13-Foot Hybrids with Chinese Frames: How Similar?

[DVD]

I'm wondering about the family tree for seemingly related 13-ft Chinese-frame hybrid trailers. It seems like there is a family relationship between Black Series 13 hybrid, then OBI Dweller 13, then Mars 13 and Opus, not to mention AUS-RV. I like the size, and they all seem to share the same basic layout. Seems like the sweet-spot for a couple and dog. (I know there are more expensive options like Arkto and Kimberley and Boreas, which I'm also considering.)
I'm wondering if folks on this forum know of significant differences (pros/cons) for suspension or other components. Note: rugged off-road capability is a high priority for me.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I'm wondering about the family tree for seemingly related 13-ft Chinese-frame hybrid trailers. It seems like there is a family relationship between Black Series 13 hybrid, then OBI Dweller 13, then Mars 13 and Opus, not to mention AUS-RV. I like the size, and they all seem to share the same basic layout. Seems like the sweet-spot for a couple and dog. (I know there are more expensive options like Arkto and Kimberley and Boreas, which I'm also considering.)
I'm wondering if folks on this forum know of significant differences (pros/cons) for suspension or other components. Note: rugged off-road capability is a high priority for me.

Boy if rugged suspension is important that means you are going to use it off road. I just don't trust the Chinese made trailing arm suspension or the galvanizing process. Boreas uses cruismaster the best. Maybe a used EOS could be found. Arkto is likely not that much more then the China made rigs. Timbrens don't have the travel of the cruisemaster but they are lighter. Work fine for me.

 

[twblanset]

I've got an Opus and I've been up close to some Black Series and a few other brands and the frames, trailing arms, brakes, etc. all look identical to me.
In terms of reliability, I've had our Opus OP2 all over the California deserts and Baja California and I'm really impressed with it. It's had an easy time with tough tracks. I check the hubs, brakes, coupler and the frame a few times every year and I haven't found a problem yet. Other than a problem with the zipper for the door, it's been a great trailer.

 

[DVD]

Thanks for the replies. They are helpful. I should have defined "rugged" a bit better. When considering trailer-based adventures, I would still like to be able to do any trail in San Juan's for e.g., (with exception of Black Bear probably due to switchbacks). Or at Death Valley, any trail except for Steele Pass. So I'm thinking some limitations due to trailer but not a lot.

Obsessed, I get it with the peace of mind from Cruisemaster suspension compared to Chinese, but when OBIs and Mars trailers can be had for mid $20s, I could replace them 2 times over for a used (nearly new is all I've seen) EOS 12. But if the cheap trailer loses a wheel in the middle of Mohave Trail, I'm sure I would question the value proposition. Anyhow, I'm researching now (plan to look at a few rigs at Overland Expo this weekend). Maybe by next year, there will be more post-Covid used trailers hitting the market.

One question I had was regarding Arkto. With their good clearance and clean underbody, I would assume they would fit the bill for ruggedness.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Thanks for the replies. They are helpful. I should have defined "rugged" a bit better. When considering trailer-based adventures, I would still like to be able to do any trail in San Juan's for e.g., (with exception of Black Bear probably due to switchbacks). Or at Death Valley, any trail except for Steele Pass. So I'm thinking some limitations due to trailer but not a lot.

Obsessed, I get it with the peace of mind from Cruisemaster suspension compared to Chinese, but when OBIs and Mars trailers can be had for mid $20s, I could replace them 2 times over for a used (nearly new is all I've seen) EOS 12. But if the cheap trailer loses a wheel in the middle of Mohave Trail, I'm sure I would question the value proposition. Anyhow, I'm researching now (plan to look at a few rigs at Overland Expo this weekend). Maybe by next year, there will be more post-Covid used trailers hitting the market.

One question I had was regarding Arkto. With their good clearance and clean underbody, I would assume they would fit the bill for ruggedness.

