Introducing my Outdoors RV “Glacier Peak” 5th Wheel
I’m going to start my “tour” of my new Outdoors RV Glacier Peak 5th wheel on the outside. I know that everyone loves to see the interiors of campers, but frankly, the outside is just as if not more important than what’s inside. As a point of encouragement, when you are considering a camper, you should spend as much time looking over the outside as you do enjoying the interior.
Outdoors RV: Built for 4 Season Living… REALLY!
The photo below, while NOT glamorous by any means depicts the ONLY plumbing that is not enclosed in the fully heated underbelly.
A full video tour of the outside of my Outdoors RV Glacier Peak F30RLS
Written commentary follows below.
Outdoors RV – a TRUE 4 SEASON Camper
As I did my outside walk-around, did you catch what I said about the 2″ thick (solid foam) insulation in all the walls. What I didn’t note what that INCLUDES the walls of the slides AND the roof of the slides. This provides NEEDED insulation in areas that many (most?) manufacturers ignore.
How about the VERY LIMITED exposure of plumbing outside the sealed (and heated) underbelly? This is important to avoid freezeups – even if you’re in a region where temperatures only occasionally fall well below freezing! The (fully heated) underbelly also seems to be very well designed (see photos below). Its so solid, I’m not sure that even a mouse can find its way in! (Poor mice)
Another design feature I’ve grown to appreciate is the storage compartments under the nose. (Check ’em out again!) The entire area is diamond plated (that’s nice!) and the main compartment is split into two doors that open up and down (the lower door is closed in my video). This makes it easy to load “stuff” into the main compartment (and it is BIG) and when you open it, its less likely something will fall out!
I should mention the chassis is custom designed for the floor plan it supports. This produces a better pull as you travel and allows Outdoors RV to use tanks with VERY large capacities – 82 gallons fresh water, 72 gallons grey water, 65 gallons black water. Conclusion? This trailer IS truly designed for full time living and spending some serious time “off the grid!”
Last thought before I move to the next video – consider how much time I’ve spent talking about the outside (and underbelly) – to me this part of a camper is as (or more) important than the interior.
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I’ve seen plenty of campers where the underbelly sags or has lots of tape used as sealant – not the case here!
Ok, next, its a few days (and TWO snowstorms) later, I have the skirting up. Allow me to share a few more observations as I complete my outside tour of my Outdoors RV Glacier Peak F30RLS.
A few additional thoughts –
The skirt is designed to stop air flow under the camper. The material is made of non-breathable vinyl (very heavy duty, sun resistant material). Contact me if you’re interested in getting a skirt for your camper (any type of camper) – they do VERY good work.
It ended up going down to 3F that next morning – and I notice a difference already in propane usage. In cold winter conditions, that can mean BIG savings in propane costs!
I LOVE the additional storage area where the kitchen trash can could be. I simply use plastic grocery bags instead. In a few days, I’m going to prepare an INSIDE TOUR of my new camper and will post a link HERE to that tour. STAY TUNED!
One thing you can be CERTAIN of… I purchased an extended service contract to cover my camper for 7 years – as I’ve said before I would not be without it. After the experiences I had with my prior camper – and its RARELY “the camper”, its the “3rd party components” that fail. I detail this in the post linked in this paragraph. If you’d like a quote for a “ESC” for your camper, contact me privately, I can help with that.
I also maintain a membership with CoachNet – for peace of mind while “on the road.” This is an emergency road service program that includes funds for hotel stays if your travel is delayed for a period of time. I’ve looked at other roadside service programs and this one tailored to the needs of a RV traveler.
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When it comes to purchasing your next camper…
Want a “guide by your side” when searching for and buying your next camper? Someone who will have your back and help you navigate the choppy waters when purchasing an RV? Contact me! I now offer a Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service – click HERE to learn more.
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How I came to know about Outdoors RV
I’ve been a RV owner now since 2003, and full time since 2011. My winters are spent in ski country out west. I have experienced conditions as cold as -35F for several mornings in a row. I have had furnaces fail on -23F nights! You learn and you adapt. I have had many interactions with owners of all types of RV’s from motorhomes to trailers, and from that I developed a perspective on the industry and the various manufacturers campers and how they’re made.
Prior to getting into the industry as a consultant/salesman, I realized that most trailers are built poorly and do not last. As an “insider”, my opinion was reinforced as I engaged in ongoing discussions with management and service personnel. Few companies stand out from this “sea of mediocrity” and Outdoors RV is among the best I’ve found.
