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Papa_O's avatar
Papa_O
Explorer
Jul 15, 2014

Newbie

This is my first post on this forum, or any other one for that matter. My wife and I will both be retired as of this December. I would like nothing more, than to buy a class B motorhome, and set sail. My wife needs a little more convincing. I am working on that.

I have been researching for last several months, to the point that I think analysis paralysis has set in. I am hoping that by following along here I am able to gain some insight.

One note, although I have focused on class Bs, my mind keeps wandering back to the Leisure Travel Vans Serenity. However, since we would be tourists rather than campers, and because I would like to go stealth most of the time, I think it is not the best choice.

Anyway, in closing I look forward to learning from this group.
Class B
  • AK49er's avatar
    AK49er
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    Try to see all of them if you can. Sit, lay, walk and stand in them. Take your wife with you and let her try everything out, the more modern, the more she will like it. If stealth is a priority then look at Sportsmobile. Good-luck!
  • BudJ's avatar
    BudJ
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    Hi Papa O,

    The Leisure Travel Vans Serenity is Not Stealthy if you see it next to say a Roadtrek 190 for example.

    But, there are many places to spend the night with the Leisure Travel Vans Serenity if you know where to look.

    But maybe I don't know what you mean by 'stealth'?

    Bud
  • NCWriter's avatar
    NCWriter
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    Welcome to the forum! Do you (or does your wife) have some specific concerns you've thought about when looking at Bs? Maybe people here who own them can help with some answers.

    I think our purchase of a class B was the best retirement decision we made, and our trip experiences have been priceless. If you want to cover lot of ground touring, you'll find a B to be very nimble. For me, it's about as simple as traveling via car, with the bonus of a kitchen and bathroom. Besides fitting into about any parking or campground situation, you can set up or depart very quickly and easily.

    I don't worry about stealth because we stay in campgrounds, but some people order their RVs without any exterior design decals.
  • Papa_O's avatar
    Papa_O
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    Bud,

    I realize that the Leisure Travel Van Serenity is not stealthy, but I do love the floor plan and layout. But, as I said, because I would like to be as inconspicuous as possible, I have ruled out the Serenity (I think!).

    I am guessing, like many people, it comes down to the Airstream Interstate, Roadtrek adventurous, or the Winnebago ERA.

    Does anybody have any thoughts on them?
  • avanti's avatar
    avanti
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    Our new Great West Vans Legend is pretty stealthy:





    I special-ordered a compressor refrigerator to eliminate the last of the external vents. If you deleted the awning it would be almost invisible. :)
  • jjson775's avatar
    jjson775
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    The smaller you go, the more flexibility and mobility you have. Don't overlook Pleasure Way. Many people really like the Mercedes Benz Sprinter conversions made by several different companies and their diesel engines are fuel efficient. Good luck

    Jim
  • Fastpaddler's avatar
    Fastpaddler
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2014
    Welcome to the forum Papa O. There are many factors additional to "stealth" which will be very important to consider: Price point, length of vehicle,do you need a proper shower(some B's have them like mine),sleeping config you prefer, diesel or gas and so on.
  • Papa_O's avatar
    Papa_O
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2014
    Fastpaddler,

    I would like to buy used. Given my budget, I think I could afford any of the above-mentioned models. In regard to length, I believe they are all 24 feet or less. I would love to find a real B (not a B+) with a dry bath. However, I have not been able to find one. I prefer not to have to make up the bed every day, so I guess we would want permanent bed area. Also, after all that I've read, I think diesel would be the best choice for us.
  • mikes47's avatar
    mikes47
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2014
    Leisure has a full rear bath in their Free Spirit SS. The SS stands for single Slide, but the slide meshes almost invisibly with the skin of the van. Gotta make up the bed every night, however. Coach House just introduced the Arriva. Full Rear bath, and twin beds/couches that could be left as beds all the time. Pricey, however. And new for 2014 so no used market.
  • bobojay5's avatar
    bobojay5
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2014
    We really like our '13 Winnebago ERA 70A with the permanent rear bed(s). Only issue you mention is not a dry bath, although for a "B", it has one of the bigger showers.
    If you look around, you might be able to find a new or gently used '14 with the less flashy graphics. Much stealthier than the pre '14's. Price right at $80k for new with used of course lower....

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