When nature calls you off the beaten path, be sure you’re in an RV that can handle the terrain with ease while allowing you to bring the comforts of home along on the ride.
By Bruce W. Smith
September/October 2026
Boondocking, also known as “dispersed camping,” in the RV and outdoor world simply means camping off-the-grid or in the “boonies.” Boondocking means there aren’t any amenities such as electrical hookups, public bathrooms, handy water faucets, fire pits, or picnic tables. It’s just you, your RV, and a remote piece of Mother Nature where you’ve settled down to camp out for the day — or multiple days.
What separates a standard RV from one that is suited for traveling around the backcountry boils down to how the RV is designed.
What Makes A Good Boondocking RV
A good RV for boondocking should have: a suspension that reduces the amount of jarring caused by driving on dirt and
gravel roads; robust tires that provide good protection from sharp rocks, potholes, and other encounters along the way; and on-board accommodations to supply water, electricity, cooking, and bathroom needs for multiple days of camping for the people who are traveling in the RV.
RVs being considered for serious backcountry camping should have a version of all-terrain (A/T) or mud tires like those found on many of today’s tow vehicles that are taken off pavement.
Other Needs For A Great Boondocking RV
Of course, an RV that can provide enjoyable camping in the boonies should have large enough fresh, gray, and black water tanks to accommodate the occupants for multiple days of camping off-the-grid.
The same applies to solar setups — bigger is better. A 200-watt system barely keeps batteries charged, while a 600-watt-plus system will power the basics (lights, fans, water pumps) when it is coupled with a good inverter. If you want to operate a microwave, coffeemaker, and other power-hungry items on solar energy, plan on equipping your RV with at least a 1,000-watt system.
Having an onboard or portable generator capable of providing at least 3500-watt output at 30 amps, plus a fuel tank for the generator and “toys,” is an ideal way to provide enough juice to run not only the pump system, but the lights, heating, and A/C systems, while keeping the batteries charged during your stay.
With all the above in mind, here are a number of 2027 RVs that we’d enjoy boondocking in anywhere across our great country — and a few that we’d love to travel around the world in.
Note: Listed MSRP is base price and doesn’t include options, which can easily add thousands to that number.
Forest River XLR Nitro 41G14
MSRP: $156,384
forestriverinc.com/rvs/xlr-nitro/41G14/12879
Fifth wheels are not typically on the mind of RVers thinking about boondocking, because they are big and heavy, which isn’t good for backcountry travel. But if you’re planning to spend days with the family at a dune, in the desert, or at some other wide-open remote location, the new XLR Nitro 41G14 fiver is like a resort on wheels. This 45-foot, triple-slide, triple-awning toy hauler’s rear ramp door doubles as a patio, and there’s a 40-gallon fuel cell to keep the toys filled. It also comes with a 6 kW Next-Gen Power Systems (NPS) generator, a 16-cubic-foot residential-style refrigerator, a large kitchen and entertainment area, and a king-size bed up front. It sleeps six with ease and the fresh, gray, and black water tanks, plus solar power, are large enough to support camping off-grid for a week.
Specifications
Length: 45’1” | Dry Weight: 15,679 lbs.
GVWR: 21,000 lbs. | Slideouts: 3
Fresh Water: 150 gals. | Gray Water: 120 gals.
Black Water: 80 gals. | A/Cs: 3 | Sleeps: 6
Rossmönster Loft
MSRP: $284,987
Colorado-based Rossmönster is highly respected in the world of building custom boondocking vehicles in a wide variety of types and configurations. The newest is the 2027 Loft adventure van built on an AWD Mercedes-Benz 144-inch-wheelbase Sprinter cutaway chassis with a molded box. “There’s nothing else like it being manufactured in the U.S., and we’re anticipating a strong market response,” said Rossmönster’s Amy Audiss. The rear bed is positioned east-to-west to maximize space, and the big windows on three sides provide a great view of the surroundings. Beneath the bed floor is a large gear compartment that can hold multiple bikes and all sorts of other gear. The galley has a deep sink and an induction cooktop, and with the large water tanks, plus the state-of-the-art solar package, this RV can easily handle off-grid camping for multiple days at a shot.
