My wife has watched this review several times and has now said "Ok, I'm convinced. I don't even have to go to the dealership. Just order one of these great RV's so we can get back on the road." Looks like our Born Free/Spirit class C is going to be sitting in our driveway while we travel...poor thing. Can't wait to take delivery. Is supposed to be into the dealership Thursday with zero miles as it is trucked in from Canada to Florida.
Congrats!!! Make sure you join our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/ so you can share your trials and tribulations. And ask your salesperson to send me a cut of his commission:) Safe Travels
Mine went with me to lamesa and this one came out on top for a tie the 4 wheel drive winnebago on Mercedes chassis. The aktiv is a much better buy so it comes down to how important is the 4 wheel drive
William Krutt Class B's are great. Have all the room I need. We make the videos so our renters feel comfortable operating the vans, but it seems others have watched quite a bit as well. Thanks for the comment
11:15am Just pulling out of oceanfront parking spot south of Santa Barbara and Campervan guy just drove by!!First day of my VANLIFE!! Considering this a good omen❣️
Great straight talking video, entertaining and very informative. RV wanabee here, great to hear your take on the usefulness of the cassette toilet since this is a major difference to other US vans. I think Hymer may have already made the change to the gray tank hose cover with a single large removable cover per some pictures I've seen. When possible, always beneficial to get a look at the underbody to see how things are arranged. Didn't look like it but wondering if anything hanging down in the area behind the rear axle which would decrease ground clearance? Roadtrek and Winnebago both have "stuff" back there. Thanks.
YOU'RE VIDEO IS AWESOME!!!! I have a Hymer and after they went out of business in the US i have no way of getting information about how to use everything. THIS VIDEO IS AWESOME!!! You're a LIFESAVER! THANKS!
Well I fell in love with it and you lol but that shower has to be improved big time. Then that draining method while laying on the ground changed my mind. Now if you came with the van, I'd definitely buy :)
Really nice video showing all the features. the roadtrek looks easier to use as I'm a newbie, such as the shower, bed set up, etc. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks for watching. They all have a learning curve - pick what you think will work best for you. And after 6 months, you'll start doing mods to make it exactly how you want it!
Outstanding walkthrough!! I have been looking at class B camper vans for years!! They get better every year. I am liking the cassette toilet. I think that option makes it easier to find places to dump. Great job. Nice van, but I agree with others..... they need to redesign the second bed or at least storing the components and fixing the grey dumping area.
also, just realized that we're neighbors. I'm in Highland Park. Wife and I are trying to decide between the Aktiv and the 59 series. would love to know if you ever do subscriber meets.
I think this is the same chassis as the Roadtrek Zion SRT but different styling. I like the Zion because of the mid height refrigerator, larger bathroom and black tank instead of cassette toilet but it's really each to their own wants and needs. Both vans are really very cool.
thanks - i think..... would like to sell them, but selling ain't my thing. hope you get a chance to try one out, they are pretty cool. Think whiskey and coltrane and you'll get this van.
Informative video. Will scratch the Aktiv off my list because of the waste disposal systems. Don't feel like groveling in the dirt to drain the grey tank or trucking the black suitcase full of crap to the nearest commode or other suitable dump area.
Awesome! So this chingadera goes to this chingaso and make it work! Nice!! I will definitely look into this RV in the future. Looks perfect and practical. Fantastic there Brother!!
Wow this is a very thorough walk through of the Aktiv. I honestly wouldn't have considered one of these before watching this. I was dead set on a Sprinter based class b, but this is a nice package and a lot less expensive than Sprinter vans. I do prefer the diesel engine and optional 4WD of the Sprinter, but this is definitely worth checking out. Thanks for the excellent video.
The Aktiv is a great van, and the Promaster chassis with gas engine is awesome. But i am looking forward to the Winnebago 4x4 coming out soon. More info here: facebook.com/groups/winnebago4x4/
NIce review, CVG. Love Porkchop and Applesauce. Too bad you don't have an outlet closer to our homebase of Chicago. Looking at buying an Aktiv, but want to rent one for a week (or more) for a shakedown cruise. Keep up the good work.
Thanks VR. If you're on the Facebook, join the Aktiv group facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/ for some good info. Not sure of any Aktiv rentals in midwest, but try www.outdoorsy.com or www.rvshare.com. Another place that specializes in them is www.besttimerv.com out of Vegas. Good luck
This is one of the best walk through of an RV I've seen. Very thorough. Wish I discovered your outfitters before I bought a class C. I was considering the Hymer. Would have loved to rent one from you for a week before I purchased. But who knows, if the C doesn't work out. When I looked at the Hymer at the Hershey Pennsylvania RV Expo, they were touting Lithium batteries and claimed the A/C unit could run 3 1/2 hours before the engine would kick in ... you've got 2 AGM batteries. With all the controversy on Lithium, are they now only coming equipped with AGM? Again, this was the most entertaining, thorough, rv video and walkthrough. If you were a salesman for Hymer, I would have purchased the vehicle months ago. BTW: See you have a video on the Travata ... which do you prefer? At the show, I liked the Hymer better .... but .. just preferences. Thanks.
didnt see you're lower comments till just now. I opted to go with only the AGMs because of the learning curve on using the lithiums. I rent this thing out and need it too be pretty straight forward. I also believe in keeping it simple. I like both vans, but prefer to be in the hymer. I tell people that the Travato is like a Buick and the Hymer like a Volvo. Budweiser to a nice craft IPA. But sometimes I prefer Budweiser:)
Vince lauf thanks Vince. Created the vid for my rental customers so they'd know how to use it, but others in the market for a B Class van have seemed to enjoy it as well.
