Is the Outback worth the upgrade cost?

hilokya

New here to the forum.  Put a deposit down on a Max S to pick up in May but have debated switching to the Outback model.  It will be a 2017 if I do switch and raise the total cost by $3,500 ($1,000 for going up to a 2017 and $2500 for upgrading to an Outback).  For the most part, I will be in campgrounds with hookups but am debating whether the additional clearance would be nice to have if I do attempt some rougher roads....but can't decide if "nice to have' is worth an additional $3,500.  Would appreciate any advice.  Thanks!

Tabaz

If you're going to be in campsites with hook-ups, then I would say "no," the upgrades are unnecessary.  Use the money elsewhere.

jkjenn

hilokya said:

New here to the forum.  Put a deposit down on a Max S to pick up in May but have debated switching to the Outback model.  It will be a 2017 if I do switch and raise the total cost by $3,500 ($1,000 for going up to a 2017 and $2500 for upgrading to an Outback).  For the most part, I will be in campgrounds with hookups but am debating whether the additional clearance would be nice to have if I do attempt some rougher roads....but can't decide if "nice to have' is worth an additional $3,500.  Would appreciate any advice.  Thanks!

If you only need thru clearance and not anything else, you can request that with your order. I have just the axle upgrade, and I think that is fine with me.

Verna

I tow with a Tacoma 4x4, but I typically don't do "off roading".  I camped 61 nights out of 93 without electrical at my various campsites in AZ and the travels to and from AZ, and I never did feel the need to have a taller T@B. I was able to get into campsites that were just a sandy spot between creosote bushes, up and down short banks of sand and never had a problem. I always figured I could if needed, use my truck to knock down sandy slopes for the T@B. I've met Frank and he needs an Outback, but I can't justify the price difference for me.

JustJohn

For me, the larger tub (nice to have if you are considering solar or a large battery upgrade), the additional storage on the racks on the front, getting the the spare tire from under the trailer and making it much more accessible on a rear rack, and lastly the additional clearance and suv tires made it the right choice for me. I had a Silver Shadow prior to my T@B and had a problem with dragging at some gas stations and entrances in hilly areas so l was happy to get the additional clearence of the Outback. If you are going to camp in state or federal parks the additional ground clearence is also a plus. In the end, it depends  on your personal style of camping.

Photomom

You can order the diamond plate tub and front platform with any model. 

Verna

I have the diamond plate tub and, yes, it is larger than the stock tubs. I have a propane tank, two 6V golf cart batteries, two "normal" electrical extension cords and my wheel chocks in there. They fit very well. 

kybob

On my 2016, I was able to get the Outback axel at no additional cost.

hilokya

The extras on the Outback do sound nice but as boo said, you can buy a lot of goodies with $3,500 and it sounds like the standard model will be sufficient for the type of camping I plan on doing.  Thanks for the input everyone!  Much appreciated.