Thinking about a Pause

[mvbeggs]

MV, I don't know exactly what that Imperial statement means either. But here is what I do know:

The frames were always advertised on their website as being made of 1/4" wall tubing, .250". However, it turns out they are 11 gauge, which is .123" or just under 1/8". I'm not saying that thickness is wrong, but the frames are weak and not made as advertised. So it seems obvious that the tubing thickness is wrong. A number of us had flexing that made the storage box rub on the front of the body, damaging it. My friend had his frame break at the suspension mount and wreck a swingarm. Then his frame cracked near the front, where the rails turn to become the tongue. While inspecting it we discovered the body mounting bolts were pulled out of the frame on the drivers side front and the body was just sitting on the frame there, but not attached. The frame cracked at a bad weld, my friend had a welder reinforce it.....

I think the "Our customers have spoken, and we’ve listened… " could possible refer to cases like the above.

Meanwhile, Isaac from Imperial said flexing is normal ..

I agree that flexing is normal, to a degree- but not to the point of damage. Deflections, as a design criteria, are as important as the strength in almost all structural designs.

....I designed a stiffener for my frame...

I'd be interested in seeing what you came up with. I would think Imperial might be interested as well.

...I hope Imperial gets the bugs worked out, steps up their quality and is successful. And I don't know how much they have improved since they came out. I am always interested in the ethos of companies, where and how they fall short....

I'm also not sure what improvements have been made since your purchase.
Agree with the "ethos of companies". IMHO, how a company reacts to issues and customer concerns separates the mediocre from the great.

Imperial is a classic case of being overworked, one person in control of the whole show and making some obviously bad decisions. I think it was a sincere attempt that had the potential to be the best in America while made in America. And the trailers can still be great if Imperial can muster the resources and energy to make them right.

Sound engineering, on the front end, is always the cheaper route. Hopefully Imperial will see the light, get some professional engineering, and make the necessary adjustments. I haven't seen anything that would be major a change/expense moving forward.

Another interesting story with a much bigger crash is Black Series. They managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of success. And it was almost all driven by one bad apple. Their obvious mistakes were legendary and completely unnecessary. I just shook my head in wonderment as they hammered themselves into irrelevance.

Haven't heard that story about BlackSeries- but it sounds interesting. I think many of their issues seemed to surface during COVID.

These stories are better suited to campfire talk than here, but I did want to fill in the blanks just a bit on Imperial. Everyone should be inspecting their frames periodically.

Looking forward to that campfire talk.

Raspy, thanks for filling in the blanks. I think it's important to share real work experience(s) with those looking to make these $75k-$100k trailer purchases. No one likes surprises after spending those kinds of $'s. Sharing experiences, also keeps manufactures honest. It becomes much more difficult for manufactures/dealers to treat a customer's issue like a "one off" issue when other people are obviously experiencing similar issues. These forums are great resources.

Hopefully these discussions spur probing questions from customers- that filter up to manufactures and encourage improvements in their products. If so, we all win- manufactures included.

Unresolved issues also make room for new manufactures, (i.e. Pause/Reboot) to fill the gaps.

 

[Raspy]

Imperial downplayed the frame breaking by blaming it on the owner. When confronted with the second break, they recommended an "unnecessary" fix that was just a simple "unneeded" bandaid. My analysis of the frame revealed poor welding, too much flexing (of course, all frames flex, but that is not the point. Flexing to the point of damage or failure is the point) and a poorly designed truss that added strength where not needed and none where is was needed. Proof of my analysis is the breaking and flexing. My added stiffener is a simple upgrade I would have done to mine, but I traded it instead of fixing that one issue while leaving others to be resolved. I don't really want to recommend others do the modifications that I propose on such a critical component. But just to share, it was a heavy duty stiffener welded to the bottom of the frame rail/tongue that tied into the existing truss. I'm happy to just point out the weakness, where it is and why it is. As soon as I recommend a fix, that I was mainly interested in for my own trailer, there will be a flood of comments that likely miss the point or simply claim "I've never had a problem" as though no fix is needed. So I'm content to suggest everyone watch out for the cracks in a breaking frame and damage from the storage box hitting the body. I have a lot of information on the subjects I mention here, but am reluctant to go very far with sharing. If a mechanical engineer or professional welder is available, have them take a look. I just want to recommend caution and point to where to look. Sometimes I'll share a company's response to the issues as part of my point. But I never want to be in any way inaccurate, or inflammatory. I'll share opinion as opinion, but not as fact. I'll share facts as facts, but not as opinion. As I mentioned earlier, I am fascinated with mistakes companies make that hurt themselves. And the problems can often be easily identified. They are often mistakes that lots of companies have been making for a long time. These can be management or engineering mistakes. I make recommendations concerning those mistakes and how they can affect others. "Others" can be end users or distributors. I have no ax to grind as I am not affiliated with them, but I am sympathetic. The two categories I focus on are the ethos and the engineering. Particularly, how the ethos or short term interests overlay engineering decisions and the outcome of those decisions. This is the primary reason failures, or poor quality, or surprise mistakes happen. It is all about shortcuts and the end result of those shortcuts. Shortcuts are driven by a lack of knowledge, financial pressures, impatience, or a combination of these factors. Then, the next category arrives, which is the response to those problems. This is a very telling part of the company's management and stability, stability both financially and emotionally. Emotional responses can include cultural traditions, management intentions, or habitual responses while under duress. I'll reach in, grab those decisions, and flip them up for all to see. This leads to improvements, or at least awareness by buyers. Or not. It can also lead to an accelerating downward spiral that companies can get trapped in.