On 28'19" you mention one small but 'important' part you have on you Van: a 'level' :) That's really bright because when in uneven grounds you can level your van with that little piece:). Another method could be the water in the sink, but with a 'level' is more accurate, don't you think? Also I would like to add that we rented a Weinsberg Fiat Ducato (that's basically the same chassis, cockpit, etc, I think Fiat owns Chrysler(?)) and to take the water (sink and shower) out on that van is much much practical than on (your) particular Hymer model (I am not aware of the laws in the USA about dumping water, but on Weinsberg is just a tap and we dump the water into a reservoir on the camping sites, much more practical). Anyway it was a pleasure to watch your movie. Thanks for the attention!
Man I wish we could get the cool stuff you guys have in Europe now! 4x4 Ducato with a pop-top is at the top of my list! Yes, Fiat/Chrysler are the same outfit. But because of the myriad safety regs, and who knows what else, it takes FOREVER to get good vans here. As far as leveling, I just eyeball it. And the greywater thing (and US laws regarding the dumping of said greywater) is ridiculous. Thanks again for watching and the comments.
Campervan Guy, thanks sooo much for your amazing video! I’ve watched it over and over, and am awaiting my Aktiv 1 in May. I have a question, where did you buy that great outdoor table? It is perfect by the looks of it! Thanks, Syd
Excellent vid! I like the layout of the Aktiv and the cassette toilet would be okay... Really appreciate the details, switch this, close that.... I will be referring back to this a lot! Thanks!!
Exactly my thoughts on both. For all the technology involved then they have no real thoughts put into the shower? And definitely would prefer composting toilet. Can't even imagine bringing the cassette into any place of business- so unsanitary! Those two important points make it a deal breaker for me- unfortunate!
Great video--both entertaining and informative. We are former E-trek owners considering the Hymer Akriv; however, we have not been able to confirm with several dealers that it has Apple CarPlay. Did your unit come with Apple CarPlay or did you have it installed after-market?
I swapped mine out from the Sony that was installed to a Panasonic head unit with CarPlay - a much better system. The Sony has also had some issues which you can read about in the threads of the Facebook Group I started for the Aktiv facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/ - hope to see you around.
Ermm sorry to ask, but when dumping the toilet does ALL(one and two's) waste come out of that pipe?what about washing or sterilising if after??...Im getting ready for this van life, your channel is so helpful,Loving this van.Thank you
just wondering where space for a couple of outdoor collapseable chairs and mybe table. would this kind stuff need to be stroed under the bed? that would block entrace to drawers i suppose.
Hi CVG - I just want to ditto all the many thanks for this great walkthrough. Also very entertaining. :-) Two questions I was hoping you could answer. #1: Is the orientation for sleeping on the mattress side-to-side, or front to back of the vehicle on the back queen bed. The Hymer spec sheet, says the mattress width is 77.5" - I'm guessing that's side-to-side of the vehicle. I'm 72" tall, and just wondering which way I would go. #2: When the back queen bed is down, what are the dimensions of that little open area under the bed? I have a couple folding bikes that are 33x10x26 LWH. I'd need a 26" clearance from the floor to the underside of the bed frame.
Hey rikdeere - sorry, but this went to spam some how. 1. sleeping is east-west (side to side) and is about 75" long by 55"wide. I'm 72" also and fit just fine. Any taller, and it may be tight. 2. don't have the van here, but can almost guarantee that the space under the bed is at least 26" tall
Great info ! What kind of gas mileage do you get? Does the additional battery generator under the hood rob a lot of engine powers and use. More gas/mileage??? Thank you !
marioisco between 12-20 mpg - lots of variables to consider, but appears to do same as the 2 Travato that I have. They don't have the 2nd alternator, so guessing not a significant factor in MPG
OK, at about 4:30, you showed a little lever at the rear that had to be flipped to fill the water tank. Can that be flipped from the inside, or does the back door have to be opened to get to it? That spare tire looks really heavy and might be too much for me to drop and lift every time I need to refill water.
I just went and looked at one yesterday. Loved everything but when I sat in the drivers side seat it seemed too cramped for me. We're both the same height so figured you feel cramped as well (must be made for short Europeans). I wonder if there is any way to make the seat track a little longer, an additional 4 inches would be great.
Jeff P it’s just a different driving position than most vehicles. Some people can adapt (I’m totally fine with it, crank the seat as high as it will go), while others can’t ever get comfortable in it. Search the web and Promaster forums for how some people adjust.
