This RV is an outstanding design for Off Road work. I would have no problem taking this Travel Trail over the Simpson Desert and Gibb River Road here in Australia. Excellent.
As an HQ19 owner I will tell you the manual jack WILL Ben over time. I'm not the only owner this has happened to. I wish I had the electric jack because it's better suited to carry that much weight. Other than that and a few other quirks we've owned ours just over a year and have been in it on multiple long trips.
I wish you would’ve kept this trailer it looks beautiful on your property And every time I watch a video from you I feel like learning something new and hopefully black series of Australia would learn and change some things and make it even better. XPLORE X-22 next please.
I have watched videos on this trailer going back over a year. It is too expensive but, boy if I could afford it I would buy one. It is so over built. I think it would last for twenty years and still be in good shape. I love the trailer the first time I watched a video on it. Very nice...
Thanks for the videos about this trailer JD. It's better than most built in the states for an "offroad" trailer for those who do go into the remote areas of the country and have great features for that use. A solar system that will allow you to use it in the mountains or desert settings without much worry about power. The pricing is probably the one thing that scares people away from this style of RV. Overall I give it a 9.5 !!😁
How would you add a weight distribution hitch to the Black Series with the jockey wheel attached to the outside of the A-Frame. I have a similar yet smaller trailer and being told I can't add WDH because of the jockey wheel. Which I have no place to move it or install a different style, thank you
I do like the windows:AS has great windows, 5th wheels and some tt are now following that trend. I agree with switches: they need to be marked. Overall, really nice rig. Stay safe.
Overlanding! That's my goal. That's like when the Hummer was first introduced to the civilian market - 8 ft snowbanks or ditches weren't a issue. Now anyone outside of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado or Canada that is not a feature that is needed everywhere - people bought it for the prestige. I personally don't go to campgrounds with manicured roads or sites geared for 5th Wheels - I like rough roads and smaller clearance sites like Cooks Forest in Pennsylvania. Green Mountains, big trees and I like camping in the Break's Interstate Park in Virginia/Kentucky - again big trees, rocky out cropping and green mountains.
I found the trailer couplers I saw in Australia to be odd, mostly because they are like nothing I’d seen before. They have a lot of laws and regulations that are different than those in the US.
The "polyblock" is a theft deterrent. Given how easy it is to align, theft is a bigger consideration. You can always move the truck hitch to another rig if needed.
Yes, they were made in austrailia but they sold to china a couple years back, i think in 2021, dealers are not carrying these anymore, they are sending them back, i am in east texas
Awesome Trailer, Ive been eyeballing them for awhile. The colors in the current interior are not good for me. The glossy gray they had before was super nice. I have a brand new 43’ 5 wheel that’s super nice but just a beast to roll our quick for some adventures. Ugh….. what to do? Thanks for the great review
This was a great breakdown. I was searching out videos on the Black Series and yours is the only one that was not geared towards selling it. (That’s your channel basically, which is why I love it,). Considering that your current truck is not built for off-roading, will you look into getting one or modifying your current truck? Will you try getting an Xplore to compare?
If that interior is a 7.5 then that forest river at your home should be a 3.5. No one can have a serious off road trailer with a slide out. I agree with you they should go back to their old hardware on the draws. Indiana needs to take notice.
The MSRP in Australia for this model is only around $52,000 (converted to USD). I've seen the HQ19 priced in the US for between 60-70k. You're getting seriously ripped off in Texas if they are charging close to 100k! Your version also seems to be a lower level of trim than most I've seen, with the cheap cabinets that won't stay closed and 1970's vintage countertops. That rear mounted sewer setup is a disaster waiting to happen. What good is all that heavy duty running gear if you rip the sewer system to shreds going off road? The Australian models don't have that setup - they use some kind of cassette toilet instead. I would definitely get a custom made steel guard installed around that area to protect the pipes. It should be fairly easy with all that steel framework to attach to.