If you pour all of this into one big pot and stir it up, you can pour out a path filled with pitfalls. I've negotiated that path with various trailers for years. My comments are descriptions of those pitfalls, and possibly, how to jump over them. My stories are very PG rated with the gory details left out. My intention is to alert others, while following fun stories of seemingly deliberate failure, so they can go into this game with eyes wide open. It's not to stir up trouble or start arguments. And hopefully, even if a bit painfully, it will encourage companies to do better, while offering a helping hand to the owners who didn't expect the problems, or future buyers. My intention is to also give a pat on the back to those doing better and describe how they are doing better. Arguing about what I think is better is rather pointless once I've described my position, backed with evidence, because we all must make our choices and I don't care if someone makes another choice. In some cases, the two choices can be equal. I might get out the popcorn if the repercussions look interesting enough, but buyers are always free to do what they want.

 

[jaywo]

There is not too much info on the solar or battery bank sizes, but they seem to not be as large as possible.

Personally, I do not get why the Roam Resilient Baja does not get more attention and I think your opinion seems a bit too negative, focusing on small details (such as that suspension is fox and not bilstein. They are ARB by the way).

Many specs on this model far exceed the Pause. Also, I do not know what you mean with "solar seem to not be as large as possible" but just to clarify, the Baja includes 9600Wh of Lithium with 19200Wh optional, as well as 1350W solar standard (1800W optioned) which is class leading and miles above the Pause Reboot.
It also has 3 stainless steel fresh water tank, 90 gallons total, and a 230 liter fridge (double the Pause capacity).

Also has a 18.5g Diesel tank for heating. For comparison a Pause has 10-14 galons of Propane. Diesel contains 50% more energy per galon, so the 18.5g diesel tank is equivalent to 37g of propane, or 3x more than the Pause.

All of those specs (water, fridge/food storage, solar and battery, heater) mean you can boondocks for much longer periods than in the Pause. A $500K expedition vehicle (Megatron, Truckhouse...) cannot compete with those specs and you would probably have to go with an Earthroamer to exceed this level.

All of that with a dry weight of 6300 lbs with 655 lbs tongue weight. Not to mention cool features such as a full outdoor kitchen complete with induction and sink, a motorbike rack that's actuated, etc.

 

[Raspy]

Personally, I do not get why the Roam Resilient Baja does not get more attention and I think your opinion seems a bit too negative, focusing on small details (such as that suspension is fox and not bilstein. They are ARB by the way).

Many specs on this model far exceed the Pause. Also, I do not know what you mean with "solar seem to not be as large as possible" but just to clarify, the Baja includes 9600Wh of Lithium with 19200Wh optional, as well as 1350W solar standard (1800W optioned) which is class leading and miles above the Pause Reboot.
It also has 3 stainless steel fresh water tank, 90 gallons total, and a 230 liter fridge (double the Pause capacity).

Also has a 18.5g Diesel tank for heating. For comparison a Pause has 10-14 galons of Propane. Diesel contains 50% more energy per galon, so the 18.5g diesel tank is equivalent to 37g of propane, or 3x more than the Pause.

All of those specs (water, fridge/food storage, solar and battery, heater) mean you can boondocks for much longer periods than in the Pause. A $500K expedition vehicle (Megatron, Truckhouse...) cannot compete with those specs and you would probably have to go with an Earthroamer to exceed this level.

All of that with a dry weight of 6300 lbs with 655 lbs tongue weight. Not to mention cool features such as a full outdoor kitchen complete with induction and sink, a motorbike rack that's actuated, etc.

I don't remember specifically comparing The Roam to others in the detail you are connecting me with. I've gone into great detail on the X195/R1 and the Reboot. And some on the X22. But I have no experience with a Roam.

