Honestly that's probably the Nicest offroad Micro I've ever seen that isnt a $60+k Australian import. It's everything you need and nothing you don't. You could take that anywhere and still be comfortable.
Cute little camper. This would be nice if I was going by myself. I wish the battery disconnect was higher. Glad they are taking your advice on the portable solar prep plug.
What I never understand about drop trailers is why they don't put a pass thru between the inside and back. I would really want to be able to get a drink from the fridge or grab a snack without walking outside the camper. They could even put the TV on the door/swivel so it can be seen from the bed.
Lol... That ending Josh!!! OK the cigarette lighter plug thingy as we used to call it, now that is usually just referred to as a 12 volt outlet. Much like a household outlet refers to a 110v (if its north American). Now, at my age, this might not be for me, but 20 years ago, this would have been an awesome thing to have!!! The bed seems long enough to sleep and the fact that you can get an AC, wow (FYI, I live in south Georgia, it gets hot here, even at night). The outside kitchen option with 26 gallons of onboard water, and a water heater/furnace combo, with 2 propane tanks, along with almost 200 watts of solar and the option to add solar. This thing just screams to have some off grid happy camping!!! And honestly, you could put quite a few items inside to take with you to the campsite. Built like a tank (which is good, because I can tear something up quite nicely). And still giving options like the outside tent, the chest cooler/freezer, the outside propane hookup and the small kitchen stove (or whatever you want to took up to it). So much to say about this little gem here. Great video Josh!
We have the Rockwood 12SRK and no complaints with our camper but I do see a few things I like more with this one. The front window is great. The fantastic fan is a must on small camper to get out the moisture just from sleeping and being in there. We run a small standing fan and keep our side window open in our Rockwood. The steps into this camper is great. The ones on the Rockwood 12 series are basically useless. The wheel chocks are very cool. The covered underbelly is very nice, although I purchased the same underlayment and did our Rockwood. Being able to walk on the fenders are very cool but not sure how much you could really put up on the roof unless you have 2 strong guys available to raise something that high. I do like the locking box where the lp and battery is. Spare tire is mounted better on the Ember than the Rockwood. I don't think I would ever use the table inside this camper. I also am not a fan of the tv being outside I am not sure I would ever use it outside. I prefer the kitchen of the Rockwood. Rockwood has the sink, outside shower, water heater, microwave, 12v/propane/shore power fridge, 2 burner stove.
Great trailer, always like the small ones like this especially if you can add a roof top tent. They need to fix the cable notch from the HVAC, add a plastic bushing or make the notch bigger. Looks like the wood will dig into the power cable later on and nick the wire.
I know I'm not comparing apples to oranges here but our 2019 Rockwood 2606ws didn't cost that much. Crazy, and yes I know I can't pull my 30' RV off road much. Then again I wouldn't want to spend 2 months in the little camper like we do in ours in Florida.. Different strokes different folks, all in all they are still cool.
Just wondering why there is a water heater when there aren't any faucets or sinks (which there should be one in the kitchen area). Also, they should have a way to add on a drop down exterior shower like I have seen on some other competitors off road trailers. A 90^ "bat-wing" awning would be a better fit since it would swing out over the back kitchen area eliminating the need for a pop up canopy. Otherwise it's a pretty nice unit. I really like the interior layout.
Yeah, I'm honestly confused by why this is called a kitchen when it has no sink, no apparent connect for a sprayer, and no way to cook anything beyond "hook up a gas grill to the outside connector" An electric cooler does not make a kitchen.
@@LoneWolf1985BK there is an inlet on the side for water and some kind of drain at the bottom of the unit, but I'll be damned if I can find something on that unit that actually does anything with that stuff(beyond the water-heater furnace)
Hey Josh, this is not the camper for me, but it is a nice little thing that my son really likes. I like seeing all the campers and enjoying the laughs along the way. Thank you
The weather is just a little different than when you did your initial review of this EMBER. I still would prefer doors on all of the storage spaces. Originally they had a bungee cord on the upper compartment, noticed that there is nothing there now. I am a couch potato and prefer the luxury of my fifth wheel. But totally respect those that are happy and camp in these.
