BillJ999 wrote:
motive8,
Unless I missed it somewhere in the discussion, you are forgetting one very interesting model. The Roadtrek 200, which was built on the Chevy cutaway chassis between 1998 and 2003, if I remember correctly. They will have the 350 5.7L Vortec engine and the 4L80E transmission. This is an excellent powertrain.
Step inside a 200 and take a look at the storage space and you'll be sold. We were anyway ... and ended up buying a 2000 Roadtrek 200 Popular (on a 1999 chassis). And it's just a few inches longer than a 190.
Bill
You're right, I didn't mention the Roadtrek 200. SInce it's also a widebody, I was lumping it in with the 210. Most of what I said about the 210 applies to the 200 as well. And like you said, it will have the 350 5.7 Vortec and 4L80E transmission. Not as modern as what's in the newer ones, but a good powertrain. I've got a 2005 Chevy Astro right now, with a 4.3 Vortec V6 which is basically a 350 V8 with two less cylinders. And I'm not sure if I have a 4L60E or 4L80E transmission. Aside from U-joints last year, and a healthy appetite for gas, I've had no problems with that powertrain in 2005 my Chevy Astro (incidentally, 2005 was the last year they made Astros and Safaris, mine was an ex-police van, but not a marked pursuit vehicle).
I'm also keeping my eyes open for a Pleasure Way, but it seems most of the newer ones are Ford based widebody. After hearing about the Triton spark plug issue, I'm a bit leery about a Ford, since most will have a Triton engine. And the widebody models really look like a motorhome, whereas the Pleasure Ways and RoadTreks with a regular van body look more discrete, as I mentioned, they almost look like a wheelchair accessible van, not a motorhome, which I like. I've also looked at Sportsmobile, but many do not have shower, and some have a pop top instead of a permanent raised fiberglass top. Thought about Great West but I don't like their floor plans and a few others, but I keep coming back to Roadtrek as my first choice, and Pleasure Way as a close second choice.
stan909 wrote:
WARNING if you might buy a condo,be sure parking an RV is permitted and if it is then get in writing for perpetuity. There are horror stories out there. This also goes for H.O.A 's.
Good point, thanks! I hadn't thought of that. I noticed a few listings made a point to say they had RV parking, but I thought they were making a big deal out of having parking for the larger Class A motorhomes on site. I've been careful to check that my 30 pound medium sized dog is allowed, and that rentals are allowed (I want to keep that option open in case I decide to rent it out in the future or when I go away for 4 to 6 months with my Roadtrek).
Yeah, some of those HOA's can get quite picky about things. Chances are pretty good that I'll be there with my Roadtrek, so they can come out and take a look at it. I'll just say it's the same width and length as a regular Chevy Express van (as long as I don't get a 200 or 210 widebody). The only difference is that roof is a bit higher, and of course, it's a fully self-contained apartment inside! As long as I don't live in it in the parking lot, or allow guests to camp out in it, there hopefully won't be any problems. But just to be sure, I'd better ask the HOA first and get it in writing as you suggested (before I buy the condo). I'd hate to buy a condo or townhouse and find out later that I can't park my van based Class B motorhome there - especially if I sell my current minivan and just keep the Roadtrek as my one and only vehicle. Worst case, I could keep my minivan and park it at home, and park the Roadtrek (or Pleasureway, or whatever I get) at a nearby storage facility. I'd have to do that if I get a place with a height restricted underground parking garage, which I'm trying to avoid. Ironically, I think more cars get broken into those secure underground garages than in open parking lots anyways! I'm getting an alarm and remote starter installed on whatever I buy, just like I have in my minivan.
