Are We Going Back to a B? Our Favorite RV!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 เม.ย. 2024
- We just finished a series of reviews on Class B campervans, and the innovation and the maneuverability of these small motor homes have really impressed us! Watch as we share our final thoughts on the models and which one we believe best fits our RV lifestyle. But will we be buying one? Watch to see. Check out all five tours here ► • 2024 Class B RV Review...
We started out over 12 years ago in a class B and then moved on to B+, Class C coaches, and then fifth wheels. Our friend Nick Schmidt of www.sunshinestatervs.com/ in Gainesville Florida challenged us to go back to a be and check out how these models have improved over the years.
► Sunshine State RVs ► www.sunshinestatervs.com/
► "Back To a B" RV Tours & Reviews ► • 2024 Class B RV Review...
► Want to join our new RV Community? Learn more about it here: community.rvlifestyle.com/
By background, we're journalists Mike and Jennifer Wendland and this channel is all about freedom and fun through RV travel! We travel North America in our RV doing travel videos, how-tos, RV walk-through tours and video tips about how to get the most out of the RV Lifestyle. Thanks for joining in and being a part of our RV Lifestyle!
I think that this dealer did a great service to RV lifestyle and their followers. Thank you. Great overviews.
While I really like Nick, sadly he doesn't carry Pleasure Way due to a competing dealer 40 miles away having the franchise. Coachmen is a great choice, and yes, the Galleria at @ 24' 3" is just too long. For me, it comes down to Coachmen vs PW. Transit based Ontour 2.2 is 21' 10" vs Beyond is 22' 3". But here is the kicker, the Sprinter based Plateau is only 6" longer than the Beyond at 22' 9" which makes it a viable option. Even better, this year they returned the XLTS which is on a Sprinter cutaway chassis and while retaining the same length, adds outside storage and a dry bath. Sadly, all PW only come in the rear bench floorplan that makes two twins without the insert added, but no dedicated two twins. Finally, storage. All units that come from the manufacturer (Ram, Ford, Mercedes) that are metal sided VANS will not have outside storage, as that is the way they come from the factory. The cutaway chassis version of those same "vans" where the RV manufacturer builds the box in the back are the ones that gain the outside storage. Better yet, none of them have a 2-3yr wait which at my age (72) am not ready to give away that time and would have to catch a cancellation.
I couldn’t afford any of these but I’ve loved this series and you guys are awesome!
Thanks for the encouragement!
My vote for your next RV review is B+ and “small” Class C. “Small” =
Try a unity or wonder
@@Pahawk13 Tiffin Wayrarer 25RW by far is the finest, must usable small class c.
Our first RV B was the Travato and it was great but we didn't like the ride with the RAM.
Ford came out with safety features on the Transit and the Coachmen Beyond seemed perfect. We choose the center bath because we wanted the larger fridge and separate freezer. And there is extra space underneath the beds when the rear door is open. We store chairs, paper supplies and the dump houses and supplies. We purchased the bicycle holder but would not do so again. We love this RV that has dualities but not AWD so it has mileage is a bit better.
Thanks for assuring us that we picked the right RV for us. ❤
Good points. I was going to look at a Ram but won't waste my time now. I want the same things you want but just starting my search.
My preference is the Pleasure Way Plateau FL and Panama RV.
Maybe you could check them out. My 2nd choice would be Coach House. They have excellent build quality. But I'm not interested in the Arriva.
we loked this B series. We would really love❤ to see a Class C series. Many thanks!
I think that the perfect size that strikes the balance between length, storage, layout, and power (on a budget) is the Thor Vegas 24.1.
The only problem is that it's a Thor.
We travel w/3 dogs, 1 bike, 2 beach chairs & a double burner gas stove. For us the ease of traveling country & forest roads as well as boondocking, visiting friends & towns just can't be beat. The journeys to n fro a final destination is sooo rich w/ opportunities & adventures.
As for dealerships (IMO) Nick & his team @SSRV are THE BEST.
That was fun to see you guys in a class B again! Class b is the one I desire . Because you can use it as a 2ed vehicle. As you know from having one for years. I would love to see some class C because they cost less than B and they might have better storage.
Because of simplicity and quality, I’m only interested in the Embassy Dolphin
Thank you for the review. Blessings to you.
Look at C,s
We are on the fence about the two
We started with an Aliner and progressed up the size ladder of RV's and have come back to a B van. We are in our 70s and this is the perfect size for traveling for us. We do have enough storage in the back for a grill, hoses, leveling blocks etc. We have the Ford Transit chassis and agree that is the best powertrain. I would have liked to have you guys include the Pleasureway line in your evaluation because we think for the money they are your best value. We have an Ontour 2.2 which is very similar to the Coachman but better. I think there is a Pleasureway rally in Sarasota this fall and if you are the area, you might stop by and check them out.
