The Black Series HQ Lineup Explained
The HQ12, HQ15, HQ17, and HQ19 are four of the eight current Black Series models (the others are the HQ21, HQ21 Balcony, and the TH19 and TH22 toy haulers). All four share the same off-road platform — a hot-dipped galvanized steel chassis, Black Series' patented fully independent suspension with dual shock absorbers and coil springs per wheel, and an ADR-approved articulating off-road hitch. But they're meaningfully different in layout, sleeping capacity, weight, and what kind of travel they suit best.
This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the right model without second-guessing it later.
At a Glance: HQ12 vs HQ15 vs HQ17 vs HQ19
| Feature | HQ12 | HQ15 | HQ17 | HQ19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Pop-top travel trailer | Travel trailer, en-suite | Family travel trailer | Luxury travel trailer |
| Sleeps | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Dry weight | 5,080 lb | 5,291 lb | 6,000 lb | 6,525 lb |
| GVWR | 7,500 lb | 7,000 lb | 10,000 lb | 10,000 lb |
| Solar (standard) | 600W | 600W | 600W | 600W |
| Lithium battery (standard) | 200Ah | 400Ah | 400Ah | 400Ah |
| Inverter (standard) | 2,000W pure sine | 2,000W pure sine | 2,000W pure sine | 2,000W pure sine |
| Tow vehicle | Properly equipped half-ton / full-size SUV rated 8,000 lb+ | Properly equipped half-ton / full-size SUV rated 8,000 lb+ | 3/4-ton truck or larger | 3/4-ton truck or larger |
| Base MSRP | $49,899 | $54,899 | $59,899 | $59,899 |
Note: Figures are 2027 model-year Base edition specs. The Yellow Stone (+$15,000) and Rocky Mountain (+$30,000) editions add 1,200W of solar, an 800Ah Victron lithium package, and a 3,000W inverter. Always check the current Black Series spec sheet for your exact build.
HQ12: The Compact Adventurer
The HQ12 is Black Series' smallest model — a pop-top travel trailer that sleeps 4, with a wet bath. At 5,080 lb dry (7,500 lb GVWR), it fits most properly equipped half-ton trucks and full-size SUVs rated to tow 8,000 lb or more. A mid-size truck or SUV is not enough.
What it does well: The HQ12 is the most compact rig in the range, so it fits tracks and campsites that are uncomfortable for larger models. The pop-top gives standing room when set up, and it still carries 600W of roof solar, a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter, and a 200Ah lithium battery as standard.
Where it falls short: The bathroom is a wet bath rather than a separate en-suite, and interior and storage space are the tightest in the range. Buyers who want more room should look at the HQ15 or HQ17.
Best for: Couples or small families (it sleeps 4) doing remote off-road touring who want the smallest footprint and a half-ton-towable rig. Shop: HQ12 parts and accessories.
HQ15: The Sweet Spot
The HQ15 is a travel trailer with an en-suite bathroom that sleeps 3. At 5,291 lb dry (7,000 lb GVWR) it is, with the HQ12, one of the two Black Series models that fits most properly equipped half-ton trucks and full-size SUVs rated to tow 8,000 lb or more — every other model needs a 3/4-ton truck or larger.
What it does well: The en-suite bathroom is the standout upgrade over the HQ12's wet bath. It also steps up to a 400Ah lithium battery alongside the same 600W of roof solar and 2,000W pure sine wave inverter, and it stays half-ton towable.
Where it falls short: It sleeps 3, so it suits couples better than families. If you need to sleep more people, the HQ17 (sleeps 5) is the family model — but it needs a 3/4-ton truck or larger to tow.
Best for: Couples who want an en-suite bathroom and a 400Ah lithium system while keeping a half-ton tow vehicle. Shop: HQ15 parts and accessories.
