Ember RV Overland Micro Series ROK
Off-Road Travel Trailer

The Ember Overland Micro Series ROK off-road/off-grid travel trailer is designed for 2 adventurers ready to explore nature.

          For many, the name Ember RV is new in a crowded market of RV manufacturers, but it carries years of experience in the business of recreational vehicles. The company started operation in 2021, but its founder - Ashley Bontrager-Lehman, (a granddaughter of the founder of Jayco Inc.), not only brought to Ember the long business experience of her family but also her knowledge and skills of Jayco’s Marketing Manager. When in 2016, Jayco was acquired by Thor Industry, she decided to continue the 3-generation-old family tradition, knowing that to build a better RV, first she must build a better RV company. In this sense, the name “Ember” clearly reflects the company's goals.

Ember Overland Micro Series: ROK off-road/off-grid travel trailer .... (Source: FunTown RV)

 ..... and its floorplan

          The rest is history that customers can judge based on four available models of Ember travel trailers: Overland (as the name suggests designed for off-beaten paths), Touring Edition (high-end camper), E-series (focusing on “affordability without cutting corners”) and the newest addition, Overland Micro Series which is the subject of this article.

The Overland Micro Series was designed for off-road and off-grid environments based on the following initial requirements:

1. Robustness in the smallest possible size and weight (for improved towing and maneuverability in the wilderness)
2. Well-thought set of standard features (for reasonable comfort on off-road/off-grid journeys)
3. Affordability

Ember ROK: Interior

            Overland Micro comes in 2-floor plans: ROK (Rear Outside Kitchen) and ROL (Real Outside Locker). The first includes a quite well-equipped kitchen with a reasonable amount of space for extra camping gear. The second one gives you a chance to use the rear cargo space according to your needs. While both models are designed mainly for those making initial steps in off-road RV-ing, they will certainly meet the requirements of many seasoned Explorers/Nature lowers.

Overland Micro Series ROK

Construction

        The trailer frame is made from tubular steel (proprietary off-road Trailblazer™). Together with a CURT independent suspension (heavy-duty coil springs and dual shock absorbers on each wheel), it’s robust enough but at the same time “flexible” to face the challenges of an off-road environment. A vital part of this structure are wheels – the frame is “sitting” on nitro-filled 16” Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires with the specified Load Range E (10-ply structure).

Ember Overland Micro ROK: off-road Trailblazer™ frame

Source: YT, "RV Tour: 2022 Ember RV Overland ROK | RV Of The Year Finalist" by RVLove.com ( Marc & Julie Bennett)

Ember Overland Micro ROK: CURT Suspension

Source: YT, "RV Tour: 2022 Ember RV Overland ROK | RV Of The Year Finalist" by RVLove.com ( Marc & Julie Bennett)

         The floor is made from TransCore™ Structural Composite (by Ridge Corporation) and represents a new generation of composite flooring. It’s made from inert glass and polypropylene using heat bonding fusing the layers in a robust, single-piece panel. Compared to traditional plywood flooring, it is waterproof, mold and mildew-resistant, lighter, 100% recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Equally important is its excellent screw retention (note, that it is vital in an off-road environment, where trailers are exposed to significant bouncing, shocks, and vibrations). Another novelty – the interior flooring is finished with an easy-to-maintain product specially developed for the RV industry by Shaw Industry Inc.
The crucial part of the trailer’s underbelly covering the water tank and vital installations is protected by a radiant barrier.
Overland Micro Series trailers come with two dual-pane (dual-glazed) acrylic windows (front and roadside). These are still a novelty for North American RV Industry although it’s almost a standard feature in European RVs (for curious RV-ers: acrylic windows are made from a thermoplastic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)).

