Some mistakes I made in my review that I want to clear up: -The Dexter Torflex suspension system is more of a semi-independent suspension. It is not fully independent in the sense that the torsion bar will always transfer 'some' of the momentum/force to the trailer. -The bed is not a camp queen. It is an XL Full size mattress 54 x 80 inch. A normal queen bed is 60 x 80.
Thanks for sharing. We bought a 2022 and just got back from our first trip. We really like the 16" wheels with quality light truck tires and high clearance. Our previous TT came with cheap tires and blew 3 of 4 on our first cross country trip. Also like that it has a single axle, two less tires and wheels bearings to maintain. We like the outside beverage refrigerator too which we will use instead of a cooler. I slept on the jackknife sofa and let the wife have the bed. The tanks are very large for a trailer this size. Would probably last a couple a week or so before having to empty. May get another solar panel and lithium batteries in the future. All in all we feel it is a quality trailer and will fit our needs.
Hi Mike! Great video of this awesome trailer! I think it’s worth mentioning that I like that you can access everything with the slide closed for when you’re on the road, like the fridge, kitchen, sofa, and most especially, the bathroom! Looks like it’s going to be the perfect trailer for my family. Have you had the chance to get on a scale with your trailer fully loaded with your typical travel load such as fresh water (if you travel with the tank filled), food, gear, etc? What weight did it come to? My SUV can tow a max of 5,600lbs and want to make sure it can tow this baby comfortably. TIA!
Thanks! And yes good call! I love that its still fully accessible with slide closed. I haven't weighed it manually at a weigh scale but good idea! I'm just going by the manufacturer specs and we weighed every piece of cargo/luggage before loading it on to make sure we didn't go over. Also taking out the mini fridge saves approx 40lbs which helps!
Maybe you could snap a pool noodle on the nerf bars to insulate the sound of the rain dripping. Or slide a short piece of pool noodle onto the rain gutter downspout to extend it out further. Just a suggestion. Great video. You gave some great tips and I think you utilized the space very well. Like the shelf you added.
I have the 171bh floorplan of this trailer, because I have kids, and needed the bunks. Plus I love the flip up bottom bunk with storage, and access door, for my Ebikes when camping. It's amazing how different they are, but the same exact weight 4995. This thing is a boondocking powerhouse! Having a complete dry bath in these things is a game changer, and makes them a tiny house. The wife, and kids love it too! The best thing, and the reason I bought this was for hunting. I live in the Southwest (NM) where it can be a little rugged, and I can get this thing to some really sweet hunting spots! The clearance, and E rated tires, brush guards, lifted septic system, enclosed underbelly, tank heaters, 55 gallons of fresh water. I could go on forever. Even with just 190w of solar, and my Bluetti 200ac max to power everything this is by far sustainable off grid for a week of hunting easily! Everything pretty much runs on DC even the TV! By the time I get back from hunting it's already charged up for another day! I just use my Bluetti for AC, microwave, and air fryer for a quick snack, but I always find myself using my Blackstone, and Jayport hook up that came with the trailer. It's amazing how comfortable you can be in the middle of the forest. I can just relax, and even take a shower if I like. It's like they got a 5th wheel, and squished it all down to 20ft, and jacked it up to make it off road! I added a flip up counter top, and it made my kitchen perfect. My favorite thing is I can tow this with my 2011 Nissan Frontier 4.0 4X4 it's just under payload, and I'm about 80% of my towing capacity I also beefed up the suspension a little. I took it to a CAT scale, and only came in at 4600 lbs, with everything I need, and 1/3 fresh water (when I hunt it's just me so I can up the water). I do have all my proper equipment of course. WDH, sway arm, break controller, and my Scanguage is perfect for monitoring transmission, and torque converter temperatures. It's amazing how super light these things come in at! Thank you for your video! You look comfortable, and you have given me great Ideas for upgrades. Happy camping!!! 👍
Absolutely love this! Thanks for doing such an awesome job on showing off the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not so much bad or ugly with this trailer for sure. I have the 2022 on order with expected delivery in the next couple of weeks. So excited! This is my first trailer and I've been shopping quite a while to find a good fit for me and my pup. Appreciate such a comprehensive and objective review based on your real-time experiences. No trailer is perfect, but Jayco sure does get it practically perfect with all of their brands, even with a small light weight camper. Thanks again! Happy travels!