HQ17: The Serious Tourer
The HQ17 is Black Series' family travel trailer and sleeps 5. It is 6,000 lb dry with a 10,000 lb GVWR, and carries a 400Ah lithium battery, 600W of roof solar, and a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter as standard.
What it does well: Sleeping for five makes the HQ17 the model to look at if you're traveling with children. The 400Ah lithium system and 600W of solar support extended off-grid stays, and the standard 13,500 BTU air conditioner, 16,000 BTU furnace, and R16 insulation (rated -10°F to 110°F) keep it usable year-round.
Where it falls short: The HQ17 needs a 3/4-ton truck or larger to tow — a half-ton or mid-size vehicle is not enough. It's also bigger than the HQ12 and HQ15, which matters in tight campsites and on narrow tracks.
Best for: Families who want sleeping for five and serious off-grid capability, and who have (or will buy) a 3/4-ton tow vehicle. Shop: HQ17 parts and accessories.
HQ19: The Family Flagship
The HQ19 is Black Series' luxury travel trailer. It sleeps 3, with a queen bed and a separate en-suite bathroom (not a wet bath). It is 6,525 lb dry with a 10,000 lb GVWR and carries a 400Ah lithium battery, 600W of roof solar, and a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter as standard.
What it does well: The HQ19 is built around comfort for two or three — a proper queen bed and a separate bathroom make it the most home-like of these four. It shares the same off-road platform as the rest of the range: hot-dipped galvanized chassis, patented independent suspension, and an articulating off-road hitch.
Where it falls short: It sleeps 3, so it is not a family camper — families should look at the HQ17. Like the HQ17, it needs a 3/4-ton truck or larger to tow.
Best for: Couples who want a luxury layout with a queen bed and a separate en-suite for extended trips. Shop: HQ19 parts and accessories.
Which HQ Should You Buy?
Couples who want a half-ton-towable rig for tight tracks: HQ12 (sleeps 4, wet bath) or HQ15 (sleeps 3, en-suite)
Couples who want a luxury layout with a queen bed and separate en-suite: HQ19
Families with kids who need sleeping space: HQ17 (sleeps 5)
Budget and tow vehicle capacity: Work backwards from your tow vehicle. The HQ12 and HQ15 fits most properly equipped half-ton trucks and full-size SUVs rated to tow 8,000 lb or more. The HQ17 and HQ19 need a 3/4-ton truck or larger. Base prices are $49,899 (HQ12), $54,899 (HQ15), and $59,899 (HQ17 and HQ19), plus a flat $2,880 delivery anywhere in the continental US or free pickup in Upland, CA. Always check your vehicle's towing and payload ratings before deciding.
Upgrading Your HQ: Parts and Accessories
Regardless of which HQ model you choose, the same upgrades make every model more capable off-grid:
Lithium battery upgrade: The HQ15, HQ17, and HQ19 come with 400Ah of lithium as standard and the HQ12 with 200Ah. HQ12 owners who want longer off-grid stays can add capacity; the Yellow Stone and Rocky Mountain editions step up to an 800Ah Victron package.
Victron SmartSolar MPPT: If you're replacing a charge controller or adding panels, a Victron SmartSolar MPPT adds Bluetooth monitoring so you can see exactly what your solar is producing. A meaningful upgrade for extended off-grid use.
Dometic CoolMatic CRX 80: If you're replacing a fridge, a Dometic CoolMatic CRX 80 compressor fridge is a popular swap. Check the cut-out dimensions and voltage against your current unit before ordering.
Additional water storage: Black Series models carry about 64 gallons of fresh water plus a separate triple-filtered drinking tank of about 12 to 16 gallons, depending on the model. For longer remote stays, portable water storage such as jerry cans is the simplest way to carry more.
Parts and Spares for Your HQ
We stock Black Series OEM replacement parts across all HQ models — suspension components, water fittings, interior hardware, awning parts, and electrical accessories. Browse our Black Series parts collection or contact us to find a specific part for your year model and build variant.