This is a nice little trailer It looks like a combination of the Geo pro and the Jaco 12's but this one looks better built. the only thing that's missing is a TV inside. I would also like the spare tire on the driver's side so I can mount a grill or the TV on the outside passenger side.
This is a very good video. I am in search of a small “overlandish” type of trailer this size. I have seen so many reviews of so many different trailers, but this one is new to me. This was a very thorough, entertaining review. Especially since it’s a trailer that you yourself are not really interested in.
I absolutely LOVE those windows and shades. I wish more manufacturers would use them. I can’t imagine ANYONE spending a weekend with you in something so small. 😂
Been waiting for your video ever since Ember announced these models. Great video as usual!!! I think I'd use this behind my Toyota to get down some trails or my F-250 and load the ATV in the back and not have to worry about tongue weight and cargo capacity on the truck for some weekend wheeling
I love this trailer! My wife and I have been looking at the NuCamp T@G XL and the Sunray 129 and 139, and this unit, while a little more expensive, definitely has attracted our attention. IN particular we weren't really interested in an indoor toilet (which the Sunray's have), and we really like the bigger solar package option. The only "Downside" to this trailer is the bed is an east/west configuration with one door, which means that if someone wants to get up in the middle of the night, they may be crawling over the other person. A change in the Couch so it was a N/S configuration (Put it against the front wall instead of left wall) would have solved this .
I like the idea. I've seen N/S beds in these boxdrop-styles before. But usually those are directly on the floor which also means you lose your space for "systems" like the furnace BUT.. not everybody cares about that. That give and take becomes SO obvious in these little campers.
If it was just me, I’d go for this in a heartbeat. On second thought, no. I already truck camp, cannot stand up, and I’d rather be able to at least stand up inside. And I’m only ‘2” tall. I’ll wait for Ember to come out with the “Monkey Wench” model. :). The Twin to King model. :)
With the AC not optioned it would be super cool if they put in a 12V fan that is bi-directional with the insect screen. This would allow you to help bring in cool outside air or help pull air out giving a better breeze through the unit. They are so small with the amount of airflow you could get with two 12v fans even on low it would make hotter nights more bearable and could run just off the battery.
I saw this unit with the rooftop tent at Overland Expo PNW shortly after I brought a very similar trailer from another vendor, I would love to exchange my trailer for one of these.
I like this model. For the rear kitchen, though, I'd prefer a slide out for the bed instead. That way, you may have a seating or possible shower area. IDK, I'm just getting into these. I'm wounded Veteran and ideas are coming the more I watch these videos. 🍻
This is so cute! I like the outside kitchen. Also like what your friend suggested. Great idea! I will be honest....this isn't for me...but really appreciate it. I hope one day that they make toy haulers. I think they would rock (no pun intended) at it!
