I had to subscribe after seeing you both willing to actually sit behind the drivers wheel in the class B vans in more than one of your videos and giving your honest opinion of how much room there really is for a tall Person. Most Rv demonstrators don’t take the time to do that even after I request that they do. Thanks.😊
We've the '23 20J and it's not a power bed in the rear...I had the same concerns about power consumption and it breaking. The manual open/close is "tricky" but beats it being motor driven. We leave it in "bed mode" now whereas initially we opened/closed it daily.
WOW! Well done! We really enjoyed this video and learned so much about what is out there! Pointing out the pros and cons is so helpful. Looking forward to more Vancaskey Adventures! Thank you!
I love my power bed. There is really no concern about losing power. It uses very little power and I have a generator, so power is not an issue. I love that I can position the sofa at any angle I want for reclining in comfort when lounging inside my Campervan. For sleeping I have so many options; (1) I am a single traveler so I could sleep on the sofa without lowering it down. (Side to side, I am only 5’4” tall). I have actually done this when sleeping at rest areas where I like to be ready to go quickly. (2) I can lower it down with just a push of a button and use it as an (almost) full size bed and still have 2 comfortable seats facing each other right next to the bed. I have a pillow top mattress cover that I keep on my sofa to eliminate the issue of feeling the creases in the sofa. I keep the mattress cover and a fitted sheet on my sofa all the time so my bed is always ready and it also protects the sofa. (3) In this configuration I could leave it in the down position as a full time bed and add a softer mattress on top for added comfort. This way I still have the 2 side facing seats, although as a single traveler I typically use one as a seat and one as a bedside table. (4) I can convert it to a queen size bed utilizing the 2 facing seats using the table top and back cushions from the seats. (Sleeping front to back) You can leave it this way full time, or convert it daily. The only issue with the electric sofa bed is the under bed storage is limited, and even with a small folding eBike it does not fit under the bed. As a single traveler this is not an issue for me because I can store my folding eBike on my front passenger seat.
My daughters is a 2023 20J, it listed for $146,000. With her trade I think it was down to $125,000 . We have half the rear cushions stored at our house because she keeps the bed up all the time. She loves it and since August she has been around the country and stayed in 46 different places. Her favorite app is Harvest Host. This was a great review for us couch van'ers .
@@azerogliev6520 Yes and the $36,000 they gave her on her Ram Pro-Master City that I tricked out for her and the 2014 Trillium Outback that I rewired and recalked all the windows, new tires, repack bearings seemed to disappear by the time they got down to the bottom line. Lets keep it simple Dave & Matt Vans in Gypsum, CO
As to power bed/couch....we have one on roadtrek....had power issue and bed would not lay down...one call to tech support and was able to recline bed. Left like that until power issue resolved. Needed one wrench. Easy peasy.
You should check out the Coachmen Beyond 22D (D=Twin bed or convert to Queen, C=power bed, RB=Rear Bath) AWD, the tallest of Class Bs so you two being tall would like the inside height.
We have a Coachmen Beyond on the Ford Chassis. They have several floorplans to chose from. The C has the power sofa that reclines to the bed...then there's the RB for rear bath and the D has 2 twins in the center. We have the C and do not have any issues with the power bed.
Storyteller owner here. Don't give up on it yet, rent one, try it out and see if you can live with it. I was also worried about not having a fixed bathroom while making a purchase decision, but it turned out to be a non issue, though we did get a bigger cassette toilet. The shower is fantastic, takes 30 seconds to set up. As for the bed, a 6'3" sleeps in the back comfortably. You'll get use to the overhead cabinets real quick, however if they really bother you, they are removable on the '23 model. As for build quality, you will not be disappointed! 50K miles on mine and still not a rattle!
I still love the layout of my ‘17 Pleasureway Lexor TS. It has the electric rear sofa. I’m on many forums and I haven’t heard of problems, however I do worry about it. I keep it in the bed position but I’m mostly a solo traveller. The Pleasureway Ontour that you saw was the 2.0, small. I think you would like the OnTour 2.2. I believe the Ford is the tallest. You guys should also look at the Coachman Beyond. A note on the water fill inside the rig. That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. As you mentioned it always spills plus where I camp there are always tons of mosquitoes around the water fill, so I wouldn’t want to open the big slider.
Love the power bed that we have in the Coachmen Beyond 22c Li3 2021 Model. The Ford Chassis is taller, wider and more powerful than the Mercedes Sprinter and the Dodge Promaster. At 22' in length, it's longer than the Promaster but not as long as the Sprinter 170. The AWD Ford is powerful and can haul tons of stuff. If you ever stop in San Diego again, hit me up and I can show you my Coachmen here.
You guys have a great vibe. Really appreciate you taking us along to see what's out there in the market. If cost was no issue, an AWD Ford Transit (E450?) would be my pick. I hear the reliability is excellent, good MPG, torque/HP and a Ford dealer in most every town across America for service. Thanks again for the ride! 😊❤🙏👍
We have the 22 Thor Tellaro. Twin beds. Bath in back. We leave the tables at home. We leave the two beds as twins and leave them made up all the time. The bathroom is much bigger and we like it in the back. At first I was really wanting a bed in the back but this works out really good. I have a cute curtain around the toilet area when i want to leave the back doors open and have a perfect magnetic screen from Living in a Bubble from Amazon for the back.
