Tag Archive for: Black Series

Storm Chasing in the HQ15 Off-Road Trailer with Harlan Taney

Black Series Community Spotlights are our chance to tell your stories of adventure. They’re also an opportunity for you to get to know the owners, ambassadors, and friends of Black Series who are out there, right now, taking their off-road trailers to truly wild places. These Spotlights are authentic accounts of explorers and overland go-getters utilizing Black Series campers to assist them in their endeavors.

Professional Videographer & Storm Chaser

Black Series Ambassador, Harlan Taney, owns and operate two outdoor film production companies – 4 Corner Film Logistics and the film collective Sandcast Media. In his career as an adventure-film creator he’s produced content for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, REI, CNN, and others.

Harlan grew up outdoors and naturally fell into work as a river guide on the Grand Canyon where he’s guided 180 trips down the river. A side gig running rivers as a competitive whitewater kayaker? Sure. He’s done that, too. After competing and guiding in some of the world’s preeminent outdoor locales, Harlan parlayed his penchant for epic outdoor sports into a career filming the wild places he’d grown to know so well. Before long he’d racked up the aforementioned client list – a who’s-who of iconic brands in the outdoor industry.

Now, he’s a single dad to 9 and 11 year old daughters who are bad ass lil adventurers themselves – skiers, whitewater kayakers, mt. bikers, climbers, aerial artists, you name it. We recently caught up with Harlan to ask him about his most recent project, how the HQ15 off-road trailer has helped his film endeavors, and what, exactly, a day in the life of a storm chaser and adventure videographer actually consists of.

Getting To Know Harlan…

BSC: What does a day in the life of Harlan Taney look like?

Harlan: A day in the life is never boring for me. I am either off on the road with my kids going on adventures, planning/working on our next film project. When home, we make sure to get outside and hit the trails almost daily. I’ve worked hard to build a life where my work and passions overlap significantly, and thankfully I get to do the majority of it with my kids.

BSC: What’s the Monsoon Project? Why do it? How’d it go?

Harlan: The Monsoon project was a 15-day film project, based in Southern Arizona. The purpose was to chase and film lightning by getting as close to the thunder cells as possible before they actually let off bolts. Each day, we would study the weather models and drive sometimes hours across the Southern Arizona Desert to find and capture lightning with highly specialized cameras. One of said cameras is one of only two of its model in existence. The Black Series HQ 15 trailer was our mobile production headquarters while filming. It allowed us to have portable power supplies, make meals on the go between racing from one place to the next (most of the time in the middle of nowhere), and most importantly have shelter from the storms so that we could actively study where the next was going to spawn.

BSC: How did you come to do what you do? What’s the backstory?

Harlan: I was traveling the world as a sponsored expedition whitewater kayaker. This included doing many expeditions to class V rivers and doing multi-week, hundreds-of-miles-long first descents on rivers that have never been run. This is where I first realized a passion for remote film production. I was soon contacted by the Discovery Channel to be on screen talent and to kayak off a 100’ waterfall for one of their programs.

The producers were clueless on how to effectively generate content in these harsh conditions, so the production team brought me onboard to assist. I knew at that moment that there was an unfulfilled niche in remote film production. My decades of experience as both a world expedition traveller and a Grand Canyon River guide provided me the skills required for this. More importantly, I realized as a sponsored, Cliff Bar-eating, dirtbag kayaker that I could get paid for the entire two weeks instead of being paid for one day while risking my life performing in front of the camera. From there, 4 Corner Film Logistics was born and has now evolved into a thriving operation.

The HQ15: Best Features, Adventure Stories, and More…

BSC: Take a deeper dive into your adventures for us. How does your Black Series Trailer enable those adventures?

Harlan: I always strive to be off grid. This is where I thrive. This can mean driving far down remote roads in Baja on vacations, or finding iconic landscapes and settings for film productions. I have searched for years to find a vehicle basecamp solution that can withstand the rigors of where we go. I’ve looked for a rugged camper, an off-road trailer, and nothing I’ve seen tops what Black Series offers. The HQ15 has opened that door for us to have an off-grid basecamp. This trailer allows us to have indoor cover and storage in environments that typically destroy cameras, while also providing solar charging to keep production going.

“The Black Series HQ15 has opened the door for us to have an off-grid basecamp.”

BSC: What’s the most memorable adventure story you have during a trip with your Black Series trailer?

Harlan: We were chasing into a massive building thunder cell. Tight turns in and out of washes make this a road that is hardly travelled. I dropped over a hill and saw our other two vehicles (without trailers) both stopped and trying to figure out how to turn around on a deeply rutted and steep off-piste hill. Once the other two vehicles were able to escape, I began thinking of how to turn myself around and get out there. The storm had shifted and was now approaching overhead. Backing up the hill was not an option.

The only feasible exit was taking a very narrow, old off track that made a tight turnaround through Juniper trees. This however meant dropping down another steep hill. A 180° right hand turn over heavily rutted tracks in the middle of this descent was also required. My truck slowly navigated the ins and outs of the ruts, and by putting us fully sideways on this steep hill, I was able to put the Black Series in tow. At one point we estimated that the trailer was at a 30° sideways angle. This was a move that I would have hesitated to do even in my truck by itself. Yet, the HQ15 performed immaculately with no issue.

BSC: What are your favorite features on your HQ15?

Harlan: There are three features of this off-road trailer that really stand out to me:

The plug and play robust solar and battery charging system. There is no need to stress about finding a charging station if you’re low on battery. The onboard display panel also tells you exactly the state of charge on the system, how many watts of solar are coming in etc. We were pulling a hefty electrical load off it everyday without any issue. Definitely the most well-thought out and efficient charging system I have ever used.

“There is no need to stress about finding a charging station if you’re low on battery. The onboard display panel tells you exactly the state of charge on the system, how many watts of solar are coming in etc.”

The next feature I love is the effortless slide out, outdoor kitchen. I’m really not interested in cooking or being indoors unless it’s absolutely unbearable weather. To pull up somewhere and just slide out a whole prep table, sink and stove is absolutely amazing and the pinnacle of convenience. (Check out our trailer camping recipe for simple cast-iron pizza).

The third feature I would like to highlight is the chassis, suspension and build of the trailer. It is designed to go where we go and caters to our off-grid needs. This off-road trailer offers peace of mind, because we know that it can handle the terrain effortlessly. Wherever we go, the HQ15 lets me focus on my job and enjoy my surroundings.

BSC: In moments of downtime, what’s your go-to form of entertainment while off-road camping? What’s your favorite way to unwind at camp?

Harlan: Probably my favorite way to unwind at camp after a big day of adventuring is to play my guitar while enjoying an ice cold cocktail.

Off-Road Trailer Camping Tips, Dream Destinations, and Future Projects…

BSC: If you could take your trailer anywhere in the world for a week-long off-road expedition, where would you go?

Harlan: I would take my family from our home in Flagstaff, Arizona and drive to Tierra Del Fuego circumnavigating South America. Bring all of our equipment for adventure – kayaks, bikes, skis, paragliders etc but also spend time getting involved in the different communities along the way immersing ourselves into the cultures and landscapes. This obviously isn’t a week long excursion, but honestly a week isn’t enough time for what we really want to go do!

