SURVs were the hot new trend several years ago, and it seemed every manufacturer was breaking its back to get a model introduced. As a result, many of the floorplans were similar across the board, and many ho-hum models were produced.
Now that SURVs are no longer a craze but an actual mainstay, it’s refreshing to see manufacturers refine the amenities and interiors to match the demands of what can be a very particular off-pavement crowd.
MVP’s Vortex 270FS is the result of such refinements. The manufacturer has clearly listened to its customers and, with a nip here and a tuck there, produced a trailer featuring most everything an avid ATVer could want — with a touch of class added in.
Naturally, the main draw of the Vortex is the garage area. The Vortex 270 FS features a cavernous 13-foot, 3-inch (17-foot, 4-inch if you count the kitchen area) platform to store your ATVs, dirt bikes or toy of your choice. The floor boasts 11 tie-downs (including two in the kitchen), as well as two small shelf-type risers that allow you to strap down your toys. This arrangement means you can easily transport a few vehicles at a time (weight permitting), and they’ll more than likely still be upright once you arrive at your destination.
Once you set up camp, the garage area converts into a comfortable living area, complete with two Euro-style leather chairs, two jackknife sofas, a small end table and a removable dinette that can be taken outdoors for alfresco dining. At night, the electric-lift bed located at the rear lowers to reveal an extremely firm queen bed, and the bottom jackknife ($544) converts to a rather comfortable sleeping position.
The galley features a three-burner stove top and a microwave convection oven. An AM/FM/CD/DVD provides the evening entertainment, and the TV is positioned up on the galley wall so it can be viewed from anywhere in the living/ dining areas.
The monitor panel is located in the garage area and features readouts for tanks, the standard Onan 4.0kW AC generator and the gauge for the fuel-fill station, which enables Vortex owners to fill up with fuel for their toys before heading to the dunes.
A larger than expected refrigerator reiterates the importance of keeping hydrated while being active outside, offering more than enough room for water bottles, soda cans, juice boxes and food. The lav is located in a small room amidships, with a porcelain foot-flush commode and shower with small tub. The tall ceiling means headroom is plentiful in the shower, a feature that’s much appreciated. Across from the bathroom — and right next to the master bedroom — is a small sink for hand-washing duties.
The standard RV queen bed is comfortable enough, and there are his and hers wardrobe cabinets for hanging shirts and the like. One side of the bed features a small nightstand, which is a convenience often taken for granted until it’s not there.
A thin curtain is all that separates Mom and Dad from the rest of the trailer, meaning anybody moving about after retiring for the night will have to tread lightly so as not to disturb their slumber — or stumble into their room.
The Vortex does a nice job of toeing the line between Spartan and luxury; just enough is there to make you feel as though you’re in a high-line trailer. In addition to the numerous tie-down points, standard AC-generator and fuel-fill station, thoughtful add-ons like a power awning ($312), aluminum wheels ($341) and large open shelves for helmets and gear show that MVP really gets to know its customers, and builds accordingly.
MVP RV, (951) 848-4288