Bought a 2022 Coachman Nova C with the rear auto couch. The price was close to the travato's you featured. No problems with anything working, so far. I'm 6' 1" and have no problems adapting to things. We wanted a generator so no lithium system. A 275 watt Battleborn will be added when AGM gets tired. This rig achieves around 16 m.p.g.s at 65 to 70 m.p.h. The floorplan is identical to the Ford Transit based Beyond model C at about $35,000 less, currently.
The Thor Tellaro 20L has the same layout as the Entegra you showed, with the bathroom in the back. It's the one I've been looking at for a while now, and feels more open overall, so on those rainy days when you want to be inside, it wouldn't feel as confining, IMO.
Ok kids. I have Midwest passage I Love it. The power sofa is awesome the two bench seats in back come together making the bed even Larger. It is comfortable very comfortable and QUIET. Very insulated Screen in front up on windshield dash shows all the cameras. I Love my owl box too they make a large one for storage below spare tire it swings still open the rear doors I enjoy your videos hope to see y’all in Missouri sometime Branson is a FUN place I keep a 3 in down mattress on the bed when it’s up I store in a king size pillow sham Down blanket in the other sham
Just bought my Entergra Expanse. I love it! Battery, solar and generator, love the large bathroom and refrigerator. Had been looking at the Sprinter class B, but have driven a Ford van and liked the reliability of it. For just me and my two dogs it is perfect. And I don't mind the power bed at all.
You guys have got to come out to the big RV show in Quartzsite next weekend. It’s not just an RV show but much more. We are boondocking out of Cholla Rd. But there is plenty of places to boondock out here. Hope to see you.
Where to go next? Wyoming. Explore the Wind River Range, the Bighorns and the Beartooth Mountains. We did this last summer in our Winnebago Solis 59Px. Magnificent cruise!
I appreciate your videos so much. After watching this one, I feel glad to have my Thor Rize 18M. It’s great for me and my dog. It’s roomy and a good size bathroom in the back. Thank you! Keep sharing please 🚐💚
The 20A might be 10k less than the Ford Pleasureway but the Ford has the All wheel drive, ecoboost & the lane assist bells & whistles stuff. So I think a better value.
Pleasure way doesn’t buy AWD vans except the Rekon. That said not sure why it was only 119k as it’s typically 150’s and high demand. Probably the best built Class B van you’ll buy. The power sofa isn’t really a concern. It’s a electric motor (very reliable) and simple screw drive.
Thanks for a fantastic tour of the show. It’s super helpful to see the popular models of class b campers. I’ve been researching and have pretty much settled on a Winnebago 59PX. They were way over msrp around here last year but are back to $119,000. They made some of them w/o the pop-top and that saved about 10 grand. If you do the California coast, look us up, we’re near Ventura. If we haven’t been washed into the ocean by then 😁. Love your videos!
Great video. Bigger bed over bigger bathroom! More time spent in bed..gotta be comfy..you 6 footers! Sink in the bathroom is a must…for me! Ram over Mercedes..maintenance cost. Glad you’re rig is fixed and you can explore with no worries! Rocky Point? Probably nice once you get there…pretty sketchy getting there. Alaska or Canada..British Columbia..the Sunshine Coast! Banff…Jasper etc..the Canadian Rockies. Wyoming, Montana, Idaho..Utah?
Nice walk thru still need to figure out when can I take my 20AT out for a trip been sitting on my drive way for months. Bc we are enjoy the snow we are getting in NorCal this winter can’t take it to Tahoe.
So please help me understand why having a "foldable bed" is a major CON ?? For most people, it would be a major PRO. How often do people sleep ?? Once per day and maybe a nap here and there so on most days, you set up the bed and put it away once per day. How long does that usually take ? Maybe 5-10 minutes ? When the bed is put away, it's usually become a couch or maybe dining area. Even if it doesn't become something else, it clears space and make the van roomier. That's a huge PRO in my book. I'd trade my 5-10 minutes per day to have roomier space or something else useful while I'm not sleeping.
I like it that's not the issue...we just have had so much break on our current van that I get worried that it would break. But many people have left comments saying they are good and don't have a history of breaking.
Thank you for taking us to the show! Did they have any Coachmen Class Bs? I have owned a 2022 Coachmen Nova 20C with the white cabinets for 1 1/2 years and absolutely love it! It does have the power couch though Bob lol. I've never had any issues with my van! The 2023 Coachmen Nova 20D JUST came out and I BET you would love everything about that set up! It has everything my 20C has except for the power couch!
Hi Gary! Unfortunately they didn’t have any Novas at that show! I think you are right. I would love the 20D. Good to know you’ve had no issues! That’s makes me feel better.
Have you considered just adding some options to your own van? You can install a power bed. Honestly they all look the same there's no character at like if you were to do it yourself
If you are interested in the STO and the Ford Transit, take a look at their new models that are AWD :). Love your POV on the Thor models and we totally agree that having Lithium and the ability to unplug creates the best travel experience. Will you be going to the RV show at Quartzite later this month?
