We wrote up our likes/dislikes about the new Solis 59PX over on our blog; see that here!!! www.thefitrv.com/rv-reviews/the-new-winnebago-solis-59px-the-reveal-and-complete-review/
I like this rig, probably the one I would most be interested. One thing I like about the pop top is once you get to a site, you can sleep up there and fill up the garage area, or use the area for extra storage and keep the living area sano. Ar certain sites on a warm evening it would be nice to sleep up there and listen to the ocean.
So this is a really awesome vehicle. The thing that really made us both shake our heads in this review was the whole discussion about the generator. You may think it isn't loud when you are in a city parking lot at a grocery store, but when you are camping, around anyone else, the sound of that generator is about the most annoying thing somebody could possibly hear. If I wanted to hear an engine running, I would camp on a freeway. The "quiet" generator is definitely not a selling point. What would be a selling point, would be to highlight the fact that you could survive through the use of solar both the included rooftop solar and an additional solar panel that you could connect through that rear port that you showed early on in the video. That, my friends, would be a win. And, those around you would love you for keeping the peace and quiet in the great outdoors.
So you will have to carry 50 square meters of solar panels and a 200 kg battery to go overnight. Or a pedal generator. Or do witout power. If you want the A/C, or simply the power supply in your vehicle, you need either the generator, either a power plug nearby (thanks to environmentalism, now the network power will be produced by burning coal). Make peace with it: solar simply does not solve the issue, because of plain technical limits.
It qualifies for the standard set by the NPS campgrounds of less than 60 decibels at 50 feet. Get yourself a Revel to get further from the masses, it doesnt take much.
Solar isn't practical for me so it's not a selling point. I'm in Minnesota so I don't even need the generator for AC at night. In fact I stay away from vehicles with it. Too many wires and batteries I can't use.
Appreciate this overview. I am renting a van later this year that will likely be the Solis, and will also be working so good to hear your opinion. My nephew will absolutely want to spend a night in the pop-up 😁
Nice little aside about the superiority of the front wheel drive in the wind. It's the first I've heard of that Promaster benefit and it makes perfect sense. Thanks for adding to my RV education.
Hi Stephen. I don't normally comment on TH-cam, but I saw your comment. It's true that front wheel drive helps in the crosswinds, but the Promaster also has advantage because the high roof is lower than all the other high-roof competitors. Stock heights: High roof Promaster is 8'4"; high roof non 4x4 Sprinter is 9'; high roof Transit is 9'2".
This is a terrific review. We are nearing retirement and considering an RV for trips and a class B seems to make good sense for just two people. I think we would be allowed to keep at home and park in the driveway vs having to pay for storage.
This is so timely. I really like our Travato but THIS is perfect for me and my adult son. I hope the elements won't make being in the pop-top too challenging but we will do our best to steer clear of bad weather and below freezing temps.
We stayed in a poptop campervan in England last year, and when it was cold and rainy out, we stayed toasty inside even with it popped! That's when that one clear plastic window becomes a blessing; you still get light in the van even when it's pouring rain outside. :)
Oh I really like this, especially because it sleeps 4 adults and the gas mileage! Wish it had a small microwave or I could buy a tiny one, Must Have! Love the colors, I love Silver with the light interior. And all that storage space is ideal! I could bring my E bike or Huffy E Scooter! Got to check out the cost, this is truly Do a ble!! 👏😊❤️
Thanks for the great review! This really helped us make out final decision. We made a down payment on a red one today and hope to get delivery by the end of the year! Just sub'd also - great channel!
The Solis is the perfect combination between amenities and tiny. The only concern I have is the cassette toilet. I personally have never dealt with one but back in June 2017 I saw a TH-cam of a young couple that almost died emptying one. I wonder if that nice young couple ever made friends with a cassette toilet. I’m just kidding, we’re you able to make it work better for you this time? Thanks for the great reviews. After I left this, went to fit rv.com and got all my questions answers. I love that pop up from my old VW camper van days. Now I don’t think I could get up their to save my life It’s a nostalgia thing.
LOL! Totally understand the nostalgia thing; for us as well. As for that traumatized couple, we've had more experience with cassettes in the years since that first awful experience from that vid, and have since learned that as long as you add WAYYYY more chemicals than the manufacturer's directions, you can kill the smell. So! We're far from loving the things but we've called a truce with cassettes!