Thanks for the awesome review. I'm single & have my 1 dog & have been looking for a smaller trailer so I can move close to work at the nice RV resort by my work. I see u have 3 cute dogs. I'm guessing I would like this since I'm by myself. I can't spend tons either so looking at small trailers. I'm subscribing as Im sure u had r lots of great videos on Rvs. Great job u 2. Do u think a small dog crate would fit on the floor also? I'm assuming it would be in way if cooking prob. but til my dog got used to it I'd have to crate him while I'm out 5 hour shufts at work. Let me know if u think a crate would fit even if it would be in the way? My dog is older 13 yrs & sleeps mostly while I'm at work. I just would have to wait a couple months before leaving him out while at work. Once old news he won't mess nothing up. Thanks! Glad to find ur channel.
Hi whatcha up to hope all is well hugs prayers 4 healing and unspoken also prayers 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping in the name of the Creator God and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall cool cool set up happy camping and have fun 4 me too lol 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍
I’ve been looking for an actual customer review of this trailer before I bought it. You sold me! I love it. Thanks so much!! I’m definitely subscribing.
Without shore power or generator, you can run the lights, water pump, fridge, tv, speakers, water heater, furnace, ceiling fan, stove, usb outlets ,awning, and tongue jack. Using shore power or generator lets you use the air conditioner, microwave, and all the household outlets.
I thought your video was one of the most informative one on small rv campers. I looking into getting into my first rv now that I’m retired. My biggest problem is finding one I like that can be towed by my Outback which is rated at 3500 lbs. I wish there were after market parts that could raise it to 5000. I’ll probably have to buy a pickup truck or a larger SUV if I can stretch my budget. For your nerf bar rain noise perhaps a short piece of a pool noodle could be put over the bar on rainy days.
Thanks for watching! Yeah unfortunately because of your tow vehicle you are pretty limited. Jayco does make smaller rigs such as 154bh you could look into but even then it will be near the top of your rating which is risky also. Maybe look into a pop up type trailer as those weigh next to nothing. Or get a larger truck/suv if you can. Good luck!
Awesome review, thanks so much. I’ve seen a couple of other reviews and learned much more useful information from yours. Pretty sure this is the trailer I will wind up with. Happy travels and thanks again.
It was a great experience! They offered the best price for the trailer out of all dealers in BC at the time. On day of delivery they gave us lots of time to inspect everything to our liking and fixed any small issues we had (for example the cup holder inserts weren't screwed in properly and the vent fan was making some weird noises and they replaced it on the spot). My experience with other big RV dealers in BC was not great. some of them are very pushy and aggressive sales tactics. If you do go to Voyager ask for Rob. He's awesome!
@@LetsJustGoTravel Thanks much for the reply. I've been talking with Deb there for over a year. Im concerned about the weight carrying capacity on this unit. After a full tank of water it doesn't leave much more then a few hundred lbs of payload according to the specs and sticker warning of that. I love the unit but sure wish they offered more 4 season features as well.
Great review I just love your trailer. I bought a Jayco 154bh baja edition in 2017 I've used it about 400 nights and it has held up great. 1 thing tho get some extra propane regulators I've gone threw 6. And they always go out when its cold in the middle of the night. I put a diesel heater in it and that is the greatest thing ever for winter below zero camping. The furnace created so much condensation my sheets and blankets always felt damp. With the diesel heater nothing but dry warm heat an a dry warm bed to get in. Hope you have some great adventures.
Thanks a lot for the tips! We’re actually on the hunt right now for good winter camping solutions! Do you have a brand/model of diesel heater that you’d recommend? I feel like it will work great for inside the rv but what about the underbelly area ? Should I be worried about things freezing down there? It’s an enclosed underbelly but not heated..
