Today’s RV review is of the Forest River No Boundaries, or NoBo, NB10.7. Essentially, this is a teardrop trailer, but there are some differences between this and others that we’ve looked at.
This is a small trailer with a kitchen at the rear that you access with a large hatchback. The interior is a simple affair with a folding futon-like queen-sized bed that can also be the couch, or just be removed altogether.
More than a teardrop—a square drop?
The simplistic description of this trailer is pretty accurate but also incomplete. While many trailers that fit into this description are relatively sparse in their equipment, particularly in the realm of climate control systems, this one is not.
There is a 5,000 BTU air conditioner, for example. This is a window-style unit. There’s also an electric fireplace which can also produce 5,000 BTUs of temperature change.
Each side of this little trailer has an entry door, which is not unusual, but the fact that there are screen doors on here is.
While it would be safe to think that this trailer is capable of handling the sleeping needs of two individuals, which is true, there’s also an optional rooftop tent which can double that. Of course, those sleeping inside the body of this rig are going to have access to that fireplace and air conditioner. Those sleeping upstairs in the optional tent are just going to have to be happy that they’re not on the ground.
In fact, they’re pretty far from it, what with being up there on the roof.
In the back of this rig is the kitchen, which has a two-burner stove and a sink. There’s also a six-cubic-foot 12-volt refrigerator here. I’m glad they went 12 volt. Lots of these bar-size fridges are still 120vac models.
Beast Mode in the NoBo NB 10.7
While the Beast Mode is an option, I’ve never seen one of these that didn’t have this. The cornerstone of this option is a CURT independent suspension system that is fully adjustable. It also features coil springs and dual shock absorbers at each side.
This system first saw light of day under Ember RV’s Overland series and is now being made available in other RVs, including this one. It’s a pretty substantial suspension and is, at this time, my absolute favorite RV suspension.
While I haven’t towed with this, friends who have say that it offers a far better towing experience than leaf springs—and even better than torsion axles. Further, what I really like about this is that if some road irregularity does manage to get it out of whack, it is fully adjustable so you can put it back in its happy place.
The idea with this little trailer is that you should be able to take it to places that don’t appear on AAA’s maps. The rugged suspension and tires are capable of handling that sort of bouncing and surface.
You also get a Rhino Rack track system that enables you to purchase all sorts of compatible contraptions to hold things like bicycles or, well, rooftop tents. The Beast Mode also includes a kayak rack.
In order to stay out of the rain, there is a batwing-style awning which covers the camp side as well as the kitchen of this trailer. These batwing awnings are nifty things and provide shade over a wide swath of these little campers.
Considerations in the NoBo NB10.7
When you look at this trailer, particularly with the Beast Mode package and that beefy suspension, the obvious thinking is that you’re going Bigfoot peeping somewhere in the woods. And, yep, you can do just that.
But then consider that heat and air conditioning are both all-electric. There is propane aboard, but it seems that it’s only for the two-burner cooktop. So, what I’d really like to see is a propane furnace instead of the electric fireplace, just because you could easily run that on battery power. The fireplace, not so much.
Of course, if you’re out in the woods, perhaps you’re not even going to think about that fireplace or air conditioner because you’re bringing your axe and cutting your own firewood.
And, remember, those folks up in the rooftop tent, assuming you order that, don’t have any heat or air conditioning. So, perhaps I’m overthinking the whole situation.
Know, too, that there is a 30-gallon fresh water tank but no water heater. There is also no gray tank, so you will have to take the waste water into consideration—perhaps a jug or another vessel of some sort to capture that water.
Pricing on the NoBo NB10.7 with Beast Mode
The pricing I found for these did include the Beast Mode (as mentioned, I’ve never seen one without it) with an MSRP of $31,365. However, that same unit was offered at $19,995—which isn’t bad at all.
At that price and how relatively light these are, no wonder I’ve actually seen several of these in campgrounds as I traverse this fine land. The ones I have seen have been families with Jeeps, where I can only assume the younger members are the ones occupying the rooftop tent.
If I were a kid, I think I’d like camping out up there—it would be sort of a treehouse on wheels. So, I can see the appeal for more adventurous families.
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More about these RV reviews
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a life long RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. He also works closely with a number of RV manufacturers to get an inside look at how things are done and is a brand ambassador for Rockwood Mini Lite with his wife, Peggy.
You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy.
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Thank you, Tony! 🙂 I understand putting an air conditioning unit and a source of heating, but not the reliance on 120v power. The rooftop tent precludes attached solar panels, so it seems you’re left with portable solar panels, a generator, and lithium ion batteries to try to match power availability with needs. Odd, but perhaps they prefer owners get the power shortage addressed by third parties. Interesting rig though. Thanks again, safe travels, and have a great week! 🙂
If this NoBo had an outdoor shower, I could understand having a 30-gallon fresh water tank. But I could see no outdoor shower door in the photos. For dishwashing and drinking water, 30 gallons is just extra weight to haul on those remote roads. Speaking of those “jeep roads”, as we used to call them in Colorado, that suspension is GREAT, but not that hitch. The hitch is not articulating, which is needed for the really remote places that a Jeep tow vehicle could haul it. I also agree, Tony, that electric fireplace is ridiculous as the sole way to heat an RV when propane is so much more efficient. Another example of a copycat Indiana RV designer who has never RVed except in a FHU RV park!
This is not a teardrop trailer. It’s the shape of the RV and not the contents or layout that make it a teardrop. This is the shape of a toaster, not a teardrop.
This is absolutely accurate and I’ve heard these referred to as “SquareDrops” in the past owing to the toaster-like shape (I love that description).
But this does have some of the aspects and functionality of a teardrop which is why I chose that analogy.
Thanks for the comment!