Geo Pro VS No Boundaries Camper – The BEST Boondocking Trailer
One of the biggest niche’s for camping right now is the small travel trailer market, and it generally comes down to Geo Pro vs NoBo campers. The Geo Pro Campers, No Boundaries campers and even the R-pod’s are some of the biggest names in the industry. With Covid-19, camper sales have gone up and small travel trailers that can be towed with an SUV are some of the hottest on the market. We actually lived out of our camper full-time for a few months!
A Geo Pro vs NoBo comparison is not perfect because they are geared towards different buyers. Forest River manufacturers both campers, which goes to prove that they make both of them for different markets. This is also the reason why they are so similar, and are often the two campers that people choose between. Both trailers offer great off-road performance and clearance while still offering creature comforts of a normal travel trailer.
Before writing this article we joined a NoBo Facebook group and a Geo Pro Facebook group. This purpose of this article is to not tell you which one is better overall (there is no “winner”). We wanted to share peoples real world opinions, pictures and stories of their campers that we would not have been able to, and include it all in one place.
We are owners of a 2020 E-Pro 19fbs and cant truly speak to all the advantages or reasons that someone would choose a NoBo over the Geo Pro. This is why we felt inclined to join both Facebook groups and ask each group the same three questions.
All of the photos and opinions in this article are from us or peoples responses to our questions via Facebook!
1 – Why did you choose either the Geo Pro or NoBo over the other model?
2 – What is you biggest issues or problems with the Geo Pro or NoBo?
3 – What do you love about your Geo Pro or NoBo?
Most of these camper models can be towed by any SUV such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee or mid size truck such as a Toyota Tacoma. The Geo Pro and NoBo campers are in such high demand because the majority of Americans won’t have to upgrade their vehicles to tow them. Most of the models range from 12 to 19 feet making them easy to tow and maneuver for a brand new camper.
The small travel trailer market is filled with campers that are ready to go boondocking and get off grid for a few days. Boondocking in a Geo Pro is super easy because they are already setup from the factory with a basic package. NoBo does not come from the factory with the same solar capabilities as the Geo Pro trailers, but it does come pre-wried. Solar is pretty easy to install and we have found that a-lot of Geo Pro owners (ourselves also) have upgraded their solar panels.
Geo Pro VS NoBo – Travel Trailers for off-roading
Comparing the Geo Pro and NoBo isn’t exactly apples to apples because they are for designed for different travelers. The Geo Pro has the perfect blend of off-road capabilities, creature comforts and is still lightweight. The NoBo series is geared towards more extreme off-roading with its heavier build, better suspension (dual axles) and can haul more cargo.
Check out St Elmo to Tincup Trail in Colorado for some amazing off-roading!
One of the main reasons that people gravitate towards the Geo Pro and NoBo trailers is because of their ground clearance and ability to go off-road. Both trailers are not design to do crazy rock crawling or mud bogging like Black Series Campers or even Bruder Campers, which are both more than double the price of Geo Pros and NoBo trailers.
The No Boundaries camper is truly better and geared towards more extreme off-road conditions with the dual axles for the larger models. Both suspension systems utilize the popular torsion axles, which require little maintenance and provide a smoother ride. The NoBo also comes with an enclosed underbelly which is great for off-roading and protects your water tanks, wires and sub flooring. Another reason the NoBo series is generally better for off-roading is that certain Geo Pro’s don’t come lifted from the factory. Our E Pro 19fbs originally did not come with a lift and we scraped the bottom on a-lot of stone roads. After lifting the Geo Pro we never had a problem, but it is an extra cost that you should factor in.
In our NoBo Facebook group, that number one reason that people seemed to choose the larger NoBo’s over the Geo Pro’s was because of the dual axles. It provides a smoother ride, extra safety (incase 1 tire blows) and allows NoBo owners to haul more gear.
- Tina K (Nobo Owner) stated – Two axels…we really enjoy this for extra security in the event of a blow out, and even just for trailer balance.
- Ian G (Nobo Owner) stated – We went with the Nobo because of the double bunks, dual axles, and Murphy bed.
- Missy O (Nobo Owner) stated – The NoBo gave us all of that with a bonus dual axle, 4 seasons package, rhino racks with kayak holders, outside shower and a bar!!
Both the Geo Pro and NoBo single axle models utilize the same single torsion axles. This means that the Geo Pro and NoBo single axle trailers are comparable for off-roading and ride quality. The No Boundaries still have under carriage protection which is a huge bonus in our opinion.
Overall both travel trailers can handle most off-road terrain you can throw at it. We went up some pretty steep and bumpy terrain in our Geo Pro in South Dakota without ever worrying about being able to make it.
