2025 Forest River IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode Review

Getting directly to the point, the 2025 Forest River IBEX 16MKS is one of the better small adventure-ready models I’ve seen. And, with the optional Beast Mode package (reviewed here), it’s a particularly great choice for those who want to match an off-road vehicle with a very willing travel trailer.

 

At a Glance: IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode

The high rating of 7.7 out of 10 for the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode takes several factors into consideration. First, it reflects the fact that IBEX included some premium build features in a relatively small package. These exceptionally usable features specifically make this model is a great way to take advantage of off-grid camping, or overlanding.

While the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode has some trade-offs (we’ll talk about those), they pretty much fall along the exact lines you’d expect for this kind of trailer.

[review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Forest River IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.”]

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 2-3
• Hitch weight: 510 pounds
• UVW: 4,278 pounds 
• CCC: 1,102 pounds
• Exterior length: 20 feet 6 inches
• Exterior height 11 feet 5 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 40/40/30 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 20 pounds
• Awning: N/A
• MSRP: $39,025 (estimated)

 

 

Features We Love

• Beast Mode package that’s built for off-grid camping
• Built-in vacuum
• No outside speakers (Bluetooth speaker included instead)
• Multifunctional sink with drop-in pans, a cutting board, and glass rinser

 

 

Benefits

• Robust off-road capabilities. The Beast Mode is a package that includes an upgraded suspension and solar power system that is well suited to off-grid driving and camping. Upfront, its Curt suspension is the best on the travel trailer market. (More details to follow.)
• Easy clean up. Having a built-in vacuum makes it easier to keep any camper clean — but it’s especially relevant for travel trailers like the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode who are designed for an outdoors/adventure style of camping. You know, the kind that could be more closely associated with tracking dirt inside your RV. 
• Better sound, less chance of leaks. Any breach in the exterior of an RV is a chance of leaking – this RV comes with a portable Klipsch brand Bluetooth speaker which could be taken outside instead of built-in outdoor speakers. The built-in 12-volt TV also can function as a Bluetooth speaker. I have found that these portable Bluetooth speakers often sound much better than the lousy speakers many RV companies put on the outside anyway. 

 

Challenges

• Pocket bed. One of the things I’ve learned is that many RVers really dislike beds in a corner. Being a small trailer, the bed position choices are limited, and this one is in a corner which will turn off some buyers. 
• Higher-priced single-axle trailer. Another polarizing feature is that this is a single axle trailer. Sure, there is a tire pressure monitor system, an exceptional suspension system, and many premium features, but that won’t be enough to sway some buyers. 

 

Best For

• Adventure seekers. If your tow vehicle and camping style love an off-grid adventure, this trailer is an absolutely willing participant in that sort of thing. 
• Shoppers with lighter tow vehicles. While knowing the true towing capacity of any vehicle is important, this RV is likely going to appeal to people whose tow vehicles are a bit more limited thanks to its relatively light weight. It could also prove enticing to those who own more maneuverable tow vehicles and need a more maneuverable trailer. 

 

Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

Sleeping Space

In my encounters with my fellow RVers, one of the most polarizing sleeping arrangements is what is called a pocket bed. This is where the bed is perpendicular to the length of the trailer, and the head and side are against the walls of the RV in a corner. 

This type of sleeping arrangement means that, in the case of two people, one of them is against the wall and has to crawl over the other to get out. (For example, when nature calls in the middle of the night.) This usually presents less of a challenge for younger RVers. (Although over time, this sort of activity might ultimately lead to needing a trailer that can sleep more individuals.) But older travelers are often quite opposed to the pocket-bed arrangement. 

However, it’s not likely lost on any potential buyer that there are certainly limitations as trailers get smaller. And in the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode, the pocket bed is one of the trade-offs which allow this model to still offer a decently spacious interior. On the plus side, this pocket bed is a proper queen-sized bed at 60 inches by 80 inches. (Unlike some trailers with this type of configuration that have short or nonstandard mattress sizes.)

There is hanging storage on the camp side of the bed along with a drawer and an overhead cabinet with additional space. Additionally, there is further space under the bed. So, storage for the bedroom isn’t bad at all.  

If you’re searching for more sleeping space, you could argue that the jackknife sofa is also part of the sleeping are. Just be realistically advised that this is best used by the most youthful travelers. As a sleep space, it’s rather small. 

 

 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode might be a big surprise — especially if you’re making assumptions based on the exterior size of this trailer. The bathroom spans much of the width of the trailer. Which gives it wider functionality. 

Over on the road side, there is also a surprisingly large closet space. The shower is also nicely done being a step-in shower with a curtain that’s bowed at the top to add additional space to the interior of the shower. I also like that the shower curtain closes magnetically. I have written before that I prefer curtains in showers. (In a past life, I managed warranty claims for shattered glass shower doors.) Nicely, the bow at the top makes the space more spacious. 

Another nice feature in here is the high-performance MAXXAIR vent fan, which is a very effective way of removing shower steam and any other odors. The biggest challenge of this bathroom, in my eyes, is the plastic toilet. These can be noisy and become a bit difficult to clean over time. If your prefer for your bathroom performances to be more private, you might be induced by the pronounced squawks of the plastic toilet to replace it with a porcelain model . 