This is a awesome walk through! if you compare the Travato and the Hymer can you point out some pro and cons for each? would love to hear your experience with both so far , quality of each and what could be improve. Thank you
Always room for improvement, but hard to build for the masses - everybody always wants it "their" way. hoping to do a comparison vid soon. thanks for watching
that's a whole other video which I plan to tackle sometime soon:) Join the FaceBook groups facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/ facebook.com/groups/travatoowners/ and you can learn a lot about both. Since I started renting them, one big reason i went away from the Travato is the lack of shoulder belts on the rear bench seat. But both vans have strengths and weaknesses that I hope to address soon. Thanks for watching and for the comment.
can i get it in 4×4?....would like tooo have a built on ladder too the roof/more detail is needed as too suspenscion/shocks/towing capacity as i have a small jon boat...what about solar with a small roof rack?a "great review"
Raymond Juancito thanks Ray - I don't work for Hymer, so not certain, but to my knowledge they don't offer any of those "extras". But sounds like they should! Great ideas.....
Do you think the bench seat will fit two car seats? Have twins that are a few weeks old and trying to see if we can even make it work for the next few years with infant and toddler car seats... Thanks for the awesome video!
Thanks, and yes you could make it work for sure. I have rented mine to someone with two small kids, and worked perfectly for them. I would go further to say that this is the perfect vehicle for a couple with toddlers , because the front bed is a bit of a pain in the ass. With toddlers they can sleep anywhere. The rear hallway floor is perfect size at 26" wide for a camp pad/mat.
Update: I went to a local dealer and put two toddler car seats on the bench seat. They "fit" but in no way practical for continual use. You have to remove the seat back and the seats hang over the front and side making the fold out table inaccessible and the galley cramped. You could definitely make it work but not ideal. Going with the Roadtrek folding bench seat. A lot more practical.
Question on the AC: You stated that you can only get 3 hrs AC utilizing the batteries. What if your'e boondocking during the summer? I the Regular fan going to be adequate? I know the solar panels can only be effective (I think) when theres sunlight or some UV rays
Ralph Sanchico on my van, I can only get about 20 minutes of AC use on battery alone, but can run the rear AC indefinitely if I start the engine. On the Aktiv vans with EcoTreks (lithium batteries) you can get 3-6 hrs on battery alone, and indefinitely if you start the engine. This is made possible by the Underhood Generator (second alternator).
Perhaps the engine is running to keep up with the power draw. What make is the inverter? Pure sine or modified? Plus any AC appliance pulling power from an inverter will pull 10 times the rating from your batteries. So if the air conditioner is rated at 3000 watts that means it will pull 30,000 watts from your battery bank in one hour. Everything is rated per hour. That would require a huge battery bank. I don't see it happening. Something is not computing.
Bradford Townsend just looked and says it is a sinwave inverter charger branded with Roadtrek sticker. The battery bank will only run the AC for 10-15 minutes, but indefinitely if van engine is running. They use a 2nd dedicated alternator just for this purpose
bradford, you obliviously do not know what you are talking about. watch were the russos who are living in a hymer. you might actually learn something. good luck.
Battery switch is above the door right next to the inverter switch. This is the setup on Aktivs with the AGM batteries. It might be different on Aktivs with the Ekotrek/lithium batteries.
Just being honest. If I was out in nature boondocking and not at a busy campsite. I would take a shower outside. That whole shower presentation looks complicated. I think for these types of vans Roadtrek did it best by temporarily bringing the shower into the hallway with a removable drain floor and shower curtain that extends around you in the walkway. I'm sure your familiar with it. They did that shower conversion idea best.
Anti Petrolhead I have traveled extensively in both of my Travato's and in this Hymer as well over the last 3 years, and I have yet to shower in any of them. Nice that hey are there, but I'll take a quick rinse in a river, lake or ocean over these things any day. Just don't see the need. Toilet is nice in the middle of the night, but I can do without the indoor shower thing
I like everything about this rig excerpt the black tank. First the cassette is to small and I'm not dragging it into a public restroom. I wonder why they didn't add a regular black tank like they do on their RoadTreks. They should at least offer a regular black tank as an option.
Tracy C I actually prefer the cassette over a black tank. Yes, its smaller, but I can dump wherever I find a toilet and no longer have to search for a dump station. We rarely stay in campgrounds, so the cassette is perfect for us. Thanks for watching.
Well , at least Roadtrek didn't disappoint with their patented overcomplicated grey water dump. I'm sure it's not as difficult as the host shows but completely over thought. There should be a valve on the end of the hose.
I think over in Europe, they have sewer grates where you can drive over it, pull a lever and empty the gray tank. with the cassette toilet, how do you empty 4-5 gal of smelly poo into a toilet? and how do you rinse it afterwards?
go86go Generally speaking you don't have to rinse out the cassette. Just re install and add chemicals but as for emptying into a toilet , lay the cassette tank on the edge of the toilet open the pipe and tilt contents into the toilet. The force from the contents flowing into the toilet will be enough to provide a flushing effect. Ideally the cassette would be dumped into a dump station or vault/pit toilet. Only use chemicals that won't harm the enzymes in the vault or septic systems.