Great review thank you! My pick would be the travato!
I agree that few Class Bs have enough storage for camping gear. However our 2023 Roadtrek “PLAY” has the rear power sofa that offers plenty of storage space under it that is accessed from the rear doors. We store chairs, a grille, two bundles of firewood, a toolbox, tables, levelers, a hammock, two portable solar panels, power cords and more. Yes, some of it can get dirty, but the space is easy to clean once we return. Twin bed and rear bath layouts provide very little storage space. Also, I don’t understand your MPG stats. We regularly get 18 MPG with our Promaster on long trips even if we get stuck in traffic jams and some city driving. But thank you for reviewing these Class Bs. It made us feel very good about our Roadtrek, especially considering its affordable price.
We started our RV adventure when you started your first “Roadtreking.” You were instrumental in getting us off the couch and into an RV. We’ve followed you since then! We’ve had an Airstream Interstate that we traded on an LTV Unity. We now tour in our 2022 Beyond 22C AWD Li3 that we love. What you didn’t mention is Coachmen’s absolutely superlative customer service. It’s not merely a department, but permeates the entire B Division. Thanks for picking it as your favorite. It’s also our favorite.
Yes. Definitely class c and a, 30 feet and under. Thanks 😊
Love how much you love your doggo-he’s a beauty ❤
Thank you! He is definitely part of the family
We love the Transit Chinook Bayside TB 360. No propane, has lithium & solar. Has big frig and rear bath. Our favorite
Yes please try a class A! Would love your take on them since you’ve never tried. Also would love to see you try more C’s.
Thank you for the very interesting series. We also did not like the lack of outside storage. We bought a Lance truck camper to put on the back of my husband's Ford F250 last year. We recently went on a 4,500 mile trip in it, and we love it! We will be using it for all of our long trips as our truck gets much better mileage than our 35-foot Class A motorhome, which we also love and use for trips throughout our home state of Oregon. How about trying a pick-up truck camper, Mike and Jen?
We did the A the B the Airstream and back to an A as older couple ,we love the convenience of the A yes it’s hard to park and stop spar of the moment ,but the comfort of home and the view ,the ride it’s hard to say we would give up our 4081 Newmar DutchStar. Also the Newmar Rally’s just the best. Enjoy you both thank you
I'd enjoy seeing you evaluate the class B+...they have storage..
They are really Class Cs
@@arkadventure2That’s what you have to move to so that you get outside storage.
@@johncaruana6406 I agree, but then you lose a lot the benefits of a Class B. No perfect solution I guess. Perhaps the storage boxes on the backdoor and a roof rack might be the answer. A lot of the smaller Class Cs don’t really offer much storage, with the exception of the Leisure Travel Vans Wonder rear bed model with that huge garage.
@arkadventure2 that's debatable, ours is built on a transit 350 frame but, with no over cab bunk we call it a van. I think the name says it all Liesure Travel Van. 😂
@@climbingfamily You can call your business whatever you want, but it does not mean it’s a van. Even their website and videos refer to it being a class C.
Definitely try some class A’s! We love ours!
Thanks for this love the Beyond! ❤❤❤❤❤ but i agree, needs more outdoor storage. ..😊
We researched many Class Bs over the years. We owned a 2016 Roadtrek CS Adventurous, a 2018 PleasureWay XLTS Class C, before purchasing our current Class B, a Coachmen Beyond 22C Li3. Owning a Coachmen Class B has been wonderful! The support from Coachmen is truly amazing! We have owned our Beyond since January 2020 and have over 50,000 miles on it. The quality of Coachmen Class Bs is evident when you check them out. They start with chassis that are fully loaded, other builders use chassis less equipped. The cabinets are not stapled. They use dovetailed joints. One piece plywood subfloors, Hushmat sound deadening above the wheel wells. The list goes on.
I love my Beyond and hope to be driving it as long as I can drive!
I really like that Beyond, too.
Fascinating ! I chose the Coachman Beyond Li3 also, but I also don't care for the small refrig. but there is a Walmart grocery in about every little town to refill, and for longer trips I too don't care for the lack of outside storage. BUT, again, for short runs to family, shoppings, etc, Class A, and C are far to large. THANK YOU for sharing.
Great great series. Thank you. Would love to see a review of the B+/C models like the Winnebago 24D. We had a Travato 59k and looking to a C for the storage!
Great series! I'd personally like to see you do a series on small Class A's (less than 30 ft for maneuverability sake) and of a price range that an "average" person can afford...if there is such a thing anymore...