Interesting. I am in the market and had written off the solis due to no a/c and was looking at the Travato instead but I really like the pop top as we had an RV with an over-cab loft and really enjoyed that feature, so the roof tent is definitely cool, but possibly noisy at busy campgrounds. Some of the places we boondocked were so mosquito infested that we didn't even go outside those nights.
Awww thanks Ron! Stef here...I think like most couples, we kinda know what each one's thinking and will say or do so it flows easily. Well MOST of the time (ahem, generator scene, me stranded).
Every time I see any bathroom in a camper van, I think of all that space for something you only do for a short time every day. Good choice to make it smaller. I'm waiting for someone to design cassette storage that slides out when you want to use the facilities.
Solis 59PX or Ekko? Since you've had both for a bit. The pop top is sweet and the Ram drives nice though not tge most comfortable seat or steering wheel ergonomics. But wondering if the Awd ford will be best for winter plus the extra insulation of ekko. Thoughts?
Great review-you guys are so good at this. Love the rig as well…except for the generator. For that money, I want to maximize the solar and energy storage.
Great review and energy as always. Did I miss an outdoor plug pr propane quick connect for outdoor cooking? Also for city water do you have to keep the rear doors open? I missed that part. Thanks. Happy camping. Hi Mel.
I see there's no tvs at all. If you want to install one, is there any preparation for it? Not that I care, but being the father of 7 y-o twins has teached me to be prepared for anything. Thank you, guys. You're great!
Yes! Back by the bed, WGO has installed a roof port box along with various outlets so you can run an antenna up to the roof and plug in whatever you want! :)
I am most interested in reading between the lines, aka, the claustrophobic looking Ekko, and Jims obvious disappointment compared to Lance, . He worked SO hard doing modifications, I wonder if your experience didn't come into play in terms of Winnebago, "We don't really like the Ekko". I suspect its use is ideally for cold weather and noticed they have added a pop top. That would help. However you both seem so bubbly with this very nice requisition of space, its nice to see you breathing an inner sigh of relief (no?) In my pandemic year of comparisons , here is no question I would not get a van without !!!!!a pop top, I like being up high. Have a great time, and find some nice ocean water to chill in !
Great review. I felt like I took the full test drive experience. But Winnebago sure do love multiple individual wall control for different units… Why not integrate them into one display unit?
Yep it's not a clean look, is it?! It would require all their component manufacturers to adhere to a common standard, and in this case the solar charge controller and the heater/water heater are built by different manufacturers.
Great coach , There's no vent in the bathroom , If someone's making a footie the whole Van's gonna know , Maybe some aftermarket companies will build a Box around the compressor to protect it from stuff bouncing up off the road and wiping it out , Great job guys thank you
Thank you for the great review. The Solis 59PX would be perfect for me (budget and space wise) but I plan to do some trips where 4x4 may be required. What are your thoughts on this? Is the Ekko the only way to go - it’s a lot more money. I need room for 3-4.
Hey James & Stefany, I watched this review before we purchased our Solis and want to say thanks! We just got back from our first "big trip" with it and I was wondering what camp chairs you had that you stored under the back seating area? Thanks! ~ Dave
Great review! Thanks so much. I worry about how far down that gennie hangs. I guarantee I would drag it off in no time. I like that it is so quiet though. Is the table top as wobbly as it looked? I'm not sure I like the offset leg for stability. Thanks again!
We didn't find it to be wobbly. The nice thing about the offset leg was the extra knee room; we kinda like it that way! In our Travato the leg is all the way out and it closes it off more that way. :)
Thank you for this great review. We are about to retire and this will be perfect for long week ends trips. Are these vans as reliable as the sprinter vans? What is the mpg like?
Hello. I will be renting a Solis in a month. I am trying to figure out a mount for my tablet whether on the windshield or in a cup holder. Do you have a suggestion?
Yes to group 31 batteries! No inverter, and yes batteries charge while driving (also from solar or being plugged in too)! Winnebago has more details over on their website: winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/solis
Great presentation! Y'all looked right at home in this outfitted Solis 59XL. It's certainly a nice RV for those who prefer a propane and generator fueled combo platform, with a more relaxed layout with additional storage. As far as the bathroom is concerned, is there adequate ventilation in there to move the air out of the RV? Also, what is the weight limit for the upper room?