The cassette toilet is a stunningly bad feature. You still have to empty out the grey water tank at a dump station, so the cassette becomes ridiculous. Think about it. It's only 4.6 gallons so you'll have to empty it much more often then the grey which means you'll only be able to "boon dock" for a short time. Deal Killer!
You think about this from a "typical" RV setup, and from your perspective, it probably is a deal killer. From my POV, it is the greatest thing since sliced bread or Netflix, and i'll tell you why: 1) I rarely use it - only when necessary 2) i use the grey water to irrigate my trees, so no need to dump at a station (which out west, there are not many) 3) you can dump the cassette at any toilet, dump station, or front yard sewer-pipe cleanout. But I see where you're coming from. Thanks for watching and safe travels
My wife has watched this review several times and has now said "Ok, I'm convinced. I don't even have to go to the dealership. Just order one of these great RV's so we can get back on the road." Looks like our Born Free/Spirit class C is going to be sitting in our driveway while we travel...poor thing. Can't wait to take delivery. Is supposed to be into the dealership Thursday with zero miles as it is trucked in from Canada to Florida.
Congrats!!! Make sure you join our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/ so you can share your trials and tribulations. And ask your salesperson to send me a cut of his commission:)
Safe Travels
Mine went with me to lamesa and this one came out on top for a tie the 4 wheel drive winnebago on Mercedes chassis. The aktiv is a much better buy so it comes down to how important is the 4 wheel drive
Being retired now, I'm considering a Class B Rv. Your walk thru tutorial was by far the most enjoyable and comprehensive I've ever seen. Thanks!
William Krutt Class B's are great. Have all the room I need. We make the videos so our renters feel comfortable operating the vans, but it seems others have watched quite a bit as well. Thanks for the comment
Very thorough walk through and funny too......Thanks!
11:15am Just pulling out of oceanfront parking spot south of Santa Barbara and Campervan guy just drove by!!First day of my VANLIFE!! Considering this a good omen❣️
Great straight talking video, entertaining and very informative. RV wanabee here, great to hear your take on the usefulness of the cassette toilet since this is a major difference to other US vans. I think Hymer may have already made the change to the gray tank hose cover with a single large removable cover per some pictures I've seen. When possible, always beneficial to get a look at the underbody to see how things are arranged. Didn't look like it but wondering if anything hanging down in the area behind the rear axle which would decrease ground clearance? Roadtrek and Winnebago both have "stuff" back there. Thanks.
Doug Manck thanks for watching. Love the cassette. Nothing really hangs down, but the water tank is tucked up behind the rear axle
this is the only video out there that shows how to set up the awning, Thank you!!
you do the best walk throughs CVG. No jabbering and very impartial. Thank you so much. I love the Hymer.
thanks for watching. just trying to keep it real, and informative for those that rent from me. Safe Travels.
One of the best, most descriptive videos out there. Thanks man...all perfect information 👍🏼
YOU'RE VIDEO IS AWESOME!!!! I have a Hymer and after they went out of business in the US i have no way of getting information about how to use everything. THIS VIDEO IS AWESOME!!! You're a LIFESAVER! THANKS!
Sorry, just seeing this. Join the Hymer Aktiv Facebook group - tons of info and people willing to help
Gorgeous Vizslas! Such great dogs.
Linda V thanks - they're the best
Thank you for an excellent tutorial - you and your filming crew did an excellent job - have and awesome day!
I watched it to get a general idea on workings of any Hymer model since accessories are similar. Thank u--very thorough and informative.
Well I fell in love with it and you lol but that shower has to be improved big time. Then that draining method while laying on the ground changed my mind. Now if you came with the van, I'd definitely buy :)
Best Video I've seen on You Tube! Never Comment. Love Tech videos and RV videos. Well Done Brother!
Thanks for watching Jack
I love it! Thank you so much for this walk through; very helpful!
Nice video My Man. Blessed enough to have become a Hymer Owner. Will be traveling from Toronto to California this year. Maybe see you on the road.
Really nice video showing all the features. the roadtrek looks easier to use as I'm a newbie, such as the shower, bed set up, etc. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks for watching. They all have a learning curve - pick what you think will work best for you. And after 6 months, you'll start doing mods to make it exactly how you want it!
Outstanding walkthrough!! I have been looking at class B camper vans for years!! They get better every year. I am liking the cassette toilet. I think that option makes it easier to find places to dump. Great job. Nice van, but I agree with others..... they need to redesign the second bed or at least storing the components and fixing the grey dumping area.
Thanks Anthony. Yes, they keep getting better. Because of independent reviews, i think it only makes the manufacturers better
Very helpful. Thanks for taking the time!
also, just realized that we're neighbors. I'm in Highland Park. Wife and I are trying to decide between the Aktiv and the 59 series. would love to know if you ever do subscriber meets.
Byron Gudiel hey Byron - reach out to me on www.campervanguy.com
I think this is the same chassis as the Roadtrek Zion SRT but different styling. I like the Zion because of the mid height refrigerator, larger bathroom and black tank instead of cassette toilet but it's really each to their own wants and needs. Both vans are really very cool.
