Hi Andrew, I love your new van! Those are Sandhill Cranes walking through your yard. They mate for life. Welcome to Sarasota. I love your intro. I’m a 4th generation Sarasota native 🌴☀️ Welcome! Welcome! Glad you are here.
Yes, but think further outside the box. A second awning (on the driver side) would do more than improve the appearance of the roof line. It would give shade for the coach. Awning manufacturers should create an entire roof covering with a second awning (in order to block the radiant heat that broils the roof). This would provide HUGE cooling effect such that AC is less needed.
That is a seriously sweet ride! For me, lithium is a no-brainer. Your main engine becomes your generator with the addition of a dedicated alternator for the Lithium system. Eliminating the propane or diesel generator also frees up space for storage. Love it!
Duncan, so if I understand you correctly, if one more boondocking in the set up and having to run the AC in the middle of August, when the batteries got low, he would just turn the vehicle on to recharge the batteries? Just like you would with a generator set up and running the generator to charge the batteries.
I have a set of Lithionic batteries I've used for the last 2 years. They are great batteries but there is one significant flaw with them. They use Hall Effect sensors to report State Of Charge (SOC). These sensors drift over time and can report a SOC as higher than it is at the current time. They need to use something like the Victron shunt system to better report SOC.
Great segment Andrew and thanks for the shoutout! Like the Airstream Interstate I owned, you're absolutely correct about the A/C noise. It was difficult to hear the TV with the A/C running. Drive safely!
Thanks Andy! I appreciate you sharing that about your interstate. I would love to see your analysis of the Grech compared to the interstate. I'm always up for a collaboration if your ever in the area!
Thanks for addressing my inquiry regarding whether the van has a bathroom since you didn’t show or mention whether or not it does in that first video on it. One thing you should definitely let the viewers see is everything about that part of the unit as well! Based on everything else about that van you’ve managed to cover, I would have to believe the bathroom is also rather impressive. Looking forward to whenever you do another video on this quality vehicle!
Great content Andrew. I wish these B conversions were flat towable. It would be great to take one with us for short jaunts to smaller state parks while we are wintering in Florida at the RV resort. Thanks again.
Thank you for another great video we enjoy your channel you asked about videos we would like to see. It would be nice to see like a daily video blog of your personal situation. We’ve all been praying for you since your trip across the country and the unfortunate fire with your Newell coach and it’s nice to hear personal updates on how you’re doing and how your business is going we are enjoying the videos about the Grech RV and look forward to see you out camping in it and sending videos of that as well, thanks again for all the great content.
Hey Andrew! I finally decided to write to you! Great content & so much info about the lithium batteries as well as the different RV’s out there! Love your Lil Silver Streaker! 😉👍Will give you many good travels & memories as well! Keep up the wonderful content! 👌😎
Love your videos. But I would say that although is fun to watch videos on the high end coaches for those of us that are not multi millionaires we would appreciate more videos on Tiffins, Newmars, American Coach, etc. Thank you!
Andrew I’ve been watching you and your videos evolve for a few years now. You’ve been consistent and competent choosing the various type subject matter of interest to help educate viewers. But, I’m surprised you waited longer than I had expected for you to wait to “buy into” a lithium system to power your new class b coach to run them A/C, all cabin electronics, and LED lighting. To help a viewer understand the use-ability, reliability, and capacity of how your lithium system works, please tell us the system’s lithium battery amp hour rating and the size of both the inverter and alternator; I apologize if you did disclosure this info during the video. To aid the viewer to understand how overwhelmingly convenient, efficient and easy to use a lithium system can be, your video left out explanation covering important attributes a system may possess to maximize overall system reliability and usability. I may be treading on unpopular territory here since Mercedes and perhaps other chassis suppliers have taken a very conservative approach not to condone running the vehicle’s engine to charge the lithium batteries via the second alternator while the vehicle is stationary. Rather, you offered the window of deniability for not explaining that charging the lithium batteries is not only possible but probably preferred by the majority of RV owners with lithium systems with a second alternator installed plus the remote auto start to charge the vehicle while it’s stationary. The Ram chassis did not cower to the authority of certain states with questionable laws and campground operators, which prohibited running the engine while the vehicle is stationary. The crowning achievement for a lithium system is, in fact, recharging the batteries time after time while the vehicle is stationary. Of course, it’s admirable not wanting to burn the diesel, fueling the engine while running, standing in place. Furthermore, the vehicle must idle at 1,500 RPMs to effect the alternator to recharge the lithium system batteries. Class b RV outfitters have incorporated a maximum number of remote auto charging cycles, for instance at five, before the driver would be required to manually reset the lithium recharging system to begin all over the remote auto charge capability. Besides the operational considerations, there is the choice to make for a lithium system manufacturer. Volta, is my favorite lithium system company that has consistently innovated successful complete systems and individual components, such as, just a few to mention, power storage units, system controllers, inverters, and alternators. Volta designed and manufactures for Mercedes its new E-1 system, predecessor to the Volta Pure 3 system that Winnebago has used for several years. Volta consistently has delivered safe and effective lithium battery systems making the life of class b owners an incredibly enjoyable experience with little hassle and eliminating propane, diesel and gasoline generators. Sure, it’s costly, but the experience of being generator and power cord free and being totally quiet, for as long as there is fuel available in the gas tank, is truly amazing. If you don’t purchase a coach with a lithium battery system installed, use a trained technician experienced with retrofitting a lithium battery system in the power class you want to install. Andrew, keep on doing the good work you do, many thanks!