Best to make a sliding bracket for the sewer. Easy to do and can lift it out of the way when not dumping. They pretend they’re 95k but every dealer will sell for $60k. Where did you find the price in Australia? When I looked it up it was a similar price…
@@donkingdonkey4764 I mainly checked dealers around Sydney (MSRP). Remember to covert currencies when comparing. Not sure what the bulk rate for shipping RVs to the US is now but pretty sure it's nowhere near $20k per unit. If I were to buy an RV in Australia and have it shipped over it would be a Kedron anyway. But they seem reluctant to do that.
Only time will tell, but I've heard it referred to as "the Jayco of the offroad" due to the poor quality of the interior fit and finish. The frame and suspension are top notch though.
'best' as in what? Best on road performance that's not going to stress the truck out and you'll get decent fuel economy, some type of 3/4 tin truck doesn't have to be diesel but it could be. Best off road vehicle for it probably a 3/4 ton Power Wagon although the power wagon is pretty limited by its payload capacity. A raptor would handle it okay off road although it might squat it so much that it might be difficult to go over obstacle's. But a halfton with air suspension in the back would probably be okay on and off road but you have to make sure it has the payload and towing capability.
@@dedalliance1 My 6.2 Ford gas was a bit under powered hauling it up mountain passes in the Rockies. Changed to the 6.7 diesel. In off-road conditions it is best to have a heavy tow truck for the needed traction. I would not advise using a 1/2 ton for other than going down the streets.
That's a lot of money for a travel trailer that will still have all of the interior problems of another brand that costs 1/4th as much. You could buy a monster fifth wheel for that price tag.
Imo unless youre using this thing for its intended purpose, going where not many go, the two tires is overkill. A lot of extra weight and imo expense plus sun exposure that will prematurely destroy the tires.
Every video I watch in these says they're listed price is 80-90k, but when I look online at retailers in Nevada and Utah they all seem to be 55-60k. Wondering if this is due to covid and people not using campers as much. If so, I'm curious I'd now is a good time to buy one of these.
It’s a great looking trailer. It’s a very aggressive design. It’s overbuilt for the rough stuff. With a GVWR of 10,000 pounds it’s pushing or exceeding the capability of a Raptor. That truck does not have impressive payload or towing capacity! This is more of an F 250 with a tremor package type of trailer.
@@thewonderof06790 I’ve seen other comments stating the same about the 6.2. This engine is of the same modular engine series as the 5.4 and 6.8 V10. It’s old technology whose R&D cost have long since been recovered so it’s relatively inexpensive for Ford to use as a base offering for the super duty. It’s a fairly reliable engine and ideal for a work truck that doesn’t tow heavy loads. For those who want a gasser and want to tow, the 7.3 Godzilla engine has much higher torque at lower RPM’s. It’s a pushrod engine with variable valve timing and two valves per cylinder. This type of engine inherently makes better torque and it’s a simpler design which should make it more reliable. So far the engine hasn’t had any serious reliability issues. It’s only been out since 2020 so longevity is still up in the air. Ford’s record for long lasting normally aspirated V8 engines is pretty good. I would expect this engine to be the same since that was one of the design goals. Your 6.7 diesel is a very solid engine with phenomenal power numbers. The truck will probably fall apart around this engine before it bites the dust!
@@donkingdonkey4764 when choosing a tow vehicle for a trailer the GVWR should be considered rather than the UVW especially in that trailer. It’s made for off grid. Once you load all your gear and fill the fresh water tank that trailer will weigh considerably more. A 3/4 ton with an off road package that includes a rear locker would be ideal for that trailer. Towing that much weight up fire roads puts that much more stress on the tow vehicle! You’re much better off with too much truck in those situations.
@@markreams3192 100% agree. You can get by with less but everything you said would be the way to go. 10,000 would be way heavier than you could really get the trailer to weight though. Frame is overbuilt so you have a lot of leeway… just not sure what 3600lbs you could stuff in there!
I own one. Part of the problem with this company is they change things all the time without notice. If you order one you do not know what you will get. Mine is the same year, yet all drawers and cabinets are different. Mine solid lock and work fine. My door lock is different and it works. Mine came in with this white interior when I was expecting black. Having the fill tank inside the storage compartment is just plain stupid! If they are still selling them buy these through RV's of America. They know these units and have many upgrades available. I believe you failed to show the outdoor kitchen? I like mine and have taken it down trails people would never think you could get a travel trailer in or out. They are expensive, but one hell of a lot cheaper having to buy the mountain top land where I camp for free without anyone around.