Omg..im loving this! Finally someone else who's over 6'0... im 6'2 and following! They simply don't make these vans for us tall people.. what these manufacturers think people are only 5'10 to 5'11? So thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm so following!
I was surprised they didn't notice or mention the height in the Pleasure way ontour(ford chassis) It has 6'6" of inside height. The most of any class B.The price on it was amazing.
subscribed. first video of your channel. a few things: 1. i love how you quote the prices. i think you are the first. 2. i love how you itemize the pros and cons in frank terms. 3. i think that storyteller is used by the Russos but they are driving the Ford Transat version (?). 4. we have the same tastes. i prefer a dedicated washroom with hard walls. Although i am short, unlike you, and I don't have to worry about the bed size.
A suggestion: keep a cheap flashlight with you so you can show the interiors of the RVs next time. That way you won't have too much trouble if the internal power isn't switched on.
Totally agree with you on the power beds. Aside from the potential mechanical problems that could arise, I also imagine making the bed every evening and packing away every morning would very quickly get tiring. What sheets fit? Maybe sleep in a sleeping bag? Awesome aerial shots, how are you filming that? I'm thinking drone but how does it follow you? I didn't see you controlling it.
Hello love your Mega RV shows very informative. Just noticed there were a couple of Winnebago Solis Pocket there with the window price of $69998. Do you know who is the sponsor or dealership for those two pockets. Would like to find out, interest in the pocket. Thank you!
We did buy a Thor Rize but realized that we needed something a little bigger. Loved our Rize! We are both 6 feet and the bed wasn’t as big as we needed.
It's cool that you confirmed your vans layout is what you prefer. We enjoy our 20J as well. Our plan now is to add a lift kit, springs & Falken Wildpeak tires. After that we need to make some money, then we will go on a couple adventures, then come back & make some money, then tackle some needed quality build improvements, then make some money and then, well......I think you know. 😉
When I got y 20at two years ago I thought about the upgrade you mentioned however the truth is it’s not 4x4 so I didn’t think it going to add much but more just the look.
@liaodesign actually clearance is a biggie for us. We often camp deep in the woods using old forest roads and have bottomed out twice with damages incurred. We even cracked our grey water box after hitting a pothole on a highway. For us it will be a worthwhile investment.
I had the Mercedes chassis on a Class C (we call them coach built in the UK) and loved the entertainment system apart from the DAB radio that was terrible. The EIS module on mine got water ingress due to condensation and my van was off the road for a few Months due to the chip shortage while I waited for a replacement. I'm now on a Fiat chassis (class b) that is pretty much the same as the Ram you have in the States, in fact the front end on the Ram was used in Europe until about six Years ago. The nice thing about Ram, Fiat and the other brands that rebadge this chassis is that the bonnet (hood to you guys) is much shorter than Mercedes so you end up with more habitable space. Lastly check out the RP Motorhomes Rebellion, made here in the UK. My dream van (yes I know a Mercedes van)
For people that don’t want to make the beds all the time, I watched another van lifers who uses sleeping bags since it’s easier to roll up and put away during the day
Thank you both so much for your videos you post. They are always so informative. My wife and I are looking at buying an American Coach Patriot MD2 or the Coachman Beyond both on the Ford Transit Chassis. Do you have any thoughts on them. We have seen the Beyond but it is hard to find the Patriot in stock right now. Also loved your video on great spots to camp in AZ. Any additional video’s coming out about other spots here in AZ. He live in FH and love touring this state. Thank you again for the great videos.
Let me repeat; a full, fixed bed, a full dry bathroom and full dinette (for food and computer work) add to happiness. And, then let me add; a fridge on the passenger side. Why, because a mini-fridge that is not ventilated through the roof, on the driver's side, will NEVER keep cool. A fridge on the passenger side will be under the awning, or at least on the shady side wherever you park. Been there, done that. Bien viajes!
I like it how now for the new 2023 sprinters they're all wheel drive not four-wheel drive and now the companies are saying that the all-wheel drive is better than the four-wheel-drive but I figured they would say that considering they can't buy the four-wheel drive anymore and they want to keep selling. You can't down your own product.
Well technically the 4x4 sprinters were only for America. MB has been using the AWD system in Europe for a few years. Though no van shown in this video was on a 23 chassis. I’m more envious of the new diesel in the 23 - a smaller 4 cylinder which is more powerful with its twin turbo and now allows b20 diesel fuel. Something the outgoing v6 turbo couldn’t.
@@JohnSeitz Just a note, AWD if you have a tire problem, you have to replace all 4 tires so they are all the same circumference, otherwise you can mess up the transfer cases.
@@Squarekn0t correct that’s true with any 4x4 or AWD. But let’s remember tires aren’t going to last long on these anyway. The BFG stock size on my Sanctuary will be worn out about 20-25k miles so. And you really need to hit something bad to ruin one of these.
the solis my neighbor just bought for 59,000 it was listed at 69,999.............msrp is over 100,000.salepeople DONT want you to know of these sales, less profit to them/commision etc.................
