Skip to main content

Beauty and a Beast: Black Series’ HQ19 RV Is Luxury on a Monster Truck Frame

Black Series

Plenty of RVs and campers claim to be designed with the serious outdoorsman in mind. (And we’ve written about many.) But the HQ19 by Aussie-born Black Series, only recently available in the U.S., redefines what we thought possible, both in function and in range. It’s not an exaggeration to say that with the company’s travel trailers, men can go deeper into the backcountry than ever before while enjoying creature comforts not even found in surrounding towns.

Founded 11 years ago in Oz, from the start Black Series emphasized low cost with damn-near bulletproof performance, crafting pull-behind campers that could survive the rigors of the outback. But while it began with the more affordable pop-up-style campers (its first cost just over $5,000 at current conversion rates), it has since expanded into caravan-style RVs built on the same all-terrain principles. This opened an entirely new category, as solid walls allows luxury features. Relocating its headquarters to Los Angeles three years ago, the company has begun to pump out an expanded line of models that deliver industry-leading function and durability to the American market.

Related Guides

Black Series’ flagship camper is the HQ19. Protected around its lower half by diamond-plated rock guards, the real story is underneath and inside. Peek below the wheel wheels and you’ll find its 26-foot-long chassis balanced on an independent suspension system (think: the Mars Rover). With its four 16-inch wheels and off-road tires decoupled, each is free to roll over, in, or across impediments, making it substantially less likely to tip. This versatility is further expanded by a 360-degree hitch, which liberates the angle of the towing vehicle from the trailer. TLDR; this thing can be dragged through practically anything, including the Grand Canyon.

Of course, all its travel capabilities are moot if its insides can’t match the exterior. It’s no exaggeration to say that the HQ19’s guts are more feature-rich than many tiny homes. When in garrison, i.e. connected to power, campers can clean their dungarees in a washer while chilling out in the pumping A.C. Backcountry, its heater, microwave, 24-inch TV, indoor and outdoor showers (with on-demand hot water), and indoor and outdoor speaker systems are powered by four 100AH deep cycle batteries charged by four roof-mounted solar panels. The inside and outside are pock-marked with LED lights, which are especially useful when using one of the ranges (indoor and outdoor) to cook up a wilderness feast.

Black Series

While the trailer has general, grey, and black water tanks, it also comes standard with a triple-filter unit for drinking water as needed, making it even more versatile during extended stays, provided a water source is nearby.

While this model sleeps three (one queen bed and one lounge bed), others can sleep greater or fewer guests depending on your needs. Of course, honeycombed throughout is a ton of space for outdoor gear, including skis, one-piece fishing rods, and just about any other smaller gear you might own. It retails for $84,000.

It’s easy for companies to take golden-hour photos of their campers in wild places. But it’s harder to get them there. The Black Series’ HQ19 is one RV promotional photo we believe. Built on a decade of backcountry experience, its unique suspension system allows it to go farther and deeper than traditional tow-behinds, and with its suite of features, you’ll want to stay longer. For the serious backcountry or overland camper, there’s not a better RV available.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jon Gugala
Features Writer
Jon Gugala is a freelance writer and photographer based in Nashville, Tenn. A former gear editor for Outside Magazine, his…
Samsung’s incredible outdoor TV is $4,000 off right now
Samsung The Terrace outdoor-ready QLED smart TV lifestyle image on patio.

While there are a lot of TVs catering to the average living room, for those who have outside patios and spaces, there aren't a lot of options. Having to contend with dust, rain, and other parts of the weather that electronics don't fare well in, it's no surprise that a lot of TV manufacturers don't really bother with making TVs focused on the outside. Luckily, Samsung has your back, which is good because it's a company that excels in making great TVs, and in this case, we're talking about The Terrace TV. Not only is it IP55 rated, which means it can handle both dust and rain relatively well, but it's also a QLED TV, which gives you an excellent picture and a high peak brightness, so the sun won't interrupt your viewing too much. If you're interested in grabbing one of The Terrace TVs, you better act quickly, because Samsung's Discover sales event is going to end soon, and you'll miss out on a great couple of deals, including

and a whopping

Read more
You may want an electric mountain bike, but you probably shouldn’t buy one – here’s why
Spoiler alert: You can blame the government for this, too
A large sign on a tree on the side of a mountain bike trail telling riders that e-bikes are not allowed

There is really one more type of mountain bike that should be added to the list of mountain bike categories that make up the sport. Electric mountain bikes have broken onto the scene and have rapidly grown in popularity.

One look at these electric mountain bikes, especially if you look at the suspension travel numbers, would have you thinking that they fall into the “trail” or “enduro” mountain bike category. And while these bikes do look similar, the pedal assist of an electric mountain bike means that long cross-country rides aren’t out of the question.

Read more
Make winter sports stress-free: Visit these phenomenal all-inclusive ski resorts
These are the best all-inclusive ski resorts for you this winter
Skiiers shred slopes

All-inclusive vacations can be a great way to save money and relieve stress when planning a trip. The resort handles the logistics of buying lift tickets, renting ski gear, booking lessons, cooking meals, and even supplying drinks. All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself. If you're the type of person — or family — who enjoys the ease of taking cruises in the warmer months, an all-inclusive ski vacation might be just the thing for you.

While we appreciate that not every all-inclusive will suit everyone — perhaps you've got your perfect ski setup already and don't want to pay for a rental package you won't use. But with such a variety of packages on offer, isn't it time that you took the stress out of your ski holiday and found yourself an idyllic ski resort that not only catered to all of your skiing needs but also where you had your meals and drinks and everything else sorted before you arrive? Well, check out these 10 all-inclusive ski resorts because it's time to get booking.

Read more