I don't think ROA is pushing them any more. They are pushing the Mantis or something like that which I think is ugly as sin. Given that you have a BS and have used it overlanding, what would you say would be the best vehicle to pair this or the HQ21 up with? I know that I will have to get a new vehicle for this so am just trying to figure out what I should look at. Do you think the 21 is too big to do serious overloading (I'm just thinking about the extra space). I am not looking to do rock crawling but I would definitely like to get seriously off grid.
@@coffenut the 21 is only 2 ft longer. I have one. “Serious Overlanding” is probably not a trailer situation but any place that you can stay away from serious switchbacks you can bring the trailers. A long vehicle and a trailer is just going to be impossible on tight switchbacks. Most of the owners of the 19s and 21s have chosen Tremors or Ram 2500s for their vehicles and most have them set up for overlanding. There are plenty of places you’d pull the trailer way past anyone else and set up camp and then take the vehicle further… Join the Facebook groups for tons of info
"Every trip we have taken this on, has been dry camping". You cannot run that AC unit off of batteries. I don't understand how you can speak to the AC unit without being at a campground with 30 amp service. Also, every RV person i've talked to about RV AC units, it's all not positive. I feel like your how you talk about AC units in videos is scripted and not genuine.
"I love the look" is subjective. That should NOT be your first comment about why you would recommend this. Very subjective. Construction and functionality should come first. After 2 years, I am unsubscribing from you. I get it. You were paid by them
Final thoughts ? Way too much money for what you get, not really made for the United States, looks ok but not really great. Parts have to come from Australia, which is a bad thing if you need them soon, plastic windows are a no go for what this thing costs. There really isn’t a market for such a thing here as there is in Australia which translates into low sales which means the company will stop selling them here which again means that service and parts will be very expensive. So the final thought is….it’s interesting but overpriced, and will eventually fail.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
We love our 2020 HQ15, perfect for a couple with large dogs. Build quality is as good as it gets. Great for the Sierra boondocks.
Great video BTBRV! Loved having a 5 part video on one trailer from a RUclips creator with such broad experience. You covered everything.
Those are really nice windows and we like the “sunroof” ! Screen door is a winner. Way way too expensive!
I liked the wood type of veneer they use to have for the cabinets over the white type Formica.
This RV is an outstanding design for Off Road work. I would have no problem taking this Travel Trail over the Simpson Desert and Gibb River Road here in Australia. Excellent.
We LOVE our HQ17!!!
As an HQ19 owner I will tell you the manual jack WILL Ben over time. I'm not the only owner this has happened to. I wish I had the electric jack because it's better suited to carry that much weight. Other than that and a few other quirks we've owned ours just over a year and have been in it on multiple long trips.
I wish you would’ve kept this trailer it looks beautiful on your property
And every time I watch a video from you I feel like learning something new and hopefully black series of Australia would learn and change some things and make it even better.
XPLORE X-22 next please.
Yes this would be amazing
I have watched videos on this trailer going back over a year. It is too expensive but, boy if I could afford it I would buy one. It is so over built. I think it would last for twenty years and still be in good shape. I love the trailer the first time I watched a video on it. Very nice...
I love this one !
Thanks for the videos about this trailer JD.
It's better than most built in the states for an "offroad" trailer for those who do go into the remote areas of the country and have great features for that use.
A solar system that will allow you to use it in the mountains or desert settings without much worry about power.
The pricing is probably the one thing that scares people away from this style of RV.
Overall I give it a 9.5 !!😁
How would you add a weight distribution hitch to the Black Series with the jockey wheel attached to the outside of the A-Frame. I have a similar yet smaller trailer and being told I can't add WDH because of the jockey wheel. Which I have no place to move it or install a different style, thank you
Yup! Lifted PowerWagon. that is why I am watching this series.
Great Review and Valuable Perspective!