New to your channel. I love how you honestly review the vans and show us how real people fit and think. Personally I don't see my 🐷 family seated comfortably on those power beds.. Bob is someone like myself, I'm always breaking something. Here's a new subscriber guys.
I can't believe they allow people to enter these RVs with clanking cameras and backpacks scraping throughout the vehicles. Go to a boat show(power or sail) and it's no shoes, no tote bags, backpacks.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..... Make the electric stove a pull down or flip down and make the microwave larger! We never ever ever use the inside stove. The microwave is used daily.
What no one talks about is how Cheap the Mercedes van actually is. The walls are thin, very prone to rust, the mechanics of the diesel van is trash. Things always breaking, we even had the entire exhaust fall off!
I should bring my camera and start taping next time, but I don't think there will be a next time : ( because Im totally turned off by now! Over and over again looking at Thor and Winnebagos BRAND NEW 2023 RVs It's ridiculous the lack of workmanship perhaps no quality control? I was told Winnebago is a luxury name, that may have been in the past, but not any longer. Now I know why people built out. Makes me wonder if these Companies are short staffed and underpayed like the airline industry across the US and law enforcement in LA County. Overworked and underpaid. Are they compromising safety as well? I wonder...
I would guess Hillary ,was a teacher or Screenwriter Bob Was a Medic in the Military's of a School Teacher read ther Goal on the about page , Their Very Smart and Kind Father GODs Greatest Blessings of Protection Wisdom & His LOVE>
Just like a woman to keep talking no matter how many buttons you push. Also Sprinter are a high maintenance high price woman! Lets keep it simple with Dave & Matt
I loathe Mercedes.. They are rust buckets. Have limited Service dealers.. And once the warranty runs out. They all in up in Africa...As the owners sell them cheap...
I had to subscribe after seeing you both willing to actually sit behind the drivers wheel in the class B vans in more than one of your videos and giving your honest opinion of how much room there really is for a tall Person. Most Rv demonstrators don’t take the time to do that even after I request that they do. Thanks.😊
Haha! Thanks!
We've the '23 20J and it's not a power bed in the rear...I had the same concerns about power consumption and it breaking. The manual open/close is "tricky" but beats it being motor driven. We leave it in "bed mode" now whereas initially we opened/closed it daily.
How awesome!
Same here. Have a 20J manual bed. Love you can lift the bottom of the sofa and access the garage.
Rear bathroom trick. Open the rear doors. Place a rod, rope or other to hang a privacy curtain and expand the bathroom/outdoor shower/bathroom.
Fantastic advice!
WOW! Well done! We really enjoyed this video and learned so much about what is out there! Pointing out the pros and cons is so helpful. Looking forward to more Vancaskey Adventures! Thank you!
Thank you!
I love my power bed. There is really no concern about losing power. It uses very little power and I have a generator, so power is not an issue. I love that I can position the sofa at any angle I want for reclining in comfort when lounging inside my Campervan.
For sleeping I have so many options;
(1) I am a single traveler so I could sleep on the sofa without lowering it down. (Side to side, I am only 5’4” tall). I have actually done this when sleeping at rest areas where I like to be ready to go quickly.
(2) I can lower it down with just a push of a button and use it as an (almost) full size bed and still have 2 comfortable seats facing each other right next to the bed. I have a pillow top mattress cover that I keep on my sofa to eliminate the issue of feeling the creases in the sofa. I keep the mattress cover and a fitted sheet on my sofa all the time so my bed is always ready and it also protects the sofa.
(3) In this configuration I could leave it in the down position as a full time bed and add a softer mattress on top for added comfort. This way I still have the 2 side facing seats, although as a single traveler I typically use one as a seat and one as a bedside table.
(4) I can convert it to a queen size bed utilizing the 2 facing seats using the table top and back cushions from the seats. (Sleeping front to back) You can leave it this way full time, or convert it daily.
The only issue with the electric sofa bed is the under bed storage is limited, and even with a small folding eBike it does not fit under the bed. As a single traveler this is not an issue for me because I can store my folding eBike on my front passenger seat.
This is great info! Thank you for sharing.
That's encouraging.
My daughters is a 2023 20J, it listed for $146,000. With her trade I think it was down to $125,000 . We have half the rear cushions stored at our house because she keeps the bed up all the time. She loves it and since August she has been around the country and stayed in 46 different places. Her favorite app is Harvest Host. This was a great review for us couch van'ers .
Wow! 46 different places! So awesome!
20J is $119,000 in their video. Looks like you guys overpaid a lot.
@@azerogliev6520 Yes and the $36,000 they gave her on her Ram Pro-Master City that I tricked out for her and the 2014 Trillium Outback that I rewired and recalked all the windows, new tires, repack bearings seemed to disappear by the time they got down to the bottom line. Lets keep it simple Dave & Matt Vans in Gypsum, CO
As to power bed/couch....we have one on roadtrek....had power issue and bed would not lay down...one call to tech support and was able to recline bed. Left like that until power issue resolved. Needed one wrench. Easy peasy.