We pretty much just kept the bathroom door cracked, so ventilation was never a thought or an issue for us. The bathroom door does have some passive vents on it so air does get through when the door's closed. I believe we were told the poptop weight limit was around 440lbs, but I'll try to confirm I've got that right and will let you know!
We've been going round and round about this! What we know: there's no perfect solution for an RV toilet. All 3 options: traditional, compost, and cassette all have pros and cons. The big pro with the cassette is that you don't need an RV dump station and can dump in regular toilet! Plus you don't have to do that separate-actions-thing you have to do with a compost toilet. But then the compost smaller liquids tank much easier to dump... and compost lasts weeks. I think if we were to buy a Solis, we'd probably give the cassette a good college try. And then we'd replace it if we find we're missing our compost toilet.
Hello! Great video, really cool about the larger solis. I love the pop top roof for a spot for our granddaughter. She would love it! I assume the fridge is compressor driven? With minimal solar and no lithium, is the fridge staying cold for you guys? Does this have the auto start feature like the travado? There is a lot to like here, but honestly I have been hooked on the travado NP since you introduced us to “Parky”.
You two always have great reviews but you really knocked this one out of the park...beautiful bed decorating but wondering if you found yourselves bumping heads on those openings? ps, Mel is a scene stealer, lol!
We didn't have any trouble at all bumping heads on the cabinets or anything in the bed area... but then don't forget we're coming from Lance's tiny bed that's pretty much up on the ceiling lol. The Solis bed is palatial compared to our current van bed!
On your website I searched "paddleboard" and see the "Meet the 2 Inflatable Sea Eagle Boats We’ve Been Traveling With" video, but what are you using now (you talked about it in this Solis video) 0:13:16
Nope! But we had quadrupled the recommended amount of chemicals since years ago the first time we used one we DID have problems with odors because we only used recommended amount of chemicals!
So glad the quiet generator is now avalible. But how was the noise in the van in association with the a/c? Also what are the dimensions? Wonder if i could swap out my Onan 2800.
I'm sorry, we didn't think to get the dimensions! The a/c on its low setting is about the level of a fan running, so it wasn't objectionable at all. High starts getting louder, but like James said in vid, he had no trouble working and being on conference calls even with it cranked up to high. We slept with it on high setting!
James made a spoof video about his dislike for awnings! The whole thing was a big SNL-type skit lol, but in all the weirdness he did share legit reason he hates awnings. Here’s the vid!!! th-cam.com/video/ZYhnQ7jrp64/w-d-xo.html
They took a page from the Thor Tellaro play book and put an A/C on the Solis. Now if they would take a page from the Sequence play book and put a floor plan out that the Sequence 20K has changing only the toilet to a cassette that would be great.
Love it. The only minor concern is the size of the dining table...a bit too small if you have to eat a meal indoors. Oh, one question... can you use the pop top in a rain storm?
Pop tops are waterproof, so yep! That's also why one of the pop top windows is clear plastic. So if it's raining you'll have to zip shut the two screen windows but can leave open the clear plastic for light to get in! :)
Nope, the top doesn't have to be up to stand (interior height 76")! In fact the hole up to the poptop bed is just a small opening in the front of the van, so the majority of the ceiling isn't affected at all by the poptop mounted on top of the van.
nice review! and you are allowing comments... neat! so 2 things: why put the solar panel connector inside? and I just don't get having a cassette toilet while also having a gray tank... you still gotta dump, right?
The solar panel connector is inside but you can shut the door on the cord! We actually did that while using it, no probs. It means one less hole on the outside of the van, too, so even though we questioned it too at first, we actually like it this way!
We've been using the Magma brand for years; we had the original 10 piece set, then got the 7 piece non-stick induction set after we put induction in in our van Lance. They aren't cheap but they're great quality and last forever! Here's a look: amzn.to/3f6ApA5
My biggest concern is the cassette toilet, being full, and not having any sanitary options to empty it. Many campgrounds have made their bathhouses off-limits due to COVID.
Personally, I want more cassette toilets. Even better would be a urine separating cassette/composting toilet. I don't mind watering my yard with grey water.... but sometimes searching for a black-water dump station is a pain..