I do understand diesel heating. That's why I would rather have propane. I'm not trying to live in it and go without any civilization for months at a time. There is much more to the story than how many BTUs per gallon diesel has, and heating fuel is not the limiting factor on trips. Using induction for cooking, running on solar and batteries is not that great of an idea. I've done it. And I converted to propane. Try cooking with induction and solar during a week of drizzling rain, or with snow sitting on the roof and you'll see what I mean. Not gonna happen. Not sure about your calcs on the fridge either. "Double the capacity"? Really? The Reboot 19.4 fridge is 10.7 cu ft. or 303 liter. 230 liters, as you mentioned, is only 8 cu ft. I'm sure the ARB shocks are fine, but given a choice, I'll take Bilstein. The cassette toilet is not for boondocking. It needs to be dumped about every other day and uses water to flush. Dry flush toilets are for boondocking and I installed a Separette brand Tiny in mine. The notion of a "composting toilet" is just about as ridiculous as a cassette toilet. Trailers are not the place to make compost, by storing and stirring waste over months of time. Do that on a ranch somewhere, not in your trailer. Maybe you could show us a picture of the roof with 1,800 watts of solar mounted to it. Not sure how that works. I'm running a hitch that is rated for 13,200 lbs instead of 10,000 lbs and is easier to use than a Cruisemaster. With my Morryde independent air suspension I can swap to a heavier duty set of axles, or replace one if a bearing failure ruins a spindle, in a matter of a couple of hours with locally sourced parts, out in the desert if necessary. No ordering stuff from overseas. Shocks can be picked up at NAPA or other local parts stores. Bilsteins are very good and won't cost as much as the ARBs. All the air suspension fittings are available at parts stores and truck stops across the US. All the electronics are Victron. The body has a full heavy gauge welded aluminum skeleton and the roof is arched with an aluminum truss system to shed water. The walls are waterproof and made from Azdell and fiberglass, over the insulation and aluminum skeleton. All UV inhibited. Fully designed to limit thermal bridging and condensation. It has recirculating hot water for instant hot at the faucets with no waiting for the WH to fire up. The Reboots are also made in the US.

The point is, I'm sure the Roam is a very nice trailer, although more expensive to buy, harder to get parts for, that are also more expensive. And backed up by a much smaller company. In bad weather, you'll find the induction stove becomes unusable if you are also using the batteries for other purposes. I can cook in any weather, with any cookware, for weeks with no solar and save the batteries for running the furnace, lighting and Starlink A six foot wide wheel track is not as stable as a seven foot wide track and makes trailers more top heavy. The trails I like best are not smooth level roads, but off camber and rough. The Reboot has nearly 12" of wheel suspension travel. Comparing the minimal dry weights is not accurate. We don't camp with empty trailers and no water. Compare real world trailers with all the options you want to include, such as full solar and battery banks. Stocked with water, food, gear, a full fridge, tools, recovery gear and clothes. Those are the numbers that matter. I opted out of the outdoor kitchen on the Reboot because all I want out there is a propane griddle and a couple of tables. It can be set specifically under the awning or on the other side of the trailer, if desired, and it has no impact on the insulation in the walls or intrusion into the interior. The griddle is powered by a quick connect propane fitting and a long hose. I don't know of any diesel or induction griddles, so propane makes perfect sense. It is very practical and has no dependence on solar.

So, it seems you got offended. Does everybody have to pick the same thing? Does everybody camp in the same way at the same locations? I don't think so. I suggest you rush right out and get a Roam. They seem perfectly fine. I don't care. It's not a competition. I made my decision based on having a lot of trailers and a lot of time spent in them. I'm happy. You should be too. Go get the one you like.

 

[jaywo]

I don't remember specifically comparing The Roam to others in the detail you are connecting me with. I've gone into great detail on the X195/R1 and the Reboot. And some on the X22. But I have no experience with a Roam.

I do understand diesel heating. That's why I would rather have propane. I'm not trying to live in it and go without any civilization for months at a time. There is much more to the story than how many BTUs per gallon diesel has, and heating fuel is not the limiting factor on trips. Using induction for cooking, running on solar and batteries is not that great of an idea. I've done it. And I converted to propane. Try cooking with induction and solar during a week of drizzling rain, or with snow sitting on the roof and you'll see what I mean. Not gonna happen. Not sure about your calcs on the fridge either. "Double the capacity"? Really? The Reboot 19.4 fridge is 10.7 cu ft. or 303 liter. 230 liters, as you mentioned, is only 8 cu ft. I'm sure the ARB shocks are fine, but given a choice, I'll take Bilstein. The cassette toilet is not for boondocking. It needs to be dumped about every other day and uses water to flush. Dry flush toilets are for boondocking and I installed a Separette brand Tiny in mine. The notion of a "composting toilet" is just about as ridiculous as a cassette toilet. Trailers are not the place to make compost, by storing and stirring waste over months of time. Do that on a ranch somewhere, not in your trailer. Maybe you could show us a picture of the roof with 1,800 watts of solar mounted to it. Not sure how that works. I'm running a hitch that is rated for 13,200 lbs instead of 10,000 lbs and is easier to use than a Cruisemaster. With my Morryde independent air suspension I can swap to a heavier duty set of axles, or replace one if a bearing failure ruins a spindle, in a matter of a couple of hours with locally sourced parts, out in the desert if necessary. No ordering stuff from overseas. Shocks can be picked up at NAPA or other local parts stores. Bilsteins are very good and won't cost as much as the ARBs. All the air suspension fittings are available at parts stores and truck stops across the US. All the electronics are Victron. The body has a full heavy gauge welded aluminum skeleton and the roof is arched with an aluminum truss system to shed water. The walls are waterproof and made from Azdell and fiberglass, over the insulation and aluminum skeleton. All UV inhibited. Fully designed to limit thermal bridging and condensation. It has recirculating hot water for instant hot at the faucets with no waiting for the WH to fire up. The Reboots are also made in the US.