@@LetsJustGoTravel John Mck 47 has so many videos on the Chinese diesel heater. That's what I bought there are so many online. I went with the best price 1. Cuz according to John there all made the same just sold by a different company's. But really watch his videos he gets into the real nuts and bolts of them shows all sorts of tests. And will answer your questions. But I really liked him cuz he reminded me of an old shop teacher I had that taught me alot. As for your underbelly I blow all the water out of my tanks and lines at the beginning of winter use a small porta potty thats easy to dumb anywhere. And my fresh water I use 2 5 gallon water jugs. Winter camping I'm a lot more conservative on the water. But summer I use a base camp water filter bag 10L so any stream or lake I can use for drinking, cooking shower an business water. Hope I didn't get to long winded.
@@lavapop1900 if I had to live in a trailer. It would be the perfect size and has everything I would need to live in it. But I wouldn't want to live in a trailer. I take it out for 2 to 3 wks at a time enjoy it but always happy to get home. Cuz of water mainly at home I can stand in the shower as long as I want. The dishwasher, washer and dryer make life easier. I hope that helps you out.
Thanks for this! Ive been doing camper research for months and I fell in love with this camper the first time I saw it. But I wondered if it was a good as it seemed. After watching this it seems like it is! Thanks for running through all this AND for recommending a cell booster.
Your review is 1,000,000 times better than Jayco's "why we are better" sales pitch! I love seeing these being used hard! Still trying to get the wife over her claustrophobic feeling when we look at small travel trailers. This layout is nice but somehow I have to get it with 2 lazyboy recliners!
@@LetsJustGoTravel ah thank you. I am starting to think that is what we should expect too; we are going to have a similar setup. I'll bet the forced induction helps over the passes though! Thanks again, safe travels.
Dude this was a great video, very thorough and i enjoyed it even though it was 20 minutes long. Definitely want to rent one if we can’t afford it, that thing is perfect size for me and my family we also have 3 dogs!
Very good mods for your improved livability in the smaller space! I wonder if anyone else makes the cup holder swing desk or if they do sell it separately.
@@LetsJustGoTravel sounds like a more useful option - seems its very small anyway - barely able to fit a normal dinner plate... Like your mods and the drone "photage" rocks! ;-)
to the left of where I installed the solar charge controller is a small black box. This is the thermostat for the rv. There is a little switch on the top that you have to press to the left, and then you can turn up the temperature :) make sure your propane tanks are open. Hope that helps!
I’m single and looking for an RV exactly like this! And I’m with all the commenters on what a realistic and honest review you presented. Time to subscribe and watch your other episodes! Thank You!
Thanks ! The only options we added from factory was the tank heaters and roof rack. Rv prices vary greatly depending on where you live and how far it had to travel to get to you. We are in Vancouver Canada and paid roughly 35k CAD in sept 2020 when we purchased. The price nowadays for the same trailer is about 44k CAD at local dealers. Prices have increased dramatically over the past year it’s pretty nuts.
Dude I watched a few videos on this camper and I love everything you’ve done. Showing how everything fits inside and actually using it. Please share if you’re willing as to what you paid for this beautiful little camper. I have a 2021 4Runner with a maximum towing capacity of 5K hopefully it can tow. Yeah the gas mileage is not good on my truck either and I’m not even towing anything. Also I got your channel because of the comment you left on another channel saying you have a video review on the Jayco camper too. Lastly I have a channel (Sarasota Tim) that you might like to preview as well when you’re just hanging out in your freak’n awesome lil camper. 😎
Cheers thanks a lot for watching! We traded in our 2020 174bh (had it for about 6 months) that we purchased for 17k CAD. Had to pay difference of 19k for the 166 so I guess you could say 36k CAD all in for the 166fbs? Your 4Runner should be able to tow it but I would recommend a weight distribution hitch and watch your payload rating! We had a Tacoma with a tow rating of 6400 but payload was only 950lbs. The 166fbs has a tongue weight of around 500-600lbs so it was going to max out the Tacoma real fast after we add ppl and gear! That’s why we upgraded to f150. I’ll check out your channel! Thanks again and happy camping!