Not at all... it's the same height as the Promaster, they didn't cut it down for the poptop; and as for the headliner above the cab area, it's a non-issue too. We have that same headliner in Lance and never had head bumping issues! 👍
So with the changes and additions, where does that put the price tag, around $110k now? And STILL no lithium/inverter package. Instead they give us a generator that reduces the already meager ground clearance!
I would worry about the generator hitting a rock when boon docking and too bad the screen in the back will not go around the doors when open for a screened porch effect. I this 4 wheel drive? OK for Winter also? Brush teeth in kitchen sink I guess?
Great review. Have they improved the water hookups so that you can be hooked up to city water at a campground without having to have the back door open?
That's not changed. But it's common practice for the van community to never stay hooked up to city water... so that's not something we'd miss. Our own van is 5 now and I think we hooked up to city only once back in the beginning just to try it!
Great video review - thanks. I have a question about those L-Tracks in the rear and the bike mounts. I see an L-track that is at top of window height. Do you think it would be possible to put the bike mount on the L-track at that top-of-window height? If possible, this could maybe provide additional space in the center to access under the bed storage.
I think it might depend on the bike itself because the cabinets might get in the way of the handlebars. Although, if you turned the handlebars and modified the mount to allow for this, it's possible that could work? We're looking forward to seeing the creative ways the first owners will mount their bikes back there, I'm sure there's all sort of possibilities!
We wrote up our likes/dislikes about the new Solis 59PX over on our blog; see that here!!! www.thefitrv.com/rv-reviews/the-new-winnebago-solis-59px-the-reveal-and-complete-review/
Ive been looking all over TH-cam to see if bikes could fit in the back. Your the only folks showing that they can fit. Thanks!
I like this rig, probably the one I would most be interested. One thing I like about the pop top is once you get to a site, you can sleep up there and fill up the garage area, or use the area for extra storage and keep the living area sano. Ar certain sites on a warm evening it would be nice to sleep up there and listen to the ocean.
So this is a really awesome vehicle. The thing that really made us both shake our heads in this review was the whole discussion about the generator. You may think it isn't loud when you are in a city parking lot at a grocery store, but when you are camping, around anyone else, the sound of that generator is about the most annoying thing somebody could possibly hear. If I wanted to hear an engine running, I would camp on a freeway.
The "quiet" generator is definitely not a selling point.
What would be a selling point, would be to highlight the fact that you could survive through the use of solar both the included rooftop solar and an additional solar panel that you could connect through that rear port that you showed early on in the video. That, my friends, would be a win. And, those around you would love you for keeping the peace and quiet in the great outdoors.
So you will have to carry 50 square meters of solar panels and a 200 kg battery to go overnight.
Or a pedal generator.
Or do witout power.
If you want the A/C, or simply the power supply in your vehicle, you need either the generator, either a power plug nearby (thanks to environmentalism, now the network power will be produced by burning coal).
Make peace with it: solar simply does not solve the issue, because of plain technical limits.
It qualifies for the standard set by the NPS campgrounds of less than 60 decibels at 50 feet. Get yourself a Revel to get further from the masses, it doesnt take much.
Yeah, that generator is loud to me and I wouldn't want to hear it.
Solar isn't practical for me so it's not a selling point. I'm in Minnesota so I don't even need the generator for AC at night. In fact I stay away from vehicles with it. Too many wires and batteries I can't use.
This was the video that sold me on the Solis. I just picked up a used 21 no pop top version. I freaking love it!
How much $? I am considering used because I cannot wrap my head around 85k.
Any problems with the transmission?
Amazing mix of all the good stuff! Thank you James and Steph and of course Winnebago!
Agree, loads of good stuff here! Glad you like it!!!
Appreciate this overview. I am renting a van later this year that will likely be the Solis, and will also be working so good to hear your opinion. My nephew will absolutely want to spend a night in the pop-up 😁
Nice little aside about the superiority of the front wheel drive in the wind. It's the first I've heard of that Promaster benefit and it makes perfect sense. Thanks for adding to my RV education.