Ember Overland Micro ROK: Cross-section of the composite floor

Source: YT, "RV Tour: 2022 Ember RV Overland ROK | RV Of The Year Finalist" by RVLove.com ( Marc & Julie Bennett)

       The shell is built using the same technology as the “older brothers” of Ember’s Overland family of travel trailers. It consists of an aluminum skeleton with laminated Azdel composite inner and outer panels and a layer of thermal foam insulation in between. The whole structure (walls and roof) is then covered with an aluminum skin. For those unfamiliar – Azdel is stronger than any wood-based wall, water-resistant, and has a big advantage compared to other composite materials, it’s not off-gassing. The Exo-Skeleton from powder-coated aluminum along the shell’s corners adds much-needed rigidity and strength for off-road driving conditions. It’s worth mentioning that thanks to the overall robustness of the structure, the roof as well as fenders are walkable. As a result, the latter can be used as support when loading/unloading the roof-mounted rack.

Ember Overland Micro ROK: Exo-Skeleton covers all corners

Source: YT, "RV Tour: 2022 Ember RV Overland ROK | RV Of The Year Finalist" by RVLove.com ( Marc & Julie Bennett)

       The most important advantage of acrylic windows is their much better thermal insulation (the R-value of acrylic is about 5 times higher than that of glass). As we know well, there is no “free lunch”, so compared to glass they have many pros (less expensive, lighter, lower maintenance, much higher impact/shatter resistance) but also cons (lower durability, and slightly lower (although still good) - clarity). However, when it comes to RVs, the significantly higher R-value, much higher impact resistance and lower weight are crucial, so they are a very good choice, particularly for off-road models!
It’s worth mentioning that these windows:

• open upward (gradually up to about 70 degrees) creating this way a local mini-awning protecting from rain as well as scorching sun
• come in a frame with integrated (roll-up, roll-down) blind and anti-insect net!

Another innovative construction feature: The hitch height is adjustable (a few inches up/down) so there is a good probability that you will be able to align it with the receiver of the towing vehicle. To make it clear - the installed ”Versa Coupler” system does not allow for gradual adjustment of the height’s height. It simply provides 5 pre-designed, vertically distributed slots where you can move the bolts holding the hitch.

Ember Overland Micro ROK: Interior w/folded futon for a day

Interior
       As an off-road/off-grid trailer, the Overland Micro is designed for adventurers, so we would expect that the design should reflect this fact. Well, certainly the interior of the trailer is not very spacious, but because it’s not packed with amenities, it offers a decent living space especially appreciated in bad weather conditions. The futon sofa with headboard (the latter includes small storage), an overhead cupboard-type shelf, a wardrobe (2 large cabinets w/doors), and a swivel table w/height adjustment is pretty much all that the manufacturer offers. The good thing – when the sofa is folded, you will still find a decent open area in front of you, which makes the impression of spaciousness. The ceiling-mounted 3-speed 12Vdc Max fan, two dimmable LED lights, the pop-up power bar w/120Vac fed by the Inverter, and USB ports, as well as additional wall 120Vac receptacles, provide the reasonable conditions one would need in the cabin on a journey to nature.

Ember Overland Micro ROK: Interior w/unfolded futon for a night

Ember Micro ROK: Wardrobe

Source: YT; " LETS ROK and ROL 2022 Ember Overland Micro Series Rok/Rol", by J and A Review

       At the entrance on the side wall of the A/C cabinet, you will find a Solar Controller, optional Truma Heater Controller, and light switches.
The pass-through storage under the sofa is very helpful (you can access it from the outside when the sofa is unfolded for the night). The storage light turns on automatically when the exterior door opens. The storage also houses the Battery Disconnect Switch.
The door comes with a screen and privacy shade (similar to the mentioned earlier windows).
            Ember offers an optional Thule® Tepui Roof-Top tent (RTT). It fits into the standard Thule® Roof Rack System, so the installation process is easy

See more about RTTs at --> RTTs - are they for You?.

and review of Tepui RTT: --> Review of Soft RTTs

       It’s true, that a "Soft" RTT (canvas based) has its limitations. It requires some setting/folding time and leader access (which can be annoying when you have to use it during the night). Also, in rainy conditions, it has all the inconveniences of canvas. However, compared to ground-level tents, it is safe and in difference to any tight, closed area (like a shell), it offers all the beauty of falling asleep under the sky surrounded by Mother Nature to the “lullaby” of wilderness :-).