@@LetsJustGoTravel Thanks for answering my question LetsJustGo. This is very disconcerting now from what you said about the 4runner possibly being less than needed to tow this camper as I won’t trade my 4runner. I thought this was as small as I would ever want to buy. 🤔 I suppose all campers need a real pickup to tow things. Dang what a bummer.
@@SarasotaTim You may be ok with the 4runner! Check your driver side door jam there should be a yellow sticker there that indicates what your Payload capacity is on it. I'd say if its anything above 1200 then you'll likely be ok! But you'll likely still want to add a weight distribution hitch as well as a brake controller on the inside of the 4runner.
@@LetsJustGoTravel says 1165lbs or to you that’s 525kg😂 so boarder line? The hitch and other things aforementioned would be absolutely added. 😎 thanks for your input. Enjoy that awesome Jayco 166 a very rare unit to find used.
@@SarasotaTim Hmm yes you are nearing borderline but still doable I think. Basically assume that you only have about 600-650lbs of available capacity after you’ve hitched up your trailer. Is 650lbs enough to accommodate you and your family and any gear you plan to have in the 4Runner? If you run out of room in the 4Runner maybe move some gear into the trailer instead. In our truck we usually keep at minimum 2 x 25 gallon water jugs, 1 x 25 gallon gas can, a firman generator (100lbs), spare tools weighing around 50lbs total, and misc stuff such as firewood. Myself, the wife and three dogs equals around 350lbs so you can see how it will add up quick! Luckily our f150 cargo capacity is 1750lbs so plenty of room !
Very nice rig! We took out our bar fridge too. I can't believe it has a 55/30/30 gallon water setup. That what our 25' trailer has! Those tires look amazing too. Really nice drone shots too. We have yet to master driving drone footage. 😁 Overall, a really functional setup.
Thanks a lot! It’s funny I’ve actually seen your videos before! When I was deciding on what brand of battery to buy I watched your renogy video. Small world!!
It’s a dexter rubber torsion axle which is an independent suspension setup! Unless I am mistaken but that’s what their website says www.dexteraxle.com/Products/Torsion-Axles/Torflex-Light-Duty
Great video and very informative. I haven't made the decision to which manufacturer I will choose but it will be very similar to your model. You mentioned the mileage on your Ford 150 is less than desired, what is the average? Again, great video.
I do realize that you can't exactly give me an unbias opinion but would you say that this paticular jayco camper is better than the rockwood geo pros because so far those geo pros are the best campers I've ever seen but this jayco you have definetly rivals it. Maybe their equal and the pricepoint would be the deciding factor.... Tks for the video brother, you certainly choose a good one....
Thanks for watching! I’ve never been inside a geo pro myself but I hear a lot of good things. However they are slightly narrower than this jayco and I prefer having the wider body. The jayco ceiling is also taller. However I think in terms of build quality and longevity they will be the same so you really can’t go wrong with either!
In great video. But next time tell MSRP, so know how much to expect. You are educated know how to talk and picked out the best trail. To buy and present.
Thanks for watching! The problem with telling msrp is that it’s changed dramatically since I made this video so it’s better to just not mention it as it would be the wrong info
Good detail and an interesting tour. Thank you for posting this. So wise of you to pursue this kind of freedom and travel while you’re younger. Keep up the good work!
Awesome review! Kind of off topic but very curious how you do your preplan trip planning/ research for backroad boondocking and finding camp spots. The spots you are able to visit are amazing! Thanks in advance
Thanks! We use a lot of different online resources to find free campsites but a good place to start is the ioverlander app! You’ve given me a good idea for a video! Maybe we will make one detailing how we plan all our trips :)
@@LetsJustGoTravel happy to contribute with the idea and indeed a fantastic topic. Not alot of trip planning covers overlanding spots that are off the beaten path or boondocking trip planning so best of luck! Subscribed!
Came here to write you on this topic but found this reading through the comments. Thank you so much and yes I agree a little video on that would be amazing and informative. We are in Alberta too and want to explore some more boondocking when not with the little ones. Lol. Also a quick question. How do you rig up that canoe to your roof of the f150? Thanks so much!