BSC: What is your #1 tip for off-road trailer owners who are setting out for a trip?

Harlan: Respect the natural places you go. Tread lightly and be a steward of those wild-places to help keep them wild.

BSC: What’s next for you?

Harlan: We have a multi-year film project currently happening in Tsegi Canyon on the Navajo Nation. This is an environmental film documenting the efforts to restore the land up this canyon to what it once was before overgrazing completely devastated this treasure. We will be going up into this canyon for a week this fall to film and check our multi-year time lapse cameras we built.

This canyon is closed off to all visitation, and requires special permission from the Navajo families that own the land. Once through the locked gate it is a three-hour 4×4 drive through a place where time stops, back up into a hidden canyon oasis in the desert Southwest that is quite possibly one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve ever been.

Caravans shown in this post:

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blog, Trip Ideas

Live the Adventure with a Black Series Off-Road RV

Have a hankering for the great outdoors? The urge to just head out on the open road, the number on the odometer ticking upward while you enjoy uninterrupted views en route to the destination of your choosing? We know the feeling. It is hard to resist when nature calls, so you pile into your off-road RV and head off to a campsite for a few days. Great, right?

Well, sometimes. The reality is, taking your RV to a campsite isn’t always the best way you experience nature at a camp. Wouldn’t it be amazing to explore the wilderness in your camper without being tethered to a campsite? If this sounds more like the adventure you had in mind, you’re in the right place!

Camper Trailers and Campsites

For as long as the modern camper has existed, the idea was to park them at campsites or camper parks. Pack your family in the car and head off to spend a summer of fun in nature. However, the unfortunate reality is that these campsites rarely allow you to enjoy the great wide open in all its wonder.

These campsites or parks, often packed to capacity, are noisy, busy, and a far cry from the quiet of nature. In addition, the camps provide very little space and require you to be reasonably close to your campsite neighbor. So, aside from the lack of space or privacy, you will have to deal with the noise too. And, if all that isn’t bad enough, staying in a park is expensive.

But why do we do it then? Why not just head out into nature? The answer to this is two-fold. First, most off-road RV need hooking up to power and a fresh water supply, amenities these camps provide. And second, most campers don’t offer the ability to travel on uneven surfaces, so you’re stuck to traveling only on tarred roads.

Or are you?

Until now, traveling with a camper trailer has been relatively limiting, which is why the travel trailers from Black Series are causing such hype in the world of RV travel.

Black Series – Allowing You To Be With Nature

Black Series is a unique brand that specializes in the design and engineering of off-road recreation vehicles. The Black Series off-grid trailers enable you to be with nature. Combining the comfort and style of campers with masterful construction, a Black Series overland camper enables you to head off the beaten track and explore the wilderness. Experience the great national parks, the Grand Canyon, or Mount Rose wilderness in Nevada like never before.

Combining the comfort and style of campers with masterful construction, a Black Series overland camper enables you to head off the beaten track and explore the wilderness.

Going Off-Road

Black Series pop-up campers and travel trailers use innovative engineering that makes it possible to travel off-road. An all-aluminum lightweight chassis combines with high-strength composite materials to leave you with a durable trailer that easily withstands grueling off-road terrain.

A Black Series trailer utilizes a unique suspension system. Unlike the typical two-shock systems found on most campers, these off-road trailers take things up a notch. A quad-shock suspension system evenly distributes the trailer’s weight across four points, offering a smoother ride and safer handling.

Engineers designed unique trailing arms that operate independently, allowing each wheel to move independently, making tackling uneven off-road terrain an effortless task.

Each off-road RV sits higher off the ground than regular campers to allow easy movement over rocks, branches, and other obstacles. In addition, the bottom surface of Black Series trailers features an aluminum diamond plating for added strength and a stone guard that adds protection for the bottom edge of the camper. Eurovision windows with flyscreens and privacy shades make it easy to allow the cool air in without the bugs.

The bottom surface of Black Series trailers features an aluminum diamond plating for added strength and a stone guard that adds protection for the bottom edge of the camper

Living Off The Grid

Now you know you can take a popup camper or travel trailer from Black Series off-road; chances are you’re wondering about where the water or power comes from.

Black Series believes that to enjoy a nature adventure fully, you should be able to live off the grid. It is for this reason that you will find these campers self-sufficient. Designed to provide long-distance endurance in the wild, each trailer comes with solar panels, an inverter, and a 48V fast charging off-grid system with a lithium battery.

If you’re worried about water, don’t be, each off-road RV comes fitted with a large water tank, plumbing, and a hot water system. You will find a separate tank for drinking water, fresh water, grey water, and black water, so you can go about your daily routines as though you were at home.

Black Series fits its camper trailers with an innovative Intelligent Control System. This unique feature allows the pertinent information of the RV such as gas, electricity, water, and other elements to be displayed in one place – on your mobile phone or a screen in the camper. Keeping this data at your fingertips makes it easier to monitor these elements in real-time.

The Luxury of Home Comforts

The interior of a Black Series off-road RV epitomizes luxury, combining the comfort of home with unique interior technology and an intelligent control system.

Black Series notes that just because you’re roughing in the wilderness doesn’t mean that you have to give up living comfortably or luxuriously. Each travel trailer features an elegant interior with a bedroom that offers a queen-size bed, a fold-out lounge, and a kitchenette and bathroom.

The bathroom is fitted with a fiberglass shower that offers hot water and ventilation and a porcelain toilet.

Elegant wood-vinyl flooring matches the exquisite timber veneer cabinetry found throughout the camper. The kitchen is a work of art and comes fitted with a stove, microwave, fridge, and sink.

To keep you in comfort no matter what the weather brings, you will also find a furnace and air-conditioning in the trailers.

The appliances found within the campers are of European design, providing you with premium quality to match the luxury the interior of these cabins exude. In addition, lighting is provided throughout the camper, with reading lights in the bedroom and lounge, along with wide-angle LED floodlights located on the trailer’s exterior.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor adventuring in your camper no longer needs to involve trips to overcrowded, noisy campsites. When you buy a camper trailer for sale from Black Series, you expand your travel horizons.

Stick to tarred roads or head off the beaten track and see nature in all its wonder, all while enjoying the luxury and comfort of home in your new Black Series travel trailer. Be with nature and experience adventure with Black Series.

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Featured Dealers

Black Series Dealer Spotlight: Parris RV

It takes a special kind of dealership to sell off-road trailers and off-road RV rigs right. Doing it right requires an uncommon depth of knowledge and a commitment to the off-road camping lifestyle. It requires studying each trailer like you would an overlanding itinerary. And, maybe more than anything, it requires good old fashioned give-a-crap, simply caring about the people who come in to buy a Black Series Camper. For these reasons we choose our dealers carefully. They’re an extension of the Black Series family, with regional footprints across the US and the Globe. From California to Texas, Utah to Colorado, Florida to the Pacific Northwest, these dealerships are where you can buy off-road trailers and get a lifelong off-road camping resource. In our “Dealer Spotlight” series we’ll introduce you to our family of dealerships and pick their brains for regional camping knowledge, recommended destinations, and overlanding tips that you can take with you on the road.

