2023 UEV-14

[Singler3360]

Adding to my previous post... I would have preferred to purchase from the fine team at ROA in order to have their support, but I couldn't pass up the price. I believe the dealer in PA still has one or two left and they are looking to get rid of them. Is the UEV-14 perfect? No, I don't believe there is a perfect rig since everyone has their preferences. There were a few minor build flaws (I easily fixed two), but way less than my brother found on his brand new Airstream that cost over twice as much and has way less capability. The design is solid and very efficient, the materials and components are good quality. Anybody that watches all the online videos needs to be aware that there are many more differences between the Australian and US versions than just the floorplan being reversed. Our Aussie brothers get a ton of improvements in features and components, but they pay considerably more for the unit. We get two advantages in the US design - the control panel is in a much better location and we get hinged doors on all storage compartments where they have zippered canvas. Conqueror is beta testing a new model now called the UEV-600 that is very similar to the UEV-14. It has a couple nice and different features, but may not make it to the US for a few years, if ever. Bottom line is, if you are considering this model, go check it out for yourself. Just do a thorough walk around and inspection before you sign and drive, and I think you will be happy with your choice.

Great to hear about your UEV-14 purchase! I'm sure you spent a lot less than we did at the height of Covid.

We call our trailer The Beast and our neighbors and friends called it the Urban Assault Vehicle. Now we are thinking of a vinyl wrap to change the color and cover up the CONQUEROR decals everywhere. We are not ashamed of our trailer but I'm looking to lessen the interest in it wherever we pull in.

Happy boondocking!

 

[BoonieGoonie]

Great to hear about your UEV-14 purchase! I'm sure you spent a lot less than we did at the height of Covid.

We call our trailer The Beast and our neighbors and friends called it the Urban Assault Vehicle. Now we are thinking of a vinyl wrap to change the color and cover up the CONQUEROR decals everywhere. We are not ashamed of our trailer but I'm looking to lessen the interest in it wherever we pull in.

Happy boondocking!

@Singler3360 Thanks! Yeah, it worked out to hold off a while and am very happy with the price I ended up with. I spent quite a bit of time reading all the posts on here, especially yours, before I took the time to drive out to PA and look at it. I'm interested in knowing any mods and improvements you have made to yours. I checked my rear pop out latch plates that you had an issue with and I see mine are a little bent already. Seems to be the only thing that was under engineered on The Beast. I already have a list of planned mods and it would be great to bounce them off a fellow owner with more experience. I was also considering doing a wrap, maybe white to reflect more sun and keep it cooler. It looks really cool as is, but you are so right, everywhere we go, it attracts more attention than we like.
The best part about the rig, and my #1 selection criteria, was that it fit in the garage with the standard 8ft door. With the air suspension lowered, the skylight clears the opening by 1/2". Lengthwise, I have to remove the stainless tire cover/bbq grate, put the tire against the wall and turn the DO35 coupler vertical to close the door. A very tight fit!

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

@Singler3360 Thanks! Yeah, it worked out to hold off a while and am very happy with the price I ended up with. I spent quite a bit of time reading all the posts on here, especially yours, before I took the time to drive out to PA and look at it. I'm interested in knowing any mods and improvements you have made to yours. I checked my rear pop out latch plates that you had an issue with and I see mine are a little bent already. Seems to be the only thing that was under engineered on The Beast. I already have a list of planned mods and it would be great to bounce them off a fellow owner with more experience. I was also considering doing a wrap, maybe white to reflect more sun and keep it cooler. It looks really cool as is, but you are so right, everywhere we go, it attracts more attention than we like.
The best part about the rig, and my #1 selection criteria, was that it fit in the garage with the standard 8ft door. With the air suspension lowered, the skylight clears the opening by 1/2". Lengthwise, I have to remove the stainless tire cover/bbq grate, put the tire against the wall and turn the DO35 coupler vertical to close the door. A very tight fit!

Dude you nailed it!!

 

[Singler3360]

BoonieGoonie,
So far the only mods I've made of any significance has been to add a DC-DC charger, a wireless rear view camera and a lower flow shower head. Oh, and I wrapped the water lines, water and grey tanks.

 

[BoonieGoonie]

Dude you nailed it!!

You put together an awesome setup to explore the backcountry with your daughter!

