what do i need to know ?!?

You have the right idea choosing to travel the country (and Canada) in a Class B. We did it for 8 years. One big advantage is that you can stop to do or see things along the way and not have to double back at night. This makes a huge difference.

Thanks Shearwater, i'm familiar with sportmobile, they make some nice off-road packages. Going to check out advanced rv

We have had a 2006 Sprinter B outfitted by Sportsmobile that we sold after 110,000 miles and currently have a 2014 Mercedes Sprinter outfitted by Advanced RV. We liked both of them for different reasons. The 2006 was fairly inexpensive by B standards, required little maintenance, and did the job. The settee/bunk arrangement and slide-out pantry were excellent.

The current B is so classy I can hardly stand it. It has the "magic batteries" discussed above that provide 600 amp-hours of 12V power. It does not have propane because I had 2 serious propane leaks with the old van.

I would suggest going to RV shows, or talking to people at campgrounds about their vehicles and what they dislike. Sit back and review whether those things appeal to you.

My Roadtrek wrote:
Read the FAQ's top of the B home page. Also, peruse the archives.
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Thanks for the tip, i'll do that.

mkguitar wrote:
any rv is a pile of compromises- the B has a high cost per sq ft, but makes it's mark for mpg, ease of driving and parking.

If you are tall, avoid sideways sleeper models ( max 72")

I close a chev because i can do regular services- if anything break anyone anywhere can work on it with parts from any autoparts store.

no special dealers or parts supply lines.

I have a 2006 pleasure-way lexor TD.
my bed is 72" w, 72L on pass side, 75" L on drivers- one of the larger available beds in a B
solid maple cabinetry

all my systems ( power) are old school proven technology. no solar pointed straight up when the sun is at an angle ( so i can park in the shade of a tree) and no special magic batteries

pleased as punch with it

Mike

Mike I'm familiar with the brand and model B you have. It's a beautiful coach. I'm with you on the old school systems probably because that is what I'm familiar with. But I do like the concept of some of new technology. Id imagine those "magic batteries" cost a good buck when its time to replace them.

Thank you all for your input it is appreciated.

I like our Winnibego ERA, for gas mileage, ease of driving. etc.

Somewhere I read a good point to consider. " You live outside of your class B, not inside".
Every RV class B model has it's trade offs, just decode on what's most important to you.

Nothing wrong with a good Class B. Make sure you have the bed size you want and DO check to make sure you can live with the smaller bathrooms. If you are are going alone or with somebody else you will have plenty of room. Don't expect to kick back in the easy chair, but DO expect to actually be able to park. Boondocking at stores is a SNAP with a B.

any rv is a pile of compromises- the B has a high cost per sq ft, but makes it's mark for mpg, ease of driving and parking.

If you are tall, avoid sideways sleeper models ( max 72")

I close a chev because i can do regular services- if anything break anyone anywhere can work on it with parts from any autoparts store.

no special dealers or parts supply lines.

I have a 2006 pleasure-way lexor TD.
my bed is 72" w, 72L on pass side, 75" L on drivers- one of the larger available beds in a B
solid maple cabinetry

all my systems ( power) are old school proven technology. no solar pointed straight up when the sun is at an angle ( so i can park in the shade of a tree) and no special magic batteries

pleased as punch with it

Mike

"I can go anywhere with it don't need a toad (stores, sight seeing)"

Most, not all. More than with my TT attached, less than with my TV alone.

Read the FAQ's top of the B home page. Also, peruse the archives.
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