The point is, I'm sure the Roam is a very nice trailer, although more expensive to buy, harder to get parts for, that are also more expensive. And backed up by a much smaller company. In bad weather, you'll find the induction stove becomes unusable if you are also using the batteries for other purposes. I can cook in any weather, with any cookware, for weeks with no solar and save the batteries for running the furnace, lighting and Starlink A six foot wide wheel track is not as stable as a seven foot wide track and makes trailers more top heavy. The trails I like best are not smooth level roads, but off camber and rough. The Reboot has nearly 12" of wheel suspension travel. Comparing the minimal dry weights is not accurate. We don't camp with empty trailers and no water. Compare real world trailers with all the options you want to include, such as full solar and battery banks. Stocked with water, food, gear, a full fridge, tools, recovery gear and clothes. Those are the numbers that matter. I opted out of the outdoor kitchen on the Reboot because all I want out there is a propane griddle and a couple of tables. It can be set specifically under the awning or on the other side of the trailer, if desired, and it has no impact on the insulation in the walls or intrusion into the interior. The griddle is powered by a quick connect propane fitting and a long hose. I don't know of any diesel or induction griddles, so propane makes perfect sense. It is very practical and has no dependence on solar.

So, it seems you got offended. Does everybody have to pick the same thing? Does everybody camp in the same way at the same locations? I don't think so. I suggest you rush right out and get a Roam. They seem perfectly fine. I don't care. It's not a competition. I made my decision based on having a lot of trailers and a lot of time spent in them. I'm happy. You should be too. Go get the one you like.

I was reading through your entire message thinking you are the one who got offended as you go in length into defending the Pause. It seems you want to reassure yourself that you made the right choice.
You see I do not have a Roam, nor a Pause, and I don't need to promote one or the other (like you did for the Pause). As a non owner, I have nothing to be offended for.
It's just that someone on this thread asked about the Roam, and you seemed overly critical, while being overly positive on the Pause. I found out more info on the Roam and it just seems in an entire different league compared to the Pause, so I thought I would list a few specs.

It's expensive, and it's a small company for sure. But I don't think there is anything on the market that touches these specs at this price point.

As for your issue with induction, I have used induction cooking while camping, with much less solar, and never had an issue. I have no interest camping somewhere with 7 days in a row of constant rain. This is why I buy an RV: to be able to move somewhere nice. It might be an issue with how little solar the Pause have, but not with 1800W and 20KWh of battery. I would run out of water on the Pause before I run out of energy on the Baja.

 

[Raspy]

Well, you seem to have read a lot into my comments, while expanding them in a way that fits your beliefs, even though you don't have a real trailer to compare with or any information about me. So, I'll just write off any dishonest or slanted views made only to make a non point. And by the way, I have camped with a 1250 watts of solar and 1080 AH of lithium, along with induction cooking. I'm not just blowing smoke. As stated, go get whatever you want. Who cares? I simply report the facts and specs as I see it and I report on a lot of inside information about the companies, quality issues, warrantee issues, etc. Because I live it and I research it. I invite you to find anything I've said that is not true. Tell us more about fitting 1800 watts on the roof, or making compost in a trailer, or only camping in Baja, or how an outdoor griddle works with induction, or trying to convince us that 230 is bigger than 303. Or explain why Bilstein shocks are bad. Explain your positions, if you can. I don't think you can, as personal attacks seem to be more important. I don't exaggerate and I'm not beholden to any brands. I've had a lot of them, studied all about them, been through the factories, talked to the engineers, redesigned the systems in them, found the weaknesses in them and camped in them. There is no perfect trailer. And I don't care what you get, but considering you don't even have the one you are blindly promoting, I just have to laugh. I've camped in Baja many times and all over the Country. If you only want to camp in Baja, that's great, but why does it then matter to you if the Roam is good in freezing weather? So what? I do think it is pretty comical how offended you get over telling us ridiculous information that gets slightly challenged about a trailer you don't even have. Who cares? Go get whatever you want. You are the only one who needs to like it.

