Reflections on 6 Months of RV Research! ;)
Hi Class C Forum, I caught the RV bug about 6 months ago after a particularly stressful stretch at work. Researching RVs has become the way that I decompress when I have some discretionary time. Cu...
Forum Discussion
We, too, are just starting to research what our next rig will be. We're looking five or so years out also. While we currently camp 8 or so weeks a year, once Allison retires it will be more like 4 - 6 months a year. So while the PUP has been great for these "shorter" trips (one month or so), when we head out for two or three months, we'll want something a little different. By that time, our PUP will be 15+ years old with lots of miles -- time for a move.
We have one limitation in that we can't store anything at our house with over a one ton rating, so that eliminates any type of class A or anything built on a E450 chassis equivalent or greater. That's one reason why a pickup with a TC is still on our list. I don't want to pay for a place to store the RV.
But I foresee some interesting changes in that five years. For one, Ford coming out with the Transit Van as a replacement for the E250 and E350 vans is a move toward the "European" style. Transits have been sold in Europe for years and have been used by DIY'ers to build their own camping units. By waiting a few years, we will be able to see how the new Eco-Boost engine works out. Definitely a substantial upgrade in the power department over the MB diesels. (Ford EcoBoost: 310 HP 400 ft-lb vs MB V6: 188 HP 325 ft-lb.) Ford does offer a diesel that is similar in power to the MB V6 for those that prefer a diesel. The Ford dealer network is much larger than the MB network if one is on the road and needs repairs. One current restriction is a payload that is substantially less than the MB, even in the one ton models. If Ford beefs up this van's GVWR just a little, I imagine we could start to see Class B's and small C's based on the Transit frame in the few years. I would have to think that Ford recognizes this segment and will make improvements in the next few model years. Look how much the maximum payload has increased (40%-50%) on the F150 in the last decade or so!
MB is now starting to put out 4x4 versions of their Sprinter vans. We don't need 4x4, but it does give extra clearance which we need for some places we go (we have interesting roads with big potholes to some places in CO!). Even getting up our driveway isn't possible with a unit that has too much rear overhang. Sitting a little higher will mean it's easier to get up the driveway when we get home.
With MB coming out with a 4x4 version, will Ford put a 4x4 drivetrain in their Transit Vans? Again, Ford has had a 4x4 version in Europe since around 2006 I believe, so the parts have already been developed. The question is can they hold up to the more powerful engines now being installed here in the U.S?
Another unknown is how the Nissan NV200 vans might be used in the RV business. Lots of dealers around. Some issue with the payload limitations as the Transit at this point in time.
Finally, now that Dodge, Ford and Nissan have modernized their van fleet, how long before Chevy does the same?
Just wanted to pass on some of the things I've been considering at the start of our search.
We have one limitation in that we can't store anything at our house with over a one ton rating, so that eliminates any type of class A or anything built on a E450 chassis equivalent or greater. That's one reason why a pickup with a TC is still on our list. I don't want to pay for a place to store the RV.
But I foresee some interesting changes in that five years. For one, Ford coming out with the Transit Van as a replacement for the E250 and E350 vans is a move toward the "European" style. Transits have been sold in Europe for years and have been used by DIY'ers to build their own camping units. By waiting a few years, we will be able to see how the new Eco-Boost engine works out. Definitely a substantial upgrade in the power department over the MB diesels. (Ford EcoBoost: 310 HP 400 ft-lb vs MB V6: 188 HP 325 ft-lb.) Ford does offer a diesel that is similar in power to the MB V6 for those that prefer a diesel. The Ford dealer network is much larger than the MB network if one is on the road and needs repairs. One current restriction is a payload that is substantially less than the MB, even in the one ton models. If Ford beefs up this van's GVWR just a little, I imagine we could start to see Class B's and small C's based on the Transit frame in the few years. I would have to think that Ford recognizes this segment and will make improvements in the next few model years. Look how much the maximum payload has increased (40%-50%) on the F150 in the last decade or so!
MB is now starting to put out 4x4 versions of their Sprinter vans. We don't need 4x4, but it does give extra clearance which we need for some places we go (we have interesting roads with big potholes to some places in CO!). Even getting up our driveway isn't possible with a unit that has too much rear overhang. Sitting a little higher will mean it's easier to get up the driveway when we get home.
With MB coming out with a 4x4 version, will Ford put a 4x4 drivetrain in their Transit Vans? Again, Ford has had a 4x4 version in Europe since around 2006 I believe, so the parts have already been developed. The question is can they hold up to the more powerful engines now being installed here in the U.S?
Another unknown is how the Nissan NV200 vans might be used in the RV business. Lots of dealers around. Some issue with the payload limitations as the Transit at this point in time.
Finally, now that Dodge, Ford and Nissan have modernized their van fleet, how long before Chevy does the same?
Just wanted to pass on some of the things I've been considering at the start of our search.
