OBI Dweller Review and Discussion

Josh00333

Member
It looks like my current RV goes away this week and I'll be able to get in to a used Dweller very soon.

There are 3 good options for me.

Here is my question for the experienced 'Dwellers'.

Exact same modifications and same price, would you take option A.) that is new and unused and stored indoors that got nearly all of the RoA mods, done by the owner, or B.) a used but well taken care of Dweller that went through the entire PDI and mod process actually from RoA (with the accompanying new price).

Is the RoA PDI and maybe more subtle mods so valuable to maybe drive further, buy it used, and maybe even pay a bit more? Or better to just take the brand new one with nearly the exact same mods (it's missing the extra bunk which I don't need & the indoor frig).

Thoughts?

Kinda need to know the price difference. If it’s 10 grand a is a no-brainer. I bought mine used but brand new. The plastic was still on the toilet for example. The interior refrigerator is nice but it takes away storage space and there’s not a lot of interior storage space.
 

Josh00333

Member
So this silly little project only took three Amazon orders and three trips to my trailer to finally fix but victory is mine. I replaced the front cargo struts.

🤣
 

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Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Well-known member
It looks like my current RV goes away this week and I'll be able to get in to a used Dweller very soon.

There are 3 good options for me.

Here is my question for the experienced 'Dwellers'.

Exact same modifications and same price, would you take option A.) that is new and unused and stored indoors that got nearly all of the RoA mods, done by the owner, or B.) a used but well taken care of Dweller that went through the entire PDI and mod process actually from RoA (with the accompanying new price).

Is the RoA PDI and maybe more subtle mods so valuable to maybe drive further, buy it used, and maybe even pay a bit more? Or better to just take the brand new one with nearly the exact same mods (it's missing the extra bunk which I don't need & the indoor frig).

Thoughts?
What is the cost of each unit?
 

Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Well-known member
Asking is $27.5K for the brand new one with mods and $32K for the used one from RoA.

I've already decided that I'm prioritizing the new one. However I did turn down a solid cash offer for my Forest River today (only listed it yesterday) for a few personal reasons.

It might be a wee bit longer, but we'll see.
Do you have any information on how used the used one is? I would liklely go for the new one. ROA liklely paid more at dealer cost several years ago then what you can buy a one for that has gone to auction or that a dealer just wants to dump. Either way there is a good chance they have both been out in the weather for several winters now.
 

rblitz

Member
Does anyone happen to know the manufacturer and model of the rims on the D15? I had a blown tire on my trip last week and the rim got pretty ground up. I'd like to replace with the same but the only number I could find on the old one didn't get any hits online.

My tires are Triangle GripX MT TR281 (LT265/75R16)
 

DVD

Adventurer
As a follow-on to the previous comment, as I consider #trailerlife, would it be possible for a good offroad fabricator to change the hubs to accept 18-in wheels (so I could use the same wheels on trailer and vehicle)? OBIs are compelling for value proposition, perhaps leaving some $ available for mods such as this.
 

CowboyKyle

Active member
Can you guys tell me more about the stock Dweller AC system? Is it totally inadequate.

I don't care about summer day time temps. I care about being able to sleep at the beach at night. Can the AC keep up with that?
I think probably yes, as long as it cools off to at least 85-87 at night. But to accomplish this, there are some catches....

1) you'll need the top to be kept down and all window shades closed
2) you'll need to start the A/C several hours before bed time
3) you'll need to cut a hole for the return inlet, pull a drawer out and put a fan in the cabinet area to force air back into the return

If you do all of these, you could maybe see a dehumidified interior temp of 76-77 by midnight.
 

CowboyKyle

Active member
As a follow-on to the previous comment, as I consider #trailerlife, would it be possible for a good offroad fabricator to change the hubs to accept 18-in wheels (so I could use the same wheels on trailer and vehicle)? OBIs are compelling for value proposition, perhaps leaving some $ available for mods such as this.
Why would the hubs need to be changed to accept 18" wheels?
 

Josh00333

Member
Does anyone happen to know the manufacturer and model of the rims on the D15? I had a blown tire on my trip last week and the rim got pretty ground up. I'd like to replace with the same but the only number I could find on the old one didn't get any hits online.

My tires are Triangle GripX MT TR281 (LT265/75R16)
No idea. Reach out to an opus dealer, they may have a lead. Or just get a chea one for the spar?
 

rblitz

Member
Does anyone happen to know the manufacturer and model of the rims on the D15? I had a blown tire on my trip last week and the rim got pretty ground up. I'd like to replace with the same but the only number I could find on the old one didn't get any hits online.

My tires are Triangle GripX MT TR281 (LT265/75R16)
It appears to be made by Compaks RV. I found pics of the same rim online but all the links go to Alibaba.com and say product no longer available.
 

SLCGTRV

New member
Looking for wisdom from the group:
I have an opportunity to buy a Obi D15 for quite a price (~25k). It would be my first trailer, but fits our family's needs perfectly. I've researched extensively (watch a ton of ROA videos) and Opus OP 15 and MDC stand out to me, but not sure we can budget 50-75k+
In general, what do you all think about buying a used trailer at a great price from a manufacturer that is out of business? The condition of the particular trailer I'm looking at is probably "Very Good" The awning ripped off in a wind storm and there is minor exterior damage but nothing major needs replaced. My main concern is finding parts if/when I might need them. I am only mildly handy, but have very savvy friends, and would otherwise use local RV technicians. I'd like to think that since most of these off-road RV's come from the same Compaks RV factory in China, that some parts would be exchangeable/non-proprietary.
Anyways, there is an abundance of rich information here and I have enjoyed perusing the thread. I respect your opinions so thanks in advance.
 

Josh00333

Member
90% of RV stuff is just stuff, it's not made by OBI. It's all other makers stuff. You can fix most things or replace them with other makers items.

Like the awning, you can get that from Opus now.

Solar controller? Redarc.
Jack? Replace it
Struts for the storage box, Amazon.
Wheels, tires? Aftermarket.
Shocks, see page 30 something for the replacements.

Now if you need a body panel that may be a tough one. Door gets damaged, you may have to have one built.

I got mine used, and would again in a heart beat. If it fits and 25k sounds like a good deal save the awning. Go for it!
 

rblitz

Member
Looking for wisdom from the group:
I have an opportunity to buy a Obi D15 for quite a price (~25k). It would be my first trailer, but fits our family's needs perfectly. I've researched extensively (watch a ton of ROA videos) and Opus OP 15 and MDC stand out to me, but not sure we can budget 50-75k+
In general, what do you all think about buying a used trailer at a great price from a manufacturer that is out of business? The condition of the particular trailer I'm looking at is probably "Very Good" The awning ripped off in a wind storm and there is minor exterior damage but nothing major needs replaced. My main concern is finding parts if/when I might need them. I am only mildly handy, but have very savvy friends, and would otherwise use local RV technicians. I'd like to think that since most of these off-road RV's come from the same Compaks RV factory in China, that some parts would be exchangeable/non-proprietary.
Anyways, there is an abundance of rich information here and I have enjoyed perusing the thread. I respect your opinions so thanks in advance.
I would say that if you're willing to put the time into fixing/modifying things yourself from day one, you can't really go wrong with a Dweller. A lot of time goes into figuring out how to solve what, on a Indiana-built travel trailer, would be really simple or could be procured as a service. I've learned a lot about how my trailer "works" just by solving a hundred little problems. When you're out on the road, that knowledge pays real dividends. The basic construction of the rig is high quality; it's just some of the components that you'll need to address. That's where this forum has been a god-send: a 132 page user manual (and growing.)
 

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