We have a 1994 Dodge Roadtrek, and I love it. You must be really tall, I’m 5’3” and don’t have the issues you do. Sometimes it pays to be short. Our fresh water feed is in the door frame on the passenger side, so at one point they switched to the back,and then back to the passenger side.
I'm 5'6" - but yes, with van life, being smaller is a huge plus! And you're so lucky to have the fresh water feed in the door frame!!! But at the end of the day, I love my little Roadtrek! She's the best!
I LOVE that I found your channel!!! I, too, have an older Dodge (1995) Roadtrek, and I love love love her! I completely agree about the Windshield window. I often feel like I’m driving a bus without the proper window lol. I also, like you wish they had put windows behind the fabric panels as an option for more or less outside viewings while inside. Thank you so much for sharing!
I had the 07 RT 190P Chevy. Windshield wasn't an issue. Water filled inside front driver's door and 2nd in back. I got camper parts e.g to fix the toilet from Amazon or RV supply, except for outside fiberglass panels that I repaired from below. The back doors opened wider. RT forums were great info sources.
LOL, I've had an old Dodge full-size van before and I had completely forgotten about that windshield & the traffic lights! Yeah, that does suck. The side windows as well, but then again, my old Dodge was a passenger van and you were already most of the way to the windows just because you couldn't stand up, LOL. That sunglasses / glasses thing is real, and it hurts (I had a pain flashback when you mentioned this!). I've experienced the same thing inside a full-size Ford E-250 conversion van as well but I can't speak about the Chevys as I've never owned or driven one. That kitchen window is strange, but as someone else already mentioned, it's for light and not the view. The water tank, you already thought of this, I would just hang a shower curtain and leave it in one of the corners until needed. I don't like the new RoadTreks. It seems like all of the newer Class Bs have an impersonal look to them, kind of like coach in an airplane. And the price, as mentioned, is insane. If I'm not mistaken, the new RoadTreks are cheaper than most of the other Class Bs though, as most seem to start around $200K and it seems like RoadTrek is cheaper, although still over $100K. I guess I'd better check on that, although an older model is more up my alley.
Love meeting someone who understands the pain! I've had so many friends look at me like I was crazy! And yes, the newer Roadtreks are a definite no from me! Very impersonal and the three windows are all fake... I seriously don't understand them. And the price... honestly, would never buy any new class b because they're all more expensive than the houses I've owned. But as time goes by, the vintage ones will inevitably disappear... shame.
Thank you for the heads up on the company and the possibilities of not being able to get help from the company on its upkeep! I have been looking at used Roadtreks as of late as an option - Your video has been a great help!
Right?!? Like, it's fine for left and right views, which is obviously more important... but driving downtown even in my current city... I'm always grateful when I'm not the first car waiting on a light🤣
@@PriorityFocused thanks I’m 5’10” and my son is 6’3” (but he’s in college so won’t be traveling with me as often. I am looking at an older 1998 Dodge model later this week. We’re both too tall for the Rialta. I appreciate the quick response.
@@clnyegaard3358 Of course! Something I'm currently working on right now, is making my son's bed more comfortable for him because he has officially surpassed my height! He's now 5'8"... The small beds are basically perfect for my height, and worked wonderfully when he was smaller, but the extra two inches has made it necessary to add cushions between our beds (basically creating one king sized-ish bed) so he can sleep a little diagonally, with his feet pointed towards the center of the vehicle (I hope that makes sense). I think at 5'10" you should still be good, but definitely lay on the beds for size!
100% agree! Later in the video I show what the newer Roadtreks look like and the windshields are bigger, the doors are bigger, etc! (that being said, for different reasons, I would never get a newer Roadtrek😂). In this video, my hope was just to show some of the negatives of my vehicle because normally I only praise it. I love my van!❤️
Quick question, if I may. What RoadTrek specific parts are you referring to. Some of the Roadtrek body parts maybe, but I'm not sure what else it could be. I'm thinking about getting a Roadtrek, probably around a 2010 vintage, definitely something from before the Hymer mess. I hadn't thought much about parts and support from the mothership. Thanks
So I meant both Roadtrek-specific and Dodge-specific... For the Roadtrek side, the only part I had to replace so far was the pipe that connects where I fill the gas to the actual gas tank (which was moved to accommodate everything else Roadtrek did to the van)... The mechanic shop couldn't find the part but the Roadtrek community knew where to guide me! My fresh water tank just cracked 🤦🏻♀️ and I believe there's nowhere to purchase a one, so I'm still figuring that one our (working around it for now, so it doesn't stop van living😉). Other parts that have failed so far just require basic carpentry skills, so that's easy enough. For Dodge, it's just getting older which means they're no longer making certain parts for her... like the transmission... so as she breaks it'll require a specialist to refurbish her vice getting new parts... and I may one day break something that cannot be replaced at all... I'm not trying to be negative, by the way! Just that there are reason vintage gets more affordable!
