles about RVing on their blog, TheRVgeeks.com. They also co-hosted the first 5 seasons of The RVers TV show on The Discovery Channel, PBS iTunes and other outlets, also serving as co-executive producers on the show. Full-Time RVers for more than 20 years, they share DIY RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks they've learned over more than 2 decades on the road.
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Even though we're handy RVers, we're not professional technicians. So although we're happy with the techniques and products we use, you should be sure to confirm that all methods and materials are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
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Can you add a link that describes the pricing structure for this trailer... I love the "Floor Plan, Floor Plan, Floor Plan" too
We weren't able to find a place online with the pricing breakdown, but here is some info directly from our window sticker. Hope this gives you an idea. Of course we recommend contacting a dealer directly to see what kind of actual purchase pricing is available. Looks like the numbers in front of the options are their internal code numbers for each one.
2024 CREEKSIDE 19MKS
002 TITANIUM SERIES
018 MTN. STORAGE SYSTEM (2" REC. HITCH & TOY-LOK)
102 12V HEAT PAD (FRESH WATER TANK)
715 OFF-GRID BATTERY RACK (CAPACITY: 4 BATTERIES)
716 DELUXE POWER VENT FANS (BED & BATH)
Unit Base Price: $58,569.00
Options Total: $13,811.00
Freight: $226.00
Tags : $55.00
Total MSRP: $72, 661.00
@@RVgeeks it sure is a beauty! I am so glad it survived its first 🌪️ twister and your Truck is blessed too !!!! You both deserve all the Best !
This 19’ RV is surprisingly large inside! So happy for you guys, and thanks for stopping by to show us your new home on wheels!! ❤ Can’t wait to do some rugged exploration with you in the future 😎
Thanks so much for the hospitality and awesome filming location! It was so great to see you both. Can’t wait to see how well our little camper can keep up with your monster truck! 😅
I have lived in my Outdoors 24RLS full time for over a year. I'm on my way to Alaska with it right now. I love it!
Love the new rig! Excited to see what is coming up in the future for your adventures
Thanks so much!
@@RVgeeks you are so welcome. Love the rig you picked. I bet there’s a lot of great adventures ahead
Great to see you guys back on YT….Looking forward to following your next phase in RVing. Congrats on your new rig.
Thanks so much, Fred!
We really like our '23 ORV 26KVS. We've had numerous RV's over the last 45 years. This one is built very well & made for Boon Docking. Yes it is heavier than most, but it is a lot more solid. And yes they cost more; but we feel well worth it. As a general rule these are not 1/2t towable. I speak from experience. A 3/4 t or better is far superior tow vehicle.
Great to hear from yet another happy fellow ORV owner! 😃
I really love the Outdoors RV trailers! They do such a fantastic job with build quality and I’ve been super impressed with them. my dad and stepmother have an older version. That’s very similar in size to the one you guys just got, but it doesn’t have that Murphy bed, such a game changer! If we were ever to go with anything other than our airstream, outdoors, RV would be at the top of the list. We do a lot of Boondocking and BLM camping and you just can’t beat their four season build, off-road capability and capacity for water and sewer.
Awesome! There are SO many happy ORV owners out there, including us. We know we made a great choice.
Same company who builds nash and arctic fox.. my nash is 9 years old, it's been absolutely perfect , I'm still impressed by the quality years later
@@JackWorkz Great to hear, Jack!
WOW, the trailer is amazing, what a great floor plan so much space inside.
Thanks! We love it! 😃
This camper looks awesome! We downsized to a Grand Design 17mke and didn’t realize the counter tops were fake. ☹️ Plus we can’t use our bed with the slide in, and I would love being able to have a table and the recliners. Great choice!
I own a 20 ft. Rockwood Geo Pro 19fbs that is 20’ long with 1 slideout and love it. Her name is ShortStack. She is perfect for me and my 2 Schnauzers. I have had no issues after 2 years of use.
What an efficient layout. That kitchen counter was a real surprise. Now you're ready to go anywhere. 👍
Thanks Brian! There’s so much we love about this amazing little rig. Can’t wait to show it to you in person. Been way too long.
The murphy bed/dinette really is a brilliant feature and I love the new name… It’s perfectly fitting!
Thanks Lisa! Can’t wait to show it to you in person. It’s much more comfortable! 😅
It’s about freaking time! So glad you guys shared your process. We really enjoyed it.
Yes! Thank you!
@@RVgeeks Makes us almost wish we went with the 19MKS instead of our Grand Design 22MLE 😉. Ok that's not true: make sure you have all those locks on the rig if we're ever near you guys 😂
😂
What a great unit. I love the upgrades you made. The wall bed is so well thought out. I love that the bedding can be left on the bed so it is ready to climb into when you are ready for bed.
Glad you like it!
When I first read that you were downsizing to a 19’ travel trailer my thought was “why in the world would you do that?” But you explained it well in the video.