Ember Overland Micro ROK: Rear Kitchen w/optional Griddle

Source: FunTown RV

Rear Kitchen
       The kitchen of Overland Micro ROK comes equipped with a galvanized steel countertop, pull-out griddle shelf (Griddle itself is optional), aluminum storage rack (shelves), and Camco, portable 12Vdc/120Vac compact fridge/freezer with dual zone cooling. It’s a quite sophisticated design that allows one to independently set the temperatures in each zone for freezing and/or cooling in either ECO or MAX mode. As a sign of modernity – the fridge/freezer is Bluetooth-controlled so you can set and monitor interior temperatures remotely. For those more traditional – the Camco unit comes with an LED Control/Monitor Panel, so you will be able to read and adjust temperatures manually. And if the craving for a snack wakes you up at night, thanks to the fridge’s interior LED lights you will be able to easily find it 😊.
Note: The Camco fridge/freezer comes with two power cables (7 ft long 120Vac cable and 11ft long 12/24V cable w/cigarette lighter plug.

Ember Micro ROK: Camco portable compact fridge/freezer with dual zone cooling. (Source: CamcoOverland.com)

          Two pegboards on both kitchen sidewalls with a little bit of “Imagination” can be converted into precious storage (organizer) space. The quick-connect LPG port connects the kitchen with 2 x 20 lbs LPG bottles stored at the front in the tongue-mounted gearbox. Access to the kitchen is protected by the “umbrella” created by the opening-up back door. Two LED lamps extend the kitchen’s functionality well beyond daylight time.
        Surprisingly, the kitchen also houses a 12Vdc HDTV screen with a Bluetooth-enabled soundbar. It seems to be superfluous in the wilderness, however, some hard-to-die movie aficionados can probably enjoy the theater in the middle of nowhere. So let it be! (I would rather suggest it as an option instead of a standard feature)
If you opt for the Overland Micro ROL (Rear Outdoor Locker), you will find a 68”W x 25”D x 55.5”H, easy-to-access storage space that can be customized according to needs. It comes equipped with 12Vdc/120Vac power.
          The trailer carries 26 gallons of fresh water (it can be filled via City and/or Fresh water inlets). Usually, “water” means that there is a sink, but it’s not the case for Overland Micro ROK. However, thanks to the optional Trauma Combi (high-efficiency LPG Water and Air Heater you will be able to enjoy the exterior shower.

Ember Overland Micro ROL: Rear Outdoor Locker

Source: YT, "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL", by Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Exterior Features
        Ember Overland Micro comes with a manual, 8ft Thule Awning along the passenger side of the trailer. The mentioned earlier tongue-mounted, powder-coated aluminum gearbox has two sections – one houses two 20-lbs LPG tanks. The other one is lockable and dedicated to batteries, although is spacious enough, and thanks to an extra shelf, it can also be used as storage.
         The adjustable Tripple Solid Step at the entrance is designed to accommodate the trailer’s inherently high ground clearance (necessary for off-road RVs).
         The stability of the trailer on the campground is assured by two rear stabilizing and tongue jacks as well as wheel chocks. The rear stabilizers are sort of “thrust jacks”, so they very efficiently stabilize the trailer from side-to-side movements. The wheel chocks, when deployed, prevent the trailer from moving forward and backward (so no need for traditional blocking wheel pads).
Note that for travel, the tongue jack can be easily rotated to the horizontal position (parallel to the tongue). This eliminates potential obstruction on off-road paths.

