Forum Discussion

DaveInAL's avatar
DaveInAL
Explorer
May 27, 2014

Looking for Our Next RV

It’s been a while since I've posted here, but I'm in need of some advice or recommendations. About 8 months ago, we sold our Forest River MB Cruiser and moved from north Alabama to the Alabama gulf coast. We are settled now and ready to travel again, but need to find a suitable vehicle.

We managed well in the MB Cruiser for 8 years. It was affordable, we liked how it drove and the large windows. We didn't like the reliability (3 major failures) and lack of dealer network. The combination propane generator and small tank was a problem. We also yearned for a bit more room.

We like a B for the convenience of parking in the driveway and maneuverability in town, but might like a small C for the room. We would also consider a recent used vehicle for affordability. We recently looked at the Travato. The layout seemed cramped and not much storage. I looked at a RT Ranger at my N. AL dealer before we moved and it seemed like a good candidate although no hitch and a bit claustrophobic (I'd like another look though). I know that anything will be a compromise, the MB Cruiser was, but we enjoyed it while we had it.

The problem as many of you know, is the inability to look at potential vehicles without driving 500 or more miles. I would like to hear any comments, recommendations, or just words of encouragement to help us with our search.
  • Thanks gerrym51. I had looked at rv trader a while back and missed the Louisiana dealer. They are probably my best bet to see a RT. I would travel 4-500 miles for a vehicle I wanted, but that is a bit far just to see if we even like it or not.

    Winnebago dealers seem to be more plentiful. I am also going to look at a Trend, but that is another forum.
  • DaveInAL wrote:
    ...

    I'd like to look at a RT 210. None within 500 miles......


    Call the factory. See if they any late-model owners within a reasonable distance who would be willing to give you a tour. I showed my Tiger to a few people at the factory's request in the first 3 years, even tho' I'm only 180 miles away from the factory. Even looking at a recent 190 would give you some idea of what RT's are like.

    Jim, "I'm not hard of hearing. I'm hard of listening."
  • gerrym51 wrote:

    have a hitch put on aftermarket for the ranger-RT 210 probably biggest b widthwide or build a sportsmobile. was it lack of dealer or lack of sprinter servicing- based on everything i've read about b's the van part is usually always serviced at the chassis dealer


    I'd like to look at a RT 210. None within 500 miles.

    Sportsmobile may be an option. I've looked at their website, lots of info to digest.

    My MB Cruiser was a first gen Sprinter. My issue was with getting the Sprinter serviced. Techs ranged from very good to incompetent, parts always had to be ordered, never knew where I could take it while on the road.

    When I looked at a Travato over in Biloxi, MS a couple weeks ago, the dealer stated that the local Mercedes dealer would not touch Sprinters. They had to send them to Mobile for service.
  • I don't know any more than their announcement around the first of May. They have been better quality than Roadtrek and on par with LTV and Pleasure-way, IMO. the difference with those companies is they have been willing to work with customers in customization of their Bs to give you what you want. They had a capacity to produce about 50 per year in Winnipeg. That's why you might not have seen them. Don't know if that will change in Alabama. Most all their customers were in the USA. They didn't have any Canadian dealers when I bought mine.
  • Certainly a possibility. Winfield, AL is 360 miles from me. Any info on when they will move and have production up and running? First units from a new production facility may be an issue. I've never seen a Great West in person and their dealerships are few and far between.
  • Great West Vans is moving to Winfield, Alabama. If I lived in Alabama I think I would start there and probably look no further. Will they be the same company once they move? Don't know, but worth checking out first.
  • DaveInAL wrote:
    It’s been a while since I've posted here, but I'm in need of some advice or recommendations. About 8 months ago, we sold our Forest River MB Cruiser and moved from north Alabama to the Alabama gulf coast. We are settled now and ready to travel again, but need to find a suitable vehicle.

    We managed well in the MB Cruiser for 8 years. It was affordable, we liked how it drove and the large windows. We didn't like the reliability (3 major failures) and lack of dealer network. The combination propane generator and small tank was a problem. We also yearned for a bit more room.

    We like a B for the convenience of parking in the driveway and maneuverability in town, but might like a small C for the room. We would also consider a recent used vehicle for affordability. We recently looked at the Travato. The layout seemed cramped and not much storage. I looked at a RT Ranger at my N. AL dealer before we moved and it seemed like a good candidate although no hitch and a bit claustrophobic (I'd like another look though). I know that anything will be a compromise, the MB Cruiser was, but we enjoyed it while we had it.

    The problem as many of you know, is the inability to look at potential vehicles without driving 500 or more miles. I would like to hear any comments, recommendations, or just words of encouragement to help us with our search.


    have a hitch put on aftermarket for the ranger-RT 210 probably biggest b widthwide or build a sportsmobile. was it lack of dealer or lack of sprinter servicing- based on everything i've read about b's the van part is usually always serviced at the chassis dealer