@@PriorityFocused I'm a retired mechanic, I have run into availability issues many times, We unusually found a work around. Having the online community is a wonderful thing, chances are someone else has had the same issue before and knows what to do. Your water tank shouldn't be an issue, lots of companies make tanks but you may have to drop the one you have out of the van to get the proper placements for the fittings and such. The automotive parts may be an issue but honestly, having an older one can sometimes be a blessing. I have 2 friends who have gotten rid of their trucks because a "computer" part crapped out and no longer available. I'm driving a 2015 GMC Sierra right now, I will have no worries about buying a 2010 or newer Roadtrek on the Chevy chassis. Thanks for the reply
Roadtrek is out of business. The 3 windows are stupid since now for stealth you have to make covers for them. The stove window is for light, not to see out of. I would LOVE if my Class B RV had a door requirement to fill the water tank, keeps .numbskulls from filling your tank with goo. Most are just on the outside. Most Roadtreks are Chevys. All your dislikes are meaningless for my personal tastes. But I did like your ideas.
They're back in business now... but I would never buy a new one, ironically BECAUSE they don't have the 3 windows! (or at least they no longer function as windows).
@@PriorityFocused Well the reason I do not like the 3 window is i like to be stealthy, and 3 windows means I have to make 3 window coverings. Yeah, not a big deal, lol. I will have to check out the fact they are back in business, thx for the info.
@@jamescabaniss5857 So... I don't think the 3 windows give me away... but roadtreks aren't stealthy in my opinion... I think you can tell it's a campervan.
@@PriorityFocused Yes, but when i say "Stealthy", I mean it in a relative term. A white van is more stealthy than a red van, a van with AC on the roof is less stealthy than one without, but yes, a van lacking a exterior generator or awning is more stealthy than one without, a Toyota Camry is more stealthy than any van. You see were i am going.
@@PriorityFocused I agree about the windows. Now I know it's an older RoadTrek coming at me when I see that, but before joining the nomadic community, I wouldn't have known it was an RV, or even that RVs came in van size. The smallest I'd seen were Class C's - or at least known that I'd seen. Now Class B's are obvious, as are all of the Sprinters, ProMasters, etc. with builds (obvious solar, hitch boxes, etc.). It really depends on the person and their own level of knowledge about RVs.
🙄 you own a 24 year old van. Any other van manufacturer would be the same. Good luck getting parts for other 2000 vintage vans or cars. I think this part was an unfair comment.
Agree... it'll be problematic for any older vehicle! But it's fairly popular for people to try to get older vans for "van life" so it felt important to mention😉
@@PriorityFocused I understand but people can have the same parts procurement issues with any other vans that age. So it's not just a Roadtrek issue. Have you checked Mobilife RV in Kitchener? They have a lot of Roadtrek parts - check out their website, might be helpful. Hope you find what you need.
We have a 1994 Dodge Roadtrek, and I love it. You must be really tall, I’m 5’3” and don’t have the issues you do. Sometimes it pays to be short. Our fresh water feed is in the door frame on the passenger side, so at one point they switched to the back,and then back to the passenger side.
I'm 5'6" - but yes, with van life, being smaller is a huge plus! And you're so lucky to have the fresh water feed in the door frame!!!
But at the end of the day, I love my little Roadtrek! She's the best!
@@PriorityFocused Me too, warts and all. ❤️
I LOVE that I found your channel!!! I, too, have an older Dodge (1995) Roadtrek, and I love love love her! I completely agree about the Windshield window. I often feel like I’m driving a bus without the proper window lol. I also, like you wish they had put windows behind the fabric panels as an option for more or less outside viewings while inside. Thank you so much for sharing!