Grech RV Quality puts them head and shoulders above Airstream. Very proud of our Strada ION, there’s nothing better. Stable reliability in a comfy coach.
I missed much about your personal Van series. Is there a Solar kit that could support your Lithium Battery system? Being in Florida it the States you travel, it’s free energy.
Andrew always like your channel but I have one tip from a pro driver. You look a little over confident backing up . Biggest enemy fir any driving is over confidence. 👍🏿
I think that's the move, going to the high end class B. We have a big DP now but will do the same you did. I like that Gretch a lot, I'll have to do some research.
Great review Andrew, look forward too more on this electrical system. You can get UL and CSA listed lithium cheaper , with SOK is $1,000. for 200 amp/hr at 12 volts and you can get 2,400 amp/hr at 12 volts for under $9,000 with EG4. Just a few options for folks out there, Lithionics is one of the most expensive options for lithium.
That is a great looking van, I like how there are no outside water lines / AC that you see...very clean vs the Airstream Sprinters that I owned. Just curious, did a certain relative get upset that you didn't buy an Airstream? Great looking ride
Andrew,1st, love your dog with O the rescue cat,great friends,really love that.& 2nd I love the idea of this travel van, would work well to travel to Canada and back to Fla. Allways love your vids!!!
Great video Andrew. I am definitely sold on Grech and look forward to getting one once we no longer travel with kids. We recently got out of our corner stone and now have a class C forest river and I love how much simpler it is compared to the cornerstone. Question I have for the lithium ion version of your van. We do a lot of boondocking and always use our generator to keep the AC running 24 seven especially during the summer months. And that kind of scenario what would you do? Do you simply start the van and let it run to charge your batteries?
Dude good video, please do a test of idling the MBenze engine while parked in your driveway and see how much of a charge rate you get to lithium batteries while NOT plugged in. Thanks.
I was confused all over the place! You opened a door to show the $20K batteries, but there were no batteries there! Where are they and what is the capacity? How much solar do you have? As you watch your battery charge, were the battering charged by the alternator and solar at the same time? How many amps does your air conditioner draw? From a full battery charge and no alternator, how long can you run your air conditioner? $2K worth of batteries is what my 40 foot motor coach uses for off grid living. What did you spend the other $18K on?
Hey Andrew, love the video! We are getting ready to buy a Mercedes Camper Van and this sold us on the Lithium package versus the propane generator. Also question, we would like to know what you think about the new 2.0 twin turbo Mercedes engine and any other options or items we should be looking for in a Mercedes camper van. We are considering the Airstream Interstate and the Grech Strata Ion lounge. Thoughts or advice?
Great Video Andrew! How about a real boondocking overnight test. I think real users would be starting their boondocking evening with a 100% Battery and turning on the AC for an overnight sleep. With the brutal Florida sun set, how would the batteries handle an overnight with the AC on? Perhaps 10pm to 7am? Would it last all night? Fridge on too but that's all. Real world boondocking camping test. Thanks!
In summer camped at Ruby Beach in Washington with AC on most of the day (it can really blast cold air), we never dipped below 60%. Worked great! I was closely monitoring it the first few times, now we don’t worry much, it’s fine. 2022 Grech Rv Strada ION
I know what MSRP is, but what did this Van cost you? Did you buy it from a dealer, or direct from Grech? And yes, this is the most luxurious Class B on the market.
Thanks Andrew, great video. We replaced our house batteries in our Clas A this year and went with Lithium. How many Amp hours do you have in your coach?
Did you buy that RV or did they give it to you to advertise? I just can’t see you going from the rigs you have had to a little Van… like deciding you want to go back to kindergarten or something… just doesn’t make sense 🤷♂️ not that I’m saying it’s a bad rig but you’re a big guy like me and there’s just no way that’s a good fit..