Hi Stephen. I don't normally comment on TH-cam, but I saw your comment. It's true that front wheel drive helps in the crosswinds, but the Promaster also has advantage because the high roof is lower than all the other high-roof competitors. Stock heights: High roof Promaster is 8'4"; high roof non 4x4 Sprinter is 9'; high roof Transit is 9'2".
Awesome review, thanks! Great improvements for 2021. Interior bike storage is a must!
Right?!? That bike storage is EVERYTHING.
Awesome review guys, hopefully ill get mine soon, that’s if they’re not all gone. Cause they are going fast before 2022.
This is a terrific review. We are nearing retirement and considering an RV for trips and a class B seems to make good sense for just two people. I think we would be allowed to keep at home and park in the driveway vs having to pay for storage.
That's an important consideration for us, too... keeping it small so it easily fits at our house. We forgot to mention that one!
Thanks for the great Tour! You both are awesome!
Thanks Alma!
This is so timely. I really like our Travato but THIS is perfect for me and my adult son. I hope the elements won't make being in the pop-top too challenging but we will do our best to steer clear of bad weather and below freezing temps.
never thought I'd be interested in a pop-top but this is a much better than going to a class C. I really like how the Promaster drives
We stayed in a poptop campervan in England last year, and when it was cold and rainy out, we stayed toasty inside even with it popped! That's when that one clear plastic window becomes a blessing; you still get light in the van even when it's pouring rain outside. :)
Great video to watch. U guys are so cute together. What a great relationship to witness.
I really like this model. I’d LOVE it with a black tank and a Ford Transit chassis.
black tank for sure
Travato + Cargo Trailer = Perfect.
Great review!
Oh I really like this, especially because it sleeps 4 adults and the gas mileage! Wish it had a small microwave or I could buy a tiny one, Must Have! Love the colors, I love Silver with the light interior. And all that storage space is ideal! I could bring my E bike or Huffy E Scooter! Got to check out the cost, this is truly Do a ble!! 👏😊❤️
You guys are awesome. Thank you - I can’t wait to test drive it.
Great review - what a cool camper. I love the rooftop tent option.
I really like the voice over technique
Thanks for the amazingly thorough review! Bike on!! 🚴♂️
Our pleasure!
What an excellent review. Thank you.
Our pleasure!
I always enjoy their videos. They also hate awnings like I do.
Thanks for the great review! This really helped us make out final decision. We made a down payment on a red one today and hope to get delivery by the end of the year! Just sub'd also - great channel!
Hey that’s awesome! Huge congrats on your new van! Hoping your adventures in it are INCREDIBLE!
You folks are awesome!
The Solis is the perfect combination between amenities and tiny. The only concern I have is the cassette toilet. I personally have never dealt with one but back in June 2017 I saw a TH-cam of a young couple that almost died emptying one. I wonder if that nice young couple ever made friends with a cassette toilet.
I’m just kidding, we’re you able to make it work better for you this time?
Thanks for the great reviews.
After I left this, went to fit rv.com and got all my questions answers. I love that pop up from my old VW camper van days. Now I don’t think I could get up their to save my life It’s a nostalgia thing.
LOL! Totally understand the nostalgia thing; for us as well. As for that traumatized couple, we've had more experience with cassettes in the years since that first awful experience from that vid, and have since learned that as long as you add WAYYYY more chemicals than the manufacturer's directions, you can kill the smell. So! We're far from loving the things but we've called a truce with cassettes!
Interesting. I am in the market and had written off the solis due to no a/c and was looking at the Travato instead but I really like the pop top as we had an RV with an over-cab loft and really enjoyed that feature, so the roof tent is definitely cool, but possibly noisy at busy campgrounds.
Some of the places we boondocked were so mosquito infested that we didn't even go outside those nights.
Nice cat! Thank you for the video.
Awesome van.
Any problems with the transmission over time...
You two have such a great dynamic! I love watching how you two bounce off of each other!
Awww thanks Ron! Stef here...I think like most couples, we kinda know what each one's thinking and will say or do so it flows easily. Well MOST of the time (ahem, generator scene, me stranded).
We put a 4 inch lift on ours
Can't wait for one to hit our lot....
Every time I see any bathroom in a camper van, I think of all that space for something you only do for a short time every day. Good choice to make it smaller. I'm waiting for someone to design cassette storage that slides out when you want to use the facilities.
