Looking at the Pleasure-Way Ascent

My wife and I own a 2010 Pleasure-Way Ascent that I purchased used from a RV dealership in Florida in October of 2013. I did a lot of research on it before purchasing. Since then we have used it for multiple camping trips, the most recent a two week trip to the South West (Death Valley, Scottsdale, Cave Creek) to and from our home in Oregon. We both enjoy it very much. The positives: Easy to handle and park and has great visibility. While it is a Pleasure-Way, it is really a Mercedes Sprinter (in our case, a 2008). It should be extremely reliable and long-lasting. We expect to get over 150,000 miles on it. We have been averaging about 20 miles to the gallon of diesel. P W does a good job of interior "fit and finish" however, I cannot speak to models later than 2010. The interior used "ultra leather" and memory foam which makes for very comfortable seating and sleeping. The cabinetry is a mix of maple and high quality plastic veneer. There are 5 cabinets above (one above the kitchen galley). There are two drawers in that galley and three other side door opening cabinets). There is a tiny coat or shirt closet. I have modified the upper kitchen cabinet to store vertically plastic dishes and paper plates and use what space is available in the cabinets providing access to the water pump and water heater. I have also maximized the storage spaces under the sofa/bed.
Negatives: Storage space is at a premium. We store a number of items in the bathroom which is tiny even for my wife and I who are small people. When we park for the night, the trash container and other items get put into the front driving compartment. I am a neatness freak, and have to tolerate clothing and other miscellaneous stuff cluttering the front when parked. Because it has a number of systems on it (plumbing and electrical being the main ones) it helps to be "handy." I have a tool kit stored in the back. I have had to make minor repairs on nearly every trip. Every thing gets loosened with the vibrations from traveling.
I have a number of suggestions for you if you seriously are pursuing purchasing a P W, including buying a used one. Just let me know. Best of luck.

Thank you mkguitar for the screen kits info. And I will need to think twice about driving the PW regularly in winter.
Any feedback on storage space, maintenance costs for the diesel engine and options we should consider for that particular model?

Yes. Daily driving is fine in Ontario--I lived in Ottawa, but I don't recommend it in winter. Salt and other road corrosives can do a lot of damage. Otherwise, it is a neat unit which you should love.
AL

If you are thinking about using it for a daily driver in an area with road salt, it makes the question much harder. There are lots of parts under a class b that are not well protected against rust, including wiring, plumbing, valves, etc. You may want to try to find someone who has done that kind of use with a Pleasure-way. Corrosion can be a very big issue down the road.

From our perspective, the Ascent can be a daily driver. We have a 22' Leisure Travel Free Spririt. We take it everywhere and drive it as our second car. We wanted an Ascent but it was our first RV and we were not sure enough to pay the extra it would have taken at the time. Of course,we love it. We bought it to drive between our houses in FL and VT. Now, we take it shopping, biking, and everywhere. These things are very drivable and great for long trips. Since you have had a C, I think you will love the Ascent.

screen kits, check ebay or google.

we do notice that for our comfort, with the top vent spinning, we do better venting at the rear near the bed...if the front of the van is open it seems all the incoming air comes in teh front and out the vent...less net cooling for us.( and it is above 30ºC here today)

a few forum members have made their own...which is I think my next adventure...at least for the rear on my older B
I have an old screen room type thing which had the frame damaged in a wind storm...I think with some magnets I can adapt this for the rear

daily driver:

I will say that our van weighs about 8000 pounds- although brochures show B's used for everyday...I doubt it, heavy and slow to turn and stop. a bit harder to park. harder on fuel and a km of street use is probably equivalent to 10 km hwy use in terms of wear.
the more bounces, jounces and potholes ( yes, I know Ottawa)...the more wear on the chassis and the harder on the cabinetry.

I would say that if you have another choice, keep the B for tripping.

mike