Outdoors RV Review: 28DBS Back Country Series
Are you looking for a reliable RV that will let you experience all the thrills of the great outdoors without sacrificing modern amenities? If so, you may want to consider taking a closer look at the 28DBS Backcountry Series model from Outdoors RV.
This sleek, stylish travel trailer is packed with features that make it an ideal choice for anyone who loves camping but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort or convenience.
We are proud to say that we have owned and lived in this model full-time for over a year now and we can confidently provide a comprehensive review.
In this review, we’ll take a look at the conditions in which it arrived and how it has operated over the course of our ownership. We will also discuss what we like about it and also mention some of the top complaints we have about it.
I’ll also go into detail about the upgrades we made, and why we believe it is such an excellent choice for anyone who is in the market for a quality RV.
Let’s take a closer look at what this model has to offer.
First, Let’s Take a Look at the Specs of the Rig:
- 100 gallons of fresh water capacity
- 80-gallon gray water tank
- 40 Gallon black water tank
- 170 watts of solar power
- Cummins Onan 3.6K On-Board LP Generator
- 8030 Lbs. Dry Weight
- Heavy Duty 5 Lug Axles
- Thermal Pane Windows
- 80 Lbs of Propane Capacity
What Makes the 28DBS Special? Things We Love
The Outdoors RV 28DBS is an excellent choice due to its quality construction, affordability, and dependability. Let’s take a look at all the features we love about this travel trailer.
True four-season RV
The Outdoors RV 28 DBS comes with numerous features designed to make your RV camping experience as enjoyable as possible.
One of the main features of the 28 DBS is its walls. Outdoors RV is a company that understands the importance of insulation in an RV.
The walls are 2 inches thick with foam insulation that helps keep heat in during cold weather. This makes it perfect for long-term camping or full-time living in your RV.
It also means you won’t have to worry about getting too cold or too hot while on your travels.
The Floor Plan Just Makes Sense
The interior offers plenty of room and comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to six people, plus there’s plenty of storage space for all our stuff.
We love the double bunk in the back of the RV. We use the bottom bunk as a bed for our 3 dogs and the top bunk is excellent for storage for all our dirt biking gear.
This RV also boasts a full kitchen complete with a microwave, refrigerator, three-burner range, oven, and pantry.
The living area comes with a dinette that seats 4 people and an option of either two recliners or a sofa bed, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the road.
Massive Water Supply (100-gallon fresh water holding tank)
The water storage system on this model is also quite impressive. It comes with a 100-gallon water tank capacity which provides plenty of options for cooking, cleaning, showering, and more.
Seriously, the 100-gallon freshwater holding tank has been a game changer for us because we can go longer between fill-ups, and we don’t have to worry about running out of water while boondocking.
Additionally, the underbelly of the RV is insulated and has the option to turn on the heated water tank, so you don’t have to worry about any pipes freezing during colder months.
Multiple Off-Grid Power Options
For power sources, the Outdoors RV 28 DBS comes with a Cummins 1350LP Generator and two Solar panels on the roof to gather sun and charge the batteries; four 6-volt batteries are included for additional energy storage capacity and usage when needed. You won’t be left without power anytime soon!
For a full walk-through tour of our Outdoors RV, you can check out this Youtube video.
High Off-Road Clearance
The bottom of this trailer is higher than many, so you’ll go up three steps to get in. This is owing to the trailer’s design for going into the backcountry. The higher bottom gives the trailer more clearance and prevents it from getting hung up on rocks or other obstacles.
Superior Suspension
Suspension is one of the most important aspects of any RV, but it is often overlooked by shoppers. The suspension on an RV helps to absorb shocks and bumps from the road, making for a smoother and more comfortable ride. It also plays a crucial role in managing the weight of the RV, ensuring that the entire trailer is properly supported.
Outdoors RV understands the importance of a good suspension, and that is why they incorporated shock absorbers and Goodyear E-rated tires on 5,200-pound axles. These features help to ensure that the RV can handle even the roughest roads.
The Downside?
Quality issues
Unfortunately, this is a common complaint about Outdoors RV RVs. While they are generally well-made, there have been some reports of subpar craftsmanship and materials being used.
We had a few minor hiccups after purchasing, such as dents in the flooring underneath the laminate and an AC unit that wasn’t working properly. Luckily, the customer service was top-notch and our dealer took quick action to fix these problems right away.
Our advice: If you do decide to go with an Outdoors RV, be sure to thoroughly inspect it before taking it off the lot!
Heavy
Outdoors RV is known for building tough, durable trailers that can stand up to any adventure. And the Backcountry Model is no exception. With a heavy-duty frame and thick walls, this trailer is built like a tank.
