About the Pleasureway, I have an older one, and they all have same layout. I took out the shower/bath because I wanted the driver's seat room, no sink and no black tank. I put an overhead storage above the cockpit. And I took out the power bed (even though I liked using it for 3 solid years) so I could have a bigger garage. Every time I removed something (cautiously) I saw how much quality goes into Pleasureway. With a better layout, I'd buy Pleasureway again.
What you said about a single person wanting one of those with the 3rd and 4th seat layout - that's the first thing that takes something off my list as a single person. I've built an optional 3rd seat in the back, but I don't have company enough to justify losing that space.
Thanks for doing the show. I’m disappointed at how unimaginative the layouts are and the cheap laminate finishes of the interiors. But that is probably pretty typical of the big name RV makers. It makes me even more glad that I converted my own Sprinter as I would not be happy with any of those layouts. The Storyteller is probably the closest to the ideal layout and a popup shower is the only way to go on a 144 chassis.
@@alaskakv before I took the plunge and decided to try to do the customization myself, the Revel was one of the layouts I had seriously considered. So I can understand why you like it and I’m happy for you. I’m just disappointed that for the amount of money they charge, these manufacturers couldn’t come up with a wider variety of designs and finishes. If you check out the custom designs, the range of possibilities are amazing yet the 10 vans shown in this show were just minor variations of the same thing. Have fun on your trip to Alaska 😊that’s on my list of places to visit after my cross country trip from West to East Coast.
For all of us who want a no-nonsense rinse, thank you Hillary for the NO - lol - 26:03 - but, it is an attractive concept folding up and into a cabinet. Glad you spoke up!
The Pleasure Way plateau TS was a 24 because it has the new quiet Truma air conditioner. And the high price is reflective of the improved battery of 600 amp hours, and 3000 W inverter. This allows you to run the AC for about six hours. The plateau TS model has a much larger bathroom.
Context/mission goal of the 144 AWD Sprinters is adventure. These are targeted to very physically active people. Climbers, mountaineering, canyoneering, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, skiing. Yes we do it all. Cargo capacity is job one, job two is sleeping, three is eating the luxury number four is a shower following a day or more route. Context. The Revel, Entegra, Jayco terrain are the way they are for a very good reason. They are four season with special features.
YES! They absolutely mark them up to show a sale price. I think they have a cost of around 65,000. But one thing is for sure, they will ALWAYS have a huge profit!
Your thoughts on the size of the shower rooms on the 144 is so valid, most have no room for your feet … we built ours so the toilet slides away into the adjacent cabinet, so the shower stall is the full size of the tray. We also sleep front to back, as we are over 6ft. But to make more living space we have the bed slide back with the top section elevating up the back doors. Really cool. Not all 144 layouts are the same 😂
Thanks for taking the time and doing another show. I have to be honest, really wasn’t impressed with any of those vans. I’m really starting to like vans with a rear bathroom. HAPPY HOLIDAYS ⛄️🎄🎅
Umm I have a question. You don't like Thor and you know they put out substandard vans. You know they use staples and water-soluble glue to assemble their RV vans and yet you always show them when you do RV comparisons. Why? By showing them, you are putting their name out there in the algorithm, thus helping them come up in searches. Why promote something that you know is subpar quality? Why not just show the ones you know, or think are of good quality?
My Travato has a million staples and the same glue and there are plenty of videos on them. Not every Thor has dissatisfied customers. Good to put them all out there. Thor has a cheap price point and too many that is what they can afford.
@@dokken08 Yeah, but our 2020.5 Travato G in 3 1/2 years never had any problems. Some of the Thor products break, rip, and leak at the moment they're driven off the lot. Thor really needs to be held up by the thumbs.
Thanks for your review. Wow viewers sure can be helpful and some can be harsh towards the vans and you two. Sure need some thick skin to do what you two do. Thanks for traveling for us and giving your review. I am in the early decision phase and find your review very helpful.
Thanks Tony. We appreciate this a lot. You are right, we need thick skin to do this. We are learning we can’t please everyone 😅 and getting thicker and thicker skin. But for the most part this community is amazing! Especially, people like you! So thank you for taking the time to comment and making our day!
I like how the beast mode now does exactly like every RV company and puts the high price with the low price they never did that before but it goes to show that the low price is the real price of the vehicle. I think they just do that for his Aesthetics to make you feel like you're getting a deal.
We have purchased 3 RVs and assisted our friends on their recent purchase. Our experience is the show price is actual MSRP and you have about 5 to 10% range depending on the popularity of unit.
The Entegra Launch looks just like the Jayce Terrain. Also made by Thor? BTW the lipped counter end pulls out and extends the prep space. Thanks to you two for heading back to the show. AND what no mention of 4x4 lust given the hill climb from hell in the last post?
Ok so i really like you guys but you did a big dis service to the Revel. 1: it has a cassette toilet which is awesome. It also has four wheel drive. In addition one thing your not supposed to do is climb the ladder when its on the back without the top hitched The back is simple for storage. In fact you can do damage with what you just showed. I like your channel because we also had a Thor lemon. We had a Tellaro We have also done our homework and the Revel is amazing which is what we own now.