Good to know! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Yes, I love the Fords. Thanks for highlighting them. If you can find more that would be awesome.
You bet! We want to see more of them!
You should check out the Coachmen Beyond 22D (D=Twin bed or convert to Queen, C=power bed, RB=Rear Bath) AWD, the tallest of Class Bs so you two being tall would like the inside height.
Sounds right up our alley! I’m going to go check it out right now. Thanks!
We have a Coachmen Beyond on the Ford Chassis. They have several floorplans to chose from. The C has the power sofa that reclines to the bed...then there's the RB for rear bath and the D has 2 twins in the center. We have the C and do not have any issues with the power bed.
Oh nice!!!
Storyteller owner here. Don't give up on it yet, rent one, try it out and see if you can live with it. I was also worried about not having a fixed bathroom while making a purchase decision, but it turned out to be a non issue, though we did get a bigger cassette toilet. The shower is fantastic, takes 30 seconds to set up. As for the bed, a 6'3" sleeps in the back comfortably. You'll get use to the overhead cabinets real quick, however if they really bother you, they are removable on the '23 model. As for build quality, you will not be disappointed! 50K miles on mine and still not a rattle!
This is great info! Thanks!
😅😅
I have Ford, and yes I love it, with awd 3.5l ecoboost you cant go wrong. Mileage, I get 15 at 70mph
Sweet! That’s not bad.
I still love the layout of my ‘17 Pleasureway Lexor TS. It has the electric rear sofa. I’m on many forums and I haven’t heard of problems, however I do worry about it. I keep it in the bed position but I’m mostly a solo traveller.
The Pleasureway Ontour that you saw was the 2.0, small. I think you would like the OnTour 2.2.
I believe the Ford is the tallest. You guys should also look at the Coachman Beyond.
A note on the water fill inside the rig. That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. As you mentioned it always spills plus where I camp there are always tons of mosquitoes around the water fill, so I wouldn’t want to open the big slider.
We yet to find a coachman beyond. I’d love to see one. And we agree the water fill placement makes no sense!
Love the power bed that we have in the Coachmen Beyond 22c Li3 2021 Model. The Ford Chassis is taller, wider and more powerful than the Mercedes Sprinter and the Dodge Promaster. At 22' in length, it's longer than the Promaster but not as long as the Sprinter 170. The AWD Ford is powerful and can haul tons of stuff. If you ever stop in San Diego again, hit me up and I can show you my Coachmen here.
Cool! I’d love to see it! We go through San diego a couple time a year it’d be great to meet up.
Air Stream Atlas, have you seen one? B plus van w/ Murphy bed . Still my favorite. 👍🏻🇺🇸☕️🥂
I don’t think we have seen it in person. Definitely a great van!
Bob I own a 2007 RoadTrek 190 Popular with a power couch. I’ve never had a failure! Get over it, lol!!!
Alright! Sounds like I’m worries about nothing 😂 thanks!
You guys have a great vibe. Really appreciate you taking us along to see what's out there in the market. If cost was no issue, an AWD Ford Transit (E450?) would be my pick. I hear the reliability is excellent, good MPG, torque/HP and a Ford dealer in most every town across America for service. Thanks again for the ride! 😊❤🙏👍
Thank you! That’s a great pick!
You can't beat 18-20mpg of Pentastar V6 in Dodge. And it has no turbos to break down the road.
@@Vancaskeys You guys have a great vibe
We have the 22 Thor Tellaro. Twin beds. Bath in back. We leave the tables at home. We leave the two beds as twins and leave them made up all the time. The bathroom is much bigger and we like it in the back. At first I was really wanting a bed in the back but this works out really good. I have a cute curtain around the toilet area when i want to leave the back doors open and have a perfect magnetic screen from Living in a Bubble from Amazon for the back.
Bought a 2022 Coachman Nova C with the rear auto couch. The price was close to the travato's you featured. No problems with anything working, so far. I'm 6' 1" and have no problems adapting to things. We wanted a generator so no lithium system. A 275 watt Battleborn will be added when AGM gets tired. This rig achieves around 16 m.p.g.s at 65 to 70 m.p.h. The floorplan is identical to the Ford Transit based Beyond model C at about $35,000 less, currently.
So awesome. We have heard great things about the Coachman Nova C recently. Thanks for your insight! It's greatly appreciated.
The Thor Tellaro 20L has the same layout as the Entegra you showed, with the bathroom in the back. It's the one I've been looking at for a while now, and feels more open overall, so on those rainy days when you want to be inside, it wouldn't feel as confining, IMO.
Agree!
$104,500 is a GREAT price for the Travato if it was a 2023 on the 2022 chassis. You guys would probably like the 59k floorplan with the big rear bath.
Agreed :) __
Most power beds today, have a manual mode in case of loss of power.
Good to know!
Comfort + adventure is the Boldt, Era, Airstream 24x, etc
Ok kids. I have Midwest passage I Love it. The power sofa is awesome the two bench seats in back come together making the bed even Larger. It is comfortable very comfortable and QUIET. Very insulated Screen in front up on windshield dash shows all the cameras. I Love my owl box too they make a large one for storage below spare tire it swings still open the rear doors I enjoy your videos hope to see y’all in Missouri sometime Branson is a FUN place I keep a 3 in down mattress on the bed when it’s up I store in a king size pillow sham Down blanket in the other sham
Love this! Thanks for sharing! We need to go to Branson! That would be fun!