Solis 59PX or Ekko? Since you've had both for a bit. The pop top is sweet and the Ram drives nice though not tge most comfortable seat or steering wheel ergonomics. But wondering if the Awd ford will be best for winter plus the extra insulation of ekko. Thoughts?
Great review-you guys are so good at this. Love the rig as well…except for the generator. For that money, I want to maximize the solar and energy storage.
If that was on a sprinter I’d be all over it! Nice vlog!
but it would be $200K!!
Great review and energy as always. Did I miss an outdoor plug pr propane quick connect for outdoor cooking? Also for city water do you have to keep the rear doors open? I missed that part. Thanks. Happy camping. Hi Mel.
I think the cat made for a better salesman than our two humans....lol, lol, lol
LOL! Yep we all know Mel's the real star of the FitRV show. ;)
I see there's no tvs at all. If you want to install one, is there any preparation for it? Not that I care, but being the father of 7 y-o twins has teached me to be prepared for anything. Thank you, guys. You're great!
Yes! Back by the bed, WGO has installed a roof port box along with various outlets so you can run an antenna up to the roof and plug in whatever you want! :)
Great review, thanks for the laughs, it's even funnier on double speed.
I am most interested in reading between the lines, aka, the claustrophobic looking Ekko, and Jims obvious disappointment compared to Lance, . He worked SO hard doing modifications, I wonder if your experience didn't come into play in terms of Winnebago, "We don't really like the Ekko". I suspect its use is ideally for cold weather and noticed they have added a pop top. That would help. However you both seem so bubbly with this very nice requisition of space, its nice to see you breathing an inner sigh of relief (no?) In my pandemic year of comparisons , here is no question I would not get a van without !!!!!a pop top, I like being up high. Have a great time, and find some nice ocean water to chill in !
Yall are great. Please do a video on how to drive the thing in the mountains.
I wish they talked about the engine power for traveling over mountains and passing tractor-trailers on the freeway.
Great review. I felt like I took the full test drive experience. But Winnebago sure do love multiple individual wall control for different units… Why not integrate them into one display unit?
Yep it's not a clean look, is it?! It would require all their component manufacturers to adhere to a common standard, and in this case the solar charge controller and the heater/water heater are built by different manufacturers.
You guys are great 👍! Always love your banter, 😆! How does the Solis compare to the Travato? Does the Solis take the place of the Travato series?
Great coach , There's no vent in the bathroom , If someone's making a footie the whole Van's gonna know , Maybe some aftermarket companies will build a Box around the compressor to protect it from stuff bouncing up off the road and wiping it out , Great job guys thank you
Thank you for the great review. The Solis 59PX would be perfect for me (budget and space wise) but I plan to do some trips where 4x4 may be required. What are your thoughts on this? Is the Ekko the only way to go - it’s a lot more money. I need room for 3-4.
Great video. Does running the AC make it too noisy to sleep in the pop top?
Hey James & Stefany,
I watched this review before we purchased our Solis and want to say thanks! We just got back from our first "big trip" with it and I was wondering what camp chairs you had that you stored under the back seating area? Thanks!
~ Dave
How does the owner get to the generator for routine maintenance as in adding oil to the generator.?
Great review!. Have you had any operational/ mechanical issues?
The best Class B model.
Great review! Thanks so much. I worry about how far down that gennie hangs. I guarantee I would drag it off in no time. I like that it is so quiet though. Is the table top as wobbly as it looked? I'm not sure I like the offset leg for stability. Thanks again!
We didn't find it to be wobbly. The nice thing about the offset leg was the extra knee room; we kinda like it that way! In our Travato the leg is all the way out and it closes it off more that way. :)
@@Thefitrv Good to hear. Yeah, the extra knee room is nice! Thanks!
It looks great
like it :-).. love the popup top..
Thank you for this great review. We are about to retire and this will be perfect for long week ends trips. Are these vans as reliable as the sprinter vans? What is the mpg like?
Love you guys. Made it to 1:48. Cassette toilet.
How much gas do you use running the generator and AC?
Hello. I will be renting a Solis in a month. I am trying to figure out a mount for my tablet whether on the windshield or in a cup holder. Do you have a suggestion?
Read your blog but still did not find out more about battery 2-100AmH ? inverter 2000w? Or whether batteries can be charged by driving. Thanks!
