Starting the Search for Our Next RV… (Yikes!)


This post may contain affiliate links.

OK.  First thing… DON’T TELL LANCE!  I don’t want him to hear and start freaking out, but… we’ve started talking about what our next RV might look like.  It’s not like we’re getting a new RV tomorrow or anything, so nobody panic yet.

You can see our whole thought process in the video below:

 

So what we’re doing is going through a modified version of our own 8 Step Program for Choosing Your First RV.  It’s a modified version for a few reasons.  First, the 8 Step Program was written to help people with a FIRST time RV selection.  We already have an RV, so things are a bit different for us.  We don’t need to rent one, for example.  Next, one of the steps in the program – visit an RV show – would be difficult in 2020 since there are very few RV shows this year. But there are virtual ones, like Camping World’s Ultimate RV Show.  I plan on checking that out because I hear they will be announcing some new RV models at the show.  You never know…

Also – since we already have an RV that’s pretty freaking awesome – we’re not interested in going backwards.  In other words, we have a hard “floor” for features and functionality.  And finally, though our list of wants is extensive… I have the ability to make significant modifications to any new RV we get.  So even things that might be deal-breakers for some other folks might not end things for us.  (But let’s be honest, there are some mods even I’m not willing to make.)

So how does this process look for us? Lifting directly from our 8-Step Program, we get through the first three steps in this video.

Step 1:  Stop Thinking About RVs

Here, we lay out our use case: how we plan to use an RV.  And since we’ve been RVing for almost a decade now, we have a pretty good handle on this.  In the future, we intend to do more of what already works for us!  If we describe our RVing style in 10 bullet points, it looks like this:

    1. We almost ALWAYS travel with bikes.
    2. Two Humans. One Cat Overlord.
    3. Both of us will drive.
    4. We RV in extreme weather conditions – desert southwest plus snow & skiing
    5. We never stay in any one place for very long.
    6. We take some shorter trips, some longer ones. 2 days to 2 months.
    7. We plan trips based on what we want to do:
      1. Cycling events
      2. RV Events, Shows, Meet-ups, etc.
    8. Working a full-time 9-5 job remotely from the road is (unfortunately) mandatory.
    9. We take our RVs on narrow and/or windy roads, into urban environments, crowded trailheads, and Starbucks parking lots.
    10. Some RV parks, some remote camping, some Wal-Mart – none dominates.

Nothing earth-shattering there, but now you know who we are and how we roll.

 

Step 2:  Rent an RV

Yeah.  We can skip that one.

Though we do get to borrow new RV models from time to time, so we’re not opposed to taking something out for a trial run.  (Like we did with the Solis 59PX this summer!)  You can bet if we have any more opportunities like that, we’re going to jump on them if the rig is even close to what we think we want.

 

Step 3:  Figure Out Features You Want

This is kind of like brainstorming for us.  We just went nuts and listed out everything we think we want in an RV.  It got a little, uhhh… dreamy…

    1. Under 24 feet in TOTAL length
    2. All Wheel Drive or 4WD
    3. NO PUZZLE BEDS!
    4. Dedicated INDOOR bike storage
    5. No restriction on RV Class (A, B, C)
    6. 4 season capability – Insulation, tanks, etc.
    7. Dual pane acrylic windows
    8. No mandatory toilet preference
    9. Lithium Battery System (20,000 watt-hours)
    10. No Generator
    11. Solar capability nice, but not a driver
    12. No pre-installed connectivity solution
    13. Separate areas for sleep and work
    14. A proper and sturdy work table
    15. Tables for two
    16. Induction cooktop
    17. Large NON-ABSORPTION fridge
    18. Ample pantry space
    19. Separate wardrobe space
    20. Capability to bring “cat stuff”
    21. See-Level tank monitors (or could add them)
    22. Prefer without TV or Entertainment system
    23. Quiet, PREFERABLY DUCTED air conditioning
    24. No “pictures of wood”
    25. 7-pin wiring harness for trailer
    26. 360-Siphon Vent Covers
    27. Leveling System
    28. Air Suspension
    29. Permanent Surge Suppressor

And since we made the video, we came up with another one:

30.  Can’t be too wide

We don’t really know what “too wide” is.  We know that our current ProMaster is 81 inches wide, and we’re completely fine with that.  The LTV Wonder is about 95 inches wide, and that seems too wide for us.  For reference, the maximum allowable vehicle width is about 102 inches for like a semi or something, and parking spaces are about 108 inches wide (give or take).  So what do we want?  We don’t have a number in mind, but definitely closer to the 81 inches than to 95 inches.  Let’s just say that ideally, we’d like something in a van-type footprint, and leave it there for now.