Your point about the durable build of interior fixtures, compared to typical 19 footers, resonated with me. We are not off-roaders, but might consider downsizing from our 42’ 5th wheel.
We, too, are moving from fulltiming to part time, but we’ll still be on the road for 6- 48:37 months of the year, so we’ll need to think hard about what we would give up, notably, storage.
One of the unspoken benefits of going smaller is being forced to get rid of stuff! We had violated our 1-year rule (if you don't use something for a year, pitch it) so many times, we went to a 2-year rule, then 3 years, then gave up! LOL It really felt freeing to bring only what we actually need, and going part-time made it so much easier.
Equally if not more important is your decision making process for choosing your tow vehicle. Consider a detailed video similar to this explaining how you picked your tow vehicle. The tow vehicle costs may be equal or greater than the trailer.
Hi Peter! We have a video just like you’re describing in the works.
Glad to see you back and love the new rig! Making me give second thoughts to a Tab400. Can’t wait to see more about the modifications!👍🏽
Awesome trailer ! Have a Lance trailer but this would be on the list if replacement ever came up .. Great floor plan as you said . Enjoy and safe travels !
The tardis! Love it. We have our own name for our 24RLS Anniversary: The Beauty! It’s attached to the Beast…yes, a 1 ton diesel…because those « amazing ORV » are heavy!!! But they are the sturdiest we could find…and Corinne from out west was right from the start…we shopped until we dropped..and the we went all in in 2020 - right in the heart of the pandemic…bought it out west, traveled from Qc city to Kelowna, and back…with canned soup…and are really happy with it! Great choice! Built like a rock, sustained Alaska and now Newfoundland….more than 50,000km so far with nothing…Great decision! Good on ORV, they are still doing it the right way! Remi & Sylvain, Qc city followers and happy owners.
So great to hear!!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your amazing new rig!
We had never heard of OutDoors RV, the quality and features are really smart!
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much. Nice to see you back on the air! Sounds like a great trailer. We are possibly due to change so will look into it. 🇨🇦
Thanks so much. Great to be back!
We are on day 3 of a 6 week maiden voyage in our new-to-us 2023 19MKS Mountain. We had planned to buy a new 19MKS Titanium, then decided we’d better go look at one before driving from SW Missouri to Pendleton, OR to buy one just based on RUclips videos. The used rig was so nice and saved us so much, we decided to get it. We LOVE it, but I already foresee that within a few years we’ll be trekking to Thompson RV for an upgrade. We’re coming from a horse camping lifestyle where 60% of the rig is for equines and we squeeze into the remainder. The ORV, with a slide out and theater seats feels like such a luxurious upgrade. Can’t wait for all your follow up videos. Love your channel!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! So great to hear from yet ANOTHER happy ORV owner! And a 19MKS even! Have a wonderful time on your trip, and maybe we'll cross paths in Pendleton sometime!
We are owners of a 2023 ORV 19MKS and really love it. We have been on 7 trips so far and have another 8 trips planned for this summer. I really like your solar upgrade. Very jealous.
Awesome! That solar is indeed fun. 🤩
Congrats Guys. Great floor plan and most important, a quality company and rig. Look forward to the detailed videos to come.
Thanks so much!
Met ya'll once in nashville years ago, always great to see ya'll creating new content. Hope the new rig is treating ya'll well. Looking forward to seeing more on the new RV as we are looking for another RV, going back to travel trailer to help with hauling bikes, etc. Looking for a solid rig and have been looking at ORV as well.
Hi Nick! We remember that even in Nashville! Thanks for the nice comment. Loving our new rig, and hope you enjoy the research and planning process as much as we did... and of course whatever new RV you decide to get.
That is a big change congrats RVGeeks, enjoy !
Love the name of the RV. Couldn't be more perfect.
Besides floor plan, construction quality & builders detail are equal in importance. Finding those in one package is the trick. When our time comes to downsize, thanks for leading the way. Watching the video feels like being with old friends again!
Absolutely! Thanks so much!
Nice rig. We down sized from a 32 foot Komfort to a 19.5 Imperial Outdoors X 195. Our new trailer is extremes off road capable including articulating hitch and independent suspension. We camp four seasons and do not chase the sun. I am looking forward to future tours. Oh, yes I am located in the Cascades west of Bend, Oregon.
Thanks! Your rig sounds great!
I’ve been following you guys for a few years now and have utilized your recommendations to great effect. I’m glad to see you back on my RUclips feed. We have a 35’ gas Class A and your decision really has me thinking. I was amazed at the interior height. I’m 6’7” and to see a TT with nearly 7’ ceilings is spectacular. Keep the videos coming and we’ll see how long it takes me to convince my better half to downsize.
Hi Thomas! Thanks so much for letting us know we've been helpful. Always great to hear. We'll do our best to help convince your wife that smaller is better in RVs... except maybe where height is concerned. 😉 We're several inches shorter than you are, but it really does feel open in here with that radius roof.