I am not sure on the Timbrens. Mine have been fine and I have done some steep trails but not trailes with huge drop offs or ledges. If you go slow and easy maybe. Minimal travel or rebound. I am heading to the San jauns next week for Iron Horse Classic cycling race. So I will update. Can you really get a Dweller in the mid 20s? I guess used maybe. Worry moisture getting inside the galvanizeid carbon tube steel on those chassis. I know Arktos galvanizing is done the right way.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Thanks for the replies. They are helpful. I should have defined "rugged" a bit better. When considering trailer-based adventures, I would still like to be able to do any trail in San Juan's for e.g., (with exception of Black Bear probably due to switchbacks). Or at Death Valley, any trail except for Steele Pass. So I'm thinking some limitations due to trailer but not a lot.

Obsessed, I get it with the peace of mind from Cruisemaster suspension compared to Chinese, but when OBIs and Mars trailers can be had for mid $20s, I could replace them 2 times over for a used (nearly new is all I've seen) EOS 12. But if the cheap trailer loses a wheel in the middle of Mohave Trail, I'm sure I would question the value proposition. Anyhow, I'm researching now (plan to look at a few rigs at Overland Expo this weekend). Maybe by next year, there will be more post-Covid used trailers hitting the market.

One question I had was regarding Arkto. With their good clearance and clean underbody, I would assume they would fit the bill for ruggedness.

How long do you want to go. The Dweller 13 is 20.5 feet tip to tail with spare right. That may limit you off road.

 

[DVD]

How long do you want to go. The Dweller 13 is 20.5 feet tip to tail with spare right. That may limit you off road.

Always tradeoffs . Wife enjoys "overlanding" and remote camping, but as we approach retirement, additional creature comforts are desired to continue enjoying this hobby. We rented an Airstream Basecamp 16 for a weeklong trip a few months ago, and had a grand time. So I think those 13-ft hybrids are kind of the intersection of a comfortable camping/living experience while still allowing traverse of more difficult trails.
Also to consider, we have a Land Rover D5 (8200 lb tow capacity), so that's another reason to not get much bigger/heavier trailer.
Another criterion: hybrid preferred for minimized hit to mpg, but this isn't an absolute requirement.
Kind of a long answer to the question: "how long.." Summary is that anything much smaller won't get spousal approval, and if that means choosing routes/trails to avoid really difficult trails, that's OK.
You might find it interesting to see the trip report from our trip last summer in CO (Grand Mesa and Crested Butte). It was a great trip, but it would also be perfect for a trailer-based trip: https://forum.expeditionportal.com/...and-paradise-basin-near-crested-butte.245689/

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Nice thanks for sharing that. Your a much better photographer and writer then I am that's for sure. This is my lame string and dont feel obligated 😀

Trail Marker Up and Out with Wet Bath by Rollingstar MFGing

Well my pick up date is finally here. Barring weather and " god willing and the creek don't rise" I will travel from Zion to NY and back to pick her up. I will stop and see 9 MFGering clients on the way to pay for gas money, coffee and amphetamines (JK). Please wish me luck. I will post pics if...

expeditionportal.com

I am in the same boat but have a GX460 with 6,500 pound towing capacity. I often travel with my wife and handicapped daughter so we need wet bath and full stand up. My Trail Marker is 18.5 feet tip to tail kind of wide. Has near 20" of clearance and Timbrens. A bit rustic for sure.

I do go out on boys trips mostly to MTB. Going to Durango next week for the Iron Horse Classic. Love the San Juan's

 

[Josh00333]

The Opus 13 and OBI 13 are identical for all practical purposes. Some newer interior features, different accessories and lay out changes for the kitchen and forward storage. But they are the same unit. I don't think OBI is in business any more.

Black is now doing a 12 that looks a lot different, and don't think Mar's you can get state side?

In so far as suspensions, the OBI, OPUS system is one of the best there is. Is there better, sure. Are 90% of all trailer suspensions worse by comparison, yes.

Bashing something because it's "Chinese" seems to be a fad right now. But that doesn't mean it's not well built.

That said the shocks are junk, and so are the tires.