I would love to see you review B+. We would like to downsize from our 30' TT and we're now looking at B+. We'd love your take on them
There are some nice Class C’s, but my heart is with the B vans, especially as a daily driver
I would like your opinion on the B+. Like the EKKO and Coachman Cross Trail 20G. Both are on the Ford Chassis.
Love this❤
Would love you to explore more types of the vans please
Yes! C’s
On it!
We lived in a 2022 Tellaro 20L for 2 years and now we're in the best designed, comfortable, built B+. Liesure travel van is the best. We have the Wonder RTB with the garage and have storage for days! Fulltime in this van is the best under 25ft.
We love to follow you. We have a class C. Might you think snout reviewing Super C’s? Thanks
Checkout a class c on the transit chassis with dry bath, no dinette and reasonable storage.
We loved your Leisure Travel Vans, and would be very interested in your review of the newest ones, or other B+ models. We're thinking of a future move to B+ from our current travel trailer and your input would be helpful.
First, I loved these side by side comparisons from the folks that have a long history with RVs. I am trying to decide between some B+ models and would love to hear your thoughts on the new sprinter Winnebago 23B EKKO, ford transit EKKO 23A and the Entegra Condor, all with large storage garages. Thanks, Claudia
I really enjoyed this series. I would like to see some C+....
Absolutely try A’s and C’s! After starting by exploring B+ units, then 5th wheels, then Class C’s and now Class A’s we find ourselves stuck at the last two. Furthermore, all 3 of us are intimidated by the idea of driving a Class A. I’d love to know how you and Jen feel about all this. All 3 of us have hit age 70 and none of us have owned an RV previously. We’re all chasing a long held dream of seeing our country wall to wall. I hope you and Jen take this challenge and don’t forget the Super C’s! Maybe you can do a separate video about them. Thanks you two! Wait, you 3. Forgot Beau (or Bo? or Beaux?).
We would love to see you test super C models.
You should review Class C's. I love my Thor Chateau that is 24' long. NO SLIDE. Perfect for me!
You should take a look at the Panoramic class B. Thinking seriously about this unit myself because of the layout and storage. Would love to know your thoughts.
You always have wonderful information on your TH-cam channel .
I would love to hear some reviews on small class A's. Especially how well they do in mountain terrain.
Hey Guys, how about truck camper, you have the truck. The cost will be less and you will have the extra storage ( in the truck) and still easy to park . That’s the way we decided to go. Look at the northern light ( Made well), or a Lance ( has a lot of floor plans). This will allow you to keep your 5th wheel . Just another option to think about. If you look at this option, make sure you don’t go over Payload ( sticker is on the side of front door) . My truck has 4K payload and I am maxed with the 8-11. And I would think about a used unit of what ever you purchase.. Lots to think about best of luck. Rose from MI
Before your final decision, please try a truck camper. You liked the Host Mammoth when you went to the RV Show. Look into it. Plus you have a Ford Truck, which may pull it.
We purchased a new 2017 Roadtrek Zion back when you were “Roadtreking”. When you switched to a LTV Wonder we ordered the RTB model. It is due in the next couple of months. Our RT Zion Promaster has been great. However, the few things we don’t like about it are corrected in the Wonder RTB. This includes outdoor storage, twin beds, separate shower, a bit more room, and AWD. My question to you is, did you find maneuverability and parking much more challenging in the Wonder vs Class B’s?
This was a good series, very informative! In the Beyond RB, in place of that cabinet with the microwave at the end of the passenger side bed, it seems they can put a bigger refrigerator with the microwave above it. That would also free up more cabinet space under the sink. Also, the placement of the TV on that back wall is odd. It would make more sense being in the front, even better if it flipped up/down from the ceiling like some others have.
Would appreciate you to review class c for sure.
The only thing we have not tried is a tent trailer. The 5th wheel has become our favorite, but hate the residential refrigerator. Still prefer a generator to solar. The other draw back as boaters we miss our boat. Our 5th wheel has all the comforts of home.
Really enjoyed the your video reviews of the class B. I know it was an overview rather than an in depth review. we would appreciate you reviewing the smaller Class A, 30~ foot and under and compare to a similar Class C. Thanks again we enjoy you!!!
Thank you! We're actually reviewing a couple smaller Class As as I type this - stay tuned!
How about reviews of different outside storage solutions?
Now that you've tested the typical interior wet bath and the back bathroom, what are your pros & cons? Which actually has more room? Which is easier to use/clean up after?