I love your videos and watch religiously. 🙂 Hoping to buy a small van asap as I have a terminal illness and my dream is to see the country. Could you review the Solis Pocket 36A? Thank you so much. Stay well. ❤️
:) WOW! THANKS MUCH for showing us all the Sprinter based Vans! I LOVE Hillary's sense of WAY TOO MUCH $$$$$$!!!! :) I think the Revel may be the best buy IF I had to choose, OR the PleasureWay? ALL the BEST and have a GREAT Christmas and New Year! Cheers for Left Coast! :)
Glad you saw a MAD(midwest) van. One of our group has removed the sink in the bathroom ....he is taller than you both. I have no issues with the sink in mine and have plenty of room. I ditched the plastic shower curtain and use a cloth water repellant one with clips on both ends to keep the water from going everywhere. I love my MAD it is a Legend/Irok on the RAM 3500. I have all the bells and whistles that you can get. Thanks for showing us the other vans...have you looked at the Chinook Maverick....you can get it with lithium and it slightly larger.
When it comes to the Thor Tranquility, I would recommend the 19P floor plan. You sacrifice the garage area for the electric fold out bed, but you gain a larger bed, TV in the sleeping area, more shoulder space because the frig is moved to the front for easier access. If you plan to add outside storage boxes, this floorplan just makes sense.
I will never understand the attraction to the sprinter platform. Several thousand more than a similar built van, ( see pleasure way line up). Higher fuel cost for a small increase in efficiency. Add in higher maintenance cost and you’re breaking the bank. I asked a MB van owner why a sprinter and he said “ it’s the only time in my life I will ever own a Mercedes”. I get that.
We have a Roadtrek Zion and love this layout the best for under bed storage out of sight. I haven't found the perfect layout but I think if they left a bit of space between bathroom and driver seat for a fold down table, that would be ideal, less cramped feeling for that seat when turned towards living area. That is basically the only thing I would change. The rest is perfect. Enough room in the Roadtrek shower because the way the curtain flares out. I've seen some class B's with the bathroom door shut flat leaving no space to stretch out. The electric sofa bed works well enough but I would like to take it out and put a permanent platform bed a bit higher. Lots of storage space. Keep up the great work with your videos, you are my favorite youtube channel :)
FYI, 19L = FWD thus cheaper than 19Y which is 4WD 2023 and older models or AWD for 2024 ❤ Entegra Launch is my choice because they come with more features. Thanks for the video comparison!!
Thanks for the reviews!. I'm not a fan of the sprinter because of the difficulty and expense of maintenance and repairs . Not every Benz dealer works on the vans. Storyteller comes on the ford chassis as well😃
I personally like Mr. Lemon for the spacing and price. The other van is the pleasure way ascent. I would prefer a hidden shower. Much more open space. Happy holidays!
Thanks so much! You guys are troopers to go directly from your (harrowing) Prescott trip to show us so many Sprinters! Thanks for the extra efforts you always put forth for your posts. Hope you get some well deserved R&R. Happy Holidays!! ❤🎁🎄😘
Have you reviewed any Leisure Travel Vans? I think I love them, but I've never seen one in person. I'm curious what you think of them? My favorite is the Wonder RL.
I'd choose the Entegra Launch over the Tiffin just because of the 2nd row seats. I hate the 'bus' feel of the seats in the Tiffin (and most models that have that layout.) Does the Winnebago count as an RV, as far as titling purposes? I thought to be considered an RV, it has to have a bed, toilet, and something to prepare food. It does not have the latter.
I am so flustrated by the fleecing the RV industry has imposed on potential customers. The price gouging from the manufacturer to the dealer is very obvious. Makes no sense to post a MSRP $50-60 thousand dollar higher discounted starting price. And there is the quality or lack thereof these units have. You read the forums and see the you tubers reviews where the lack of quality and repairs are the norm, not the exception. Bob, you and Hillary can attest to these issues, not with one Rv but two! What has to take place to correct this sad situation? Over priced RVs does not equal quality! Let me hear your thoughts.
Thanks for all the tours. Nice to see. Only thing is the pleasure way bed in back that is electric is too narrow. Did you guys lay on it? The length looks ok but with walls on side, side laying is cut down due to knees. We could not fit in that. The Promaster solis (not pocket) is one of the best beds as to size and no walls on side.
Do the models with the rear power beds have seatbelts back there? I could see using one for family road trips as much as overnight camping and seating capacity is important. The ones with the second row of seats near the front don’t appear to be even remotely comfortable for longer drives… the backs appear to be straight up and down and very narrow. Are there any you recommend more for road trip duty? Also, I agree with you about the bathroom sink. There is a kitchen sink just outside of the bathroom. Can’t you just use that and make more space in the bathroom? Do you need two sinks in a 120 sq ft space?