I am now looking for this TT, hopefully i can afford it, lol. New subscriber.❤😊
Great video and great choice. We have had 2 ORV's and love our current 280KVS.
Thanks David! Great to hear!
Congratulations on your apartment and your new trailer. You look well rested and apartment living is agreeing with you both.
Thank you so much!
Good choice, seems perfect for you guys !
Thanks so much Glenn! We think so too! 😃
Congratulations - what a fun rig!
Thanks! 👍
Love the new rig. Perfect for all your new adventures.
Thanks!! We’re so happy with it!
Love the new rig. Congrats! Looking forward to upcoming videos.
Thanks so much! More to come!
From one geek to another congratulations on the new Rv! That is a nice upgrade overall. I’ve been subscribed for years. Out of love I’d recommend reading the New Testament from the Bible. I’d love to see both of you in heaven one day. God bless
Why is it people like you always use the... out of love quote? They love each other and they're happy with their life. Your GOD does not discriminate unlike yourself 🙂
Great tour! We have owned an Outdoors RV trailer and now an Arctic Fox 5th wheel. They are both made in LaGrande and I'm pretty sure they are now under the same ownership. We won't own another RV. They are stout! They may be behind the times with interiors, but the four seasons package and the fact that they make their trailer frames makes them the highest quality we've seen. BTW, we also owned a Forest River trailer. No comparison! I look forward to seeing your solar videos.
Awesome! Great to hear! Thanks so much.
We are on our second rv in three years! I thing our 24 ft rv is the perfect size for our lifestyle! Miles and I love your videos!!!
Thanks so much guys!
Congratulations to you both on your new TT. What a wonderful floor plan, amenities and equipment. As you say they are well built.
Thanks so much!
Love love love it. Thank you.
Welcome to the ORV family! We full time in our 2022 280KVS but use to own a 23KTS. We definitely miss being able to get into tight places.
@@PNWtravelers Thanks! Great to be here!
Amazing layout! Thanks for the tour of your new travel trailer. Best of luck with it.
Thanks so much!
What a great camper.. thanks for the wonderful and informative tour... Enjoy your new adventures... :)
Thank you! Will do!
Awesome job. Thanks for another fantastic video. Especially enjoyed the humor. Several good belly laughs.
Thanks so much! So glad we made you laugh. 😆
Good to see you back. I looked at that unit and almost switched. The deal breaker for me was no W/D as I am still FT for now. It's still tops of the list if/when I do switch to PT.
We’re with you on the washer/dryer, Joe! An absolute MUST for us for FT!
We are ORV owners of a Glacier Peak F26RKS Titanium which we love but after watching your great presentation of this rig I am thinking about switching over to this model so I can recoup my truck bed for carrying motorcycle / ATV.
@@usmcshepherdE9 This is the first pickup truck either one of us has ever owned. If we had realized how handy that bed is, we probably would’ve gotten one sooner.!😁
I bought my 24' nash 9 years ago, its the perfect size for all situations , i don't full time in it, but i did live in it for almost 1 year, i couldn't see going any bigger or smaller
Great trailer review, I subscribed and look forward to the upcoming videos of your rig.
Glad you pointed out the ladder. I love that on our 22 FQS. I have Flag Pole Buddy with the starlink adapter attached to it. Many other things you mentioned are reasons we went with ORV. Also, the complaints I do see about ORV are all things that Thompson RV checked and took care off if necessary. Shows me how important the dealer is as well as the factory.
Great to hear from yet another happy ORV owner! Apparently there are a LOT of us! 😍
This is PERFECT for how I live in an off grid area of Arizona. I don't say camp, because I enjoy all of the luxuries of a home while away. I HATE Dinettes Yours is perfect. Your solar system is spectacular, but I'm sure it was expensive. Well worth it for all of its benefits. You started with a great RV and made it far more functional. HOME RUN Best I've ever seen!
Thanks so much!!
Glad you back,lovely rig and couple.Safe journeys.
Thank you! You too!
You guys are the ONLY ones who see the wisdom of a smaller RV. The idea of downsizing is often thought-about, but rarely fulfilled. I believe there is a right-size for an RV, it's just that most people start off much smaller than what they ultimately need, so upsizing is the norm.
Excellent Tour.. Thank You Guys.. Safe Travels! 🙂
Thank you! You too!
Wow! I love it. What a great layout. Excellent choice.
Thanks so much!
Love our 2016 22RB Creekside. Outdoors RV makes an awesome unit. We are off-road, off-grid a lot. Roughing it smoothly.
I am Captain Janeway, towing the Voyager.
Love your handle, Captain! Beam us up! 😁 Great hearing from yet another happy ORV owner! ❤️
Professional presentation. Best floor plan I have ever seen !
Wow, thanks!
We have a 22FQS for 1 year now! We had Tom and Ely do our solar too: 2 gamechangers and 1000 watt solar! We have been able to boondocks at 2 weeks. We love our ORV! We also got the dc to dc charger. Great to see a different floor plan!