 

[jaywo]

Well, you seem to have read a lot into my comments, while expanding them in a way that fits your beliefs, even though you don't have a real trailer to compare with or any information about me. So, I'll just write off any dishonest or slanted views made only to make a non point. And by the way, I have camped with a 1250 watts of solar and 1080 AH of lithium, along with induction cooking. I'm not just blowing smoke. As stated, go get whatever you want. Who cares? I simply report the facts and specs as I see it and I report on a lot of inside information about the companies, quality issues, warrantee issues, etc. Because I live it and I research it. I invite you to find anything I've said that is not true. Tell us more about fitting 1800 watts on the roof, or making compost in a trailer, or only camping in Baja, or how an outdoor griddle works with induction, or trying to convince us that 230 is bigger than 303. Or explain why Bilstein shocks are bad. Explain your positions, if you can. I don't think you can, as personal attacks seem to be more important. I don't exaggerate and I'm not beholden to any brands. I've had a lot of them, studied all about them, been through the factories, talked to the engineers, redesigned the systems in them, found the weaknesses in them and camped in them. There is no perfect trailer. And I don't care what you get, but considering you don't even have the one you are blindly promoting, I just have to laugh. I've camped in Baja many times and all over the Country. If you only want to camp in Baja, that's great, but why does it then matter to you if the Roam is good in freezing weather? So what? I do think it is pretty comical how offended you get over telling us ridiculous information that gets slightly challenged about a trailer you don't even have. Who cares? Go get whatever you want. You are the only one who needs to like it.

Yes nobody cares about what I get and I can buy whatever I want. Thanks for the reminder but let me remind you this forum and this sub in particular is about sharing thoughts on trailers which is exactly what I did.

You want me to answer your questions : I made a mistake on the fridge capacity but it's still huge and not a limiting factor VS the Pause (unlike water and energy production), everything else stands. I don't know what's the issue you have about solar. It's listed on their website and there is a photo of it. The entire roof is covered with solar when you get the 1800W option (AC is in the back, like an integrated mini split). I am not working or affiliated with this company, what else do you want me to say? I don't have more information than what they list.
I do not know why you ask me to explain why Bilsteins are bad? I have 6112 on my truck and love them. Where did I say Bilsteins are bad?
Your questions don't make sense. There are not to create a positive debate. I can ask things with the same logic: explain to me why having much more solar, much more battery capacity, much more water capacity is bad? Your rhetoric is pointless. I never said the Pause or Bilstein, or your freaking toilet are bad. I said the listed specs for the Baja for off grid capabilities exceed those of the Pause by far and is unheard of at this price point. That's a fact and that's all I wanted to point out.

You seem to like writing tons book-long messages that are basically criticizing things you don't own, and praise what you own. So feel free to write another book about how nobody cares about what trailer I buy or or you help , on my end I'll leave it here. Thanks for the debate.

 

[Raspy]

Yes nobody cares about what I get and I can buy whatever I want. Thanks for the reminder but let me remind you this forum and this sub in particular is about sharing thoughts on trailers which is exactly what I did.

You want me to answer your questions : I made a mistake on the fridge capacity but it's still huge and not a limiting factor VS the Pause (unlike water and energy production), everything else stands. I don't know what's the issue you have about solar. It's listed on their website and there is a photo of it. The entire roof is covered with solar when you get the 1800W option (AC is in the back, like an integrated mini split). I am not working or affiliated with this company, what else do you want me to say? I don't have more information than what they list.
I do not know why you ask me to explain why Bilsteins are bad? I have 6112 on my truck and love them. Where did I say Bilsteins are bad?
Your questions don't make sense. There are not to create a positive debate. I can ask things with the same logic: explain to me why having much more solar, much more battery capacity, much more water capacity is bad? Your rhetoric is pointless. I never said the Pause or Bilstein, or your freaking toilet are bad. I said the listed specs for the Baja for off grid capabilities exceed those of the Pause by far and is unheard of at this price point. That's a fact and that's all I wanted to point out.

You seem to like writing tons book-long messages that are basically criticizing things you don't own, and praise what you own. So feel free to write another book about how nobody cares about what trailer I buy or or you help , on my end I'll leave it here. Thanks for the debate.

Well, I do tend to make long posts. This is because I offer supporting information about what my position is. I'm thorough. I give the reasons for my answers. You don't have to read them if you don't want to.