 

So What’s Next

In the next steps, we’ll put these features in order, and then start identifying models and checking them out at RV shows.  We have a lot of “which is more important, a or b?” questions to ask ourselves. And then we get to try to identify rigs that match up with our prioritized wish list.

CLICK HERE for Part Two of this series!!!

 



James is a former rocket scientist, a USA Cycling coach, and lifelong fitness buff. When he's not driving the RV, or modifying the RV (or - that one time - doing both at once), you can find him racing bicycles, or building furniture, or making music. In his spare time, he works for a large IT company.


    78 thoughts on “Starting the Search for Our Next RV… (Yikes!)

    1. Sandy DePottey

      Looking forward to what you find. I am looking for something on the new Transit chassis… AWD a bonus. We have a few different needs than you guys, but many are the same. Right now Crosstrek, and Wonder are the dudes. I am betting Winnebago comes out with new Transit rigs, both class B and C. My search criteria is in particular to a many month trip to Alaska. My Travato would work, but I think AWD and all the safety features of the Transit would be nice.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We’re really looking forward to getting to drive a new Transit-based rig.
        Hmmmmm… there’s a Ford dealer nearby that has some. Maybe something to do this weekend!

        Reply
        1. Sandy DePottey

          Yes good plan, we have a local dealer with several Transit rigs on the lot. LTV, Crosstrek and Beyond. I did a lookie loo a few weeks ago, but didnt have time to test drive, even though they offered. Might be worth another trip….

    2. Tsippi

      This is a very helpful video.Thank you.I guess one lesson is that our wants and needs change as we go through time, and that is okay. After my furnace went on the fritz in early September, I added “electric backup heat” to my list of “dream RV features”. I was parked next to a 14 foot trailer recently that had a nifty built-in electric fireplace that they used when they were plugged in. Something like that, or at least a heating element in my A/C, would have made the last three weeks a lot more comfortable.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        So true – your RV needs and wants will definitely change over time.
        10 years ago, we would have never considered “Cat” in our RV selection!!

        Reply
    3. Matt

      Great thought process. Since we could not get all our wishes fulfilled in a van or class C, we switched to a 5th wheel built for us, with all our ideas in it. Total length is 26 feet, with the tow vehicle (RAM 1500 4×4) 36 feet and the best is if we want to go sightseeing or to a supermarket, we just unhitch. It is a much safer tow than a trailer/bumper pull. But I know, kind of bulky and too large for you. ))). However, here in Europe we can import US vehicles and quite a few people do. Yes, there is customs duty and a conversion process but it can be done. So I would think, that it should also be possible to import a European vehicle to the US. If you need help, importing a C-Minus from Europe, let me know.

      Reply
    4. steven juaquin ketchbaw

      Can’t wait to see what you find. I believe you guys might think this is the ultimate rig……the sunliner habitat 3..
      https://youtu.be/DaS8F-sOqlY
      So frustrating that the us market can’t develop similar things on the chassis that are released in the us vs australia. I would buy this tomorrow….I’ve approached several integrated truck camper companies but they all say the same thing…the us market chassis can’t handle the weight. I am looking for a b+ ior small C (less than 22 feet) that does everything you are asking for but has additional sleeping space for little kids (fold down bunk). Now that some manufacturers are going into AWD on some platforms offerings may get improved. The other class C that I somewhat like is the
      https://www.unboundfreedom.com/
      I only wish they had a smaller footprint like in the sunliner habitat 3. If you come across something like that please review it It appears unless one is wanting a class b Van, options are pretty limited on awd/4×4 or something that isn’t going to drag on the first blm road and rip off the black water drain. Don’t need an earthroamer…just a rv that is’t a 30 feet long 4×4. Hopefully some new offering is on the horizon as all the companies seem to be going LONGER rather than a shorter more creative footprint. Best options right now appear to be the thor gemini/compass or the coachmen crosstrek. Both are just a little to long…and neither has a fold down bunk for littles.