Great to hear from another happy ORV owner! We just love our rig, and love how much better Tom and Ely made it for us!
welcome to the travel trailer family guys.. :)
Fantastic floor plan...beautiful rig!!
Glad you like it!
I've watched this video, and others on this trailer several times now. We've got a 2017 Grand Design Solitude 384GK that we bought new, and lived in it FT for about 3 years. Now that we've got our new house built, we've been considering getting a truck camper, however we're now leaning towards this exact same model that you have. Like you, we're not FTing any more, and are looking for something we can take anywhere, and thought a truck camper was the way to go. We've already got a 2017 Ford F350 DRW Diesel truck, so the truck camper seemed like a good fit. Well, we're now thinking this trailer would be an even better fit, and maybe even downsizing on the truck. Love, love, love all the upgrades you've done to the trailer. Especially like the slide topper. We got our Solitude with slide toppers and I ended up taking them off, I hated the popping in the wind, and I always got on top of the rig and brushed them off before leafing because they would hold water on the largest slider. A total waste of money. The new topper you have is so cool, and we love how it gets the water off as well as the debris. My wife and I are considering a trip to OR to the dealership you got yours at, maybe make it a flight and mini vacation on the NW. Thanks for all you do, I've been subscribed for several years now and have used you as a resource for much of the improvements we made to our 5th wheel.
Thanks so much, Pete! We can't recommend Outdoors RV, the 19MKS floorplan, True Topper, Thompson RV, and MYT Solar enough. Thompson gets buyers flying or driving in from all over North America for a reason! We considered a truck camper as well, but so happy went this way. The one thing we'd say about truck size (until our upcoming post and video about weights comes out) is that we custom ordered a pretty well maxed out 1/2 ton truck (Duramax Diesel, upgraded GVWR, Max trailering package, heavy-duty alternator etc). It's got a 12,900 lb towing capacity and a 1,600-lb payload. We went with a 1,500 because we have other reasons related to part-timing for wanting a truck that is absolutely no larger than needed. We did our math carefully, and still ended up pretty close to maximum payload and GVWR on the trailer (the solar/lithium system we installed weighs about 500 lbs alone). We tow really well, and are safe, comfortable and happy with our choice. That said, we will be recommending at least a 2,500 for anyone who doesn't want to have to worry about payload. As we've experienced, a 1,500 can work, but it can't be just ANY 1,500. Had we not maxed ours out in every possibly way, it wouldn't be up to the job. Bottom line, if you're thinking about downsizing your truck to try to go with a 1,500, proceed VERY carefully. If you're ready for a new truck anyway, we'd suggest a 2,500 would be a great choice for most people pulling this trailer.
Congrats on your new TT. It is gorgeous. I love the floorplan...especially the kitchen & counterspace! I too am in Michigan..... Lower Peninsula. :) Safe travels!
Thank you so much!!
Great to see you back, can't wait for hacks and mods.
Thanks so much, Todd! Stay tuned!
Congratulations
I’m glad I didn’t miss this video.
Thank you, Debbie!
I was beside one of those at River Sands in Ehrengerg AZ this past winter and had never heard of the brand so I looked them up. It would certainly be on my short list if I ever switched to a trailer.
Nice ! This will be fun 👍
I have looked very closely at Outdoors RV to go full-time when I retire. Unfortunately I want a unit with a washer/dryer and larger storage. I am leaning towards Alliance RV 370FB
Hi guys! I've been waiting for the big reveal and when I saw the title to this video, I thought it was a joke of some kind but here is it! This video is so timely and interesting to my wife and I. I'm 62 and have owned a camper/rv of every type since I was 18 and started with tent and then a slide-in truck camper. Eventually we upgraded to a gas class a, 41' DP and our current RV which is a 2007 Holiday Rambler Navigator 45' w/tag,525 Cummins, 4 slides and more gadgets and switches than the space shuttle. I't luxurious and huge. Our children our all grown and gone so it's just the two of us. I am really debating if we should sell our rig as it is sooooo big, especially for just two people (and two English Bulldogs). I find it very stressful and scary to downsize, only because we are so used to all of the luxury items. I thought about a smaller class a, say 30' or a class b or a towable as we also own a GMC Denali Yukon XL, which we never drive. We are going to use the Navigator thiis summer season and then decide if want to sell it. Who knows....but I find it so terrifying to "change" and downsize. This was an awesome video and thanks for sharing. I always love your videos. Take care and have fun with the new toy!!