The perfect balance of tedious and informative. The most exhaustive 41 minutes I have spent on youtube. Thanks. Can I buy an RV from you?
thanks - i think..... would like to sell them, but selling ain't my thing. hope you get a chance to try one out, they are pretty cool. Think whiskey and coltrane and you'll get this van.
MY... You're awesome! Thanks so much for the trouble, time and attention to details. This was awesome!!! Thank you!
Thanks, and your welcome! Happy trails
Informative video. Will scratch the Aktiv off my list because of the waste disposal systems. Don't feel like groveling in the dirt to drain the grey tank or trucking the black suitcase full of crap to the nearest commode or other suitable dump area.
Working on a mod for the gray tank, but I like the cassette. thanks for watching
LOL!!! Absolutely hilarious, and the best Hymer walk-through on the web.
Bultaco206 thanks, and thanks for watching
thank you for such a great detailed walk through.
my pleasure!
Good review. But laying down to access?? What a horror to empty &/or hook-up !? Definitely NOT for older people or the mobility limited!
Awesome demo CVG.I like this Hymer
thanks Janice - we've been having fun in it - a pretty nice ride.
Thanks for showing how the bed layouts work!!!
Great tour. I want one. Their camper is really nice as well.
Anti Petrolhead they have both! I thought I showed them both🤔
Awesome! So this chingadera goes to this chingaso and make it work! Nice!! I will definitely look into this RV in the future. Looks perfect and practical. Fantastic there Brother!!
thanks for watching and safe travels!
Wow this is a very thorough walk through of the Aktiv. I honestly wouldn't have considered one of these before watching this. I was dead set on a Sprinter based class b, but this is a nice package and a lot less expensive than Sprinter vans. I do prefer the diesel engine and optional 4WD of the Sprinter, but this is definitely worth checking out. Thanks for the excellent video.
The Aktiv is a great van, and the Promaster chassis with gas engine is awesome. But i am looking forward to the Winnebago 4x4 coming out soon. More info here: facebook.com/groups/winnebago4x4/
I don't have FB so I can't view the link. Thanks for the news though. I didn't know Winnie was cooking up a new 4x4 offering.
th-cam.com/video/Z6FQ-FD1Ma0/w-d-xo.html
NIce review, CVG. Love Porkchop and Applesauce. Too bad you don't have an outlet closer to our homebase of Chicago. Looking at buying an Aktiv, but want to rent one for a week (or more) for a shakedown cruise. Keep up the good work.
Thanks VR. If you're on the Facebook, join the Aktiv group facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/ for some good info. Not sure of any Aktiv rentals in midwest, but try www.outdoorsy.com or www.rvshare.com. Another place that specializes in them is www.besttimerv.com out of Vegas. Good luck
Thanks! Just joined the Facebook group.
very detailed and great walk through
Leo Hernandez thanks Leo
Thank you for the detailed review. I'm very interested in this rig. The grey tank looks like a bit of a pain but otherwise looks easy to operate.
no problem. fun little van. i see a gray tank mod in the future to allow a straight dump into my garden without the hose nonsense.
This is one of the best walk through of an RV I've seen. Very thorough. Wish I discovered your outfitters before I bought a class C. I was considering the Hymer. Would have loved to rent one from you for a week before I purchased. But who knows, if the C doesn't work out.
When I looked at the Hymer at the Hershey Pennsylvania RV Expo, they were touting Lithium batteries and claimed the A/C unit could run 3 1/2 hours before the engine would kick in ... you've got 2 AGM batteries. With all the controversy on Lithium, are they now only coming equipped with AGM?
Again, this was the most entertaining, thorough, rv video and walkthrough. If you were a salesman for Hymer, I would have purchased the vehicle months ago. BTW: See you have a video on the Travata ... which do you prefer? At the show, I liked the Hymer better .... but .. just preferences. Thanks.
thanks for watching, and best of luck with your C
didnt see you're lower comments till just now. I opted to go with only the AGMs because of the learning curve on using the lithiums. I rent this thing out and need it too be pretty straight forward. I also believe in keeping it simple.
I like both vans, but prefer to be in the hymer. I tell people that the Travato is like a Buick and the Hymer like a Volvo. Budweiser to a nice craft IPA. But sometimes I prefer Budweiser:)
best detailed review! and a bit of humor to boot!!
Vince lauf thanks Vince. Created the vid for my rental customers so they'd know how to use it, but others in the market for a B Class van have seemed to enjoy it as well.
What a fantastic walk through shame they're not available in England. Nice Davey Crockett hat pal.
Leonardo Summers thanks Leo - wish we could get the pop top vans that you guys have over there.
On 28'19" you mention one small but 'important' part you have on you Van: a 'level' :) That's really bright because when in uneven grounds you can level your van with that little piece:). Another method could be the water in the sink, but with a 'level' is more accurate, don't you think? Also I would like to add that we rented a Weinsberg Fiat Ducato (that's basically the same chassis, cockpit, etc, I think Fiat owns Chrysler(?)) and to take the water (sink and shower) out on that van is much much practical than on (your) particular Hymer model (I am not aware of the laws in the USA about dumping water, but on Weinsberg is just a tap and we dump the water into a reservoir on the camping sites, much more practical). Anyway it was a pleasure to watch your movie. Thanks for the attention!
