Are there any class B's that do not look like RVs?

[Naio]

Commercially produced, non-DIY, campers that just look like regular vans?

This came up in another thread, and my first thought was, 'I have never seen one...' but I guess that would be the point!

So, are there any out there, that I am missing?

[CSG]

Bud, between you and me, I'd rather have the 190! Stealth isn't my biggest concern; creature comforts are. As I get older, I miss a couple of creature comforts the Traverse lacks (like an installed toilet/shower). I've looked long and hard at the Sprinter conversions as well as the Chevy/Ford 190 conversions. I'm not there yet but am getting close!

[BudJ]

Hi CSG,

I agree stealthy, more than my 190P for sure.

To jog my memory as needed, I have in my glove box a list of about 10 different places I can spend the night. A hospital is one of them.

Stealthy indeed, just not needed in almost any hospital parking lot.

Bud

[Rabbtts]

That is a nice look. Elimanation of the rooftop ac makes for a stealthier appearance. I prefer stealth because a) it is a sleeker look, b) I don't like ads on any of my vehicles and c) it just affords more options. if you can do it, why not do it?

[CSG]

I have a Pleasure-Way Traverse which is built on the E-250 Econoline with a pop-up roof. While it doesn't have *all* the comforts that a fully equipped B has, it also looks nothing like an RV IMO. I've boondocked in it many times, often at a hospital on my way to real boondocking (dispersed camping on BLM or NF). If it weren't red it would be even more unnoticeable (although red turns black in the dark).

Off the road to the La Verkin overlook outside of Zion. Stealthy?




About 14 miles outside of Bryce Canyon in the Dixie NF.

[eeltinge]

My wife and I test drove the PW Plateau FL last week but found it too long for our needs. We drove the Winnebago Travato yesterday. Very clever design, but no where close to the PW quality craftsmanship. Will be seeing the PW Ascent today.

The Lexor may be a good compromise between the Ascent and Travato. The ProMaster chassis is a Fiat cargo truck. Lacked the power, smoothness, and active safety features of the Mercedes Sprinter van.

Wish they had built the Lexor on a Toyota or Dodge Ram chassis. Still afraid of Fiat's reliability and durability from the 1960's to date!

[mlts22]

I like a vehicle that doesn't stand out, mainly because in a lot of areas, an obvious RV parked is like a dinner bell to the local skulkers. Of course, the newer Euro vans are distinctive, but if done right, they end up being ignored, since the average person on the street doesn't know what the heck it is, assuming no corporate logos present.

[Naio]

Fastpaddler, are you saying that you think I and others in this thread are lying? Why do you think we aren't just what we say we are, and just like you -- people who have no interest in hiding, but also don't like advertising and sqirliques on or rigs? Why is that so odd?

[Fastpaddler]

Naio wrote:
Commercially produced, non-DIY, campers that just look like regular vans?

This came up in another thread, and my first thought was, 'I have never seen one...' but I guess that would be the point!

So, are there any out there, that I am missing?

It is the age-old point about STEALTH. Frankly, it is a crock. I have a Pleasureway Plateau TS. It is a van for sure. But, it is an RV too. Hiding somewhere without body paint or those crazy swirls is not my style. I don't hide at Walmarts. I am removing my outside markings just because I don't like them and when I sell my B this summer, I will NEVER accept any rv with them in future. It is rubbish really and unnecessary. But an RV is an RV so I don't want to address those who try to fly under the radar. If it walks like a duck, it is probably a duck but, heh, maybe a goose: same thing.
Cheers
AL

[stan909]

Yes. You can sleep with the top down as long as you don't mind crouching down to move within the van like say using the potti in the middle of the night. There are of course many more examples of Sportsmobiles that don't have poptops. Sportsmobile was the first U.S.manufacturer to use compressor fridges and espar heating systems thereby eliminating the outside vents. Sportsmobile can build really stealthy vans.

[niknas]

Outsidevan

Maybe what you are looking for. On my short list.

[ryegatevt]

stan909 wrote:
I mentioned Sportsmobile on the very first page and again on the page preceading this one .Poptop vans are only stealthy until you pop the top then it's very obvious. I know because I have one and nothing says I'm sleeping in the Wal-Mart parking lot like having your top popped. Wonderful vehicle just can't sleep stealthy. Poptops are just a small sampling of what Sportsmobile can do.

The Sportsmobile floor plans I've sen have a double bed "downstairs" and another "upstairs". Looks like you can sleep with the pop-top down.

[stan909]

I mentioned Sportsmobile on the very first page and again on the page preceading this one .Poptop vans are only stealthy until you pop the top then it's very obvious. I know because I have one and nothing says I'm sleeping in the Wal-Mart parking lot like having your top popped. Wonderful vehicle just can't sleep stealthy. Poptops are just a small sampling of what Sportsmobile can do.

[reppans]

RT's Black-Out Window paint job helps with stealth.

[garmp]

I'm surprised that no one mentioned SportsMobile. I guess some purist wouldn't call them a B, but our is to us. And has all the comforts of most any other B on the market and made to your specs.



Is this plain Jane enough?

[Neecies]

Naio wrote:
Interesting to see what folks feel catches the eye and what does not. As a new RVer, awnings in their shells do not really say 'RV' to me...

Keep looking--they will. We're compulsive about noticing every other Sprinter van we pass--there are a lot of these vans in use as courtesy vehicles or carpool vans, and they sometimes have roof air cons but they'll never have awnings.

Still, I get what you mean. I'm on the verge of taking the decals off of ours. Or to put it another way, I'm for it but my husband is against it. I too am not crazy about the overt 'rv' look and prefer the plain automotive look. With the awning it will give itself away to the cognoscenti, but to many it will at best have an air of mystery--is it, or isn't it.

Too, our Sprinter is made by Pleasure-Way. Friends recently had a hoot over the name, and wondered if we take it to nudist parks. Right there--best reason yet to take off the decals. 🙂