When we shared our round-up of new RVs announced at Overland Expo last week, one model flew under our radar. The new Rǒg 12RK-FB from Encore RV expands the company’s adventure trailer line-up in some interesting ways, including adding an innovative pop-up wet bath to the floor plan. The design cleverly mounts the bathroom on the tongue of the rig, giving an otherwise small and lightweight travel trailer a feature that normally wouldn’t fit inside.
Essentially, the new 12RK-FB travel trailer resembles the existing 12RK in most ways, except for one major detail. The new addition to the Encore RV catalog features a large black box sandwiched between a traditional storage container at the front and the actual RV itself. That large box contains the bathroom, which utilizes a pop-up tent made from durable ripstop materials to create a surprisingly roomy interior. The door uses magnetic closure for quick and easy entry and exit, while zip-open screened windows offer ventilation. The rig’s 18,000 BTU furnace pumps heat into the tent to keep it warm and cozy in cold conditions.
Photo Credit: Encore RV
Inside, the pop-up tent you’ll find a Thetford cassette toilet and a shower. The trailer’s 43-gallon freshwater tank provides water, while an on-demand heater ensures it is hot and ready for use at all times. An EVA foam mat offers a non-slip surface for safely getting in and out of the bathroom, while an aluminum-coated shower base assists with stability and drainage. And when not in use, the tent collapses down into a storage box equipped with a cargo rail system for securely hauling important and useful gear.
As noted above, the rest of the Rǒg 12RK-FB mirrors the standard 12RK travel trailer. Both feature wood-free construction with an aluminum chassis that is lightweight, nimble, and rugged. The interior includes a queen-size mattress, numerous storage cabinets, and a smart TV. The galley kitchen is found in the rear and comes with a slide-out stove, a sink, mini-fridge, more storage, and counter space for meal prep. An off-road suspension and all-terrain tires make this towable a great option for overlanding and off-grid camping.
Photo Credit: Encore RV
The video above was shot at Overland Expo West with the Encore RV team. It gives viewers a great introduction to the 12RK-FB floor plan, including a thorough look at the new wet bath design, both in its stowed position and when deployed. As you’ll see, this innovative approach feels like a nice addition to the rig, giving owners an unexpected amenity that will enhance their camping experience.
As of this writing, the new Encore RV Rig 12RK-FB is not yet listed on the company’s website, but you can bet it will be added soon. Visit encore-rv.com to find out more.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