Just bought my Entergra Expanse. I love it! Battery, solar and generator, love the large bathroom and refrigerator. Had been looking at the Sprinter class B, but have driven a Ford van and liked the reliability of it. For just me and my two dogs it is perfect. And I don't mind the power bed at all.
Sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
You guys have got to come out to the big RV show in Quartzsite next weekend. It’s not just an RV show but much more. We are boondocking out of Cholla Rd. But there is plenty of places to boondock out here. Hope to see you.
I think we are going to go to this!
Where to go next? Wyoming. Explore the Wind River Range, the Bighorns and the Beartooth Mountains. We did this last summer in our Winnebago Solis 59Px. Magnificent cruise!
I appreciate your videos so much. After watching this one, I feel glad to have my Thor Rize 18M. It’s great for me and my dog. It’s roomy and a good size bathroom in the back. Thank you! Keep sharing please 🚐💚
Great to hear! Happy travels!!!
I like the Storyteller but for that price I would go with the AeonRV. For me that is the ultimate boondock, four season, van style RV.
The 20A might be 10k less than the Ford Pleasureway but the Ford has the All wheel drive, ecoboost & the lane assist bells & whistles stuff. So I think a better value.
Your probably right! The all wheel drive would be really nice to have.
Pleasure way doesn’t buy AWD vans except the Rekon.
That said not sure why it was only 119k as it’s typically 150’s and high demand. Probably the best built Class B van you’ll buy.
The power sofa isn’t really a concern. It’s a electric motor (very reliable) and simple screw drive.
Thanks for a fantastic tour of the show. It’s super helpful to see the popular models of class b campers. I’ve been researching and have pretty much settled on a Winnebago 59PX. They were way over msrp around here last year but are back to $119,000. They made some of them w/o the pop-top and that saved about 10 grand.
If you do the California coast, look us up, we’re near Ventura. If we haven’t been washed into the ocean by then 😁. Love your videos!
You’re welcome! We are doing the coast probably this summer. Will have to meet up 😃
Just note I assume that Cahaba at 114 I believe is a 4x2 model. Which also has a smaller battery.
Yes you are correct :)
Thanks for the tour with prices!!
Great video. Bigger bed over bigger bathroom! More time spent in bed..gotta be comfy..you 6 footers! Sink in the bathroom is a must…for me! Ram over Mercedes..maintenance cost. Glad you’re rig is fixed and you can explore with no worries! Rocky Point? Probably nice once you get there…pretty sketchy getting there. Alaska or Canada..British Columbia..the Sunshine Coast! Banff…Jasper etc..the Canadian Rockies. Wyoming, Montana, Idaho..Utah?
Love all these recommendations! We are in Utah right now 😂
Nice walk thru still need to figure out when can I take my 20AT out for a trip been sitting on my drive way for months. Bc we are enjoy the snow we are getting in NorCal this winter can’t take it to Tahoe.
I’ve seen snow has been brutal this year up h there. We have had a hard time planning trips because of rain /snow lately too.
So please help me understand why having a "foldable bed" is a major CON ?? For most people, it would be a major PRO. How often do people sleep ?? Once per day and maybe a nap here and there so on most days, you set up the bed and put it away once per day. How long does that usually take ? Maybe 5-10 minutes ? When the bed is put away, it's usually become a couch or maybe dining area. Even if it doesn't become something else, it clears space and make the van roomier. That's a huge PRO in my book. I'd trade my 5-10 minutes per day to have roomier space or something else useful while I'm not sleeping.
I like that couch style, what don’t you like about the power bed, before I buy one 🙂
I like it that's not the issue...we just have had so much break on our current van that I get worried that it would break. But many people have left comments saying they are good and don't have a history of breaking.
Thank you for taking us to the show! Did they have any Coachmen Class Bs? I have owned a 2022 Coachmen Nova 20C with the white cabinets for 1 1/2 years and absolutely love it! It does have the power couch though Bob lol. I've never had any issues with my van! The 2023 Coachmen Nova 20D JUST came out and I BET you would love everything about that set up! It has everything my 20C has except for the power couch!
Hi Gary! Unfortunately they didn’t have any Novas at that show! I think you are right. I would love the 20D. Good to know you’ve had no issues! That’s makes me feel better.
Really would have enjoyed your more detailed review regarding the Pleasure Way different floor plan models, I was told that the top shelf “ B “type
Thor Sequence 20 L we are 6’1 and 6’2, 180 k cad….but we love it …
That’s a great one! Great for your height!
Have you considered just adding some options to your own van? You can install a power bed. Honestly they all look the same there's no character at like if you were to do it yourself
We have...we'd love to customize ours a bit.
If you are interested in the STO and the Ford Transit, take a look at their new models that are AWD :). Love your POV on the Thor models and we totally agree that having Lithium and the ability to unplug creates the best travel experience. Will you be going to the RV show at Quartzite later this month?