Specifications
Length: 20’8” | Dry Weight: 9,120 lbs. | GVWR: 9,900 lbs. | Fresh Water: 40 gals. | Gray Water: 24 gals. | Black Water: Portable toilet | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 4
Leisure Travel Vans Unity TB4X
MSRP: $238,590
Built on a lifted 170-inch-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cab Chassis, the AWD Unity TB4X is a boondocker’s dream RV. “Designed for those who crave off-grid exploration, our new model is equipped with a suite of enhanced features that make it even more capable for extended boondocking,” said Angelo Natuzzi, lead product designer at Leisure Travel Vans. “The TB4X delivers a lot in a compact footprint, with abundant storage, a large pass-through gear garage, convertible twin beds, a fully equipped three-piece dry bath, a flexible two-table system, and our new swivel lounge.” With up to 540 Ah of lithium battery power and multiple ways to recharge camping off grid, this conversion van is designed to keep you powered wherever adventure leads. Options abound including a 440-watt solar panel system, a 4kW LP generator, and a 255-amp high-output auxiliary alternator.
Specifications
Length: 25’1” | GVWR: 11,030 lbs. | Fresh Water: 40 gals. | Gray Water: 35 gals. | Black Water: 32 gals. | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 4
Storyteller GXV Wild
MSRP: $299,898
storytelleroverland.com/pages/gxv-wild
The 2027 GXV Wild, a new Super C from Alabama-based Storyteller Overland, is one of those RVs that would literally be perfect for boondocking anywhere in the world. It’s based on a RAM 3500 regular cab, single-rear-wheel platform powered by 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. A custom, purpose-built 3-inch AEV suspension helps clear the beefy 37-inch mud tires. Electrical power comes via a 12,000-watt Mastervolt lithium battery system to produce, manage, and monitor every electrical need, backed by 800 watts of solar through a 4,500-watt inverter. The interior is luxurious with wood cabinetry, leather seating, a queen-size bed in the cab-over, a tailgate-like FlipOut deck in the rear, and the latest in state-of-the-art appliances, navigation, and electronics “Most adventure trucks isolate their occupants from the environment, whereas the Wild embraces the environment with its FlipOut rear deck that was developed to allow full interaction between the interior and the environment.” said Austin Oliveiro, the design director.
Specifications
Length: 22’10.5” | Dry Weight: 13,000 lbs. | GVWR: 14,000 lbs. | Fresh Water: 50 gals. | Gray Water: 20 gals. | Black Water: 4.75 gal. cassette toilet | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 4
Imperial Outdoors X-195
MSRP: $125,250
imperial-outdoors.com/model-x-195/
Adventurous RVers who embrace four-season off-grid outings, no matter whether it’s 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 below, will find the 25-foot Imperial Outdoors Xplore Series X-195 a solid choice. “Bigger is not always better,” said Imperial Outdoors’ Isaac Nelson when their 26-foot, tandem-axle X-195 boondocking trailer is the topic of conversation. “It takes much more than that to create a true boondocking rig you can count on year around and in extreme conditions. You need high-quality components, efficient appliances, properly sized equipment, and a design that is engineered to maximize the performance of all of this together.” Those are the areas where their largest and ruggedest off-grid camping trailer shines. The Cruisemaster air suspension is adjustable, and it rolls on 33-inch mud-terrain tires. The Laveo dry-flush toilet eliminates the need for a black water tank; the big shower is great for occupants over 6 feet tall; and the galley is nicely arranged and set up for ease of cooking.