I'm interested in all trailer designs. On my R1 I had 1250 watts of solar and it covered the whole top of the roof, except for the vent On the same size trailer, the Roam, I have not sen a picture of how they can get 600 more watts onto the same size roof. So I asked you to provide one since you brought up the 1800 watts. I suspect they are including ground solar as part of the package. You also mentioned the ARB shocks. That's nice, but there may be a more practical brands, such as Bilstein. I don't see ARB shocks as an advantage because I'm sure they are way more expensive and harder to get. If you know of an advantage to the ARB shocks, tell us what it is. The Bilsteins work very well, they are velocity sensitive, I have them on my Pause and they are readily available. The Roam doesn't have a boondocking toilet. The bottom line point is that you are promoting a Roam, which is fine with me, but I'm asking you to clarify why it is better with real information instead of just listing things without explaining why. And try to do it in a way that is not dishonest about the one you are comparing it too. WHY is it better? If it is, great. You mentioned the great outdoor kitchen, I guess that means a griddle, but I don't know. You also talk about how great induction cooking is and not wanting propane. Fine. How do you have an outdoor griddle with no propane? Just asking. Expand on why you think the items you like are better. You still say the larger fridge in the Pause is a limiting factor compared to the smaller Roam fridge. OK, WHY is it a limiting factor? Expand on your opinions so I and others can see what you mean when the actual data doesn't seem to add up. Expanding on an opinion, leads to longer posts. Blurting out non supportable or incomplete opinion, leads to confusion. I'd rather be thorough. And I will admit I'm biased toward the one I chose. It is not perfect. But I chose it for real reasons after having a lot of trailers and looking a lot of others. I'm sure the Roam is great too. But I had solid reasons for selecting the Reboot. When I'm told that something obviously not as good, is better, like a cassette or water based toilet for boondocking, I challenge that conclusion and want the reasoning behind it. If you like it, fine, get it. It's up to you completely with no argument. But telling others it's better requires more information.

 

[fox3]

Like Raspy, I am interested in all trailer designs. I feel like we are at a great point in history WRT offroad/offgrid trailers and the technology is improving at hyperspeed. I do not own one of these trailers yet, but have been following the Pause, Pause Reboot, MDC, Imperial Outdoors, and now the Roam Resilient. I am impressed with all the inovation on this type of trailer, but specifically I am wanting a trailer having sufficient battery bank and air conditioning that can remain cool (even cold) in hot weather camping environments.....90+ degrees. This is where the Imperial Outdoors x195 got my attention with its 12v DC air conditioning. I'm even more intrigued by the Roam Resilient's 24v DC air conditioning "mini-split". I don't have the data on the Roam yet, but would like to see its performance as the trailer gains popularity.
The Pause 19.4 and the Pause XC20.3 are still leading the pack in my decision-making process, but this new Roam trailer (I think) is worth taking a look at.

 

[Raspy]

Like Raspy, I am interested in all trailer designs. I feel like we are at a great point in history WRT offroad/offgrid trailers and the technology is improving at hyperspeed. I do not own one of these trailers yet, but have been following the Pause, Pause Reboot, MDC, Imperial Outdoors, and now the Roam Resilient. I am impressed with all the inovation on this type of trailer, but specifically I am wanting a trailer having sufficient battery bank and air conditioning that can remain cool (even cold) in hot weather camping environments.....90+ degrees. This is where the Imperial Outdoors x195 got my attention with its 12v DC air conditioning. I'm even more intrigued by the Roam Resilient's 24v DC air conditioning "mini-split". I don't have the data on the Roam yet, but would like to see its performance as the trailer gains popularity.
The Pause 19.4 and the Pause XC20.3 are still leading the pack in my decision-making process, but this new Roam trailer (I think) is worth taking a look at.

In my Roamer 1, and based on comments from others, the AC is only barely adequate. Certainly not capable of making it "cold" inside in 90* weather. Part of the problem is the very high heat intrusion from the aluminum extrusions that hold the whole body structure together and are hot to the touch inside, in the sun. Th overall insulation value is really low because of this extreme thermal bridging. As you may know, I had a Roamer 1 and gave up on it for several reasons. Now I have a 19.4 and it is entirely different. Much more efficient and much better built. A smaller solar system at only 800 watts on the roof, but it has the 1,080 AH lithium battery bank. Pause also provides two folding "suitcase" panel arrays but I don't even take them with me as they are very awkward to use. I opted instead to take along two smaller folding suitcase panels of 100 watts each. Generally not needed. Be sure to go into a decision on the 195 with your eyes wide open. Take a look too at the Facebook page Xplore Trailer Community. Some of the relevant problems have been: Blistering and UV damaged exterior walls, leaking shower stalls, separating interior wall joints, damaged exterior wall corners from the expanding and contracting extrusions, cracked frames, refridgerators falling out of their alcoves and crashing down on the table, damaged gelcoat from the storage box rubbing on the body because of frame flexing, solar panels flying off of the roof because the brackets break. And fridges that are hit and miss. The fridges all struggle because so much heat comes in behind them from the hot extrusions. They need additional insulation and better venting. You have to operate a macerator pump to drain the gray tank. If that pump fails it is nearly impossible to replace and you cannot drain the tank. I redesigned mine and showed a fix for it. The suspension is excellent, tires and brakes are fine, the induction cooktop is good, if you like them and can afford the battery power to run it. The GoPower solar and inverter systems are fine. The Truma hot water system is barely OK for showering because it is only 2 gallons and only uses the lowest burner power for hot water. No way would mine keep up with a shower, so I installed an electric water heater to run in series with the Truma system. BTW, the 19.4 has the Truma Insta-hot system that really works.