Just fyi those storage systems on the back of the seats of the STO Beast its an add on for only the beast they are accompanied by the safe style/look storage system in the gallery and garage. Though you can purchase them for the other models at an additional cost. You also forgot to mention the high idle option in the beast mode so one can recharge the batteries w/out even driving and if your at a site that says no generators you can get away w/still using that from our experience though we only ran it for a 1/2hr to have power to make morning coffee and breakfast as we did not pay attention to our power status that previous night. We are still such travel noobs but honestly I am sure years down the road I can make the same error.. 😂
Google “Overland Gear Guy”. They are the vendor that supplies these storage solutions to STO. The 23 Beast also has OGG organizers in the galley wall, rear galley area and sides of the garage. They did a change in 24 for the rear storage, so not sure if it is still OGG. Anyway, Google “Overland Gear Guy ProMaster” and see what they have for your van. The 23 Beast Mode uses OGG gear on the seatback, the upper galley wall, the garage side of the galley, and the garage side walls.
Hi, great tour of so many vans to compare layouts. Just a suggestion: maybe a custom van builder would let you two do a tour of one of their vans. Then you could compare build quality and layouts with the big commercial makers. In vans where the bed goes up and down, with the stuff you put under the bed, such as bikes, what do you do with it when the bed is down? We put our bed at 36 inches so our bikes can stay in there all the time. Yes, we can't sit upright in the bed but we accept that. Safe travels to you guys!
Still don't see any Coachmen vans...what's up with that? They are only the best B van camper around. Prices are pretty similar if you ask me...Peace and thanks for sharing...
We own the Roadtrek SS-Agile and you are correct about the fabric. We installed a clear back splash. Also remember to open shade. Otherwise the Roadtrek has been a great unit with very good factory support.
We rented a class b to travel the Pacific NW. It was great. Although it gets tight as time goes on...and ours had a 7 foot high ceiling. One thing for sure. Class B's get a lot of hype and DO NOT sell as well as the hype may have you believe. I was shocked to see how bad sales are. Apocalyptic sales numbers! I was happy for the sales boom....now I'm feeling concerned for these builders. Not good at all.
The sinks in the wet baths seem like a huge waste of space in those footprints. Use the kitchen sink and or some type of portable basin it would make showering much easier. Maybe a removable basin that drains down the shower drain.
Pullman sinks, invented for the Pullman railroad sleeper cars, fold up against the wall so they can take as little as 2-4" when not in use, and still be a very good size when down.
How long is Mr Lemon? I have a Thor Sanctuary 19P and my big complaint is definitely the bathroom but it looks like all the bathrooms are the same. Thank you so much for showing us the other options out there.
We just bought the 19P. We did loose the garage space, but it feels so much bigger in the living area. Moving the frig to the front opens up the shoulder room in the galley and sitting/sleeping area.
I do think that overall the Sprinter is the better engineered van. The down side is getting it serviced.You are pretty much at the mercy of the MB dealers who are too few and far between. Ford has thousands of dealers with mechanics that are qualified to work on them. Not all MB dealers have mechanics who can service Sprinters. The Sprinter does also carry an up front price premium. That difference can pay for a lot of service on a Ford or Ram.van! Also, the do-it-yourselfer has access to much lower priced replacement parts from both the dealer and aftermarket parts suppliers.
Ok Vancaskeys, time to bite the bullet and just “invest” in the Storyteller Beast! You will not regret it. It will take you far off the pavement and open your world of advanture up! My wife and I got the Beast 8 months ago and it has been life changing for us in the mountain West.
Been subscribed and watching your vids for a while and really like your reviews. Have you ever reviewed or encountered an Embassy Dolphin class B in the wild? They are made to order and use no wood. All aluminum and protruded fiberglass and marine grade vinyl. Would love to know your thoughts on those. In your travels if you’re ever near Elkhart Indiana maybe you could do a video at the shop. Happy trails to you both.
Personally we didn't like any of the RV manufacturers Sprinter floorplans. Went with a custom build from Automotive Design and Fabrication. The small bathroom problem was one reason. Our shower expands outwards when needed.
@@jzwilkinson for some reason the link got deleted. Check out the video of " The Ron " on Automotive Design and Fabrication's past builds. That's who we are having build our van.
Just Purchased the Grech TURISMO Ion. Slept in it total of 15 nights so far and 3 nights as a couple. 5’9 and 5’3 we are super comfy. Bathroom and shower are huge compared to others we looked at.
Fantastic vid, Kudos keep up the fabulous work. By the way enjoyed your last vid, had my fingers crossed if you'll going to succeed 365 turn up the mountain. Lol!
@@Vancaskeys Mercedes-Benz will discontinue both the Metris and the gas-powered Sprinter vans in the US next year, Automotive News reports, citing a memo sent to Mercedes' US dealers. According to that memo, both vehicles will end their runs in the US after the third quarter of 2023.
These are all great until you try to use most of them away from a campsite/shore power. Drives me nuts that these are all designed to be used at an RV park with hookups and kinda defeats the purpose.
I’ve never understood why the revel doesn’t make small seats under the elevator bed. Ppl buy the expensive revel and pay even more to add seats. Good point on the ladder and how it’s attached and the mattress airflow Bob, I didn’t think about that. The storyteller is …..eh…. I could never shave my legs in a tent bag shower thing.