If you decide to switch to Lithium then you should have them on an aluminum rack that can easily be ejected from the van quickly. Lithium batteries are very sensitive and volatile. You people who ever dealt with a Lithium mishaps and I'm not talking about user error. I'm talking about charger and once oxygen gets inside.
Eye truly appreciate all of your time and information about RV!! You have made my experiences of choosing the right one for us easier! We plan on purchasing this summer, gratitudes
Hi Andrew,
I love your new van!
Those are Sandhill Cranes walking through your yard. They mate for life.
Welcome to Sarasota.
I love your intro. I’m a 4th generation Sarasota native 🌴☀️
Welcome! Welcome! Glad you are here.
There should be another false awning to make the roof look even and uniform.
Yes, but think further outside the box. A second awning (on the driver side) would do more than improve the appearance of the roof line. It would give shade for the coach. Awning manufacturers should create an entire roof covering with a second awning (in order to block the radiant heat that broils the roof). This would provide HUGE cooling effect such that AC is less needed.
I definitely like these more personal raw footage. It's nice to get to know you guys more, i watch every video you put out.
That is a seriously sweet ride! For me, lithium is a no-brainer. Your main engine becomes your generator with the addition of a dedicated alternator for the Lithium system. Eliminating the propane or diesel generator also frees up space for storage. Love it!
Duncan, so if I understand you correctly, if one more boondocking in the set up and having to run the AC in the middle of August, when the batteries got low, he would just turn the vehicle on to recharge the batteries? Just like you would with a generator set up and running the generator to charge the batteries.
@@bradellis7420 That is correct. However, eliminating the genny provides additional storage space and is one less piece of equipment to maintain.
I have a set of Lithionic batteries I've used for the last 2 years. They are great batteries but there is one significant flaw with them. They use Hall Effect sensors to report State Of Charge (SOC). These sensors drift over time and can report a SOC as higher than it is at the current time. They need to use something like the Victron shunt system to better report SOC.
Great segment Andrew and thanks for the shoutout! Like the Airstream Interstate I owned, you're absolutely correct about the A/C noise. It was difficult to hear the TV with the A/C running. Drive safely!
Andy. Great to hear from you
Thanks Andy! I appreciate you sharing that about your interstate. I would love to see your analysis of the Grech compared to the interstate. I'm always up for a collaboration if your ever in the area!
We need more Gadget Guru…..motorhome edition!
Thanks for addressing my inquiry regarding whether the van has a bathroom since you didn’t show or mention whether or not it does in that first video on it. One thing you should definitely let the viewers see is everything about that part of the unit as well! Based on everything else about that van you’ve managed to cover, I would have to believe the bathroom is also rather impressive. Looking forward to whenever you do another video on this quality vehicle!
Great content Andrew. I wish these B conversions were flat towable. It would be great to take one with us for short jaunts to smaller state parks while we are wintering in Florida at the RV resort. Thanks again.
Thank you for another great video
we enjoy your channel
you asked about videos we would like to see. It would be nice to see like a daily video blog of your personal situation. We’ve all been praying for you since your trip across the country and the unfortunate fire with your Newell coach and it’s nice to hear personal updates on how you’re doing and how your business is going
we are enjoying the videos about the Grech RV and look forward to see you out camping in it and sending videos of that as well, thanks again for all the great content.
what does Shea think of the new van?
Hello Andrew!
Your videos are the highlight of my RUclips daily entertainment! Learning about RVs as I am on road average of 550-650 daily! 🙏😎
It would be neat to see you take a scenic trip and actually camp out in it. Keep up the great work!
Nice to learn about your Lithium upgrade. Glad you are enjoying your new office. Thank you Andrew and Andrew for this video. Happy trails!
Hey Andrew! I finally decided to write to you! Great content & so much info about the lithium batteries as well as the different RV’s out there! Love your Lil Silver Streaker! 😉👍Will give you many good travels & memories as well! Keep up the wonderful content! 👌😎
Love your videos. But I would say that although is fun to watch videos on the high end coaches for those of us that are not multi millionaires we would appreciate more videos on Tiffins, Newmars, American Coach, etc. Thank you!
Great video! For that much money, it should drive for you, and feed you!!
Gorgeous rig brother! I was thinking about you this morning and this video popped up. The Universe is speaking to me... 😀 ❤
Hope you are well buddy!
One advantage of the LiOn system is that it makes NO noise. Running the generator while your sleeping can be very distracting.