Great video Josh, nice to see how the little box camper is growing on the other side of the globe. We have one similar that I think is classed a micro-hybrid camper. Not quite a camper not quite a caravan. Similar size, shape, suspension and fit-out different though on par between your Ember and our’s we purchased end of 2019. Ours is a Golf X265 (Golf caravan made by Avan). It is interesting the fit out difference, I guess the US market needs reflect what is the final choices as to what is important for the manufacturer to offer a customer. Jayco has just since we purchased ‘beefed up’ their JPod to now be similar spec to the X265. Not to be negative, just observing the difference, so only in my opinion, the kitchen is impractical and how the kitchen door is not guttered at the hinges would be a question for me. Putting up a marquee (sorry can’t remember the term you used) over the opening is a good idea. However something else taking up space to pack. Space is premium in our micro camper. We once would think, oh yeah we can just pack that or put that there etc.etc, no longer we learnt with kids, dogs and adults we have to re think things. That would be too big, though a solution no less. But so would a cheap car awning off the back would fix that too, rolls away and stores right where you set up. I think I’ve seen them in videos in US on overlanding rigs, there should be cheap ones available too. But push the manufacturer to include a 270 degree square back awning to cover from the front door to the passenger side over the kitchen. Game changer! The awning is only needed when you stop to stay. We have this and refused to purchase the X265 when it first landed because there was no cover over the kitchen. Obviously more of us felt the same way as Golf fixed it with an awning to cover the rear door and over kitchen ( the kitchen pulls out on the passenger side). With the option from the awning manufacturer to purchase walls. However when making a quick stop on the road like making a cuppa, and it’s raining, there appears to be a lack of guttering over the kitchen door hinges. Our X265 has guttering here on the rear door opening over the hinge and makes a quick shelter for a quick road side cuppa or if you have to pull-up, and in the Embers case, use the kitchen and roll into bed without setting up marquees and awnings. Granted you guys have to deal with ice, snow and bears in more ways than I could imagine, having a way to stop the water dripping into the kitchen probably helpful long term. A small thing but something the manufacturer may be able to resolve easily for both models. Cheers keep up the cheery videos appreciate your humour, honesty and openness best walk around videos out there👍
It's always humbling to me how far this channel reaches and how people choose to spend their time watching these videos. Thank you so much for watching and sharing today!
The Rockwood/Flagstaff Geo/E-Pro have been the go to for 5000 lb tow rating vehicles ie Toyota 5 gen 4Runner 4x4, number 1 Colorado & USA 4x4 SUV. With the No Boundaries new suspension systems, they are going after both the Geo/E-Pro and Ember markets as a true cost, feature and benefit alternative solution for the masses.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I have contacted NO•BO today. Hopefully they will follow up with me. Living in the Colorado Rocky Mountains with 45 years of advanced material reinforcement, new product development manufacturing engineering and rv experience, I have a exclusive Win/Win/Win proposal for Bish’s, NO•BO and I, a total game changer.
I think Ember missed the mark and should’ve equipped the kitchen more like the e-pro 12srk. At least you would’ve had a small sink, grey tank and cooktop included. Crazy you mentioned they discontinued that 12srk/12rk line. Still shows on their site to view, but says temporarily unavailable. Maybe bringing them back when material shortages get better?
That could be. I very clearly got info indicating those were being retired. Now I'm seeing they might only be "paused." I wonder if they got some backlash after the initial response
Josh I know you thought of me when you announced the ‘propanus’ 😂😂 Having built my own 5x7 teardrop (with ac) I am amazed at the features of this unit. My only ding is also the solar plug inside the cargo locker.
They've done some serious improvements on them in the past few years. Not long ago I personally considered them among the bottom of the barrel. But their efforts are paying off!
I hope they put a bongie net in the kitchen open cabinets as well. There are multiple videos online about quality problems. Leaks for example. Do you have conments about it? While I prefer a bigger model, Im considering this model as my introductory RV. Given is already 2023 and sooner 2024 models, can you talk about the changes from one year to the other?
About the closest trailer to what I would prefer...if I decide my Commander isn't sufficient. BTW, I've always heard "SQUARE drop". First time hearing box drop. JS.
Hi Josh, thanks for the review. I like this little camper, although it is more of a niche market unit. My son leads a boy scout troop, and with the griddle option, I could see it as a great chuck wagon to take off-road to say a state forest for camping with the troop. I see people complaining about the price point, but you're paying for that off-road capability that would wreak a normal small camper. Not having to haul 26 gal of water in separate jugs is a plus.
"Chuck Wagon" is a phase I always loved. Always thought horse trailer builders should start including camp kitchens and call it a Chuck Wagon option lol
I understand the Overlanding concept but especially the 170, 171, 190, and 191 MDB models have something like the Rockwood's wifi ranger with sim card option?