The revel doesn’t come with seats under the bed because people carry all kinds of different things in the garage . This way they can leave it as is,or customize it . We have a revel and don’t want seats in the garage . It takes up to much nice storage space . We also might want to haul something in it if needed. 🙂
The adventure van? It is on the edge of worthless. I can hang my backpacks on those wall racks and make this van for about $2000 over the price of the van.
They were comparing floorplans / layouts. You complain they didn't show enough, someone else complained the video was too long. They can't win. Do your own research then.
I just re-watched this video and they do mention the ones that are 4 wheel drive. As for duellys, only the Pleasure Way 170 3500 has duelly's. The rest were 144's or 2500's.
Mention the technical specs and dimensions on everything, without that we cant tell if its any good and you are not providing much value beyond a still picture.
If you are paying over $100,000 for an RV, you should not have to buy anything to make it work. I can buy a house for as much as those RVs. I think they are all a rip off and I really would never consider a Thor. Between your problems with Mr. Lemon and all the others I have seen that go through Thor nightmares, I would not even bother looking at Thor.
Good luck finding a house here in California for $100K - other than a tar paper shack in Barstow. I think the choice of which van sometimes comes down to price. Our 2023 Sprinter 170 ext AWD cargo van cost as much as Mr. Lemon. Empty - before the build out.
@@Erica_Brenda it doesn't matter if you have the money, or already live here. But the generic statement that a $100K van cost as much as a house depends on where you live. For a van to cost " as much as a house " in the San Francisco bay area, it would need to cost $1 million dollars ( or more ).
@@CraigPeer Right. I didn't say the van cost as much as a house in San Fransico or Sandiego or New Orleans. I said it costs as much as a hose. Obviously, there are places on earth where that is not true. But it DOES cost as much as a house in some places. And it DOES coast as much as a house in some places in America. And it DOES cost as much as a house where I live in America. In some countries, it probably costs as much as several homes. So we are both right, CraigPeer. Think about it. There is no reason to argue the point. It does cost as much as a house, plain and simple. To mem, I will buy the house for 100k and enjoy the appreciation in value of the house value over buying an RV and watching it depreciate in value.
@@Erica_Brenda Well, there are less expensive alternatives like trailers or buying used. These vans are expensive and they are not getting any cheaper. Have a good day.
About the Pleasureway, I have an older one, and they all have same layout. I took out the shower/bath because I wanted the driver's seat room, no sink and no black tank. I put an overhead storage above the cockpit. And I took out the power bed (even though I liked using it for 3 solid years) so I could have a bigger garage.
Every time I removed something (cautiously) I saw how much quality goes into Pleasureway.
With a better layout, I'd buy Pleasureway again.
What you said about a single person wanting one of those with the 3rd and 4th seat layout - that's the first thing that takes something off my list as a single person. I've built an optional 3rd seat in the back, but I don't have company enough to justify losing that space.
Thanks for doing the show. I’m disappointed at how unimaginative the layouts are and the cheap laminate finishes of the interiors. But that is probably pretty typical of the big name RV makers. It makes me even more glad that I converted my own Sprinter as I would not be happy with any of those layouts. The Storyteller is probably the closest to the ideal layout and a popup shower is the only way to go on a 144 chassis.
Same here! We’re still converting our 2020 Sprinter, but we made our own layout to suit our needs. And we know how everything works.
We have a revel ( sprinter/ Winnebago ) and love it . Heading to Alaska for the summer next year . I guess there’s something out there for everyone.🙂
@@alaskakv before I took the plunge and decided to try to do the customization myself, the Revel was one of the layouts I had seriously considered. So I can understand why you like it and I’m happy for you. I’m just disappointed that for the amount of money they charge, these manufacturers couldn’t come up with a wider variety of designs and finishes. If you check out the custom designs, the range of possibilities are amazing yet the 10 vans shown in this show were just minor variations of the same thing.
Have fun on your trip to Alaska 😊that’s on my list of places to visit after my cross country trip from West to East Coast.
For all of us who want a no-nonsense rinse, thank you Hillary for the NO - lol - 26:03 - but, it is an attractive concept folding up and into a cabinet. Glad you spoke up!
Haha! Thanks!
The Pleasure Way plateau TS was a 24 because it has the new quiet Truma air conditioner. And the high price is reflective of the improved battery of 600 amp hours, and 3000 W inverter. This allows you to run the AC for about six hours. The plateau TS model has a much larger bathroom.
Thanks again for touring us,guys... Pls,have more coming✌✌✌
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Context/mission goal of the 144 AWD Sprinters is adventure. These are targeted to very physically active people. Climbers, mountaineering, canyoneering, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, skiing. Yes we do it all. Cargo capacity is job one, job two is sleeping, three is eating the luxury number four is a shower following a day or more route. Context. The Revel, Entegra, Jayco terrain are the way they are for a very good reason. They are four season with special features.