 

 

Living Area

There is not a lot of space in this trailer that could be described as living area, per se. The only thing we have is a two-person couch but that couch features tables that drop into the armrest cup holders that, in turn, have their own cup holders in them. Again, with a smaller trailer, you’re looking for trade-offs that suit your style. The IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode clearly thinks that most of the fun is outside.

 

 

Kitchen

The kitchen in the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode is surprisingly functional for the size of this trailer. There’s a single two-burner propane cooktop along with a convection/air fryer microwave for cooking. The refrigerator in the slide room on the road side is a larger 10-cubic-foot model. The size of the fridge itself is pretty standard in lots of RVs but more than I would have expected in here. 

The galley also delights with some features you might not expect in a rugged, outdoor-oriented trailer. Over time, I have really become a fan of these multifunctional kitchen sinks with drop-in pans for rinsing veggies, drying dishes, and even a cutting board and glass rinser. It’s definitely a more premium sink.  

You might also be surprised by how much counter space there is in this trailer — more even than in some larger models. There’s also one of those nifty pop-up power outlets in the kitchen counter.

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The adventurous feel of the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode is backed-up by a good cold-weather package. This includes a heated and enclosed underbelly along with 12-volt heating pads on the holding tanks. While the holding tanks are protected from the cold, the gate valves are not so you should be careful camping in very cold weather that the gate valves for the holding tanks don’t freeze. 

 

Storage Space

As you might expect, the outside storage on this lightweight travel trailer is limited to a front passthrough storage compartment. Inside, I mentioned earlier the larger closet in the bathroom. The kitchen counter extension also has a pretty decent amount of storage under it. Plus, there is additional storage under the bed. 

Another thing this trailer comes with is a Jack-It bike rack. This is mounted on the tongue of the trailer and enables you to hoist a couple of bikes onto it. The way it works it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the trailer’s load and makes it pretty convenient to bring bicycles along. That means that the two-inch receiver hitch at the back of the trailer could be used for something other than bicycles. (Another bonus in storage/cargo carrying.)

 

 

Chassis/Suspension

For those who want a very much upgraded towing experience, the IBEX 16MKS offers the Curt independent suspension system as part of what is called a Beast Mode package. (This applies to the model reviewed here.) This Curt suspension is simply the best travel trailer suspension on the market. And while it’s pitched at those who want to go off road (and can absolutely handle that), this suspension also offers great towing for anyone. I love that it’s an option, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. 

The IBEX 16MKS comes with aggressive tires, although they are an off brand. They do have tire pressure monitoring built in, which is a big plus.

(Potential buyers should note that the standard chassis on the IBEX 16MKS — not the Beast Mode model reviewed here — features a traditional leaf spring suspension. There is a two-inch receiver at the back for adding cargo.)

 

 

Off-Grid/Sustainability

The standard model of this trailer includes a single 20-watt solar panel along with a 30-amp charge controller. So, it wouldn’t be a stretch to upgrade to more panels. It’s also what is called inverter-prepped, which means that it wouldn’t be a big deal to add an inverter since the wiring is already there. The inverter would allow you to use specified 120-volt AC household outlets on battery power. (Although I would recommend a lithium battery system if this is your goal.)

The great thing about the Beast Mode option (reviewed here) is that it includes that inverter as well as a second 200-watt solar panel. So, you would be well suited to camping in more remote places. Which is kind of the idea behind this RV.

Part of camping off-grid is using fewer items that draw household power, and the TV in this rig uses the 12-volt system rather than needing household power.

 

Build Quality

The slide mechanism in this is a Schwintek mechanism. While these slides have gotten a lot of pushback in various places, these systems are fine if used and maintained properly. 

The walls in RVs like this are made up of various layers including an outer layer of fiberglass and an inside wall board. Between those layers are welded aluminum studs with block foam inserts. It has traditionally been a wood product used just inside the walls called lauan. However, this material can get damaged if even the smallest amount of water leaks in. The IBEX 16MKS uses a product called Azdel which is a man-made product that is unaffected by water. Further, Azdel offers better sound insulation properties.

I also like details such as the lack of furnace vents in the floor of this trailer. They’re mounted into the sides of the cabinetry instead. The cabinets in this RV are the soft-closing variety, which you might not expect but is a nice feature. 

Overall, the build quality was good. On the model I saw, the various components and features were better quality — with the exception of the tire brand.

 

 

Value

Building a trailer with high-quality features like the Curt independent suspension, soft-closing cabinet doors, and other more premium features isn’t the cheapest way to do things. So, the MSRP on this model might be a surprise to someone shopping for smaller trailers. However, I was impressed with the build quality and overall feel of this RV. Alternatively, I can also see how some buyers who may see single-axle trailers as more price-focused could be challenged with the cost of this rig. 

 

Closing Notes on the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode

Frankly, I was really surprised by how open the cabin feels on this model — As well as how nice the kitchen was. Overall, I really like this little trailer. Still, I can see resistance from people looking for a bargain rather than prioritizing build quality and features. But then again, I’ve seen Class Bs priced well above $200,000 and well-built teardrop trailers priced much higher than the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode. (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?)

So, for someone who likes getting into places that larger rigs can only dream of and who thinks getting there is half the fun, the IBEX 16MKS Beast Mode represents a really solid choice. 

 

A Note on the RV Trader Review Process

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.