You're so very welcome!❤️ Love my Roadtrek!
I had the 07 RT 190P Chevy. Windshield wasn't an issue. Water filled inside front driver's door and 2nd in back. I got camper parts e.g to fix the toilet from Amazon or RV supply, except for outside fiberglass panels that I repaired from below. The back doors opened wider. RT forums were great info sources.
I've definitely heard people say the Chevy was better! And yes, RT forums are the bomb!
Thanks for this video. I'm really interested in RoadTreks and every video brags about them. It's good to see the downside.
You’re so welcome!
And yeah, love my Roadtrek but no such thing as perfect!
Sooo glad I’ve found your channel! ❤
LOL, I've had an old Dodge full-size van before and I had completely forgotten about that windshield & the traffic lights! Yeah, that does suck. The side windows as well, but then again, my old Dodge was a passenger van and you were already most of the way to the windows just because you couldn't stand up, LOL. That sunglasses / glasses thing is real, and it hurts (I had a pain flashback when you mentioned this!). I've experienced the same thing inside a full-size Ford E-250 conversion van as well but I can't speak about the Chevys as I've never owned or driven one.
That kitchen window is strange, but as someone else already mentioned, it's for light and not the view.
The water tank, you already thought of this, I would just hang a shower curtain and leave it in one of the corners until needed.
I don't like the new RoadTreks. It seems like all of the newer Class Bs have an impersonal look to them, kind of like coach in an airplane. And the price, as mentioned, is insane. If I'm not mistaken, the new RoadTreks are cheaper than most of the other Class Bs though, as most seem to start around $200K and it seems like RoadTrek is cheaper, although still over $100K. I guess I'd better check on that, although an older model is more up my alley.
Love meeting someone who understands the pain! I've had so many friends look at me like I was crazy!
And yes, the newer Roadtreks are a definite no from me! Very impersonal and the three windows are all fake... I seriously don't understand them. And the price... honestly, would never buy any new class b because they're all more expensive than the houses I've owned. But as time goes by, the vintage ones will inevitably disappear... shame.
Im hopeful that 3D printing will help us create parts as they get discontinued but i know nothing about how that works
There are definitely Roadtrekkers who do 3D printing for us!❤️ I'm honestly SO grateful for the community thinking ahead like that!
Thank you for the heads up on the company and the possibilities of not being able to get help from the company on its upkeep! I have been looking at used Roadtreks as of late as an option - Your video has been a great help!
you're so welcome!
My 91 b250 water fill-up location is on the passenger side seat down below
Yes! That's really where it should be!
I would totally want a bigger windshield too 😂 I hate blind spots
Right?!? Like, it's fine for left and right views, which is obviously more important... but driving downtown even in my current city... I'm always grateful when I'm not the first car waiting on a light🤣
I had to use a Subaru Outback as a rental and I had been curious what it would be like - AND the windshield blind spots are a b*tch I just found!
@@vanessahenry7238 Sometimes it's hard to know about blind spots until you drive one!
Enjoyed the video. Quick question how tall are you? I’m going to look at some used Roadtreks later this week. Thanks!
Thank you! I'm 5'6.5" One of the commenters said she's 5'3" and she thought the height of everything was perfect for her! Good luck!
@@PriorityFocused thanks I’m 5’10” and my son is 6’3” (but he’s in college so won’t be traveling with me as often. I am looking at an older 1998 Dodge model later this week. We’re both too tall for the Rialta. I appreciate the quick response.
@@clnyegaard3358 Of course!
Something I'm currently working on right now, is making my son's bed more comfortable for him because he has officially surpassed my height! He's now 5'8"... The small beds are basically perfect for my height, and worked wonderfully when he was smaller, but the extra two inches has made it necessary to add cushions between our beds (basically creating one king sized-ish bed) so he can sleep a little diagonally, with his feet pointed towards the center of the vehicle (I hope that makes sense).
I think at 5'10" you should still be good, but definitely lay on the beds for size!
It is the van that it was built on and you cant change that i had a chevy i loved it but now im in a newer ford and that dies have larger windows
100% agree! Later in the video I show what the newer Roadtreks look like and the windshields are bigger, the doors are bigger, etc! (that being said, for different reasons, I would never get a newer Roadtrek😂). In this video, my hope was just to show some of the negatives of my vehicle because normally I only praise it. I love my van!❤️
Can you lower your seat or change out seats so you sit a little lower? Nice van👍
Thank you! The seats don't lower... maybe it's because they turn around and such?