Hi Terry! Thanks so much for the awesome comment. We were in the same boat.... VERY used to, and happy with, our big rig, which probably accounts for why we kept it for so long. We'd suggest that the single biggest thing you might want to think about as you decide is HOW you use your rig. That was what spurred us to go small, because we wanted to go EVERYWHERE... even little places and rugged places, and everywhere else in between. The problem was likely that the size of our rig was preventing us from RVing in the locations we wanted to go, and smaller was the answer, enabled by going part-time. Now, that may not be the case for you, as you may prefer to RV differently that we do (snowbird to Florida, Texas, or Desert SW RV resorts, for example, which a big rig is great for). We weren't all that enamored with the luxury aspects of our rig so much (yes it had a dishwasher, but we don't care about hand washing dishes). Although we do miss the on-board washer & dryer... but we console ourselves when we get two weeks worth of laundry done in 90 minutes at a laundromat! LOL You might consider renting the type of RV you're considering on a platform like RV Share or Outdoorsy to take a test trip without committing. Have fun thinking about the possibilities. We sure did. Safe travels!
Thanks for sharing the new season in your RV life.
Thanks so much! More to come!
Another GREAT video guys. I was really surprised to hear about you giving up your Class A , especially after all of the work, care and $$$ you have put into it over the years. Looking forward to viewing more videos about your future adventures.
Ok I need more. How you are cabinets set up etc? My husband and I have a 19MKS and after watching this video, I now know my recliners actually recline. I just thought you could only prop up you feet but they do actually recline. Thanks! Keep sharing. 😂. One thing we do is put a cargo net up between the dinette chairs so that we can stow things there when we travel. Also put a corner towel rack in the bath to hang towels.
Love the cargo net idea! We’re gonna have to steal that! 😉 We just live our 19MKS, and it’s always great to hear from fellow ORV owners. 👍
😮 AWESOME OTHER LOCKS
Surprisingly I really like your new travel trailer. Very impressive. I love how the bathroom is tucked away from the rest of the RV. The only change I think the manufacturer needs to make if there isn’t one already is to add an outlet back in your coffee nook. That would free up the outlet near the sink for other appliances. I personally don’t like seeing cords unnecessarily. So having my coffee pot cord visible all the time would drive me crazy. That being said, I would just plug in my coffee pot on an as needed basis…Problem Solved…LOL… I have looked at many travel trailers but had given up since none of them checked enough of my boxes to be on the consideration list. Therefore I have been for using on 5th wheels. Well you have peaked my interest and I will be putting Outdoors RV on my list. Thanks for an amazing and honest walkthrough. Safe Travels.
Thanks so much! We absolutely agree with you about the outlet on the back wall because we don’t like seeing cords either. 😁
Yes, excellent brand choice and dealer! They’re both great. I have a 2021 Timber Ridge 24RKS Titanium which I also purchased at Thompson RV. The trailer has only had a few very minor items that needed attention. Drove across the country from Boston, MA to get it when I went full time. In my case I upsized from a non slide truck camper. Your model is very interesting to me, especially the bathroom and Murphy bed/dinette in a slightly smaller package than mine.
These days I’m back to part time status where I spend the summer in Grand Haven, MI. If you’re coming this way from the UP you’re welcome to boondock in my driveway. As you’re this far east does that mean you’re further east, maybe attending the Hershey RV show, or going to the East Coast ORVers rally in VA right after?
So great to hear from another happy ORV owner, Brett! Thanks so much for the offer, but we’re already on the east side of the lower peninsula boondocking in my cousin’s driveway and then continuing east. Unfortunately we have other obligations creating a tight time schedule, so won’t be at any shows or rallies, probably until this winter in the desert SW.
Every land yacht needs a name!
New subscriber -great vid guys - with all those locks and bolts and chains, Have you considered a hand gun yet ? LOL
Very nice. Get a continuum weight distribution hitch. You will love the ease of hook up and driving experience
Got an EAZ-Lift TR3 and loving it so far. Really balanced things well, and the rig drives like a dream. Our choice of a 1500 truck really worked out!
Fabulous choice. Our 40' Newmar Canyon Star has a very robust solar/battery package installed and we loved to take it boondocking, but well like your old Mountain Aire its a wee bit big to fit in many places. When I first heard you were going to a trailer I was quite surprised, but I can see why you like this rig and it really does come down to Floor plan, floor plan and floor plan, with build quality, durability and the ability to option and add options such as the solar and batteries to it. The key seems to be that Murphy/ wall bed that saves so much space. I guess questions include how you are dealing with the radical decrease in storage. Where are things like outdoor tables and chairs going now (After all being outdoors is a big part of the magic of RVing)? Ability to put bikes on the back of the trailer or in the bed of the truck? Looking forward to your adventures and to seeing the company market an RV Geeks version integrating your special upgrades!
Thanks so much! We always used to say "great to hear from a fellow Newmar owner" but guess we can't exactly do that any more. LOL But it is a great brand, and we sure did love our MADP for a long time. The real trick for us when it comes to storage really is mostly about going part-time. We just need so much less stuff. As far as our bikes, we didn't ride then enough to warrant dealing with them, so not a big deal leaving them behind. And while we do have folding chairs on board, we're doing without a table for the moment until we find out how much we miss having one (we didn't break our old one out that much, so maybe not an issue?) If we do decide to bring a table, or other gear along that we don't have on board yet, the bed of the truck is an awesome place to fill with stuff! Safe travels, and we'll look forward to seeing you down the road... maybe in an RVgeeks Series ORV! 😁
This is a beautiful looking setup. Grateful we get to be part of it! Looking forward to following along in your travels! Go RVgeeks!! 💪
Thanks so much! And thanks for protecting our new camper from theft. We'll be shooting a short video all about our awesome PacLocks this coming week, especially our incredible coupler lock. Stay tuned!