 

[BoonieGoonie]

BoonieGoonie,
So far the only mods I've made of any significance has been to add a DC-DC charger, a wireless rear view camera and a lower flow shower head. Oh, and I wrapped the water lines, water and grey tanks.

I don't plan to do much cold weather camping, but I like the idea of wrapping the water lines and tanks for unexpected below freezing nights, and for keeping the water hot on the way to the sinks and shower. I also plan to add a rear view camera since I'm not great at backing up the camper yet. What brand of camera do you have, and are you happy with it? And where did you tap into the power? Forgive my ignorance here, but what is the purpose of the DC-DC charger? I installed the Conqueror charging harness with the Anderson plug output in my truck that was included with the camper. It seems to work well for charging while driving. Is that what you are referring to, or is it something different?

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

You put together an awesome setup to explore the backcountry with your daughter!

Thanks man. My trailer is unique and I like how lightweight it is for a stand up with wet bath. Abi sure loves it and also my wife is liking it better on every trip.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Adding to my previous post... I would have preferred to purchase from the fine team at ROA in order to have their support, but I couldn't pass up the price. I believe the dealer in PA still has one or two left and they are looking to get rid of them. Is the UEV-14 perfect? No, I don't believe there is a perfect rig since everyone has their preferences. There were a few minor build flaws (I easily fixed two), but way less than my brother found on his brand new Airstream that cost over twice as much and has way less capability. The design is solid and very efficient, the materials and components are good quality. Anybody that watches all the online videos needs to be aware that there are many more differences between the Australian and US versions than just the floorplan being reversed. Our Aussie brothers get a ton of improvements in features and components, but they pay considerably more for the unit. We get two advantages in the US design - the control panel is in a much better location and we get hinged doors on all storage compartments where they have zippered canvas. Conqueror is beta testing a new model now called the UEV-600 that is very similar to the UEV-14. It has a couple nice and different features, but may not make it to the US for a few years, if ever. Bottom line is, if you are considering this model, go check it out for yourself. Just do a thorough walk around and inspection before you sign and drive, and I think you will be happy with your choice.

I am sure you paid 10k less then ROA and I agree they do provide good support compared to other OBI dealers. However you are likely far from any of thier shops so 10k for phone support is a lot.

 

[Singler3360]

I don't plan to do much cold weather camping, but I like the idea of wrapping the water lines and tanks for unexpected below freezing nights, and for keeping the water hot on the way to the sinks and shower. I also plan to add a rear view camera since I'm not great at backing up the camper yet. What brand of camera do you have, and are you happy with it? And where did you tap into the power? Forgive my ignorance here, but what is the purpose of the DC-DC charger? I installed the Conqueror charging harness with the Anderson plug output in my truck that was included with the camper. It seems to work well for charging while driving. Is that what you are referring to, or is it something different?

I went with a TadiBrothers rear camera and clip-on rearview mirror monitor. It doesn't work very well. I'd like to know what the next-level best is to replace it.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Thanks man. My trailer is unique and I like how lightweight it is for a stand up with wet bath. Abi sure loves it and also my wife is liking it better on every trip.

I went with a TadiBrothers rear camera and clip-on rearview mirror monitor. It doesn't work very well. I'd like to know what the next-level best is to replace it.

I could never find any clip on mirror that is worth a sheet

 

[Singler3360]

Thought I'd post this for future reference for anyone looking for a cover for their UEV-14. Based on a post in the OBI Dweller thread, I purchased the

ADCO Designer Series UV Hydro Micro Trailer Cover Up to 16'

It's possible I didn't notice this post was for the Dweller 13', not the 15'.

The good news is it's a very good quality cover with a shape that ensures a snug fit. The bad news is the 16' is too short to cover the front boxes and the spare tire. This is not a big deal to me. I'm not sure exactly what length to get for the UEV-14 when its all buttoned up tight.

Again, I hope this helps someone else get the correct cover.

 

[Singler3360]

I don't plan to do much cold weather camping, but I like the idea of wrapping the water lines and tanks for unexpected below freezing nights, and for keeping the water hot on the way to the sinks and shower. I also plan to add a rear view camera since I'm not great at backing up the camper yet. What brand of camera do you have, and are you happy with it? And where did you tap into the power? Forgive my ignorance here, but what is the purpose of the DC-DC charger? I installed the Conqueror charging harness with the Anderson plug output in my truck that was included with the camper. It seems to work well for charging while driving. Is that what you are referring to, or is it something different?