Specifications
Length: 26’1” | Dry Weight: 5,500 lbs. | GVWR: 9,920 lbs. | Fresh Water: 60 gals. | Gray Water: 60 gals. | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 3+
OGV Luxury Coach VTOUR 144 2MB4
MSRP: $206,993
Custom-built Class B conversion vans are gaining ground in popularity among younger affluent adventure seekers, and the all-wheel-drive VTOUR 2MB4 from OGV Luxury Coach is a prime example of what draws RVers to them. The VTOUR 2MB4 is built on the 144-inch-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz diesel chassis, which makes it one of the most maneuverable adventure vans available and great for running those remote backcountry roads and off-grid exploration. Inside it features state-of-the-art comfort and convenience, including a full wet bath, a rear Murphy bed and sofa, advanced climate control, and a nice galley with a microwave, a refrigerator/freezer and an induction cooktop. The interior is quiet and well insulated. The basic off-grid electrical system is handled by 540 Ah lithium batteries and a 3000-watt inverter. A1080 Ah upgrade is available that includes dual alternators and a diesel air/water heater.
Specifications
Length: 19’8” | Dry Weight: N/A | GVWR: 9,050 lbs. | Fresh Water: 25 gals. | Gray Water: 29.5 gals. | Black Water: 12 gals. | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 2
THOR Compass 22MT
MSRP: $188,020
thormotorcoach.com/compass-awd/floor-plans/22mt
THOR Motor Coach is continuously improving their line of RVs, and the 2027 Compass all-wheel-drive Class B+ motorhome is a prime example of those upgrades. This, the smallest of the Compass line at 23 feet 7 inches, provides plenty of storage inside and out. The rear drop-down queen-size Skybunk is a nice addition that opens the living area when needed. The designers also enhanced several other features that make backcountry camping more pleasurable. These include a pair of lithium house batteries, a 400-watt solar charging system, a 3,000-watt inverter, and an Aqua-Hot 125G hydronics 17,000-Btu furnace and tankless water heater. The Ford Transit 350 HD AWD chassis makes getaways smooth with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gas V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission providing the power to tackle any highway or backroad. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Specifications
Length: 23’7” | GVWR: 11,000 lbs. | Slideouts: 0 | Fresh Water: 38 gals. | Gray Water: 37 gals. | Black Water: 20 gals. | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 2
Rockwood Geo Pro G20SFB
MSRP: $37,360
forestriverinc.com/rvs/rockwood-geo-pro/G20FBS/11590
When it comes to a true off-grid capable, lightweight camping trailer to tow behind smaller pickups, crossovers and SUVs, Rockwood’s 21-foot Geo Pro 20SFB is a sweet package. It’s loaded with serious boondocking power. This single-slide camper with a full bath in the rear and full bed up front comes equipped with 200-watt solar panel and a 30-amp controller, with the option to expand by adding another 200-watt panel for even greater energy independence. Inside, a 12-volt refrigerator keeps things efficient while conserving battery power, while outside, a rugged Torflex torsion axle, aggressive off-road tires, and a factory lift provide the confidence to venture off the beaten path. Need more solar muscle? The optional Power Package adds a 3000-watt inverter with 160 amps of charging capacity, an 11,000-BTU air conditioner with soft start, a 460Ah Mastervolt lithium battery, a 30-amp charge controller, and an impressive 600 watts of total solar.
Specifications
Length: 21’2” | Dry Weight: 3,669 lbs. | GVWR: 5,135 lbs. | Slideouts: 1 | Fresh Water: 31 gals. Gray Water: 27 gals. | Black Water: 27 | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 3
Winnebago EKKO 23B Sprinter
MSRP: $250,014
winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/class-c/ekko-sprinter/2026-23b
Winnebago has always been a leader in innovation and quality, and the EKKO 23B Sprinter Class C motorhome is no exception. It’s built on the 170-inch-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz AWD chassis powered by the 2.0-liter high-output turbo-diesel engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The package is the perfect combination of a Class C motorhome and camper van. The tires are all-terrains, and it has more ground clearance than the sister model (Transit) built on the gas-powered Ford Transit chassis. Up top is a 455-watt solar array; the body and multiple storage compartments are wrapped in extensive all-season insulation; and the windows are dual-pane acrylic to optimize interior quietness and climate control. All of the tanks and plumbing are above the floor, too. Inside is a full galley equipped with energy-efficient appliances, a multi-function lounge/sleeping area, and an innovative dry/wet bath with a pivoting wall that separates the shower area. Need more headroom? Go with the pop-top option. This is a very comfortable Class C for a family of five on an off-grid excursion.