Thanks JD! You gave Black Series some very valuable ideas to think about as well as prospective buyers.
I wonder if the second tongue jack might be used to provide some additional stability if you happen to be setting it up on some uneven terrain.
I do like the windows:AS has great windows, 5th wheels and some tt are now following that trend. I agree with switches: they need to be marked. Overall, really nice rig. Stay safe.
Overlanding! That's my goal. That's like when the Hummer was first introduced to the civilian market - 8 ft snowbanks or ditches weren't a issue. Now anyone outside of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado or Canada that is not a feature that is needed everywhere - people bought it for the prestige.
I personally don't go to campgrounds with manicured roads or sites geared for 5th Wheels - I like rough roads and smaller clearance sites like Cooks Forest in Pennsylvania. Green Mountains, big trees and I like camping in the Break's Interstate Park in Virginia/Kentucky - again big trees, rocky out cropping and green mountains.
great overview
I found the trailer couplers I saw in Australia to be odd, mostly because they are like nothing I’d seen before. They have a lot of laws and regulations that are different than those in the US.
These are built in Australia that’s why
@@duraflexllc4860 no these are actually built-in China
The "polyblock" is a theft deterrent. Given how easy it is to align, theft is a bigger consideration. You can always move the truck hitch to another rig if needed.
Yes, they were made in austrailia but they sold to china a couple years back, i think in 2021, dealers are not carrying these anymore, they are sending them back, i am in east texas
Nice unit and well built.
Awesome Trailer, Ive been eyeballing them for awhile. The colors in the current interior are not good for me. The glossy gray they had before was super nice. I have a brand new 43’ 5 wheel that’s super nice but just a beast to roll our quick for some adventures. Ugh….. what to do? Thanks for the great review
This was a great breakdown. I was searching out videos on the Black Series and yours is the only one that was not geared towards selling it. (That’s your channel basically, which is why I love it,). Considering that your current truck is not built for off-roading, will you look into getting one or modifying your current truck?
Will you try getting an Xplore to compare?
It would be interesting to see a review of this current model now that they are being made in China and finish assembled in California
If that interior is a 7.5 then that forest river at your home should be a 3.5. No one can have a serious off road trailer with a slide out. I agree with you they should go back to their old hardware on the draws. Indiana needs to take notice.
For a family of 4 (7 and 10 years old), do you recommend 19 over 21?
The MSRP in Australia for this model is only around $52,000 (converted to USD). I've seen the HQ19 priced in the US for between 60-70k. You're getting seriously ripped off in Texas if they are charging close to 100k! Your version also seems to be a lower level of trim than most I've seen, with the cheap cabinets that won't stay closed and 1970's vintage countertops. That rear mounted sewer setup is a disaster waiting to happen. What good is all that heavy duty running gear if you rip the sewer system to shreds going off road? The Australian models don't have that setup - they use some kind of cassette toilet instead. I would definitely get a custom made steel guard installed around that area to protect the pipes. It should be fairly easy with all that steel framework to attach to.
Best to make a sliding bracket for the sewer. Easy to do and can lift it out of the way when not dumping.
They pretend they’re 95k but every dealer will sell for $60k.
Where did you find the price in Australia? When I looked it up it was a similar price…
@@donkingdonkey4764 I mainly checked dealers around Sydney (MSRP). Remember to covert currencies when comparing. Not sure what the bulk rate for shipping RVs to the US is now but pretty sure it's nowhere near $20k per unit. If I were to buy an RV in Australia and have it shipped over it would be a Kedron anyway. But they seem reluctant to do that.
@@bugatti314159 Kedron locally built, black series Chinese built
I just saw one in person , for $64,000 in Albuquerque nm
@@Berrypancakes229 probably very much discounted
One minor correction. Black Series is based in Australia. California is probably where their U.S. headquarters is.
They are assembled in city of commerce. Off the 60 highway.
@@friendo787 that makes sense but it doesn't explain the overcharging for the price of the caravan
What travel trailers emulate this camper without the extreme off road capabilities?
