Choosing the Best Off-Road RV for Backcountry RVing

Choosing the Best Off-Road RV for Backcountry RVing
Top off-grid features and a comparison of Winnebago’s Backcountry Series!

By: Peter & Kathy Holcombe

Backcountry RVing, or overlanding, is not a new concept. People have been driving RVs into remote, wild places and camping “off-the-grid” for decades. What is new and exciting is that manufacturers are now producing vehicles that are specifically designed to carry you farther into more rugged and remote environments than ever before. These off-road camper vans and compact RVs are equipped with special features to allow you to stay longer in the wild, with more creature comforts. 

As these new off-grid RVing features emerge, it can be confusing to decide which RV is best suited for your individual needs. We have been backcountry camping for three decades now and have had the opportunity to test out many new models of RVs that are designed specifically with backcountry camping in mind. 

To meet this growing need, Winnebago is now offering a Backcountry RV Series including the Winnebago Revel (which we travel in – note the colorful kayaks on our roof in the photos below), Winnebago Revel Sport, Winnebago EKKO, and Winnebago Solis. Each model has features that are important when you are choosing an RV capable of overlanding and backcountry camping. We’ll go over the top backcountry RV features in this article to help you decide which off-road RV is right for you!

Top 5 Features to Look for in a Backcountry RV

Here are some of the top considerations for selecting an off-road-capable RV …

1. Drive Train that Will Help You Get Out There

There are many different drive trains to choose from. Where you want to go, and the type of conditions you will be navigating, will help decide which vehicle will be best for you. Most traditional RVs are two-wheel drive (2WD), which is fine for most normal driving conditions. These are also fairly adept at navigating normal gravel forest service roads. 

However, if you plan to spend more time on rough and rugged dirt roads, or in winter conditions, you might want to consider a 4x4 or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle. Each drive train offers various pros and cons, and it really just comes down to how you plan to use your vehicle, and how much time you will be spending in snow or on rugged 4x4 roads.

Note: You may see some RVs from other manufacturers with dual-rear wheels. Although these can allow for additional weight capacity, which can provide more living space, they can also prove problematic when driving off road. It is impractical to lower the air pressure on dualies for a smoother ride, because the reduced air pressure will cause the tires to rub against each other, generate excess heat, and ultimately cause a flat. Small rocks can also become lodged between the wheels and cause a flat. 

2. Ideal Length, Clearance, and Departure Angle

If you are planning on navigating rough dirt roads, the clearance of your vehicle (distance from the ground to the bottom of your vehicle) will dictate the type of terrain you will be able to navigate. 

Another factor to consider is the departure angle: the angle from the rear tires to the end of your vehicle. RVs that extend far beyond the back tires without a steep departure angle are likely to drag or catch when driving through deep dips or dropping off of ledges. While longer vehicles often provide more creature comforts, they are more limited in the type of terrain they can navigate. 

Knowing how you plan to use the vehicle will help in deciding which size vehicle best suits your needs. Another factor to consider is turning radius because the tighter the turning radius, the more easily you can navigate switchbacks and turnarounds.

3. Enough Water Storage to Stay Off-Grid Longer

Having enough water is the primary limiting factor in determining how long you can stay in the back country. “Enough” is somewhat of an ambiguous term, because different people have different ideas of enough. If you are strictly using water for drinking and cooking, the rule of thumb is one gallon per person, per day. 

That usage will increase if you are using your water supply for dishes and flushing the toilet. Add in a couple of showers (even Navy showers), and you have radically increased your water consumption. Excluding showers, our 24-gallon tank in our Winnebago Revel will comfortably last at least seven days for two people. (Note that the new Winnebago Revel models have a 35-gallon tank!)

4. Sewer Tank with Flexible Dumping Options

A traditional RV will have a large sewer tank that will last a couple of people a week or two. The newer models that cater to backcountry use typically have a five-gallon cassette toilet, with a portable cassette that can be dumped into a normal toilet. This size cassette will need to be dumped every 3-5 days for two people. 

Of important note: It is no longer acceptable to bury and leave behind human waste. Because of the rapidly growing popularity of backcountry camping, and the high use that many remote camping areas see over the course of a year, many backcountry camping areas are being overrun with human waste and toilet paper, often leading to areas being closed to camping for the foreseeable future. Please use your RV waste tank system responsibly to avoid further closures to overnight use in the backcountry. We share our other tips for being responsible backcountry campers in this article.

5. Sufficient Power for Your Needs

Just like water consumption, power needs vary greatly between individuals. If you are just using your power system to operate the refrigerator and lights in the evening and charge a cell phone or two, a single AGM battery will likely be sufficient. If you add in an induction cooktop or Starlink, your power needs will increase significantly. 

