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2027 Ember RV Overland Series 220MSL - Honest RV Review

2027 Ember RV Overland Series 220MSL - Honest RV Review

Tony Barthel
RV Review, Bunkhouse, Travel Trailer Review

2027 Ember RV Overland Series 220MSL - Honest RV Review

Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2027 Ember RV Overland Series 220MSL. This is a two-axle no-slide travel trailer with an incredible suspension system and an interior configuration that almost defies categorization. But know that, for those looking for a bunkhouse, adventure trailer, work-from-the-road trailer or couples’ camper, I can’t imagine a better choice.

Don’t buy a bunkhouse RV…

When I was selling RVs lots of buyers would come in looking for a bunkhouse RV. In many cases the wee ones that they intended to camp with were bordering those teenage years and they wanted one last summer with the kiddos. Meanwhile, the kiddos were eagerly anticipating their inaugural summer where the parents were out of the picture.

So, many of these bunkhouse trailers came back within a year or two and got traded in for couples’ campers. That wouldn’t happen with this trailer.

Ember has come up with, and patented, a system called EmberTrack which consists of vertical slotted rails into which standard e-track things can be fitted. You get two platforms with the trailer that could be used for bunkhouse mattresses, which also come with this trailer.

Since there are plenty of slots along these tracks that would enable you to put the platforms where they would make sense as a bunkhouse. In fact there are extensions such that you could make this a double-over-double bunk situation.

But you could also configure these same platforms as a desk. Or as prep space for the kitchen. Or to facilitate a hobby or profession of some sort.

Then, if the need changes next weekend, so can the trailer. There are even washer-dryer hook-ups back here so if you want to bring that, you can.

On the camp side is a large clamshell door, sort of like a ’57 Chevy Nomad, so that you have a table and a cover. There is a screen that also can be drawn over this opening. You could sit at a desk with these doors open and write RV reviews with a view.

Of course this larger door is also helpful if you use this space for cargo, such as e-bikes. There’s also a smaller door in the back of the trailer and the example I saw had a kayak in the cargo area and the bunks were still in place.

This solution does provide a bunkhouse, in fact you could use the floor as a third bunk and now sleep six people back here if you’re cuckoo, but you could also completely remove the platforms and use this for cargo. This means you won’t be losing money on a trade in in one or two seasons.

Start at the road with the Ember RV Overland Series 220MSL

I always encourage you to start your next RV shopping at the road and work your way up. Quite honestly Ember is the brand that most encouraged this thinking in me and, in this case, you will find a Curt independent suspension system. Having just come off Route 66 for a month I realized just how horrible so many of the roads here are and a suspension like this helps reduce the vibration and harshness that reaches the inside of the trailer thereby helping it last longer.

But the way these are put together is also very different starting with the metal edging and extending to the fully laminated walls, ceiling and floor in these rigs comprised of 100% human-made materials. That means that water intrusion isn’t much of an issue but Embers also has some unique processes in sealing to prevent that water in the first place.

This uses a Truma furnace and water heater which means it doesn’t sound like a jet when you want heat. But Truma is the only company I’m aware of who makes tankless style water heaters that aren’t terrible.

Since they’re a Truma customer Ember gets to test these rigs in Truma’s climate chamber where they’re certified to be functional from 0°F-110°F. They don’t just say they’re four-seasons compatible, they prove it.

When things do heat up this smaller trailer incorporates a Furrion Chill Cube which is a highly effective and very efficient AC system. The models chosen by Ember include a heat pump so if you’re hooked to shore power you can take advantage of that to heat the trailer rather than using the propane aboard.

There are also dual-paned acrylic windows with integrated shades and screens which I like.

As for plumbing, Ember uses fittings provided by an outside supplier using proper clamps but they also provide a shut-off at each fixture.

Main living space in the Ember RV Overland Series 220MSL

As mentioned, this rig has no slide but it still has a couch and a dining table before you even do some magic with that EmberTrack system.

The couch at the front of this rig is made possible by a Murphy bed and Ember’s rendition of this type of bed isn’t the worst I’ve seen. All Murphy beds and almost all RV beds really are better with an RV Superbag, though.

On the camp side is a long and rather deep bar in the glow of one of the dual-pane windows which really opens up the space. But under the bar is a table that swings out and can be slide back and forth along the bar to optimize the space. That same table can also unfold to double in size. Again, it’s remarkable how flexible this design is.

There are also storage compartments under the counter here as well as above it. There’s a pantry as well and, across the aisle, more storage in the kitchen. Storage is remarkable considering the overall size of this trailer.


Kitchen

On the subject of the kitchen this employs a two-burner propane stove top and convection air fryer microwave. Counter space isn’t bad but the sink is a bit small but something has to give in a trailer with this much functionality in this short of a box. If I had one complaint it would be the size of the kitchen sink but I don’t see how you could resolve that so it’s one of those “just deal with it” situations.

Bathroom

The bathroom is at the back corner of the trailer and features a porcelain foot flush toilet and a rectangular shower with a Nautilus-style door which I really like. There is a bit of storage space in here and a surprisingly good sink and faucet where you could actually get your hands under the faucet and wash them.

Attention to detail is a hallmark of Ember, to me, and extends to things like a little handle for getting into and out of the shower. There is a high-performance vent fan in here but it’s a low-profile model so that it can fit under the extensive solar array on the roof.

There’s also a window in the bathroom that can open with an integrated shade and screen.

Bedroom

I had mentioned the Murphy bed, which isn’t a bad one, but I also know that this is an absolute deal breaker for some buyers. However there’s nothing to say that you can’t just leave it deployed all the time if you’d rather.

There’s plentiful storage around the bed including a wardrobe on either side along with a drawer plus cabinets overhead and cubbies behind the wardrobe for things like phones and glasses and such.

The Overland Series has had a Stargazer window overhead since inception and this is no exception. I really like this but, for those who don’t, there are shades and screen here to block the light or let you open up the window for air flow.

Boondocking and travel access

The trailer we saw was fitted with the Max Solar which means 1200 watts of solar and a 270 amp-hour lithium battery. There’s a 3,000 watt inverter and Victron components for controlling all this.

In other words, I’ve seen these trailers at shows where they rely on the solar and can run the air conditioner all day. Yes, part of that is how efficient this AC is but it’s still an impressive package.

Battery technology has progressed to the point where it’s less of a hurdle and Ember is installing a ShowerMiser to save water in the shower while you wait for it to get hot, so that extends the ability to stay off grid as well.

In terms of off-grid camping, this thing is exceptional.

Final thoughts on the Ember RV Overland 220MSL

When you combine build quality and materials, component choices, suspension, overall design and all the other factors this trailer is really, really tough to beat. Ember does make both larger and smaller trailers in their Overland Series but this is such a nice balance.

For all those shoppers who bemoan the quality of today’s RVs, know that this is the answer to that. It’s well made, well thought-through and well built. Components are typically top-tier without being bougie and the trailer does what it says it will do. That EmberTrack system will also mean that, if your needs or camping style changes, you just reconfigure and can even do so on the fly.

I know what the comments will be. It’s expensive. But if you want something that’s going to last and provide functionality that isn’t a barrier to enjoyment, then that’s the price to pay. And it seems like a pretty fair price to me.

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