      Reply
    5. Jeff Hill

      We are looking at going to a Wonder LTV from our 2019 Travato G. But the lack of four season is a no go. If you look the the Wonder please comment on the possibility to insulate to water systems.

      Reply
    6. Graham Smith

      It would seem that C could meet the storage and work space but many models tend to go past 24′ and aren’t as slim as you’d like which narrows the field. But a problem I have seen is that C’s tend to lag behind B’s when it comes to technology. Some still sport absorption refrigerators and have only made the leap to AGM’s recently. It will be interesting to see where this leads you.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        The lame-o tech is one of the things that’s kept us out of a Class C to date.
        Eventually, we’re hoping something will shake loose and there will be a cool class C rig for us.
        It will certainly be an interesting journey!

        Reply
    7. George Brown

      Just wondering about a couple of items that did not get much coverage. In particular heating systems, would it be propane, ducted, hot water or something else? The idea of a fixed bed is good but if it looms up near the ceiling all that square footage is not useful for office or lounge. One thing that has surprised us over the 30 years in vans and RVs is that people don’t make good use of the cab space, some even using curtains to block it off entirely.
      Enjoying your selection process and looking forward to the next installment. We no longer need work space but would still like the bike space. Our 20′ 2018 Carado Banff contains lots of compromises but fit our budget (it’s paid for!) and will hopefully continue providing us with our getaway vehicle for a long time.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Heating is an interesting question. Our preference would be for a “single fuel” setup. Which would most likely lean towards a diesel rig with diesel heat and hot water. But those are not super common.
        Next choice would be propane but only for heat and water. In the event of propane, we’d want a REALLY BIG propane tank, or barring that, something that was super-easy to refill. (Look at the Winnebago Intent or a travel trailer to see what I mean.)

        I’m not totally stoked about using the cab area. Maybe it’s just a weird personal problem, but after driving all day, the last thing I want to do is *continue* to sit in that same seat.
        It’s nice to have the option though.

        Reply
    8. Sean Halpin

      (continued from previous post)

      James and Stef, it would be fantastic to see both of you do a whole series of detailed videos exploring every aspect of your collaboration with the Advanced RV team to design, select materials, and build a custom RV to meet all of your needs. Maybe even with you doing some of the design and build work with them at the Advanced RV factory. Since you can each work remotely, might that be possible? Such a series of videos would also be fabulous advertising for Advanced RV. Possibly, you could do a little bartering and negotiate a reduced price in return for the video series and an ongoing marketing arrangement with Advanced RV. (It would be very interesting to see a Cinderella Motion Toilet incorporated into an Advanced RV…)

      I’m looking forward to watching your journey toward a new RV. Best wishes and be well.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Here are the things that give me pause about an incinerating toilet:
        Inlet combustion air
        Exhaust requirements
        Propane requirements
        I’ve read the information on the Cinderella motion, and it looks like it requires 180g of propane per flush.
        That gets you about 50 flushes per 20 pound BBQ tank. And that’s not including the cost of the liners, which (if my currency conversion is right) are about a dime per flush.
        Inlet air might be easy enough through the floor, but exhaust could prove challenging if the unit were not designed in from the start.

        And in the end, you have a toilet that runs on fossil fuel. Not sold on the idea, honestly.

        You’re right about the ARV B-Box though.
        It’s an intriguing concept that’s right up our alley.
        And we like the folks at Advanced RV. They’re super nice.

        Reply
    9. Sean Halpin

      Hi Stef, James an Mel!

      I really enjoy your excellent videos! They are such a joy to watch. After seeing this video, I had a few thoughts I wanted to share.