Yes will will be there next weekend 😃
@@Vancaskeys Awesome! From what we saw when we drove through that place is RV/Vanlife central ❤🔥
@@VanDoghies LOL! We have never been so it should be interesting! Are you guys going?
Omg..im loving this! Finally someone else who's over 6'0... im 6'2 and following! They simply don't make these vans for us tall people.. what these manufacturers think people are only 5'10 to 5'11? So thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm so following!
Right! They need to make sure to think of the tall people too when building them out!
I was surprised they didn't notice or mention the height in the Pleasure way ontour(ford chassis) It has 6'6" of inside height. The most of any class B.The price on it was amazing.
subscribed. first video of your channel.
a few things: 1. i love how you quote the prices. i think you are the first. 2. i love how you itemize the pros and cons in frank terms. 3. i think that storyteller is used by the Russos but they are driving the Ford Transat version (?). 4. we have the same tastes. i prefer a dedicated washroom with hard walls. Although i am short, unlike you, and I don't have to worry about the bed size.
Awesome! Thank you! This is great!
A suggestion: keep a cheap flashlight with you so you can show the interiors of the RVs next time. That way you won't have too much trouble if the internal power isn't switched on.
Brilliant idea! We just went to a show last weekend...wish we would have done this!
Totally agree with you on the power beds. Aside from the potential mechanical problems that could arise, I also imagine making the bed every evening and packing away every morning would very quickly get tiring. What sheets fit? Maybe sleep in a sleeping bag? Awesome aerial shots, how are you filming that? I'm thinking drone but how does it follow you? I didn't see you controlling it.
We got those shots from a 360 camera. It's a good alternative when we can use a drone. It's on a stick that is hidden. It's really cool!
Hello love your Mega RV shows very informative. Just noticed there were a couple of Winnebago Solis Pocket there with the window price of $69998. Do you know who is the sponsor or dealership for those two pockets. Would like to find out, interest in the pocket. Thank you!
It was La Mesa in Tuscan!
@@Vancaskeys thank you!
I especially love the wooden interior
Did you try using a funnel to fill the water tank without spills?
This is the second video of yours I'm watching in Feb.2023.
You need a rear bath in on a Ford Transit. Possibly a B Plus.
Hi Bob, OT, but what is the brand of your blue sweats, which look very comfortable? Thanks, sir!
They are Lululemon. 😃
@@Vancaskeys Thank you, Bob! Also, is your van battery issue resolved?
@@PaulEEish Not yet unfortunately.
@@Vancaskeys Got a pair!
@@PaulEEish awesome! Hope you like them!
I liked the one with the big bathroom in the back and twin beds/ or couch. Bigger fridge. Wonder what kind of gas mileage that one gets??
That one is a great one. I would guess 15-20
I thought you guys bought the thor rize, now another already??
We did buy a Thor Rize but realized that we needed something a little bigger. Loved our Rize! We are both 6 feet and the bed wasn’t as big as we needed.
It's cool that you confirmed your vans layout is what you prefer. We enjoy our 20J as well. Our plan now is to add a lift kit, springs & Falken Wildpeak tires. After that we need to make some money, then we will go on a couple adventures, then come back & make some money, then tackle some needed quality build improvements, then make some money and then, well......I think you know. 😉
Haha! That sounds like a great plan! We did the aluminums box and rack and springs and would love to do a lift kit.
When I got y 20at two years ago I thought about the upgrade you mentioned however the truth is it’s not 4x4 so I didn’t think it going to add much but more just the look.
@liaodesign actually clearance is a biggie for us. We often camp deep in the woods using old forest roads and have bottomed out twice with damages incurred. We even cracked our grey water box after hitting a pothole on a highway. For us it will be a worthwhile investment.
@@bearlynormalwetshaver1894 you right have more clearance is noice on these tellaro
I had the Mercedes chassis on a Class C (we call them coach built in the UK) and loved the entertainment system apart from the DAB radio that was terrible. The EIS module on mine got water ingress due to condensation and my van was off the road for a few Months due to the chip shortage while I waited for a replacement. I'm now on a Fiat chassis (class b) that is pretty much the same as the Ram you have in the States, in fact the front end on the Ram was used in Europe until about six Years ago. The nice thing about Ram, Fiat and the other brands that rebadge this chassis is that the bonnet (hood to you guys) is much shorter than Mercedes so you end up with more habitable space. Lastly check out the RP Motorhomes Rebellion, made here in the UK. My dream van (yes I know a Mercedes van)
The Storyteller is my dream van too! Being able to go anywhere makes the bathroom tolerable.
We totally agree, the bathroom isn't so bad when you can explore new places in the meantime!
@@Vancaskeys and the bonus is AC while boondocking without worry! 😉
If Bob burns down that Midwest van with that stove, it's a good thing he called emergency services on the other van. 😆
😂😂😂
For people that don’t want to make the beds all the time, I watched another van lifers who uses sleeping bags since it’s easier to roll up and put away during the day
Thats genius!
YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS... Why two sinks in a van? No sink needed in the bathroom.
right!