Parris RV // Murray, Utah

Located just south of Salt Lake City, Parris RV is our only Utah-based dealership. With over 25 years of experience selling RVs, off-road RV, and off-road trailers, Parris RV provides shoppers with the tools they need to live out the adventures that they crave. We recently caught up with the folks at Parris RV and talked about campers, camping spots in Utah, and their predictions for the future of overlanding and off-road camping.

BS: What do you believe sets Parris RV apart from other dealerships in your region?

Parris: Parris RV has the largest selection of new and used RVs in the intermountain west and we have the most competitive pricing.

BS: Are there any services you provide that are particularly useful for Black Series Camper owners?

Parris: Our experience with solar panel systems is something that sets us apart. We’re versed in installing, fixing and modifying solar setups on off-road RVs and other campers. Also, many of our sales people are into the overlanding camping personally and are happy to provide guidance.

BS: What are some key features of Black Series Campers that stand out, making them unique on your lot? In other words, what features do you get most excited to show customers?

Parris: Rugged Features, durability, and sleek design, just to name a few. These trailers always stand out on the lot.

BS: If you had to pick one awesome camping destination to send a new Black Series Camper owner to, what would it be?

Parris: Valley of the Gods is a great first experience in “boondocking”. With the ample amount of spaces it’s easy to find a spot to yourself. Scenery is breathtaking, hiking is ample, and it’s very family friendly.

Valley of the Gods is a great first experience in “boondocking”. – Parris RV, Utah

BS: Can you describe your dealership’s company culture? Why do you love working at Parris RV? Why do you love working in the RV industry?

Parris: Our culture at Parris RV is very family oriented. We have several family members working with us as well as lifelong friends that are more like family. Our staff is very passionate about the RV industry and many personally use RVs off our lot or personally own one.

BS: Can you describe the extent of overlanding and off-road RV culture in your region, if you feel comfortable speaking on this topic? What makes overlanding great in your neck of the woods?

Parris: Overlanding is becoming more and more popular. Utah has some of the most rugged, scenic areas of the country, from the mountains to the desert we have it all.

“Utah has some of the most rugged, scenic areas of the country.” – Parris RV, Utah

BS: What is your #1 tip for off-road campers with who are setting out in your region? Anything they definitely will want to know but might not think of off the bat?

Parris: Always have a plan “B”. Campsites don’t always work out, so give yourself daylight hours to find an alternate campsite and get set up.

BS: How do you see overlanding and off-road camping changing in the next 3-5 years? What’s the next big wave of innovation, groundbreaking feature, or upcoming technology?

Parris: We only see overlanding and off-road RV use getting more and more popular. And why not? It’s an incredible way to explore not just the US but the globe. Also, battery powered A/C. You can already McGyver this using a soft-start, but the tech is improving and we’d guess that true off-grid A/C is not far off.

BS: What’d we miss? Is there something that’s crucial to your story, or to the relationship between you and Black Series Campers that we did not inquire about?

Parris: No – Only that we’re thrilled to be teamed up with Black Series, and to be enabling adventurers in the Utah area to get out and explore in luxury.

BS: We’ll end in a blaze of glory with what we call our “lightning round” – 10 rapid-fire questions that exist for no reason other than to have a little fun…

Front Country or Backcountry?

Parris: Backcountry

Medium Rare or Well Done?

Parris: Medium Rare

Lap Dog or Work Dog?

Parris: Work Dog

Country or Classic Rock?

Parris: Classic Rock

GPS or Paper Maps?

Parris: GPS

Latte or Straight Black?

Parris: Straight Black

Podcast or Music?

Parris: Music

Ford or Chevy?

Parris: Chevy

Fly Fishing or Spin Tackle?

Parris: Spin Tackle

Whiskey or Beer?

Parris: BOTH!

There you have it. If you’re in Murray and looking for an off-road trailer, this is your go-to Black Series dealership. They’ll make sure you drive off the lot with full working knowledge of your rig so you can hit the ground running.

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Parris RV

www.parrisrv.com

4360 S. State St

Murray, UT 84107

(801) 268-1110

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Caravans shown in this post:

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Trip Ideas, Uncategorized

A Florida Multi-Sport Mega Trip: 4 Outdoor Destinations, 1 RV Road Trip

Here’s one thing all camper and RV owners can agree on: when one road trip ends, we start planning the next. We can’t help it. It’s instinct.

The infinite possibilities for future trips can induce a kind of manic euphoria – the maps come out, the browser tabs open up, draft itineraries are made with travel days, play days, rest days. Perhaps it’s a trip you’ve been thinking about for years, or you’ve met some fellow travelers on your last road trip that told you about a must-see destination. Or maybe it’ll be your first trip with your new Black Series off-road trailer, the maiden voyage. For us, there’s an RV road trip destination that we feel is criminally underrated: Florida.

Photo: @donebyalex (left), @radz71 (right)

Florida, you say? Well, contrary to popular belief, The Sunshine State isn’t just white sandy beaches and crowded theme parks. It also offers abundant natural landscapes, hunting for big game and small, fishing (duh), rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and more. For anyone who’s up for an adventure, Florida promises an incredible multi-sport RV road trip. If it’s not on your bucket list, it should be.

And that’s the best thing about having a camper or RV: when the stars align for an epic road trip that combines your favorite activities, whether it be fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, or mountain biking, there’s no reason you can’t do them all in one go.

Below we’ve outlined an epic, multi-sport, Florida RV road trip itinerary. It includes four iconic outdoor destinations, each with a thrilling activity. Looking for trip inspiration? Look no further.

Start in the South for…

Deep-Sea Fishing in The Florida Keys

Start your trip in one of the most desirable deep sea fishing destinations in the world: The Florida Keys. This bucket-list experience is packed with blue skies, bluer water, and a lot–a lot!–of fish. The Florida Keys offers an abundant choice of fish species for anglers to target as well as guided charters. Species include Dorado (mahi mahi), Wahoo, Swordfish, Sharks, and Marlin. If you’ve ever read The Old Man and the Sea, these waters are very similar. No wonder the Florida Keys have been called the “Fishing Capital of the World.”

With plenty of deep-sea fishing charters to select from when you get down there, we recommend looking at places in Islamorada, Key Largo, or Marathon. Any of the charters there will take you to the best spots to drop your line. Hiring a charter is your best bet for that deep sea fishing experience. It will increase your chances of catching fish. Local captains are immersed in the area’s fishing so they know where the fishing has been hot, where it’s been cold, and what’s been biting. If you plan to rent your own boat, there are plenty of resources to locate a suitable spot; just be prepared to spend a little more time finding it.

Where to stay: Park your camper at the nearby John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park which has various spots to camp. Enjoy the nearby coral reefs and beachfront lounging, manage the heat by finding shade under your retractable awning and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a fish cookout using your outdoor kitchen.

Then head north to…

Hunt Wild Boar in Central Florida

Take the Florida Turnpike up the coastline to central Florida for one of the most adventurous things you’ll do during your trip: wild boar hunting. Yep, you heard that right. Florida isn’t just dolphins and alligators; it’s got the second-highest wild boar population in the United States, just behind Texas. You can actually find wild boars in every single county in Florida. The wild boar population in Florida is so massive that to help maintain it, Florida has removed any size or bag limits for wild boar and you don’t even need a license. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, though. These creatures are fast, feral, and uncannily smart. So if you think you are ready to take on the challenge of the Wild Boar hunt – either with a rifle, or a bow – you’ll need to be in mid-season form. There are many local outfitters prepared to help you out.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience, book a trip with a company known for working with everyone from first-time hunters to seasoned experts, such as Trophy Hammock Outfitters, located in Lake Wales. Their guides will skin and quarter any hog harvested any way you want it for a small fee. So make sure you clear that Dometic cooler so you can bring home the bacon!