Ember Micro ROK: Front Gearbox w/two compartments

Source: "Let's ROK and ROL 2022 Ember Overland Micro Series Rok/Rol", YT; by J and A Review

         Another interesting novelty you will find in Ember Overland Micro is the VERSA Hitch. This simple “mechanical” solution allows for adjustment of the height of the trailer hitch (about few inches up or down) to match that of a coupling ball on your towing vehicle.
          The exterior shower (hot/cold water available provided the optional Truma Combi heater is installed) is also the only source of water (in other words, it serves as a faucet).
          The roof-mounted Thule rack system comes with a J-Cradle for kayak(s). If you do not opt for an optional Thule RTT, the rack can be used for camping gear (or any other cargo). You can access the roof from the walkable fenders along both sides of the trailer. It’s worth mentioning that the trailer’s roof is walkable which will greatly help to arrange any cargo on the rack.
The 2” frame-integrated rear receiver has a capacity of 300 lbs, so some cargo (like bikes) you can easily carry behind.
Finally, the rear LPG quick-connect point offers fuel for the optional Griddle (or any other portable BBQ).

Ember Micro ROK: VERSA Hitch

Source: YT, "RV Tour: 2022 Ember RV Overland ROK | RV Of The Year Finalist" by RVLove.com ( Marc & Julie Bennett)

Off-Road/Off Grid
       Solid structure on 16” wheels should offer much-needed robustness and a decent ground clearance (although the latter is not specified by the manufacturer). The self-adjusting 12” electric brakes will be certainly helpful in a no-road environment!
        The 200W roof-mounted solar panel comes with the 30A Solar Controller and 1 kW Pure Sine Inverter. With one standard 270Ah 12V Lithium-ion battery and a sunny day, there should be enough energy for lights, fridge, and fan, as well as TV, computer, and phone chargers. But given the unpredictability of weather and potentially higher energy demand, an extra solar panel and battery will be suggested (the latter is on the list of options). To make it clear - the trailer comes with two external solar ports (roof and side wall) so it’s ready for extra solar panels. Also, the front gearbox’ battery section is large enough to house 2nd battery.

Ember Micro ROK: 16" wheels, walkable steel fenders and adjustable aluminum entrance steps

Source: YT; "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL"; by Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Ember Micro ROK: 2 x 20 lbs LPG tanks come as standard

Source: "2023 Ember Micro ROC. Owner Review: likes, dislikes, and future plans", YT; by CrayonMuncherAdventures

Climate
      The Ember Overland Micro is not designed as an All-Season RV. However, thanks to:

• good shell insulation
• higher R-value of acrylic windows (compared to glass)
• unclosed water tank (radiant barrier underbelly) w/12V heater pad (the latter turns on automatically based on the current temperature, so you do not have to deal with that)
• Optional air (and water) heater

It can serve you well in moderate climate zones with temperatures temporarily dropping below freezing. At high summer temperatures, you can count on an optional, 8k BTUs wall-mounted A/C, although given the fact that A/Cs are power-hungry, you will need a connection to the grid. Otherwise, try to enjoy the night breeze (if any) by spending the night on the roof in the RTT 😊.
Note: while the camper has dual-pane windows, they are not designed as “thermal windows” (w/air-gap between two acrylic sheets). These are just two sheets of acryl that are bonded together to increase the mechanical strength and double the R-value.

Safety
          An additional level of safety is required (or at least highly welcomed) for off-road travel trailers. Fortunately, Ember is quite genuine in this area, offering:

• Full-size spare wheel comes as a standard feature (it’s mounted on the passenger side of the exterior wall)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

        It’s the standard feature covering all wheels (including the spare one). The monitoring unit is located on the sidewall of the passthrough storage. But do not worry - you will be able to easily access all vital information (tire pressure and temperature) on your mobile phone via an application.

Above: Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System (Receiver and sensors)

Below: Mobile application and installed sensor

(Source: Lippert Tire Link)

• Lockable Parking brakes

       The mentioned earlier wheel chocks also act as parking brakes and can be protected by locks securing this way your travel trailer from theft when you are away.

• Wireless Side/Rear Observation Camera System with Monitor

          This is an option, however, the Overland Micro ROK/ROL comes pre-wired for this option, so you can add the camera and monitoring system later when needed.