If you plan to run an air conditioner unit throughout the night, you will need to maximize your battery capacity. Solar panels will increase your power capacity during the daytime. However, if you are a high-energy consumer, after a few days, you will likely need to rely on a secondary alternator to recharge your batteries.

Leveraging top-tier lithium technology, Winnebago’s Backcountry Series models offer long-lasting, lightweight power to fuel all your adventures. With lithium power, you can run your appliances, air conditioner, and favorite tech while enjoying faster recharging times, reduced maintenance, and the freedom to explore off-grid with confidence.

Off-Road-Capable RVs Available in Winnebago’s Backcountry Series

Wondering where you can find these ideal off-road and off-grid features in your next RV? The Winnebago Backcountry Series of compact coaches offers multiple options for every type of adventure traveler!

Winnebago Revel & Winnebago Revel Sport

The AWD Winnebago Revel is the most capable off-road RV in Winnebago’s Backcountry Series lineup. The new Winnebago Revel has been updated to provide even better off-road performance and longer off-grid stays. It comes standard with a great power system, is small and nimble, and comfortably sleeps one or two people. The spacious gear garage is also easily tailored to fit your individual storage needs. The Winnebago Revel starts at $254,076.

The Winnebago Revel Sport camper van also comes standard with boondocking essentials like a great power system, spacious gear garage, and off-road capabilities. However, the Winnebago Revel Sport has less rugged exterior accessories, a different power system setup, and starts at a lower price point of $210,570.

Key Backcountry Features of the Winnebago Revel & Winnebago Revel Sport:

• All-wheel-drive sprinter chassis with good ground clearance
• Bluetooth-controlled lithium battery power
• Ample storage in gear garage with power-lift bed
• Wet-dry bathroom that can also be used for wet gear storage
• Indoor/outdoor galley for cooking flexibility
• Enough water tank capacity for boondocking

Compare the Winnebago Revel and Winnebago Revel Sport here.

Winnebago EKKO

The Winnebago EKKO is the most spacious of the Winnebago Backcountry Series lineup and comfortably sleeps 3-5 people. It has a unique space-saving and yet spacious bathroom/shower design with a pivoting wall. It is available on either the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit chassis—both are AWD and handle beautifully in snow and off the pavement. The Winnebago EKKO has a massive gear storage compartment under the rear bed that is perfect to bring along bikes, kayaks, and other gear. The Winnebago EKKO starts at $215,551.

Key Backcountry Features of the Winnebago EKKO:

• All-wheel-drive chassis with performance wheels
• Advanced lithium-ion battery system and solar power
• Class-leading holding tank capacity
• Ample storage with spacious heated gear garage
• Wet/dry bath with innovative pivoting wall
• Batwing awning expands outdoor living space

Winnebago Solis Pocket

The Winnebago Solis Pocket is the most affordable RV in the Backcountry Series lineup, while still providing all the comforts of home in a small and nimble package. Its front-wheel drive and small size makes it easy to maneuver in the backcountry as well as in the city, and it sleeps up to four people. The Winnebago Solis Pocket starts at $143,475.

Key Backcountry Features of the Winnebago Solis Pocket:

• Versatile layout and compact design
• Off-grid lithium power for boondocking (available in the 36B floorplan)
• Smart storage solutions to allow bicycles and other gear storage
• Extended-season camping capabilities
• Flexible galley for indoor or outdoor cooking

Where to Go Backcountry RVing

So, how do you find that primo backcountry campsite? Our favorite strategy is to head down a dirt road on public lands and see what we discover. However, this strategy is a bit of a gamble and is often equal parts failure and success. That being said, we have found some pretty amazing backcountry sites with no one else in sight using this plan. 

A more tried and true method, with a higher chance of success, is to use an application like iOverlander. It is a user-generated database that has thousands of both paid campsites and free wild camping recommendations. In addition, it has recommendations for potable water, propane, RV dump stations, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. iOverlander is our go-to source for finding camping and anything else we need on a road trip. 

While backcountry camping is most easily found in National Forest or BLM lands, there are a few national parks that have vast areas open to camping. Both Death Valley and Big Bend National Parks are famous for their remote backcountry areas. Be sure to check in at the ranger station and follow the park regulations for overnight access to the remote areas of the parks.

Also be sure to read our backcountry RVers code of conduct to ensure that you treat our backcountry areas with the care and respect they deserve so that they are protected and open for overnight use for generations to come!

Peter and I are most at home in the backcountry and have been exploring remote and wild places by foot, bike, kayak, and RV for over three decades now. We treasure our public lands and hope that this article helps you choose the right RV for your needs and gives you the confidence to head out into the wild on your own. 

Follow along with our adventures down the Pan-American Highway by reading our recaps on the GoLife Blog and watching our videos on YouTube.