Hey btbrv, I have been looking for hybrid RV's and wonder if you maybe can review some! It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Looked at a picture on their web site. No Lav pump out shown on the rear end. Did they photoshop it out?
Only time will tell, but I've heard it referred to as "the Jayco of the offroad" due to the poor quality of the interior fit and finish. The frame and suspension are top notch though.
An awesome off road travel
That’s the 2022 boss
I like it. But if I had the money I'd buy a Explorer x195
What would be the best tow vehicle for the HQ19?
'best' as in what? Best on road performance that's not going to stress the truck out and you'll get decent fuel economy, some type of 3/4 tin truck doesn't have to be diesel but it could be. Best off road vehicle for it probably a 3/4 ton Power Wagon although the power wagon is pretty limited by its payload capacity. A raptor would handle it okay off road although it might squat it so much that it might be difficult to go over obstacle's. But a halfton with air suspension in the back would probably be okay on and off road but you have to make sure it has the payload and towing capability.
@@dedalliance1 My 6.2 Ford gas was a bit under powered hauling it up mountain passes in the Rockies. Changed to the 6.7 diesel. In off-road conditions it is best to have a heavy tow truck for the needed traction. I would not advise using a 1/2 ton for other than going down the streets.
@@dedalliance1 Best in value to haul this trailer coast to coast safely with the best MPG. It will only see light off-road use.
V8 defender
For reference I’m using a 97 Toyota landcruiser with the original 4.5 inline six towing an HQ17.
Two jacks one electric (because you’re old) and the other as a back up.
Am a construction guy and I will like to get one,I live overseas
That's a lot of money for a travel trailer that will still have all of the interior problems of another brand that costs 1/4th as much. You could buy a monster fifth wheel for that price tag.
Imo unless youre using this thing for its intended purpose, going where not many go, the two tires is overkill. A lot of extra weight and imo expense plus sun exposure that will prematurely destroy the tires.
II would agree it is extra however it’s a bit of assurance if one the tires ever blows.
Nice features, but the price makes it a nonstarter for me.
Every video I watch in these says they're listed price is 80-90k, but when I look online at retailers in Nevada and Utah they all seem to be 55-60k. Wondering if this is due to covid and people not using campers as much. If so, I'm curious I'd now is a good time to buy one of these.
Thats less than they were a year ago. If you can get an HQ19 new for $55k thats a great value imo
Because all US manufacturers-at least use to -offer 20 to 30% off msrp
@@mattbrew11 Here in Albuquerque, there selling a HQ19 for 64,900 . It’s been on there lot for a year. It’s a new one 2022.
LOL ! 96K ??? what a joke. good review, but there are way too many negatives.
No one takes a raptor or power wagon off pavement, LMAO! 🤣
I definitely took my power wagon to some crazy places. Now I have a diesel gladiator and I do insane things with it
It’s a great looking trailer. It’s a very aggressive design. It’s overbuilt for the rough stuff. With a GVWR of 10,000 pounds it’s pushing or exceeding the capability of a Raptor. That truck does not have impressive payload or towing capacity! This is more of an F 250 with a tremor package type of trailer.
I got rid of my 6.2 gas and went with the 6.7 diesel because the 6.2 struggled in the mountains. For sure best not to pull with a 1/2 ton truck.
@@thewonderof06790 I’ve seen other comments stating the same about the 6.2. This engine is of the same modular engine series as the 5.4 and 6.8 V10. It’s old technology whose R&D cost have long since been recovered so it’s relatively inexpensive for Ford to use as a base offering for the super duty. It’s a fairly reliable engine and ideal for a work truck that doesn’t tow heavy loads. For those who want a gasser and want to tow, the 7.3 Godzilla engine has much higher torque at lower RPM’s. It’s a pushrod engine with variable valve timing and two valves per cylinder. This type of engine inherently makes better torque and it’s a simpler design which should make it more reliable. So far the engine hasn’t had any serious reliability issues. It’s only been out since 2020 so longevity is still up in the air. Ford’s record for long lasting normally aspirated V8 engines is pretty good. I would expect this engine to be the same since that was one of the design goals. Your 6.7 diesel is a very solid engine with phenomenal power numbers. The truck will probably fall apart around this engine before it bites the dust!