I don't like the idea of an electric bed either. That Ford Entegra is selling for almost $200k in California.
Oh wow!
Thank you both so much for your videos you post. They are always so informative. My wife and I are looking at buying an American Coach Patriot MD2 or the Coachman Beyond both on the Ford Transit Chassis. Do you have any thoughts on them. We have seen the Beyond but it is hard to find the Patriot in stock right now. Also loved your video on great spots to camp in AZ. Any additional video’s coming out about other spots here in AZ. He live in FH and love touring this state. Thank you again for the great videos.
Have you guys been down to San Carlos (adjacent to Guaymas)? I bet that would be a blast.
The prices of these things is unbelievable! 😂
Agree!
Let me repeat; a full, fixed bed, a full dry bathroom and full dinette (for food and computer work) add to happiness. And, then let me add; a fridge on the passenger side. Why, because a mini-fridge that is not ventilated through the roof, on the driver's side, will NEVER keep cool. A fridge on the passenger side will be under the awning, or at least on the shady side wherever you park. Been there, done that. Bien viajes!
Love this! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
As a solo traveler, the 20K is my dream van. Some day. 👍🏻
Love it!!! One day for sure!
Come to Tampa...
Yes! We are planning on a East Coast/Florida trip!
I agree the bed that folds is uncomfortable wouldn’t buy either.
I like it how now for the new 2023 sprinters they're all wheel drive not four-wheel drive and now the companies are saying that the all-wheel drive is better than the four-wheel-drive but I figured they would say that considering they can't buy the four-wheel drive anymore and they want to keep selling. You can't down your own product.
Good point!
Well technically the 4x4 sprinters were only for America. MB has been using the AWD system in Europe for a few years.
Though no van shown in this video was on a 23 chassis.
I’m more envious of the new diesel in the 23 - a smaller 4 cylinder which is more powerful with its twin turbo and now allows b20 diesel fuel. Something the outgoing v6 turbo couldn’t.
@@JohnSeitz Just a note, AWD if you have a tire problem, you have to replace all 4 tires so they are all the same circumference, otherwise you can mess up the transfer cases.
@@Squarekn0t correct that’s true with any 4x4 or AWD. But let’s remember tires aren’t going to last long on these anyway. The BFG stock size on my Sanctuary will be worn out about 20-25k miles so. And you really need to hit something bad to ruin one of these.
the solis my neighbor just bought for 59,000 it was listed at 69,999.............msrp is over 100,000.salepeople DONT want you to know of these sales, less profit to them/commision etc.................
wow...good to know!
New to your channel. I love how you honestly review the vans and show us how real people fit and think. Personally I don't see my 🐷 family seated comfortably on those power beds.. Bob is someone like myself, I'm always breaking something. Here's a new subscriber guys.
Welcome aboard! Yes, I am always breaking something LOL - Our channel should be called Real Life Van Life 😂 Thanks for enjoying our video!
Grandma you should focus on kitchen, not bed.
Bob the button boy. Lol
I heard that you don't look at class c. Im interested in a four winds 24ft. Do you know someone that could give me some insight?
Build your own
One day we will!
Get over the power bed. Lol
😂😂😂
You guys do a nice thorough video. It also seems like you’re very likable people. Have a great summer.
@@gerardgrote3153 thanks! In our next video bob actually accepts that the power bed is a good option 😂
I can't believe they allow people to enter these RVs with clanking cameras and backpacks scraping throughout the vehicles. Go to a boat show(power or sail) and it's no shoes, no tote bags, backpacks.
Instead of B vans try B+
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..... Make the electric stove a pull down or flip down and make the microwave larger! We never ever ever use the inside stove. The microwave is used daily.
Oh really! What do you microwave? We need more ideas!
Your kidney is not going to like the large bathroom door handle across from the kitchen!
Haha! So true!
What no one talks about is how Cheap the Mercedes van actually is. The walls are thin, very prone to rust, the mechanics of the diesel van is trash. Things always breaking, we even had the entire exhaust fall off!
I should bring my camera and start taping next time, but I don't think there will be a next time : ( because Im totally turned off by now! Over and over again looking at Thor and Winnebagos BRAND NEW 2023 RVs It's ridiculous the lack of workmanship perhaps no quality control? I was told Winnebago is a luxury name, that may have been in the past, but not any longer. Now I know why people built out. Makes me wonder if these Companies are short staffed and underpayed like the airline industry across the US and law enforcement in LA County. Overworked and underpaid. Are they compromising safety as well? I wonder...
Too much technology, not enough problem.
These are $200,000
I would guess Hillary ,was a teacher or Screenwriter Bob Was a Medic in the Military's of a School Teacher read ther Goal on the about page , Their Very Smart and Kind Father GODs Greatest Blessings of Protection Wisdom & His LOVE>
Just like a woman to keep talking no matter how many buttons you push. Also Sprinter are a high maintenance high price woman! Lets keep it simple with Dave & Matt
Those vans are horrible too big outside, too small inside, and no one can figure out the head and shower
I loathe Mercedes.. They are rust buckets. Have limited Service dealers.. And once the warranty runs out. They all in up in Africa...As the owners sell them cheap...