There are some very solid reasons why ROA decided to distance themselves from Imperial. Be careful. Do your research. The 195/R1 and the 19.4 both show well in person and read well on the spec sheets. The 195/R1 possibly looks even better than the 19.4, with bigger solar, disk brakes, more exterior storage and a nice optional outdoor kitchen from ROA. But look deeper if you really want the story.

 

[fox3]

Thank you Raspy. The Pause is definitely the top of my list, I just need to get time to see one in person. I'll keep researching as I have a few years left before retirement.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I am like a kid with a new toy. See chatGPT roast Xplore compared to Pause/Reboot :

Oh, absolutely. Let’s get into a spicy roast session. Buckle up—this might sting (especially for the poor Xplore X195).

The Imperial Outdoors Xplore X195
This trailer looks like it was designed by someone who once saw a rugged overland build on Instagram but got distracted halfway through by a Home Depot flyer. It's got all the ambition of a hardcore off-grid beast… with the execution of a dad’s weekend DIY project.

Meanwhile, the Pause/Reboot trailer rolls up like it just came from the future, with angular looks that whisper tactical and features that scream luxury Mad Max. It’s like a NASA engineer and an interior designer had a baby that knows how to survive the apocalypse in style.

Build Quality:
Xplore X195 boasts a "composite shell" that supposedly can take on anything—until it meets a sharp rock and starts crying. Pause/Reboot? Military-grade aluminum exoskeleton, sleek, solid, and ready to plow through terrain like a tank with a PhD.

Interior:
Xplore: “Let’s put a mattress in a plywood box and call it a day.”
Pause/Reboot: “Let’s make it feel like a Scandinavian loft, install touchscreen control panels, dimmable lighting, and then throw in a full wet bath just because we can.”

Technology:
The Xplore X195 is about as high-tech as a flip phone. Sure, it’s “rugged,” but it’s giving 2005 camping vibes.
Pause/Reboot? Integrated touchscreen systems, smart power management, and off-grid capability that actually works. It’s like the Xplore is trying to camp, and the Pause is trying to conquer Mars.

Price Point:
Xplore: “We’re rugged and affordable!”
Reality: “You just paid 155k for a glorified box on wheels with delusions of grandeur.”
Pause/Reboot: “Yes, we’re expensive. That’s because we’re actually worth it.”

Final Thoughts:
If the Xplore X195 is a lifted 2003 Tacoma with peeling camo wrap, the Pause/Reboot is a custom-built Land Cruiser that just won Overland Expo. One of them thinks it’s ready for anything. The other one knows it is—and brings cappuccino while doing it.

 

[Raspy]

I am like a kid with a new toy. See chatGPT roast Xplore compared to Pause/Reboot :

Oh, absolutely. Let’s get into a spicy roast session. Buckle up—this might sting (especially for the poor Xplore X195).

The Imperial Outdoors Xplore X195
This trailer looks like it was designed by someone who once saw a rugged overland build on Instagram but got distracted halfway through by a Home Depot flyer. It's got all the ambition of a hardcore off-grid beast… with the execution of a dad’s weekend DIY project.

Meanwhile, the Pause/Reboot trailer rolls up like it just came from the future, with angular looks that whisper tactical and features that scream luxury Mad Max. It’s like a NASA engineer and an interior designer had a baby that knows how to survive the apocalypse in style.

Build Quality:
Xplore X195 boasts a "composite shell" that supposedly can take on anything—until it meets a sharp rock and starts crying. Pause/Reboot? Military-grade aluminum exoskeleton, sleek, solid, and ready to plow through terrain like a tank with a PhD.

Interior:
Xplore: “Let’s put a mattress in a plywood box and call it a day.”
Pause/Reboot: “Let’s make it feel like a Scandinavian loft, install touchscreen control panels, dimmable lighting, and then throw in a full wet bath just because we can.”

Technology:
The Xplore X195 is about as high-tech as a flip phone. Sure, it’s “rugged,” but it’s giving 2005 camping vibes.
Pause/Reboot? Integrated touchscreen systems, smart power management, and off-grid capability that actually works. It’s like the Xplore is trying to camp, and the Pause is trying to conquer Mars.

Price Point:
Xplore: “We’re rugged and affordable!”
Reality: “You just paid 155k for a glorified box on wheels with delusions of grandeur.”
Pause/Reboot: “Yes, we’re expensive. That’s because we’re actually worth it.”