I guess a better wording might’ve been semi-independent suspension! The manufacturer advertises it as an independent suspension on their website… www.dexteraxle.com/Products/Torsion-Axles
Looking at RV's this size for 1/2 year full time living.. Maybe a few trips here and there but mostly a trailer park work home. I work rotating 12 hr. shifts and 125 miles from home. How is the insulation/comfort in 20F to 110F degree.
The hottest we’ve camped in this thing was about 100F I’d say. The ac worked fine but there was a couple times our generator overheated and couldn’t keep up. Haven’t tested in much cold weather yet but stay tuned !
I haven’t yet but maybe this winter we’ll get out there! It has heated tank pads but I’d imagine you’d need to keep a heater running constantly on the inside so the pipes won’t freeze.
I think I'd clothespin a small diameter (1/4" ?) rope from the gutter spout down to about 10" above the ground. The water will flow all the down. No drips on the bar. OR a short piece vinyl hose on the spout and another vinyl hose that fits that inside diameter, however long you want it to be? (Think collapsible tubing like radio antenna)
Hey Mike I'm looking at the same trailer just a bunkhouse floor plan instead. This was a great comprehensive video and boy that scenery is hard to beat. Thanks for all the details and you're right that model has a ton of storage
really appreciate the thorough review my friend. I've been researching small TT's for about a year now and this one is one of the best and checks most of the boxes for me. Reminds me of the Lance 1575 but this has a better layout IMO...The ultimate would be to equip it with a better solar/batt system so you could run some of the AC stuff without needing a genny.
Well-done video, and your location-wow, that certainly rivals places we visited in NZ! I’m always on the lookout for new ideas for storage, and the plastic compressible bags for the dirty laundry is genius, and tucks away so easily! You and your wife have developed very practical solutions for small space living. I just subscribed, thanks again!
First time but gave me a lot of info...I've been looking at something my Frontier can Tow under 5,000 lbs. I like it....Good job and I'll keep watching....Thanks
When you say invoice price do you mean what is the price the dealer pays the manufacturer? If so then I'm not sure that information is available online. At the time of purchase this trailer's MSRP was around 42K CAD and sale price was 35K CAD. The dealer we purchased from is located in BC Canada.
Awesome video, Jayco should be sending you checks because I just bought the 2022 version of this trailer with your video being a huge factor in that decision! I had a 30 foot travel trailer I got rid of a few months ago and never really boondocked with it so finding out my outlets only work while the generator is running or hooked up to power was a surprise. I work 100% remote so I need to be able to charge the laptop and run a 22 inch monitor as well. I know I will probably need to install an inverter to be able to do this but was curious with your current set up, how do you charge your laptops etc?
Forgot to mention mine came with the solar pre installed so I know that will charge the batteries but wondering if I could get around paying to have an inverter installed for the things I mentioned above. Thanks again!
Thanks for watching! I do a lot of remote work too so having a good computer setup is important. Nowadays I just connect the laptop to the 12v tv via HDMI and just use the tv as my main monitor with wireless keyboard/mouse. The laptop sits in the tv storage area hooked up to all my peripherals and external hard drives etc. For power I’m currently using a small Jackery portable lithium power bank. It works great and I get several hours of usage for editing videos and whatnot. I am planning on switching to a lithium and inverter setup soon! I will make a video about it for sure. And yes I’m sure you can also pay a local rv shop to instal it for you as well!
Thanks so much. This is really helping me decide btwn your jayco, the winnebago mini max flex and the geo pro. I'm trying to find something that I can put a small kayak inside the TT and maybe an ebike. Might have to go with a folding kayak (don't want a blow up). In other words able to store inside while on the road or when I leave the camp to go into town for groceries etc. The one thing I think is an issue is getting to bathroom with slide in. Do you find that to be a problem? Also do you think you could get a ladies ebike through the door and able to fit inside with slide closed for travel? Thanks so much. Really appreciate your thoughts and this review.
Hi there! This trailer does come with a roof rack so theoretically you could get a kayak up there but it would be a bit of a chore. The slide does not affect bathroom access at all! And I think you would be able to get an e bike through the door no problem :) good luck on your search!