But it’s not just built for strength—it’s also insulated for comfort. That means you’ll be able to enjoy your time outdoors no matter what the weather brings.
As you might expect, all that strength and insulation comes at a cost—the dry hitch weight is 995 pounds, and the overall dry weight starts at around 8,030 pounds.
We shook a few things loose
One common issue that many RV owners face is rattling or shaking during bumpy rides, leading to loose screws and objects falling off the walls. This happened to us during our travels, and our window valances were the first casualty after about 6 months of full-time travel.
We ultimately decided to take them down because we realized that they were bulky and not really our style. We replaced them with the blackout curtains they came with. The result has been a much cleaner look in our living space.
Upgrades
Over the past year, we’ve made a number of upgrades to our RV. One of the first upgrades we made to the RV before we even took it off the lot was we switched out our sleeper sofa for a recliner sofa. We loved the idea of being able to kick back and relax in a recliner, and luckily Thomsons RV had a decent inventory of recliner sofas, so we decided to make the switch. The dark charcoal color of the recliners ended up being much more appealing to us than the bright beige of the sleeper sofa. Not only did it match the rest of the decor better, but it also felt more inviting and cozy.
Oxygenics Shower Head
Another improvement we made was swapping out the standard showerhead for an oxygenics low-flow model. We highly recommend making the switch to anyone living in a trailer or RV. And with its low cost and easy installation, it’s a no-brainer improvement for any nomadic adventurer.
Victron Inverter
When we decided to upgrade our RV, one of the first things we knew we needed was an inverter so that we could still use power outlets while living off-grid. We chose the Victron Inverter for its rapid transfer technology and remote monitoring, this inverter has been the perfect addition to allow us to live comfortably off-grid.
Starlink
Our biggest investment has been adding Starlink to our setup—this provides us with satellite-based wifi access so we can be connected no matter where we decide to camp. We now feel confident that we can do more remote camping and not worry about having access to cell service, as long as we have our trusty trailer with Starlink. What an amazing way for us to stay connected wherever our travels take us!
Final Thoughts
After thoroughly assessing the 28DBS Backcountry Series model from Outdoors RV, it is evident that this travel trailer provides an exceptional level of quality at an excellent value. Every detail was carefully constructed, from the first-rate amenities to the durable construction that will last for years to come. Those feeling adventurous will be thrilled with the smooth and effortless experience on the open road.
And while there have been some reports of quality issues, we think that these are generally isolated incidents. If you do your due diligence and inspect your RV before taking it off the lot, you should be fine! Even better, owners can rest assured knowing that their purchase comes backed with a comprehensive warranty and ample customer support should there ever be an issue.
All in all, choosing the 28DBS Outdoors RV is an absolutely worthwhile investment that guarantees long-term satisfaction.
Where Did We Buy Our Outdoors RV?
We bought our RV in Pendleton, Oregon, from Thomsons RV. We had a great experience working with the staff at Thomson’s, and we highly recommend them to anyone in the market for an RV. The sales team was very knowledgeable and helpful, and they made the process of buying an RV hassle-free.
And before we left the lot, they went over every nook and cranny of the camper, teaching us how to operate all necessary functions with complete confidence. With such an extensive introduction to our home on wheels, we walked away feeling secure that we’d be able to handle anything that came our way on the road. So a huge shoutout to Thompson’s for going above and beyond.
Best RV Supplies for Life on The Road
After living on the road for nearly 4 years, we have compiled a list of the most necessary supplies that will make life on the road easier and more comfortable.
Water Bladder: When boondocking, we love having a water bladder so we can get water from town to refill our travel trailer, without having to haul the entire rig. These are great cause when you’re not using them, they fold up small for compact storage.
Outdoor Rug: Outdoor rugs help keep the dirt and mud outside the trailer. This one is super cute and extremely durable.
Wheel Chocks: Definitely a must for making sure your RV doesn’t budge while boondocking.
Holding Tank Treatment: Keep those nasty black tank smells at bay and use my favorite holding tank treatment.
You can also check out our comprehensive list of 25 must-have emergency and safety supplies for your RV
We hope this review was helpful! Do you have any additional features you love that we missed? Any complaints we forgot to mention? Leave them in the comments below!
I appreciated your article and the video. I am pondering buying a 28DBS. I plan to live in the 28DBS full time.
In your video you mentioned the cabinets getting stained by water. Is there something that could be applied to the cabinets to protect them water damage?
I want to remove the bunks and use that space for an exercise area. A bench and calibrated tubing. I will also use this area for extra water.
I have yet to find a place for my large desktop computer. I don’t want to bolt the monitor stand to the table. Do you have any ideas on how to secure the stand to the table without drilling holes?