Nailed it!! 🚴♀️🚣♀️🏊♂️🏝️🏔️🏕️🤿🎣⛷️
Totally agree about the sink in the bathroom. It takes up so much valuable space and the van sink is 2’ away.
Hope to see some builds on the Class B Ford Chassis. Thanks
YES! They absolutely mark them up to show a sale price. I think they have a cost of around 65,000. But one thing is for sure, they will ALWAYS have a huge profit!
I like to see them all. It’s really good for comparison and also your comments are very enlightening. I like to see all the floorplans. 😊
Thanks so much! 😀
Your thoughts on the size of the shower rooms on the 144 is so valid, most have no room for your feet … we built ours so the toilet slides away into the adjacent cabinet, so the shower stall is the full size of the tray.
We also sleep front to back, as we are over 6ft. But to make more living space we have the bed slide back with the top section elevating up the back doors. Really cool.
Not all 144 layouts are the same 😂
Woaw love that the toilet slides 😮
Thanks for taking the time and doing another show. I have to be honest, really wasn’t impressed with any of those vans. I’m really starting to like vans with a rear bathroom.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS ⛄️🎄🎅
We agree! We are fans of the bathroom being in the back. Happy Holidays to you too! 🎄❤️
Umm I have a question. You don't like Thor and you know they put out substandard vans. You know they use staples and water-soluble glue to assemble their RV vans and yet you always show them when you do RV comparisons. Why? By showing them, you are putting their name out there in the algorithm, thus helping them come up in searches. Why promote something that you know is subpar quality? Why not just show the ones you know, or think are of good quality?
My Travato has a million staples and the same glue and there are plenty of videos on them. Not every Thor has dissatisfied customers. Good to put them all out there. Thor has a cheap price point and too many that is what they can afford.
@@dokken08 Yeah, but our 2020.5 Travato G in 3 1/2 years never had any problems. Some of the Thor products break, rip, and leak at the moment they're driven off the lot. Thor really needs to be held up by the thumbs.
I totally agree. Thursday are Junk.
@@dokken08Thor is Crap
Thors are Junk
Thanks for your review. Wow viewers sure can be helpful and some can be harsh towards the vans and you two. Sure need some thick skin to do what you two do. Thanks for traveling for us and giving your review. I am in the early decision phase and find your review very helpful.
Thanks Tony. We appreciate this a lot. You are right, we need thick skin to do this. We are learning we can’t please everyone 😅 and getting thicker and thicker skin. But for the most part this community is amazing! Especially, people like you! So thank you for taking the time to comment and making our day!
I like how the beast mode now does exactly like every RV company and puts the high price with the low price they never did that before but it goes to show that the low price is the real price of the vehicle. I think they just do that for his Aesthetics to make you feel like you're getting a deal.
We have purchased 3 RVs and assisted our friends on their recent purchase. Our experience is the show price is actual MSRP and you have about 5 to 10% range depending on the popularity of unit.
@@mcand2 314,171 was on the storytellers start price. B.s so they do the same thing now. How sad
The Entegra Launch looks just like the Jayce Terrain. Also made by Thor? BTW the lipped counter end pulls out and extends the prep space. Thanks to you two for heading back to the show. AND what no mention of 4x4 lust given the hill climb from hell in the last post?
Same thing, different name
Ok so i really like you guys but you did a big dis service to the Revel. 1: it has a cassette toilet which is awesome. It also has four wheel drive. In addition one thing your not supposed to do is climb the ladder when its on the back without the top hitched The back is simple for storage. In fact you can do damage with what you just showed. I like your channel because we also had a Thor lemon. We had a Tellaro We have also done our homework and the Revel is amazing which is what we own now.
Sorry about that! We are so happy to hear you have a Revel and LOVE it!
I love your videos and watch religiously. 🙂
Hoping to buy a small van asap as I have a terminal illness and my dream is to see the country. Could you review the Solis Pocket 36A?
Thank you so much.
Stay well. ❤️
:) WOW! THANKS MUCH for showing us all the Sprinter based Vans! I LOVE Hillary's sense of WAY TOO MUCH $$$$$$!!!! :) I think the Revel may be the best buy IF I had to choose, OR the PleasureWay? ALL the BEST and have a GREAT Christmas and New Year! Cheers for Left Coast! :)
Haha! Thanks Marty!
Glad you saw a MAD(midwest) van. One of our group has removed the sink in the bathroom ....he is taller than you both. I have no issues with the sink in mine and have plenty of room. I ditched the plastic shower curtain and use a cloth water repellant one with clips on both ends to keep the water from going everywhere. I love my MAD it is a Legend/Irok on the RAM 3500. I have all the bells and whistles that you can get. Thanks for showing us the other vans...have you looked at the Chinook Maverick....you can get it with lithium and it slightly larger.
When it comes to the Thor Tranquility, I would recommend the 19P floor plan. You sacrifice the garage area for the electric fold out bed, but you gain a larger bed, TV in the sleeping area, more shoulder space because the frig is moved to the front for easier access. If you plan to add outside storage boxes, this floorplan just makes sense.
Nothing from Thor makes sense. They produce junk!