• Battery Protection

         Most likely, the low battery level will be easily “detected” by watching the trailer’s lights or TV screen. However, it will be much more problematic when it comes to the fridge/freezer combo as it cyclically uses the power on a 24/7 basis. To prevent the total draw of the batteries (including the towing vehicle one, if connected to the trailer’s system) Camco model comes with battery protection. It allows you to set one of 3 low voltage thresholds that when crossed, will turn off the fridge/freezer. While in the worst case, you may lose some perishable food, you will certainly not lose your nerves and good mood as it will happen when you wake up to see dead batteries.

• Keyed-Alike system

        While some may say that it’s not a matter of safety, the fact that when one key operates the whole camper (entrance door, back door, passthrough storage, A-frame gearbox) you do not have to carry a bunch of keys with you (in this particular case 4).

Ember Micro ROK: Wheel chock

Source: YT; “2022 Ember RV Overland Micro ROK | SMALL OFF-ROAD RV”, by Windish RV

Specifications (Micro ROK)

1. Includes fenders.
2. 4 with an optional RTT (Roof Top Tent)

Construction

• Frame: Heavy-duty, tube steel, off-road Trailblazer™
• Shell: 5-sided aluminum w/laminated Azdel composite inner & outer panels and insulation in between, all reinforced w/powder-coated aluminum Exo-Skeleton
• Floor: TRANSCORE™ Structural composite material w/purely composite layer of insulation
• Underbelly: Enclosed in Radiant Barrier
• Axle: Single
• Suspension: CURT Independent, w/HD Coil Springs, and Dual Shock absorbers
• Brakes: 12”, electric, Self-Adjusting,
• Windows: Dual-pane acrylic w/integrated shades and insect nets
• Hitch: Bolt-on, Height-adjustable “Versa Coupler” system
• Wheels: Nitro-filled 16” Goodyear Wrangler Off-Road Tires (Load Range E including spare), Custom aluminum 6-lugs rims
• Fenders: steel (walkable)

Ember Micro ROK: Headboard storage

Source: "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL", YT; Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Ember Micro ROK: Pass-through storage seen from the interior

Source: "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL", YT; Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Interior Standard Features

• Futon sofa (unfolding into bed)
• Wardrobe
• Overhead "cupboard-type" shelf
• Headboard w/small storage
• Pop-up power bar (headboard)
• Pass-through storage (w/automatic light)
• Table w/swivel
• Hardwood Framed Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
• Shaw flooring

Ember Micro ROK: roof-mounted solar panel

Source: "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL", YT; Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Ember Micro ROK: Standard kitchen

Source: "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL", YT; Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Rear Outdoor Kitchen

• Camco, 12Vdc/120Vac, 75 liters, portable, Refrigerator/Cooler/Freezer w/ Bluetooth-programable dual-zone cooling
• Pull-out Griddle shelf
• Storage rack (shelves)
• Galvanized countertop
• 2 x pegboards
• 2 x LED lights
• 12V LED HDTV w/ Built-In Bluetooth Soundbar AV System
• 120Vac receptacles

Ember Micro ROK: Roof-mounted 12Vdc Max fan

Source: YT; “2022 Ember RV Overland Micro ROK | SMALL OFF-ROAD RV”, by Windish RV

Ember Micro ROK: roof-mounted solar panel

Source: "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL", YT; Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Electrical

• 200W roof-mounted solar panel
• 1 kW pure sine-wave Inverter
• 30 A Solar Controller
• Pop-up power bar w/120Vac from Inverter, and USB ports
• Wall-mounted 120Vac receptacles
• 2 x Exterior Solar Port (for extra panels)
• Dimmable Interior/Exterior LED Lighting
• 3-Speed 12V MAX Ceiling Vent
• 30A Shore power
• Detachable Shore Power Cord w/Faultsmart™ indicators and Pullsmart™ handle
• 12V Tank Heaters
• 12V battery
• Battery Disconnect Switch (passthrough storage)
• Pre-wired for rear camera