      When you mentioned toilet options, an incinerating toilet was not on your list. I recently became aware of the Cinderella Motion Incineration Toilet and thought you might want to check it out, if you haven’t already. It looks like a very interesting solution – clean and not smelly. I would be interested to see your thoughts on this option in a video.

      https://youtu.be/5eMDMC4_Zqo

      https://www.cinderellaeco.com/mobilehomes

      I couldn’t stop thinking that a great option for your next RV would be to do a custom build with Advanced RV. What an amazing collaboration that would be! Of course, I imagine cost is an important consideration for you. 🙂 Have you seen the teaser video about the upcoming B-Box?
      https://youtu.be/S4iDq8D2CBM
      Exterior width is 3 inches narrower than a Sprinter van, yet the interior width is 9 inches wider than a Sprinter van.

      (continued in next post)

      Reply
    10. JoEllen Hanrahan

      Great process – glad you are sharing it. I hope some RV company is following along and making design changes as you speak. I’m pretty sure it would be a smart move on their part as a slew of people will be buying your choice right after you do. Let’s hope they hear ditching the “puke brown” fake wood interiors. Looking forward to watching the next installment.

      Reply
    11. Pete

      How about the Safari Condo XL Flex Sprinter 4WD with lift bed and slide-out bike/gear tray? Fits most of your features list, then have Advanced RV add air suspension, leveling system and quiet AC.

      Sprinter’s 4wd has better ground clearance, and particularly departure angle, than Ford Transit AWD for MTB trail access. And current CAD exchange rates make the Safari Condo interior upfit very cost effective for US buyers.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        If you can get rid of the cab-over sleeping, we’ll take it!
        Wondering about the weight though, with that tag axle…

        Reply
    12. Greg U

      Love the reviews and fit tips that both you and Stephanie do.
      Your reviews are full of detailed information and yet entertaining.
      How about Coachmen Beyond? AWD, New cab improvements for 21,10 speed with Ecoboost engine, trailer hitch, dual wheels, Pro air 12 volt, Rockwall insulation and Phase chang option, Sumo springs, quality cabinets, new quiet generator for 21 or Li3 option, plus just only 22ft 2 inches long and 84 inches wide.
      Good Luck on your search!

      Reply
    13. Gail MacDonald

      Just found your video! We sold our Pleasureway Plateau FL last summer. Planned to travel Europe for a few years and then enter the RV world again. And then BOOM!
      So, here we sit, in Canada, with no RV. We have thought about bridging time in a Tofino. Looked at the Revel but value our marriage too much to share that mini bed. Looked at the Coachman Beyond but not meeting our requirements. You just duplicated our list!!! We are so wanting more clearance and AWD or 4×4. Please, please continue your thought process and lead us in the right direction!

      Reply
    14. Martin

      very similar list to ours except the cat is a 150lb dog. We finally went with a 2021 Winnebago Revel. We’re adding a GLSS in the garage and modifying the bench seat into a dog sleeping area.

      I considered a bunch of custom options to better fit the needs but price and delivery time always never play in our favor so we settled for the Revel…for now. Other considerations were EarthCruiser and Tiger (with slight mod).

      They used to make class Cs that were about 21′ to 22′ long and narrower than today’s ones. Have you considered finding one and replacing the corner bed with a garage? I saw one for sale years ago with that setup and thought it was clever! You sleep above the cab, have a big dinette to sit and work and all your gear is safely inside. The newer ones are slightly longer/larger but the big storage under the bed makes it possible to store 2 bikes and access them from outside. Met a couple in Utah last year who were carrying 2 bikes just like that. Insulation is not good, hence my Tiger consideration with similar mod but the sleeping arrangement over the cab is too tight for the 2 of us.

      Anyways, I’m curious to see what you’ll eventually choose.

      Reply
    15. Shaun Simpkins

      We’ve wondered what kind of a rig we would buy after our present KL. It’s a tough question. If you’re looking for something that’s a little bit wider than a ProMaster but not as wide as, say, a Unity, you may run smack into the preferences of the North American market for wide wide instead of a skosh wider. I suspect that there are plenty of European C- rigs that know what to do with 86″ of width, but the question I would have is how would you square the waddleapolis road manners and width with your desire to travel tight paths? I mean, people buy Sprinters ’cause they’re narrow.