Quick question, if I may.
What RoadTrek specific parts are you referring to. Some of the Roadtrek body parts maybe, but I'm not sure what else it could be.
I'm thinking about getting a Roadtrek, probably around a 2010 vintage, definitely something from before the Hymer mess. I hadn't thought much about parts and support from the mothership.
Thanks
So I meant both Roadtrek-specific and Dodge-specific... For the Roadtrek side, the only part I had to replace so far was the pipe that connects where I fill the gas to the actual gas tank (which was moved to accommodate everything else Roadtrek did to the van)... The mechanic shop couldn't find the part but the Roadtrek community knew where to guide me! My fresh water tank just cracked 🤦🏻♀️ and I believe there's nowhere to purchase a one, so I'm still figuring that one our (working around it for now, so it doesn't stop van living😉). Other parts that have failed so far just require basic carpentry skills, so that's easy enough.
For Dodge, it's just getting older which means they're no longer making certain parts for her... like the transmission... so as she breaks it'll require a specialist to refurbish her vice getting new parts... and I may one day break something that cannot be replaced at all...
I'm not trying to be negative, by the way! Just that there are reason vintage gets more affordable!
@@PriorityFocused I'm a retired mechanic, I have run into availability issues many times, We unusually found a work around. Having the online community is a wonderful thing, chances are someone else has had the same issue before and knows what to do.
Your water tank shouldn't be an issue, lots of companies make tanks but you may have to drop the one you have out of the van to get the proper placements for the fittings and such.
The automotive parts may be an issue but honestly, having an older one can sometimes be a blessing. I have 2 friends who have gotten rid of their trucks because a "computer" part crapped out and no longer available.
I'm driving a 2015 GMC Sierra right now, I will have no worries about buying a 2010 or newer Roadtrek on the Chevy chassis.
Thanks for the reply
@wornoutwrench8128 I think 2010 or newer is the way to go. My 2000 is just at that age where parts become more questionable.😉
Roadtrek is out of business. The 3 windows are stupid since now for stealth you have to make covers for them. The stove window is for light, not to see out of. I would LOVE if my Class B RV had a door requirement to fill the water tank, keeps .numbskulls from filling your tank with goo. Most are just on the outside. Most Roadtreks are Chevys. All your dislikes are meaningless for my personal tastes. But I did like your ideas.
They're back in business now... but I would never buy a new one, ironically BECAUSE they don't have the 3 windows! (or at least they no longer function as windows).
@@PriorityFocused Well the reason I do not like the 3 window is i like to be stealthy, and 3 windows means I have to make 3 window coverings. Yeah, not a big deal, lol. I will have to check out the fact they are back in business, thx for the info.
@@jamescabaniss5857 So... I don't think the 3 windows give me away... but roadtreks aren't stealthy in my opinion... I think you can tell it's a campervan.
@@PriorityFocused Yes, but when i say "Stealthy", I mean it in a relative term. A white van is more stealthy than a red van, a van with AC on the roof is less stealthy than one without, but yes, a van lacking a exterior generator or awning is more stealthy than one without, a Toyota Camry is more stealthy than any van. You see were i am going.
@@PriorityFocused I agree about the windows. Now I know it's an older RoadTrek coming at me when I see that, but before joining the nomadic community, I wouldn't have known it was an RV, or even that RVs came in van size. The smallest I'd seen were Class C's - or at least known that I'd seen. Now Class B's are obvious, as are all of the Sprinters, ProMasters, etc. with builds (obvious solar, hitch boxes, etc.). It really depends on the person and their own level of knowledge about RVs.
🙄 you own a 24 year old van. Any other van manufacturer would be the same. Good luck getting parts for other 2000 vintage vans or cars. I think this part was an unfair comment.
Agree... it'll be problematic for any older vehicle! But it's fairly popular for people to try to get older vans for "van life" so it felt important to mention😉
@@PriorityFocused I understand but people can have the same parts procurement issues with any other vans that age. So it's not just a Roadtrek issue. Have you checked Mobilife RV in Kitchener? They have a lot of Roadtrek parts - check out their website, might be helpful. Hope you find what you need.
@@mitsygaynorThank you!