Man I wish we could get the cool stuff you guys have in Europe now! 4x4 Ducato with a pop-top is at the top of my list! Yes, Fiat/Chrysler are the same outfit. But because of the myriad safety regs, and who knows what else, it takes FOREVER to get good vans here. As far as leveling, I just eyeball it. And the greywater thing (and US laws regarding the dumping of said greywater) is ridiculous. Thanks again for watching and the comments.
Surprised the shower hose is so short
Great job reviewing
Teryl Smith aye, ''tis a short one
Just curious if the handheld is a standard thread and you might be able to hook on a longer hose for longer showers when you're hooked to city fill?
great video thanks!
What a great review, brilliant, thanks
thanks for watching
Watching the setup of the beds...exhausting
Bill Holt rear bed is not so bad, front is a bit of a pain.
Campervan Guy, thanks sooo much for your amazing video! I’ve watched it over and over, and am awaiting my Aktiv 1 in May. I have a question, where did you buy that great outdoor table? It is perfect by the looks of it! Thanks, Syd
Tons of great info here. Thank you! Could the passenger have the back window open (to the "secured" point) while the vehicle is moving/being driven?
Ted Witker I've driven with them open and didn't notice any problems. Creates kind of an annoying wind noise though. Thanks for the comment
Excellent vid! I like the layout of the Aktiv and the cassette toilet would be okay... Really appreciate the details, switch this, close that.... I will be referring back to this a lot! Thanks!!
thanks for watching Jean - glad it helped
Great video. Loved the van and the red shirt but wow... damn that hat my man LOL
Isn't that what Ralph Kramdon and Ed Norton wore to Racoon Lodge?
Cassette toilet ok, probably prefer composting, but that shower is a deal breaker. Thanks for great demo.
I'm building a custom van now, but the Aktiv works great for an off-the-shelf product
Exactly my thoughts on both. For all the technology involved then they have no real thoughts put into the shower? And definitely would prefer composting toilet. Can't even imagine bringing the cassette into any place of business- so unsanitary! Those two important points make it a deal breaker for me- unfortunate!
Great vid! good to see you got the cassette unclogged...haha
Thx for showing in details
It's very detail walkthrough u made, good job. But it's difficult to take out the gray water hose out there.
thanks. gray hose is not too bad after you get used to it. But I still want to modify it someday
The gray water drain system is a deal-breaker.
Great video--both entertaining and informative. We are former E-trek owners considering the Hymer Akriv; however, we have not been able to confirm with several dealers that it has Apple CarPlay. Did your unit come with Apple CarPlay or did you have it installed after-market?
I swapped mine out from the Sony that was installed to a Panasonic head unit with CarPlay - a much better system. The Sony has also had some issues which you can read about in the threads of the Facebook Group I started for the Aktiv facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/ - hope to see you around.
Ermm sorry to ask, but when dumping the toilet does ALL(one and two's) waste come out of that pipe?what about washing or sterilising if after??...Im getting ready for this van life, your channel is so helpful,Loving this van.Thank you
I like the pray flag inside your van
just wondering where space for a couple of outdoor collapseable chairs and mybe table. would this kind stuff need to be stroed under the bed? that would block entrace to drawers i suppose.
th-cam.com/video/Ez0ONzAHnvw/w-d-xo.htmlm59s this is where i store 4 chairs and a table-in-a-bag
Hi CVG - I just want to ditto all the many thanks for this great walkthrough. Also very entertaining. :-)
Two questions I was hoping you could answer.
#1: Is the orientation for sleeping on the mattress side-to-side, or front to back of the vehicle on the back queen bed. The Hymer spec sheet, says the mattress width is 77.5" - I'm guessing that's side-to-side of the vehicle. I'm 72" tall, and just wondering which way I would go.
#2: When the back queen bed is down, what are the dimensions of that little open area under the bed? I have a couple folding bikes that are 33x10x26 LWH. I'd need a 26" clearance from the floor to the underside of the bed frame.
Hey rikdeere - sorry, but this went to spam some how. 1. sleeping is east-west (side to side) and is about 75" long by 55"wide. I'm 72" also and fit just fine. Any taller, and it may be tight.
2. don't have the van here, but can almost guarantee that the space under the bed is at least 26" tall
Great info ! What kind of gas mileage do you get? Does the additional battery generator under the hood rob a lot of engine powers and use. More gas/mileage??? Thank you !
marioisco between 12-20 mpg - lots of variables to consider, but appears to do same as the 2 Travato that I have. They don't have the 2nd alternator, so guessing not a significant factor in MPG
Lol, I Love the Denny's comment regarding the cassette.
OK, at about 4:30, you showed a little lever at the rear that had to be flipped to fill the water tank. Can that be flipped from the inside, or does the back door have to be opened to get to it? That spare tire looks really heavy and might be too much for me to drop and lift every time I need to refill water.