      We love the inside of the Wonder with the garage, but wonder if it would still be wonderful with 6″ less interior width. We’ve watched those things try to park, and thank our lucky stars we’re only 21′ long.

      One general design principle I’d love to see in a future van is Eliminate Thou The Massive Inverter. It’s possible for ACs; DC power. It’s also possible to greatly increase their efficiency, if manufacturers would dig a bit into their pockets and put together existing tech to make a 2x efficient ductless. People would buy them…and that would set off a cascade of efficiency benefits that would greatly reduce your need for 20KWH of battery. We simply can’t keep throwing power at our problems anymore.

      Reply
    16. Rich Ambrose

      Really looking forward to following your search! Our list is just like yours in all the important areas. Many comments hear about custom, and we’ve thought of that, too, but I decided that the bikes-under-the-platform-bed configuration doesn’t meet our needs (even though that’s essentially what you have now). That’s why I think the bike garage, like the LTV Wonder RTB or the small class Cs you saw in Europe, are the way to go. Those are much harder to do as a DIY. But hopefully you will find a really good configuration! (And, once you discover it, we will buy one just like it!)

      Reply
    17. Patrick Couling

      There are 3 North American Class B’s with beds that raise and lower: All can be had with Lithium. I don’t think that any are 4 season.
      1. Safari Condo which you reviewed. (Promoaster)
      2. Midwest Automotive Designs / Fleetwood IROK. (Promaster)
      3. Alp / Adventurer “Tribute” (Ford Transit). Made in Yakima, WA. Available with AWD, A/T tires, roof rack, etc. On-line, I saw a model on the Fraserway RV Kelowna site.

      Alternatively, you could go to one of the custom manufacturers who could build you an European style RV with a raised bed and garage.

      Reply
    18. Mark Harrington

      Winnebago has discontinued the Fuse – the only model they built on the Transit. You know the marketing people there. Send them your criteria and get them to build it on the AWD Transit with the V-6 eco boost. Elevated bed in the rear allowing for a garage like the LTV wonder and Winnebago quality I know I would buy it.

      Reply
    19. Don Kane

      One comment on your need for AC and electric cooking. If not for those you could use an 200 Ah rather than 20k Ah.

      So the cat is in play (always are) and your comfort…

      …but we have done great sleeping using a max air fan on exhaust (at 20%) and a vent window near our heads. And during the day, we can keep the van at ambient with no problem.

      From your write ups, seems you seek out warm temps on you outings (or reverse), which we don’t. The van has wheels.

      And I love cooking with gas, so I won’t bother going there…

      Reply
    20. Ted

      You have the skills to build out an empty box. That’s where you want to start, for sure. On the construction side, it’s just so much easier to have straight, flat walls. You’re not riding back there so you don’t need to do crash engineering for seats.

      But the biggest advantage is insulation. Go out and measure the thickness of your sliding door. Even if you coat a B-van’s interior with with foam, it will never insulate as well as 2″ of a fiberglass/foam sandwich, because of the steel “thermal bridges”. By going to a box, you instantly gain about 4 inches in interior width.

      Reply
      1. Melissa Cait

        The biggest concern about self builds is that many places we checked into won’t accept home builds because they aren’t from accredited and certified companies. Please be aware of this. We were asked about our van certification a number of times. This comes in the wake of numerous accidents reported by various campgrounds (e.g. leaks, sound issues, emissions, and even explosions!)

        Reply
    21. Matt M

      In the video it sounded like you described the cross trek coachman. All of the things it lacks you can add. We’re looking at that one, for the storage and size all thanks to your video on it. We were also looking at truck campers, they seem more winter proof but I’m not crazy about the whole leave the vehicle to get back in concept… well at least for the humans; the cats can pass right on through! Thanks for the video.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        The Cross Trek is certainly something we’ll be taking a look at once we’ve got our list of features in order!

