Class B Questions

[nicfoley]

I have started looking into class B’s, and I’m really drawn to 2 different models from Roadtrek, the Zion and the Hymer. I’ve been told that technically these are both under the Erwin Hymer name now, but for simplicity sake I’ll still call them Roadtrek’s. What I like about each of these is that they have the option for an open walkway at the back when the bed is put away, and can accommodate two twin beds or a queen depending on how I configure it. This gives me the option to have my sister travel with me on occasion. They also have the EcoTrek battery and VoltStart ignition which will be great for keeping the AC on for my dog on hot days when I have to be away from the van for a few hours.

I’m wondering if anyone has any experience owning a Roadtrek? I’d love to hear any feedback (positive/negative). Also, for those who own or have owned a class B, any advice for things I should look for when inspecting a vehicle? I’m not sure yet if I’m going to buy new or used. Also, and I know everyone uses their vehicles differently, are there any must haves you can think of for your vehicle after having traveled in one, things you couldn’t give-up now that you’ve got them?

Thanks everyone!

[grammynmaggie]

I just got my 2006 Poplar 210 Roadtrek in August of last year I have not had the opportunity to use it very much until the last couple of months so I'm just learning it... mine is older so it might be a little different than the ones you're looking at... but I do have the twin beds & the seat across the back and you can make it into any configuration you want... I like the twin bed idea because I want to have that area as my living room during the day when not using it for sleeping.... if you check my blog and scroll back a few post you will see how I've done it right now... I tried to twin bed and for me and my back and other problems it wasn't very comfortable ..so I pulled the back cushions out a little bit from the back and I put a board across the front of it and made the bed a little wider and it goes across the back now I'm going to try this for the Hardee Lakes GTG next week and I can let you know how that works out... I really like mine it is a wide body and that makes a little bit of extra room inside and that makes a big difference I think... but the newer ones like you are looking at I think they are big inside anyway if I remember right I did look at a few of those over the last couple years...donna

[Redetotry]

Interesting, I just looked up Hymer and found that they bought out Roadtrec! Here is an article. http://roadtrek190popular.blogspot.com/ ... dtrek.html

I have a 2003 Pleasure Way built on a Dodge Ram 3500 it drives great and fits in small parking spaces. Bed converts to couch and seats are very comfortable. But, have no counter space and the bathroom will only accommodate a very small person. It is contained though and not the pull out like many Roadtreks have. The new models look great!

[Bethers]

I was in a Hymer that was brought across the ocean and it was really nice. I hope they bring some of that excellent workmanship and ideas that I've long looked for in American brands. Time will tell.

[Pooker]

I have a 2013 Pleasure Way that I bought 1 1/2 yrs ago. I do have counter space and my bathroom is tight, but doable and completely enclosed. Some B's I looked at had the bathroom with double doors that you opened to go across the aisle for space and others you had to pull the bathroom out into the aisle to use. I chose the Pleasure Way because almost all the Roadtreks I saw had the third or fourth passenger seats which I didn't need. I would have had to modify one and I did consider it, but found Serendipity first. I have an amazing amount of storage in Sere. I keep tweaking what I bring along as new ideas are discovered and I customize every inch for my needs. And she also acts as my emergency or evacuation storage because I keep spare clothes, shoes, supplies, and water in her at all times.

High on my have to list was a separate side entry door - not a slider. I travel with a cat and a large sliding opening might be too tempting for her to slip out. My one complaint about that is I have no screen to leave the door open (some rigs do have screens) and a huge complaint is that all my running lights come on every time I open the door! Haven't figured out how to avoid that yet. I'm just now getting used to not banging my head on the overhead cabinets. If I don't go out for awhile, I have to remember all over again to duck!

I would suggest looking at models that have the larger fridge with freezer. Mine is an undercounter one and I've had to learn to live without a freezer and only bring small sizes of things like milk, juice, etc. Some of the gals here leave their bed set up all the time and use it as a daybed with pillows, etc. That didn't work for me, so I just take the 5 minutes it takes to put down/set back up the sofa.

There are quite a few other B's out there besides the RT and Pleasure Way, so have fun shopping!

Pooker

[nicfoley]

Thanks for the tips!

I'm planning on renting a class B for a week or two in the spring so I can get a better sense of what I like and what I don't like in that size, and to see if I have any issues with the layout I'm looking at. I'll make sure to pay attention to fridge size.

Now that I've been looking through so many models, online and in person, it's pretty depressing how boring the colouring is inside. There's no real character in any of these. I know I can add my own touches, and I will, but it's too bad these vans don't come with any real personality, or at least some funky options. (This isn't a real complaint, just more of an observation).

[Redetotry]

I like the a few of these, especially the 2010 and 2011 Leisure Travel Van. A little brighter and bigger. The Phoenix Cruiser also caught my eye.

http://www.vancityrv.com/--xInventoryDetail?id=2470260

[Queen]

I like the a few of these, especially the 2010 and 2011 Leisure Sport. A little brighter and bigger. The Phoenix Cruiser also caught my eye.

http://www.vancityrv.com/--xInventoryDetail?id=2470260

I liked the Leisure Sports we toured, nice layouts. Really bummed me out when VanCity stopped putting any prices on their site.

[MandysMom]

You talking about a Leisure Travel van? Cuz I never heard of Leisure Sport nor could I find one online?
I love my 2005 Leisure Travel van. Mine is a Free Spirit
Velda

[Queen]

You talking about a Leisure Travel van? Cuz I never heard of Leisure Sport nor could I find one online?
I love my 2005 Leisure Travel van. Mine is a Free Spirit
Velda

Yes, sorry, that is the one I toured in STL.

[Redetotry]

You talking about a Leisure Travel van? Cuz I never heard of Leisure Sport nor could I find one online?
I love my 2005 Leisure Travel van. Mine is a Free Spirit
Velda

Opps, yes Velda it should have said Leisure Travel, I corrected it.

Queen, as for Van City listing their prices, I don't know why they stopped but I can tell you from experience, think of it more as a ballpark figure. When I bought my Pleasure Way from them I almost didn't call about it because of the online price. If you see one you like at any dealer, if it is close to your target price, call.

[Queen]

BJ - we kicked ourselves a bit over the "one that got away" at Van City. They had a screaming deal on leftover 2013 in 2014, a PW Plateau for 40k off sticker. Coulda, shoulda, woulda, I guess.