Specifications
Length: 24’6” | GVWR: 11,030 lbs. | Fresh Water: 50 gals. | Gray Water: 51 gals. | Black Water: 5 gal. cassette toilet | A/Cs: 1 | Sleeps: 5
Keystone Walkabout 26MAX
MSRP: $76,516
keystonerv.com/product/walkabout/luxury-travel-trailers
This all-new Keystone travel trailer is designed for outdoorsmen and campers who venture off-grid and are seeking rugged adventure. Equipped with a tandem axle with all-terrain off-road tires, enhanced suspension, thoughtful storage, and an outdoor kitchen, the Walkabout is perfect for off-grid campers who want to stay as far away from full-hookup campgrounds as possible. This 30-foot-9-inch dual-entry boondocking tow-behind easily sleeps six utilizing its super sofa with hidden storage, a queen bed, and double bunk beds in the rear bedroom. The floor plan’s rear bath next to the bunk room makes off-grid camping comfortable for families of all ages.
Specifications
Length: 30’9” | Dry Weight: 7,140 lbs. | GVWR: 9,650 lbs. | Slideouts: 1 | Fresh Water: 54 gals. | Gray Water: 34 gals. | Black Water: 34 gals. | A/Cs: | Sleeps: 6
Mammoth Overland TL
MSRP: $69,500
Finding a comfortable trailer for a base camp deep in the boonies that has a kitchen, space to sleep four, an enclosed bathroom, and a hot shower can be a real challenge. The good news: Mammoth Overland’s TL, also known as “Tall Boy,” is more than up to the challenge. This tandem-axle tow-behind, built by Washington State off-road trailer manufacturer Mammoth Overland, provides everything one needs when camping off-the-grid. The monocoque body rides atop an independent suspension with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The inside bathroom, 6 feet, 3 inches of headroom, tons of storage space, a big slide-out exterior galley, and enough water, propane, and electrical and solar power to keep everyone comfortable for days on end. “We designed this trailer with an aircraft manufacturer’s mindset: to make it really strong, light, and elegantly functional with minimal moving parts. Our goal was to build a ‘generational’ off-road trailer; one that could be handed down to the next generation, and the next,” said Scott Taylor, Mammoth Overland’s president.
Specifications
Length: 16’5.2” | Dry Weight: 3,200 lbs. | GVWR: 5,200 lbs. | Fresh Water: 50 gals. | Gray Water: 20 gals. | Black Water: 4.75 gal. cassette toilet | A/Cs: 0 | Sleeps: 4
Scout Ahead
If you are towing a trailer through an unfamiliar stretch of backcountry road in an area where you’re considering boondocking, it pays to unhook and scout ahead. The last thing any RVer with a trailer in-tow wants is to end up in a location where you can’t turn around. As a courtesy to fellow campers, once you have found the perfect spot to put down the jacks for the day, be sure to Leave No Trace when you depart. – BWS
Upgrade Anti-Sway Bars
One aftermarket upgrade that makes a significant improvement in the ride and overall handling of a camper van or motorhome when traveling off road is stepping up to stronger, heat-treated anti-sway bars on the front and rear of the RV. Sway bars help minimize unwanted body lean/sway around corners and over uneven terrain. “Traditionally, for every 1/8-inch sway bar diameter size, you gain 30 percent increase in strength,” said Tommy Henderson, president of RV suspension manufacturer SuperSteer. “Heat-treated sway bars provide approximately 60 percent increase for every 1/8-inch. A huge improvement for such a small increase. The sway bar will help eliminate sway and body roll in your RV.” – BWS
Upgraded anti-sway bars can significantly improve handling, especially on uneven and unpaved terrain.
A technician installs a SuperSteer sway bar on a Mercedes-Benz Spinter 3500 van.