I wish one of the manufactures would make the tongue 2 feet longer. And move the axle however many inches farther forward to calculate 350 lbs on tongue. Or less for true dirtbikes, but I like my dual sport. I know it would be weird unloaded.... but it would be a sweet setup. Jeep+ side load dual sport + camper.
Josh: In my 40+ years of 4H and boy scouts, I've seen utility trailers and horse trailers with better accommodations. Rather than ROK & ROL these might also be called the homer bucket head specials and the $35,000 "supply your own cat hole" ORV campsite. Between these and a backpack backcountry tent, I'd take the tent. Respectfully, W.S.
Sadly, there are things marketed as camper trailers that have even fewer amenities. Though, I will say calling a cooler-fridge a "kitchen" is a joke. That that point, they might as well have added that space to the interior and fit in a cassette toilet
First thing love the trailer and the 3step entry. Plus, Can they put a 22” tv on the inside.?. So if it rains you can still watch tv.?. Outside ok but who wants to watch tv in the cold weather.!. &, Do they come with a cassette portable toilet.?.
Trying to remember.. I don't think they offer an interior coax type setup. Owners could likely use the shelf across the front of the RV for a stand-alone TV though
I must say this little rugged camper I think really doesn't need a t.v.. Something like this just doesn't seem like it lends itself to that camping need.
@@JoshtheRVNerd just saying I don't think the person that would buy one these whether it's a Roc or a Rol that those people are buying it to have a t.v. bepart of their camping experience .
12V socket? I have wanted a teardrop style camper for a while! For me, it would be perfect for when you want to go on a road trip and you don't need either your full time camper or you just don't need much stuff. It's a great way to avoid staying in hotels! I just can't justify the price. Even the most basic ones are just expensive. I've always wanted to home build one instead. I think for road trips, unless you have a bigger family, it would be amazing. Love the video uncle josh! I don't know if you'll see this or not but I have a question, what happened to the Jayco North point front kitchen? Did they totally stop making it or is it just on hold because of the current situations at hand? Also, why did you guys stop carrying saber fifth wheels? Was it just a technicality with how everything worked out or was it a product issue? I live full-time in my trailer and the price point and quality of the saber looks appealing. Just interested in your thoughts/suggestions. Thanks man!
Pound for pound sabre is a solid brand. It's basically a sister to the Arctic Wolf It falls RIGHT in the class of things like Heritage Glen/Hemisphere fifth wheels Also a good comparison for things like East to West fifth wheels if you're seeking options
@@JoshtheRVNerd Alright! Thank you man!! Really appreciate it! I've toured the front living saber a couple times and it checks most of my boxes. I like the lighter hitch weight and overall lower weight compared to others. I wish it had the 2-in towing hitch on the back. And it sounds like the insulation package is fairly decent. More is definitely not a bad thing though when I live full time in Idaho mountains. Ha I appreciate you man!!
Surprised you didn't talk about the drawbacks of the European windows. 🤔 was hoping to get your take. I dont think I would buy a euro window. I've heard bad things that the screens don't keep the bugs out. Also, you can't open the window with the screen in place. If the bugs are out that is a big problem!
Need a Gally sink/ 2 burner stove . Smaller TV with soundbar inside & more cupboards/ shelves for Gally. Water heater with outdoor shower & no Gally water ??!! You can use a wheeled Gray tank underneath.
Stackable washer dryer prep? 😂😂😂😂I kid I kid This is a nice unit just wish the industry would modernize and spiffy up the a/c it takes me back to the window conditioning of the 1970s growing up
Generator will be aftermarket. I'm not sure what you mean by compatible though. A proper generator would power the unit, yes. Perhaps I'm not understanding?
Another person you could contact is Ian Johnson from the TV show called Four Wheeler. He's a four-wheel expert as it were and he considers little campers like this to be 'glamping'. There is a niche for these and I find it absolutely, 100%, a great little camper for the back country, overlanding or even fishing for the weekend on the beach in Corpus Christi, TX. I really think the power cord to the AC unit could have been done a bit differently. It looks hurried and unfinished the way it is there. But, Ember doing it right when it comes to an overlanding little trail camper.