BoonieGoonie, I'm just now seeing the second part of your questions about the DC-DC charger. I installed a Renogy 40 amp unit in the back driver's side corner storage area next to the batteries. With dedicated 4 gauge wires going all the way to the truck battery, via Andersons plugs at the hitch, it provides a better charge to the 525 Ah LiFePo battery bank in the trailer while driving. The DC-DC wiring loom that came with the trailer was not spec'd for a LiFePo battery bank this size, and maybe not even LiFePo batteries at all.

I used this video to help me with the install:

Renogy 40 Amp DC-DC Charger Installation and Demo

A few weeks ago, I played around with repurposing a spare Bogart sc2030 solar charge controller as a DC-DC charger to increase charging from my truck alternator to my trailer batteries. The experiment worked, but my results were lukewarm. So, I decided to buy, install, and review a charger...

www.loveyourrv.com

 

[BoonieGoonie]

BoonieGoonie, I'm just now seeing the second part of your questions about the DC-DC charger. I installed a Renogy 40 amp unit in the back driver's side corner storage area next to the batteries. With dedicated 4 gauge wires going all the way to the truck battery, via Andersons plugs at the hitch, it provides a better charge to the 525 Ah LiFePo battery bank in the trailer while driving. The DC-DC wiring loom that came with the trailer was not spec'd for a LiFePo battery bank this size, and maybe not even LiFePo batteries at all.

I used this video to help me with the install:

Renogy 40 Amp DC-DC Charger Installation and Demo

A few weeks ago, I played around with repurposing a spare Bogart sc2030 solar charge controller as a DC-DC charger to increase charging from my truck alternator to my trailer batteries. The experiment worked, but my results were lukewarm. So, I decided to buy, install, and review a charger...

www.loveyourrv.com

Singler3360,
And I'm just seeing your response. Thank you very much for explaining that and for the video link. I will have that same issue when I upgrade to lithium and will need to make this mod as well. I expected to need the lithium battery upgrade immediately, but I'm actually impressed on how long the stock 300Ah of AGM is lasting. I am very conservative with power usage and do not have the AC/heat pump moved over to the inverter/battery yet (used fans only this past summer), but I'm able to easily go 5 days between shore power charge ups. The AC move will happen by Spring though and may change everything, moving lithium up the list. Thanks again for the info! There sure aren't many of us UEV14 people out here, and I'm wondering if I'll ever see another on the road. Lol!

 

[Singler3360]

Singler3360,
And I'm just seeing your response. Thank you very much for explaining that and for the video link. I will have that same issue when I upgrade to lithium and will need to make this mod as well. I expected to need the lithium battery upgrade immediately, but I'm actually impressed on how long the stock 300Ah of AGM is lasting. I am very conservative with power usage and do not have the AC/heat pump moved over to the inverter/battery yet (used fans only this past summer), but I'm able to easily go 5 days between shore power charge ups. The AC move will happen by Spring though and may change everything, moving lithium up the list. Thanks again for the info! There sure aren't many of us UEV14 people out here, and I'm wondering if I'll ever see another on the road. Lol!

We just returned from a month on the road to Baja and back from Oregon. For the most part, the stock solar panel array kept up with our energy use except when we set one side of the outside Snowmaster cooler to 31 deg. and the other side and the inside fridge to 42 deg. AND the panels didn't have direct sun. The 525Ah LiFePo battery bank would need shore or DC-DC charge from the truck every other day in this configuration. Lowering the 31 deg. side of the Snowmaster to 42. deg. solved this problem. A bag of ice will keep in 75 deg. weather in a 42 deg. cooler for a long time. Practically speaking, there is no way to run the AC off the inverter for any meaningful time with all three fridge units going at 42 deg. I would think 800-1000Ah would be necessary for that.

Before this trip, I installed two Sirocco II fans wired into the leads for the light fixtures. Big improvement!

 

[Singler3360]

Due to an injury to my shoulder and back, I'm thinking of welding up this mod to assist in raising the poptop.


I'm also thinking of replacing the four gas springs with a slightly higher force. The stock units are 400N. Does anyone have an idea how much higher each strut can go before it becomes too hard to lower?