Yes, you can reach it unless you have T-Rex arms.
I just went and looked at one yesterday. Loved everything but when I sat in the drivers side seat it seemed too cramped for me. We're both the same height so figured you feel cramped as well (must be made for short Europeans). I wonder if there is any way to make the seat track a little longer, an additional 4 inches would be great.
Jeff P it’s just a different driving position than most vehicles. Some people can adapt (I’m totally fine with it, crank the seat as high as it will go), while others can’t ever get comfortable in it. Search the web and Promaster forums for how some people adjust.
Thanks, my search is on, I appreciate it!
Your cassette is by volume if it holds 5 gallons then that's your limit. You have to be aware of how often you use it. All the best rab
This is a awesome walk through! if you compare the Travato and the Hymer can you point out some pro and cons for each? would love to hear your experience with both so far , quality of each and what could be improve. Thank you
Always room for improvement, but hard to build for the masses - everybody always wants it "their" way. hoping to do a comparison vid soon. thanks for watching
thanks for taking the time ;O)
So what are your thoughts on the Activ vs the Travato? You may be the only person with experience in both.
that's a whole other video which I plan to tackle sometime soon:) Join the FaceBook groups facebook.com/groups/aktivowners/
facebook.com/groups/travatoowners/
and you can learn a lot about both. Since I started renting them, one big reason i went away from the Travato is the lack of shoulder belts on the rear bench seat. But both vans have strengths and weaknesses that I hope to address soon. Thanks for watching and for the comment.
can i get it in 4×4?....would like tooo have a built on ladder too the roof/more detail is needed as too suspenscion/shocks/towing capacity as i have a small jon boat...what about solar with a small roof rack?a "great review"
Raymond Juancito thanks Ray - I don't work for Hymer, so not certain, but to my knowledge they don't offer any of those "extras". But sounds like they should! Great ideas.....
Do you think the bench seat will fit two car seats? Have twins that are a few weeks old and trying to see if we can even make it work for the next few years with infant and toddler car seats... Thanks for the awesome video!
Thanks, and yes you could make it work for sure. I have rented mine to someone with two small kids, and worked perfectly for them. I would go further to say that this is the perfect vehicle for a couple with toddlers , because the front bed is a bit of a pain in the ass. With toddlers they can sleep anywhere. The rear hallway floor is perfect size at 26" wide for a camp pad/mat.
Perfect! That's what I wanted to hear. Good to have options. Thanks for the quick reply.
Update: I went to a local dealer and put two toddler car seats on the bench seat. They "fit" but in no way practical for continual use. You have to remove the seat back and the seats hang over the front and side making the fold out table inaccessible and the galley cramped. You could definitely make it work but not ideal. Going with the Roadtrek folding bench seat. A lot more practical.
Great video
Question on the AC: You stated that you can only get 3 hrs AC utilizing the batteries. What if your'e boondocking during the summer? I the Regular fan going to be adequate? I know the solar panels can only be effective (I think) when theres sunlight or some UV rays
Ralph Sanchico on my van, I can only get about 20 minutes of AC use on battery alone, but can run the rear AC indefinitely if I start the engine. On the Aktiv vans with EcoTreks (lithium batteries) you can get 3-6 hrs on battery alone, and indefinitely if you start the engine. This is made possible by the Underhood Generator (second alternator).
Can the rear doors open all the way, like to the sides of the van?
joneslr25 instagram.com/p/BT8CVyOgTkH/
Please tell me you were kidding about having to lay on the ground to empty the gray tank...what were they thinking!???
i'm sure they are working on a change, but yes, it is pretty ridiculous.
Joseph Henry Long not good access for us retired old farts!
The C200 cassette uses a floating buoy with a magnet inside the tank. I assume C260 should be the same. You can search and find parts online.
I just look for the floaters on the water when I open the hatch from above. If I see em, it's time to empty.
Perhaps the engine is running to keep up with the power draw.
What make is the inverter? Pure sine or modified? Plus any AC appliance pulling power from an inverter will pull 10 times the rating from your batteries. So if the air conditioner is rated at 3000 watts that means it will pull 30,000 watts from your battery bank in one hour. Everything is rated per hour. That would require a huge battery bank. I don't see it happening. Something is not computing.
Bradford Townsend just looked and says it is a sinwave inverter charger branded with Roadtrek sticker. The battery bank will only run the AC for 10-15 minutes, but indefinitely if van engine is running. They use a 2nd dedicated alternator just for this purpose
bradford, you obliviously do not know what you are talking about. watch were the russos who are living in a hymer. you might actually learn something. good luck.
Russos' Hymer is equipped with lithium ion batteries
Like the caddy shack touch
pault1964 thanks. Someone else commented that I was a sicko - guessing they had never seen Caddy Shack
Thanks for showing the extra bed.
Hope they fix it so the shower pulls out more its useless as it is here.
Very helpful. Thx
can you please link me to that battery charger in your vid?
www.amazon.com/dp/B074M8HXYF/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_7zitCbAN73FKR
Sorry I meant it is quite an old film
Doesn't your slidingdoor has a softclose function? You don't have to slam your door
Interior walkthrough starts at 10:30.