10000 is the max weight the trailer can handle. It weighs 6200-6400lbs
@@donkingdonkey4764 when choosing a tow vehicle for a trailer the GVWR should be considered rather than the UVW especially in that trailer. It’s made for off grid. Once you load all your gear and fill the fresh water tank that trailer will weigh considerably more. A 3/4 ton with an off road package that includes a rear locker would be ideal for that trailer. Towing that much weight up fire roads puts that much more stress on the tow vehicle! You’re much better off with too much truck in those situations.
@@markreams3192 100% agree. You can get by with less but everything you said would be the way to go. 10,000 would be way heavier than you could really get the trailer to weight though. Frame is overbuilt so you have a lot of leeway… just not sure what 3600lbs you could stuff in there!
For 90 grand. Come on! install a better quality countertop.
I own one. Part of the problem with this company is they change things all the time without notice. If you order one you do not know what you will get. Mine is the same year, yet all drawers and cabinets are different. Mine solid lock and work fine. My door lock is different and it works. Mine came in with this white interior when I was expecting black. Having the fill tank inside the storage compartment is just plain stupid!
If they are still selling them buy these through RV's of America. They know these units and have many upgrades available. I believe you failed to show the outdoor kitchen?
I like mine and have taken it down trails people would never think you could get a travel trailer in or out. They are expensive, but one hell of a lot cheaper having to buy the mountain top land where I camp for free without anyone around.
His is a 2022
I don't think ROA is pushing them any more. They are pushing the Mantis or something like that which I think is ugly as sin. Given that you have a BS and have used it overlanding, what would you say would be the best vehicle to pair this or the HQ21 up with? I know that I will have to get a new vehicle for this so am just trying to figure out what I should look at. Do you think the 21 is too big to do serious overloading (I'm just thinking about the extra space). I am not looking to do rock crawling but I would definitely like to get seriously off grid.
@@coffenut the 21 is only 2 ft longer. I have one. “Serious Overlanding” is probably not a trailer situation but any place that you can stay away from serious switchbacks you can bring the trailers. A long vehicle and a trailer is just going to be impossible on tight switchbacks. Most of the owners of the 19s and 21s have chosen Tremors or Ram 2500s for their vehicles and most have them set up for overlanding. There are plenty of places you’d pull the trailer way past anyone else and set up camp and then take the vehicle further… Join the Facebook groups for tons of info
@@donkingdonkey4764 Thank you.
I took all the ugly decals and pipes off mine. I am not looking to own a swat team vehicle...
96 Grand seems a little high. I think less than 10 Grand is more in the ballpark for my wallet.
Way Way too expensive
This review didn't age well...yikes!
It appears quality took a nose dive starting in '22.
Yep for sure
"Every trip we have taken this on, has been dry camping". You cannot run that AC unit off of batteries. I don't understand how you can speak to the AC unit without being at a campground with 30 amp service. Also, every RV person i've talked to about RV AC units, it's all not positive. I feel like your how you talk about AC units in videos is scripted and not genuine.
"I love the look" is subjective. That should NOT be your first comment about why you would recommend this. Very subjective. Construction and functionality should come first. After 2 years, I am unsubscribing from you. I get it. You were paid by them
Final thoughts ? Way too much money for what you get, not really made for the United States, looks ok but not really great. Parts have to come from Australia, which is a bad thing if you need them soon, plastic windows are a no go for what this thing costs. There really isn’t a market for such a thing here as there is in Australia which translates into low sales which means the company will stop selling them here which again means that service and parts will be very expensive. So the final thought is….it’s interesting but overpriced, and will eventually fail.
All the parts come from China as this is made in China but assembled in the u.s.
This man talks way too much.
MADE IN CHINA!!!
They are assembled in the city of commerce in California.
@@friendo787 “assembled” but most of the components are “made” in China!
@@friendo787 all the parts made in China
The house you live in got at least 50% of stuff from China 😂
@@sov19871987 not my house…
I would never choose an expensive Chinese garbage camper for more than double the cost of better campers