Nice Job Bob, Enjoy your video presentations. Thanks.
Glad you like them!
I will never understand the attraction to the sprinter platform. Several thousand more than a similar built van, ( see pleasure way line up). Higher fuel cost for a small increase in efficiency. Add in higher maintenance cost and you’re breaking the bank. I asked a MB van owner why a sprinter and he said “ it’s the only time in my life I will ever own a Mercedes”. I get that.
We have a Roadtrek Zion and love this layout the best for under bed storage out of sight. I haven't found the perfect layout but I think if they left a bit of space between bathroom and driver seat for a fold down table, that would be ideal, less cramped feeling for that seat when turned towards living area. That is basically the only thing I would change. The rest is perfect. Enough room in the Roadtrek shower because the way the curtain flares out. I've seen some class B's with the bathroom door shut flat leaving no space to stretch out. The electric sofa bed works well enough but I would like to take it out and put a permanent platform bed a bit higher. Lots of storage space. Keep up the great work with your videos, you are my favorite youtube channel :)
FYI, 19L = FWD thus cheaper than 19Y which is 4WD 2023 and older models or AWD for 2024 ❤ Entegra Launch is my choice because they come with more features. Thanks for the video comparison!!
Thanks for the reviews!. I'm not a fan of the sprinter because of the difficulty and expense of maintenance and repairs . Not every Benz dealer works on the vans. Storyteller comes on the ford chassis as well😃
Not for 2024
@@zjsteve- yep. Storyteller just shot themselves in the foot.
How can you load in your stuff with the rear couch?
I personally like Mr. Lemon for the spacing and price. The other van is the pleasure way ascent. I would prefer a hidden shower. Much more open space. Happy holidays!
Thanks so much! You guys are troopers to go directly from your (harrowing) Prescott trip to show us so many Sprinters! Thanks for the extra efforts you always put forth for your posts. Hope you get some well deserved R&R.
Happy Holidays!!
❤🎁🎄😘
Glad you enjoyed it! Happy Holidays to you Joe!
I love you 2!!!I am just starting to check out the idea of living in a van for my next chapter!
Awww thanks!!! 😊
Have you reviewed any Leisure Travel Vans? I think I love them, but I've never seen one in person. I'm curious what you think of them? My favorite is the Wonder RL.
I'd choose the Entegra Launch over the Tiffin just because of the 2nd row seats. I hate the 'bus' feel of the seats in the Tiffin (and most models that have that layout.) Does the Winnebago count as an RV, as far as titling purposes? I thought to be considered an RV, it has to have a bed, toilet, and something to prepare food. It does not have the latter.
I still like the coachman B+ crosstrail20 XG. Good video 👍👍
We got the rear view camera you got and we love it. Kim
Love this!
I am so flustrated by the fleecing the RV industry has imposed on potential customers. The price gouging from the manufacturer to the dealer is very obvious. Makes no sense to post a MSRP $50-60 thousand dollar higher discounted starting price. And there is the quality or lack thereof these units have. You read the forums and see the you tubers reviews where the lack of quality and repairs are the norm, not the exception. Bob, you and Hillary can attest to these issues, not with one Rv but two! What has to take place to correct this sad situation? Over priced RVs does not equal quality! Let me hear your thoughts.
Thanks for all the tours. Nice to see. Only thing is the pleasure way bed in back that is electric is too narrow. Did you guys lay on it? The length looks ok but with walls on side, side laying is cut down due to knees. We could not fit in that. The Promaster solis (not pocket) is one of the best beds as to size and no walls on side.
About The Storyteller- for $200k+ you could custom build your own!
So true!
Job well done 👍 Happy NewYear 🎉
Thank you! Happy new year!
Do the models with the rear power beds have seatbelts back there? I could see using one for family road trips as much as overnight camping and seating capacity is important. The ones with the second row of seats near the front don’t appear to be even remotely comfortable for longer drives… the backs appear to be straight up and down and very narrow. Are there any you recommend more for road trip duty?
Also, I agree with you about the bathroom sink. There is a kitchen sink just outside of the bathroom. Can’t you just use that and make more space in the bathroom? Do you need two sinks in a 120 sq ft space?
Hillary, you look so cute today with your braids and hat and red lipstick!
Awww thank you so much!
The new sprinter Ekko is sweet!
We need to check it out!
I found you guys! The name change messed me up LOL, but glad I found you again :)
Yay! Sorry about that. We might change it back. We were just testing it 😂
Just fyi those storage systems on the back of the seats of the STO Beast its an add on for only the beast they are accompanied by the safe style/look storage system in the gallery and garage. Though you can purchase them for the other models at an additional cost. You also forgot to mention the high idle option in the beast mode so one can recharge the batteries w/out even driving and if your at a site that says no generators you can get away w/still using that from our experience though we only ran it for a 1/2hr to have power to make morning coffee and breakfast as we did not pay attention to our power status that previous night. We are still such travel noobs but honestly I am sure years down the road I can make the same error.. 😂
Oh good to know. Thanks for all the great info!
Google “Overland Gear Guy”. They are the vendor that supplies these storage solutions to STO.