Cant wait for the other homers come to us from Europe!
Pool suitcase... think they are storing gold or something in there... priceless.. LOL
what or where is the battery switch? ( you mean the inverter switch )
Battery switch is above the door right next to the inverter switch. This is the setup on Aktivs with the AGM batteries. It might be different on Aktivs with the Ekotrek/lithium batteries.
@@CamperVanGuy ok the main or double switches for the ion batteries
@@proguardpets389 see comment above - I don't have the Lithium Ion batteries
Is it just me or does this awning have a lot going On compared to most???
I think all of the new awnings with electric and lights are crap - too many chances for something to break.
nice job
what do you feel about incinerating toilet?
really don't know anything about them, but burning poop sounds wrong
You won't run the ac unit from the 2000 watt inverter 11000 btu computes to 3223.78177
watts to run.
not sure HOW it works, but spins like a top and blows ice-cold air. Rarely use, but on 100 degree days, it's nice to have.
I wish it had built in black out shades for the front windows and driver and passenger window.
joneslr25 it came with a front window shade, but broke after 2nd use
joneslr25 instagram.com/p/BURxRydFdDV/
Just being honest. If I was out in nature boondocking and not at a busy campsite. I would take a shower outside. That whole shower presentation looks complicated. I think for these types of vans Roadtrek did it best by temporarily bringing the shower into the hallway with a removable drain floor and shower curtain that extends around you in the walkway. I'm sure your familiar with it. They did that shower conversion idea best.
Anti Petrolhead I have traveled extensively in both of my Travato's and in this Hymer as well over the last 3 years, and I have yet to shower in any of them. Nice that hey are there, but I'll take a quick rinse in a river, lake or ocean over these things any day. Just don't see the need. Toilet is nice in the middle of the night, but I can do without the indoor shower thing
I like everything about this rig excerpt the black tank. First the cassette is to small and I'm not dragging it into a public restroom. I wonder why they didn't add a regular black tank like they do on their RoadTreks. They should at least offer a regular black tank as an option.
Tracy C I actually prefer the cassette over a black tank. Yes, its smaller, but I can dump wherever I find a toilet and no longer have to search for a dump station. We rarely stay in campgrounds, so the cassette is perfect for us. Thanks for watching.
Where can I get a Hymer?
John Davis at the gett'n place. Actually, take a look at www.gohymer.com for a list of dealers. Thanks for watching.
I was interested until i have to crawl on the ground for grey water. I have a bad hip
would be rough with a bad hip - maybe pay a neighbor kid a couple of bucks to empty it for you
is this a 4WD?
Experiment Eks I wish - only front wheel drive. But gets me mostly where I want to go
I called my family back east to let them know I was going to go hiking in the Kananaskis , and they said, "wear the fox hat!"
i think mine is racoon, but have not fully investigated
Well , at least Roadtrek didn't disappoint with their patented overcomplicated grey water dump. I'm sure it's not as difficult as the host shows but completely over thought. There should be a valve on the end of the hose.
I think over in Europe, they have sewer grates where you can drive over it, pull a lever and empty the gray tank. with the cassette toilet, how do you empty 4-5 gal of smelly poo into a toilet? and how do you rinse it afterwards?
go86go Generally speaking you don't have to rinse out the cassette. Just re install and add chemicals but as for emptying into a toilet , lay the cassette tank on the edge of the toilet open the pipe and tilt contents into the toilet. The force from the contents flowing into the toilet will be enough to provide a flushing effect. Ideally the cassette would be dumped into a dump station or vault/pit toilet. Only use chemicals that won't harm the enzymes in the vault or septic systems.
Stan Watkins I demonstrate in the video - it's actually quite easy
price?
about $90k - varies on options, negotiating skills, etc.
The guy that eats his own poop! Lol.
I'm struggling with how the grey water is empty. Gosh that's a poor design.
It has gotten easier the more i work with it, but still something I plan to modify
Nice hat
Not much ground clearance. Boonbocking could limited.
only about 6", so not much. I just go reaaaaallll slow.
The cassette toilet is a stunningly bad feature. You still have to empty out the grey water tank at a dump station, so the cassette becomes ridiculous. Think about it. It's only 4.6 gallons so you'll have to empty it much more often then the grey which means you'll only be able to "boon dock" for a short time. Deal Killer!
You think about this from a "typical" RV setup, and from your perspective, it probably is a deal killer. From my POV, it is the greatest thing since sliced bread or Netflix, and i'll tell you why: 1) I rarely use it - only when necessary 2) i use the grey water to irrigate my trees, so no need to dump at a station (which out west, there are not many) 3) you can dump the cassette at any toilet, dump station, or front yard sewer-pipe cleanout. But I see where you're coming from. Thanks for watching and safe travels
Lmao on the chocolate bar in the cassette. Oh my. And you don't have to lie down to access the grey hose that's entertainment.
thanks for watching. No, you don't actually have to lay down for the gray water dump, but it is less than ideal.