In these photos here: bit.ly/3HyUwVV you can see some pics of the ROL's rear area but I likely won't be doing a full video on what is essentially an outside kitchen delete
This is almost my ideal camper. I wish they would have removed the kitchen. Then pushed the sofa couch to the back. Then put a full slide out kitchen externally using a pass through under the bed/sofa. This would have been way more space efficient and giving you much more living space in such a small space. Maybe even open up room 2 full sofa/bed combo units. One facing each other at opposite ends of the camper giving it much more functionality. I feel like my idea makes way more logical sense because this kitchen they call it isn’t even really a kitchen. They just put some shelves in the back lol. Just seems like nothing is 100% to me personally for my needs lol. But. This is getting pretty close.
Been looking heavily into the opus travel trailers actually. Regardless of off road features. They seem to have just more sleeping space priorities inside the camper with a small footprint that fits into a garage. But I’d love something like this ember. That sleeps 4 internally with a full pull out kitchen. Especially for the price point of this small ember. It’s hard to accept personal sacrifices unless it’s perfectly ideal. If that makes sense lol. If it was everything I’d 100% pay for one in cash no question. It’s soooo close !!!
I’m just shocked more manufacturer’s don’t prioritize more sleeping accommodations for small campers for smaller families who wants something compact. There’s no reason why they can’t. It’s possible. Just no one does it until you start looking as more independent companies lol. Sorry for my rant
much closer to my towing and price range in all reality, still too big... a 2012 buick regal does not have a tow rating for much more than a bicycle trailer i doubt.... i bet i could find SOMETHING though. this very nice for the type it is, for these outside shower is good enough.
Josh you gotta get Ember to stop putting those stickers on the front powder coated gear box. Leaves a scar when the dealer doesn't take care in removing them....ouch...and the residue ....how can you safely clean it?
@@JoshtheRVNerd Don't get me wrong I am absolutely enamored with the Ember line. I believe it's the best built travel trailer out there. But, If you go back to the prototype video from your tour at Ember you'll notice the diffrences. The one that stands out the most glaringly is the jack stand in the front, an old fashion manual flip up? 😳 Really?! It might be nit picking, but to me details matter especially at 35,000 + base price. I know quality is expensive, and I'm willing to pay for it, but that means higher expectations too.
@@jofrazier-hansen4097 That's just this little boxdrop Jo. They haven't gone away from their power leg lift front on the Overlanders. The micro series is a little different in a few ways Some things are also still supply-choked
Yes. These aren't made like industry standard RVs. The entire chassis/suspension and structure is completely unlike anything else out there. It super rugged. But you pay for it.
It's okay, I guess. I mean, it does have more amenities than some campers of similar weight and pricepoint, but the kitchen is too lacking to be called a kitchen and the AC unit eats up too much space and power. If the kitchen had a proper sink and either moved the AC unit, put portable unit in, or maybe put a controlled peltier device(not too different from what probably runs that cooler), they'd have an alright unit.
You know I wondered how people would feel about those. TY for saying something. They did almost make you feel like you had to crawl into it.. but at the same time it's not like you're exactly WALKING AROUND inside of it so ...
@@JoshtheRVNerd almost looks like the steps make it harder to get in and out. Also it takes real estate away from the awning. You’re better off putting the weight into a pop out bench over the wheel well. It seems like a hazard for drunk people as well.
He did talk about it for a few months before it happened around the first of the year... The family sold their company to Bish's (Bish's is a national chain). Josh's father was ready to retire and all if the family agreed to sell, it wasn't a "hostile buy out" or anything like that. Go and check out his videos in November/December 2021 time... Now Josh has sooooo much more inventory to show (and he's been doing a decent job of showing it!)...