Great video. We bought the exact same camper will be picking it up next week . You gave us a lot of great ideas to do to ours when we get it. Happy camping!
What I also liked is that when you walked in the first thing you didn't see was a bed. My biggest complaint is the lack of oven. They dropped the ball hard on that. This would be perfect for a single person.
Been looking at small RV's I can tow with a frontier. Ive been looking at the EPro/geopro 20fbs,19fbs. when I found this. Looking at tht 2024 166fbs vs 2023. they really got rid of some storage in the 2024 model, including your utensil drawer... I may just keep to the 2023 if i can find one. thanks for the review
Hello just bought this trailer 2022 new still setting it up haven't had it out yet love it already. Hey dripping water on your brush rail. Just hang a wash cloth over impact site and sleep well. ill post in about a month. Appreciate your video most excellent thank you.
Question. Have you installed an inverter? Awesome video. Convinced us, and waiting at the dealership to have them wheel our 166fbs out. (All of your technical videos are great! Waiting to watch your trip videos until after we get ours, to avoid jealousy.)
Thank you! We haven't installed one yet but it's on our list. Will probably do so in time for next camping season. Enjoy your new trailer! This model is hard to find right now
Just curious about how long the propane tanks last running everything like the grill, fridge, water heater, furnace/AC. Is it like a couple hrs couple days a week ?
Hmmm I’d say with the two tanks we average around 2 weeks. It depends heavily on how often you run the furnace as all the other systems such as fridge stove griddle are pretty efficient with the propane. If it was during winter probably less than 2 weeks.
When we rented a RV we only used heat going to bed or in the morning. It was about 30 at night and 50 during the day. Otherwise you will go through a lot of propane and the furnace fan will run your batteries down quickly. Without using the heater much, propane will last a while. Mr Heater products are another choice for heat and are more efficient than the RV furnace.
How is the plumbing in it? One of the biggest complaints I hear about RV's and trailers is the poor plumbing, poorly designed connections that eventually lead to leaks.
We got used to it. Not such a big deal for us! Jayco is also making this same trailer with a walk around bed! It’s called the Jayco 183fbs. I have yet to see one out there though…
Dose the propane refrigerator work good for you in that part of the country, I’m in the southeast and have just purchased a Work & Play 27LT with the 12v fridge. On my previous RVs I never had a chat get in the colder climates other than the GA, TN mountains …. Or is the 12v even a option .? Good video 👍
Hey yes the 12v fridge is an option for this trailer. We got the propane one because I’d still rather have one that didn’t use the battery. Never had a problem with propane fridges although I hear the 12v cools a lot faster! Let me know if it works well for you
@@LetsJustGoTravel the 12v on the 2 trips we’ve made so far is been great, I upgraded a group 31 battery and have generators also the 10 cubic ft is nice without having the ammonia piping in the rear of the fridge. The recovery time is the main advantage but you’re also tied to some kind of extra power for most weekend trips. Like anything you take the advantages/disadvantages in stride and carry on I guess….
Not running any WDH at the moment. In my opinion the trailer is light enough so you don’t really need one if towing with a half ton. Our previous setup was a Tacoma and 174bh and we used a wdh for that trailer. It was the Andersen no sway wdh and it worked well!
It's a full XL size (54 x 80) which is not a typical size so it was tough to find a mattress. We managed to get one off Wayfair as neither Amazon or local stores stocked that size.
A very sweet package! I'm not into fixed solar power; maybe save some gvw! Shoe storage *tip:* Drill 1/4"-3/8" (to taste, lol) vent holes in the door of your shoe cubby. Sand drilled edges. Boots dry quicker, stink less. No mold: A 1" rack helps!
Love the LED Lights behind your TV that are Motion Activated. So much that I went looking for them, and got a few to put in our bathroom, and under the edge of our kitchen counter lighting up the floor so you don't stub your toes on things you can't see.
@@LetsJustGoTravel No Problem! They work best when they're facing away from you, rather than shining right in your face! Also got one at home on the bottom of our dresser lighting up the floor so there's no Stubbed Toes (and foul language) in the middle of the night!