@@RVgeeks Woohoo! Can't wait!
Awesome awesome very nice trailer well done guys we love it. 🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦🛠️boondocks with out a composting toilet awesome guys.
Thanks so much!
Love Thompson RV!
Interesting video. With being off grid, I've made attempts to be so myself since I saw both chad leadbetter and Nomadic fanatic (the latter I've stopped watching after about a year or 2) either talking about or using solar themselves back in may or june of 2015. The 1st several attempts were luke warm (if you want to call it that) attempts. I did get a jackery 240 watt unit around January of 2021, and tried a tiny bit with that and gave up until about memorial day of 2023 (for those who don't know, that's a U.S. holiday that takes place on the last monday of may, that's the summary of it) where I decided to put some more effort into the ide. And, with what i did have and provided with some additional items, I managed to get it to work a marginally better. And, just within the last 2 months or so, i decided to get a ecoflow delta 1300 unit, and between the 2 units, i presumably have 1 1/2 kw of power. And, i have 3 30 watt panels (2 of which i now use), 2 110 watt panels, and, that has had some marginal sense of success. With the Murphy bed, i remember when we (my sisters, mother and grandmother, and i) went down to Florida back in about September of 2009, we stayed in a place that had one of them (i forget what the name of the place we stayed at for obvious reasons, but, it had little cabin/mobile esk things there). With the alternator charger for your rig, i know Ray from love your rv (now love your rv and boat) has a similar set up for charging too when he got his truck. With the toy leash thing, eh, I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but, locks keep honest people honest right? With the back up lights on the trailer, you don't see that too often, which is great considering they're LEDs too. With the dinette area, in theory, you could keep the table up or up it up and have it as a little talk/sit area too. For the tv, yeah, i mainly do streaming too, next to no watching tv time anymore. With the sink, yeah, at my dad's place, he has a 2 bay sink, I'd often end up using one of the 2 to actually wash dishes in. 41:13 is that almost 40 Fahrenheit? Yikes.😳
Okay, I have followed you two since the days of the Hugging couple, then Chris and Cherrie, and I have always considered you two to be the best in RV knowledge, especially when it comes to full-time RVing.
I have seen you two at RV shows but have yet to speak with you in person, and I value your knowledge, which secured my decision to purchase my 2022 Northwoods 22G for my full-time travels. My Northwoods is sister or brother to the Outdoors RV. The only downside with my current setup is that I do not have the 100-gallon fresh water tanks Outdoor RV supplies for their Backcountry series.
You made two excellent choices with the RV manufacturer and the dealer. Later this summer, I will visit the Thompsons facility and consider trading in my Foxy for a Backcountry Titanium series to continue my full-time off-grid lifestyle and I look forward to bumping into you two one day.
Thanks so much! Maybe we'll see you at Thompson RV! Or in the Desert SW this winter! Safe travels.
It is 24.1 feet tip to tip not 19ft. We are buying one. I’m so excited!
@@chrismurrell747 24’1” with a 19’ body. Our 43’ motorhome was just about all usable space (no tongue of course).
We have four kids and use a little 22 foot bunk house. Our neighbors have two kids and a 37 foot monster of a trailer. We prefer state parks with narrow lanes and small wooded/private sites. Our neighbors are limited to kitschy RV parks with zero privacy. They take their rig no more than 40 minutes away a few times a year. We go 7-8 times a year and can go much further with our 3000lb rig. Although it's small the floorplan works even with all of us in the rig. We've toyed with moving up to 25-27 feet but many of our favorite sites and campgrounds wouldn't work.
Sounds like you have a great rig! We have friends with three boys who full-time in a 26’ travel trailer, so we know that good-sized families can fit in smaller rigs too!
Congrats on your new home from home! Hope you enjoy it! Shame these nice US rigs aren't available over here in the EU, someone needs to poke these manufacturers!
Thanks so much! To be fair, you have awesome rigs over there too! We wish US manufacturers would copy a lot of what European motorhome & caravan manufacturers do.
Very nice trailer!
Thanks Bob!!
I know you were able to observe the PDI process at Thompson RV and were impressed with their thoroughness. Did you decide to hire an NRVIA Inspector prior to purchase or were you sufficiently satisfied with Thompson's process and ORV's warranty coverage to go without a 3rd party inspection?
Someone mentioned in the comments that there could be a potential crease in the mattress, and you said it was not noticeable. I'm confused because I thought the entire mattress is always fully deployed whether stowed or extended. Can you please clarify.