Geo Pro vs NoBo Campers – Boondocking Capabilities
Instead of reading an entire essay about the Geo Pro capabilities, we decided to make a video highlighting exactly this. The Geo Pro campers come standard with a 1000w inverter and a 100w solar panel which will provide enough power for most weekend campers. The dealer you buy your camper from puts their own batteries in, so the quality of batteries will vary. We upgraded our batteries to Lion Energy UT1300’s and they are AMAZING!
Save 15% with my Lion Energy discount code – 7k at checkout
The NoBo campers come pre-wired for solar and now offer an “add-on” of 110w of solar and a 1000w inverter that comes standard on the Geo Pro models. This means you could be spending a few extra hundred or even thousands of dollars to get the same basic setup a Geo Pro comes with.
A really nice addition that NoBo has over the Geo Pro is the optional central vacuum system. We have learned from over the months that trailers get dirty very quickly. Instead of sweeping everything into a dustpan it is a-lot easier to just vacuum all the dirt and tiny rocks up.
When it comes to Boondocking from the factory the Geo Pro comes out on top. With its standard 100w solar panel and 1000w inverter, everything inside the camper will work besides your AC and Microwave. With our upgraded solar system we have gone 10 days without being hooked up to shore power. We just had to refill our water tank because it only holds 37 gallons.
Another reason that the Geo Pro models come out on top when boondocking is that they hold 37 gallons of fresh water vs 30 gallons for the NoBo series. This is a surprising statistic considering the No Boundaries have dual axles and could easily support the weight of a 50 gallon tank. The Geo Pro models have a 23% increase in fresh water capacity which makes a huge difference while you try to make your water last longer. We did a 6 month review on our Camper and loved the fresh water size for it only being a single axle trailer!
When it comes to the Geo Pro vs NoBo campers both have the ability to be great boondocking and off grid campers. But… from the factory Geo Pro is better due to its larger fresh water capacity and factory solar panel and inverter.
Construction and Build Quality – Wood vs Aluminum
When it comes to build quality there is no real winner as both trailers are built very well compare to other competitors. As they say, “you get what you pay for” and these trailers are NOT near the build quality of the Bruder or Black Series campers.
Both the Geo Pro and NoBo models are aluminum framed with azdel composite panels. Azdel has become the industry standard for side panels because they are water resistant and will not warp in extreme heat or cold. Azdel panels are also a-lot lighter than traditional Lauan panels. The main reason we stayed away from other similar and cheaper trailer manufacturers was because they were wood framed and sided.
Almost everyone can agree that Aluminum framing is better than wood because of the strength, water damage and weight. This doesn’t mean that the wood build is bad however, just that Aluminum is generally accepted as the better construction material.
David S (Geo Pro Owner) stated – “We actually started looking at NoBo. But for a similar price with GeoPro you got Solar + Inverter, Showermizer, aluminum construction…”
The picture above showcases the Geo Pro interior (left) and the NoBo interior (right). The Geo Pro has more color/texture and a-lot more windows which makes the space feel more open. Geo Pro’s are also taller inside with the curved roof, which gives more headroom and makes the area feel much bigger.
Another common difference between the campers is that E Pro trailers seem to have a nicer and more complete finish on the inside. When we were looking to purchase our E Pro we looked at a few NoBo’s at an RV show and did not like the inside nearly as much. It was a-lot more “bland” and seem unfinished for an even more expensive camper. The fact the NoBo looked unfinished was one of the main reasons we stuck with the E Pro.
In the NoBo Facebook group Gabriel B stated, “…some of the craftsmanship. I’ve learned to live with it as am handy. But I could see where the masses would expect a better product at this price point.”
Ian G stated, “only downside is no slide out for the dining table and the “finish” was a bit sloppy but our West coast, Oregon made version, seems a bit more finished than the Indiana version.”
The Better Toy Hauler and Cargo Carrier
This is another huge win for the No Boundaries camper because of the dual axle on the larger models. The NoBo offers an amazing 10.6 toy hauler that can fit an ATV which is something Geo Pro does not offer at that size.
When it comes to CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) the NoBo’s dual axle trailers can hold double the weight on most models that are similar to the E Pro. Rockwood has recently launched a new Geo Pro 19TH, which is a 19 foot single axle toy hauler. It sounds like a good idea but only has a CCC of 1,500 pounds which doesn’t include water, batteries, propane, all of your gear and then your ATV or motorcycle.
Franklin P (Geo Pro Owner) stated – “Main reason was Geo Pro has an aluminum frame structure and the NoBo was wood. Layouts were similar. Also the curved roof on Geo Pro gave more headroom. I had to give up kayak racks to get the Geo Pro.”