Where to stay: Head over to Lake Kissimmee State Park to find a spot beneath the giant oak trees, providing you with a shady canopy and a natural noise buffer for a bit of peace after a long day hunting. You can choose from 59 different campsites near the lake, all with water and electric hookups. Set up your outdoor kitchen to prep and cook your wild boar. Bon Appétit!

Continue north for…

Mountain Biking at Santos Trailhead

Photographers: Tim Foster (left), William Hook (right)

Rated by the International Mountain Biking Association as one of the best trail destinations, the Santos Trailhead is a quick two-and-a-half-hour drive north of your last destination. When you find yourself surrounded by giant Florida pines, it’s apparent you’ve finally arrived in the Florida backwoods aka its mountain biking mecca – truly some of the best mountain biking terrain that the American southeast has to offer.

Although many mountain bikers tend to head to the western United States for steep, dusty single track, Santos has earned its spot as a must-ride destination. Its model trail system boasts a streamlined single track and bike skills park with challenges for beginners and experts alike. If you don’t have one already, ask your Black Series dealership to set you up with a bike rack for easy hauling to the trailhead and beyond.

Where to stay: Having so much fun, you don’t want to leave? Well, you’re in luck because the Santos Campground is located right there at the trailhead. You can ride and relax all in the same spot, never having to move your setup – it’s ride, eat, sleep, repeat. The campground at Santos has a strong community of Mountain Bikers, so you’ll have no problem finding like-minded adventures who all enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of the area. This campground has 24 sites with water and electricity, a dump station for RVs, a pavilion, a bathhouse, potable water for refills. And, of course, easy access to some of the best mountain biking trails in Florida.

Finish your trip with…

4-Wheeling in the forests of Ocala

Photo: Victor Rossetto (left)

Hop in your RV and head just 30 minutes to the Hard Rock Off-Road Park located in Ocala, FL. This place is a mecca for dirt bikes, quads, and 4×4 vehicles because of it’s designated area for playing around and exploring, including a rock garden, steep climbs, and an assortment of trails. Their website says, “You can get as rough as you like” as you discover the entire 70 acres of trails.

If you’re a Black Series owner, be sure to talk to your local dealership, as they are often happy to help modify and customize your off-road trailer setup to accommodate toy hauling. If toy-hauling is your jam, the HQ19T and the HQ22T are your berries. They come with an enclosed garage set up with separate lockable doors between the living quarters and the garage. It features aluminum diamond plates and tie-down hooks throughout. The T-model trailers even come with a patio configuration with a back door that converts into a tent enclosure for more outdoor space when camping. They’re hands down the best toy hauler setup on the market.

Where to stay: Like the Santos Trailhead above, this park offers your choice of on-site camping with 22 different 30 AMP hookup sites for your RV – so you can stay and play as long as you’d like. They even offer special rates for long-term camping, so it looks like it’s time to stock your fridge with food and Dometic cooler with beer – because you might be here a while.

And there you have it, our itinerary for a thrilling multi-sport mega road trip adventure in Florida! Not heading to the southeast any time soon? Use this as inspiration for your own multi-sport mega-trip, and stay tuned for more epic itineraries. Where do you want us to go next? Where do want some trip ideas for? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, or hit us up on social!

Caravans Shown In This Post

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Uncategorized

How to Manage High Temps: 6 Tips for Staying Cool While Off-Road Camping

It’s the heart of summer, and off-road camping season – heck, all-around adventure season – is revved up to 8,000 RPMs. Not a weekend goes by that doesn’t beg for a trip up a dusty forest service road or down to your favorite fishing hole. If you’re anything like us you’ve already been out camping a handful of times and your trailer camping skills are in mid-season form. But can you beat the heat? Summer heat adds a variable to the camping equation that can leave even seasoned off-road campers slumped in their camp chair, sweating and exhausted. Our years of experience overlanding and off-road camping have taught us a few tricks for staying cool (seven to be exact), and we’ve compiled them for you here, so you can keep yourself and your travel companions comfortable when it’s scorching outside.

A Note on Traveling in the South

The American south – places like Texas, Arizona, Utah, Florida, where temperatures regularly crack 100 degrees Farenheight – is the big leagues for managing hot weather. Whether you live there full time or you’re just passing through on your summer road trip, knowing how to stay cool in the south is skill numero uno. Blazing temperatures start in early spring and last into autumn, so even shoulder season adventures require a few extra preparations to guarantee a relaxing and problem-free trip.

The American South is also home to some of the world’s most iconic outdoor destinations. It’s known for towering red rocks, wide-open desert terrain, world-famous national parks, and dispersed campsites peppered along dirt roads (making it a great place to see what your Black Series Trailer is made of). And if you know how to keep cool when the thermometer starts boiling, you can explore this wild country in comfort, even when others are cooped up back in the city. So while the below tips are for anyone trailer camping in brutal heat, they hold extra weight for those whose off-road camping adventures include stops in the American South.

Okay, let’s get to it!

1. Cool Down With A/C

We know that if you’re lucky enough to have it (and if you have a Black Series trailer, you have a built-in 13,500 BTU Thermostat Control unit) Air Conditioning seems like a no-brainer for keeping cool. And it is. But there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your A/C unit to battle hot temperatures.

When traveling with access to shore power, you can plug your trailer into the electrical grid and easily use your A/C unit to keep a pleasant temperature inside your trailer at all times. You can run the A/C unit low and slow while you’re out for the day to maintain a comfortable temperature. This will also help alleviate some of the stress on your A/C unit caused by blasting it intermittently when you’re desperate for a cool down.

If you’re heading off-grid, and won’t have access to shore power, you’ll need a generator and a soft start to run the A/C. A soft start reduces the amount of power needed for air conditioners and other energy-sucking appliances. So, by minimizing the volume of power necessary for these features, you’re able to run more with less energy. Thus, you can run your A/C using a generator. This will come in handy when you’re trying to conserve power in the backcountry. In addition, having a soft start will help avoid immense strain on your power supply when off-grid without power or water connections.

2. Create an Oasis Under Your Awning

Not a fan of A/C? Well, if you’re an owner of a Black Series trailer, you can utilize your Premium Retractable Awning. Most trailers, from any brand, come with some type of manual or automatic awning installed on the side of the rig. If you don’t have a custom awning, you can store a canopy in your trailer’s pass-through storage. We promise it’s worth it!

Awnings are designed to expand the living space and provide you with the perfect shady area to lounge in, and it provides some crucial relief from the sun. Not to mention it’s a great place to host a happy hour while you wait for the temps to cool.

Black Series Team Pro-Tip: Bring some artificial grass from the hardware store, a lounge chair, and a few lawn flamingos for the ultimate desert oasis. And for the night, you can add a string of lights to set the mood.

