Ember Travel Trailers Review: Your Ultimate Guide to Off-Grid Adventures and Comfort

Are you dreaming of hitting the open road, venturing far beyond crowded campgrounds, and truly immersing yourself in nature? Many outdoor enthusiasts face the challenge of finding a travel trailer robust enough for off-grid exploration yet comfortable enough to call home. If this sounds familiar, then an Ember travel trailer review is exactly what you need.

Ember RV has quickly carved out a unique niche in the competitive RV market, promising durability, innovation, and genuine off-grid capability. But do these trailers live up to the hype? This comprehensive guide will delve deep into Ember travel trailers, exploring their key features, benefits, and considerations to help you decide if one is the perfect companion for your next adventure.

What Sets Ember Travel Trailers Apart?

Founded by a team of RV industry veterans, including Ashley Bontrager, whose grandparents founded Jayco, Ember RV entered the scene with a clear vision: to build travel trailers that are both authoritative and engaging, designed for the adventurous spirit. They aim to provide a product that stands out in a crowded market.

Ember travel trailers are renowned for their focus on off-road and off-grid capabilities, making them ideal for those who prefer boondocking over traditional campsites. Their commitment to quality construction and innovative features is a recurring theme in many reviews.

Ember's Core Series: Overland, Overland Micro, Touring, and E-Series

Ember RV offers several distinct series, each catering to slightly different needs while maintaining the brand's core values of ruggedness and comfort.

The Overland Series: Built for the Unbeaten Path

The Ember Overland travel trailer is designed for discerning RVers who seek robust, cutting-edge equipment for off-road and off-grid adventures. These models are built to tackle diverse landscapes, promising stability and peace of mind.

Key features often highlighted in an Ember Overland travel trailers review include:

• Chassis and Suspension: Built on Ember's proprietary Trailblazer chassis, which uses tube steel instead of I-beams, and features an advanced CURT independent coil spring suspension with dual shock absorbers at each wheel. This system is praised for providing a much better towing experience and enabling off-road capabilities.
• Construction: Ember trailers boast laminated Azdel Onboard Composite walls and rooftops, structural composite flooring (reportedly twice as thick as Airstream's), and a five-sided aluminum frame construction, with virtually no wood in the main structure. They are certified to withstand temperatures between 0°F and 100°F, making them suitable for extended-season camping.
• Off-Grid Power: Standard solar packages typically include a 190-Watt rooftop solar panel and a 1000-Watt inverter, with options for a "Max Solar Package" that can include up to three 190-Watt panels (570 watts total) and a 3000-watt inverter to power the entire coach, including the A/C and microwave. Newer 2024 and 2025 Overland models may even come with dual 200-watt solar panels (400 watts total) and a 2000-watt inverter as standard, with an optional 800-watt solar package and a Battle Born Game Changer lithium battery system.
• Water Management: Generously sized fresh water tanks (55 gallons in Overland floorplans) and the innovative Shower Miser water management system, which recirculates water while it heats up, help conserve resources for extended boondocking.
• Unique Interior Touches: Many Overland models feature a "Stargazer" window above the bed, a dual-pane acrylic skylight with integrated shade and screen, allowing you to enjoy the night sky. The Ember Track system in some models (like the 240TKR toy hauler) offers reconfigurable spaces for bunks, desks, or cargo.

Popular Overland floorplans include the 170MBH, 170MRB, 190MDB, 190MSL, 221MDB, and the innovative 240TKR toy hauler.

Overland Micro Series: Compact and Capable

For those seeking a more compact, lightweight option without sacrificing ruggedness, the Overland Micro Series (like the ROK and ROL, or the 12RK) offers similar off-grid capabilities in a smaller footprint. These are often towable by SUVs. The 12RK, for example, is a lightweight, off-grid capable travel trailer with a full outdoor kitchen and ample solar options.

Touring Edition: Traditional Comfort with Ember Innovation

The Ember RV Touring Edition trailers are described as more traditional travel trailers than the Overland Series, yet they still incorporate many of the features that make Ember a unique brand, such as their adjustable hitch and Lippert solid stance stabilizer jacks. These models also retain the beloved "Stargazer" window and dual-pane windows throughout.

E-Series: Quality and Affordability Combined

Ember's E-Series, also known as "Spark," focuses on providing the "essentials" for camping without compromising on quality or design. These lightweight laminated travel trailers are designed to be more affordable while still featuring durable Azdel Onboard composite walls, an aluminum frame, and a walkable roof. They offer a best-in-class 6' 10" ceiling height and come with a residential queen-size bed in many layouts.