We were so excited after seeing this post that we are touring the factory next week and plan to order the same model for year-end delivery. So thank you for your research and we'll look forward to more closely following your adventures!
@@janisnau9971 Hi Janis! We’re so excited for you ordering the same brand and floorplan that we have so come to love so much. As far as the mattress goes, it’s a memory foam type mattress, and folds 90 degrees about 1/4 of the way down from the head when it’s vertical up against the wall. But we absolutely cannot detect any fold, crease, or problem of any kind when we lie on it. It’s absolutely like a regular mattress that doesn’t fold at all, and we’re very comfortable on it. We think that is simply a non-issue with this mattress and bed set up. As far as inspections, both Outdoors RV and Thompson RV’s reputations were so good, and we heard so many positive things, that we never even considered having an inspection done. We did run into an inspector there while we were taking delivery that was looking at someone else’s rig prior to pick up, but we had zero problems with ours, and feel like it would’ve been a waste of money for us to have paid an inspector. That said, if you are coming a long distance, and want to make sure you have the smoothest delivery possible, an investment in an inspection is certainly reasonable to consider. But if you were going to do without one, the combination of Outdoors RV and Thompson (if that’s where you’re buying it) are pretty hard to beat.
@@RVgeeks Thank you for your thoughts and quick reply!!
Yes, Thompson will be our dealer too and we're full-timers so we'll be in the area and can spend time nearby to ensure all is operating correctly before departure. Thank you for sharing your experience, it has really helped us make our decision.
The bed size was a concession for us, but it sounds like we will be very comfortable with it.
A couple of comments; as a mountain Aire owner myself being used as a winter ski lodge, I missed seeing how that rig addresses gray and black sewer ports. As you know, the mountain Aire has a heated water bay. Every trailer I’ve seen has sewer ports hanging underneath. No way that works in extended sub freezing temperatures. Secondly, that squeegee type slide topper would destroy the slide when the slide top has an inch of ice on it as is common in snow country. A 3k inverter won’t run an AC unit without overheating your victron system. I have twice what you have installed in my mountain Aire and can’t run a single AC system unit more than a few hours before a full recharge is needed.
Hey Dave. Thanks for the input. Couple of things… while our trailer is very capable of making trips to sub-freezing weather, there’s no trailer we’d consider using as an extended sub-freezing ski lodge that stays in those conditions all or most of the winter. Same thing with the True Topper. We’ve seen demonstrations of it clearing off some ice with no problem, but an inch? Everything has its limits, so not looking to use it in arctic conditions for any length of time. And not only have we already run our 15k BTU AC unit off the battery bank for hours on end without the system getting too hot, we’ve seen, and personally know others who do it all the time. Might want to check your system in case there’s something causing overheating. We’ve calculated the approximate run time with no solar coming in to about 7 hours. Of course we wouldn’t run it all the way down, but the nice part is that the hottest situations are usually the sunniest!
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Outdoors RV. If they had a dealer here in Ontario, Canada we would have strongly considered a Titanium 22FQS. I think when I looked the closest dealer was/is in PA. I don’t want to do the import process myself.
We imported from Oregon to BC, and there is indeed a bit of paperwork to be done. But it must not have been too bad, because we can hardly remember it already (or we’re just getting really old)! 😂
Awesome guys! Eagerly awaiting a video about your towing experience with the half ton vehicle. Did you add the load balance / stability control hitch due to poor trailering or simply right off the bat as a preventive measure?
Thanks! We'll be a little while getting that weight/towing post and video ready (it's a complicated safety topic that we want to treat VERY carefully). In the meantime, as far as towing with a 1,500 - we custom ordered a pretty well maxed out 1/2 ton truck (Duramax Diesel, upgraded GVWR, Max trailering package, heavy-duty alternator etc). It's got a 12,900 lb towing capacity and a 1,600-lb payload. We went with a 1,500 because we have other reasons related to part-timing for wanting a truck that is absolutely no larger than needed. We did our math carefully, and still ended up pretty close to maximum payload and GVWR on the trailer (the solar/lithium system we installed weighs about 500 lbs alone). We tow really well, and are safe, comfortable and happy with our choice. That said, we will be recommending at least a 2,500 for anyone who doesn't want to have to worry about payload. As we've experienced, a 1,500 can work, but it can't be just ANY 1,500. Had we not maxed ours out in every possibly way, it wouldn't be up to the job. We'd suggest a 2,500 would be a great choice for most people pulling this trailer. As far as the weight distribution / sway control hitch, we added that before ever towing even one mile. It was needed because the truck's payload would be exceeded if we didn't shift some of the tongue weight to the rear of the trailer, which the hitch does beautifully. GMC also says that above a certain weight trailer, they recommend it, and the 19MKS easily exceeds that. Hope this helps!
Very nice rig. One question: can you use the murphy bed with the slide in - if necessary for an overnight travel stop - say in a walmart parking lot?