3. Sunlight is Your Enemy

When your trailer sits in the desert sun for hours on end, it creates an oven-effect inside your trailer that isn’t sustainable for spending time in and can even become dangerously hot without good temperature management. Furthermore, if the trailer has been cooking in high temps all day, it probably won’t be habitable for hours after the sun goes down . To keep sunlight from entering, utilize your window shades (Eurovision privacy shades on Black Series trailers). Made of material that blocks light, the privacy shades act similarly to blinds, significantly reducing the amount of sunlight entering your trailer and keeping interior temps much cooler.

Black Series Team Pro-Tip: When in extremely hot environments, your best bet is to stay inactive during the day and plan for morning and evening activities.

You Have It Made in the Shade

Have you ever fought over (or waited impatiently in your car) for a shady spot in a parking lot so you could avoid returning to an oven? That’s because we know that parking in the shade is a small but smart move that will make a huge difference. Take a similar approach when finding a spot to park your trailer. It will help you maintain a habitable internal temperature. If you’re staying at a campground, call ahead and try to reserve a spot with ample shade. If you’re off-road camping, look for a cool spot under the shade of trees or natural rock formations.

Moreover, taking the time to work out what direction the sun will be hitting you will help you decide which way to angle your parking so that the side of your trailer with the most windows will be most shaded.

Black Series Team Pro-Tip: Use the desert wind to your advantage and angle your trailer to get the wind blowing through it (just be ready to change the angle, or shut your windows a bit if the winds pickup).

4. Hydration Is Key

Whenever you’re off-road camping, it’s crucial to keep you and your co-pilots hydrated. In hot temps you’re probably sweating more than usual. Most experts say you need at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day to prevent losing moisture and electrolytes required for staying healthy on the road, so don’t skimp when preparing your water supply for your off-road camping adventure, especially if you’re going off-grid. Keeping your water tank full and buying extra jugs of drinking water will ensure that you have a safety net in case of an emergency. Another excellent investment is a large, high-quality hanging water filter that you can utilize on rivers, creeks, and lakes to source additional water and stay hydrated at camp.

Black Series Team Pro-Tip: Store a bottle of morning coffee in your Dometic Fridge Cooler for a refreshing iced coffee treat in the afternoon.

5. Utilize Your Outdoor Kitchen

If you do everything to keep your trailer cool in the heat, you’ll also want to avoid using your indoor kitchen or risk wasting all of that previous effort. Cooking hot foods on your stove or in your oven will increase the temperature within your trailer. Instead, use your outdoor kitchen. With a three-burner stove and plenty of prep space included in Black Series outdoor kitchens, you can cook all of your meals outside, under your awning. One great outdoor kitchen recipe option is a simple and delicious cast-iron pizza. Don’t want to cook at all? Prep some cold sandwiches, salads, or fruit and store them in your fridge or Dometic Cooler for a quick and refreshing meal.

6. Take Advantage of Being Able To Go Further Down the Road

Are you a fan of cooling off by the lake but don’t want to fight those summer crowds? Being able to take your camp farther down the road is one of the many benefits of traveling with off-road trailers like the ones we make at Black Series. With the most robust independent suspension system on the market, Black Series trailers allow you to go beyond the crowds to find a camp site that’s not only secluded and serene, but also better situated to avoid direct sunlight and access water. The American South (and North) has no shortage of lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming and difficult to access without off-road capabilities. There’s nothing better than driving past the crowds to claim a swimming spot all to yourself.

Black Series Team Pro-Tip: Check out NPS, BLM, and USDA websites for updated information on backcountry campsites and watering holes. These resources make it easy to research conditions and availability before you head out.

Feeling refreshed? We hope these tips help you stay comfortable during your next off-road camping adventure, whether it’s through Texas, Florida, or anywhere where it gets mind-melting hot. If you have any additional questions, comments, or hacks for keeping cool, please let us know in the comments or contact us on social media! We always enjoy your feedback. Happy travels!

Caravans Shown In This Post

Trailer Camping Recipe: Cast-Iron Campfire Pizza

Pizza in the backcountry? Yes, you heard that right. Fire up your camp kitchen to make this simple and delicious campfire pizza and you’re liable to have a new favorite trailer camping recipe for when you’re out in the wild. All you need is a cast-iron pan, a few simple ingredients, and a cold beer within arm’s reach. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, even if the crowd is just you.

Below you’ll find the complete cast-iron campfire pizza recipe, three ways to cook at camp, pro tips for storing perishable food (hint: Dometic coolers are highly encouraged, standard with all Black Series trailers), and images that will have your stomach talking to you. Dig in!

Campfire Pizza: Premium Fuel for Adventurers

This trailer camping recipe is a favorite of ours for refueling after a long day of travel, adventure, or sport. If you’re a mountain biker who spent the day shredding single track and taking shin scrapes, load your pie with extra sausage and cheese to give your body the protein and fats it needs to recover. If you’re a veggie lover, pile your veggies high and indulge in all that natural fiber. You can even customize your dough. Most grocery stores sell various kinds of ready-to-bake pizza dough including stuffed crust and gluten free. Whichever ingredients you choose, the flavor profile will pair perfectly with crisp air and a sprawling horizon line.

Pizza is the perfect meal for families and group campers, too. It’s one of those foods that everyone enjoys, especially in a casual setting like a party or a family get-together. Different dietary preferences in your camp? Make half-and-half pizzas. And when camping with a group, cast-iron pizza is a great way to impress your crew and create a laid back atmosphere around the campfire.

The Equipment You’ll Need: Just a Skillet!

When you think of traditional outdoor camp cooking, you probably think of burgers, scrambles, hotdogs, and steak, but pizza is just as easy to make and equally delicious.

The only piece of equipment that’s genuinely essential to this camp kitchen set-up is a cast-iron skillet.

What makes this recipe perfect for camp, though, is that it can be prepared anywhere you have a heat source that’s cast-iron compatible. Below, we cover three of the main ways to do this.

Trailer Kitchen Setups: 3 Ways to Cook

How you can cook your pizza will depend on your trailer. We’ll focus on Black Series trailers here, for obvious reasons. Black Series trailers come with an interior kitchen that features the modern amenities you enjoy at home. For bad weather days (mother nature is known to hand these out from time to time), you can cook this cast iron pizza on the stove or in the oven.

When the weather is nice, that’s when our stainless steel, slide-out camp kitchen truly shines. Perfect for those that want to combine fresh air with their fresh ingredients, the slide-out camp kitchen is engineered for the outdoor chef. With a three-burner gas stove, large prep area, and a deep stainless steel sink, prepping and cooking this pizza will be a breeze. If you decide to cook this pizza on the burner, keep the temp low and periodically check under the crust to ensure everything is cooking evenly. Because the prep table is so large, you can cut the ingredients fresh and add them directly to the pizza.

More of a campfire cook? You can still prep everything on the slide-out kitchen, but because you’re cooking with cast iron, you can throw this pizza right on the grill or directly into the fire. Just make sure those coals are hot, and the flames are low, so you don’t burn your pizza. And please use caution when maneuvering your pan directly over a fire. A cast-iron pan lid comes in handy with this method for ensuring even cooking. No lid? Some tinfoil will work just fine. Bonus points if you cook your pizza Caveman-style: no cast-iron, just a wide, thin rock placed over the coals.