Please test Entegra Condor/Granite Ridge
You need to adjust your thinking about outdoor gear. I use a Skotti grill which takes up very little space. A Solo Mesa stove with pellets provides a small outdoor fire. An Omnia oven on a propane burner works fine e.
I would like you to do both A & C. I'm thinking at 80 either a B or A better for me as I'm single. I don't want to live in one but when I go to see my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren that size would be better for me. I really enjoy the way you rate the RV's.
Check out the Coachman Euro class A please.
I think for the way you guys like boondocking, and since you have the 5 th wheel, you’d be happier in a class C because you’d be able to have your chairs, e-bikes , camp cooking matériels , etc.
Smaller class A is the best of both worlds ;-) I traveled all over with a 37' class A and rarely had issues with the length. No toad, but a couple of electric bikes and we were good to go. Keep it 35' or under and your class A will take you just about anywhere and have 3x the space of those ittty-bitty travel vans (not really camper vans, as you found out). Class B is best when using it for travel between destinations (think better than traveling in an airplane or car) but once you get to your destination living in them is not comfortable. I have a home now in Maine and South Carolina (for Summer and Winter living) and a class B would be perfect for traveling between the two.
Yes C and A’s
Have you checked out the Air Stream Atlas?
Yes please do class C. I am with you on not having the storage that is not good. But if you do get a van and you get the garage, then that takes care of your storage. I'm very interested in class C
Not a popular idea, but how cool would it be to take out the bathroom and put in a bigger fridge + storage. All the reviews of the Bs are great, and I would like to have the Beyond as well.
Reviews of B+ and Cs would be wonderful.
There are lots of videos on You Tube, including some comparison ones, for most of the ones requested in these comments. Start your search under the RV category. Matt from Matt’s RV Reviews is good, but there are many others.
I would like an Embassy!
pleasure way plateau XLTS is likely categorised at a C but it is a sprinter not as wide as other sprinter Cs no overhead bed and only 22 feet it has 3 good outside storage bays and a beautiful dry bath. It has the couch that comes down to two twins or a king. comes standard with 500 watts solar and 600 amp lithium plus a generator so if Beau was in there running AC on battery and the battery gets low you can set it up to auto start the generator so the AC stays on. To a dog person that alone is a key feature!
oh the chinook maverick is beautiful too but door is on the back I think it has no outside storage, it is a very beautiful unit.
Sunshine State has many good brand of Bs. I do like Coachman. However, there are other makes and models. Good reviews of those they do carry. Look at the other small Class A’s though you need to tow. Depends on how you’ll use it.
Have you considered truck campers for small trips?
It seems that the class b manufacturers expect their customers to use a storage box with the hitch. That is the only solution that makes sense, especially since you need to take clothes!
What happened to your B+ 12:13 Leisure van ?
Thanks found the videos informative. I agree I don’t think any woman would like to go the bathroom in a van where u can see through the doors. I am sure there are other glass door with thicker frost on them that u cant see through.
I prefer the Mercedes chaise. I also think they could put in a bigger fridge.
Outside storage is tricky vans.
I have been watching your videos since you were in the Leisure, and I'm finally ready to take the plunge. I've decided on a Coachman Nova with the twins at the back (20D). My question is about how long I can keep the AC going for my dogs if I don't get the Lithium package since its a $16k option (ouch!). And is the quiet generator really quiet enough to use without it sounding like you are mowing the lawn to your neighbors?
Also, the reason I like the rear twin beds is you can: load things from the back without going through the bathroom, put things into the rear half of the isle but still be able to get up and get everywhere, travel with the isle between the bed filled but be able to get to the bathroom while traveling, easily get up to go to the bathroom if you had the bed in the king setup, and set it up with just the very back cushion between the beds, so you still have an isle for movement but also have either a wood nightstand or a cushion for my chihuahuas next to me (plus have space for a dog bed or storage under that very back cushion). There are so few rear twins now with a decent size isle that I don't have many choices given I want a RAM for price and width.
Have you ever tested and used a truck camper? They too have really changed the past few years. I would love to hear your thoughts on them.
Maybe try out some truck campers?
How about including truck campers?
What about the Leisure Travel Vans? You had one and it had storage..I would only consider a class B or B+ if they would be fully usable in the depth of winter, since we have 6 months of it in North America/Canada ! And considering the big bucks Rv costs, if you can not use them 4-5 months of the year it doesn’t make financial sense to me to buy one! Tanks
I would consider those two also for the reasons you mentioned 😅 and I don't know about the storage space 😢 I like the one I can park in my garage and in the parking lot because my city doesn't like RV parks in the driveway 😭 they want it in the yard or storage place 🤔 I don't know how is Nick going to register the RV in Florida or My state the California 😱 can he do it I saw a YT they registered their RV at another state later they found out it was a big headaches to switch to California plates 😭 delivery options sounds good I had a car was delivered to my door step but the driver dove It few hundred miles from the dealership and y'know the break in period for engine is important luckily for me he was an older driver 😅 I think he was very powerful driving the car and car's engine so far has no problem as a daily driving car for my family ❤ fly in to buy it sounds interesting I would like to try it if I can arrange it with my family because it's a long drive and I can't drive that long plus an extra driver will be faster
EKKO!