Yes to group 31 batteries! No inverter, and yes batteries charge while driving (also from solar or being plugged in too)! Winnebago has more details over on their website: winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/solis
What kind of mpg are you getting?
Great presentation! Y'all looked right at home in this outfitted Solis 59XL. It's certainly a nice RV for those who prefer a propane and generator fueled combo platform, with a more relaxed layout with additional storage. As far as the bathroom is concerned, is there adequate ventilation in there to move the air out of the RV? Also, what is the weight limit for the upper room?
We pretty much just kept the bathroom door cracked, so ventilation was never a thought or an issue for us. The bathroom door does have some passive vents on it so air does get through when the door's closed. I believe we were told the poptop weight limit was around 440lbs, but I'll try to confirm I've got that right and will let you know!
@@Thefitrv Thank you!
I did not see a spot fo a spare tire, would there be room for one where you had your bikes inside?
Did you like the cassette toilet better than the composting one you use? Do like the back storage on this unit.
We've been going round and round about this! What we know: there's no perfect solution for an RV toilet. All 3 options: traditional, compost, and cassette all have pros and cons. The big pro with the cassette is that you don't need an RV dump station and can dump in regular toilet! Plus you don't have to do that separate-actions-thing you have to do with a compost toilet. But then the compost smaller liquids tank much easier to dump... and compost lasts weeks. I think if we were to buy a Solis, we'd probably give the cassette a good college try. And then we'd replace it if we find we're missing our compost toilet.
How do you hook up the city water with the doors closed
How easy is the maintenance of the generator given its location under the vehicle?
The city water hookup requires the back doors be open?
Hello!
Great video, really cool about the larger solis. I love the pop top roof for a spot for our granddaughter. She would love it!
I assume the fridge is compressor driven? With minimal solar and no lithium, is the fridge staying cold for you guys?
Does this have the auto start feature like the travado?
There is a lot to like here, but honestly I have been hooked on the travado NP since you introduced us to “Parky”.
We didn't have any problems with the fridge, and yep, it's compressor driven!
You two always have great reviews but you really knocked this one out of the park...beautiful bed decorating but wondering if you found yourselves bumping heads on those openings? ps, Mel is a scene stealer, lol!
We didn't have any trouble at all bumping heads on the cabinets or anything in the bed area... but then don't forget we're coming from Lance's tiny bed that's pretty much up on the ceiling lol. The Solis bed is palatial compared to our current van bed!
I like the ram travatos rear head
I'm curious...Is it worth giving up the Maxx Fan for the pop top?
And why couldn't they engineer a fan into the pop top shell!??
On your website I searched "paddleboard" and see the "Meet the 2 Inflatable Sea Eagle Boats We’ve Been Traveling With" video, but what are you using now (you talked about it in this Solis video) 0:13:16
Does this model fit in a regular parking space
Any issues with odors from cassette toilet?
Nope! But we had quadrupled the recommended amount of chemicals since years ago the first time we used one we DID have problems with odors because we only used recommended amount of chemicals!
Could you please let me know the brand of the top entry litter box. Thanks and just love your RV reviews - so informative and humorous.
What about the Remis blind for the front and side Windows ,that we ar iusing in europ at the Fiat that you named ram in usa
So glad the quiet generator is now avalible. But how was the noise in the van in association with the a/c? Also what are the dimensions? Wonder if i could swap out my Onan 2800.
I'm sorry, we didn't think to get the dimensions! The a/c on its low setting is about the level of a fan running, so it wasn't objectionable at all. High starts getting louder, but like James said in vid, he had no trouble working and being on conference calls even with it cranked up to high. We slept with it on high setting!
How does city connect work?
Are the backseats equipped with shoulder seatbelts?
Is it hot when in the pop top with the AC on? Does the Air circulate up there?
Do you still have the Solis? Or is the Ekko your primary? Thanks!
Nice video guys.... What is the brand of the white bike seat ? Thank you
It's a Specialized Romin EVO... that's James' bike, he loves that saddle!
The Fit RV Thank you very much...
Great entertaining video good job. A question why no awning or why do you don’t like awnings?