Final Thoughts:
If the Xplore X195 is a lifted 2003 Tacoma with peeling camo wrap, the Pause/Reboot is a custom-built Land Cruiser that just won Overland Expo. One of them thinks it’s ready for anything. The other one knows it is—and brings cappuccino while doing it.

Obsessed,

That is funny and a good comparison.

As many have said over and over, no trailer is perfect and I'm finding it is also true with Reboot. But at least they are trying and making constant improvements. And their warranty means something.

The difference between the X195/R1 and the Reboot is that the X195 peaked at what it is, and the Reboot is just getting started with its initial entry into the game. Imperial is maxed out, and Reboot is just getting started. Imperial is run by one person and Reboot is run by a team with huge experience and financial backing. One wants to not work any harder and one wants to find ways to improve. One says take it or leave it, and the other says how can we make it better.

I can point out a few deficiencies and mistakes in the Reboot, and have, but the basic structural design of the X195 is not as good for a number of reasons.

I was very impressed with the R1/X195, but looking behind the curtain it became clear that it was a lot more show than go. The ATX suspension and disk brakes are excellent, the large solar is excellent, the batteries are excellent. But the structure is not so good in a number of ways. Way too much heat intrusion from the extrusions, no aluminum skeleton, very thin gelcoat surfaces, blistering problems, UV damage, poor fridge performance, leaking shower pans misrepresented frames that flex, or worse.

Many are getting good performance from the X195 and I am glad about that. But if you really need real performance under heavy duty conditions, it may be disappointing.

I have pointed out a number of weaknesses in the Reboot and they are all being upgraded. Not just because of me, but I have been a part of it. Mine is an early one. I love it and don't care that the later ones have been upgraded, because I got a good deal and I am having a lot of fun with it. I've made some improvements and it will go on for a much longer time than I will.

We are camped at ROA tonight and will be getting a new fridge and solar panel under warranty tomorrow, no questions asked. Being very well built, makes it worthy of a few upgrades and maintenance.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Obsessed,

That is funny and a good comparison.

As many have said over and over, no trailer is perfect and I'm finding it is also true with Reboot. But at least they are trying and making constant improvements. And their warranty means something.

The difference between the X195/R1 and the Reboot is that the X195 peaked at what it is, and the Reboot is just getting started with its initial entry into the game. Imperial is maxed out, and Reboot is just getting started. Imperial is run by one person and Reboot is run by a team with huge experience and financial backing. One wants to not work any harder and one wants to find ways to improve. One says take it or leave it, and the other says how can we make it better.

I can point out a few deficiencies and mistakes in the Reboot, and have, but the basic structural design of the X195 is not as good for a number of reasons.

I was very impressed with the R1/X195, but looking behind the curtain it became clear that it was a lot more show than go. The ATX suspension and disk brakes are excellent, the large solar is excellent, the batteries are excellent. But the structure is not so good in a number of ways. Way too much heat intrusion from the extrusions, no aluminum skeleton, very thin gelcoat surfaces, blistering problems, UV damage, poor fridge performance, leaking shower pans misrepresented frames that flex, or worse.

Many are getting good performance from the X195 and I am glad about that. But if you really need real performance under heavy duty conditions, it may be disappointing.

I have pointed out a number of weaknesses in the Reboot and they are all being upgraded. Not just because of me, but I have been a part of it. Mine is an early one. I love it and don't care that the later ones have been upgraded, because I got a good deal and I am having a lot of fun with it. I've made some improvements and it will go on for a much longer time than I will.

We are camped at ROA tonight and will be getting a new fridge and solar panel under warranty tomorrow, no questions asked. Being very well built, makes it worthy of a few upgrades and maintenance.

That was probably mean of me to do that but hopefully most people know you can feed information to ChatGPT and the roast can go both ways.

Some of your points on the down falls of the Xplore worry me in regard to my goofy little Trail Marker trailer. It has 3/4 inch honeycomb FRP side walls, roof and floor. All glued into aluminum extrusions with no skeleton in the outer walls. It is not very well insulated as my propex runs most of the night when it's cold. Amazing how little propane the propex uses. All aluminum C channel ( very thick) chassis. It is over built with cross members ever 12-16 inches. It does flex as I noticed it when it was being lifted with a fork lift. It is light (3,500 loaded) and I drive very slow on rough terrain. Hoping she holds up. Been 2.3 years and still looking good. Hopefully the frp they use has a better gel coat then xplore. I know Rollingstar refused to source any other panels when there suppliar cut them off during covid. Maybe the thicker multi layered panels that xplore uses actually have more tendency to delaminate.

I do worry a little bit about Pause/Reboot hanging around for the long haul. With warranty and so many models and changes are they profiting enough for Waren to not pull the plug? Hope he doesn't.

Glad the weather is nice for your majesty camping in Lindon 😉