On the other hand, NoBo offers a NB19.1 which has dual axles and has a CCC of 3,400 pounds. This gives you plenty of wiggle room to fill your tanks, haul a-lot of gear, put kayaks on the roof and even fit two ATVS! The dual axles that the NoBo offers is a game changer for anyone that is looking to haul a decent amount of weight.
The Geo Pro is clearly designed to be a single axle unit with all of the floorpans. This isn’t exactly an apples to apples comparison because of the extra axle, but it is important to consider when buying either trailer. Our E Pro 19fbs has a CCC of 1,300 pounds which seems to put a-lot of strain on the axle and tires with all of our gear.
The Best Off-road Travel Trailer – No Boundaries or Geo Pro Campers
The both stink is the real answer! No, this is not the case but I don’t see any true winner. As I stated at the beginning of this article, each camper is designed for a different audience. Forest River manufacturers both campers which goes to prove that they make both of them for different markets. This is also the reason why they are so similar, and are often the two campers that people choose between. Both trailers offer great off-road performance and clearance while still offering creature comforts of a normal travel trailer.
The NoBo is generally heavier, but rides smoother and can carry a-lot more weight. No Boundaries series campers are coming out with a-lot more factory options that are going to be able to compete with the Geo Pro series. Forest River now offers 110w solar, 1000w inverter, rooftop tents, kayak racks and now an onboard vacuum system. If you are looking to carry more gear, ATV’s, Kayaks and want to have a dual axle trailer than NoBo will probably be the way to go.
The Geo Pro only offers units with single axles which creates a little rougher ride but allows the unit to be lighter. The fact that a 19 foot trailer can be towed by a Jeep or small SUV is still amazing! Geo Pro’s also come factory with solar and an inverter which makes it great for anyone looking to boondocks asap. This lineup also has a nicer and more polished interior which makes them feel more like a home.
Why did we choose our Geo Pro 19FBS over a NoBo Camper?
Before you read this expecting me to try to sell you on a Geo Pro, this is just the reasons that the Geo Pro fit US better…not you.
The biggest reason we needed a single axle trailer (E Pro) was because we are towing with a Jeep Wrangler. We wanted to live out of our trailer full-time and Maddie wanted to keep her Jeep. This lead us to having to get a single axle trailer as her Jeep can only tow 3,500 pounds. We are living in our E Pro full-time which meant we wanted to largest possible camper the weighed under 3,500 pounds that was good quality.
Maddie and I both wanted to boon-dock a-lot and save money by not going to campgrounds. This is another reason that lead us to go with the Geo Pro.
Save 15% with my Lion Energy discount code – 7k at checkout
The Geo Pro’s come standard with solar ready to go, which also played a huge role in our decision making. We did upgrade our solar to 400w and added Lithium batteries, but the wiring and installation of the inverter was already done. We have been able to last up to 8 days in Buena Vista, Colorado while just relying on solar power while working on the road full-time. It also has 7 more gallons of fresh water which can help us extend our stay.
No Boundaries finish and interior was also a huge negative for us. After walking in about 3 NoBo’s we did not like the interior at all, and it was even more expensive than the Geo Pro series. It did not feel like a home to us and felt really closed off.
Let us know which model NoBo or Geo Pro you have in the comments or email us!
2 Days in Badlands National Park – Itinerary and Free Camping
I wish this article was available when we started. Would have saved me countless hours of searching on the interweb for what we really needed (wanted). Full disclosure…. I would have still done all the searching but this was an amazing perspective! It is everything that I was looking at! Get out of my mind!!!! E-Pro 19BH was our winner. Thanks for the concise article!
Thanks for reaching out and I would have still done all of the research also If someone else wrote a similar article! Thanks!
Maddie and James,
So much appreciate your detailed review that helps us a lot. That is an amazing review we had ever read. Thank you!
We are at the point to make our decision of our first travel trailer. Unlike you, we have zero experience of RV whatever the v is. My question is, have you thought about getting a generator before upgrade your solar? My other question is, does Geo Pro have features like somerhing Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708’s winter feature that allows the trailer in cold season?
Best regards
Hantao
We wanted Solar because we would not have to worry about re-fueling the generator. Also that way we don’t have to hear the noise! A generator would be great if you are in hot climates and need to run the AC because a solar setup on e Geo Pro would not be able to. We now had a Class A with a generator and its always nice to have the option to run the AC or microwave on the road!
I am not sure of those winter features but yes the Geo Pro does come with tank heaters, propane heater, and insulated walls identical to the NoBo. The biggest problem in the winter is frozen water lines, which is where the tank heaters come to help!