The ultimate camp kitchen setup would be pointless without good ingredients. Every true camp chef knows this. So how do you keep them fresh while getting to your destination?

Fresh Ingredients Anywhere: The Dometic Difference

Traditional ice coolers and trailer mini-fridges can keep ingredients fresh, yes. But a traditional cooler can soak your food when the ice melts, leaving it to steep in a bath of meat and produce juice. Yum. Trailer fridges are great features, and when managed right with generator/propane/battery power they can keep food for as long as it would keep at home. Space can be a bugaboo with these fridges, though.

Dometic powered coolers on the other hand, provide world-class freezing and cooling capabilities with ample space and no risk of meat juice. This means you can bring more of the foods you love wherever you go, and keep them fresh for longer. Every Black Series trailer comes with a Dometic powered cooler included. Dometics are built for rugged outdoor use, and they’re ideal for storing pizza ingredients like dough, meat, and veggies. And it’s not just for storing ingredients. What would a pizza dinner be without ice-cold beer to wash it all down?

(right photo courtesy of Patrick Boucher)

Pro Tips: Pizza & Beer Pairings

Fill your Dometic powered cooler with some cold beers because pizza and beer is the mother of all combos.

The rule of thumb is light pizzas, lighter beers, and hearty pizzas, heavier beers.

If you decide to switch up the ingredients for a lighter pizza, such as a Neopolitan, an excellent pairing would be a crisp pilsner. The mild flavor of a pilsner doesn’t overpower the complexity of flavors in a lighter pizza. Hard cider is another great option.

If you decide to go with a heavier pizza, like the sausage pizza in the recipe here, wash it down with a stout for a robust flavor pairing. Too much? Try an IPA for something powerful and hoppy, but drinkable and satisfying. As avid trailer travelers, our favorite way to drink beer is to pick up local brews from near where we’ll be staying, and taking them to camp. This is a great way to sample the local goods, getting a taste for what the region has to offer.

How to Make Cast-Iron Campfire Pizza

Now, for your feature presentation, the recipe. One of the reasons this pizza is a go-to of ours is because it’s the perfect choice for a group with picky eaters; you can customize the toppings however you like. Still, we went with a favorite camp kitchen combination of sausage, onions, mushrooms, and peppers.

Note: We used pre-made dough from the supermarket for this recipe, but if you want to make your own, we recommend prepping it before leaving home and store it in the Dometic powered cooler to make things easier.

Download the PDF of the Recipe Here >>>

Cast-Iron Sausage Pizza

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

CAST IRON, KNIFE, CUTTING BOARD, MEASURING CUPS, AND SPATULA.

INGREDIENTS

12 oz. store-bought pizza dough, room temperature

5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

6 oz. sweet Italian sausage

3/4 cup pizza sauce

1/2 cup sliced onion

1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup sliced fresh button mushrooms

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt to taste

PREP

Remove your dough from the Dometic Fridge-Cooler and wait for it to reach room temperature, so it’s easier to shape once you get to Step 2.

Slice your onions lengthwise from root to stem, set aside.

Thinly slice the bell pepper into long strips, set aside.

Thinly slice mushrooms, set aside.

STEP 1

Over a hot campfire grill or your Black Series slide-out camper kitchen, heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large cast-iron skillet. Add the sausage and onion and let cook for 3 minutes. After, add mushrooms and green pepper. Allow everything to cook until tender, and there is no pink in the sausage, about 4 minutes; drain any excess liquid and set aside.

STEP 2

Remove the cast iron from the heat. If there are any residual toppings on the bottom of the pan, use a bit of oil to loosen it, and then use a paper towel to wipe it clean. Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the cast iron. Carefully stretch out your dough by holding it in the air and moving your hands clockwise around the edge, letting gravity help you. Then, lay it in the pan. With your fingers, work the dough into the edges of the cast iron. TAKE CAUTION – IT’S VERY HOT! Try extending it as far as possible to the edge of the pan.

STEP 3

Let the dough cook until it starts to become a slight golden color on the bottom, then carefully flip it over. Once flipped, season it with some salt, then spread the marinara over the entire surface. Top with the cooked sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, sliced onions, and mozzarella. Allow for the cheese to melt entirely. You can cover the pan with a lid or tinfoil to help speed up the process.

STEP 4

Using the spatula, check under the pizza to ensure that it’s a nice golden brown before you carefully remove it from the cast iron. Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with red pepper flakes and parmesan before cutting in.

If you want to impress your camp buddies, take this trailer camping recipe with you next time you pack up your Black Series trailer and head out to the backcountry. And if you do make some cast-iron campfire pizza, let us know – tag us in your pictures on social media (@blackseries.usa)!

More pro tips for great trailer camping meals are coming, so stay tuned to the blog!

Caravans shown in this post:

HQ19

HQ12

Featured Dealers

Black Series Dealer Spotlight: Pierce RV

It takes a special kind of dealership to sell off-road trailers and off-road RVs right. Doing it right requires an uncommon depth of knowledge and a commitment to the off-road camping lifestyle. It requires studying each trailer like you would an overlanding itinerary. And, maybe more than anything, it requires good old fashioned give-a-crap, simply caring about the people who come in to buy a Black Series Camper. For these reasons we choose our dealers carefully. They’re an extension of the Black Series family, with regional footprints across the US and the Globe. From California to Texas, Utah to Colorado, Florida to the Pacific Northwest, these dealerships are where you can buy off-road trailers and get a lifelong off-road camping resource. In our “Dealer Spotlight” series we’ll introduce you to our family of dealerships and pick their brains for regional camping knowledge, recommended destinations, and overlanding tips that you can take with you on the road.

Pierce RV Supercenter // Billings, MT & Great Falls, MT

This Montana dealership has been in business for almost 100 years, but they’re new to the Black Series family. Their wholesome culture and nuanced understanding of both RV’s and off-road trailers sets them apart from other dealerships. Not to mention they’re located in one of the premier outdoor adventure adventure states in the country, Montana. The Pierce RV crew is good people, salt-of-the-earth. We recently caught up with the folks at Pierce RV and picked their brains about their favorite Black Series features, Montana camping destinations, and how they prefer to catch their fish.

BS: What sets Pierce RV apart from other dealerships in your region?

Pierce: We are a 97 year-old, 4th generation, family-owned business. We take a lot of pride in making sure we do business the right way. We believe product knowledge and training is essential in everything we do, and want to make sure we are able to provide the best service possible for our customers.

BS: Are there any services you provide that are particularly useful for Black Series Camper owners?

Pierce: We will make sure that our customers get a very thorough walk-thru of the product so they are knowledgeable when they take it out. Black series off-road trailers are intuitive to use once you’re familiar with them, so we try and shorten that learning curve so folks drive off the lot ready to rock.

BS: What are some key features of Black Series Campers that stand out, making them unique on your lot? In other words, what features do you get most excited to show customers?

Pierce: We have an indoor showroom, so we are able to have the unit inside and completely opened up with the awning and exterior kitchen out and on display. I am not sure where to start on this one. 🙂 The first thing we demonstrate which is obvious to the consumer, is the ruggedness, and overall durability of Black Series trailers. Then we show the solar panels, water filtration system, and some of the other essential systems. We have over 400 RVs on our lot, and there is nothing anywhere near this product.