James made a spoof video about his dislike for awnings! The whole thing was a big SNL-type skit lol, but in all the weirdness he did share legit reason he hates awnings. Here’s the vid!!! th-cam.com/video/ZYhnQ7jrp64/w-d-xo.html
@@Thefitrv That Awning video is a creative comedy gem. I’m commenting here as the comments are turned off over there. You guys are great!
Love it...so one at the Adventure Van Expo...Im digging it! :) Thanks for sharing! :)
Keep sharing the T love, Kevin! :)
They took a page from the Thor Tellaro play book and put an A/C on the Solis. Now if they would take a page from the Sequence play book and put a floor plan out that the Sequence 20K has changing only the toilet to a cassette that would be great.
Love it. The only minor concern is the size of the dining table...a bit too small if you have to eat a meal indoors. Oh, one question... can you use the pop top in a rain storm?
Pop tops are waterproof, so yep! That's also why one of the pop top windows is clear plastic. So if it's raining you'll have to zip shut the two screen windows but can leave open the clear plastic for light to get in! :)
@@Thefitrv Awesome! Thanks for the quick response! Enjoy!
That generator looks like it hangs pretty low under the vehicle.
Does the top have to be up in order to stand in the van...what is the interior height with pop top down?? Thank you. Good review!!
Nope, the top doesn't have to be up to stand (interior height 76")! In fact the hole up to the poptop bed is just a small opening in the front of the van, so the majority of the ceiling isn't affected at all by the poptop mounted on top of the van.
nice review! and you are allowing comments... neat! so 2 things: why put the solar panel connector inside? and I just don't get having a cassette toilet while also having a gray tank... you still gotta dump, right?
The solar panel connector is inside but you can shut the door on the cord! We actually did that while using it, no probs. It means one less hole on the outside of the van, too, so even though we questioned it too at first, we actually like it this way!
I heard they offer these often 80k range? Not crazy 100k!?
I see that you have nesting pots. Which ones do you use and where did you get them?
We've been using the Magma brand for years; we had the original 10 piece set, then got the 7 piece non-stick induction set after we put induction in in our van Lance. They aren't cheap but they're great quality and last forever! Here's a look: amzn.to/3f6ApA5
Why dont they make solid px w power sofa
My biggest concern is the cassette toilet, being full, and not having any sanitary options to empty it. Many campgrounds have made their bathhouses off-limits due to COVID.
gloves.... open site sewer cap... pour
Personally, I want more cassette toilets. Even better would be a urine separating cassette/composting toilet. I don't mind watering my yard with grey water.... but sometimes searching for a black-water dump station is a pain..
What an awesome rig. Curious about how it is going from the cab to the rear. Did you bump your head?
Not at all... it's the same height as the Promaster, they didn't cut it down for the poptop; and as for the headliner above the cab area, it's a non-issue too. We have that same headliner in Lance and never had head bumping issues! 👍
So with the changes and additions, where does that put the price tag, around $110k now? And STILL no lithium/inverter package. Instead they give us a generator that reduces the already meager ground clearance!
Sounds like MSRP is somewhere around $119,500-ish. 👍
I would worry about the generator hitting a rock when boon docking and too bad the screen in the back will not go around the doors when open for a screened porch effect. I this 4 wheel drive? OK for Winter also? Brush teeth in kitchen sink I guess?
Great review. Have they improved the water hookups so that you can be hooked up to city water at a campground without having to have the back door open?
That's not changed. But it's common practice for the van community to never stay hooked up to city water... so that's not something we'd miss. Our own van is 5 now and I think we hooked up to city only once back in the beginning just to try it!
Man, I wish Winnebago would make a Solis 59a. 20 foot van with the 36a interior. Instead of 10 inches of storage you would have almost 3ft.
Great video review - thanks. I have a question about those L-Tracks in the rear and the bike mounts. I see an L-track that is at top of window height. Do you think it would be possible to put the bike mount on the L-track at that top-of-window height? If possible, this could maybe provide additional space in the center to access under the bed storage.
I think it might depend on the bike itself because the cabinets might get in the way of the handlebars. Although, if you turned the handlebars and modified the mount to allow for this, it's possible that could work? We're looking forward to seeing the creative ways the first owners will mount their bikes back there, I'm sure there's all sort of possibilities!
You're a fun couple; good chemistry. I'm glad that you're part of our lives.