The 23 Beast also has OGG organizers in the galley wall, rear galley area and sides of the garage. They did a change in 24 for the rear storage, so not sure if it is still OGG.
Anyway, Google “Overland Gear Guy ProMaster” and see what they have for your van. The 23 Beast Mode uses OGG gear on the seatback, the upper galley wall, the garage side of the galley, and the garage side walls.
Hi, great tour of so many vans to compare layouts. Just a suggestion: maybe a custom van builder would let you two do a tour of one of their vans. Then you could compare build quality and layouts with the big commercial makers. In vans where the bed goes up and down, with the stuff you put under the bed, such as bikes, what do you do with it when the bed is down? We put our bed at 36 inches so our bikes can stay in there all the time. Yes, we can't sit upright in the bed but we accept that. Safe travels to you guys!
that's what we did - custom van.
@@CraigPeer That's great. I think it is the only way to get even close to what you really want.
Bob: "See Hillary? This is what you need. When you're done showering, you put it away." Hillary: "No." 🤣
😂
Hi what brand of box do you have on the back of your van and do you like it? Kim
Aluminess-we love it! We have a video of us installing it too!
Still don't see any Coachmen vans...what's up with that? They are only the best B van camper around. Prices are pretty similar if you ask me...Peace and thanks for sharing...
Where can I see all these vans
It was a RV show…they have them all the time in Arizona.
I can’t believe the Roadtrek has fabric near the kitchen. Ick, grease trap.
We own the Roadtrek SS-Agile and you are correct about the fabric. We installed a clear back splash. Also remember to open shade. Otherwise the Roadtrek has been a great unit with very good factory support.
We rented a class b to travel the Pacific NW. It was great. Although it gets tight as time goes on...and ours had a 7 foot high ceiling. One thing for sure. Class B's get a lot of hype and DO NOT sell as well as the hype may have you believe. I was shocked to see how bad sales are. Apocalyptic sales numbers! I was happy for the sales boom....now I'm feeling concerned for these builders. Not good at all.
Hey! where's your Aluminess box, ladder and tire? still back there? Love? pros, cons?
Yes. It's still back there :) We love it! Bob says best purchase he's made.
@@Vancaskeys good to hear! I purchased the box and rack for passenger side. Just need to find someone to do the install.
Sweet! You'll love it! @@mitsygaynor
@@Vancaskeys definitely getting boxes like yours installed on our new van.
@@CraigPeer awesome!
What would you recommend class B in your opinion for around 95,000 thank you
The sinks in the wet baths seem like a huge waste of space in those footprints. Use the kitchen sink and or some type of portable basin it would make showering much easier. Maybe a removable basin that drains down the shower drain.
absolutely - why the extra sink?
Pullman sinks, invented for the Pullman railroad sleeper cars, fold up against the wall so they can take as little as 2-4" when not in use, and still be a very good size when down.
I would probably pick Launch instead Revel.😊
I still haven’t bought my first class b. What’s the best for a solo female traveler? Do any come w a guy - who happens to be a mechanic?
How long is Mr Lemon? I have a Thor Sanctuary 19P and my big complaint is definitely the bathroom but it looks like all the bathrooms are the same. Thank you so much for showing us the other options out there.
We just bought the 19P. We did loose the garage space, but it feels so much bigger in the living area. Moving the frig to the front opens up the shoulder room in the galley and sitting/sleeping area.
@@MeAndTreeRV sorry I meant I have the 19P (corrected the previous statement) 😅.
@@jzwilkinson All good.
The 19L bathroom just has the one half door as compared to our 19P with two.
I think you and I have the better layout.
I do think that overall the Sprinter is the better engineered van. The down side is getting it serviced.You are pretty much at the mercy of the MB dealers who are too few and far between. Ford has thousands of dealers with mechanics that are qualified to work on them. Not all MB dealers have mechanics who can service Sprinters.
The Sprinter does also carry an up front price premium. That difference can pay for a lot of service on a Ford or Ram.van! Also, the do-it-yourselfer has access to much lower priced replacement parts from both the dealer and aftermarket parts suppliers.
Guys the revel ladder is for the side of the van not for rear use!
Storyteller Beast Mode for me please!!!!
Ok Vancaskeys, time to bite the bullet and just “invest” in the Storyteller Beast! You will not regret it. It will take you far off the pavement and open your world of advanture up! My wife and I got the Beast 8 months ago and it has been life changing for us in the mountain West.
Storyteller: You're going to have to wait for that shower curtain to dry before putting it away. I.dont.like.it.
True.
Been subscribed and watching your vids for a while and really like your reviews. Have you ever reviewed or encountered an Embassy Dolphin class B in the wild? They are made to order and use no wood. All aluminum and protruded fiberglass and marine grade vinyl. Would love to know your thoughts on those. In your travels if you’re ever near Elkhart Indiana maybe you could do a video at the shop. Happy trails to you both.
Can you please do a review on the Winnebago Roam Open Concept?
Hillary, I’m loving that red lip!