“We have over 400 RVs on our lot, and there is nothing anywhere near this product.” – Pierce RV, Montana

BS: If you had to pick one awesome camping destination to send a new Black Series Camper owner to, what would it be?

Pierce: We are very fortunate to be in such a beautiful state full of mountains, and literally hundreds of great destinations! Everyone in Montana has their favorite destination, and I hesitate to tell anyone where they should go. The good news is, in one of these off-road trailers, the options are endless. To give a couple prime locations, though, there’s lots of great camping adventure opportunities near Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Left: Kicking up some mud on the Montana backroads // Middle: Camping with FORLOH on a Montana fishing outing // Right: Heading back to the trailer after a day fly fishing in Montana (all photos courtesy of FORLOH Hunting Apparel)

BS: Can you describe your dealership’s company culture? Why do you love working at Pierce RV? Why do you love working in the RV industry?

Pierce: The first word that comes to mind when describing our culture would be family. We have over a hundred employees and every one of them is important to our success. In terms of working in the RV industry, getting to help customers who are excited about taking their families out on memorable vacations is what it’s all about! These rigs are memory makers.

“The first word that comes to mind when describing our culture would be family.” – Pierce RV, Montana

BS: Can you describe the extent of overlanding in your region if you feel comfortable speaking on this topic? What makes overlanding great in your neck of the woods?

Pierce: From the plains in the east, to the mountains in the west, we are a destination state with unparalleled scenery. For the overlander who’s looking for off-grid trailer camping, Montana provides so many ways to get remote (but you need an off-road trailer that can match the ruggedness of the terrain). There are countless places to go into the backcountry and hike, fish, or just relax. Overlanders are a resourceful bunch, and in their research of the region they’ll find lots of maps and roads to help determine where to go.

black series trailer in montana being tested by wes siler

Left: Outside Magazine’s Wes Siler testing the HQ12 in Montana // Right: A classic Montana river landscape

BS: What is your #1 tip for off-road campers and off-road trailer owners with who are setting out in your region? Anything they definitely will want to know but might not think of off the bat?

Pierce: Be prepared for the weather to change, especially for those going higher up in the mountains. It can be sunny and hot one day, and then weather moves in and a there’s a couple inches of snow on the ground.

BS: How do you see overlanding and off-road trailer camping changing in the next 3-5 years? What’s the next big wave of innovation, groundbreaking feature, or upcoming technology?

Pierce: The growth of RV sales is substantially outweighing the number of campgrounds. So more and more people are finding ways to get farther “off the grid”. This kind of remote, off-road trailer camping will absolutely become more and more popular every year. To this end, I think the electrical systems the efficiency of solar power on campers will continue to evolve. We’ll see the use of lithium batteries continue to increase, too.

BS: We’ll end in a blaze of glory with what we call our “lightning round” – 10 rapid-fire questions that exist for no reason other than to have a little fun…

Front Country or Backcountry?

Pierce: Backcountry

Medium Rare or Well Done?

Pierce: Medium Rare. Does anyone answer well done? 🙂

Lap Dog or Work Dog?

Pierce: Work Dog

Country or Classic Rock?

Pierce: Country

GPS or Paper Maps?

Pierce: GPS

Latte or Straight Black?

Pierce: Black

Podcast or Music?

Pierce: Music

Ford or Chevy?

Pierce: Chevy

Fly Fishing or Spin Tackle?

Pierce: Fly

Whiskey or Beer?

Pierce: Beer

There you have it. If you’re in Big Sky country looking for am off-road trailer, this is your go-to Black Series dealership. They’ll make sure you drive off the lot with full working knowledge of your rig so you can hit the ground running

————

Pierce RV Supercenter

www.piercerv.com

3800 Pierce Parkway

Billings, MT 59106

Call or Text 406-655-8000

AND

Pierce RV Supercenter

4200 10th Ave. South

Great Falls, MT 59405

Call or Text 406-761-3520

Caravans shown in this post:

HQ15

HQ12

Black Series Campouts

Black Series Campout Recap: Lucerne Valley

We started our Black Series Campouts event series because, well, we love two things above all else: off-road trailers and camping, preferably together. So when we’re not at work making the best off-road trailers we’re outside using them. And when we’re out there, there are few things we enjoy more than talking trailers with other campers – suspension, design, mods, specs, you name it. Black Series Campouts are an opportunity to do exactly that, connect with like-minded adventurers, talk rigs, and have a good time. When trailer talk turns to shooting the breeze by the fire and the belly laughs get extra loud, those are the good times we look back on with a smile. We’ve hosted Black Series Campouts for a while now and we’ll continue to put them on in the coming months. Check out the bottom of this post for a full rundown of what the campouts entail, who’s invited, and how to know when and where the next one will take place.

A recent campout found us in California’s beautiful Lucerne Valley. The sun was shining and so were the trailers, that is until the trailer race got them gloriously dust-coated. Below are trip highlights, info on Lucerne Valley (highly recommended spot for all you trailer campers), and yes, epic photos from our trailer race across the sand flats.

About the Location

Lucerne Valley is a prime location for off-road trailer camping. Black Series staff member and campout attendee, Duane Millares, describes it well:

“Lucerne Valley is a dry lake bed that’s quite remote. The road to the location is rough and requires four-wheel drive vehicles. We were at a location that no other trailers were able to access.”

The desert beauty of Lucerne Valley is apparent from the moment it comes into view from the road. But it is a desert – hot, dusty, and dry. “Our awnings and canopies were put to great use. We staked them down for reinforcement against the occasional dust devils,” says Millares.

Managing the unpredictability of the elements is all part of the fun of getting remote, and once our caravan of Black Series trailers had set up camp and settled in, the vastness of the sand flats was mesmerizing. In the seemingly infinite sandscape we’d created an oasis.

Activity Highlights

Rock climbing, hiking, off-road racing (more on this shortly), and star gazing would be on the brochure for Lucerne Valley, but possible activities are limited only by your imagination. Our crew included families, and it didn’t take long for the kids to start channeling their inner Alex Honnold and climb Free Solo-style over the rock formations by camp. Everyone partook in some day hiking. And the night skies were as clear as the water from our trailer showers. The stargazing was top-class.

The most memorable activity, though, was our impromptu trailer race across the sand flats. Maybe it was inevitable. When you have a fleet of off-road trailers and four-wheel-drive trucks in a seemingly infinite desert playground, at some point those trailers are getting hauled at high speeds across the sand. Looking at the vast flats devoid of tire tracks we felt like Picasso eyeing a blank canvas. It was time to paint a masterpiece.

The Rigs on Hand

Our convoy to Lucerne Valley was impressive – a diverse cross-section of the Black Series lineup. On site we had two HQ19s, an HQ17, a Patron, and a Classic Double. For attendees it was a chance to touch and feel the evolution of Black Series off-road trailers, from the indestructible tent campers that our legacy is rooted in, all the way up to one of our biggest, most luxurious flagship HQ models, the HQ19. You could chart the course of Black Series’s history right there on the lakebed.