        Reply
    22. Brian McCarty

      Speaking of price, I assume that is an issue as well. I mean if you find something that meets your requirements but costs $750,000 that’s going to give you a pause…

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Good point!
        We didn’t mention it specifically, but price will certainly be a consideration for us.
        We haven’t had the discussion about what kind of price we’re willing to look at though. THAT will be a fun one!

        Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Uh…? You mean like the one we have?
        A “regular” Travato would be a step backwards for us. We’ve already modified Lance to be as close to perfect for us as possible.

        Reply
    23. Don Kane

      Your Lance is FWD, but what is the weight on the rear wheels? It could be that the back is heavier than the front. In that case a RWD (like on a Ford Transit) might be as good as AWD.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Lance, like all Travato (Travatoes?) is heavier in the back.
        We’ve never had any real difficulties with Lance getting us anywhere (though we do wish for a bit more clearance sometimes). AWD of 4WD will be a weaker requirement for us.

        Reply
        1. Don Kane

          Maybe Travatii? My Latin is weak.

          Our Transit handles amazingly in the snow, seemingly Subaru like. I havent measured the weights yet, but I am thinking 40/60 or 45/55 front/back weights.

          FWD is nice in the snow when the weight in is the front. Otherwise…

        2. Don Kane

          Snow tires, I have heard this too. The last set of snow tires I have had was in 1972, about the time of the radial revolution. But being from Buffalo originally, I consider snow tires and 4WD as unsporting

          That said, I have heard good things about oversized snow tire for summer use on backcountry roads, so they might be in our replacement tires in the future.

      2. K1327

        The search process is exceptional.
        I think what you are describing is the new Advance RV Box. Please keep us posted. Thanks

        Reply
        1. James - Post author

          The B-Box is interesting, but still in the “prototype” stage for them.
          If there’s a way we can get there and take a closer look at one (it?), we certainly will.

    24. Ian F

      I see you left the Comments active of the YouTube video. Not sure if that was intentional, but from past experience I’ll leave my comment here.

      I’m really looking forward to this journey since your wish list is basically identical to my own. And we’ve had similar discussions in the FB group.

      In all my years of searching, I haven’t found anything that really fits the bill (mainly the non-negotiable indoor bike storage) so the DIY build route is what I’ve resigned myself to, although an already built option is still on the table if there is an option out there that isn’t 100% custom and therefore is deep into the 6-figure price range.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Thanks for popping over to comment.
        We’d rather not have to go custom. Because if we did… I would do it. And Stef really doesn’t want me to.
        Safari Condo makes about the closest thing we can think of “off the shelf”, but there are logistical challenges in getting one… especially now with the border still closed!

        Reply
        1. David

          I know this would be a total left turn for you as it was for us but, look at the Oliver Elite II travel trailer. Paired with a 4×4 pickup or van to haul your bikes (modded of course), it checks all of your list except you would have to replace the fridge. True 4 season camper!

        2. James - Post author

          Interesting idea. But I don’t think Stef is ready to give up on going to the restroom while I’m driving!

    25. Ken Ross

      First of all, many thanks for your website and Youtube channel, both of which are superb. In regard to your search for a new RV, we share most of the same criteria. But as you undoubtedly know, the only Class C RV sold in America with a garage is the Leisure Travel Vans Wonder RTB. This is high on our list as we decide on a rig. Of course it is 24′ 9″, a little longer than your ideal, but it’s close. I know you tested that model a while back. However, the latest iteration of the RTB on the new Transit chassis has become much more interesting. AWD is now an option and the new V6 gas powertrain is just outstanding. Levelers are available in the aftermarket (e.g. Bigfoot, et al). There is a modest lithium option from the factory. However, an LTV dealer in West Michigan (Holland Motor Homes) is also a Volta dealer and has installed very robust aftermarket lithium systems with engine-driven auxiliary alternators in LTV rigs.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We’ll obviously be taking a look at the Wonder RTB again. But honestly, every time we see it we just think it’s huge!