Awwww thank you!!!!❤️
Personally we didn't like any of the RV manufacturers Sprinter floorplans. Went with a custom build from Automotive Design and Fabrication. The small bathroom problem was one reason. Our shower expands outwards when needed.
Oh wow is there any way you can share your bathroom?
I’ll post a link tomorrow.
@@jzwilkinson for some reason the link got deleted. Check out the video of " The Ron " on Automotive Design and Fabrication's past builds. That's who we are having build our van.
@@CraigPeer thank you!
Revel is the winner!❤
Just Purchased the Grech TURISMO Ion. Slept in it total of 15 nights so far and 3 nights as a couple. 5’9 and 5’3 we are super comfy. Bathroom and shower are huge compared to others we looked at.
Fantastic vid, Kudos keep up the fabulous work. By the way enjoyed your last vid, had my fingers crossed if you'll going to succeed 365 turn up the mountain. Lol!
thanks for the walk-arounds!...but unfortunately they all seem to still have 'covid pricing'
With the price of new vans, I doubt pricing will ever go down.
I would like no sink or a drop-down sink.
Same
Have you ever looked at a panorama.. I think it’s a Canadian manufacturer..
Sprinter 4x4 system has been discontinued for 2023 and replaced with always-on all-wheel-drive
Oh really? Good to know!
@@Vancaskeys Mercedes-Benz will discontinue both the Metris and the gas-powered Sprinter vans in the US next year, Automotive News reports, citing a memo sent to Mercedes' US dealers. According to that memo, both vehicles will end their runs in the US after the third quarter of 2023.
review Tiffin gh-1 class B van 2023
That trim piece above your head doesn’t even fit properly. Why ?
These are all great until you try to use most of them away from a campsite/shore power. Drives me nuts that these are all designed to be used at an RV park with hookups and kinda defeats the purpose.
100% the OG…
Hi from bc Canada
Hi!!!
I’ve never understood why the revel doesn’t make small seats under the elevator bed. Ppl buy the expensive revel and pay even more to add seats. Good point on the ladder and how it’s attached and the mattress airflow Bob, I didn’t think about that. The storyteller is …..eh…. I could never shave my legs in a tent bag shower thing.
The revel doesn’t come with seats under the bed because people carry all kinds of different things in the garage . This way they can leave it as is,or customize it . We have a revel and don’t want seats in the garage . It takes up to much nice storage space . We also might want to haul something in it if needed. 🙂
It’s ATiny
All the layouts seem too small and tight. I would not buy a Sprinter…cost of maintenance is way too high.
The adventure van? It is on the edge of worthless. I can hang my backpacks on those wall racks and make this van for about $2000 over the price of the van.
Agree. Better to buy an empty cargo van and do your own build out. But new MB Sprinters are not cheap - that's part of the problem / cost.
Me: Wonders what OG means... hehe
WHY DID YOU NOT DISCUSS THAT SOME VANS HAD FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OR REAR DUAL TIRES? PAY ATTENTION. POOR JOB…
They were comparing floorplans / layouts. You complain they didn't show enough, someone else complained the video was too long. They can't win. Do your own research then.
I just re-watched this video and they do mention the ones that are 4 wheel drive. As for duellys, only the Pleasure Way 170 3500 has duelly's. The rest were 144's or 2500's.
No more music pls
Mention the technical specs and dimensions on everything, without that we cant tell if its any good and you are not providing much value beyond a still picture.
Most of the Class B's look the same...😅 Nothing new.
If you are paying over $100,000 for an RV, you should not have to buy anything to make it work. I can buy a house for as much as those RVs. I think they are all a rip off and I really would never consider a Thor. Between your problems with Mr. Lemon and all the others I have seen that go through Thor nightmares, I would not even bother looking at Thor.
Good luck finding a house here in California for $100K - other than a tar paper shack in Barstow. I think the choice of which van sometimes comes down to price. Our 2023 Sprinter 170 ext AWD cargo van cost as much as Mr. Lemon. Empty - before the build out.
@@CraigPeer I guess you are buying in the wrong state.
@@Erica_Brenda it doesn't matter if you have the money, or already live here. But the generic statement that a $100K van cost as much as a house depends on where you live. For a van to cost " as much as a house " in the San Francisco bay area, it would need to cost $1 million dollars ( or more ).
@@CraigPeer Right. I didn't say the van cost as much as a house in San Fransico or Sandiego or New Orleans. I said it costs as much as a hose. Obviously, there are places on earth where that is not true. But it DOES cost as much as a house in some places. And it DOES coast as much as a house in some places in America. And it DOES cost as much as a house where I live in America. In some countries, it probably costs as much as several homes. So we are both right, CraigPeer. Think about it. There is no reason to argue the point. It does cost as much as a house, plain and simple. To mem, I will buy the house for 100k and enjoy the appreciation in value of the house value over buying an RV and watching it depreciate in value.
@@Erica_Brenda Well, there are less expensive alternatives like trailers or buying used. These vans are expensive and they are not getting any cheaper. Have a good day.
NE AC NO BUY 😡😡😡
As cringe as thumbnails get