Tips, Takeaways, and A-ha Moments

No excursion off-road is without lessons. Even after a smooth-sailing campout like we had in Lucerne Valley there are trailer camping tips to walk away reminded of. Here are a few that we took away from the desert:

Respect the Beta – This may seem basic but by doing our homework beforehand, checking the maps, the weather, the routes, the timing, and knowing who was coming and what their knowledge and skill levels were with off-road camping, we were able to drive into the valley fully prepared. In particular, this meant bringing extra water and sun protection. Sunscreen, hats, long sleeves and pants, awnings, pop-up tents, it all made a difference in keeping folks comfy and happy.
Pack Some Non-Electronic Entertainment – While our trailers provide all the creature comforts of home, including power for all your devices, the great outdoors are at their greatest when we can disconnect, at least a little. That goes for kids and adults alike. The pass-through storage compartments and interior storage space on Black Series trailers is perfect for bringing frisbees, footballs, outdoor gear, board games, and any other battery-free toy you can think of.
Never Turn Down a Chance to Trailer Race in the Desert – This might go without saying, but when there’s miles of perfectly flat desert and you have the most rugged off-road trailer available. Let it rip. (Within your comfort zone and while staying safe, of course).

Campout Details for Attendees

If you’re interested in attending an upcoming campout simply stay tuned to our social media feeds. That’s where we’ll announce upcoming events. Here’s a rundown of things for campout attendees to know:

Campouts are open to anyone. The attendees usually include a majority Black Series owners, Black Series pros (employees), and members of the public who want to check out Black Series trailers in the wild.
Campout announcements usually happen 30-45 days prior to the event.
Black Series provides some food and beverages, but all attendees are encouraged to pack appropriately for a self-supported stay (this means food, water, and other essentials).
Black Series Pros are usually on hand. The event invite will specify this. Our staff are good people, out for a good time, and there’s no one better to chat with about trailer specifics.
The locations are usually in the greater California area, though we’re looking to broaden our reach for future campouts (Want us to come to your neck of the woods? Shoot us a note on social or leave a comment here. We’d love to hear from you. We’ve also had Campouts hosted and managed by Black Series owners so if this interests you we can talk about helping you play host).

Caravans shown in this post:

HQ19

HQ17

Classic Double

Patron

Featured Dealers

Black Series Dealer Spotlight: Topline RV & Marine

Topline RV & Marine // San Bernardino, CA

This Southern California dealership has been in the Black Series family since the early days and they’ve remained a go-to for Black Series customers because of their impeccable service and deep knowledge of off-road trailers. As a fellow SoCal-based company we share a kinship with Topline that’s been forged under the desert sun. We share a drive to explore the local beaches, canyons, and mountains and to go farther – across the country, over borders, and off the grid. We recently caught up with the folks at Topline and picked their brains about their favorite Black Series features, camping destinations, and how they like their steaks done.

topline rv and marine southern california

(Left) An HQ12 heading off the Topline lot behind a sleek sprinter van // (Middle) HQ21 going on its maiden voyage // (Right) An HQ17 rolling out for a lifetime of epic adventures.

BS: What sets Topline RV & Marine apart from other dealerships in your region?

Topline: We really dedicate ourselves to doing all we can do for our customers, and take pride in always putting their trailer needs before anything. Any time they need something from us, whether it be our local customers or our out of state customers, we’ll always have a tech on call to guide our customers through whatever help they need with their units. It makes us happy knowing that our customers leave here happy.

BS: Are there any services you provide that are particularly useful for Black Series Camper owners?

Topline: We offer a wide range of upgrades for the Black Series units. Our winter packages, which we have 3 stages to, are something we take a lot of pride in. Black Series owners have and adventurous streak (obviously), they like to keep traveling year-round, and so we these winter packages are a favorite among them. They support the rig’s performance across colder climates and harsh winter weather. We can do almost anything our customers ask for when it comes to upgrades, winterizing or otherwise, and we make sure everything we do keeps the units within warranty.

BS: What are some key features of Black Series Campers that stand out, making them unique on your lot? In other words, what features do you get most excited to show customers?

Topline: The frame and the suspension. We believe that the frame and suspension that every Black Series comes equipped with is what sets it apart from other trailers on the lot. The fact that these trailers will follow you anywhere your truck goes is amazing to us and to our customers. Knowing that you could go anywhere in these units makes them exciting, people see these things and want to get familiar with them because of what they’re capable of.

BS: If you had to pick one awesome camping destination to send a new Black Series Camper owner to, what would it be?

Topline: Seven Devils Mountains in Idaho. Besides a totally rad name, this mountain range has everything an outdoor adventurer might want, from rafting to hiking to fishing, you name it. Summer time would be the best time to travel there, the weather doesn’t get higher than the 80’s, there’s sometimes rain, but who even gets bothered by that anymore? I’ve taken an HQ12. That’s one of my favorite units. Besides the Sevin Devils, I’d say anywhere outdoors is a great time in a Black Series, and anywhere can become family and pet friendly, too!

BS: Can you describe your dealership’s company culture? Why do you love working at Topline? Why do you love working in the RV industry?

Topline: Our company culture is very customer driven. We’re dedicated to our customers and their needs when it comes to their units. At the end of the day they have a vision for exploring in these rigs and we’re here to facilitate that vision. We’ll accommodate anyone, whether they’ve purchased from us or not. We’re always sure to make our Black Series customers happy.

BS: Can you describe the extent of overlanding in your region if you feel comfortable speaking on this topic? What makes overlanding great in your neck of the woods?

Topline: What makes overlanding great in our area (SoCal) is the weather. As we all know, California has the most bipolar weather ever, but for the most part it’s always sunny! We have plenty of lakes and beautiful places to see. I think the Eastern Sierras are killer, and if I could, I’d overland there forever.

BS: What is your #1 tip for off-road campers and off-road trailer owners with who are setting out in your region? Anything they definitely will want to know but might not think of off the bat?

Topline: My number one tip for off-road campers would be to always be overly prepared. Being out in the middle of nowhere, you’ll never really know what you need until you’re there. That’s why we think it’s best to pack even the most random things, like “Hey, who would’ve thought we’d need this random shovel!”

BS: How do you see overlanding and off-road camping changing in the next 3-5 years? What’s the next big wave of innovation, groundbreaking feature, or upcoming technology?

Topline: We see people getting off the grid more, being more self contained, and being as green as possible. These three areas have a lot of momentum in off-road camping right now, which is awesome!

BS: We’ll end in a blaze of glory with what we call our “lightning round” – 10 rapid-fire questions that exist for no reason other than to have a little fun…

Front Country or Backcountry?

Topline: Backcountry

Medium Rare or Well Done?

Topline: Medium Rare

Lap Dog or Work Dog?

Topline: Lap Dog

Country or Classic Rock?

Topline: Country

GPS or Paper Maps?

Topline: GPS

Latte or Straight Black?

Topline: Straight Black

Podcast or Music?

Topline: Music

Ford or Chevy?

Topline: Ford

Fly Fishing or Spin Tackle?

Topline: Spin Tackle

Whiskey or Beer?

Topline: Whiskey

There you have it. If you’re in the lower half of California and you’re curious about getting a Black Series Camper, reach out to our friends at TopLine RV & Marine. Their contact info is listed below, and if you bring a bottle of Whiskey, they just might cut you a deal.

————

Topline RV & Marine

512 E Redlands Blvd San Bernardino, CA 92408

www.toplinervandmarine.com

(800) 601-9616

Caravans shown in this post:

HQ21

HQ17

HQ12

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