        That’s why we use the term C- instead of B+. Neither are legitimate RV classes. But everything the industry calls a B+ is almost entirely focused on the “plus”! How much bigger? How much more can we cram onto a former van chassis? We’re more interested in the “minus”. How much can we strip away?

        Adding aftermarket lithium is always an option. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again. But it would be awesome if I didn’t have to. (Don’t care for absorption refrigeration either.)

        Reply
        1. Ken Ross

          Yeah, it does look big. Really big. As for the absorption fridge, there is an unconfirmed rumor that will go to compressor later next year. We’ve been looking hard to find something with a bike garage in a class B, perhaps something like a longer Revel with an elevated bed, but short of an awesome bespoke Advanced RV rig, the choices are slim.

        2. James - Post author

          Safari Condo does the suspended bed with bike tray underneath. But good luck driving your van to Canada this year! Lol.

    26. Andy & Kim

      Take a new look at the 2021 LTV Wonder RTB you reviewed in 2018. It now has a lithium package and a new 4K generator with the Genset option that turns it on by either low voltage or temperature (and thus activate the AC for Mel).. It’s now on the new Transit 350 chassis with the long wheel base and the Eco Boost gas engine. If Dean saw this video I’m sure he’s waiting for your call!!!!
      Happy shopping
      Andy & Kim
      Mimi & Jojo the rescue kamping kitties

      Reply
    27. chan Siefert

      Spot on! Thanks for sharing opinions on our generation of RV needs….No fake wood pictures…and no curtains! Seems one of the biggest things holding us back from purchase is waiting for manufacturers to understand the market/customers.

      Reply
        1. Anthony

          I keep thinking of Rocky…”Adria…Adria”. Wait, maybe I’ve dropped the n. Lucky Europeans. Darn. Maybe Thor will start bringing some more Hymer Euro models over…

    28. Laurie Berg

      Hi guys,

      Take a look at a company called Total Composites and what the owners built on a Ford Transit chassis. You have a workshop right James? 🙂

      Reply
    29. Melissa Cait

      Love your channel and totally respect you both! We are looking for the same kind of B+/C- van with similar features so we will definitely be following you (as we already do anyway). The only thing I would like to add/question you about is cab safety features. For us, that would have to include 3 way seatbelts for guests, blind spot detection, lane stay assist, adaptive cruise control, air bags, etc. So, would you mind also including this in your discussion? Truly, I appreciate your expertise and I’m sure your community would enjoy listening to your thoughts about this… Thank you so much for all that you do. You are the best out there!

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Interesting. Those kinds of features are becoming more the norm now. Sprinters and Transits have them as of this year, I believe. We would only be considering something built on a “modern” chassis, so we just assumed that these would be taken for granted.

        The three point seat belts for guests is something that is getting more attention now from RV manufacturers, so there will be some variability there. But as for us, we only travel with two (plus our cat overlord, who refuses to wear a seatbelt), so the extra 3-point seatbelts don’t really factor in to the decision for us.

        Reply
        1. Melissa Cait

          Thx so much for taking the time to respond! Good luck shopping! We’ll be very curious about what you find…

    30. Kathy

      Sounds like a build your own project — you get *exactly* what you want and not what you don’t need. Can use top-of-time-line components.

      Reply
    31. Cameron Day

      I’m sure that you’ve thought of building one. I’m considering building one like this build on a bad van chassis. I like the Ford E350 Cutaway like this build. This one is a 10”, but they are available in 12,14 or longer. They can be configured in single or dual rear axle are well. The boxes can be 72” tall like this one or taller. I like this configuration because the inside of the box is square and can easily utilize standard cabinets.
      Additionally, you can get them in the Ford E series, Ford Transit, Chevy and Promaster chassis.
      Give it a look: https://youtu.be/8OISONcc7YQ
      https://supreme.worktrucksolutions.com/Cutaway_Van?filters=Area:Zip:94558;Miles:10000

      Reply
        1. Cameron Day

          You’ve got the skill and could make it exactly how you want it. The E350 chassis is a good platform for 4X4.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Comment moderation is in use. Please do not submit your comment twice -- it will appear once we have had the chance to review it.