Andrew I’ve been watching you and your videos evolve for a few years now. You’ve been consistent and competent choosing the various type subject matter of interest to help educate viewers. But, I’m surprised you waited longer than I had expected for you to wait to “buy into” a lithium system to power your new class b coach to run them A/C, all cabin electronics, and LED lighting.
To help a viewer understand the use-ability, reliability, and capacity of how your lithium system works, please tell us the system’s lithium battery amp hour rating and the size of both the inverter and alternator; I apologize if you did disclosure this info during the video. To aid the viewer to understand how overwhelmingly convenient, efficient and easy to use a lithium system can be, your video left out explanation covering important attributes a system may possess to maximize overall system reliability and usability. I may be treading on unpopular territory here since Mercedes and perhaps other chassis suppliers have taken a very conservative approach not to condone running the vehicle’s engine to charge the lithium batteries via the second alternator while the vehicle is stationary. Rather, you offered the window of deniability for not explaining that charging the lithium batteries is not only possible but probably preferred by the majority of RV owners with lithium systems with a second alternator installed plus the remote auto start to charge the vehicle while it’s stationary. The Ram chassis did not cower to the authority of certain states with questionable laws and campground operators, which prohibited running the engine while the vehicle is stationary. The crowning achievement for a lithium system is, in fact, recharging the batteries time after time while the vehicle is stationary. Of course, it’s admirable not wanting to burn the diesel, fueling the engine while running, standing in place. Furthermore, the vehicle must idle at 1,500 RPMs to effect the alternator to recharge the lithium system batteries. Class b RV outfitters have incorporated a maximum number of remote auto charging cycles, for instance at five, before the driver would be required to manually reset the lithium recharging system to begin all over the remote auto charge capability.
Besides the operational considerations, there is the choice to make for a lithium system manufacturer. Volta, is my favorite lithium system company that has consistently innovated successful complete systems and individual components, such as, just a few to mention, power storage units, system controllers, inverters, and alternators. Volta designed and manufactures for Mercedes its new E-1 system, predecessor to the Volta Pure 3 system that Winnebago has used for several years. Volta consistently has delivered safe and effective lithium battery systems making the life of class b owners an incredibly enjoyable experience with little hassle and eliminating propane, diesel and gasoline generators.
Sure, it’s costly, but the experience of being generator and power cord free and being totally quiet, for as long as there is fuel available in the gas tank, is truly amazing.
If you don’t purchase a coach with a lithium battery system installed, use a trained technician experienced with retrofitting a lithium battery system in the power class you want to install.
Andrew, keep on doing the good work you do, many thanks!
Grech RV Quality puts them head and shoulders above Airstream. Very proud of our Strada ION, there’s nothing better. Stable reliability in a comfy coach.
Great videos, Andrew(s) I really got to do more research on large-capacity lithium batteries.
Good information on the battery system. Thank you!
I missed much about your personal Van series. Is there a Solar kit that could support your Lithium Battery system? Being in Florida it the States you travel, it’s free energy.
Andrew always like your channel but I have one tip from a pro driver. You look a little over confident backing up . Biggest enemy fir any driving is over confidence. 👍🏿
I think that's the move, going to the high end class B. We have a big DP now but will do the same you did. I like that Gretch a lot, I'll have to do some research.
Great review Andrew, look forward too more on this electrical system. You can get UL and CSA listed lithium cheaper , with SOK is $1,000. for 200 amp/hr at 12 volts and you can get 2,400 amp/hr at 12 volts for under $9,000 with EG4. Just a few options for folks out there, Lithionics is one of the most expensive options for lithium.
You need to do some video’s with miss Shea with you! Great illustration of the power of Lithium and their efficiency!
That's is a nice system Andrew Steele
That is a great looking van, I like how there are no outside water lines / AC that you see...very clean vs the Airstream Sprinters that I owned. Just curious, did a certain relative get upset that you didn't buy an Airstream? Great looking ride
Hahaha! That's funny. My dad loves the Grech.
Andrew,1st, love your dog with O the rescue cat,great friends,really love that.& 2nd I love the idea of this travel van, would work well to travel to Canada and back to Fla. Allways love your vids!!!
I where do you get information b-Class cost thank you.... always have good showing
Could you use the van engine as a generator , if needed ?
It's a Great looking van, too.
Yes, it will charge the batteries so Essentially could work as a generator.
great video, Andrew! Love the Gretch and your lithium pack.
Not trying to be mean but from a place of genuine concern. You should get that lump in your neck checked out if you haven’t already.
I was thinking the same thing.
Such a sweet setup
Great video Andrew. I am definitely sold on Grech and look forward to getting one once we no longer travel with kids. We recently got out of our corner stone and now have a class C forest river and I love how much simpler it is compared to the cornerstone. Question I have for the lithium ion version of your van. We do a lot of boondocking and always use our generator to keep the AC running 24 seven especially during the summer months. And that kind of scenario what would you do? Do you simply start the van and let it run to charge your batteries?