We sure can, and we’ve already done it a few times!
Nice Camper, so far. I have Three downsides: No Truma hot water system for endless H2O, No induction cooktop (never use the oven), and I like slide windows for better ventilation. Also, don't know if the upholstery is standard "fake leather" (plethra). Let's see how long before they start to peel. Did you happen to look at the Brinkley towables???
Hi James! We did indeed look at Brinkley, which makes a very nice rig, but in the end, they’re bigger than we were looking to go. We did indeed love our Truma in the Mountain Aire, but it becomes less important when we spend almost all oour time boondocking, since endless showers can’t be taken anyway. And we do like the better ventilation from sliding windows, but we’ve found ourselves in heavy rain several times already and love how we don’t have to worry about leaving the windows open when we used to have to run around closing them. Obviously we can’t report on ageing leather yet since we’re only two months in, but stay tuned. So far, they seem like higher quality than many of the peeling furniture we’ve seen. We know that induction is popular, but we’ve always had gas cooktops, even in our new apartment, and do like it. Luckily, if we ever change our minds, we can see about switching to an induction cooktop.
James, sorry, have to ask, do you even own an RV?
@@FrankBullitt390 I've owned three new 5th wheel RVs, one used motorhome, and now a new Phaeton
Hi Guys, Always interested in an experienced view and seems you have been in the RV world long enough to know. Could you break down the cost of your experience in the down sizing and the additional cost associated with you new trailer. I too am coming from a 45' Entegra Aspire, which I loved but now I would like to be more nimble in my movement around this country.
Thanks
Vann
Hi Vann. We're seeing how much lower the costs of buying and owning a travel trailer are compared to a DP that we wish we'd done this years ago. For us it was easily 1/10th the price of purchase, and now facing far lower real $ depreciation when we eventually sell. Maintenance is less of course, too, since no engine, transmission or generator in the new RV. The biggest expense was the new-to-us cost of an apartment, due to the switch from FT to PT.
We have a 40' Newmar Kountry Star. Really happy with the build quality and there are so many positive things to say about it. However, we also wanted to fit in smaller spaces. We purchased a truck camper and found it to be too small for our liking. It's the goldilocks syndrome, no one size fits all. We just sold the camper..failed experiment.
We were looking for the same Goldilocks situation, and for us, the 19MKS is turning out to be an excellent choice.
Looking over the rig, I get the fact of quality that you have found. Having had 3 MH, the weakest link over time was the Schwintek slide out and it's proness to alignment/installation failures. How has Outdoor RV approached the slide out?
We know that Schwintek has had some issues, and we thought about that as part of our decision process. We were advised to always hold the slide control button, both in and out, until the slide completes the cycle, and then for a second of two afterward. Our understanding is that some of the problem is more likely to crop up when going part-way in or out and stopping or reversing the direction of travel (changing from in to out at the half-way point for example). That supposedly increases the risk of the motors getting out of synch. It's early for us of course, but so far, no problem!
Glad to see you guys back on RUclips. What is the R-value on the roof, walls, and floor? I know the refrigerator is 12V, but what about the A/C?
Thanks very much! Great to be back. We’re not aware if Outdoors RV publishes the R values. We’ll probably be stopping at the factory in about a month, and will try to remember to inquire about that.
Oh…. 120V air conditioning.
Looks like a perfect, small rv! Can you please share the details with me on the replacement shower head? Thank you!
Thanks! We're really loving it so far. So about the shower head... there's a bit of a story. LOL We're pretty serious about using as little water as possible, so we've been happily using this Delta shower head for many years on our motorhome: amzn.to/3RJI5yg It's always been about the best one we've ever tried for low flow and an acceptable spray (although very little compared to what most people are used to... we shower in about a gallon or two of water). But the way the 19MKS shower is set up, it wasn't really compatible with just swapping that head onto the flexible hose. So we tried this High Sierra one instead: amzn.to/4cYOSwr which is what's on the shower in the video. It raised the head nicely up so we don't have to bend down to wash our hair, etc. But it's expensive, so it was a splurge to try it out. Well, we didn't really like the spray pattern without using more water than we'd prefer, so we bought the Delta head, too, and unscrewed the High Sierra head from its handle and now have an expensive Frankenstein setup! LOL It's the handle from the High Sierra, but with the Delta head on it. The Delta head is chrome, so it doesn't match the dark bronze finish, but we're all about functionality over appearance, so we're happy with our old Delta head, raised up high, so more comfortable than bending over. We only wish the High Sierra wasn't so expensive, but at least we're happy with the results. Hope this makes sense and helps.
@@RVgeeks thank you so much for all the info! We are like you. Functionality over looks! 😊
Very nice video of your rv and the benefits of downsizing. Do you have mpg numbers towing this RVers with your diesel GMC 1500?
Thanks very much. So far our truck is getting about 30 MPG when not towing, and about 13-14 when towing. A LOT better than the 7 MPG our motorhome got!