Water

• 26 gallons fresh water tank w/12V heater (protected by Enclosed Radiant Barrier Underbelly)
• City water inlet
• Fresh water inlet
• Exterior shower w/hot and cold water (when the optional Truma Water/Air heater is installed)

Ember Micro ROK: Frame-integrated, 2" rear receiver

Source: YT; “2022 Ember RV Overland Micro ROK | SMALL OFF-ROAD RV”, by Windish RV

Ember Micro ROK: LPG "quick-connect"

Source: "Jeep & SUV Towable Off Road Compact RV!! 2022 Ember ROK & ROL", YT; Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV

Ember Micro ROK: Water source (water inlets on the left)

Source:  "2023 Ember Micro ROC. Owner Review: likes, dislikes, and future plans", YT;  by CrayonMuncherAdventures

Exterior

• Shower w/hot and cold water
• Thule® Rack System with J-Cradle for Kayaks
• 2 x Rear stabilizers
• Swivel Tongue Jack
• Rear, LP quick connect
• 2” rear receiver (capacity 300 lbs)
• Lockable, 2-sections aluminum gearbox (tongue-mounted)
• Adjustable, triple entrance step
• 8ft Thule awning (manual)
• Walkable fenders
• Passthrough Storage (exterior access)

Ember Micro ROK: Rear stabilizers ("Thrust-Jacks")

Source:  "2023 Ember Micro ROC. Owner Review: likes, dislikes, and future plans", YT;  by CrayonMuncherAdventures

Ember Micro R|OK: Swivel Tongue jack (here in travel position)

Source: YT; “2022 Ember RV Overland Micro ROK | SMALL OFF-ROAD RV”, by Windish RV

Ember Micro ROK: Battery compartment (Gearbox)

Source:  "2023 Ember Micro ROC. Owner Review: likes, dislikes, and future plans", YT;  by CrayonMuncherAdventures

Safety

• Spare wheel
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Lockable parking brake (wheel chocks)
• Self-adjusting electric brakes
• Keyed-Alike System
• Back-up light
• Smoke/CO/LP Detectors
• Fire Extinguisher

Ember Micro ROK: Optional Griddle

Source: YT; “2022 Ember RV Overland Micro ROK | SMALL OFF-ROAD RV”, by Windish RV

Options

• 8k BTU wall-mounted A/C
• Truma Combi (High Efficiency LP Water Heater and Furnace Combo)
• Griddle (connects to LP Quick Connect)
• Thule® Tepui Roof Top Tent (RTT integrates with standard Thule® Roof Rack System)
• Wireless Side/Rear Camera System with Monitor
• Additional 270Ah 12V Lithium-ion Battery

Ember Micro ROK: Optional 8k BTUs A/C unit

Source: YT; “2022 Ember RV Overland Micro ROK | SMALL OFF-ROAD RV”, by Windish R

Summarizing:      The Ember Overland Micro Series ROK travel trailer is designed for off-road/off-grid journeys. It can comfortably sleep 2 persons on an unfolded sofa or (as an option) in the Rooftop Tent (RTT), leaving a relatively spacious interior for daily needs. Small, lightweight, towable by medium-size SUVs, with a reasonably equipped Rear Outdoor Kitchen (ROK), Solar Package, Large Awning, and Safety Features, the camper will certainly let you explore unbeaten paths.

Go back to: --> Best Off-Road Campers

or              --> Review of Off-Road RVs

Unless otherwise indicated, pictures are the curtesy of Ember RV

Note:  Check with the manufacturer and / or authorized RV Dealer for the up-to-date list of features, options as well as latest specifications. These written above may not be accurate and certainly are subject to change by the factory. We are not responsible for any inaccuracy, the above text is provided only for the general information.

This review was written based on publicly available information for the benefits of the community of RV-ers. We do not receive any gratification or financial benefits from RV manufacturers, dealers, and any other promoters of RVs. 

We are NOT involved in sale and/or retail of RVs!

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