After establishing my personal needs – a 5th wheel that did not exceed 35 (real) feet, did have “dual opposing slides”, a large fridge, microwave/convection oven, a well designed bedroom and ABOVE ALL was constructed and insulated well, the pack of competitors for my hard earned bucks became fairly small. I was fortunate to be aligned with a dealer who offered Outdoors RV trailers so I had the opportunity to learn more about them AND see how they held up over time as I’m now completing my 3rd year in the business.
Don’t get me wrong, there ARE worthy competitors – but for the money, design, quality, engineering and features, Outdoors RV deserves a VERY close look if you’re in the market for a new travel trailer or 5th wheel. Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or just want to talk RV’ing. There is space provided below to post – I answer ALL.
In closing… I’m often asked what RV equipment (water & sewer hoses & accessories; electric; winter specific) I use. Click the image below to see my “best picks” in all these areas and more.
This entire post focused upon the EXTERIOR of my camper. Want to see my review of the campers INTERIOR?? Click HERE.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: This model which has proven to be AMAZING for my needs nearly 2 years into owning it is NO LONGER PRODUCED by Outdoors RV. If you’re looking for similar quality – contact me for ideas regarding what’s made today that meets the same standards. (traveler@rvacrossamerica.net)
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Hi Al,
I notice in your recommendations, that of the 2 years this event was produced, you only recommend the 2018. I am currently looking at a used 2017, is there something that I’m missing on the 2017 that was improved on the 2018?
Thanks,
Matt
Matt,
You refer to an “event”, I’m confused, are you referring to a camper? If so, which make/model.
Alan Sills
I have done some searching and am not able to find any video and such about how these units are put together. We are full timing in an F26rks and am curious about how the water and waste tanks are mounted. Any ideas? I assume they are sitting ON the frame and not hanging by straps or the like. Neighbor in a park here outside Cortez in a Cedar Creek Silverback had his fresh tank fall out onto the axle. We got it back into place but kind of lame that these things are built like that. Thanks
David,
I’d refer you to ORV sales OR service (todd AND kevin WILL know) directly in LaGrande (phone numbers on their website.) However the tanks are mounted, its CLEARLY better than FR crap. Its a shame as the cedar creek is promoted as a high end 5th wheel – its really just an expensive pig with lipstick on it. You made a VERY good choice to travel in a 26RKS Glacier Peak! Al
I just ran across your site and thank you for the great information!
My want list includes a rear living – opposing slides as well. Definitely 35 ft to have full access to NP’s. And east/west bed.
Some questions if you have time!:
*Considering a fireplace for added warmth. Is this needed?
*What is the oldest year Outdoor RV you’d consider purchasing that retains the benefits you’ve mentioned above?
*Are there any other brands that you’d recommend or encourage me to stay away from?
I will be full time within this year and do want to have the flexibility to see our world in all types of climate.
Martha, thanks for reaching out and your kind words. Now… fireplace – if you get it from the rv manufacturer it is about a $500-800. option that provides a cheesy light show and serves as a heater that works about the same as a $20. kmart or walmart electric heater, AND it takes away cabinet space that would otherwise be available. I’m living with the cheap electric heater, but with my new custom furniture (its a recent article on my site), I did allow room for a portable fireplace – in which case I’ll be wasting about $170 (instead of $500+) to get a cheesy light show!
Outdoors RV is a unique case – the 2018 is the ONLY year I’d recommend, they only did 2 “runs” of these trailers before they stopped making them (dealers weren’t good at selling them – I believe its a dealer / floor salesman training issue.) That said, there ARE other viable alternatives for full timers since ORV has effectively pulled out of this part of the rv market. As to brands I recommend – Arctic Fox (29-5 or 32-5) and Jayco Pinnacle (I think its the 3210) – similar length, similar quality, in fact Arctic Fox is a northwood company as is ORV. With my concierge buying service, I can advise specifics and get you a great price and guide you through the purchase process – rvacrossamerica.net/buysell to learn more about that. As to other brands beyond what I’ve named – most are on the AVOID list, yeah, its THAT bad in this industry!
Contact me if I can be of assistance or if you’re interested in my buying service.
Al
Hi Al,
Just curious, why do you only recommend the 2018, and not the 2017? I am looking at both and wonder what am I missing that you don’t like about the 2017?
Thanks for your time and great videos and blog.
Matt
Matt,
It was a pleasure speaking with you, good luck with whatever you choose to do.
Al