What happened to the Wonder?
I wouldn’t trade my 2022 Leisure Travel Van Unity for any B van.
I’m curious about the models with the twin beds. I don’t recall seeing the storage under the beds.
As for exterior storage, the style with a raised rear bed has a ton of storage under the bed. It’s nicknamed the garage. It’s a popular floor plan with the DIY van builders, us included. We can carry two e-bikes, chairs, fishing gear and lots of other stuff.
I have an older model 2006 Roadtrek twin beds and have plenty of storage under the beds for chairs hoses and tools.
Winnebago Ekko would solve your storage issues
The highest quality motorhome that Sunshine sells is American Coach/Midwest.
Agree!! We have the Midwest Automotive Designs (MAD) Patriot, on the 22ft MB Sprinter chassis. It has the Freedom Package with BattleBorn lithium batteries and no propane. (We do not like dealing with propane for many reasons, including safety.) Since we purchased from Sunshine State RVs, we were able to compare the Beyond and the Patriot. A big benefit of both the Beyond and MAD brands is that the owner's groups are great people!!
Class C, Rev came out for the first time with a C
I thought you really liked the B+ ??? Was it too big?
Thechallenge is being able to afford one.
I’m wondering why you didn’t test a Leisure Travel Van … isn’t that what you had before?.. I also definitely think you should try some class A’s
Leisure Travel is not a Class B
@@mwarren-TN thank you, I thought they were
Comment class B vans didn’t have outside storage probably because they are marketing to people who want to go stealth and live in them.
Look into outside van company
Go check out GRECH
I saw GRECH at Tampa and looked at other brands while we there. In my opinion nothing pairs up to GRECH.
Strada ion👍
We currently own a Prevost Liberty and understand quality. When we get ready to down size we will consider GRECH or custom build a van.
I really wish this was a true, comprehensive review of Class B RVs. You skipped Pleasure Way, Grech, and several other brands that have come out with new, significant innovations for 2024. This video is really a commercial for Sunshine State RVs and only the models they sell. I’m hoping you do the right thing for people interested Class B RVs and do a more comprehensive review across the market.
I think they did a great job. Dealerships are only licensed to sell certain RV’s and they were upfront about going to SSRV. They have a history with them. How many dealerships would let you do this trial? AND they ended up not buying from them. So, I think they did some honest reviews and need to investigate further. Thank you!
Did you look under the passenger bed on the Travato? We own a 2023 59K and there is enough storage to take everything we need. Storage space is the reason we went with the travato over the Coachmen models.
Why don't you do one for them? I would like to see it.
@@stevesullivanmathteacherno6812 I love the look and layout of the Travato. Looking into getting a used one. New is too $$$ for me.
Please review the Winnebago EKKO. They are becoming very popular.
None of those match the Embassy Dolphin!
And they reviewed a Dolphin a while back. I think it has everything they are looking for, but I suspect the toilet would be a deal breaker for them.
Wait until you try to have any ford repaired. My toad is a 2024 Maverick and has 2300 on it. The truck has been in the shop for 6 weeks waiting on a warranty repair part.
I will never buy another ford product.
I see no use for class Bs. You're stuck at the campground with no transportation.
😂 So, how did an owner get it to the RV park? It wasn't towed there. It is the transportation. I've driven our Patriot wherever we need to go . . . Shopping, sightseeing, whatever. I even drove it in downtown Key West and parked it in a street parking space. Easy peasy!!
Put a cone out to reserve your site even a chair or rug & go shopping or dinner
@@barbaralongeway3911 You must not set up much of a campsite.
Yes and no. Don't carry a lot of "stuff"' so not much to set up. 😉 We don't even need to use hook ups, so don't need to "break camp" like we had to do with our Class C and Class A. The Class B definitely isn't for everyone, but after having the Class C and the Class A, the Class B fits our current needs for spontaneous travel freedom. Except for the darn HOA that won't allow us to park even a Class B in our driveway. 🙄
Happy Trails!!
We own a Travato 59K and it’s so easy to set up and tear down. I can be road ready in 5 minutes. Makes camping a breeze!!
if your smart you will go back to an H
Big waste of money