Pros of Owning an Ember Travel Trailer

• Exceptional Build Quality: Many owners and reviewers praise Ember's construction, noting the use of an aluminum frame, Azdel composite panels, and a robust chassis, which contribute to durability and resistance to water damage.
• True Off-Grid Capability: Ember's comprehensive solar packages, large fresh water tanks, efficient Truma Combi systems, and 12V refrigerators make them genuinely ready for extended boondocking.
• Superior Towing and Off-Road Performance: The independent suspension system and durable tires are frequently cited as providing a smoother ride and better handling, both on and off paved roads.
• Innovative Features: Unique elements like the Stargazer window, Shower Miser, and reconfigurable living spaces (Ember Track system) enhance the user experience and set Ember apart.
• Thoughtful Design: Details such as dimmable LED lighting, hardwood cabinets, seamless countertops, and accessible storage spaces contribute to a refined and functional interior.
• Responsive Customer Service: Several customer reviews indicate positive experiences with Ember's customer support and warranty handling, with issues being addressed by dealers or Ember directly.

Cons and Considerations Before Buying

While Ember travel trailers offer many advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks:

• Price Point: Ember trailers, especially the Overland and Touring series, tend to be on the higher end of the travel trailer market due to their premium features and construction. However, the E-Series aims to address this with more approachable pricing.
• Early Model Issues: Some reports from early models (2022-2023) mentioned minor build quality issues, such as door latches or initial electrical components. However, many indicate that newer builds have addressed these concerns and that Ember is responsive to fixes.
• No Slide-Outs in All Models: While some Ember models do feature slide-outs, many, particularly in the Overland series, are designed without them to enhance off-road access and structural integrity. This might limit interior space for some users.
• Specific Needs: While excellent for off-grid and adventurous camping, if your primary use is full-hookup park camping, some of Ember's specialized features might be more than you need, potentially adding to the cost without full utilization.

Is an Ember Travel Trailer Right for You?

An Ember travel trailer review consistently points to a product designed for a specific type of RVer: the adventurer. If your ideal camping trip involves:

• Boondocking and remote locations: Ember's robust off-grid systems are a major selling point.
• Exploring unpaved roads: The advanced suspension and durable construction are built for this.
• Prioritizing durability and quality: Ember's build materials and methods aim for longevity.
• Seeking innovative features: The unique design elements offer enhanced comfort and functionality.

Then an Ember travel trailer is definitely worth a closer look. They are built for those who want to push boundaries without compromising on comfort and reliability.

Maintenance Tips for Your Ember Travel Trailer

To ensure your Ember travel trailer continues to perform optimally on all your adventures, consider these maintenance tips:

• Regular Inspections: Periodically check the exterior seals, tires (including the full-size spare often included), and chassis for any signs of wear or damage, especially after off-road excursions.
• Solar System Care: Keep your solar panels clean to maximize efficiency. Monitor your battery levels and charge controller to ensure optimal performance of your off-grid power system.
• Water System Flushing: Regularly flush your freshwater, grey, and black tanks, especially after boondocking, to prevent buildup and maintain hygiene. The Shower Miser system helps conserve water, but proper tank maintenance is still crucial.
• Suspension Check: While the independent suspension is robust, occasional checks of the coil springs and shock absorbers are advisable, particularly if you frequently traverse rough terrain.
• Interior Upkeep: Maintain the interior by cleaning surfaces, checking cabinet hardware, and ensuring all appliances are functioning correctly. The Azdel composite walls are resistant to water damage, simplifying interior care.

Conclusion

Ember travel trailers have quickly established themselves as a formidable contender in the RV market, particularly for those with a passion for off-grid and off-road adventures. Their commitment to superior build quality, innovative features, and genuine boondocking capabilities makes them a compelling choice. While they represent a significant investment, the durability and functionality they offer can provide unparalleled freedom and comfort on your travels.

Are you ready to blaze new trails? Consider an Ember travel trailer and experience the blend of rugged exploration and refined comfort firsthand.

What are your thoughts on Ember travel trailers? Have you owned one, or are you considering purchasing one? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are Ember travel trailers truly off-road capable?

A1: Yes, Ember travel trailers, particularly the Overland Series, are designed with off-road capabilities in mind. They feature a robust Trailblazer chassis, advanced CURT independent coil spring suspension with dual shock absorbers, and often come with all-terrain tires and high ground clearance, making them suitable for challenging terrains.

Q2: How good are Ember travel trailers for off-grid camping?

A2: Ember travel trailers excel in off-grid camping. They come standard with solar packages (e.g., 190W or dual 200W solar panels and inverters) and offer "Max Solar Options" for even greater power independence, allowing you to run most appliances, including the A/C, for extended periods. They also feature large fresh water tanks and efficient water heating systems like the Truma Combi and Shower Miser.

Q3: What is the "Stargazer window" in Ember RVs?

A3: The "Stargazer window" is a unique feature found in many Ember travel trailers, typically located above the bed. It's a dual-pane acrylic skylight that includes an integrated shade and bug screen, allowing occupants to enjoy views of the night sky or provide ventilation.

Q4: Are Ember travel trailers well-built?

A4: Ember RV is highly regarded for its build quality. They utilize an aluminum frame, laminated Azdel Onboard composite walls and rooftops (