Dude good video, please do a test of idling the MBenze engine while parked in your driveway and see how much of a charge rate you get to lithium batteries while NOT plugged in. Thanks.
Very cool indeed! What are the holding tank capacities?
Those are Sandhill cranes. They come all the way to Michigan. Beautiful birds.
I was confused all over the place! You opened a door to show the $20K batteries, but there were no batteries there! Where are they and what is the capacity? How much solar do you have? As you watch your battery charge, were the battering charged by the alternator and solar at the same time? How many amps does your air conditioner draw? From a full battery charge and no alternator, how long can you run your air conditioner? $2K worth of batteries is what my 40 foot motor coach uses for off grid living. What did you spend the other $18K on?
Hey Andrew, love the video! We are getting ready to buy a Mercedes Camper Van and this sold us on the Lithium package versus the propane generator. Also question, we would like to know what you think about the new 2.0 twin turbo Mercedes engine and any other options or items we should be looking for in a Mercedes camper van. We are considering the Airstream Interstate and the Grech Strata Ion lounge. Thoughts or advice?
Did Andrew come over from Stradman, because the music in this video has always been a part of his channel?
Thanks again l just Love your Videos
Feels a lot like a hybrid system on a car. No fuss, no muss, just works and in this case, for an exceptionally long time. 👍
Great Video Andrew! How about a real boondocking overnight test. I think real users would be starting their boondocking evening with a 100% Battery and turning on the AC for an overnight sleep. With the brutal Florida sun set, how would the batteries handle an overnight with the AC on? Perhaps 10pm to 7am? Would it last all night? Fridge on too but that's all. Real world boondocking camping test. Thanks!
In summer camped at Ruby Beach in Washington with AC on most of the day (it can really blast cold air), we never dipped below 60%. Worked great! I was closely monitoring it the first few times, now we don’t worry much, it’s fine. 2022 Grech Rv Strada ION
I know what MSRP is, but what did this Van cost you? Did you buy it from a dealer, or direct from Grech? And yes, this is the most luxurious Class B on the market.
Thanks Andrew, great video. We replaced our house batteries in our Clas A this year and went with Lithium. How many Amp hours do you have in your coach?
I’m debating the cost now we have 200ah AGM and I have power anxiety boondocking.
Hi do you have any idea on a 6person handicap van for like wheelchair
Technology is here. Use it or loose it
Andy is ok.
Nice review keep up the good work fella
Andrew you have me wondering if the B class might be the way to go. Being i can't afford the really nice A couple.
Awesome video Andrew love the the content and insight
How long would it take to fully charge from ten percent with only the engine alternator?
Hi, just curious what happened to Shea, I probably missed it, thank you
Nice place 👍🇺🇲
What was the amp hour and inverter size to run the a/c units. How big was the solar
Did you buy that RV or did they give it to you to advertise? I just can’t see you going from the rigs you have had to a little Van… like deciding you want to go back to kindergarten or something… just doesn’t make sense 🤷♂️ not that I’m saying it’s a bad rig but you’re a big guy like me and there’s just no way that’s a good fit..
Have you been watching the channel long? I sold my Leisure Travel van a year ago. I've always been a big fan of class b and b+.
Andrew, what is the wattage of you solar panels?
If you decide to switch to Lithium then you should have them on an aluminum rack that can easily be ejected from the van quickly. Lithium batteries are very sensitive and volatile. You people who ever dealt with a Lithium mishaps and I'm not talking about user error. I'm talking about charger and once oxygen gets inside.
Maybe i missed it, but I don’t see Shay anymore. Is she out of the picture or what….?
I thought I heard Lithionics are now Winnebago, if this is true then they should soon be be much less.
Should've waited till a true 100% to drained could've been done.
Awesome
Eye truly appreciate all of your time and information about RV!! You have made my experiences of choosing the right one for us easier! We plan on purchasing this summer, gratitudes
I see your van has dealer plates, so are you just Reppin their product?
RABID QUESTION : WHY IS THE B--CLASS RV NOT AS LARGE AS THE A-- CLASS AND C--CLASS RV'S ???
what happened to your dog and girl friend?
Worth the cost? Yes. Worth the insane markup RV mfg charge for OEM setups? LOL
Godmouni ame khalid Truk&car welcame bakc ☕☕👍
where is your wife
We don’t care about your dog, we care about your girlfriend what happened to her?
We need the deets bro!?
I think that RV fire was a big factor